Sussex Circular - 1994 no 28

Magazine Overview

Title: SUSSEX CIRCULAR
Issue: 28
Date: April 1994
Publisher: Centre for Crop Circle Studies (Sussex Branch)

This issue of the Sussex Circular, the magazine for the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (Sussex Branch), covers a range of topics relevant to the crop circle phenomenon and related interests.

Annual General Meeting and Council Elections

The CCCS Annual General Meeting was held in Andover. A significant decision was made to change the election process, allowing the membership to elect the Chairman for a one-year term. Michael Green was re-elected Chairman, with Lucy Pringle and Richard Andrews narrowly losing out. The newly elected council members include Barbara Davies, Michael Glickman, Lucy Pringle, John Sayer, Richard Smith, and George Wingfield. Paul Vigay was co-opted onto the council. The editor notes the growing number of co-optees and questions whether new posts should be created to accommodate them.

Crop Circle Reports and Observations

Steve Alexander submitted photos of crop circles from Avebury, including a 'car tyre' formation that, upon closer inspection, did not show tyre marks. A report of a soil circle found at Alton Barnes in February 1992 is also mentioned, with a call for further information.

SETI Project Revival

The American SETI project, which searches for intelligent radio signals from space, has been revived with private funding. Arthur C. Clarke is mentioned as a supporter. However, concerns are raised about the project's feasibility and speculation that it might be a cover for detecting extraterrestrial transmissions closer to home.

Upcoming Events and Phenomena

Brief details are given of a mass 'Om' session planned for Wembley in the summer, drawing a parallel to a 'Quatermass' television story. The issue also notes the impending approach of a comet, described as a 'Jupiter doom merchant', which is expected to cause significant explosions in the solar system in July.

NEWS: Project Sky

Andy Thomas reports on 'Project Sky', an initiative coordinated by Karen Douglas. Building on previous CCCS Sussex meditations aimed at contacting 'circlemakers', Project Sky seeks to unite crop circle enthusiasts globally for a synchronized attempt to transmit a mass communication to these entities. The ideal scenario involves local branches gathering at crop formations, or alternative 'sacred' sites if formations are absent. The event is tentatively scheduled for July 1st and July 29th, with further details to be announced. Information and contributions can be sent to Karen Douglas.

NEWS: Mysterious Strobe and Red Lights Update

This section provides an update on an event from July 28, 1993, involving Martin Noakes, Andy Thomas, and others who went to Wiltshire hoping to observe strange green lights. Instead, they witnessed an intense flashing strobe light and small red lights blinking in a field. Initially suspected to be an experiment by Steven Greer's CSETI team, the group retreated due to fear of stumbling upon a secret military exercise. Later, Colin Andrews and Sue investigated and found a house and farm buildings in the area. A man suggested the light was a bird-scarer, but the witnesses found this explanation unsatisfactory due to the circumstances. The conclusion reached is that these were indeed CSETI-related incidents, with the strobe light possibly being a signal from an extraterrestrial craft.

Further reports detail glowing green lights seen by multiple witnesses, described as inconsistent with luminous balloons. Additionally, on July 26th, dark shapes, described as large black triangles, were observed flying rapidly over the downs near Alton Barnes. The author emphasizes that these events are mysterious and cannot be easily dismissed as hoaxes.

FEATURES: Wolfgang Schindler's Crop Circle Sequences

This section introduces Wolfgang Schindler, a German researcher who collects and arranges crop circle designs into sequences to show their evolution. His work suggests a potential 'learning program' for understanding the phenomenon. Schindler also identifies significant dates of formation appearance and examines the geometries within formations. A warning is issued about the potential power of diagrams, with an anecdote about a diagram causing strange sounds and crackling noises.

VIEWS: Colin Andrews on Macnish's 'Apocalypse'

Colin Andrews reviews John Macnish's book 'Cropcircle Apocalypse', which concludes that the crop circle phenomenon is a hoax, attributing even older formations to the hoaxers Doug and Dave. Andrews acknowledges the validity of some of Macnish's information regarding recent hoaxes but is convinced of a real, important phenomenon that Macnish avoids discussing. Andrews points out that Macnish avoids unexplained circles and that Doug and Dave's claims about when they started making formations have shifted. The review highlights Macnish's focus on easily explainable footage and his avoidance of more complex or anomalous evidence. Andrews emphasizes the need to collate information to look for discrepancies and to distinguish genuine phenomena from hoaxes, rather than relying on privately held beliefs.

VIEWS: Barry Reynolds Reviews 'Cropcircle Apocalypse'

Barry Reynolds also reviews John Macnish's book, criticizing its quality and Macnish's conclusions. Reynolds points out numerous spelling and grammatical errors in the book and questions Macnish's ability to recall facts, citing an instance where Macnish misremembered his hosts' names. Reynolds highlights Macnish's tendency to dismiss or downplay inexplicable events that occurred while he was present, such as malfunctioning cameras or unidentified aerial objects, while focusing on minor details like vehicle registration numbers. Reynolds strongly refutes Macnish's claims that all circles are hoaxes, particularly the idea that Doug and Dave could have created complex formations in seconds. He also criticizes Macnish's explanation of how formations are made, using examples of pole vaulting over crops. Reynolds concludes that Macnish's book contains contradictions and unsubstantiated claims, and that the author may have been complicit in witnessing and documenting crop destruction.

Reynolds also discusses the ease with which time-lapse photographic evidence of hoaxing can be faked using modern computer technology, demonstrating how a formation like the Barbury Castle triangle can be simulated. He advises readers to be aware of this when presented with such 'proof'.

Forthcoming Attractions: Mary Bennett

An upcoming event features Mary Bennett, a writer and editor specializing in the metaphysical and Extra-Terrestrial Intelligences. Her presentation, titled 'Cabbages or Kings?', will explore the relationship between crop circles and Extra-Terrestrial consciousness and preparedness for multi-dimensional change. The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 19th, at the 1st Burgess Hill Scout HQ, West Sussex, with an admission fee for members and non-members.

Letters to the Editor

A letter from 'Dr James B Beam' responds to Martin Noakes' article on alien abduction, offering counselling sessions for post-traumatic stress disorder and suggesting help with an 'axe situation'.

Earth Alignment Day

An announcement for an 'Earth Alignment Day' event at Wembley Arena on Sunday, August 21st, 1994, described as a non-denominational gathering for peace and harmony, featuring a combined OM chant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the crop circle phenomenon, UFO sightings, and related paranormal topics. There is a clear skepticism towards claims of widespread hoaxing, particularly as presented in John Macnish's book, with a strong emphasis on investigating and presenting evidence for genuine phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to question claims and seek verifiable evidence. The inclusion of 'Project Sky' highlights a proactive approach to engaging with the phenomenon, while the reviews section demonstrates a willingness to critically examine different perspectives within the field.