SUFOG Newsletter No 163-164

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) newsletter, Number 163 and 164, dated May/June 2004, is a packed edition featuring a significant UFO sighting over Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth. The newsletter also includes a tribute to the recently deceased Lord Hill Norton, a prominent figure in UFOlogy, and reviews of various media items related to the paranormal.

Main Cover Story: UFO Sighting Over Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth

The lead story details a UFO photographed over Portsdown Hill in April 2004. A fascinating aspect of this sighting is that the same object was reportedly photographed 200 miles away in Nottingham just 30 minutes earlier. The article also mentions the sad passing of Lord Hill Norton and includes an item by Nick Pope providing a short history of his involvement in UFOlogy.

The editorial notes an upsurge in media interest in SUFOG, with TV and radio companies contacting the group for interviews. It speculates that with the public eye no longer on 'UFO Magazine' (Quest International), media attention is turning to groups like SUFOG. Updates on upcoming events, including a New Forest Skywatch and an August Avebury weekend Skywatch, are promised.

Editorial and Personal Notes

The editor expresses birthday wishes to Mr. Ernie Sears, the Public Relations Officer, for his 80th birthday, acknowledging his significant support for the group since its inception in 1992. The editor also reflects on past members and the group's resilience through hard times.

Contents

The newsletter provides a detailed table of contents, outlining articles on a new monthly magazine, James Whale's radio show, historical sightings, the death of Lord Hill Norton, the Oxford 2004 Conference, crop formations, newspaper reviews, the connection between skylarks and crop circles, UFOs in the Havant area, British UFO hunters, the history of Einstein's Unified Field Theory, and photographs of a UFO over Portsmouth.

Review of 'UFO Monthly' Magazine

Santiago Yturria provides a critical review of the first issue of 'UFO Monthly,' an online magazine published in the UK by Gary Heseltine and Russel Callaghan. Yturria expresses disappointment with the report on the 13th Annual International UFO Congress, stating that his conference and that of his friend Haktan Akdogan were 'debunked' by Russel Callaghan. Yturria attributes this to personal conflicts and vested interests stemming from his research into UK UFO cases since 2001. He quotes Callaghan's review of his presentation on the 'Miss Parker' case, which he feels focused on Callaghan's inability to access Parker's footage rather than the evidence presented. Yturria also criticizes Callaghan's offensive comments about the audience at the conference, including media representatives and researchers, suggesting they lacked criteria and were 'naive morons.' He believes Callaghan's review reveals arrogance and a twisted viewpoint.

Callaghan, in his review, implies that the US audience's enthusiastic reception of Yturria's presentation contrasted with a potentially more critical reception in the UK, suggesting a difference in 'sense of objectivity' across the Atlantic.

Yturria concludes that Callaghan made a mistake and exposed himself as a 'disoriented and bitter person,' calling for an apology to those present at the Laughlin conference. He suspects Callaghan will use 'UFO Monthly' as a platform for his personal agenda. Yturria advises against subscribing to the publication.

James Whale Radio Show Transcript

A transcript from James Whale's Talksport Radio show features a discussion with a caller named Tom about a forthcoming UFO book. The book reportedly contains information about contactees being left with a small device resembling a miniature traffic beacon that flashes a green light. This device apparently allows contactees to read people's minds, causing them distress, though this effect lasts only about three days. Tom suggests that UFO visitors live in this state constantly and that souls emit a detectable aroma. The conversation also touches upon the potential for a new evolution taking place.

Later in the transcript, James Whale asks Tom about a 'beacon' from extraterrestrials. Tom explains that this is a new development, possibly an interaction between humans and aliens, designed to avoid direct confrontation which could 'destroy our minds.' The conversation also briefly mentions news about ancient Tarot decks and a new way to use them for contact.

UFOs Over Southampton?

A report from Rod and Sue Andrews details a sighting on Wednesday, August 20, 1997. While relaxing in their garden, Sue spotted three lights in a triangle formation moving across the sky at high speed from North East to South West. They were described as 'glowing' lights, like 60-watt bulbs seen through mist, and moved horizontally at a significant speed. The couple were baffled by the experience.

UFO Sighting in English Bay, Vancouver

On April 28, 2004, at approximately 10:45 p.m., two witnesses in English Bay, British Columbia, Canada, reported observing three unusual objects. One large circular object, bright white with darker dots and no visible center, was accompanied by two smaller objects, one triangular and one circular. The objects moved independently, with the triangular craft making sudden turns and the smaller circular object orbiting the others. The witnesses described the objects as moving at high speed and at treetop level, approximately 100 to 200 feet away.

UFO Sighting in Smithers, British Columbia

On April 16, 2004, a witness from Smithers, B.C., reported seeing a large, bright pink object low in the sky on April 8th. The object was described as the size of a full moon with a lighter pink color on the outer edge. It passed overhead at treetop level and approximately 100 to 200 feet away. The witness slowed down and watched the object move slowly into the distance before it blinked out. The object was visible for about one minute and has reportedly been seen twice in the Smithers area.

UFO Sighting in Action, Ontario

On April 24, 2004, at 8:30 p.m., a witness and his wife reported seeing numerous lights flying around the sky in an unusual formation. The witness's wife first spotted the lights from an upstairs window. Initially thought to be an airplane, the objects moved along the horizon and reappeared stationary. Two smaller lights appeared on either side of the larger light. The couple drove to a better vantage point and observed the lights, with one smaller object shooting off at high speed. Another light flickered out and reappeared elsewhere. In total, 5 to 6 lights were observed. The witness, a skeptic, found the experience baffling.

British Sightings By Astronomers

An article from the Portsmouth News, dated July 4th, 1984, reports a U.F.O. seen over southern England that baffled experts. The object, visible for 20 minutes, was approximately 25 miles high. Worthing astronomer Graham Boots initially thought it was a super-bright star. Other astronomers confirmed the stationary phenomenon, which then split up and vanished. The Royal Greenwich Observatory stated they did not know what it was. Peter Seiden of the Portsmouth Astronomical Society ruled out meteors, satellites, helicopters, and aircraft due to the object's characteristics and calculated height. Astronomer Patrick Moore, usually skeptical, expressed being baffled and intrigued.

The Death of Lord Hill-Norton

This section pays tribute to Admiral of the Fleet The Lord Hill-Norton G.C.B., who died on Sunday, aged 89. Lord Hill-Norton, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, developed a strong interest in the UFO phenomenon after his retirement. He wrote forewords to Timothy Good's books and was particularly interested in the Rendlesham Forest incident, even tabling questions in Parliament to elicit official responses. Nick Pope recounts briefing Lord Hill-Norton and notes his passion for UFOlogy and his critical stance on the Ministry of Defence's policy. His last TV interview was to be featured in a Channel Five documentary. Lord Hill-Norton is remembered as a great friend to UFOlogy, whose support from someone of his rank was unprecedented.

SUFOG Diary - 2004

The diary lists upcoming SUFOG events: a Group Meeting on July 21st, a New Forest Skywatch on July 31st, an Avebury Sky Watch on August 14th, and further Group Meetings on August 18th, September 15th, October 20th, and December 15th. Attendees are advised to contact the Editor before events, as Skywatches are subject to cancellation or change due to weather or other commitments.

Oxford Conference 1st August 2004

Ellis announces a conference being organized in Oxford on August 1st, 2004, with speakers Mary Rodwell and Ann Andrews. Ann Andrews is the author of the book 'Abduction.' For a limited time, bonafide officers of UFO groups can receive one free ticket. Ticket prices are £10.00 in advance and £15.00 on the door. Ellis also mentions planning two events: a New Forest Skywatch on July 31st and an Avebury weekend sky watch on August 14th, including circle hunting. He encourages attendees to bring their own food and drink.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears reviews several newspaper articles:

• The Times (May 20th): An article on "IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?" sparked by Mexico sightings, with six letters debating the topic. Sears notes a 'scientist' requesting more detailed proof.
• The Times (May 19th): A detailed obituary for Lord Hill-Norton, highlighting his two decades of fighting for UFO truth in Parliament and his interest in the Southampton Water videos.
• Daily Express (May 22nd): An article on ghosts and belief in them, featuring reporter Natalie Osborne-Thomason's experiences and convictions about survival after death.
• Daily Mail: An article featuring author Colin Wilson on his beliefs in the paranormal, from his book "Dreaming to Some Purpose."
• Daily Express (May 15th): An article titled "Why we all want UFO's to Exist," sparked by Mexico sightings. Sears describes it as a reasonably written article that deteriorated into a 'slightly tongue in the cheek' piece, concluding that humanity should focus on planetary issues rather than fantasizing about aliens.

Sears also briefly mentions his involvement in mediumship and healing, noting a positive experience during a recent event where a disabled friend received healing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings, both recent and historical, with a particular emphasis on UK cases. There is a strong community aspect, with SUFOG organizing meetings and skywatches. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, while also acknowledging skepticism and critiquing what is perceived as biased or inaccurate reporting, as seen in the review of 'UFO Monthly.' The passing of Lord Hill Norton is treated with respect, highlighting his significant contributions to UFOlogy. The newsletter also touches upon broader paranormal topics like ghosts and mediumship, indicating a wider interest in unexplained phenomena.

This issue of SUFOG, identified as PAGE 11, appears to be from May 1999, though specific date details are fragmented across various articles. It covers a wide array of topics related to UFOs, the paranormal, and unexplained phenomena, drawing from various news sources and specialist publications.

News and Sightings Reports

The issue begins with a report from THE TIMES detailing a severe thunderstorm in Brecon, South Wales, on May 13th, which involved a 'ball of light,' black clouds, and lightning bolts causing significant damage. Another item from THE TIMES of April 17th mentions a NASA mission to 'check Einstein on relativity.'

THE DAILY MAIL is highlighted for a two-page spread by Zachariah Sitchin on an ancient 'rocket ship' artifact in a Turkish museum, linked to his book 'The Earth Chronicles Expeditions.'

Several newspapers, including THE TIMES, THE DAILY EXPRESS, and THE MAIL, are noted for carrying articles on Mexican 'UFOs' caught on aircraft radar and infrared, which have since gone quiet. The incident involved eleven objects encircling an aircraft.

The SUN is mentioned for articles on a 'haunted' dockyard in Plymouth and a UFO filmed there in January. The Royal Navy is reportedly investigating.

THE TIMES' 'Business News' section is noted for an article on the Bank of England's conspiracy theory and a photo of a crop circle.

THE FORTEAN TIMES is credited with a survey of 'fads and flops from the world of flying saucery,' including 'abduction top 40,' and posing the question of whether UFO sightings or investigators came first.

THE TIMES of June 4th featured a TV séance report, with a reporter describing students as looking like 'gibbering wrecks.'

An article from THE TIMES of May 11th discusses the revised Freedom of Information Act, with supporters hoping it will rebuild trust, while the publication expresses skepticism.

Crop Circles and Conservation

Page 12 discusses how crop circles might hold the key to reversing the decline in skylark populations. A two-year study found that leaving small patches of cereal fields unsown led to a nearly 50% rise in skylark breeding. Farmers are to be offered government subsidies for this conservation effort. Dr. David Gibbons of the RSPB is quoted, and the £3.6m Sustainable Arable Farming For an Improved Environment (Saffie) project is mentioned.

UFOlogy and Paranormal Publications

Several magazine reviews are featured:

• NEXUS for June/July covers topics like OOBE's, Moon Landings, and the first US space weapon launch.
• UFO for May is described as a 'MONSTER' issue with seventy-one pages on UFO material, including an interview with Nick Redfern, crop circles, and flying triangles.
• OVNI's May/June issue features photos of a 25th April Nottingham and Portsmouth 'balloon' shaped object, suggesting a speed of 1,200 mph. It also covers the first 2004 crop circle and other international UFO encounters.
• RAPPORT for March/April includes an interview with David Icke, a column by the author, and topics like the Venus transit and a possible German Moon landing in 1942.
• UFO SOCIETY OF IRELAND editions are mentioned, with a conference planned for June.
• FLYING SAUCER REVIEW Spring 2004 issue includes articles on a Yukon, Canada sighting, a flying triangle mystery, and an interview with Astronaut Gordon Michell.
• AWARENESS Spring 2004 is also noted.

UFO Investigations and Events

• CONTACT INTERNATIONAL UFO RESEARCH organisation is detailed, listing contents like Sighting Reports, Astronomy updates, and discussions on Bermuda Triangle and Dragons.
• UFO REVIEW JUNE 2004 is a substantial issue with 143 pages, featuring articles on Phoenix Lights, Mexico sightings, and the Moon.
• An exhibition tracing UFO signs in Slovakia opened at the Slovak National Museum in Bratislava, displaying pictograms and agro-symbols left by UFOs. The Trnava UFO club registered nine locations for crop circles and 178 UFO observation reports.
• Southern Paranormal Investigations Group, led by Bob Schindler, is investigating suspected UFO activity over Portsmouth, following sightings of a pencil-shaped object.
• A separate report details a similar object sighted over Portsmouth and also over Nottingham about 30 minutes earlier, raising questions about coincidence or hoax.
• A UFO ENCOUNTERS & PSYCHIC CONFERENCE is scheduled for September 25th-26th, 2004, in Keighley, Yorkshire.

The History of Einstein's Unified Field Theory

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the history of Einstein's Unified Field Theory. The author argues that this theory, originally developed by Roman Catholic Priest Father Roger Boscovich, has been suppressed. The narrative traces the history from Boscovich to Einstein, Whyte, and Baranski, suggesting a cover-up. It claims that mainstream science has ignored Boscovich's contributions, focusing only on Newton and Einstein. The author criticizes the 'money-controlled science establishment' for its dogmatic mindset and suppression of dissent, citing a statement by 33 scientists requesting more freedom of discussion in cosmology journals.

Professor Hawking is mentioned as stating no one has found a Unified Field Theory, while the author claims to have found it in historical literature. Baranski is noted for teaching the Unified Field Theory at Princeton University in the 1960s, but his work and that of his students were allegedly forgotten after his early death.

The author laments the 'compartmentalisation' in modern science, where researchers only know specialized knowledge and not the overall picture. The lack of citations for Baranski's papers is highlighted as evidence of suppression, despite his experiments being ahead of their time and potentially related to protecting astronauts from space radiation.

Other Items

• A survey by Grolsch beer found UFO-spotters, firefighters, and police reporting strange objects in the sky. The depute provost of Falkirk Council suggested Bonnybridge might be a 'porthole to another dimension,' citing two major abduction cases and a personal sighting of a triangular craft.
• 'British UFO Hunters' is introduced as a new initiative to connect UFOlogists and investigators.
• The Guardian is quoted on the decline of paranormal sightings, using Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) as an example.
• SUFOG has been approached by two television companies: Sine Television for a program called 'The Secret Life of Suburbia' and Living TV's 'Most Haunted.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the broader paranormal. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief in suppressed scientific knowledge, particularly concerning the Unified Field Theory. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigative curiosity, critical of mainstream science's perceived dogmatism and financial control, and supportive of independent UFOlogists and researchers. The magazine actively promotes networking among such groups and encourages reader participation in reporting sightings and events.

SUFOG, Issue 21, published in 2004, is a magazine focused on paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and related topics. This issue delves into a perceived decline in reported sightings and experiences, explores potential reasons behind this trend, and touches upon the intersection of science, religion, and conspiracy theories.

Article 1: Unified Field Theory, Religion, and Suppression

The first article discusses the author's ongoing research into the Unified Field Theory and their surprise at the continued religious influence on scientific theories, drawing a parallel to Galileo's silencing by the Church. The author notes that the idea of scientific freedom from religious input is challenged. They explore the work of Father Boscovich and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, whose attempts to combine scientific ideas (like Darwin's evolution) with theological interpretations of Christianity were controversial and nearly condemned as heresy. The article suggests that Christian Fundamentalists' objections to Darwinism and efforts to ban it from schools might contribute to why Boscovich's work is overlooked. The author laments the suppression of information, comparing the Unified Field Theory and the presence of aliens on Earth to an 'elephant in the room' that people avoid discussing for fear of losing credibility or funding. The author also mentions their website, www.einsteinconspiracy.co.uk, and invites interested individuals to help research forgotten information in university libraries, suggesting that cures for diseases and other vital knowledge may have been lost in paperwork.

Book Review: Lisette Larkins' 'Telepathic Coaching by Enlightened Beings'

Ernie Sears reviews the third book in a trilogy by Lisette Larkins, which focuses on her personal encounters with extraterrestrials (ETs) and her advice on interacting with them. The book, subtitled 'Telepathic Coaching by Enlightened Beings,' is described as a course that runs through the content. Sears highlights several chapters as amazing and affirms that the book's message reaches 'THE SOUL.' He shares an anecdote about urging a patient to listen to their favorite recordings, which led to a 'contact' and proof of 'Life after death.' Lisette emphasizes that telepathy between species is the first step to Universal Participation and encourages belief in the profundity of experiences, mentioning the 'metamorph' phenomenon (transformation after contact). The book is published by Hampton Roads Publishing Company INC., whose logo features a pyramid with the words 'for the evolving human spirit.'

Article 2: The Decline of Weirdness

This article, supplied by SUFOG member Roger Anderton, discusses a significant decline in reported paranormal activity, including hauntings and UFO sightings. Gary Campbell, president of SUFOG, notes a slump in hauntings, with the Society for Psychical Research receiving no reports in a year, a stark contrast to previous years. The decline in UFO sightings is also evident, with UK fanzines folding, organizations like Bufora admitting a steady decline since the late 1990s, and the British Flying Saucer Bureau suspending activities due to a crash in sightings. Similar trends are observed in the US, with organizations like Madar in Indiana reporting a fall-off in UFO activity since the mid-70s, and skywatchers in New Jersey questioning whether to continue. Even Norway reports a lack of activity.

Several theories are proposed for this 'dwindling of weirdness.' One theory suggests that advanced detection technology, like high-tech cameras and SUVs, may be deterring creatures like Nessie. For ghosts, the spread of mobile phones is suggested as a possible cause of interference. Tony Cornell posits that people may simply not have time to experience apparitions due to modern distractions like computer games and internet surfing.

Regarding UFOs, theories include global warming, government and media conspiracies, or a cyclical link to media interest, such as the popularity of shows like 'The X Files.' The article suggests that fewer extraterrestrial films might explain the current lack of interest. However, it also raises the possibility of a more global explanation for the 'paranormal decline.'

Walter Furneaux, a clinical psychologist, suggests that major events like 9/11 and the war on terrorism have captured public attention, with the idea of the al-Qaida terrorist being perceived as an 'alien' threat that is not fully understood. Tessa Kendall of Skeptics notes an increase in conspiracy theories, suggesting people are expressing their innermost fears in this way. The article concludes that this decline might mean things are 'getting back to normal.'

SUFOG Video Tape Collection Sale

SUFOG announces a sale of its extensive video tape collection, accumulated over many years, featuring footage from the 1950s, including famous abductees like George Adamski, UFOs, Crop Circles, and conference recordings. The author plans to keep 20-25 tapes related to SUFOG's own productions. The tapes are being sold for £10.00 each, with £2.00 from each sale going to SUFOG. The reason for the sale is a lack of storage space, and the desire to pass the tapes on to those who would appreciate them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the perceived decline in paranormal phenomena, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the potential for suppression of information related to UFOs and advanced scientific theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to engage with the material and potentially contribute to research. There is a critical view of how mainstream media and societal preoccupations might overshadow or dismiss paranormal events, and a suggestion that a deeper, more global explanation might be at play for the observed decline in reported phenomena. The magazine also promotes its own archival resources, such as the video tape collection, as a means of preserving and sharing information within the community.