SUFOG Newsletter No 159-160

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) newsletter, Number 159 & 160, dated January/February 2004, marks 12 years of investigation. The newsletter is moving away from the A5 format to include color, with the hope of increasing subscriptions. The editor, Steve Rider, outlines his personal attendance at upcoming events and speaking engagements.

Contents and Reviews

The newsletter features a wide array of content, including:

• 'The Journey' Video Review: A detailed review of an 86-minute video produced by UFO Magazine, featuring Anthony Woods' UFO sightings over Portsmouth. The reviewer, Steve Gerrard, expresses disappointment with unanswered questions and notes that SUFOG was not approached for investigation despite their proximity.
• Kecksburg: The New Roswell: A review of a video about the Kecksburg, Pennsylvania incident of December 9th, 1965, and its connection to the Roswell crash. The review discusses the investigation by geologists and UFO researchers, including Dr. Steven Kite and Stan Gordon.
• Is Anybody Out There (Chris Martin): A review of a video focusing on Chris Martin's experiences and footage over the past 4-5 years, including clips from conferences, interviews, and sightings in the UK and Australia.
• Newspaper Reviews: Ernie Sears provides a collection of media items, including a ghost story from The Daily Express, an article on the 'Mission for Mars' from The Times, a report on alien encounters from The Mirror, and a piece on 'Timeslips' from The Daily Mail.
• Press Release: Probing The Minds Of Alien Abductees: An announcement about research being conducted by psychologists at Goldsmiths College, University of London, into the phenomenon of alien abductions.
• Alien Odds Cut: A brief note on William Hill cutting their odds regarding official confirmation of extraterrestrial life.
• Other Articles: The newsletter also includes a piece titled 'From the Familiar to the Strange and on to the Sadness' detailing a skywatch experience at Avebury, and an article on 'Ghosts in Netley Abbey'.

Personal Updates and Tributes

Steve Rider, the SUFOG Secretary, provides an update on his reduced attendance at meetings due to personal circumstances, including the birth of his fifth child and job redundancy. He also pays tribute to Graham Birdsall, editor and publisher of Quest Publications, who passed away following surgery. Rider reflects on his positive experiences working with Birdsall on UFO conferences and articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter maintains a critical yet open approach to UFOlogy, evident in the detailed reviews that question the evidence and highlight unanswered aspects of cases. There is a strong emphasis on investigation and seeking answers, as seen in the review of 'The Journey' and the discussion of the Kecksburg and Roswell incidents. The editorial stance also acknowledges the role of media in disseminating information and the public's fascination with paranormal phenomena. The inclusion of a press release on academic research into alien abductions suggests an interest in scientific approaches to the subject. The newsletter encourages reader participation and the sharing of experiences.

SUFOG, pages 11-20, is a publication from UFOMEK, likely a UK-based UFO research group, with content primarily in English. The issue appears to be from early 2004, given references to a January 9th, 2004, radio appearance and a November-December 2004 edition of RAPPORT magazine. The magazine covers a wide array of UFO-related topics, including personal sightings, reviews of documentaries and books, historical cases, and ongoing research initiatives.

Article: 'The German's SECRET WEAPON'

This short piece on page 11 discusses a half-page article from an unspecified source about a 'small DRAGON, suspended in a jar of formaldehyde'. The creature is described as 12 inches tall, extending to 40 inches laid out flat, with tiny teeth, wings, and fearsome claws. It is said to have been 'invented' in the 1890s by German scientists and found in a dusty old Oxfordshire garage. The Natural History Museum reportedly suspected a hoax and turned it away. The article notes the photos accompanying it show a 'scary' creature and asks for reader input.

Article: 'Ghosts in Netley Abbey'

This personal account by an unnamed author details two unusual experiences on December 27th, 2003. The first occurred in the morning at a sheltered housing complex where the author saw a tall, slim lady in the foyer who waved before vanishing. The author notes this is unusual as they have encountered 'ghosts' and 'dead' people before, but never one who waved. The second incident happened later that day when the author, expecting a visitor, heard a peculiar squawk from the security buzzer. Upon investigation, the author found the manageress, her husband, her son, and another man laughing, explaining they were amused by the author's reaction to the buzzer. The author then recounts a previous experience from 18 months prior where a 'lady' appeared in their lounge, dressed in a long black dress and mob cap, who also vanished. This apparition was later identified as potentially a nurse from the now-demolished Victorian hospital at Royal Victoria Country Park. The author's UFO group, the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG), of which they are PRO, has had 'encounters' near the chapel of this park, sensing and seeing misty shapes of soldiers and nurses. The author also theorizes that a commemorative stone at the complex, part of the original hospital, might be a 'gateway' to the 'other side'. The account concludes with a further experience on the night of December 27th, where a big blue flash and a 'BANG' were heard, followed by a plastic 'frame' on the floor and a vanished owl that had been in the frame.

Magazine Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears reviews several publications and documentaries related to UFOlogy.

UFO Magazine

Sears praises the January and February issues of 'UFO Magazine' for maintaining high standards. He notes a bonus contribution from Russel Callaghan. The January issue featured 'of the night' pieces on Michael Howard and a seven-page spread on the 'Incident at Burma' in 1997, involving a Flying Triangle over Michael's home. Sears questions if a similar event occurred before the Hutton enquiry. He also mentions coverage of ET, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS films, and documentaries on UFOs, including a 'TIMEWATCH' program on BBC 2 and a series on 'The Universe'. Radio Solent's paranormal programs and the author's own 'ghosts' night encounter are also mentioned.

AWARENESS

Edited by Geoff Ambler, 'AWARENESS' is described as a pocket-sized issue for Winter 2004 from the CONTACT INTERNATIONAL UFO RESEARCH group. It includes a piece on Crop Circles revisited by Geoff Ambler, who estimates 68 formations in 2003, with 12 assessed as hoaxes. Hampshire had 5 and Wiltshire 35 formations. The review mentions coverage of abductee Betty Hill by Avis Ruffu, and paranormal happenings in the Oxford area. Subscriptions are £9 for 4 issues and £14 for 8, obtainable from PO Box 23, Wheatley, Oxon, OX33 1FL.

OVNI

'OVNI' from Omar Fowler's Phenomenon Research Association is described as a healthy-looking organization with amazing photos. It mentions photos from the Apollo 16 moon mission and an internet presence. A piece by Richard Boylan Ph.D. is noted, with Omar Fowler being 'puzzled by media not taking photos up'. The review also mentions an article on Betty Hill's serious illness and a repeat coverage of her and Barney Hill's 1961 missing time incident. It also highlights a Belgium June 2003 crop circle overfly by a microlight and a photo of orbs taken in West Sussex in August 2003.

RAPPORT magazine

'RAPPORT' is the product of the London-based Witness Support Group, founded by the late Ken Philips. Ernie Sears has a column in the bi-monthly issue, costing £2. The November-December edition features a coloured cover and a 2004 calendar. It also covers BUFORA's 40th Anniversary Conference.

Article: 'THE UFO CRITICISM BY J.N. FROM JAPAN'

This is a 4-page production, the 5th issue of Vol.3 No 2, dedicated to Gordon Creighton and Graham Birdsall. It mentions a book, 'UFOs at American House', published in the USA in 1968, and items on 'rods'. The article suggests Japan's UFO interest is growing, with two halls built in Hakui City and lino Town. The publication is not for sale, but can be borrowed from Steve G.

Book Review: 'The Galaxy on Earth' by Richard Levington

Reviewed by Steve Gerrard, this 550+ page book examines power centres around the world and visits 56 sites, including Glastonbury, Mount Fuji, and Sedona. It looks at physical descriptions, history, archaeology, myths, legends, mystics, and geomantic aspects of these sites, suggesting they may have powers linking to other dimensions. Gerrard found the book interesting but did not feel it changed his life, recommending it for those planning mystical trips.

Book Review: 'UFOs and the National Security State' by Richard M. Dolan

Reviewed by Ernie Sears, this 477-page book, with a foreword by Jacques F. Vallee and a nod from Dr. Edgar Mitchell, is described as a 'thorough and monumental undertaking'. The cover is noted as attractive, with the title 'Chronology of a Cover-up 1941-1973 Revised Edition'. The book is called a 'gripping read' filled with factual and official accounts. Whitley Strieber and Nick Redfern are quoted praising the book. Sears intends to add it to his 'must have' collection. Information on publishers Hampton Roads Publishing Company Inc. is provided.

Article: 'SCI FI SUPPORTS NEW SCIENTIFIC INITIATIVE TO INVESTIGATE UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA'

This article announces an initiative by the SCI FI Channel to engage the scientific community in investigating UAP. It brings together major organizations like CUFOS, FUFOR, MUFON, NARCAP, NIDS, and NUFORC. The goal is to conduct systematic, rigorous investigations of UAP cases with physical evidence and publish results in mainstream scientific journals. Dr. Mark Rodeghier of CUFOS states that this is the first time these organizations have combined their resources for such an effort. John Schuessler of MUFON emphasizes the importance of physical evidence, and Don Berliner of FUFOR hopes that scientific study will help understand the phenomenon's causes.

Article: 'UFO Invasion At Rendlesham'

This is a review of the Sci-Fi Channel's documentary on the Rendlesham incident. The reviewer found it very good, appreciating its length which allowed for more in-depth material. Consultants Georgina Bruni and Peter Robbins, authors of 'You Can't Tell The People' and 'Left At East Gate', were featured heavily. Other contributors included Tim Good, Nick Redfern, and Rich Dolan. USAF personnel Halt and Penniston played central roles, along with Larry Warren. Civilian witnesses included Gerry Harris and the Webbs. Lord Hill-Norton is also mentioned. New information highlighted includes Penniston's statement that Staff Sergeant John Coffey confirmed an uncorrelated radar target was tracked before the sighting, and that Penniston 'sanitised' his witness statement by choice, while Cabansag was 'forced' to sign his. The documentary also featured Penniston's original notebook with notes and drawings, and photos taken during sightings that came back fogged. Halt and Penniston disagreed on the landing site location. The review notes that the documentary is likely to be screened in the UK. The end credits are dedicated to the memory of Graham W. Birdsall, founder and editor-in-chief of UFO Magazine (UK).

BBC2 - 9th January 2004 - TimeWatch

This program is described as portraying UFOlogy in a good light, featuring interviews with people who had real UFO sightings and ex-military personnel. The reviewer hopes the British media will continue this positive coverage and that 2004/5 will be the 'year of the UFOlogist'.

Death of Charles Berlitz

This short piece reports the death of Charles Berlitz, author of 'The Bermuda Triangle', at the age of 90. He was the grandson of Maximilian Berlitz and a linguist who also wrote books on the paranormal.

Article: 'Happy Birthday, "Flying Saucer"'

This piece discusses the origin of the term 'flying saucer', noting that while popularized by a journalist covering Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, a farmer named John Martin used the term 70 years earlier to describe a dark, orange object that grew in size and appeared to be going fast, eventually being the size of a large saucer.

Article: 'Recent Sightings'

This section details several sightings:

• Late November 2003: A friend saw a 'huge' very bright object passing quickly over the sky, descending behind houses, initially assumed to be a meteor.
• August 2003: A sighting in West Sussex involved orbs or spheres.
• 2003-12-26: A huge, silent, grey 'balloon like' object was observed descending slowly by three police officers, then shot off silently.
• 1955: An encounter between Prince Philip's equerry and a mysterious alien named Mr Janus is mentioned.

The author also recounts a personal 'ghost' sighting in a passage, and a subsequent visit from Bill, who had claimed UFO sightings and paranormal incidents. The author describes a toilet roll unrolling itself in their bathroom, which they found unusual.

Article: 'Injection of Colour'

This brief note announces that the next issue will feature colour on the front page and include colour photographs or pictures inside, due to a drop in membership.

Article: 'Soviet Army Fought UFOs'

This article details Soviet military encounters with UFOs, leading to the creation of a secret laboratory in the late 1960s to research 'flying objects'. It mentions research into anti-gravitation, with results kept secret. The article recounts specific incidents:

• 1947: Antiaircraft guns fired on a flying cigar-shaped object below 4,000 meters, which increased speed and flew away. The object was reported to have reached speeds up to 2000 km/h.
• 1984: An air-defense system marked a ball-shaped object flying at 2000 meters, which did not respond to radio inquiry. Fighter planes were unable to bring it down, and it descended to 100 meters before the planes could not fire.
• Near Krasnoyarsk: A helicopter tried to bring down a ball-shaped object, but it increased altitude. After the helicopter ran out of ammunition, the object flew away.
• Near Krasnovodsk (1985): A radar station registered a disc-shaped object of 1,000 meters. A smaller disc flew out, landed, and then flew away. This occurred five times.
• Late June 1971: A black cigar-shaped flying object, 25 meters long and 3 meters in diameter, was observed floating at 800 meters, moving at 150 km/h without noise.
• 1978: The Soviet Ministry of Defense accepted the 'Network MO' program, establishing 'space troops' to fight potential threats from space.
• August 1987: Five soldiers guarded an unknown origin object, 14 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high, which could not be opened.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings, paranormal experiences, and the investigation of these phenomena. The magazine appears to have a stance of open inquiry, presenting personal accounts, historical data, and reviews of research and media related to UFOs. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation, as evidenced by the coverage of the SCI FI Channel initiative and the discussion of physical evidence. The publication also seems to value personal testimony and historical records, dedicating significant space to detailed accounts and reviews of books and documentaries. The editorial tone is generally enthusiastic about the subject matter, encouraging readers to engage with the topic and share their own experiences. The magazine also acknowledges the skepticism surrounding UFO phenomena but often presents evidence or arguments that challenge conventional explanations.