APCIC - Vol 09 No 03 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue Date: March 1984
Volume: 9, No. 3
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS presents a collection of articles and reports focused on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and related phenomena. It covers a range of topics from the purported extraterrestrial origins of certain fruits to alleged alien abductions and government involvement.

Articles and Features

UFO Aliens Planted Magic Healing Bananas on Earth

This article introduces Norman Chastain, a 72-year-old UFO researcher with two documented close encounters. Chastain's research suggests that the 'Indian banana,' also known as the pawpaw, has miraculous health-giving powers because aliens brought it to Earth. He cites Cherokee Indian legends about 'flying gods' bringing the banana. Chastain's theory is supported by Erich Von Daniken, author of 'Chariots of the Gods,' who questions how the banana, a vital foodstuff, originated and spread globally without seeds, suggesting it may have been brought from another star by beings referred to as 'Manu.' Chastain is actively reviving the cultivation of the pawpaw, with over 500 trees ready for transplanting.

Space Aliens Kidnap Hundreds of People a Year

This report, attributed to Peter Bemidji, claims that aliens are responsible for hundreds of Earthlings vanishing annually. Boris Sulghakov, a Ufologist, is cited as stating that research from behind the Iron Curtain indicates these disappearances are the work of space aliens, with victims literally vanishing into thin air. The article discusses 'teleportation' as a possible alien method, drawing a parallel to the science fiction show 'Star Trek.' It presents case histories, including the disappearance of Martha Jackson in New York City's Lincoln Tunnel in February 1975, and Donald Dent in England in the same year. Rosalind Ballingall's disappearance in South Africa in August 1969 and the historical case of Benjamin Bathurst during the Napoleonic Wars are also mentioned.

UFOs Warn of Atomic Disaster

According to former intelligence officer Gordon Creighton, UFOs are being sent by aliens to warn humanity about the danger of nuclear war. This information was reportedly shared in England's House of Lords. Creighton mentions a recent UFO landing near a secret air base in Suffolk, England, and suggests that these extraterrestrial visitors are urging Earth not to initiate nuclear conflict. A member of England's Select Committee on Defense expressed outrage that high-level government information on this matter has not been released.

Victims Never Seen Again

This section continues the theme of disappearances, detailing the cases of Rosalind Ballingall in South Africa and James Burne Worson in England. It also recounts the historical disappearance of Benjamin Bathurst, a British diplomat, in East Germany.

Sudden Appearance of UFO Scares Schoolgirls

This article describes an incident in Kvilla, Sweden, in October 1982, where three schoolgirls—Pia Andersson, Anna-Karin Lindahl, and Carina Sjöstrom—encountered a flying saucer while riding horses. They described the object as hovering six to eight yards above them, with lights along its edge, and causing a sensation of being watched. The craft vanished as suddenly as it appeared.

Govt. Sued for $20 Million Over Encounter With UFO

This report details a $20 million lawsuit filed against the U.S. government by Betty Cash, Vicki Landrum, and her grandson Colby. They claim severe health damages, including radiation burns, hair loss, nausea, and cancer, resulted from an encounter with a UFO in Dayton, Texas, on December 29, 1980. The lawsuit alleges that the government owned the UFO or knew about it, citing the presence of 23 military helicopters that reportedly escorted the object. The victims describe the UFO as a diamond-shaped object that descended from the sky, emitting noises and flames, and making the car interior unbearably hot.

Flying Object Reported, But Not Located

This brief report from Pomona, California, describes a sheriff's helicopter crew and a Mountain Rescue Team failing to find any downed aircraft after a Pomona man reported seeing a flying object maneuvering strangely near Johnstone Peak. The object was reportedly moving in a northwesterly direction with hovering and sudden bursts of speed. The Federal Aviation Administration reported no overdue aircraft, and radar data did not verify the report.

Close Encounters of the UFO Kind: Course Tackles Alien Visitors

This article profiles Lawrence Fenwick, a ufologist who teaches a non-credit course at Humber College titled 'UFOs - Fact or Fiction.' Fenwick believes UFOs are real and displays photographs he claims are UFOs. The course aims to educate students on the subject. Dr. Allen McNamara, from the National Research Council's planetary science section, offers a skeptical view, suggesting UFO sightings could be explained by natural phenomena like meteor fireballs or optical illusions. However, Fenwick contends that government information is being hidden and that reported sightings have decreased because people accept benevolent alien portrayals in media.

Lights on the Road

This piece by Lloyd Holman recounts stories about mysterious lights seen on the road near the cemetery in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, dating back to 1934 and 1936. One story involves a father and son's experiences with reflections that caused vehicles to swerve. Another account tells of a schoolteacher who, years later, identified her encounter with bright lights on horseback as a UFO sighting.

UFO Sighting Baffles Soviet Experts

Reports from Moscow indicate that a mysterious bright object was seen flying at great speed across Ukraine and southern Russia. Soviet scientists are reportedly puzzled and divided about the nature of the object, described by over 40 witnesses as a bright sphere followed by seven smaller lights, with some describing it as a 'construction like a space ship.'

'UFO' is Identified

This short article from Lincoln, California, explains that a 'UFO' seen during a storm on Sunday, December 11, was identified as 'great balls o' lightning' by a woman who had seen similar phenomena in movies. Another reader suggested it was caused by two power lines knocking together, creating a ball of light.

Incident In Camden Fosters UFO Interest

A newspaper headline about a 'Brilliant blast of light' in Camden, South Carolina, led to local residents gathering to discuss the event. Sheriff Hector DeBruhl described it as a 'home-grown Close Encounter of the Third Kind,' with no logical explanation forthcoming.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS are the prevalence of UFO sightings across different regions, the alleged involvement of extraterrestrials in human affairs (including health and disappearances), and the potential for government secrecy or involvement in UFO phenomena. The magazine appears to present these accounts with a degree of seriousness, featuring interviews with researchers, eyewitnesses, and authors who support the reality of UFOs and alien visitation. The editorial stance leans towards exploring these phenomena as potentially real and significant, encouraging investigation and open-mindedness, as exemplified by the Humber College course and the mission statement of the Center for UFO Studies.

This issue of the Examiner, dated January 24, 1984, features a prominent cover story titled "Man goes fishing - is caught by flying saucer," detailing an alleged encounter by angler Alfred Burtoo with 'little green men' in Aldershot, England. The article highlights the conviction of experts, such as Omar Fowler of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, in the validity of Burtoo's story. The magazine also includes reports on other UFO sightings and related phenomena from various locations, interviews with UFO experts, and discussions on government involvement and secrecy.

Main Cover Story: Man Caught by Flying Saucer

The lead story recounts the experience of Alfred Burtoo, a 77-year-old angler who claims he was fishing in a remote canal at Aldershot when a flying saucer landed nearby. He describes being approached by two figures dressed in pale green suits with dark visors, who beckoned him aboard the craft. Burtoo describes the interior as being made of burnished aluminum and recalls an alien speaking to him in a singsong voice with a Russian-Chinese accent. He was asked to stand under an amber light and was questioned about his age. The beings reportedly told him he could go because he was "too old and infirm for their purpose." Burtoo states he didn't believe in flying saucers until this happened to him. His wife, son, and a neighbor were told, but he didn't report it officially for fear of not being believed. Omar Fowler, who has investigated UFO sightings for 16 years, expressed skepticism initially but became convinced of Burtoo's story, calling it the "most sensational thing that's ever happened."

Other UFO Sightings and Incidents

'Rocket' Flight Still Mystery (Page 2)

This article from the Bournemouth Evening Echo (January 18, 1984) reports on a sighting by Mrs. Maxine Allenby and her 15-year-old son Robert near Christchurch, UK. They described a rocket-shaped object that took a steep dive and disappeared. UFO specialist Philip Shaw noted similarities to other sightings in the area, including one at Highcliffe Castle in the 1970s. Shaw stated that the description was characteristic of objects he had investigated in the New Forest back to the 1950s. The object was described as cone-shaped with a long, dark shape and no markings. They had it in view for about 20 seconds. Police and Air Traffic Control had no knowledge of the event. Bournemouth weatherman Peter Rogers suggested it could have been a lightning ball.

Mysterious Calling Card Proves UFOs Do Exist (Page 3)

This piece discusses the phenomenon of "angel's hair," a mysterious white cotton candy-like substance that scientists are perplexed by. Some believe it may be formed by UFOs. Reports of angel hair date back to 679 AD in Japan. A notable case occurred in Jerome, Ohio, in 1954, where a UFO left a blanket of angel's hair spread over three miles. The substance reportedly turned fingertips green and disappeared upon handling. A Belgian shepherd had previously photographed a large, flat disc-shaped object producing angel's hair. An engineering student analyzed the substance, finding it contained boron, silicon, magnesium, and calcium.

Wendy Shoots Mystery Object (Page 4)

An article from the Evening Chronicle Newcastle Upon Tyne (January 4, 1984) details Wendy Garratt's experience in Wallsend, UK. She photographed a mystery object described as "dome shaped on top with a saucer underneath." The object reportedly grew to be 10 to 15 times larger than a star. Wallsend police, however, were convinced it was a star, citing similar calls received a year prior. Insp. David Raine stated he would look into it.

UFO Report at Elvington (Page 4)

A report from the Yorkshire Evening Press (January 4, 1984) discusses a UFO sighting on December 12, 1983, near Elvington, UK. Witnesses described a glowing blue and red ball of light that exploded into multiple lights. Initially thought to be a fireball, subsequent inquiries revealed no natural phenomena were recorded. A resident near RAF Elvington also witnessed a large circular craft with numerous lights, estimated to be five aeroplanes in length. The Yorkshire UFO Society believes something unusual occurred and is seeking further details.

Lights in the Sky Mystery (Page 4)

This article from the Chatham Standard (December 13, 1983) covers sightings in the Medway Towns, UK. Traffic controllers at RAF Manston reported nothing unusual on radar. A woman reported seeing a strange object flying over City Way, Rochester, and a couple saw mysterious multi-coloured lights while driving towards Maidstone. Eileen Carter described a round object with various coloured lights, stating it was "certainly not a plane."

UFO Research (Page 5)

Stephen Brown, a 21-year-old from Harle Syke, Burnley, UK, is compiling a dossier on local UFO sightings. He believes 90% of sightings can be explained but is interested in the remaining 10%. He notes reports dating back to 1869 and mentions significant sightings in the Burnley area in 1953, 1958, and 1977. A particularly mysterious case linked a UFO to the unexplained death of a man in Todmorden.

Coloured Lights in the Sky (Page 5)

This piece from the Wester Morning News (December 5, 1983) discusses widespread reports of "coloured lights in the sky" in the Westcountry, UK. While some dismissed them as aircraft lights or helicopters, others point to unexplained events like enormous explosions occurring on consecutive nights around 30 years prior, which were attributed to exploding meteorites but never fully explained. The possibility of something launched from a Ministry of Defence rocket testing station was also considered.

All Things Bright and Mysterious (Page 5)

An article from the Oxford Star (November 17, 1983) features Rev. Donald Thomas, who has been collecting sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects for 12 years. He is appealing for help to investigate the "October effect," a phenomenon where UFO sightings seem to peak in October every four years. Thomas described seeing a strange grey blob chasing a plane. He also notes that some aspects of UFOs suggest "demonic" activity, and some parishioners dismiss his experiences as "madness."

Another UFO? (Page 5)

A letter to the Clevedon Mercury (November 10, 1983) from Mrs. I. M. Moss describes seeing a large, round, bright object in the sky towards the Mendips from Wrington, UK, on October 28, 1983, at around 4 am. The object did not move and was shining brightly.

Eerie Flash Was No Vision For Babson Park Man (Page 8)

This article from the Lake Wales, Fla. Highlander (January 10, 1984) reports on a phenomenon witnessed by Steve Wilson and his uncle near Lake Wales, Florida. They described the sky going from pitch black to a blinding light for four to five seconds. Wilson described it as a "short bolt of lightning, but there was no storm. No noise. No jet." They initially feared a nuclear attack. Air Force Sgt. Donna Eggleston at McDill Air Force Base had no reports of such an event. The National Weather Service received one similar report from Polk County, suggesting it might have been a meteor. NASA spokesman Rocky Raab stated they had nothing in the air at the time. Rita Fairman, Planetarium Director at the John Young Science Center, suggested it was likely a "bolide" – a meteor striking the atmosphere at an angle that makes it appear brighter than usual.

Odds And Ends (Page 9)

This column by Brent Raynes includes several brief reports. One describes a family on South 48 Creek who reported seeing a 20-foot wide saucer-shaped object with flashing lights, and later, a glowing white beachball-sized object. White human-like figures were also seen coming down a hill. The grandmother described the lights as odd and noted that UFOs did not appear when these figures were seen. She speculated they might be "angles." Another report mentions a woman on 48 Creek who saw a ball of fire roll into her home, followed by illness and death in the family, which was considered an "omen." The column also discusses the work of Wilhelm Reich and his "cloudbuster" invention, which he claimed could influence UFOs.

Government officials new targets in UFO 'Watergate' trial (Page 10)

This article from the Examiner (January 24, 1984) details lawsuits accusing the government of a massive UFO cover-up. Larry Bryant of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) claims the government is hiding alien bodies from crashes. He cites a 1950 FBI memo mentioning the recovery of three human-shaped bodies, only three feet tall, from flying saucers in New Mexico. The article also discusses a $10 million lawsuit filed by Betty Cash, Vicky Landrum, and Colby Landrum against the Air Force, alleging injuries from a fiery, diamond-shaped UFO encounter in 1980. They claim they suffered symptoms similar to radiation poisoning.

Force files UFO riddle (Page 10)

This report from the Northern Echo Darlington (December 15, 1983) mentions police investigating a report of a grounded UFO, described as a bizarre barrel-shaped object, in a field at Rillington, near Malton, UK. It had flashing lights and a white strip. Two police officers on traffic patrol also reported strange lights in the sky that night. The field showed no signs of the object the following morning.

Soviet cosmonaut kidnapped by UFO! (Page 7)

This article, dated December 27, 1983, reports that American intelligence sources claim Soviet cosmonauts aboard the Soyuz T-9 spaceship were in danger and had no further contact. The cosmonauts reportedly communicated that an unknown "entity" was on the space station, preventing them from leaving and thrusting them against the walls. The article speculates this could be an encounter with "other world beings."

Soviet newspaper reports UFO sighting (Page 7)

A brief report from the Chicago Tribune (January 13, 1984) mentions a Moscow newspaper, Trud, reporting a mysterious, bright object flying at great speed across Ukraine and southern Russia, puzzling Soviet scientists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the mysterious phenomenon of "angel hair." There is a strong undercurrent of government secrecy and potential cover-ups, as highlighted by the "cosmic Watergate" lawsuit and the claims about hidden alien bodies. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts, often with expert opinions lending credibility, while also acknowledging skepticism and the ongoing mystery surrounding these events. The inclusion of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's perspective adds a scientific, albeit cautious, viewpoint to the UFO phenomenon. The magazine seems to aim at informing readers about a range of unexplained aerial phenomena and the efforts to investigate them, while also touching upon the psychological and societal aspects of such experiences, such as the fear of admitting sightings.

This issue of the Camberley New Mail, dated January 31, 1984, is titled "MYSTERY OF THE 'SPACE VISITORS'" and focuses on recent UFO sightings in the UK, particularly in the Camberley area. The magazine presents multiple witness accounts and includes commentary from UFO experts, both proponents and skeptics.

Key Articles and Reports

"Mystery of the Space Visitors" by Mark Downing

This lead article suggests that a recent surge of UFO sightings in the Camberley area confirms theories that the region is a focal point for alien attention. It highlights an incident where two women, Mrs. Carol Broadbent and Mrs. Ann Clark, saw three lights and a stationary 'blob' near the A30 at Blackwater. Mrs. Broadbent, initially skeptical, became a believer after the experience. She contacted UFO expert Mr. Omar Fowler, who confirmed it appeared to be UFO activity and noted similarities to another sighting by Mrs. Cathy Harris.

"UFO experts say yet another mysterious sighting..."

This section expands on the theory that the Camberley area is a hotspot for UFO activity. It mentions that the Royal Aircraft Establishment suggested the sighting could have been a helicopter, but Mrs. Broadbent was certain it was not. Mr. Fowler is keen to hear from other witnesses who may have seen unusual aerial phenomena but have been reluctant to report it.

"UFO weight loss?" (Surrey Mail, Jan 14, 1984)

This report details how Mr. Omar Fowler, chairman of the Guildford-based Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, is investigating the case of a man named Mr. Fowler who claims to have been taken aboard a flying saucer. The man has reportedly lost 1½ stone since the incident and Mr. Fowler wants to determine if this is due to worry or radiation sickness. The article notes other UFO sightings in the Aldershot, Normandy, and Hogs Back areas, as well as a report from Reading.

"Jason sees a big, blue, glowing UFO" (Harlow Star, Jan 12, 1984)

This article recounts a sighting by thirteen-year-old Jason, who claims to have seen a large, blue, saucer-shaped UFO with a glow hovering above his home in Harlow. He described hearing a bang and a droning sound before seeing the object, which then shot off towards Milwards and Parndon Wood. Jason's father was called but by the time he arrived, the object had disappeared. Jason's mother mentioned that some people in the area lost electricity supply around the same time, and some TV aerials were affected.

"Mystery UFO is sighted" (Aldershot News, Dec 30, 1984)

Simon Quilter (24) reported seeing a bright blue light hovering silently near his home in Cox Avenue, Weybourne, which then sped off towards Aldershot, leaving an electric blue trace. The British Interplanetary Society stated no comets were due that night. Quilter, who works for Thames Television, described the event as "unreal" and "quite silent."

"Close encounter on walk to work" (N Morley Keynehan Observer, Jan 13, 1984)

Albert Prior, 60, of Keynsham, reported seeing a strange, dull pinkish-red triangular object with an aura while walking to work. He initially thought it was a shooting star but noted it moved at tremendous speed. He contacted the police and Lulsgate airfield, but neither had reports. A UFO organization informed him of recent sightings elsewhere. Prior, previously a skeptic, stated he saw what he saw with his own eyes.

"MOTHER AND SON IN UFO SIGHTING" (Sandhurst News, Jan 24, 1984)

Mrs. Cathy Harris and her teenage son Paul reported being "dumbstruck" by a cigar-shaped, electric blue craft with three or four hatches that hovered over Shawfield First School before heading towards Guildford. Mrs. Harris described feeling a mixture of fear and excitement. Mr. Omar Fowler deemed the report "authentic" and noted similarities to other sightings. He is compiling a report for the UFO Studies Centre in Illinois, USA. The article also mentions Mr. Alfred Burtoo, who reported meeting "visitors from outer space" and has lost weight and is not sleeping well.

"Lights in sky spark new UFOs probe" (Milton Kenes Gazette, Jan 13, 1984)

Two pulsating white lights were seen over West Bletchley. Ken Phillips of the British UFO Research Association logged the report but is seeking more witnesses. The lights were seen travelling east and banked to the left, with witnesses detecting a "rim." Phillips is skeptical, noting that three aircraft from RAF Upper Heyford were in the area. He suggests the sighting might be an archetype triggered by USAF jets.

"UFO expert marches to a different danger" by Charles Paul Freund (Baltimore Sun, Jan 25, 1984)

This article profiles UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass, who argues that the "UFO myth" poses a danger to the republic by eroding skepticism. Klass, author of "UFOs, The Public Deceived," investigates UFO cases and offers rational explanations, stating "there are no solid UFO cases." He believes UFO reports are misperceptions of celestial objects, man-made objects, atmospheric phenomena, or hoaxes. He criticizes the study of UFOs as an "ersatz science" where understanding does not increase over time. Klass has offered a "Ten Thousand Dollar Offer" challenging proponents to provide incontrovertible evidence.

"3 claim UFO injured them" (Houston Post, Jan 21, 1984)

Betty Cash and two companions filed a $20 million lawsuit against the federal government, alleging injuries from a diamond-shaped object that hovered over a road near New Caney. The object allegedly emitted flames and a shrill beeping sound. The lawsuit claims severe injuries, including swollen eyes, earlobes, headaches, and scarring, attributing them to radiation. The trio's attorney, Peter Gersten, believes radiation was involved. Washington spokesmen for the Air Force and Justice Department declined to comment.

"H. G. Wells has a lot to answer for!" (Working News Surrey, Jan 26, 1984)

This piece discusses UFO sightings over Woking and Byfleet, noting the area's association with H. G. Wells' "War of the Worlds." It suggests that sightings might be misidentified phenomena like satellite debris or atmospheric effects. The article questions whether UFOs are simply a way to label inexplicable occurrences.

"UFO was also seen in Huyton" (Prescot Reporter, Jan 20, 1984)

Miss Jenny Jackson and her sister Angela reported seeing two white lights and two red lights in the sky over Huyton. They initially dismissed it but were shocked to read that others had seen a similar object. The object was described as too low to be a plane and unusual. A Whiston woman and a man walking his dog also reported sightings in the area.

"U.F.O. sighting at Christchurch?" (Dorset Evening Echo, Jan 16, 1984)

Mrs. Maxine Allenby and her son Robert reported seeing a rocket-shaped object with a cone-shaped light moving fast near Christchurch. Mrs. Allenby thought it was a low-flying aircraft but it took a steep dive. Police and Air Traffic Control found no knowledge of such an object. UFO specialist Phillip Shaw noted similarities to other sightings but is skeptical, suggesting possible aircraft activity.

"Return of the UFOs" (Woking News Surrey, Jan 19, 1984)

Four people claimed to have seen UFOs over Woking. A rugby player reported a red light that sped overhead. Another witness saw a similar object in more detail. An 18-year-old student reported seeing three bright lights in a perfect triangle that dissolved, followed by another set of lights forming a large triangle. Some witnesses speculated it could be satellite debris.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the prevalence of UFO sightings in various locations, the descriptions of these objects (often lights, saucers, or cigar-shaped craft), and the varying reactions from witnesses, ranging from fear and excitement to skepticism. A significant theme is the role of UFO experts, with figures like Omar Fowler and Philip J. Klass representing contrasting viewpoints: Fowler investigating and validating sightings, while Klass actively debunks them and warns against "excessive credulity." The articles also touch upon the potential for government cover-ups and the psychological impact of UFO experiences on individuals. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, presenting both eyewitness accounts and expert opinions, without taking a definitive stance on the reality of UFOs, though the inclusion of Klass's skeptical viewpoint provides a counter-narrative.