SUFOG Newsletter No 155-156

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) is numbered 155 & 156 and dated September/October 2003. It is a newsletter from the Southampton UFO Group, detailing their activities and UFO-related news. The cover prominently features an obituary for Graham Birdsall, a key figure in British UFOlogy and UFO Magazine.

Obituary: Graham Birdsall UFO Magazine

The issue opens with a heartfelt obituary for Graham Birdsall, who passed away on September 19th, 2003, after a brain haemorrhage. The author, a member of SUFOG, expresses deep sadness and highlights Graham's significant role in British UFOlogy. Graham is described as a great inspiration and figurehead, who brought researchers from around the world to lecture in the UK through UFO Magazine. The obituary notes his great sense of humour and warmth, and mentions that the 2003 conference has been cancelled, which the author feels is the right decision. The piece questions the future direction of British UFOlogy without such a prominent figure.

SUFOG Member Contributions and Activities

Bill Coones (SUFOG Member) recounts his experiences in France during the crop circle season. He details visiting three crop circles in Avebury, noting their methodical construction and the presence of bent nodes, which are considered evidence of genuine crop circles. He also mentions meeting someone claiming to be in contact with the 'circle makers' and discusses the importance of vibrational contact. Coones also describes a trip to Bonsall in Derbyshire, where he met Allan Webster and learned about monthly UFO sightings and an unofficial UFO society. A skywatch on the moors above Bonsall is also mentioned.

Nick Webster reports on a hoax alien alert created by a 25 ft 'flying saucer' balloon for a Channel 4 documentary titled 'How To Build a Spaceship'. The stunt fooled villagers and made headlines, but the truth emerged as a TV experiment.

Malcolm Robinson (Founder, Strange Phenomena Investigations - SPI) reports on the Fourth British National UFO Sky Watch held on August 30th, 2003, at Rendlesham Forest. He describes the event, which involved numerous UFO enthusiasts from across the UK. The report details the journey, the gathering at the Cherry Tree pub, and the subsequent walk through the forest. Attendees were looking for evidence of the Rendlesham Forest Incident, with discussions about strange lights, orbs, rods, and 'alien' entities. Brenda Butler, co-author of 'Sky Crash', shared her experiences and photographs from the forest. The report mentions the 'vanishing tree' phenomenon and the area where Colonel Charles Halt claimed to have encountered a triangular craft and alien entities.

Chris French (Professor) shares his experience attending his first sky watch at Rendlesham Forest, expressing his enjoyment and surprise at the number of 'skeptics' who attended. He found the night sky awe-inspiring and humorously imagined aliens being deterred by his presence. He also notes the capture of 'orbs' on digital cameras.

Judith Jaafar also comments on the Rendlesham Forest sky watch, describing it as a large gathering of enthusiasts. She notes the late arrival due to toilet stops and an incident involving a ski mask. She recounts her second trip to Rendlesham, feeling a sense of cold and experiencing her hair standing on end. She also mentions the capture of orbs on digital cameras, which she believes indicate spiritual evolution, contrary to the cynical view of others.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

This section provides a roundup of recent UFO-related news from various newspapers:

• Bournemouth Daily Echo reviewed a talk by UK UFO Researcher Ananda Sirisena based on the Disclosure Project.
• The Daily Mirror featured an astrological page covering UFOs and a 'Day The Earth Stood Still' illustration, along with an account of a 1958 landing.
• The Daily Mirror also published a photo of an Avebury UFO, questioning if it was a hoax, which SUFOG skywatchers confirmed as such.
• The Sunday Express reported on a man who placed a binary code message near Adams Grave, Wiltshire, asking 'What do you want from us?', accompanied by crescent-shaped crop formations.
• The Daily Express covered crop formations and the myths and legends of England.
• The Times featured an article on Mars's close approach to Earth, noting that while many saw it, few reported seeing 'little green men'.
• The Sunday Times travel section discussed tracking down mythical beasts and UFO-related phenomena worldwide.

SUFOG Diary - 2003

The newsletter includes a diary of upcoming SUFOG meetings and events:

• October 15th, 2003: Video Evening and Open Discussion (Abduction Cartoons?)
• November 19th, 2003: Video Evening (Mysterious Rods)
• December 17th, 2003: SUFOG Christmas meeting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are the remembrance of key figures in UFOlogy, the ongoing investigation into crop circles, and the reporting of UFO sightings and related events. The newsletter also highlights the importance of field research, such as sky watches, and encourages participation. There is a clear stance of open-mindedness towards UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and the need for critical investigation. The editorial tone is one of community and shared interest in the UFO subject, with a focus on research, discussion, and personal experiences.

This issue of SUFOG, spanning pages 11 through 20, is dated September 2003 and focuses on UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and related investigations, primarily within the UK. The magazine features a mix of news reports, personal accounts, and reviews of other publications in the field.

Cover Story and Main Features

The cover prominently displays the title "SUFOG" along with information about a recorded information line for the latest UFO sightings. The issue delves into various reported encounters and phenomena.

UFOlogy and Religion Congress

An announcement is made about a new global initiative by "Serious UFOlogists" and contactees, organizing a Congress of World and traditional national religions on September 23rd. The congress, which began in 1893, aims for peace between religions, with 30 delegations expected to attend, representing various faiths including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Shinto. The article notes the "visitors" have urged mankind to make peace and implanted "strange impossible seeming ideas, aims, desires."

Ghost Busting and Paranormal Investigations

The issue reviews articles from "THE DAILY MAIL" and "THE DAILY EXPRESS" concerning ghost sightings and paranormal claims. "THE DAILY MAIL" featured a two-pager on "GHOSTS BUSTED" by Science Reporter Tim Utton, showcasing photos of alleged phantoms. Richard Wiseman is identified as the "expert" behind these claims, offering explanations like camera straps and pools of liquid. "THE DAILY EXPRESS" also featured Dr. Wiseman with a page on cemetery crosses and shrouded figures, postulating "vibrations," infrasound, wind, traffic noises, or gas leaks as explanations. Harvard's Richard McNally is mentioned for his "sleep paralysis" theory to explain ghosts and alien visits.

Scientific Explanations and Skepticism

Swiss scientist Dr. Peter Brugger is quoted as suggesting higher brain levels of dopamine as an explanation for paranormal experiences. The "Ghost Society" is noted for documenting instances of ghosts appearing in ordinary homes. The article contrasts these scientific explanations with the claims of UFOlogists, questioning why scientists test ducks for echoes while UFOlogists are called "nutters."

Psychic News and Belgrave Hall Vigil

"NEARLY THERE! My PSYCHIC NEWS" reported on a TV vigil at Leicester's Belgrave Hall, featuring comedian Vic Reeves, his wife Nancy, Medium Derek Acorah, and TV presenter Yvette Fielding. During the vigil, Medium Derek encountered a spirit named "Margaret." A dramatic incident involved a cameraman suffering from "heat exhaustion" and later reporting seeing a ghost. The medium also transmitted "communications" from deceased people.

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears provides reviews of several magazines:

• FRONT: Described as a "thick glossy September issue," this magazine featured a four-pager on "crop circle hoaxers" who used planks, rope, and a tape measure for their work. The reporter shared a weekend with them, noting their claims of visits to America and New Zealand and being "treated like stars."
• OVNI: This bi-monthly magazine included an obituary for Victor J. Kean and Gordon Creighton. It featured articles on a US power blackout and communications from various sources, posing the question, "Wild speculation or is there something sinister going on?" Other articles covered amateur astronomer sightings, a domed and lit hovering object, a triangular object performing aerobatics, and a BBC cameraman filming three bright lights. A "Life After Death" experience was also recounted.
• AWARENESS: The Summer issue of Contact International UFO Research, this magazine featured an editorial by Geoff. Ambler. It included articles on "orbs," a US power failure, mankind's soul and UFO connections, and angels and UFOs. The reviewer notes the magazine's focus on "Close experiencers."

The Australian UFO Bulletin

This pocket-sized magazine from the Victorian UFO Research Society features articles on "UFO Trail by Paul Norman," "Air Force Officers oppose UFO secrecy!," "Big Brother watching Scots Drama Group!," "The Early Years," "International Sighting reports," "Ultra compact galaxies," "Victorian Sighting reports," "Visiting Aliens Higher Logic," "Queensland Sighting Reports," and "Mission to Mars Unveiled."

RAPPORT

This bi-monthly magazine for the Ken Phillips Witness Support Group includes poems, sightings, experiences, letters, and ghost research by Gay Baldwin. It also features an article on "Numbers" by Mike Joyce and a piece on a "New secret Australian base" and the "Roswell International UFO Museum visit."

Tribute to Graham Birdsall

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to tributes for Graham Birdsall, the founder of "UFO MAGAZINE," who passed away. Numerous individuals, including Chris Rolfe, A.J. Gevaerd, Robert Frola, Diane Harrison, and Dan Bright, express their shock, grief, and admiration for his work in promoting UFOlogy in the UK and worldwide. They highlight his passion, dedication, and the positive influence he had on many.

BUFOSC UFO Conference

BUFOSC is organizing a UFO Conference on Saturday, December 6th, 2003, at the Waterloo Community Centre in Runcorn. The conference will feature speakers Eric Morris on military UFO footage, Tim Matthews on the evolution of UFOlogy, and Roy Bennett on "secret" UFO's. Proceeds from the event will go to charity.

Rendlesham Forest Incident

A "FACTFILE" section provides details on the Rendlesham Forest incident, described as Britain's most famous UFO encounter. It recounts events over three nights in December 1980, involving strange lights, a metallic glowing object, and animals going into a frenzy. Base commander Lt Col Halt reported seeing a "red sun like object." The forest remains a popular site for UFOlogists.

Costs and Membership

An announcement details a rise in membership costs for 2004 due to increased postage and production costs. Single membership will be £8.00, joint membership £10.00, and family membership £15.00.

Chrysalis TV Documentary

Brian James APRA mentions a Chrysalis TV documentary titled "The Believers," scheduled for broadcast on Channel 4 on Tuesday, October 7th, at 10 pm. He notes that Chrysalis is seeking original UFO footage for the documentary.

UFO Sightings Reports

Several UFO sighting reports are included:

• Bill Coones reports on triangle moving light formations seen at Heingstbury Head on September 3rd, 2003, and previously on September 1st, 2002, at Mt Adams.
• Mark Green (SUFOG member) reported seeing a classic disc with silver glare about 10 ft above the tree line near Fontwell Race Course on August 20th, 2003.
• Whitehaven News reported a UFO sighting on Saturday, August 23rd, 2003, described as a pear-shaped object with white lights and a framework.
• A sighting in Southampton, Hampshire, on August 24th, 2003, involved a circle-shaped object traveling southwest.
• A report from the Irish sea describes an orange streetlight-shaped object.
• A sighting in Suffolk on August 5th, 2003, involved a yellow D-shaped object.
• Reports of UFO sightings in Birmingham in June are mentioned, coinciding with a geomagnetic storm.

Personal Reflections and Tributes

Several individuals share personal messages and condolences regarding Graham Birdsall's passing, reflecting on his impact on the UFOlogy community and his personal qualities. Diane Harrison of The Australian UFO Research Network sends her regards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena (including ghosts and hauntings), crop circles, and the ongoing efforts of UFOlogists and researchers to document and understand these events. There is a strong emphasis on reporting eyewitness accounts and reviewing media coverage of these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, while also acknowledging scientific skepticism and providing platforms for various perspectives within the UFO and paranormal communities. The passing of key figures like Graham Birdsall and Gordon Creighton is treated with significant respect and sorrow, highlighting their contributions to the field. The magazine also addresses the practicalities of its own production, including rising costs and membership fees, indicating a commitment to continuing its publication despite these challenges.