Fortean Times UK

Since 1931 when Tiffany Thayer organised the first Fortean Society (which Charles Fort refused to have anything to do with and only attended the inaugural meeting courtesy of a series of fake telegrams) there have been meetings of like minded people throughout the New Lands. Prior to this there were groups which touched on aspects of what we now consider Forteana, for example the Society for Psychical Research was founded in 1882, but these were specific groups, not groups to touch the general Damned data. Since 1931 a number of groups have started under the Fortean umbrella, the longest surviving being the International Fortean Organization (INFO) which was founded in 1965. Some groups appear and then almost as quickly disappear whilst others continue through trial and tribulation. One active group at the moment is the Edinburgh Fortean Society which has been meeting since April 1999. In all fairness I must admit I was the founder of this group and still run it.

Some of you may be bemoaning the fact that there is no Fortean group near you, well there is a simple answer, do as I did and start one. I would like to take this opportunity to pass on some of the insights I have gained from running EdFort for the past 8 years in the hope that we will see a veritable throng of Fortean Societies.

Firstly – decide what you want – do you want a social club where you meet like-minded people for a chat? Do you want something where you attend lectures or do you want some sort of active group where you engage in research? To be honest the research category is probably a non starter for a small Fortean group – you’d be better off starting a special interest group such as a UFO hunters club. So we’re left with chat or lectures. The Dublin Fortean Society was a chat orientated group whereas EdFort is a lecture based group (for example). Both are good and enjoyable and with the lecture based option there is always the option of a chat afterwards or during breaks. My preference was for a lecture based group with the lectures being a hook to attract people.

The first thing I did was to ask around a few friends if they would be interested in attending such a group. The majority of these were not people who would consider themselves Forteans but I detailed some of the things that could be covered and I got a reasonable number agreeing to attend. So it seemed like there was an interest.

Next I looked for a venue – I wanted something that would pull people in so I went for the pub option – an informal setting, with beer, like minded people and talks of interest. After trail and error EdFort now meets on the second Tuesday of every month – a regular time so people will get used to it. But critically it’s a time when other things aren’t happening! We tried Fridays but people would go places for the weekend or make other plans or the pub would take a booking for a noisy party. Tuesdays don’t have these problems.

Next a pub that didn’t charge – don’t want to put people off by a charge on the door if we can help it and also one that is convenient for people to get to. A private area is essential if you’re having talks – we have tried corners of pubs but no a private room if you can get it works a lot better. And something which will prove to be worth it’s weight in gold – a sympathetic staff.

After you have sorted all of this you do actually need to have a speaker and not just one I’m afraid! At EdFort we have one speaker per session but we advertise the next speaker at the end to let people know what is happening. During the talks we always ensure there is a comfort break – good for people, less disruption all round and it keeps the pub happy as everyone breaks off for a drink. For your first meeting you might have to do the talk yourself – go for it. If that fills you with dread see if there are any themed groups around and invite someone from one of them to talk. The first talk will probably have a small turn out, don’t worry. The pub can advertise for you – they’ll accept flyers and posters as it brings punters in for them. Local libraries will usually take a poster and local newspapers are always out for a story so they can do an article – make sure it includes details of where and when you meet or contact details. The FT messageboard is a good place to publicise your meetings as well.

The first few meetings may well be small scale but as word spreads numbers will increase. As people start attending ask for volunteers to give talks, look out for relevant local authors or museum workers, some of whom may have something to offer. If you come across someone doing something relevant don’t be afraid to ask if they would like to talk. But always have at least one talk in reserve – something that can be done at short notice, you will have cancellations! As your group grows think about funds – hold raffles, auctions or ask for donations – that way you can fund travel expenses for speakers and you can invite people from other locations. Don’t be disheartened if numbers fluctuate – you’ll probably end up with a hard core who will come every month and others who will come if the talk sounds interesting. A regular email to remind people and a website can keep it all to the forefront of everyone’s mind.

One trade secret – to cut down on the number of lectures (i.e. fewer speakers to find) have a Christmas meal! For EdFort we don’t meet in August either due to the Fringe, so we actually only have ten talks a year. Eventually you’ll find people coming up to you volunteering talks and you’ll also find you’ve made some new friends and you’ve had some fun. It’s sometimes frustrating but it’s always been worth it.

The Charles Fort Institute (more of which in a later post) have a few ideas coming soon for societies - it's worth checking out their web site. The more Fortean Societies who start up and persevere the better. Go for it!