SUFOG Newsletter No 169-170

Magazine Overview

This is the November/December 2004 issue of the "SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP" newsletter, identified as Number 169-170, spanning 12 Years of Investigation. The cover features a festive 'Merry Xmas' theme with a rocket ship illustration and highlights the group's email address and website. The editor notes that this edition has extra pages to accommodate late news and a press cutting, with added colour to brighten the Christmas season. The newsletter expresses concern over declining membership, with only 28 members in 2004 compared to 70 in 2003, and warns that this could impact the group's survival into 2005/2006, potentially making this the last Christmas edition.

Contents and Key Articles

The newsletter's contents page lists articles and news items from various sources, including The New York Times, The Scotsman, BBC News UK, and the New Haven Advocate, alongside internal SUFOG reports and reviews.

Betty Hill, 85, Figure in Alien Abduction Case, Dies

This article from The New York Times (October 23, 2004) reports the death of Betty Hill at 85. It details her seminal 1961 alien abduction account, which she shared with her husband Barney Hill. The incident, occurring while driving in New Hampshire, involved seeing a growing light, losing two hours of time, and later recounting an experience aboard a spaceship with short, grey-skinned beings who subjected them to medical examinations. The narrative is described as fitting the Western tradition with dark nights and ghostly apparitions, and is compared to the Leda and the Swan myth by Professor Terry Matheson. Betty Hill's account was popularized by John G. Fuller's book "The Interrupted Journey" and a 1975 television movie, "The UFO Incident."

I'm After The Aliens That Beat Up Bob...

This piece, sourced from The Scotsman (September 9, 2004), revisits the Bob Taylor incident on Dechmont Law in November 1979. Taylor, a forestry worker, reported seeing a large, circular, sphere-like object from which two smaller spheres dropped and attached to his trousers, causing him to lose consciousness. The incident led to a criminal investigation due to unusual indentations and marks found at the scene. The article notes that 25 years later, UFO enthusiasts planned to visit the site on the anniversary. Ron Halliday, chairman of Scottish Earth Mysteries Research, believes the event is well-documented and defies rational explanation, suggesting it might have been from another dimension. The Falkirk triangle, a UFO hotspot, is mentioned in relation to this sighting.

UFO Programme 'Panic' Gripped Ministry

Sourced from BBC News UK (November 6, 2004), this article reveals documents from the Public Record Office showing the Ministry of Defence's anxiety in 1972 about participating in a BBC debate on UFOs. They feared fueling public hysteria but also the criticism of conspiracy theorists if they refused. The ministry eventually agreed to a filmed interview, arranging for RAF Lightnings and a US Air Force Phantom to be filmed to demonstrate how jet effluxes could be mistaken for UFOs. The ministry felt satisfied that the program helped to quell UFO rumours.

UFOlogy in a financial mess...

This section discusses the long-term financial problems facing UFOlogy. Despite high internet traffic, the field is described as diffuse and unorganized, with organizations seeing dwindling support as the public turns to online sources. Many UFO publications sell fewer than 500 copies, barely covering costs. The article concludes that making a living from UFOlogy is very limited, and there is no such thing as a 'rich UFOlogist,' only a content one.

Dr. John Mack's KILLER appears in court...

This report details the first court appearance of a driver involved in a fatal accident concerning Dr. John Mack. No charges had been brought yet, and the driver, believed to be a 50-year-old Czech national, was remanded on bail. The article speculates on the reasons for the delay in charges, suggesting complexity or the pursuit of a 'Dangerous Driving' charge.

UFO Expert: Aliens May Be Preparing Us For Ultimate Encounter

This piece, from KBCI-TV Idaho News (November 15, 2004), features investigator Robert Hastings. Hastings believes UFOs are showing interest in nuclear weapons facilities and that aliens are engaged in a long-term psychological preparation process to make humanity accept their presence. He references the Roswell incident and a 1950 FBI memo, but dismisses theories about cooperation at Area 51. Hastings notes that physical evidence is still missing.

The Debate of the Orbs goes on...

This section includes an email exchange between Steve Gerrard (SUFOG Chairman) and Russel Callaghan regarding 'orbs' appearing in photographs. Gerrard suggests that these 'globes' are artefacts of digital cameras, specifically the camera flash reflecting off airborne particles, and questions why they are not seen in 35mm film or video. Callaghan acknowledges many such examples in digital images and personally believes they are camera artefacts, possibly related to infra-red focus control.

Sightings from the past over Hampshire

This section lists several historical UFO sightings in Hampshire, including an incident in Aldershot in 1965 involving a dog refusing to move and an object with revolving lights, and an encounter in 1983 where a witness was taken onboard a landed UFO but rejected for being too old. It also notes sightings of three slow-moving white lights in triangular formation near Andover in 1993.

SUFOG DIARY - 2005

This section provides a schedule of group meeting dates for 2005, running from January to December, including a Christmas Party meeting. It advises members to contact the editor to confirm if Sky Watch / Meetings are still proceeding due to potential weather cancellations or other commitments.

The UFO Debate on the Internet...

This section poses several questions about the state of UK UFOlogy, including its future after the closure of UFO Magazine, the impact of UK UFO magazines, readership of US and Brazilian magazines, and who will write the history of UFOlogy. It also questions whether the 'alien agenda' is a mystery and the role of psychologists in analyzing UFO-related video evidence.

'Aliens Made Me Drive Too Fast'

This BBC News report highlights ridiculous excuses given by speeding motorists, with one far-fetched claim involving seeing an alien ship. The Northumbria Safety Camera Partnership compiled a top 10 list of such excuses, emphasizing that while some mitigating reasons are considered, speeding is a serious issue.

NEWSPAPER REVIEWS BY ERNIE SEARS

Ernie Sears provides reviews of articles from "Fortean Times," including a piece on the UFO Museum in Istanbul and its curator's views on extraterrestrial threats. He also reviews "FORTEAN CASEBOOK," detailing the Bob Taylor incident and similar cases involving 'floating balls' and electrical discharges. Another review covers Jenny Randles' new section in "Fortean Times" featuring sighting reports and advice for investigators, referencing a 1954 encounter by Jesie Roestenberg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects a concern for the future of the Southampton UFO Group, citing declining membership and financial challenges within the UFOlogy field. There is a clear interest in documenting historical UFO cases, such as the Betty Hill and Bob Taylor incidents, and in analyzing contemporary phenomena like 'orbs.' The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging debate and the sharing of information among members, while also acknowledging the difficulties faced by UFO researchers and organizations. The inclusion of news from mainstream media outlets suggests an effort to connect UFOlogy with broader public discourse, even while highlighting skepticism and official responses, such as the Ministry of Defence's past actions.

This issue of SUFOG, identified as PAGE 11, delves into a variety of topics related to UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and the nature of belief. The content appears to be a collection of articles, reviews, and personal accounts, with a strong emphasis on investigative journalism and reader engagement. The magazine features a mix of detailed reports, opinion pieces, and discussions on current events within the UFO and paranormal communities.

Article: UFO Report: Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth

Steve Gerrard, SUFOG Chairman, reports on a UFO sighting on October 20th, 2004, near Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth. While driving, he observed a bright light that initially appeared to be a firework or flare but did not disappear and seemed to be approaching. He suspected it might be a helicopter due to its low flight and brightness. Gerrard pulled over and filmed the object. Upon zooming in, the object displayed irregular movement and a subtle strobe effect, with a rapid pulsing of light causing a fluctuating cross pattern in the lens flare. He notes the abrupt manner in which the light seemed to go on and off, suggesting it was too low to be behind a cloud. Gerrard is still investigating the incident, seeking explanations for the 'ring' effect and the object's behavior, and asks for input from readers regarding similar sightings.

Article: Magazine Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears provides a roundup of recent publications and articles of interest to the SUFOG readership.

UK National Archives

A 15-page report from the UK National Archives is discussed, which offers a 'weather balloon' explanation for some phenomena but acknowledges cases with no common explanation. It touches upon the secret history of the British Government and UFO incidents, including the Rendlesham event, and references sources from the US and UK.

UFO MONTHLY.COM

Sears reviews the October issue of UFO MONTHLY.COM, highlighting its coverage of a major mutilation case from Argentina, a tragic incident at Porton Down, and the US Air Force's study on psychic teleportation. The new Sky TV series 'The 4400' is also mentioned.

NEW BUFORA JOURNAL (Autumn 2004)

This journal features John Spencer's presentation on 'The Truth' regarding experiencers and abductees, historical reports like the McMinnville sighting, and side effects of encounters such as 'marks' and Near Death experiences.

ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

An article examines paranormal phenomena based on a 1973 Rand Corporation study, noting the USSR's consideration of 'religion' and 'the soul' as part of phenomena, and potential military applications of telepathy and clairvoyance.

Other Reviews

Reviews also include 'The Lost Land of Lyonesse', 'The Science and Politics of Mars', and an ITV 'alien' broadcast from the 1970s.

Article: Cellular Memory (Part 1)

Malcolm Robinson discusses the phenomenon of 'cellular memory' based on a Discovery UK Health program. The article explores how people who receive organ transplants sometimes develop new cravings, interests, or even skills that were characteristic of the donor. Examples include a woman who dreamt of the donor and a lady who developed a passion for karate after a transplant. Robinson posits that this could be related to 'genetic memory' or the ancestral DNA history stored within humans.

The article contrasts this with the concept of cryptomnesia, where memories learned through normal channels are unconsciously stored and can resurface later, potentially being mistaken for past-life experiences or UFO abduction memories. The author references studies by medical professionals like Candace Pert, who believes the mind exists throughout the body, not just in the brain, and that chemicals called neuropeptides play a role.

Article: The problem with being open-minded

Written by M.D. and Steven Novella, this article critically examines the concept of 'open-mindedness,' particularly within the context of UFO enthusiasm and paranormal claims. The authors argue that while an open mind is valuable, it should not equate to gullibility. They suggest that true believers often use the term 'open-minded' to dismiss skeptical arguments and label those who question their claims as 'closed-minded.' The article emphasizes that scientific claims require public, verifiable evidence, not secret knowledge or unquestioned virtues. It advocates for a balanced approach, where new ideas are considered but filtered through established knowledge and evidence.

Article: Cosmic Pulse or a strange cloud?

This section presents a photograph sent by a colleague, depicting a trail in the sky over Southampton. The colleague claims to have seen no airplane or anything leaving the trail. The author is mystified, questioning if it's an airplane trail breaking up or something else, possibly related to a 'Pulse' engine. The article speculates on the implications of testing such technology over populated areas and encourages readers to submit unexplained images for identification.

Article: UFO Review for November

This review highlights several sighting reports and news items:

• An Andover, Hants lady driver saw a large 'soap bubble' with black dots.
• A Canadian report details two triangular objects seen for 55 minutes in Ontario.
• A sighting over Shelton Lock, Derby, of a circular light that shrank and spiraled.
• The magazine notes the deaths of John E. Mack and astronaut Gordon Cooper, which brought UFOs and abductions to public attention.
• Mexican UFOs over the Popocatepetl volcano are shown in photos from 2002.
• Margaret Helen Fry's book 'Who are they?' about her personal involvement in abduction cases is mentioned.

Article: Cellular Memory Case Studies

This section presents three case studies illustrating the concept of cellular memory:

• Case Study 1: An 18-year-old girl, Danielle, who received a heart from a deceased 18-year-old boy, was able to complete the phrases of a song he had written, despite never having met him or heard his music.
• Case Study 2: A seven-month-old baby who received a heart from a boy with mild cerebral palsy developed the same stiffness and shaking on its left side.
• Case Study 3: A 47-year-old African-American male who received a heart from a 17-year-old developed a sudden love for classical music and playing the violin, mirroring the donor's passion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include UFO sightings and reports, the intriguing and often debated phenomenon of cellular memory, and a critical examination of the concept of open-mindedness. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that encourages investigation and evidence-based reasoning, while acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy conventional explanation. There is a clear distinction made between genuine open-mindedness, which involves critical analysis, and gullibility, which accepts claims without scrutiny. The editorial tone seems to be one of cautious inquiry, inviting readers to engage with complex topics and contribute their own experiences and insights.

This issue of SUFOG (dated October 2004, with a cover date of December 10th, 2004, as indicated by the Southampton Evening Echo clipping) focuses on recent UFO sightings and the historical context of government investigations into the phenomenon in the UK.

UFO Reports over Southampton and Portsmouth: October 2004

The magazine begins with reports from October 2004. On Monday, October 18th, SUFOG member Lorraine reported a 'tubular' object over Eastleigh, which she described as unlike any plane she recognized. It was low, noisy, and vanished behind shops. She estimated its size to be between a 5p and 20p coin at arm's length.

On Tuesday, October 19th, six people reported an unusual object over Southampton, originating from the docks and passing over Merryoak and Bitterne at low speed and with no sound. One witness described it as a 'Ferris Wheel' revolving slowly with holes around its perimeter through which the sky showed. These holes rotated faster than the rest of the object. Two photographs were taken but not yet developed.

On Tuesday, October 20th, over Portsdown Hill near Portsmouth, a witness driving west saw a light that initially seemed like a firework but grew brighter and did not go out. The witness pulled over and filmed the object, which appeared to go on and off abruptly before vanishing. The witness suggested a 'strange looping effect' in their photograph might be due to camera motion blur.

The report also mentions a 'chem trail' sighting where a trail appeared with no accompanying aircraft, remaining intact for some time. All these events occurred in the Southampton-Portsmouth area.

Calling ET

This section, seemingly a personal account or a letter to the editor of the 'Southampton Evening Echo' (dated December 10th, 2004), describes a strange out-of-body experience. The author, while driving on the A31 towards Ringwood on a Tuesday evening around 4:30 pm, witnessed a triangular-shaped aircraft hovering overhead with a spotlight. It was slow enough to be a helicopter but dissimilar. Checks with Southampton Airport and Hampshire police yielded no reports of 'strange aircraft'. The author humorously notes the skepticism encountered and invites contact from anyone who has had similar experiences.

The National Archives - UK

This section, dated November 5th, 2004, delves into the historical records available at The National Archives concerning UFOs. It explains that research notes are compiled from various sources to assist researchers and are not comprehensive. The article highlights that while the term 'UFO' is often associated with 'Alien Spaceship', for the Air Force it simply means an unidentified object.

UK History of UFOs

The article traces the history of UFO investigations in the UK, noting that while most recorded history is post-war, it's useful to look further back. A wave of airship sightings in America in 1896-1897 was mirrored by sightings in Britain between 1909 and 1912, which were perceived as German airships conducting reconnaissance. These sightings led to the strengthening of the Aerial Navigation Act of 1911 and the War Office developing anti-airship capabilities.

The 'Foo Fighter' mystery of World War II is mentioned, with official British reports detailing sightings of strange balls of light and metallic objects by aircrew. The year 1950 is identified as when UFOlogy gained significant traction in the UK, with major newspapers serializing books on the topic.

Media and Establishment Scrutiny

Beyond media coverage, senior establishment figures like Earl Mountbatten, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, and Sir Peter Horsley lobbied the government on the UFO issue. Sir Henry Tizard, Chief Scientific Adviser at the MOD, initiated a formal investigation due to increasing media attention.

The Flying Saucer Working Party

Established in October 1950 under strict secrecy, the Flying Saucer Working Party was tasked with reviewing evidence of 'Flying Saucers', examining British reports, and keeping in touch with American findings. The working party, headed by MOD scientific intelligence specialists, produced a report in June 1951 titled 'Unidentified Flying Objects', classified 'Secret Discreet'.

The report concluded that UFO sightings could be explained by misidentifications, optical illusions, psychological delusions, or hoaxes. It strongly recommended that no further investigation should occur unless material evidence became available, leading to the dissolution of the working party in 1951.

Sightings Continue

Despite the scepticism, the period between 1952 and 1957 saw a series of military UFO sightings that forced the MOD to reconsider its policy. By the mid-1950s, two Air Ministry Divisions were actively investigating UFO sightings to assess any potential threat to the UK.

Evidence

The article critically examines the evidence for UFOs, comparing photographs to those of the Loch Ness Monster, often being blurs or forgeries. It suggests that alleged physical evidence like debris or burn marks has turned out to be terrestrial or forgeries. The primary reasons for believing in UFOs are attributed to witness testimony, confusion between science fiction and science, a willingness to trust incompetent narrators, distrust of contrary sources as part of a conspiracy, and a desire for contact with the unknown.

Your Right to Know Extended

This section discusses the increasing release of government information to the public under the Freedom of Information Act. In 2002, the first tranche of secret information was released, with departments publishing their own schemes for public access. The National Archives holds historical records of the British Government's involvement in UFO investigations, with official reporting commencing in the early 1950s.

The article details the classification criteria used for UFO reports, including date, time, duration, description of the object, observer's position, how it was observed, direction, angle, distance, movements, meteorological conditions, nearby objects, reporter details, and any background information. It also lists specific AIR and AIR 20 file categories at the National Archives that contain documented sightings from 1960 to 1974, as well as reports from RAF Patrington.

Ministry of Defence Archives

This section provides information on accessing Ministry of Defence archives, including updated information on UFOs and the Rendlesham documents. It notes that the Rendlesham incident in Suffolk in 1980 remains unexplained.

US Government Sources

The article highlights the US government's extensive activity in recording and analyzing UFO sightings. It lists several key resources for UFO information gatherers:

1. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has placed declassified UFO documents online.
2. The National Security Agency (NSA) has also made declassified UFO documents available online.
3. The FBI has released declassified UFO documents in PDF format.
4. The US Air Force Project Blue Book records are available at the National Archives.

The history of Project Blue Book is outlined, from its establishment as Project Sign in 1947, its various designations (Grudge, Blue Book), and its termination in 1969. It details the types of records available, including case files, motion pictures, sound recordings, and photographs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the dual focus on contemporary UFO sightings and the historical governmental approach to the phenomenon. The magazine presents recent reports from the Southampton area alongside detailed accounts of past investigations by UK and US authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging unexplained phenomena while also presenting the official, often skeptical, conclusions of government bodies. There's an emphasis on the importance of archival research and the public's right to access information. The 'Calling ET' section adds a personal, slightly whimsical touch, highlighting the difficulty of being believed when reporting unusual experiences.