Wessex UFO Record - No 02 - 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: WESSEX UFO RECORD
Issue: No 2
Date: January 1974
Price: 35p

This issue of the Wessex UFO Record presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, featuring a prominent NASA photograph on its cover. The publication aims to explore sightings and theories surrounding unidentified flying objects.

Editorial: The Nature of UFOs and the 'Spacemen' Concept

Dr. John Cleary-Baker, in the editorial, addresses the perennial public fascination with UFOs and the frequent failure of periodicals dedicated to the subject. He attributes this to a lack of literary and organizational ability, coupled with a superficial understanding of the phenomena. Cleary-Baker critiques the popular conception of UFOs as interplanetary or interstellar spacecraft, often depicted in media like "Dr. Who" and "Star Trek" with humanoid inhabitants speaking English. He questions the scientific basis for assuming a universe teeming with life, noting that even with planets and life, the evolution of intelligent, let alone humanoid, life is not guaranteed. He also touches upon the scientific and religious motivations behind the 'Plurality of Worlds' doctrine. Cleary-Baker admits to having previously favored the 'space-ship' interpretation but abandoned it due to a lack of supporting evidence. He expresses doubt that UFOs are interplanetary machines, promising further elaboration in future issues.

From Near and Far: A 'Tongue-in-Cheek' Message

Norman Oliver contributes a piece that he describes as 'tongue-in-cheek' but containing a 'message.' He highlights the disparity in how reports from obscure locations (like Peru) are accepted compared to those from closer to home (England). Oliver uses the example of the AVB case from South America, which gained wide acceptance, contrasting it with how a similar report from England might be dismissed. He also recounts an experience in 1964 at a UFO meeting in Caxton Hall where a man claiming to be a telepathist was met with disbelief, drawing a parallel between being a ufologist and claiming to be a contactee, and between conducting telepathic experiments and being a telepathist. Oliver notes an increase in public declarations of telepathy in London and questions if this indicates a growing telepathic awareness or frustration.

Book Review: "Lost Worlds" by Robert Charroux

Dr. J. Cleary-Baker reviews "Lost Worlds" by Robert Charroux, published by Souvenir Press. He notes that the book covers familiar ground, including the Nazca Lines, the Great Pyramid, Atlantis, and Mu, similar to works by Desmond Leslie, W. Raymond Drake, A. Tomas, P. Kolosimo, and Erich von Daniken. Cleary-Baker expresses a lack of admiration for the book's "Gaelic exuberance" and finds its blend of "bad archeology and 'spaceman' mythology" unconvincing. He criticizes Charroux for presenting sensational accounts and then debunking them briefly, suggesting readers might overlook the debunking. The reviewer states he is "heartily sick" of such theories.

Obituary: Philip Rodgers

The magazine records the passing of Philip Rodgers, a well-known ufologist, who died from cardiac failure and diabetes. Rodgers, who was almost totally blind, was a familiar figure at Warminster sky-watches. He is remembered for his courtesy and his guide-dog, Honey. Despite his disability, he lectured on UFOs and featured in Eileen Buckle's "Scoriton Mystery." He will be missed by his friends and acquaintances in the UFO field.

The Spiritual Meaning of Warminster

Sri Narayana explores the spiritual significance of the Warminster UFO phenomenon. The author questions whether the town is merely a rendezvous for aliens or if the events have deeper spiritual origins. Narayana suggests that the world, and Britain in particular, is on the verge of disaster due to environmental pollution, atomic warfare, and materialistic doctrines. He posits that the current era might be a crisis point leading to the collapse of the existing world order and the birth of a New Age. The author proposes that "Powers of Light" are establishing centers of spiritual and magnetic energy across Britain as sanctuaries, drawing a parallel to the Norse myth of Ragnarok. He encourages readers to rally around those seeking to understand these phenomena and to contribute to the "Aim of the Light."

A-Sighting Let Us Go

Arthur Shuttlewood addresses correspondents asking if UFOs are still appearing over Warminster, confirming "Yes." He presents several witness accounts:

• Mrs Betty Stead reported seeing an orange "something" of great brilliance near Cley Hill on October 7th, 1973.
• Douglas Jackson described a silvery, cigar-shaped object hovering over Cop Heap on October 21st, 1973, which then sped away at high speed.
• Christopher Trubridge, a violinist and music teacher, filmed a gleaming, circular, metallic object with a golden dome over Cradle Hill on October 11th, 1973. The film was sent to Kodak for processing but was delayed due to a labor dispute.
• Mrs. P. King recounted seeing a red glow between Salisbury and Warminster that split into two, burst into flames, and had a white tail. She later saw a similar event.
• Mr. R. Lucas, formerly of Southampton, described seeing three disc-shaped objects through binoculars during a summer day, one of which remained stationary for four hours.
• Mr. S.J. Carter reported a spinning, hovering golden aeroform over Covingham.

Shuttlewood notes that inexplicable sightings continue over Wessex, especially Warminster, with an increase in daytime appearances and reports of landings or take-offs in remote areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the questioning of conventional UFO explanations, particularly the 'interplanetary spacecraft' hypothesis, and an exploration of potential spiritual or esoteric interpretations of UFO phenomena. There is a focus on local sightings, especially around Warminster, and a critical stance towards sensationalized or unverified claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, open to possibilities beyond mainstream scientific understanding but wary of unsubstantiated speculation. The inclusion of a book review and an obituary suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive view of the UFO field, encompassing both current research and remembrance of key figures.

This issue of the "Wessex UFO Record" (Page 10) focuses on UFO-related phenomena, including investigations, witness accounts, and theoretical discussions. It is published quarterly at a cost of £1-50 for four issues.

Investigations and Notices

The magazine notes that investigations at Westbury and Cradle Hill near Warminster are ongoing. A "NOTICE" addresses numerous inquiries from subscribers of Mr. Ken Rogers' "Warminster UFO Newsletter", stating that the founders of this publication have no knowledge of its fate or plans for reactivation.

Warminster UFO Film

The film mentioned in an article by Arthur Shuttlewood has been processed. While it clearly shows an object for ten seconds, the results are not entirely satisfactory as the object is too small to convince a skeptic that it is a UFO.

Readers' Letters

The "WESSEX UFO RECORD" intends to publish thought-provoking and controversial articles, and the Editor invites comments and opinions from readers for potential publication.

'Effect X'

An article titled "'EFFECT X'" by Geoffrey G. Doel, MRCS, DMRE, discusses the psychological impact on UFO witnesses. Doel posits that 'effect X' describes inexplicable changes in the mental processes of those who have close encounters with UFOs. He suggests that a mind confronted by a shattering experience it cannot understand enters a vulnerable state, creating a 'mental vacuum' that can be filled by subconscious rationalizations or external influences, potentially akin to hypnosis. This could lead to distorted evidence and self-contradiction among witnesses. Doel lists Adamski, Dan Fry, Elizabeth Klarer, George King, and Truman Bethurum as examples of individuals who might fall into this category. The article raises the question of whether these alien influences can cause organic brain disease, noting that two individuals claiming close UFO contact have succumbed to brain tumours, though it's impossible to rule out the disease as the cause of their fantasies. The case of Barney Hill is mentioned, where independent testimony initially supported his account, but he later developed a brain tumour.

Time Travel - A Practical Possibility?

This section explores the concept of time travel, referencing persistent rumors of scientific experiments. The author finds the paradoxes of time travel fascinating, suggesting that past events are influenced by future forces. An illustration is given of President Lincoln's assassination, proposing that John Wilkes Booth's action might have been inspired from the future, implying history is partly dictated by future generations. The author personally doubts the practicability of time travel via machines, likening it to H.G. Wells' depiction. Instead, they envision it as a contemplation of past or future vistas from a higher dimensional standpoint, possibly through a fusion of minds, referencing Olaf Stapledon's "Last and First Men". The author suggests adopting a platonic outlook where universal history is an eternal pattern in the Mind of God, contrasting with the human perception of an irrevocable past and undetermined future. An analogy is drawn to a railway journey, where a satellite observer might see the entire route at once. Readers are invited to share their comments on this topic.

Cover Photo

A "official" NASA photograph from the Gemini 7 mission in December 1965, taken by astronauts Borman and Lovell, shows two ovals of light witnessed in orbit. This is noted as being at variance with the Condon Report, which stated the astronauts reported seeing only one "bogey". The press release accompanying the photo offered "no comment" regarding the two objects.

Reported Humanoid Sighting on the Isle of Wight

Neil Pike reports on a humanoid encounter involving the seven-year-old daughter of Mr. C.A.E. Arnold. The incident occurred in May 1973, near Sandown Airport. The "creature" was described as approximately seven feet tall, paper white, with three fingers and three toes, no neck, painted features, sparse brown hair with a red fringe, wearing a green tunic, short trousers, a pointed yellow hat, and blue gloves. It moved with a "hopping" motion. Communication was reportedly via microphone and handwritten notes. The creature mentioned "I am all colours" and asked if the children were "still there". The children described a "hut" with two levels, metallic and wooden interiors, and simple wooden furniture. Mr. Arnold, a structural designer, believes his daughter is honest and has a retentive memory. He visited the site but found no physical evidence. The report notes that the little boy involved has been unforthcoming, hindering verification. The Wessex UFO Record cannot commit to an opinion due to the late submission of the report for investigation. A footnote indicates that Mr. Arnold later interviewed the boy and verified his daughter's story.

UFO Activity - Nationwide

Several nationwide UFO sightings are reported:

• Mr. R. Birkett and colleagues witnessed a UFO hovering over Harrowden Airfield on September 8th, 1973, photographing two lights with a solid object between them.
• Mr. H. Simpson observed two crimson objects hovering at 500/1,000 feet above Barr Beacon on September 7th, 1973.
• Mrs. Sally Pike and six colleagues saw two gold, oval-shaped UFOs moving towards the southern horizon with a "duck-bobbing and jerky" motion at Starr Hill, Warminster, on November 16th, 1973.

Other alleged sightings at Warminster are mentioned, but witnesses have not yet been interviewed. An observer will be stationed on the Hill full-time after Christmas to keep readers informed.

Kohoutek is Coming!

Neil and Sally Pike report on the recently discovered comet Kohoutek, expected to be the most spectacular comet of the century, potentially brighter than Halley's Comet. Various "COMET DAYS" will be allocated for observation. International Astronomical Union will conduct observations, utilizing NASA rockets, Mariner 10, Pioneer 8, and NASA's Goldstone antenna. Skylab 3 astronauts will view the comet, and a special observatory has been built in New Mexico. Kohoutek will be visible to the naked eye from early December to early February, with a tail estimated at 17 million kilometers long.

The Metaphysical Research Group Offer

The Metaphysical Research Group offers several books related to aura analysis and UFOs, including "BIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE FLYING SAUCER PHOTOGRAPHS", "HANDBOOK OF THE AURA BIOMETER", "THE CAMERON AUROMETER", and "SEEING THE AURA". Instruments for use are also available. Orders can be placed via mail to M.R.G.(WESTBURY), C/O ARCHERS' COURT, THE RIDGE, HASTINGS.

Publication and Contact Information

Subscriptions for "Wessex UFO Record" are £1-50 annually for four issues, addressed to Mrs. Sally Pike. General correspondence and UFO reports from the Wessex area should be sent to Mr. Neil Pike. Items for publication should be sent to the Editor, J. Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., at 3, Devenish Road, Weeke, Winchester, Hants. A note advises against calling at the address without appointment and not to make transfer-charge calls.

Advisory Panel

The Advisory Panel includes Dr. G.G. Doel, Captain E.I.A. Mackay, Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench, Norman Oliver, Arthur Shuttlewood, and Arnold West.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, the psychological aspects of witness testimony ('effect X'), and the scientific and public interest in astronomical events like comet Kohoutek. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and reporting on a range of phenomena, while also maintaining a degree of caution and emphasizing the need for investigation and evidence, as seen in the handling of the Warminster film and the Isle of Wight humanoid report.