Sussex Circular - 1995 no 47

Magazine Overview

SC, The Monthly Magazine of Crop Circles and Beyond, issue number 47, dated December 1995, published by CCCS Sussex, covers a range of topics related to the crop circle phenomenon. The cover features the prominent 'SC' logo, issue details, and highlights several articles including the CCCS 1996 Calendar, 'Rough Justice For Circles On U.S. TV', 'Earth Energy Lines', and 'ADAS Soil Sampling Comes To A Sticky End'. The price was £1.00.

Internal CCCS Affairs and ADAS Soil Sampling

The editorial by Andy Thomas addresses recent power struggles within the CCCS, noting that a branch convenors' meeting in Oxford decided to form a 'review body' to mediate and gather member recommendations for the next AGM. This move is seen as a positive step towards resolving grievances. The magazine reports on the ADAS soil sampling project, which was a flagship effort by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) to find a scientific 'litmus test' for genuine crop formations. Initial results suggested chemical anomalies, particularly unusual amounts of nitrates, in soil samples from formations. However, the project faced skepticism regarding its impartiality. The situation dramatically collapsed in September with unexpected radio bulletins claiming ADAS had data proving not all crop circles were man-made, which ADAS and CCCS deny releasing. This reportedly led an MP to question the Ministry of Agriculture. Subsequently, the ADAS department conducting the tests was shut down, and key personnel, Mike Foley and David Yarham, were made redundant. Tragically, David Yarham and his family were involved in a near-fatal car crash shortly after. The magazine speculates that government pressure to suppress positive indications of the paranormal phenomenon was the likely cause for the ADAS project's demise.

Reviews

The 1996 CCCS Crop Circle Calendar: Reviewed by Andy Thomas, the calendar is criticized for featuring only six formations from the 1995 season, despite over 120 formations appearing. While the cover and a few photographs are praised, the overall quality of reproduction and the limited selection are deemed disappointing. The reviewer suggests this restrictive choice may stem from a fear of public ridicule and a desire to only feature formations considered 'genuine', possibly influenced by ADAS approval. This is seen as a form of censorship and a reflection of the CCCS's current state.

UFOs, Crop Formations & The Paranormal Video: Reviewed by Barry Reynolds, this video, a joint effort with Colin Andrews, Busty Taylor, and Reg Presley, is described as 'creatively challenged' and 'extremely low-budget'. The reviewer found the content undramatic, consisting mainly of chit-chat around a picnic bench with minimal footage of formations. The film is considered an embarrassment and not recommended, especially compared to other available videos.

Mediawatch: ABC Television's 20/20 Programme

Doug Rogers recounts his disappointment with ABC television's 20/20 programme, which aired in October 1995. Despite contributions from experienced crop circle researchers, the segment was heavily edited to present a skeptical viewpoint. The program replayed the 1991 'Doug and Dave' hoax story and used deceptive editing techniques to discredit researchers like Dr. W.C. Levengood and Peter Sorenson. The commentator repeatedly framed crop circles as a 'mystery' and compared them to the Loch Ness Monster, implying they were a product of human nature or escapism rather than a genuine phenomenon. The article suggests that an agency within ABC, or elsewhere, felt it was time to suppress news of crop circles spreading beyond southern England.

Reports: Courier Lines

Paul Bura discusses 'Courier Lines', which he identifies as specific earth energy lines. He explains that these lines are part of the Earth's energy grid and are influenced by human thoughts and feelings. Bura recounts receiving information about an eighth energy band and a future nine-line system, which would allow easier access for higher beings and more UFO sightings. He also mentions a ritual involving an eight-foot staff placed on an Earth grid line, which he claims resulted in the Earth now having a twelve-line Courier system, with numbers nine and ten partially activated.

Formation Surveys: Sussex Crop Formations '95: 9) Shoreham

This section details a specific crop formation at Mill Hill, Shoreham, West Sussex, which appeared on July 8, 1995. The formation, described as a dumbbell with boxes, triangle, and clover leaf shape, is noted for its similarity to previous formations in the same field from 1990 and 1993. The survey includes diagrams and measurements, comparing the dimensions of the 1995 formation with those from 1993. The article also mentions that animal rights protesters had daubed graffiti in the field nearby, suggesting a possible 'symbiosis' where the circlemakers responded to the protest or balanced negative energies.

Cornography with Michael Glickman

Michael Glickman expresses dismay at the state of the Centre For Crop Circle Studies, describing it as having sunk to a low level with accusations, counterclaims, and insults. He believes the phenomenon is spiritual and questions how it has allowed such negativity. Glickman criticizes the 1995 calendar selection and notes the mention of ADAS-approved formations. He reiterates Dr. Mike Foley's comments about hoaxers creating 'biological differences' and contrasts this with ADAS's previous dismissal of the 'Bodmin Beast' as a domestic cat. Glickman argues that science has become a powerful orthodoxy that excludes and denies the inexplicable, making it difficult for unorthodox ideas to gain acceptance through 'peer review'. He concludes by stating his conviction that crop circles represent magic and that the images from the 1995 season remain enchanting and mystifying.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the tension between scientific skepticism and the growing evidence for the paranormal aspects of crop circles. There is a strong critique of media portrayals that aim to debunk or dismiss the phenomenon. Internal organizational issues within CCCS are also a recurring theme, with a call for unity and a focus on the core mission of investigating crop circles. The magazine appears to advocate for an open-minded approach, acknowledging the spiritual and mysterious nature of crop circles while also scrutinizing the methods and motives of scientific and media institutions.