SUFOG Newsletter No 165-166

Magazine Overview

This is the July/August 2004 issue (Number 165 and 166) of the Southampton UFO Group's magazine, detailing their activities and UFO-related news and reports. The magazine covers a range of topics including recent sightings, crop circle formations, interviews, and discussions on the nature of potential alien communication.

Editor's Introduction

The editor, Steve Gerrard, opens by noting that two months have passed with a few UFO reports coming in. He introduces a lighthearted 'mystery prize' for anyone who can spot 'ET' in the magazine, hinting at a clue within a picture. He mentions being interviewed on BBC Radio Solent and that UFO sightings have been reported to SUFOG and other groups. The issue features limited crop circle activity in Hampshire for 2004, with formations described as not particularly impressive. The annual pilgrimage to Avebury for crop circle hunting and skywatching is mentioned, with six members attending. A future skywatch event in the New Forest is planned. The editor observes that ufology is on an 'upturn' but faces a 'steep hill' to climb, with the loss of some dedicated individuals. He expresses a desire for the Southampton UFO Group to grow with new members and subscribers, emphasizing the need for collective effort to ensure the group's future.

Contents Overview

The magazine's contents page lists a variety of articles, including 'Alien Message 'May be in our DNA'', 'UFO Report 24th July 2004', 'UFO Seen over Southampton', 'SUFOG 31st July Sky Watch', 'BBC Radio Solent 2nd July', 'Sightings from the past', 'Hampshire 2004 Crop Formations', 'Newspaper Reviews', 'Magazine Reviews', 'Conferences', and 'Independent Newspaper Article'.

Articles and Reports

Alien Message 'May be in our DNA'

This article discusses Professor Paul Davies' theory that alien messages might be encoded within human DNA, suggesting that extraterrestrials might have left 'artefacts' for evolved humans to discover, rather than communicating via radio. This method would ensure the message's survival over millions of years and its incorporation into the human genome.

UFO Report - 24th July 2004

A resident from Warsash reported seeing a well-lit, non-saucer-shaped craft hovering over the Fawley oil refinery. The witness attempted to film it but the craft disappeared. They also recalled a similar sighting in 1998 near Southampton Airport.

UFO Seen over Sholing, Southampton - 4th August 2004

Two individuals in Sholing witnessed a bright, star-like object speeding up, slowing down, and darting vertically for about four minutes. They were embarrassed to report it, fearing disbelief.

31st July - SUFOG Skywatch : New Forest

This report details a skywatch event in the New Forest attended by 15 people. A large ball of white light was observed ascending into the sky. The event also included sightings of fast-moving objects and satellites. The report mentions a police car being visited by a bright light.

BBC RADIO SOLENT UFOS BROADCAST - July 2nd 2004

This piece reviews a two-hour UFO program on BBC Radio Solent. The author expresses skepticism about some of the suggestions made, particularly regarding earthly technology explaining UFOs. The program featured Dr. Richard Lawrence and 'Nick' from the PUB UFO GROUP, whose contributions were viewed with suspicion by the reviewer.

Hello To All

This section describes a trip to the Avebury and Alton Barnes area to see crop circles. The author details their motor home and experiences visiting crop circles, including one described as a 'Honeystreet Formation'. The author reflects on the difficulty of creating such formations and the spiritual experience of meditating within them.

SUFOG CONTACT CORNER

This section provides contact details for various UFO research organizations, including Phenomenon Research Association, Malcolm Robinson (SPI England), and UPRI (Ireland). It also details the subscription information for the Southampton UFO Group newsletter, stating it consists of at least 10 double-sided A4 pages and costs £8.00 per year.

Southampton UFO Sighting - 13th June 2004

A silver-grey cylindrical object was sighted over Southampton, UK, and filmed. The sighting was reported to the National UFO Reporting Centre (USA), prompting questions from the editor about why it was reported to an American group and not SUFOG.

Sightings from the past over Hampshire

This section compiles a list of past UFO sightings over Hampshire, taken from the BUFORA Journal. The reports include various shapes and descriptions, such as silvery-grey discs, cigars, bright star-like objects, elongated ovals, and glowing circles, with dates ranging from unknown to 1977.

Crop Circle Formation in Hampshire : Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth (19th June)

This report describes a crop circle formation consisting of two circles of 'coiled' snakes near Portsmouth. Another formation, possibly from the same source, is mentioned as appearing in Hampshire.

First Crop Circle Formation of 2004... Telegraph Hill, Near Winchester, Hampshire.

This article notes Hampshire as the first county to register a crop circle formation in 2004. The formation is described as a single, plain circle, considered amateurish and likely a hoax rather than a UFO landing.

SUFOG DIARY - 2004

This section outlines upcoming SUFOG events, including group meetings on September 15th, October 20th, and November 17th, and a SUFOG Sky Watch on September 18th/19th. A Group Christmas Meeting is scheduled for December 15th.

The Sunday Mail - Scotland

An article from The Sunday Mail reports on a £850 million alien theme park planned for Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, an area known for UFO sightings.

NEWSPAPER REVIEWS BY ERNIE SEARS

• This section provides a roundup of recent newspaper articles related to UFOs and the afterlife:
• DAILY MAIL (June 22nd): An article about Montague Keen and his belief in the afterlife.
• FHM (July 04): An interview with 'ET Fancier' Ian Morison, who predicts contact around 2020.
• DAILY MAIL (July 12th): Features a 'harvest' of crop circles, including specimens from Alton Barnes and Portsdown Hill.
• PSYCHIC NEWS (July 3rd): Mentions complaints about a mock séance program on Channel Four.
• DAILY EXPRESS (July 21st): Features an article on Matthew Williams, who claimed to be inspired by 'glowing orbs' for his crop circle designs.
• PSYCHIC NEWS (July 17th): Discusses near-death experiences and research by Nurse Penny Sartori.
• THE DAILY EXPRESS (July 22nd): Reports on Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute, who predicts alien contact in 20 years, with a 200-year reply time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, crop circle phenomena, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. There's a strong emphasis on local Hampshire events and sightings, alongside national and international news. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and critical analysis, as seen in the review of the BBC radio broadcast and the questioning of reporting UFO sightings to overseas organizations. The group expresses a desire for growth and collaboration within the ufology community, while also acknowledging the challenges and losses faced by such groups. The recurring theme of 'evidence' is explored through crop circles, potential alien messages in DNA, and historical sightings, encouraging readers to consider these phenomena seriously.

This issue of SUFOG, covering pages 11 through 20, focuses on the evolving phenomenon of crop circles, their commercialization, and personal paranormal experiences. The publication date appears to be August 2004, with content referencing events from July and August 2004, as well as historical accounts dating back to the 1970s and 1990s.

Angels and Personal Experiences

The issue opens with reflections on the belief in angels, citing a TV documentary maker, Joanna Crosse, and personal anecdotes. The author recounts an instance of asking for angelic help to find a parking space, which was seemingly granted. Another powerful experience described is the sighting of a 'HUGE angel' in a lounge, enfolding a dying husband, which the author witnessed with a friend. The article also touches upon the concept of divine inspiration and its potential connection to unexplained events.

Crop Circles: From Hoax to Industry

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to crop circles. It discusses a large 350-foot formation that appeared overnight near Silbury Hill, which some linked to the Mayan calendar and prophecies of extinction by 2012. The article contrasts this with the claims of convicted hoaxer Matthew Williams, who stated it was the work of pranksters. The commercial aspect of crop circle making is explored in detail, highlighting how it has transformed from amateur pranks into a lucrative enterprise. Artists like Rod Dickinson and John Lundberg, who started as 'second generation' circlemakers, now create formations for major companies like AMD, Big Brother, and Hello Kitty, earning substantial sums. Their website, circlemakers.org, has facilitated this business growth. The article notes that landowners also benefit financially from these commissions.

The Original Hoaxers and Modern Interpretations

Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, the original duo who admitted to making crop circles in the late 1970s, are mentioned. They expressed surprise at the commercial turn the phenomenon has taken, stating their original motive was simply to make people think a UFO had landed, and that they did it for a laugh, not for money or art. Their contemporary, 80-year-old Bower, finds the idea of crop circles being used for advertising "rubbish" and insists the simplicity of their original creations was part of the mystery. In contrast, Lundberg views their work as "art collective" and a way to keep the phenomenon in public awareness, justifying the commercial work as a means to fund their passion.

The 'Croppies' and the Mystery

The magazine also presents the perspective of 'croppies', 'cerealogists', or researchers who believe that while many circles are man-made, a significant percentage (up to 90% according to Colin Andrews) are not. They suggest a 'higher force' is involved and that the circles can act as a catalyst for mystical experiences. The article notes the strained relations between landowners and those who trespass to view circles, leading to the National Farmers Union developing a code of conduct. Despite this, some farmers have capitalized on the phenomenon by charging visitors.

Paranormal Sightings and Skywatches

Beyond crop circles, the issue includes reports of other paranormal events. A SUFOG skywatch event in the New Forest on July 31st, 2004, is detailed. While only one notable sighting occurred, it was significant: a bright light moving rapidly upwards. The report also mentions the appearance of 'mystery orbs' on photographic stills, which the author speculates could be moths, though their circular appearance and lack of frozen wings in photos raise questions. Another report details a similar sighting during a previous skywatch at Avebury. The article also mentions a report from The Sunday Express about a man who died a month prior but was seen walking on a country lane, suggesting the complexity of existence beyond death.

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears reviews several publications, including the BUFORA JOURNAL, THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN, UPRI NEWSLETTER, and THE UFO CRITICISM from Japan. These reviews highlight articles on telepathic aliens, UFO sightings in Australia, conference reports, and historical anomalies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding crop circles, the blurring lines between hoax, art, and commerce, and the ongoing search for evidence of the unexplained, whether it be angels, UFOs, or other paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging both skeptical viewpoints and personal experiences, while also exploring the commercial and cultural impact of these phenomena. The author encourages readers to "LISTEN to the EXPERIENCERS!" and to "Stand FIRM" in their beliefs about the future.