APCIC - Vol 05 No 11 - 1980

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated November 1980, Volume 5, Number 11, is published by the AERIAL-PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO NEWS' and a classic illustration of a flying saucer.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue is a compilation of numerous UFO sighting reports from various locations in the United States, highlighting witness accounts, physical evidence, and preliminary investigations.

Easley, South Carolina Sighting

An article details a sighting in Easley, South Carolina, on September 11, 1980. Joe Garrett described a "very huge, shiny object" hovering over his property. He compared its size to "Belk's store" and noted its metallic, purplish-gray color and exceptional smoothness. He also observed what appeared to be a metal pipe protruding from the underside. Jerry McAlister, from Anderson, also reported a similar sighting earlier that morning, describing a feeling of exhilaration. Both witnesses provided descriptions to artist Mickey Tate, whose sketches were remarkably similar, differing only in McAlister's report of blinding lights.

Anderson County, South Carolina Investigation

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Anderson County sightings, particularly the one involving Jerry McAlister. A report from the Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI), a non-profit UFO study group, is featured. The SBI's findings, based on interviews and on-site investigation, included:

• All witnesses passed lie-detector tests.
• McAlister and his wife may have suffered conjunctivitis from exposure to a bright light.
• Geiger counter readings showed an increase in radiation in the area.
• McAlister's CB radio malfunctioned after the sighting.
• McAlister's dog exhibited unusual behavior.

The SBI concluded that the object could not be explained as a hoax, planet, airplane, weather balloon, comet, or mirage, leaving only the possibilities of a military/experimental aircraft or an actual UFO.

Other Notable Sightings

• Pickaway County, Ohio: Deputies chased a UFO with bright white, red, and blue lights for an hour on September 11, 1980. Officials at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base reportedly had the object on radar, mistaking it for a plane or helicopter.
• Madison County, Ohio: Peggy Tussing, an area representative for the Extraterrestrial Intelligence Researchers, reported multiple sightings on September 15 and 16, 1980, describing objects as "very huge, shiny" and "bullet shaped."
• Fairfield, New Jersey: On September 12, 1980, a group of teenagers reported seeing six unidentified flying objects in formation, described as "orange stars" that approached at high speed.
• Marion Township, Michigan: Lou Leland Freymiller discovered strange markings in his cornfield, including stunted corn with red leaves. He suspected a UFO, though his wife suggested a more mundane explanation.
• Augusta, Georgia: Residents of the Central Savannah River Area were advised to watch for events unfolding in nearby Anderson, where citizens who claimed to have seen a flying saucer on September 11 had passed lie-detector tests.
• Sumter, South Carolina: Mrs. Carmen Deirowec reported seeing a white, saucer-shaped object, described as "like a giant Frisbee," hovering near Shaw AFB on a Saturday evening. She noted lights on the sides and a low, rumbling sound.
• Stephen, Minnesota: Greg Winskowski, Chief of Police, is investigating findings in a field where Cameron Thibode discovered several holes, suggesting a UFO landing and soil sampling.
• Lisbon, Ohio: Five unidentified flying objects were observed by a family and reported to deputies on September 25, 1980. The objects had various colored lights and hovered near a tension line.
• Lorain County, Ohio: Linda M. Keener and her son reported seeing a bright, white oval-shaped object hover and land in a field on October 15, 1980.
• Las Vegas, Nevada: Actress Cindy Williams reported an encounter with four "huge lights" that changed color and disappeared with incredible speed.
• Centerville, Pennsylvania: Patricia Lau reported seeing a circular object with bright flashing lights on September 27, 1980.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the consistency in witness descriptions across different locations, and the search for rational explanations versus the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and evidence without definitive conclusions, but leaning towards the unexplained nature of many events. The publication encourages continued reporting and observation, as indicated by the call for residents to "Keep watching and reporting."

This issue, titled "UFOs shake area viewers," published by the IND. TIMES HERALD on September 27, 1980, compiles a series of UFO sighting reports from various locations across the United States. The publication focuses on witness accounts, the characteristics of the observed phenomena, and the responses from local authorities and, in some cases, federal agencies.

Key Articles and Reports

East Liverpool, Ohio Review (September 25, 1980): Three Report Seeing UFO's

Five unidentified flying objects were observed by three members of a family north of Lisbon, Ohio, on a Wednesday night. The objects reportedly had red lights on the back, blue on the front, and a bright white strobe-type light in the middle. They were seen flying around a tower and a high-tension line for about three minutes before moving northeast and east. The deputy who responded noted that at least one other person in the village commented about seeing three objects at the same time.

Clinton, Okla. News (September 28, 1980): About People

Jerry McAlister, an electrician from Anderson, South Carolina, described an encounter with a large object, "tall as a two-story building and about 70 feet in circumference," that hovered about 50 feet from his house. He stated the lights were so bright he could see everything, and the noise was so loud it hurt his ear drums. He called the police, who also saw it, but air traffic controllers at a nearby airport reported nothing unusual on their radar.

Florence, Wis. Mining News (September 24, 1980): Two say they saw UFO

A hitchhiker and a woman in the Goodman-Armstrong Creek area reported spotting an unidentified flying object on September 10. The object was described as bright orange, the size of a softball, and made a noise. The witnesses reported it passed just above pine trees. The report was made to federal authorities.

N. Myrtle Beach S.C. Times (September 18, 1980): UFO Spotted In Anderson

Four Anderson County deputies and residents reported watching a brightly lighted object in the sky for several hours. The disc-shaped object hovered over homes, lighting the area and making a humming noise before zooming away. Investigators from the Scientific Bureau of Investigation were taking soil radiation tests, but the U.S. Air Force stated they had nothing on their radar.

Washington Ind. Times Herald (September 27, 1980): UFOs shake area viewers

Three women and four police officers in Washington, Indiana, reported seeing a street-light shaped object that was scary and seemed to follow their car. Officers Tim Roark and Don Grannon confirmed seeing a bright light that was not a plane, helicopter, or weather balloon. The object had been in the area for more than two weeks. Deputy Alan Evans also reported seeing a strange, oblong object with off-white lights flying very fast on September 9.

Hickory N.C. Record (September 23, 1980): Woman's UFO Sighting Unconfirmed In County

A woman in Newton, North Carolina, reportedly called the Catawba County Communications Center about a dozen times to report a UFO sighting. A worker who went outside to look could only see Venus. The woman reporting the sightings was not identified.

Forest Lake Minn. Times (September 25, 1980): UFO connection in Scandia area studied again after more reports

This article details ongoing UFO investigations by Bradley Earl Ayers in the Scandia area of Minnesota. Reports include a 17-year-old girl seeing a disc-shaped object with red and white lights, a constable and her son observing a large disc-shaped object, and a family witnessing red orbs playing in the sky. Ayers notes the pattern and similarity of reports in a limited geographic area and is seeking public assistance.

Victorville Calif. San Bernardino Co Daily Press (August 31, 1980): UFO 'fever' hits following alleged Apple Valley sighting

Following a report by Brian DuPont, several other UFO sightings were reported in the Apple Valley area. Darla Henderson reported seeing a UFO through her kitchen window, describing it as a "dull orange" object. Margaret Thorngate also saw a similar object. Donna Richling reported seeing a saucer-shaped object with flashing lights over several nights.

Wallsend Weekly News (September 4, 1980): RADAR MAN SPOTS UFO

Mr. Cecil Hooley, a former RAF radar operator, and his wife observed a "brilliant silver object, much bigger than a star," in the sky above Whitley Bay. The object was elongated and moved slowly southeast. Another report from Howdon described a cigar-shaped object with three lights at its rear end.

Express & Echo (September 20, 1980): 'Rainbow ball' in the sky baffler

Mr. Jan Kelway of Pinhoe, Exeter, reported seeing a "rainbow ball" object with every color of the spectrum and a white tail. He lost sight of it when he went to fetch binoculars.

Bournemouth Evening Echo (September 5, 1980): UFO

A young mother claimed she was tailed by a UFO while driving. A Whitley Bay policeman also reported seeing a "brilliant white ball." Checks with Newcastle Airport and the Ministry of Defence did not provide explanations, though the Ministry suggested shooting stars or meteorological balloons as possibilities.

Fireball mystery

Police searched farmland in Charlton Marshall and Spetisbury following a report of a light aircraft crash in flames, but found nothing. A Tarrant Keyneston woman saw a ball of fire descending to the ground.

The Minneapolis Star (October 20, 1980): UFO It whirled, but made no noise

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, eight law enforcement officers and other witnesses reported seeing a large, white, stationary object that whirled but made no noise. It was described as a "merry-go-round in the sky" and headed northeast. Officials at Detroit Metropolitan Airport could not get a radar fix on the object.

Texarkana Texas Gazette (October 17, 1980): Sighting of UFO is reported

Mrs. Deborah Parks of Texarkana, Arkansas, reported seeing a UFO that looked like a "clear rainbow" with two large trails behind it. It was described as going straight up and getting bigger. Federal Aviation Agency officials reported nothing on their radar.

The Detroit News (October 20, 1980): 8 sheriff deputies tell of seeing UFO

Eight sheriff's deputies in western Wayne County and eastern Washtenaw County reported seeing a large, white, stationary object in the sky with no noise. One witness claimed it was an advertising sign on the bottom of his airplane. The object reportedly took off at a high rate of speed and disappeared.

Reading Calif. Record Searchlight (October 23, 1980): Weed UFO sighting reported

Loren Gelwick reported seeing a bright light "cruising around" Mt. Shasta. A truck driver shared the opinion that it was strange. A Weed police officer on patrol, however, reported it looked like a star.

Easton Md. Star Democrat (October 21, 1980): UFO reported hovering over Bantry

Mrs. Betty Blann reported a silver-gray, circular object hovering over her house for over an hour. It had orange lights on its sides and a red light on top. Maryland State Police had no reports of UFOs.

Iron Mountain Mich. News (September 11, 1980): UFO sightings

This article reiterates the Goodman, Wisconsin sighting involving a hitchhiker and a woman who saw a bright orange object.

Fairfield N.J. Chronicle (October 1, 1980): Second UFO Sighted In Fairfield Skies

Robert and Laura Barton reported seeing a dark, cylindrical object, about the size of an orange held at arm's length, moving at low altitude. The object later lit up, appearing "dull orange" or "yellowish" and was described as a general illumination rather than individual lights or a beam. The object was seen paralleling Route 46 West. Investigations with local airports and blimp services yielded no explanation.

The Evening Bulletin (Philadelphia, PA, October 20, 1980): UFO reported over 2 Mich. counties

This article repeats the Ann Arbor, Michigan sighting involving eight police officers and other witnesses who described a "merry-go-round" object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across the United States in September 1980, the consistent descriptions of objects by multiple witnesses (including law enforcement), and the often inconclusive or dismissive responses from official bodies like the Air Force and FAA. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these phenomena as they are presented by witnesses, highlighting the persistent mystery and the lack of definitive explanations from authorities. There's an underlying implication that these sightings are significant enough to warrant public attention and investigation, even if official channels are uncooperative.

This document is a collection of newspaper clippings from various publications in October 1980, primarily focusing on UFO sightings and related phenomena. The main headline from the Plain Dealer on October 20, 1980, is 'Michigan UFO 'like a merry-go-round''. The overall tone suggests a heightened public interest in UFOs during this period, with numerous reports from different regions.

Michigan UFO 'like a merry-go-round'

This article from the Plain Dealer reports on a UFO sighting in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 19, 1980. Described by one witness as a 'merry-go-round in the sky,' the object made no noise and was observed by several people, including eight police officers. Deputy George McAllister of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department noted that five deputies spotted the object, which appeared in the northwest corner of Plymouth Township and headed towards Detroit. Officials at the Air National Guard base in Mount Clemens did not detect the object on radar. Wayne County Deputy Robert Barackman stated that authorities received 50 telephone calls about the sighting. He quoted one officer describing it as a large white object, some said revolving, and one calling it a 'merry-go-round in the sky.' Deputy Charles Wiggins reported the object sped off into the clouds. McAllister found it strange that there were no citizen complaints, as such events usually generate many calls.

UFO RAY ATTACKS HOUSES

This report details a mysterious flying saucer allegedly emitting laser beams in Malaysia. Three people in Port Klang reported that a recent fire destroying two houses was caused by a UFO. The witnesses described the object as bluish-red and spinning. The incident occurred three days after a fire and explosion in Port Klang. The UFO reportedly hovered above a house near oil tanks and fired a laser beam, destroying two houses.

Car's cop radar detector warns couple of UFO

This article describes an incident near Hillsboro, New Hampshire, where a radar detector on a young couple's car buzzed, not for a police speed trap, but for an 'incredible spaceship.' Billy Gould spotted a 40-foot-long, 14-foot-wide object gliding at tree-top level. The object hovered over their car for about a minute, emitting a humming noise. Billy Gould described it as a yellowish-blue device that then drifted away and accelerated so quickly it vanished in a split second.

Probing sociology of UFOs

This piece by Karen M. Magnuson discusses Michael K. Schutz, a 35-year-old assistant professor of sociology at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, who is an authority on the sociological aspects of UFOs. Schutz's interest was sparked by his father's childhood story of flying saucers and a personal experience on a commercial flight where the pilot announced seeing UFOs. Schutz believes there is solid evidence for alien visitation but criticizes some UFO claims as 'crock,' attributing many to honest errors or people seeking financial gain. He estimates 80-90 percent of sightings are explainable, but the remaining cases intrigue him. He highlights the Trindade Case (January 16, 1958) as a credible sighting due to scientific witnesses and photographs. Schutz suggests that extraterrestrial beings might visit Earth out of curiosity, similar to how humans explore other planets. He also posits that UFO activities might be calculated to acclimate humans to the idea of alien presence, noting their generally non-hostile behavior.

Sight Flying Object Near Armstrong Creek

This report from the Peshtigo Times details a sighting on September 10, 1980, near Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin. Three people reported seeing an unidentified flying object. Irene Eder saw a round ball of light shining on the blacktop that came down through trees and then went up and away. Her husband, George Eder, saw a bright light like lightning while driving east on highway 8. Gary Honeybuss also saw the object and described it as a two-foot-around, flame-colored light flashing back and forth at tree-top level. The object was reported to authorities at Sawyer Air Force Base.

Fairfield UFOs Seen In August, September

This article from the Fairfield Chronicle reports on multiple UFO sightings in Fairfield, New Jersey, during August and September 1980. A representative from Vestigia, Inc., an independent research group, expressed interest in investigating the sightings. The report details three specific incidents:

• September 12: Two teenagers reported seeing a group of dull orange, disc-shaped UFOs in the West Drive area. One object descended to 100-200 feet, spinning on its axis.
• September 12: Evette Abate and John Levy reported a strange, dark, metallic grey, cylinder-shaped object hovering silently between Sand Road and Route 80. It had rotating white lights and a red light at the top.
• September 20: Lillian Kramer reported a motionless, half-moon-shaped object hovering at low altitude, described as similar in size to an orange held at arm's length, emitting a bright orange glow.

The article notes similarities in the sightings, including dates, times, relative size, altitude, shapes, light patterns, and absence of sound. It also mentions two other reports of strange objects in late August.

'This thing shined a beam on him, and he found his wound had vanished'

This article from The Star (September 16, 1980) presents a strong personal conviction about the reality of UFOs. The author expresses a radical shift in their view, believing the persistence of UFO reports is incontrovertible proof of something extraordinary. While not a 'simple-minded believer,' the author emphasizes the credibility of witnesses. The article references the 1952 UFO wave that clogged military communication systems, leading the CIA to convene a panel to debunk sightings, fearing enemy agents could use false UFO reports to obscure an air invasion. The author believes understanding the UFO phenomenon will spur revolutionary scientific change.

UFO CLAIM IS INVESTIGATED

This report from the Nottingham Evening Post (October 8, 1980) details a local UFO investigator, Roy Chambers, looking into a reported sighting of a large lighted object over Lowdham. Chambers described the object as 'almost square-shaped, as big or bigger than an house, with diagonal lights' and visible for half an hour. The Nottingham UFO Investigation Society is seeking information from a young man seen by Chambers.

FIRST UFO IN CHINA

This Daily Telegraph report (October 18, 1980) states that thirty workers in Tientsin harbor saw China's first flying saucer. The object was described as four feet in diameter, with a pointed front end, a bright red center, and a blue-green ring surrounded by white light.

BOYS SEE 'FLYING SAUCER'

This Lancashire Evening Telegraph article (October 13, 1980) describes two 11-year-old schoolboys in Blackburn, Kevin Johnson and Neil Grimshaw, who saw a green UFO zooming over the town. A security guard in Church also reported seeing the UFO heading towards Blackburn. The object was described as glowing green.

Riddle of flying disc

This article from The Star (October 6, 1980) reports on a sighting by youngsters at a Rotherham school who saw a silver and red disc ascend into the clouds. Pupils at Aston Springwood Junior School also reported seeing a UFO, which weathermen stated could not have been one of their satellites. Meteorologists could not explain the object, noting they use small white balloons for weather forecasting, not silver-colored ones. Graham Hill, a teacher, backed the children's story, stating he had no doubt about what he saw.

Women spot 'saucers' in sky

This Wrexham Evening Leader report (September 25, 1980) details three women in Connah's Quay who saw two large saucer-shaped UFOs fly over Shotton Steelworks. Mrs Elaine Jenkinson, Mrs Iris Oldfield, and Mrs Freda Oldfield witnessed the objects. One was described as blue and silver, the other just silver. Police suggested the sightings might have been American Air Force helicopters.

Reports on UFOs wanted

This letter to the editor from the Ashton Under Lyne Reporter (October 3, 1980) is from Ken Rogers, Director of the British UFO Society, seeking reports of unidentified flying objects. The society investigates incidents and notes that while many sightings can be explained, a high proportion defy rational explanation. They are interested in hearing from anyone who has had a sighting or is interested in UFOs.

UFO spotters probe sightings

This Leicester Mercury article (October 3, 1980) reports on an unidentified flying object sighted in the Barwell area, according to the Hinckley branch of the Midlands UFO Network. The object was described as 'saucer-shaped' and glowing bright orange, circling silently for over 10 minutes. Witnesses reported seeing dark markings that looked like windows. Two 18-year-olds described it as disc-shaped and silent, large, and the same color as nearby street lamps.

'SAUCER' IN SKY OVER SOUTHBOURNE

This Bournemouth Evening Echo report (October 4, 1980) details two Bournemouth people, Mrs. Dorothy Pragnall and Mr. David Harding, claiming to have seen a 'FLYING SAUCER' in the early morning sky on three occasions. They described it as a very bright saucer-shaped object with a dome, stationary for a few minutes before shooting upwards at tremendous speed. Mr. Harding described it as shaped like a rugby ball with lights on top and bottom, gold or orange in color, estimated at 3,000 feet high.

UFO seen over town

This Macclesfield Express Times article (October 2, 1980) reports on a mystery surrounding a UFO sighting over Macclesfield. Peter Mayes saw a 'wierd light' travel slowly from the west, stop over Macclesfield, and then return. He described it as not car headlights or an airplane, and wondered if anyone could offer a rational explanation.

Seen any UFOs?

This Ipswich Evening Star article (October 7, 1980) reiterates the British UFO Society's interest in investigating UFO sightings. It mentions that while many can be explained, a significant proportion remain unexplained. The society is interested in hearing from readers who have had sightings or are interested in UFOs.

UFO gives police the slip

This London Evening Post article (September 15, 1980) describes a double police chase after an unidentified flying object was spotted between Bardsey and Wetherby. The object was described as a bright 'diamond-shaped' light, much larger and brighter than any star, traveling north and then changing direction towards York. Police followed it for six miles until it whizzed off towards Hull. It was reportedly picked up on radar in various parts of the country. A Leeds woman also reported seeing a 'magnificent, blazing cigar-shaped object' with thinner lights flashing as if signalling.

Whizzer in the night sky

This Nottingham Evening Post article (September 9, 1980) reports on Mrs. Doreen Burt of Clifton seeing a bright light, red intermingled with yellow, whizzing across the night sky. She described it as so bright she could hardly look at it. Her husband and son also witnessed it. The object seemed to whizz across the sky in one direction then move slowly back in the other direction, repeating this several times before joining another object and disappearing in opposite directions.

Two more have seen the light

This Northern Echo article (September 1, 1980) reports on close encounters with bright lights. It mentions the Gott family's experience and a similar sighting by Ann and Edward Waistell in Thornley. They saw a single light, not like the Gotts' double object, moving slowly low on the horizon. The light came down and went up again as bright as a star. They believe it was a UFO but were hesitant to report it.

Man spots UFO over the fields

This Bolton Evening News article (August 5, 1980) describes Joe Wray spotting three large lights moving over fields near Edgworth. His alsatian dogs were startled. The lights were about 200 feet up, appeared to have smoke drifting upwards, and were behind a large object. The object was moving slowly and without sound. Police in Darwen reported no other similar sightings.

Weathermen see the light

This Glasgow Herald article (September 29, 1980) explains the phenomenon of an orange light seen over Central Scotland. Glasgow Weather Centre attributed it to moonlight reflecting off high clouds, possibly ice crystals, creating a halo effect. Police in Falkirk had investigated and concluded it was gas flares from the Grangemouth petro-chemical complex reflected off clouds. Mr Stuart Campbell, investigative co-ordinator for the British UFO Research Association, stated he would reserve judgment until he had studied reports from eyewitnesses.

Did Kirton brothers see UFO?

This Gainsborough News article (September 26, 1980) reports on brothers John and Mark Eccles seeing a bright orange light suspended in the air near Kirton. They described it as similar to a sodium street light, appearing above trees and then reappearing above the centre of the last field. The light moved very slowly towards them before disappearing. They believe it was a UFO.

Family of five claim they saw UFO

This Colchester Evening Gazette article (September 18, 1980) details a sighting by Fireman Derek Cook and five members of his family of a round object gliding about 200ft up in the sky over Dovercourt. The object was described as hub-cap-shaped, black underneath and silver on top, spinning and wobbling. It moved towards the racecourse, stopped, then moved toward Stonehenge. The object made no noise and was similar to one seen 18 months prior.

UFO causes stir

This Irish Times Dublin article (September 19, 1980) reports that two people were injured and property damaged when an unidentified flying object flew over a village in central Senegal. The UFO, described as 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, caused damage including uprooting huts and trees.

Puzzle in night sky

This Salisbury Journal article (September 18, 1980) features Kevin Mahony, aged 15, who claims to have spotted an Unidentified Flying Object for the second time in 18 months. He described a cigar-shaped object with masses of flashing lights (red, yellow, white, blue, and green) that moved toward the racecourse, stopped, then moved toward Stonehenge. The object made no noise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles are the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the variety of descriptions (shapes, colors, behaviors), and the commonality of witnesses being unable to rationally explain what they observed. Many reports emphasize the lack of sound associated with the objects, their unusual speed and maneuverability, and their bright lights. The articles often highlight the involvement of credible witnesses, including police officers, pilots, and educated professionals, lending weight to the reports. While some articles present official explanations or suggest mundane causes (like weather phenomena or aircraft), others lean towards the unexplained, encouraging further investigation and public reporting. The overall stance of the publications appears to be one of reporting these events as news, often with a degree of curiosity and sometimes skepticism, but generally giving credence to the witnesses' accounts.

This issue of the LYNN NEWS & ADVERTISER, dated September 26, 1980, features a prominent cover story titled "Storeman sees mystery object," detailing a UFO sighting over Lynn. The issue also includes reports from other regional publications such as THE CRAVEN HERALD + PIONEER (Skipton, September 19, 1980), BOREHAM WOOD + ELSTREE POST AND EDGWARE & DISTRICT POST (September 11, 1980), NORTHERN DESPATCH DARLINGTON (September 30, 1980), GLOUCESTER ECHO CHELTENHAM (July 26, 1980), WOLVERHAMPTON EXPRESS & STAR (September 24, 1980), and REDDITCH INDICATOR WORCS (October 3, 1980).

Storeman Sees Mystery Object (Lynn News & Advertiser, Sep 26 1980)

Alan Flett, a 26-year-old storeman from Lynn, reported seeing a blue light in the sky on Wednesday night, which changed to orange. He estimated its altitude to be between 3,000 and 4,000 feet and noted its ability to change course sharply and erratically. The absence of noise from the object made it particularly strange. Flett reported the sighting to RAF Marham, who took down details.

Sutton U.F.O. (The Craven Herald + Pioneer, Sep 19 1980)

Mrs. Jackie English of Sutton reported seeing a green light near a barn on Saturday night. The light intensified, becoming blue, then brilliant white, and emitting yellow sparks, described as 'like somebody welding in the sky.' The incident coincided with a power outage affecting about five customers in the area. The Yorkshire Electricity Board (Y.E.B.) found a broken connection on overhead lines near Strikes Lane, which they believe caused the arc and sparks. The owners of the barn, Mr. and Mrs. Ian Taylor, reported hearing or seeing nothing unusual.

Flying Diamonds (Boreham Wood + Elstree Post, Sep 11 1980)

Phyllis Down of Borehamwood claimed to have seen a large horseshoe-shaped object hovering in the night sky with shining diamonds around its sides. She contacted the local police, who stated they do not keep lists of UFOs but do receive such reports. A police spokesman mentioned that while the subject is not taken as seriously in Britain as in America, they do get calls about strange objects in the sky.

UFO Alert Man Was 'High' (Northern Despatch Darlington, Sep 30 1980)

Andy Imelia, a steel erector from Newton Aycliffe, admitted to being 'high' on hallucinogenic mushrooms when he fired red distress flares, which led to numerous reports of UFO sightings. Police were inundated with calls after the flares lit up the sky. Imelia apologized for the trouble caused. Detective Inspector Ken Lavery stated that no charges would be filed as no law had been broken. The mushrooms are rare and can be mistaken for dangerous toadstools.

'U.F.O.' Was Balloon, Claim (Gloucester Echo Cheltenham, July 26 1980)

Mrs. Edith Yates of Cheltenham suggested that a mystery object seen over the town was a balloon. While walking her dogs, she observed a bright orange balloon drifting over Cheltenham, which then moved towards Prestbury Racecourse and later towards Swindon Village. Mrs. Yates explained that the moonlight reflecting off the balloon's surface could easily be mistaken for a UFO.

Aircraft Lights Theory Over 'UFO Sightings' (Wolverhampton Express & Star, Sep 24 1980)

An official at Elmdon Airport suggested that a reported UFO sighting at Bloxwich could be explained by the landing lights of a low-flying aircraft. Witnesses in the Mossley Estate area reported seeing two bright lights close to an object that appeared to have no wings and remained stationary for a considerable time. Mr. Len Hewines, a witness, stated he had an open mind about UFOs but found the sighting baffling. The airport official noted that the Walsall and Bloxwich areas are on an approach route for landing at Birmingham and confirmed no reports of unidentified flying objects had been received.

UFO Sightings Mystery Deepens (Redditch Indicator Worcs, Oct 3 1980)

This section details several related sightings. The mystery surrounding a UFO sighting by four schoolboys in Church Hill deepened as two hours later, householders in Studley spotted a similar object. The following day, an Alcester housewife reported seeing an unusual 'craft' over Coughton Court. In this incident, her car's windscreen wipers stopped mysteriously. The Church Hill sighting involved an oval-shaped craft about four feet long with wings. Police had initially attributed the Church Hill sighting to a thunderstorm, but local UFO experts were unable to explain it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these reports is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, ranging from lights and colored objects to horseshoe-shaped craft. Explanations offered include aircraft lights, electrical faults, and balloons, but in several cases, local UFO experts were unable to provide a definitive answer, contributing to the sense of mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these incidents as they occur, presenting witness accounts alongside any official explanations or theories, without taking a definitive stance on the nature of the phenomena themselves.