SUFOG Newsletter No 145-146

Magazine Overview

This document is the November/December 2002 issue of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group), identified as numbers 145 & 146. The publication covers the group's activities, UFO news, and book reviews. The editor expresses gratitude to group members and volunteers for their support throughout 2002 and looks forward to a more successful 2003, emphasizing the need for member participation in the newsletter and group activities.

Editorial and Group Updates

The editorial section begins with holiday wishes and a reflection on 2002 as an accomplished year for the Southampton UFO Group. The editor thanks key individuals like Secretary Steve Rider and Public Relations Officer Ernie Sears, acknowledging their crucial role in preventing the group from folding. Other members, including Roger Anderton, Davina Reynolds, Karl Spencer-Smith, and Sabina, are also thanked for their support. The editor mentions including photographs from the Leeds Conference 2002, hoping to share the experience with all members. Despite struggles in some areas, the editor sees a 'light at the end of the tunnel' and anticipates a 'different group rising from the shadows' in 2003, even if it presents financial challenges. A key request is for members to contribute news and information to the newsletter, including press cuttings or audio/video recordings of UFO-related content. The group boasts a large library of such materials.

The editor outlines plans for 2003/4, aiming for the group to grow in size and stature, gain prominence in the press, and be featured more on television. The current meeting venue may change, and the editor acknowledges potentially rubbing some people the wrong way, hoping the backlash will not affect the group. The newsletter format is expected to continue, but significant changes are anticipated for 2004 regarding content and membership subscriptions.

Leeds 2002 Photo Gallery

Pages 2 and 3 feature a photo gallery from the Leeds 2002 Photo Gallery, showcasing attendees and speakers. Images include:

• Stanton T. Friedman at a display table.
• Dr. Roger Leer at a display table.
• A group photo of Dr. Roger Leer, Steve Gerrard, Graham Birdsall, and Steve Rider.
• A photo of Russel Callaghan, Steve Rider, and Stanton Friedman.
• Images of the conference venue, including screens displaying '21st UFO Conference'.
• A display table with '21st Leeds International UFO Conference' branding and a '2002 AWARD' banner.

Book Reviews

'Without Consent' by Carl Nagaitis and Philip Mantle

Reviewed by Brian Allan, this book is described as an excellent and fair-minded account of alleged British alien abductions over the past fifty years. It presents various legitimate opinions within UFOlogy, including the 'Extra Terrestrial Hypothesis' (ETH) and the 'Psychosocial Hypothesis'. The review highlights the book's parameters for classifying an abduction (e.g., 'missing time', troubled dreams, anomalous marks) and notes the fear of derision that often prevents abductees from coming forward in the UK, contrasting it with the potential for 'fifteen minutes of fame' in America. Philip Mantle's background as a former director of investigations for BUFORA lends credibility. The review mentions the 'A70 Abduction' case from Scotland, which the reviewer personally re-investigated, confirming the sincerity of the protagonist, Garry Wood. The book also explores the possibility of spiritual encounters in altered states of consciousness. The reviewer recommends the book as a valuable addition for anyone interested in the abduction phenomenon.

'Awakening' by Mary Rodwell

Also reviewed by Brian Allan, 'Awakening' is described as a multifaceted self-help manual on alien abduction. The author, Mary Rodwell, is a nurse, counsellor, and hypnotherapist with an understanding of the subject. The book serves as an account of her efforts to establish a refuge for abductees (The Australian Close Encounter Resource Network - ACERN) and acts as a reference work. Rodwell is characterized as a caring and compassionate woman. The book is presented in an orderly manner, covering symptoms, anxiety, and the tendency for abductees to develop psychic abilities and embrace spiritual matters. It also touches upon 'Star Children' and the potential for genetic modification. The review notes a tendency for the book to be uncritical of accounts, which could be problematic for individuals not actually abducted. It also draws parallels between abduction symptoms and electrical hypersensitivity (EH), suggesting that electrical interference might alter brain functions. The reviewer finds the book a worthy addition to a researcher's bookshelf.

Personal Appeals and Research

Bill Clark, P.E., writes a letter to the editor, seeking support for his appeal against expulsion from a Ph.D program in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He claims his dismissal was due to his research and fascination with UFOs. His research, featured in the AIAA Student Journal, reportedly includes a mathematical proof of anti-gravity. He also mentions his autobiography, "Behold Leviathan."

Recent TV Programs

This section lists recent television programs related to UFOs:

• 25th September (BBC 1, Inside Out): Featured Lucy Pringle and a 'gang' wired up to measure 'brave waves' and tests in crop circles. The editor dismisses this as losing the plot.
• 8th October (Channel 4, Richard and Judy): Featured Graham Birdsall and Rob Dickinson in a UFO quiz for 'Hoaxed' UFO footage. The editor found it to be a 'piss take'.
• 22nd October (SouthamptonTV): A five-minute interview to publicize the group and show footage. A video copy is awaited.
• 29th October (ITV News, Meridian TV): Investigated UFO footage in America, specifically 'Rods' resembling flying stick insects. The editor questions why British TV channels do not show similar footage filmed in the UK.
• 1st November (Channel 4, Richard and Judy Show): Showcased viewer-submitted footage, described as 'corny'.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears provides a roundup of UFO-related news from various publications:

• UFO Newsclipping Service: Mentions a German documentary on the Kenneth Arnold case, new details from Roy Timm about seeing flying saucers, and Peter Davenport's website (www.ufocenter.com) with reports of sightings, animal mutilations, and crop circles. It also covers the 1952 mass onslaught of UFOs over Washington and "hum" phenomena in Indiana.
• The Daily Mail (November 14th): Featured an article on Gary McKinnon, a hacker investigating the Pentagon's "secret UFO cover-up," facing extradition.
• The Daily Mail (November 29th): Covered the Rendlesham Forest incidents extensively.

Sci-Fi Channel and Roswell

A Reuters report details the Sci-Fi Channel's hiring of archaeologists to investigate the alleged UFO crash site in Roswell, New Mexico. The research, conducted over ten days in September, aimed to find evidence of a crash. The results are reportedly top secret until the broadcast of "The Roswell Crash: Startling New Evidence" on November 22nd, which promises a "smoking gun." Bill Doleman, the principal investigator, stated that the team used scientific methods and found surprising items. Thomas Vitale, a senior vice president at Sci-Fi Channel, described the "smoking gun" as fascinating and compelling.

SUFOG Open Day 2nd November 2002

This section details the disappointing turnout for the SUFOG Open Day on November 2nd, 2002. The event, planned since January, incurred a financial loss for the group due to low public and member support. Only three tickets were sold by October 15th, despite members pledging money. The total cost was around £400, with the group losing money on adverts and deposits. The editor states that future Open Days will be 'TICKET ONLY' and may be cancelled if ticket sales are insufficient by October 1st.

Newspaper Reviews (Continued)

• The Daily Mirror (October 24th): Featured a "Psychic Teams" page with an article on the Tonbridge daylight photograph, the Brighton "cigar" sighting, and a book by Jon Michell. The article quotes Michell's conclusion that he has learned nothing new about UFOs since 1967.
• The Daily Mirror (October 31st): Another "Psychic Team" article by Jon Michell, titled "UFO's are not pie in the sky," discusses Carl Jung's views on UFOs as portents of change.
• Dateline (December 7th): Covered a "grey" and Adamski model UFO incident, linking it to the Rendlesham Forest incident 21 years prior. The article notes that the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) has also declassified information.
• The Daily Mail (December 5th): Featured letters discussing the Rendlesham Forest incident. One letter from Mike Draper suggested the sighting was a farm vehicle, while another from Vivien Steels was more sensible, noting that the MOD release and Colonel Halt's account were outdated.
• The Daily Mail (December 7th): Reported on the Rendlesham Forest incident with details from Nick Craven, mentioning Georgina Bruni and Brenda Butler's continued skywatches.

SUFOG Diary - 2003

The diary lists scheduled SUFOG events for 2003, including:

• January 15th: Video Evening (£3.00)
• February 19th: Open Discussion (£3.00)
• March 19th: SUFOG Quiz night (UFO Prizes) and Open Discussion (£3.50)
• April 16th: Video Evening (£3.00)
• May 14th: Open Discussion (£3.00)
• June 20th: Video Evening (£3.00)
• July 16th: Open Discussion (£3.00)
• August: Avebury Weekend Skywatch
• August 20th: Video Evening (£3.00)
• September 17th: SUFOG Quiz night (UFO Prizes) and Open Discussion (£3.50)
• October 18th: SUFOG Open Day
• October 15th: Very Special meeting (Ticket only)
• November 19th: Video Evening (£3.00)
• December 17th: SUFOG Christmas meeting Open Discussion (£3.00)

Attendees are advised to contact the editor to confirm meetings, as cancellations may occur.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings, alien abductions, government cover-ups, and the investigation of these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of active research and a desire to share information with members and the public, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by UFO groups, such as financial difficulties and lack of public engagement. There is a clear emphasis on member participation and contribution to the newsletter and group activities. The reviews of books on alien abduction suggest a balanced approach, acknowledging different interpretations while highlighting the sincerity of witnesses. The coverage of media reports indicates an interest in how UFO phenomena are presented to the public and a critical eye towards journalistic reporting.

This issue of SUFOG, dated December 2002, focuses on a variety of UFO and paranormal topics, including media reviews, police sightings, and crop circle reports. The cover story, "When Policemen See UFO's..." by Steve Gerrard, compiles police UFO sightings from the 1960s to the present.

Media Reviews and Features

"Taken" Miniseries Review

Tom Shales of the Washington Post reviews the 20-hour miniseries "Steven Spielberg Presents Taken," describing it as imaginative, thrilling, and ambitious. While suitable for adults, it contains graphic violence making it unsuitable for young children. The series explores alien abductions, a subculture of abductees, and a covert military-industrial establishment. It spans half a century and interweaves the stories of three alien-involved Earth families, featuring intense suspense and sentimental streaks. The review highlights specific episodes and characters, including the star-child Allie and the villainous Col. Crawford.

"Signs" Film and Editorial Apology

An editorial note addresses the film "SIGNS" featuring Mel Gibson, with member Davina offering a different opinion, calling it "Brilliant!" The editor apologizes for leaving it out of the previous SUFOG Magazine.

European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies

A press release announces that the "European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies" has won the Cuadernos de Ufologia Prize for 2002 and is offering reduced subscription prices. It also invites submissions for review and publication, with the Editor-in-Chief offering assistance to non-native English speakers.

OVNI Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears reviews "OVNI Sept/Oct 2002," noting its coverage of UFO sightings, including "flying wings" and "Manta ray" craft, and the Leeds International UFO Conference. He also mentions articles on a Chinook crash, extraterrestrials, and the Majestic 12 controversy. The review highlights the magazine's coverage of recent sightings in Derbyshire and other areas, as well as a report on scientific changes in the universe from the Russian National Academy of Science.

Omar's magazine is praised for its coverage of UFO activity, including a sighting in Turkey of a UFO blowing up a meteor, and numerous sightings in Derbyshire. It also features an item on a US Marine witness to a USO in the Bermuda Triangle and reports of UFOs over Lancaster.

UPRI Newsletter Review

This section reviews the "UPRI Newsletter (UFO and Paranormal Research Ireland)," noting its formation in November 1998. The newsletter covers topics such as the crucified Christ artefact, blinking and tearful eyes on artefacts, the Gerry Ryan radio show, crop circles, ghosts, poltergeists, UFOs, and miracles. It also discusses NASA "secret" space systems and forthcoming space technology. The review mentions a "spinning top" UFO report from Dublin in 1950 and the passing of two Japanese UFO researchers.

The UFO Criticism Review

Junji Numakawa's "The UFO Criticism, Vol 2 No 1 Sept 2002" is reviewed. Despite Junji's English not being perfect, the publication is considered a gem. It examines ancient Japanese reports that were not UFOs, and mentions SUFOG and other groups. The review notes the passing of two Japanese UFO researchers, Mr. Kinichi Arai and Mr. Takao Ikeda.

Hampshire Crop Circle Formations 2002 Season

This detailed section lists crop circle formations in Hampshire during 2002, providing dates, locations, descriptions of the formations (e.g., single circles, rings, geometric designs), and the type of crop involved. Notable formations include one resembling the Meridian Television logo and an "alien face" type design.

Police UFO Sightings (1960s-Present)

Steve Gerrard compiles a range of police UFO sightings:

• 1960s: A sighting in Southampton of an object dropping flares, seen by a patrol car crew. A similar sighting in the Daily Mirror involved a glowing object leading a patrol car on a chase.
• 1970s: PC Ford reported a white cigar object hovering over Arkesden. A "star" too bright, low, and slow to be an aircraft, terrified two Cheshire officers.
• 1980s: PC Alan Godfrey encountered a metallic, diamond-shaped UFO in Todmorden, experiencing missing time. Two officers in Milton Keynes spotted a yellow lozenge-shaped UFO, leading to a national security alert.
• 1990s: Police reported a strange object with blue and white lights over Somerset, with London Air Traffic Control logging a 'blip'. Two police officers chased a speeding UFO for over ten miles over the North Sea.
• Recent: Air traffic controllers at Norwich Airport logged an official UFO sighting. Fakenham police station received numerous calls about a UFO, described by some as a "mother ship."

A disturbing anecdote is shared by Steve Gerrard about a police officer whose car ended up on its roof after encountering a blue light, with thirty minutes of time lost.

Paranormal UK and Other Items

Paranormal UK on TV

SUFOG appeared on a UK Horizons TV program, featuring Steve Rider, Ernie Sears, and Steve Gerrard discussing UFO sightings. The program also covered ex-PC Alan Godfrey's abduction and the Rendlesham Forest case.

UFO Sightings Recorded Information Line

A telephone number (07091 020078) is provided for hearing the latest UFO sightings 24 hours a day, produced by UFOMEK.

Next Issue Preview

The next issue of SUFOG Newsletter will include a review of 2002, a book review of Erich Von Daniken's "The Gods were Astronauts," an article by Ernie Sears, a report on a SUFOG October Open Day, an update on "Paranormal UK," and a review of the Leeds UFO Conference 2002.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are the prevalence of UFO sightings across various demographics (including police officers), the media's portrayal of UFO phenomena (through reviews of TV shows and films), and the ongoing research and reporting by various organizations and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging the sharing of information and experiences, while also critically examining media representations and debunking attempts. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings and research from the UK perspective, with contributions from various regional UFO groups.