Sussex Circular - 1995 no 43

Magazine Overview

This issue of SC Magazine, number 43, dated July 1995, is titled 'THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF CROP CIRCLES AND BEYOND'. It is published by SC and priced at £1.00. The cover features a prominent stylized 'SC' logo and a detailed illustration of a crop circle formation resembling a solar system. Key articles highlighted on the cover include 'Latest National Formations', 'Alien Communication Experiments', a piece on 'Ed Sherwood', and 'Sacred Sites Threatened With Extinction'. The magazine is edited by Andy Thomas and produced by members of CCCS Sussex.

Articles and Features

News: Circles '95 Update #3

Barry Reynolds reports on the latest crop formation developments in England for the 1995 season. He notes an amendment to the 'galaxy' formation at Bratton, clarifying it as a 'solar system' with nine large rings. The astronomical theme continues with formations resembling an 'asteroid belt'. Several significant formations appeared on June 20th, including one at Bishops Sutton, Hampshire, with 99 circles, and another at Titchfield. A particularly impressive formation at Longwood Warren, Hampshire, is described as a 'necklace' of grapeshot. Hampshire is noted as a focus for formations this summer, with examples like the 'speaker cone' at Cowdown and a 'scorpion'-type formation at Danebury Hill. Other formations mentioned include those at Old Pound Earthworks, Whitchurch, and Dunley. The issue also notes formations in Wiltshire, Lancashire, and Shropshire, including a 'dragon's footprints' formation at Uppington, which reportedly generated 'ghostly children's voices'. Sussex formations are also detailed, including a 'splurge' at Alfriston and formations at Southease and Alfriston. A formation at Kingley Vale and another at Binsted are also mentioned, the latter sighted after a strange light in the sky.

Crop Circle Formations in Sussex

SC Magazine, produced by members of CCCS Sussex, features detailed reports on formations within the counties of East and West Sussex. A formation seen on May 31st, 1995, near Alfriston, is described as a quadruple-ringed circle with four galaxy arms, laid anticlockwise. It was visible from several country lanes and near landmarks like the Long Man of Wilmington. The formation, covering half an acre, had crop laid anticlockwise despite appearing to represent a spinning clockwise object. It featured tramlines with standing crop curtains and nodes that were visibly swollen. The central circle had shredded crop, suggesting a lack of moisture. The dimensions of the second ring were determined by tractor wheel spacing, and the arms were formed from ellipses. The formation was filmed by Meridian TV and Anglia Television.

Reports: Tales of Sherwood

Ed Sherwood recounts his experiences with extraterrestrial encounters, starting at age nine with a 'being with almond-shaped eyes'. He claims to see ETs and UFOs regularly, often after receiving mental guidance. He has experienced missing time and out-of-body experiences, and believes that photographic equipment can prevent encounters. He also reports seeing an 'ambler-gambler' or 'orange plasma ball' create a crop formation. Sherwood has been assisting Andy Collins with orgone research and has had some success in identifying UFOs through meditation. He believes crop formations are connected to sun-spot activity and an 11-year UFO cycle.

Features: Disappearing Dragons

Debbie Pardoe investigates the 'Win Tun Dragon' legend in the Cheesefoot Head/Winchester area, noting its threat of extinction along with stone circles, barrows, and Sacred Sites of Britain. The dragon's spine is described as a series of ridges and hills. The article discusses the historical significance of St. Catherines Hill and Old Winchester Hill as sacred mounts. It laments the impact of modern development, such as the M3 extension, on these ancient sites. The article also touches upon other threatened sites like Solsbury Hillfort, Cissbury Ring, and Stonehenge, highlighting issues of land development, quarrying, and military activity. The author expresses concern over the lack of legal protection for these heritage sites.

Features: Talk to Us!

Erik Beckjord reports on three seasons of alien communication experiments in the UK. In 1991, he participated in cutting an 80m x 8m phrase 'TALK TO US!' into wheat at Hackpen Farm, Wiltshire. Strange letters and symbols appeared nearby days later, which he interprets as a response to their message. In 1993, he created an 'English Lesson for Aliens' formation. In 1994, he cut a formation depicting a handshake between a man and an alien, with the letters 'P.A.L.' for Project Alien Liaison. This was followed by a large 'heart' formation appearing in California, which he believes was a response. Beckjord suggests that aliens may not engage in complex discourse but communicate through simpler messages, perhaps viewing crop circles as a form of play.

Letters

Several letters are included. Peter Mearns agrees with an article on dowsing. Erik Beckjord responds to a previous letter regarding 'we'. Anne Brocklehurst (Smith) orders a 'Two-Thirds Weight Lifting Kit'. Mary Bennett inquires about ordering two sets of the 'Two-Thirds Why Wait-Lift kit - De Luxe Version' as a gift subscription, with a specific dedication.

Cornography with Michael Glickman

Michael Glickman expresses skepticism about crop circle hoaxes, finding revolutionary ideas distasteful and dangerous. He recounts an experience where CNN's database on crop circles was severely edited, leaving only items about 'Doug & Dave', which he initially suspected as evidence of a conspiracy but later attributed to a computer error. He praises John Martineau's book 'A Book of Coincidence' for its geometric analysis of crop circles and its contribution to understanding the phenomenon. Glickman suggests that humanity should be 'Wisdom Harvesters' rather than 'Information Harvesters', hoping the crop circle phenomenon leads to wisdom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of crop circles, presenting them as more than mere hoaxes. There is a strong emphasis on geometric analysis, potential extraterrestrial communication, and the connection of crop circles to ancient sites and earth energies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these phenomena, while acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence. The magazine also highlights the preservation of ancient heritage sites as a significant concern, linking them thematically to the crop circle phenomenon. The overall tone is investigative and often speculative, encouraging readers to consider deeper meanings and possibilities beyond conventional explanations.