Major conference to explore mystery of the Warminster Thing this summer

Warminster is to host a major conference this summer to mark 60 years since a series of mysterious sightings in the sky.

The Warminster Thing was first reported by Arthur Shuttlewood, former features writer at the Warminster Journal. He detailed a woman’s shock after she experienced ‘sudden vibrations’ and a ‘menacing sound’ in the sky above Cradle Hill in 1965. By June of that year, similar reports were coming in from across the town, and the ‘Warminster Thing’ became known nationwide.

Now, a major conference will mark the 60th anniversary of the sightings. Held at the Athenaeum, the event is expected to draw a large number of UFO enthusiasts to the town.

Organiser Stuart Dike is also keen for local residents to get involved.

He said, “We’ve got some amazing speakers signed up so far. I really hope the younger generation come along, as well as older people in the town who might actually remember the Warminster Thing.

“The sightings are a really interesting part of the town’s history. Our conference will be all about the history of the mystery.”

At the end of 2024, Stuart – an expert in the crop circle phenomenon – realised the 60th anniversary of the Warminster mystery was approaching and decided to organise the conference. He will host the event and give a talk at the end of the day.

Stuart is also in discussions with the family of Arthur Shuttlewood to see if any archive material can be displayed as part of the backdrop to the conference.

Taking place on Sunday 24th August, confirmed speakers include Warminster Thing expert Steve Wills, UFO investigator John Hanson, and master dowser Maria Wheatley.

Steve, who lives in Warminster, has spent years researching strange happenings such as the Warminster Thing and regularly leads sky watches on Cradle Hill. He has collaborated with retired CID officer John Hanson on several projects, including a special Wiltshire edition of the Haunted Skies books, where he interviewed eyewitnesses of UFO encounters.

Steve said, “There used to be a UFO facility in Warminster in the seventies – the Fountain Centre down Portway – which was run by Peter and Jane Paget. Arthur Shuttlewood was also doing his thing at the Warminster Journal. At one time, there were several UFO groups in Warminster. They produced newsletters and published books.

“The Thing is a really big part of the town’s history. It’s a shame Cradle Hill doesn’t have a plaque by the gates or anything to let more people know about it, like they do at Rendlesham Forest.

“The conference should be a really good way for everyone to come together, and Stuart has done really well to organise it.”

The day will also feature music from the band C.E.IV, including their track Cradle Hill, and an interview with the band’s founder member Brian McMullan Jr.

To find out more about the conference, visit www.warminsterthing60th.co.uk