Sussex Circular - 1995 no 44

Magazine Overview

Title: SC
Issue: 44
Date: August 1995
Price: £1.00
Publisher: SC
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of SC, 'The Monthly Magazine of Crop Circles and Beyond', delves into various aspects of the crop circle phenomenon, alongside related topics such as UFOs and earth energies. The cover highlights key events including the CCCS Conference and The Glastonbury Symposium, the latest national formations, and the Sussex Communication Experiment.

Editor's Notes and Letters

Editor Andy Thomas opens with reflections on the scientific community's acceptance of crop circle research, referencing Dr. Levengood's work being featured in The Journal of Scientific Exploration. He addresses criticisms of Levengood and the general resistance to new discoveries. Thomas also apologizes for a scheduling error with 'The Magic & Mystery Show' and notes a recent dig at SC from the CCCS publication 'The Circular', promising a reply. He expresses gratitude to Barbara Davies for her work as editor of 'The Circular'.

News and Updates

CIRCLES '95 UPDATE #4 by Andy Thomas reports on the 1995 crop formation season, noting its premature close due to an early harvest. Despite fewer formations, the quality remained high, with a shift in concentration from Wiltshire to Sussex. The report details various formations in Hampshire, including complex ringed circles, dumbbell shapes, and 'grapeshot' patterns. Notable formations include one near a sewage plant at Goodworth Clatford and several at Andover. A formation at Market Lavington featured 'coat-hanger hooks', and a complex quintuplet appeared at Brockwood Park. The East Meon formation is described as a 'staggering configuration of standing rings and crescents'. Wiltshire formations are noted for their simplicity, such as a two-circle design at Roundway.

SNIP! discusses selective editing by the BBC, specifically the removal of segments related to the 'Face on Mars' from a 'Timewatch' program about John Anthony West's research on the Sphinx.

The Wolstonbury Experiment

Paul Bura recounts an attempt by CCCS Sussex to communicate with the 'circle-making force' through an experiment at Wolstonbury Hill on June 28th, 1995. The experiment involved using sound (a dowsed chord) and crystals, with the assistance of a spiritual entity named 'Damus'. The experiment aimed to stimulate an earth energy line. Following the experiment, energy line readings significantly increased, and a crop formation later appeared in East Grinstead, directly linked to the energy line but in the opposite direction of the intended target. The formation's structure was noted to correspond with the dowsed musical chord. The report also touches on the 'Roswell' alien autopsy film controversy, with Dr. C.M. Milroy's report suggesting the cadaver was human with malformations, though some features were unusual.

Formation Surveys

SUSSEX CROP FORMATIONS '95: 3) LONG BURGH by Debbie Pardoe surveys a formation found near Alfriston, East Sussex. The formation, described as an irregular shape with a rough standing center in wild grass, was found on June 23rd, 1995. It featured a flattened grass area with bent nodes, layering, and spiralling. The report notes its proximity to the Alfriston Galaxy formation and speculates about residual energy.

SUSSEX CROP FORMATIONS '95: 4) EAST GRINSTEAD by Barry Reynolds details a formation appearing on June 29th, 1995, in East Grinstead, West Sussex. This formation consisted of three circles, one single, one ringed, and one double-ringed, in wheat laid clockwise. It was notable for being the first reported by a farmer, occurring near a 1993 formation, having an exact east/west alignment of tramlines, and being easily accessible. A CCCS Sussex 'day out' was held to collect seed heads for BLT Research Team. Some attendees reported unusual experiences, including one person being cured of a sore throat after standing in a circle.

Busy Body

Martin Noakes investigates the 'alien autopsy' film controversy, confirming the involvement of Dr. C.M. Milroy and referencing reports from Kodak suggesting the film stock is genuine 1947 or 1967. He notes that the film manufacturing process had improved by 1987, making it a potential point of scrutiny for a hoax. Noakes also discusses Colin Andrews' claims about the film and its alleged showing to Taiwanese officials. Philip Mantle of BUFORA maintains that the 'jury is still out' on the film's authenticity.

Reports - All Mod Cons

This section covers two major events: the Glastonbury Symposium and the CCCS International Conference at Andover. The Glastonbury Symposium is described as taking place in a town steeped in legend and myth, attracting a diverse crowd interested in spirituality and the paranormal. The event is characterized by its relaxed atmosphere and focus on the 'spirit within' and the implications of the phenomenon for the individual soul. The CCCS International Conference at Andover is presented as a more sterile, fact-focused event, emphasizing hands-on research and regional reports. Speakers at both events included prominent figures like Jim Lyons, Michael Green, and Richard Andrews. The report notes that the CCCS conference, subtitled 'The Scientific Breakthrough', did not yield significant scientific breakthroughs, with presentations by Mike Foley of ADAS and Montague Keen being discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of crop circles with earth energies, consciousness, and potential extraterrestrial or spiritual influences. There's a strong emphasis on detailed, on-the-ground research and surveying of formations, particularly within Sussex. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional explanations and research methods, while also critically examining claims and reporting on controversies within the field, such as the 'alien autopsy' film and the debate over man-made versus natural formations. The magazine advocates for a broader approach to crop circle research, moving beyond mere documentation to explore the deeper implications for human consciousness and spirituality. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards mainstream scientific dismissal of paranormal phenomena, exemplified by the discussion of Dr. Levengood's work and the critique of selective media reporting.