SUFOG Newsletter No 143-144

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) newsletter, dated September/October 2002, covers a range of topics pertinent to the group and the broader UFOlogy community. The cover prominently announces the cancellation of the SUFOG Open Day scheduled for 2.11.02 due to a lack of support, setting a somber tone for some of the content within.

SUFOG Open Day Cancellation

The lead story on the cover details the cancellation of the SUFOG Open Day on November 2nd, 2002. The reason cited is a 'lack of support,' a theme that is further explored in the editorial content. This cancellation appears to be a significant event for the group, highlighting potential challenges in maintaining engagement and participation.

Editorial Reflections and Group History

In an article titled 'The struggles of a small UFO group,' the author, who is also the group's secretary, reflects on the history and challenges of SUFOG. Founded in October 1991 by Steve Gerrard, the group initially met at people's houses before moving to a café and eventually the local CIU club. The author notes a decline in attendance over the years, attributing it to factors such as changing work hours, a perceived 'weirdness' associated with UFOlogy, and a general lack of motivation among some individuals. Despite these challenges, the author expresses a strong desire for UFOlogy to survive and for the group to continue, hoping for member support to sustain it for another decade.

The author also recounts personal involvement in the group's activities, including attending the Leeds 2002 conference where they presented to an audience of 500 and met notable researchers like Stanton Freidman and Dr. Roger Leir. The article touches upon the retirement of other UFO groups, raising concerns about the future of grassroots UFOlogy.

UFOlogy Education Initiatives

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the Southampton UFO Group's involvement in UFOlogy education, particularly through courses at Totton College. The author details their role in developing and running these courses, starting with a three-week course in 1996, followed by a ten-week course. This led to the establishment of an accredited course through the Open College Network (OCN). The author expresses disappointment and a sense of being overlooked regarding credit for their contributions to the course, the TRUTH group (Totton Researchers in UFOlogy Theory and History), and the EJUFOAS (European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies) newsletter. The author notes that TRUTH is no longer functioning and expresses uncertainty about the future of the Totton College course and EJUFOAS.

Recent UFO Sightings

The newsletter includes a section detailing UFO reports from September 7th to 10th, 2002, compiled by Ernie Sears. Several sightings are reported in the Southampton area:

• September 7th, 2002 (Lordshill, Southampton): Two witnesses reported a disc-shaped object with bright lights moving at high speed.
• September 7th, 2002 (Bishopstoke): A resident observed a fast-moving spherical object heading towards Winchester.
• September 7th, 2002 (Totton): A 'double disc' or two cigar-shaped objects with white lights hovered for 30 minutes.
• September 8th, 2002 (Romsey): An oval object with white lights was seen moving at aircraft speed.
• September 10th, 2002 (Bitterne Park, Southampton): Witnesses reported being enveloped by a glowing white light.
• September 10th, 2002 (Southampton): A bright white light was observed for 30 minutes.

Additionally, a detailed report from Bill Coones describes a sighting of a triangular formation of lights over Mt Adams, USA, on September 1st, 2002.

Media Appearances and Reviews

The newsletter mentions SUFOG's involvement in a London film company's program for UK Horizons, detailing the filming process and expressing dissatisfaction with the company's conduct. It also notes that the group's name was misidentified in a BBC South segment. Ernie Sears provides a 'Newspaper Reviews' section, commenting on media coverage of UFO-related topics, including the film 'SIGNS,' a police helicopter pursuit, and various newspaper articles that touch upon UFOs, crop circles, and the possibility of alien life.

SUFOG Contact Corner and Video Sales

Contact information for various UFO research groups and individuals is provided. The newsletter also features a 'Video Tape Sale' section, listing several available video recordings of lectures, conferences, and UFO footage, with limited quantities available.

SUFOG Diary and Meetings

The SUFOG Diary outlines upcoming group meetings for the remainder of 2002 and into 2003. Meetings are confirmed to be held on the third Wednesday of each month. Dates for group meetings, video evenings, parties, and open discussions are listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of maintaining a small UFO group in the face of declining public interest and participation, the importance of grassroots efforts in UFOlogy, and the group's past and present involvement in UFO education. There is a palpable sense of concern for the future of SUFOG and UFOlogy in general, balanced by a determination to persevere. The editorial stance appears to be one of dedication to the cause of UFOlogy, a desire for proper recognition of contributions, and a commitment to sharing information and experiences with the public.

This issue of SUFOG (September 2002, based on article dates) is a newsletter focusing on UFO sightings, crop circles, and related paranormal phenomena. It compiles news, personal accounts, and reviews of other publications within the UFO community.

Media Reports and Personal Accounts

The newsletter begins by detailing media coverage of UFO-related topics. The Scottish Daily Record reported on crop formation hoaxers paid by Channel Four TV. The Daily Mail featured stories on Out-of-Body Experiences (OOBE's) and also published photos of a UFO taken in Kent, comparing it to the 1950 McMinville sighting. The Daily Express covered medium Colin Fry's interviews about personal experiences with deceased relatives.

Personal accounts include a sighting of a light and a monk's ghost at Netley Abbey, and a disturbing experience in mid-Wales involving a child's spinning top sound and a burning sensation, suggesting alien intervention.

Magazine Reviews

Several UFO publications are reviewed:

• UFO Magazine: Described as having two 'bumper' issues (September and October). The September issue discussed 'The End Of The World As We Know It' and featured an article on police officers who observe UFOs, written by DC Gary Heseltine. It also included Nick Redfern on Roswell and Nick Pope.
• OVNI: The July/August issue from Derbyshire's Omar Fowler is noted for its coverage of Flying Triangles (FT's) and reports from Melbourne and Bonsall. It also mentioned George Filer's Files and a Dutch cornfield formation.
• BUFORA JOURNAL: Norman Oliver's journal is noted for its inclusion of esoteric aspects like 'channelling' and psychic matters.
• AWARENESS: The Summer 2002 issue featured articles on 'rods, spirals, and balls', a visit to the Public Records Office, and 'Mothman' connections.

Conferences and Events

• CCCS Andover Conference (August 31st, 2002): Steve Gerrard attended and reported on the event. He noted a slow start with few attendees but mentioned talks by Jonathan Downes on crop circles and mutilated animals, and Colin Andrews' call for unity among UFO researchers.
• Leeds Conference 2002: Steve Gerrard and others attended this conference. Highlights included talks by Michael Hesemann, Mary Rodwell, Alan Alford, and Stanton Friedman. Friedman received a lifetime achievement award. The event involved lectures, a gala evening, and late-night socializing.

Crop Circle Analysis

• Crabwood Farm Crop Circle: An enhanced photo of this crop circle is presented, showing an alien figure holding a disc with a spiral design. Graham Russell suggests that crop circles might be a form of natural geometry or a message from a living creature, questioning why aliens wouldn't use modern English if they wanted to communicate directly.
• Fergana Rock Painting: A rock painting from a cave in Uzbekistan is shown, depicting a humanoid creature holding a disc similar to the one in the Crabwood circle, suggesting ancient alien influence.

SUFOG Operations and Future

• Open Day Cancellation: Steve Gerrard announced the potential cancellation of SUFOG's November open day due to very low ticket sales (3 sold by October 6th, 2002) and insufficient group funds. He outlined the financial difficulties and the need for member support to avoid bankruptcy.
• SUFOG Information Line: A telephone number (07091 020078) is provided for hearing information on the latest UFO sightings 24 hours a day, produced by UFOМЕК.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging research and discussion while acknowledging skepticism. There's a strong emphasis on media coverage of UFOs and crop circles, and a desire to foster unity within the UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent investigation and a belief in the importance of documenting sightings and related events, despite financial and organizational challenges faced by SUFOG itself.