SUFOG Newsletter No 191-192

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group newsletter, Number 191-192, covers the period September-October 2006. The cover prominently features the masthead 'SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP' and highlights 'Latest photographs from 'George' in Portsmouth', accompanied by a collage of images related to alleged UFO sightings.

Editors Corner

The 'Editors Corner' on page 2 addresses several key points. The editor notes the passing of another month and the issue seeing changes, particularly a significant impact on the group. A sad announcement is made regarding the increase in subscription charges, stating that the group cannot continue as it is and risks the magazine ceasing publication. The editor expresses opposition to reducing the number of pages to save costs, believing it would decrease the magazine's value and lead to the omission of important content. They acknowledge that other magazines have more subscribers, but emphasize the importance of maintaining content quality. The editor also notes the inclusion of two extra pages in this edition due to larger articles and the decision to include all material rather than omit it, despite minimal increases in production costs. Readers are encouraged to contribute personal items, press cuttings, or reviews. Plans for 2007 are mentioned, including an open day and an event at Avebury, with organizer Roger planning further details. Suggestions for fundraising events and trips are welcomed via email.

Contents

The contents page lists articles such as 'Editors Corner', 'A UFO Pub?', 'Subscription increase 2007', 'UFO's Over Hampshire', 'Contact Corner & SUFOG Diary', 'UK UFO Reports', 'Newspaper Reviews', 'Magazine Reviews', 'World News & UFO Reports', 'Book Reviews', 'Paranormal SUFOG', 'Phantoms Found at Newspaper Office', 'Twilight Zone Motors in on Gosport Road', and 'Late Newspaper Articles'.

The Flying Saucer Pub

Page 3 features an image of a pub and explains its connection to UFOs. The editor addresses the unusual inclusion of a pub picture, clarifying that it is a real establishment named 'The Flying Saucer' located in Gillingham, Kent. The pub was named in the 1950s and 60s due to numerous UFO reports in the area, and the previous publican had also experienced a UFO sighting. The editor humorously suggests this as an excuse for being drunk.

Financial Breakdown and Subscription Increase

Also on page 3, the editor discusses the rising quality of the magazine and the need for change due to increased production costs, including ink (Epson cartridges), paper, and postage. The group has absorbed these costs but can no longer afford to subsidize the magazine. A breakdown shows a potential deficit of £155.00 for 2006/07, with each magazine costing £2.80 to produce and post, totaling £16.80 for six issues. The group subsidizes members by £6.80 annually. To avoid the publication going under, subscriptions will rise to £15.00 per year from January 1st, 2007. The editor hopes for continued support despite the potential loss of members.

Page 4 provides a detailed financial breakdown. Paper costs are £79.92, envelopes £15.00, ink £671.04, and postage £149.34, totaling £915.30 in expenditure. Current income includes meetings (£150.00), other magazine sales (£150.00), donations (£120.00), and subscriptions (£450.00), totaling £870.00. However, the expenditure is £760.00, resulting in a deficit of £155.00 for 2006/7. The cost per magazine issue is £2.80, meaning £16.80 is needed per subscription to cover costs. The group subsidizes the magazine by £465.00 per year (£6 per member). Funding as of January 1st, 2007, is projected at £985.00, with an estimated income of £985.00 and expenditure of £915.30 for 2008, leaving a carry-forward of £69.70.

UFO's Over Hampshire (SUFOG Catalogue - Part 2)

This section details several UFO sightings in Aldershot:

• March 30, 2003, 8:00 PM: A very large delta-shaped formation of steady red lights was reported, with no noise, and was directly reported to the MoD.
• September 2004, 2:15 PM: Two witnesses observed a cigar-shaped object for 20 minutes, described as a shiny cylinder that moved randomly, horizontally, and vertically.
• December 27, 2004: An elongated silvery diamond-shaped craft was observed at an altitude of 20,000 feet, moving slowly and silently.
• July 15, 2006, 6:30 AM: Two lights, one pink and one white, were seen cruising at speed in a NW direction. They changed direction towards each other but avoided collision before retaining their original flight path.

SUFOG Contact Corner & Diary

Page 5 lists contact details for various UFO organizations worldwide, including UPRI in Ireland, DEGUFO in Germany, Victorian UFO Society in Australia, and others in Japan, the UK, and the USA. It also provides subscription details for the Southampton UFO Group newsletter, which consists of at least 12 double-sided A4 pages. UK Single Membership is £10.00, Joint £15.00, and Family (4) £25.00 per year, including postage. The SUFOG Diary for 2006 includes a 'Paranormal Evening' on November 15th and 'The Russian Roswell and The Day After Roswell' on December 13th. Meetings are held at the CIU Club in Southampton every Tuesday from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, costing £3.00 to cover room hire. Attendees are advised to contact the editor to confirm meeting details due to potential cancellations.

UK UFO Reports

Page 6 features an interview with Nick Pope, who ran the MoD's investigative department from 1991 to 1994. Pope discusses an article in The Guardian about the MoD considering avoiding disclosure of the DI55 unit's involvement in UFO investigations. He explains that his job was to research sightings for potential threats to national defense. Pope states that many UFO sightings are misidentifications, and his investigation process involved eliminating ordinary explanations like aircraft, weather balloons, and satellites. He received 200-300 reports annually, explaining about 80% of them, with 15% lacking sufficient information, and 5% being genuinely interesting.

On page 7, Pope discusses his theories, stating he has none because the cases remain unknowns, and he cannot rule out extraterrestrial origins. He acknowledges that some people consider UFO research a waste of time but asserts he did his job to the best of his ability. He disputes the term 'cover-up', suggesting 'downplayed' is more accurate, and confirms the UFO project he was involved with still exists, now primarily responding to Freedom of Information Act requests.

Strange Lights Give Driver A Fright

On page 7, an article from 'The Evening Star' (September 13, 2006) reports on a Suffolk teenager who was chased by floating lights while driving over the Orwell Bridge. The 18-year-old saw two spinning lights about 12 feet ahead of her car. The lights followed her, causing her to miss a turn. She described them as a dull color, hovering above her windscreen, and definitely staying with the car. She later read a letter in the same newspaper from someone else who had seen similar lights.

Mystery After UFO Sighting

Page 8 details a sighting reported in 'News Shopper' (September 12, 2006). Helen Hanreck and her partner, Nick Claydon, reported seeing more than six red lights moving silently across the night sky in an inverted V shape with a long tail. They initially thought it might be aircraft or a terrorist attack but realized the lights were moving in a different direction. North Kent police confirmed receiving one report of flashing lights at 10:01 PM on September 8th. The couple, who visited Roswell, USA, are mystified by the event, describing it as like watching Chinese lanterns. They are not believers in spaceships but are intrigued by the unexplained lights.

The page also mentions that east Suffolk was the site of a major UFO mystery in 1980 when US servicemen reported strange lights near USAF Woodbridge during Christmas.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

Page 9 begins the 'Newspaper Reviews' section by Ernie Sears, focusing on an article from 'The Guardian' (September 25, 2006) titled 'Is There Anybody Out There? How The Men From The Ministry Hid The Hunt For UFOs...'. The article reveals that the MoD tried to cover up its secret investigation unit, DI55, with 10,000 eyewitness reports allegedly dismissed as 'mostly due to weather'. Secret documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show the MoD's extraordinary lengths to conceal its involvement in UFO investigations. Officials attempted to expunge information from documents released to the Public Records Office under the '30-year rule'. The files were made public following FOI requests by David Clarke and Andy Roberts. Dr. Clarke stated the documents show how desperate the MoD was to conceal intelligence services' interest in the subject.

The trail began with a 1976 request from UFO enthusiast Julian Hennessy. A note from the MoD's UFO desk indicated an intention to refuse access, citing confidential information and 'very little of value to a serious scientific investigator'. However, it also noted that DI55 sometimes made extensive inquiries and that it was 'undesirable that even a hint of this should become public'.

Mr. Hennessy, now a magistrate, was not surprised, stating, 'Everything led me to believe there was a major cover up going on.' He felt the MoD did not want the public to know how interested they were.

Page 10 continues the review. It details attempts to alter public records into the 1990s, with a 1993 memo from DI55 arguing for the excision of the unit's involvement from records. A clerical error in 1983 had inadvertently left the distribution list on a released UFO-related document, leading to questions from enthusiasts. Dr. Clarke noted that DI55 eventually allowed its involvement to be made public, with a 1995 memo stating there was 'no reason for continuing to deny that the [Defence Intelligence Service] has an interest in UFOs.' The memo also suggested that public disclosure could lead to disbelief and embarrassment due to a lack of funds and higher priorities preventing study of the thousands of reports.

A note in the margin of the document read 'ouch!'. Dr. Clarke commented that the lengths taken to remove mention of DI55's role suggested something was being hidden, not evidence of ET visits, but embarrassment over public money being spent on investigations without depth. The full extent of DI55's involvement was revealed in a 500-page document obtained by Dr. Clarke, which stated the existence of UAPs was 'indisputable' but blamed sightings on airborne 'plasmas' or weather conditions.

The section also briefly mentions other historical sightings: a crimson ball in Warminster (1965), a UFO photographed in Warminster (1965), a claimed hoax photo of a cotton reel and button, a UFO crash landing in Rendlesham forest (1980) nicknamed 'Britain's Roswell', and policeman Alan Godfrey's sighting of a six-metre wide dome-like object in Todmorden (1980).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and investigations, particularly within the UK. There is a strong focus on government involvement and secrecy, with detailed discussions about the Ministry of Defence's DI55 unit and efforts to control public information. Witness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena are presented as factual reports, with an emphasis on credible witnesses like police officers and pilots. The newsletter also addresses the practicalities of running a UFO group, including financial management, subscription costs, and event planning. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the challenges of funding and public perception. The editor advocates for maintaining the quality and content of the magazine despite financial pressures, highlighting the importance of reader contributions and support.

SUFOG (PAGE 11) is an issue of a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, conspiracy theories, and related topics. This particular issue, dated around September 2006, features a cover headline "THE UFO CONSPIRACY" suggesting a focus on government secrecy and alleged cover-ups regarding alien spacecraft. The content appears to be a collection of news reports, personal accounts, and reviews of books and other publications within the UFO community.

Key Articles and Reports

Cover Story: THE UFO CONSPIRACY

The cover story, "THE UFO CONSPIRACY," is highlighted by a "Gigantic headline" in the DAILY EXPRESS of Tuesday, September 8th. The article suggests that successive governments have withheld information about 'alien spacecraft' to protect the public, questioning the rationale behind such secrecy. The previous day's GUARDIAN is mentioned for a similar article featuring a UFO photo over the House of Commons.

Project Condign

In May 2006, the MoD released details of Project Condign, a four-year secret study into UFO explanations. The report concluded that many sightings could be attributed to glowing "plasmas" of gas created by electrical charges. The article mentions PC Alan Godfrey, who was pictured with drawings of aliens from his 1980 abduction experience, and ex-MOD UFO deskman Nick Pope, who questions the "whitewash" surrounding the MOD's findings.

Extraterrestrial Life and Scientific Skepticism

The issue touches upon the broader debate surrounding extraterrestrial life, quoting a statement that its "conclusively proved... or disproved" and represents "the most profound development for the human race, outside proof that there is a God." It questions the silence of figures like "Pope" and contrasts the acceptance of UFO phenomena by experiencers and abductees with the "FEAR" and "GUILT" of authorities regarding disclosure. Dr. David Clarke is mentioned critically for his skepticism regarding "plasma" explanations.

THE TIMES and Paranormal Research

THE TIMES is noted for a series of letters to the editor discussing the paranormal and the scientific community's attitude towards it. Excerpts from articles like "Science resists the unknown" and "The paranormal must prove itself to science" are mentioned. The work of Rupert Sheldrake, author and investigator into unexplained human abilities, is highlighted, with his article "Gosh, I was just thinking about you" being described as amusing and correct.

Scientific Views on Extraterrestrial Planets and Climate Change

In September, THE TIMES also reported that "earth-like planets around distant stars are much more common than scientists had thought," with American astronomers finding that over a third of 150 solar systems detected are likely to have small planets suitable for life. Another newspaper reported that by the end of the century, Earth will be hotter than in the previous ten million years, with fifty percent of equatorial species having moved to colder climates.

Book Review: THE CREATION

THE SUNDAY EXPRESS provides a review of a book titled "THE CREATION," with the headline "Plea to save the world from homo sapiens." The author, E. G. Wilson, is quoted saying, "Digging our own graves" and "Nature and the rest of us poor saps are in deep trouble." The book is published by Norton at £13.99.

Magazine Reviews: UFO DATA BASE, OVNI, UFO MAGAZINE (USA)

Ernie Sears reviews several UFO-related publications:

• UFO DATA BASE for Sept/Oct 2006: Noted for improving and forecasting advances in 2007.
• OVNI magazine: Comes in a yellow jacket and features articles on UFOs, including a report on Roswell, the 'recovered' metallic object, and a flying triangle from Ohio. It also discusses the new solar cycle and its potential effects.
• UFO MAGAZINE (USA): Praised for its content, including a 12-page interview with Whitley Strieber and his wife, Anne Strieber, who discusses "quantum physics" as the answer to alien intelligences.

World News & UFO Reports

This section compiles various global UFO sightings and related news:

• Santa Monica, USA: Numerous daylight UFO sightings have been reported since June 28th, 2006, with some filmed flying in formation. Several sightings were observer interactive and appeared after being psychically requested.
• Adelaide, Australia: Dozens of people have reported close encounters, with sightings of silver discs, flashing lights, and cigar-shaped orange craft. An event was planned at the Marion Sports and Recreation Centre, featuring UK author Timothy Good.
• Slovenia: A retired lady reported seeing a glowing sky body, described as a circle and saucer-shaped, hovering over treetops.
• Palermo, Colombia: Reports of lights and unidentified objects in September 2006, with some suggesting a connection to political campaigns.
• Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: A strange light in the sky, changing colors and moving erratically, was observed on September 11, 2006.
• Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada: A UFO shaped like a football was seen hovering low to the ground on September 11, 2006.
• Caledon, Ontario, Canada: Photos were taken of a UFO sighting on August 2, 2006, during a drive to photograph the moon.
• Mexico: Captain Luis Guillermo Cruz reported a tubular unidentified flying object with a metallic appearance over Lake Tequesquitengo on September 16, 2006.

Book Reviews: CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE, UFOS IN IRELAND

Ernie Sears reviews "CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE, UFOS IN IRELAND" by Dermot Butler and Carl Nally. The book is a 240-page paperback detailing UFO sightings in Ireland over hundreds of years, featuring accounts from pilots and engineers who had previously remained silent. The review notes its "LONG and GRIPPING story" and its focus on Irish UFO research, abductions, and crashes.

Book Review: Margaret-Ellen Fry's Work

The review also mentions Margaret-Ellen Fry's 155-page paperback, which includes sightings and encounters, some multi-witnessed. Her work is linked to Desmond Leslie and her own experiences dating back to July 1955, including an encounter with "three shining men" descending from an object.

Personal Encounters and UFOlogy

Margaret Fry's own experiences are detailed, including a close encounter in 1955 where a "shadow" engulfed her car, and a spinning, solidifying craft with "three ball bearing-like wheels" was observed. Her testimony led her to join BUFORA and Contact International. The review also touches upon Geoff Ambler's explanation of a "cigar" photo and the formation of the Welsh Federation of Independent UFOlogists.

UFO Magazine and Paranormal Magazine

PARANORMAL MAGAZINE is noted for its October issue, which is described as lacking in UFO matters. The reviewer expresses frustration at not receiving a reply to a submission of photos and explanations. The issue mentions a Meridian TV series with a "spooky" aspect, but notes the exclusion of UFOs compared to "ghost" stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, the scientific community's skepticism versus the experiences of witnesses, and the global nature of UFO sightings. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation, often framed within a "conspiracy" narrative. The editorial stance appears to be pro-UFO disclosure and critical of official explanations or dismissals of sightings. The magazine actively promotes the idea that "experiencers" are the true experts and that "they" (presumably extraterrestrials) are trying to communicate, but humanity is unwilling to understand. The publication also seems to encourage reader participation through reviews and sharing of information.

SUFOG, issue page 21, dated September 26, 2006, is a publication from The Journal of Hispanic Ufology. The cover prominently features the headline 'THE PARANORMAL HAS ARRIVED IN SUFOG...' and lists topics such as 'Supernatural Unexplained Flying Saucers', 'Open Minded Ghosts', and 'Paranormal Investigations'.

Argentina: New Cattle Mutilation Reports From La Pampa

A report from Raul Oscar Chaves of CIUFOS-LAPAMPA details new cases of animal mutilation in the Sierras de Lihue region of La Pampa, Argentina. On National Route No. 35, a Polled Hereford calf and a red Aberdeen Angus cow were found dead and mutilated. Further west, on the 'Mari Epu' ranch, a Polled Hereford bull was also found mutilated. Bernardo Cueto, the owner, reported the find to local police. Cueto described one animal as appearing to have 'pitched downward, lying on its stomach as if its legs had slowly given way.' On the return trip, Jorge Howe of the 'Los Corrales' ranch reported the discovery of three black Aberdeen Angus cows, also dead and mutilated.

Saskatchewan, Canada: Crop Circle Seen Near Moose Jaw

Lois Baillie, a researcher with the Canadian Crop Circle Research Network, is investigating recently discovered crop circles in Saskatchewan. Baillie's examination of aerial and close-up photos suggests the circles are not man-made. The impressions resemble two light bulbs connected to a stomach-shaped feature, with the shapes measuring over seven metres in diameter. These circles were found on a pasture south of Buffalo Pound Lake in the Moose Jaw district. It is noted that this is the first time crop circles have been found in the area in three years, and the formation's open loop and grass movement patterns are considered surprising and difficult for humans to replicate.

Chile: Renewed Chupacabras Attack In Calama

Residents of the Chunchuri Bajo sector in Calama, Chile, are concerned about a renewed 'Chupacabras' attack. A local woman reported hearing strange noises and discovered over 10 animals dead in their pens the next day. Paranormal researcher Jaime Ferrer investigated, noting the absence of bite marks and the presence of a deep hole on one rabbit, characteristic of a 'Chupacabras' attack. Ferrer suggested that the attack was not by starving dogs, as no animals were devoured. The affected resident's pet dog also appeared grief-stricken.

Beloit, Kansas, USA: What Made The Circle?

Jane Wallace described a large circle, approximately 133 feet by 132 feet, found in her sorghum-sudangrass field near Beloit, Kansas. While certain it wasn't a UFO, Wallace stated, 'We're just saying it wasn't man-made,' suggesting 'some other kind of phenomena.' The circle became a tourist attraction, drawing investigators from other states, including Rich Webb and Ted Robertson, who determined it to be non-man-made.

Phantoms found at newspaper Office

The offices of the Hampshire Chronicle in Winchester, UK, were investigated by a television ghost hunting team from the 'Phantom or Fraud' project. The team spent the night and became convinced the building, which has a history dating back to 1300, houses several spirits. Reports include a ghost of a woman clanking machinery and the presence of an undertaker with a coach and horses. While the team did not directly see ghosts, clairvoyants reported sensing multiple spirits, including one in the editorial office and a lady in a white coat. They also perceived scenes of a pub and animals in a staff training room.

Gosport, UK: Twilight zone motors in on Gosport road

Motorists in Gosport, Hants, are baffled by a 50-yard stretch of Percy Road where their cars inexplicably refuse to start. Residents report that 'unknown forces' are shutting down car immobilisers and electric starters. Wayne Dobson discovered the problem with his Land Rover, and neighbours have experienced the same issue. Brenda Winn reported a similar problem with her Kia Picanto, where the RAC found the battery to be fully charged and no fault with the car.

Book Review: Timothy Good's 'Need to Know'

The reviewer discusses Timothy Good's book 'Need to Know', describing it as a 'top class publication' that 'TELLS THE TRUTH'. The book reportedly exposes military and intelligence reports confirming the existence of UFOs, including details of orders to intercept and fire on them. The reviewer notes the disturbing implications for civilization and the ongoing interest from 'visitors'. The book's chapters cover a range of topics from 1960-2006, including 'Blackout', 'Encounters at Sea', and 'Intrusions at USAF Bases'. The reviewer praises the book for its additional clarification and information beyond Good's previous works.

UK Ministry of Defence UFO Reports

Reports from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) indicate that Britain has received 714 reports of unidentified flying objects in the last six years (since 2001). Junior defence minister Derek Twigg stated that only 12 of these reports were deemed 'worthy of further consideration' and none were considered a threat to UK airspace. The MoD's analysis is solely to determine if UK airspace has been compromised. Another junior minister, Don Touhig, previously denied that the MoD had run a specific 'UFO project', stating that reports were checked by desk officers to rule out violations of British airspace.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include unexplained phenomena such as cattle mutilations, crop circles, ghost sightings, and UFO reports. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various accounts and investigations. There is an emphasis on the 'truth' emerging from secrecy, particularly concerning UFOs and government involvement, as highlighted by the review of Timothy Good's book and the discussion of MoD reports. The editorial also encourages readers to share any paranormal articles they encounter, suggesting a desire to foster a community of interest and investigation.