APCIC - Vol 13 No 06 - 1988

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated June 1988, Volume 13, No. 6, is published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER based in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and an illustration of an alien head with flying saucers, hinting at the issue's content.

Allegations of a UFO Cover-Up

The lead story, "Flying Object cover-up alleged" from the Yorkshire Post (December 31, 1987), details allegations by Dennis Harriman, chief investigator of the National UFO Investigation Society. Harriman claims a "wall of silence" from officialdom regarding a huge unidentified flying object seen over Nottingham and other parts of the UK, including Sussex, Humberside, Leicestershire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire. He states that police are worried but are being told to withhold information, and that while police claim only a handful of reports, he knows of over 300 people who have contacted him and the police. Harriman also mentions that eight policemen in Nottingham reportedly saw UFOs but have not come forward. He was informed that police had over 100 calls but only passed three on to him. Witnesses described objects the size of a football pitch, moving slowly with a deep hum.

Edward Fell of Long Eaton, Derbyshire, described a UFO with a bright white light at the front and red lights along the side, estimated to be 20-30 times the size of a normal aircraft, making a deep throbbing sound. Nottinghamshire Police HQ denied receiving many reports of football pitch-sized objects, suggesting a 'micra light aircraft' might have been responsible. Airport officials at East Midlands International Airport denied any radar or visual confirmation of a UFO passing over the control tower, despite claims it flew directly overhead. A report from Chilwell described a triangular UFO landing on a school playing field, accompanied by the sound of crashing metal.

Harriman notes that UFO sightings have increased significantly since August 16, with colors varying by region (e.g., orange in Suffolk, red and white in other areas). He also mentions that UFOs tend to appear over power stations, RAF bases, and graveyards. He describes them as cigar-shaped with circular fronts and long strips of lights. Harriman states that while the RAF attempts to intercept UFOs, they are far faster and more maneuverable, and bullets have never harmed them. Most eye-witnesses report a jet aircraft following the UFO.

UFO Probe in Boney Hay

The Chase Post, Cannock (December 17, 1987) reports on a "PUZZLE OF THE SKY" and "BONEY HAY UFO PROBE" by Lynette Lloyd. Police were investigating sightings of UFOs over Burntwood, with two unidentified flying objects reportedly seen over Boney Hay. Four people witnessed the sightings, including former councillor Paul Atkins, who described the craft as "looking like two railway carriages side on joined together" with about 15 flashing lights and a "turbo-winding sound." He found it "very frightening" and stated it was too large to be mistaken for a plane. Local women Mandy Shaw and Sandra Lishman reported seeing a similar craft previously. Mrs. Brenda Bardell, proprietor of Spinney Stores, described the object as "massive - nothing like a plane, more like a really long strip, tubular in shape, in the sky with lots of lights."

Inspector Robert Langley of Chasetown Police confirmed they were contacted and that Air Traffic Control was informed. The Daily Mirror (January 5, 1988) ran a story titled "'ELLO UFO! COPS SPY A JELLY, IN THE SKY" by Sylvia Jones. This article details a sighting by a schoolgirl astronomer, Zena Sfeir, and eight police officers in Kensington, West London. They observed a "saucer-shaped UFO, dazzling in colour and slowly changing shape 'like a swimming jellyfish'" which was initially grey-green with pink blobs and later turned electric blue with flashing lights. Astronomer Patrick Moore suggested it might have been the planet Jupiter, but the officers were convinced it was something else.

Yorkshire UFO Society's Call

The Yorkshire Post (Leeds, January 7, 1988) reported that the Yorkshire UFO Society, with 300 members, had seen an increase in sightings during 1987. They called for an official statement from a minister regarding these sightings. The society had contacted Leeds-Bradford Airport, Jodrell Bank, and RAF Finningley without confirmation. The article mentions that on the same day as the London sighting, six people reported sightings in Yorkshire.

Stargazers' UFO Riddle

The Burton Mail (December 12, 1987) featured "STARGAZERS' UFO RIDDLE" and "UFO's - 'more are sighted in area'" by Richard Wood. The article discusses an anomaly research project on the Pennine Hills, where there have been many sightings over 100 years. The team, including Andy Roberts, is testing theories related to geological faulting and earth tremors. They appealed for readers who saw specific events on October 28 and November 16 to come forward. The October 28 sighting involved a couple returning from Lancashire who saw a very bright light over the Isle of Skye road to Holmfirth, described as circular with three bright lights at the front and two at the rear, moving with a whooshing sound. The November 16 sighting involved a large object with searchlight-like beams approaching Castle Hill, described as having bright lights and a ring of red and white lights around its center.

Nottingham UFO Experts Probe Night Sights

The Nottingham Evening Post (December 14, 1987) reported that "UFO experts probe Notts night sights." Investigators from a national society were looking into a "spectacular" number of UFO sightings in Nottinghamshire. Reports described two identical UFOs, one following the other, with a brilliant white light and other lights, moving slowly and making a faint but distinct humming noise. They were described as much bigger than normal aircraft, and a jet aircraft was reportedly seen shortly after the UFO. Edward Fell's account of seeing a bright white light and five red lights along the side, and it being huge and making a deep throbbing noise, is reiterated. Other witnesses included Robin Howe, who saw a UFO with four lights at the front, and Ben Maslin, who saw two UFOs. Denis Harriman of the National UFO Investigation Society stated that these were "very spectacular" sightings and that he wanted to speak to all witnesses.

UFO Identified?

The Hinckley Times (December 4, 1987) featured "UFO Identified?" concerning a report of a UFO sighting. Mr. C. Watson of Seaforth Drive, Hinckley, recalled seeing an object that night that fit the description, describing it as a "Hercules transport aircraft with its navigation lights in view and the high large tail fin sticking up vertically," moving quietly and low. He speculated it might be a large dark object, but the description also aligns with some UFO reports.

UFO Probe Goes On

The Long Eaton Advertiser (January 1988) reported that "UFO probe goes on as reports flood in." Draycott spotter Denis Harriman was still investigating mysterious objects seen before Christmas. He had received so many reports that he was still studying the details. Claims that the objects were planes on an RAF training exercise had not been accepted by Harriman, who expressed frustration at the lack of help from the police, RAF, and the airport at Castle Donington, leading him to wonder about a "cover-up."

Aircraft Theory Link in Hull

The Hull Daily Mail (December 30, 1987) suggested an "Aircraft theory link in Hull 'big bang' mystery." American pilots refueling over Hull were thought to have caused a bang that triggered UFO sightings. Initially denied by RAF Binbrook, it was later confirmed that nine US planes, including two USAF KC-135 tanker aircraft and F111s, were involved in an exercise over Hull on December 1. BUFORA member Philip Mantle noted that around 30 people phoned in with reports of lights and formations.

MoD Man in Strange Encounter

The Southend Evening Echo (January 11, 1988) reported on a "MoD man in strange encounter." Civil servant Reginald Tillbrook, working at Shoebury's New Ranges, reported seeing a "very bright light" over the Havengore bridge, which he initially thought was a star but realized there were no other stars out. He described a large black mass with a huge light and two very bright green lights on either side. He later saw a similar object move off towards Burnham. Tillbrook, an ex-RAF man, was convinced it was not an aircraft, noting the absence of sound or vapor clouds. He speculated that a loud explosion heard by others might have been the object breaking the sound barrier.

UFO: The Sound Track

The Nottingham Evening Post (December 17, 1987) featured a letter from G. B. Shaw of Mansfield Road, Nottingham, titled "UFO: THE SOUND TRACK." Shaw described hearing the sound of an approaching aircraft, unlike a jet, more like a multi-engined prop-driven machine. The noise deepened and persisted, unlike helicopters. He could not explain the sound, which remained constant for some time before diminishing. He wondered if he had missed a visual encounter.

UFO was a storm - expert

The Coventry Evening Telegraph (January 22, 1988) reported that an Australian family who thought they saw an unidentified flying object might have seen a dry thunderstorm, according to Professor Peter Schwerdtfergger of Flinders University. He explained that in dry thunderstorms, natural electricity charges the atmosphere, and dust particles create a layer of light. The fine ash covering the family's car could be a product of lightning, and the violent shaking a result of the storm. Mike Manton from the Bureau of Meteorology noted that while dry thunderstorms are reported, they were not common in that area at that time.

Three Claim UFO Sightings in Night Sky

The Camberley News & Mail (January 2, 1988) reported "THREE CLAIM UFO SIGHTINGS IN NIGHT SKY." Andrew Findlay, a 16-year-old schoolboy, claimed to have seen an object "like a flying saucer" with bright white and green lights, hovering silently for seven to eight seconds before shooting across the sky. He was convinced it was a "spacecraft from another world." His brother Peter missed the sighting. Mrs. Tricia Hodgson and a friend reported seeing an object with searchlight-like beams approaching Castle Hill, described as a "big, bright light on the right of the sky, stationary." It had one green light and one silver light on its side. Andrew's brother Peter had only moments before gone back into the house, missing the sighting. Andrew rushed in to get his camera in the hope the object would return, but it did not. Mrs. Hodgson described the object as having a "big, bright light on the right of the sky, stationary." The object had one green light and one silver light on its side. As Mrs. Hodgson watched, it moved off. She described a "very large round area which was dark one minute then went pinky red, pulsating. It got brighter and brighter and then went dark again." She also noted a glow at the back of the third UFO. Mr. Myers, who was visiting from Bude, Cornwall, confirmed the sighting and stated they were convinced they saw something.

Ted Puts My Scepticism to the Test

The Lincolnshire Daily Echo (January 21, 1988) featured "Ted puts my scepticism to the test." Ted Veall, an amateur radio enthusiast, reported seeing two objects with a massive array of lights moving from Newark towards Lincoln. He described the sound as being like a "generator humming" and the objects as being "two or three times the size of a jumbo jet." He noted that the sky was clear and the objects were less than 2,000 feet up. He also mentioned that a similar object was seen later. The article notes that about 30 people in the Nottingham area reported similar sightings. An explanation of an American tanker aircraft refueling was put forward but seemed unlikely.

Spy in the Sky

The Daily Express (London, January 25, 1988) reported that an object seen in Norfolk might have been an F19, a secret American spy plane, according to the British UFO Association.

UFO Dust Baffles the Egg-Heads

Today, London (January 23, 1988) reported on "UFO DUST BAFFLES THE EGG-HEADS." An unidentified UFO from the Australian outback was baffling scientists. The ash-like substance found on the Knowles family's car after a "frightening encounter" on the Nullarbor Plain could not be identified by forensic science and was sent to Adelaide University. The "eggcup-shaped" object allegedly chased their car, lifted it, and dropped it back on the road. The family's voices also reportedly changed. A pilot also reported seeing the UFO off the Australian coast. Bookmakers William Hill had cut UFO odds from 250-1 to 200-1. Walter Andrus of the Mutual UFO Network called it "one of the most important cases we've had in a long time."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO NEWS heavily features witness testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena across the UK and Australia. A recurring theme is the alleged reluctance of authorities, including police and the RAF, to acknowledge or share information about these sightings, leading to accusations of a cover-up. The magazine appears to support the investigation of these phenomena, providing contact information for witnesses and highlighting the work of organizations like the National UFO Investigation Society. The tone is generally one of reporting unexplained events and encouraging public engagement with the topic, while also acknowledging skepticism and offering potential, albeit often dismissed, conventional explanations.

This issue of TODAY magazine, dated January 22, 1988, prominently features a dramatic cover story about a family's close encounter with a UFO. The main headline proclaims, "FAMILY HAS A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH UFO OF THE SPONGY KIND," accompanied by an illustration of a car being lifted by a UFO.

Main Article: Family's Close Encounter in Australia

The lead article details the experience of the Knowles family – mother Faye and her three sons, Patrick (24), Sean (21), and Wayne (18) – who claim they were plucked from the Australian outback by a 12ft tall, egg-shaped UFO with a hole in the middle. The object reportedly chased their Ford Telstar car at 120mph before clamping itself to the roof and lifting them into the air. Mrs. Knowles described the object as "warm and spongy." The family's car was filled with a "choking black smoke and ash" that smelled like "dead bodies." Their voices reportedly slowed down to a blur as they screamed in terror.

The car was eventually dropped back down with such force that a tyre burst. The family cowered in bushes as the object hovered overhead before disappearing. Police are reportedly taking the family's story seriously, noting a similar sighting by fishermen that they could not have known about. Patrick relived the moment the object descended, describing a "humming sound" and their voices changing to a slow, deep tone. He also mentioned their dogs going "crazy" before the vehicle filled with smoke.

Mrs. Knowles expressed her fear, stating, "There's definitely something out there. Something has got to be done or someone else is going to get really hurt." The family drove 400 miles to a police station at Ceduna. Coincidentally, Constable Gary O'Hagan and Sergeant Jim Furnell had received a report from a tuna fishing crew that same morning. Sergeant Furnell noted too many coincidences to dismiss the claims outright. Forensic scientists are set to examine black ash and four marks on the car's roof. The article also notes that over 3,000 UFO sightings have been reported in Britain over 25 years, and bookmakers William Hill are offering 200-1 against the government announcing the existence of UFOs within the next year.

Other UFO Sightings Reported

The magazine compiles several other UFO sightings from various publications:

• South Cheshire Mail (Jan 15, 1988): Farmer's son Jason Mottershead (17) reported seeing a disc-shaped bright light on Saturday night from Hankelow.
• Seaford Gazette (Jan 20, 1988): A mysterious unidentified flying object was spotted silently hovering above Seaford Head on Friday night, displaying various lights before five red lights appeared. Jenny Randles of the British UFO Research Association explained that similar sightings were often military exercises, but sometimes bizarre phenomena like geese with fungi or owls with strange colours could be mistaken for UFOs.
• Farnham Mail Surrey (Jan 19, 1988) / Camberley News & Mail Surrey (Jan 19, 1988): Brian Wall recounted a close encounter where he was followed along the M3 by a brightly lit object. He described it as being attracted to his car's lights, hovering for five seconds, and then vanishing at "terrific speed." He was scared for the first time in his life. His encounter occurred before Christmas 1986. He confirmed it was not a plane or helicopter, and checks with Heathrow did not reveal any unusual air traffic.
• Dawlish Post (Jan 15, 1988): Mrs. Anne Ball and her five-year-old daughter Vicky saw what they believe to be a UFO flying over a field near Christow. They described two very bright orange lights pulsating and going on and off. Police initially laughed but took the report seriously, passing it to a UFO investigation unit.
• The Guardian (Jan 22, 1988): This article reiterates the Nullarbor Plain sighting, referring to it as an "unidentified flying object stalked a family." It mentions that authorities are taking the claims seriously due to similar sightings by a truck driver and offshore fishermen.
• Essex Weekly News (Jan 21, 1988): Motorist Rodney Cullum saw an unidentified flying object over Chelmsford that "burst into flames" and left a vapour trail.
• Daily Express (Jan 23, 1988): A leading meteorologist identified the Knowles' UFO sighting as a "dry thunderstorm," a phenomenon involving charged dust particles creating lightning. However, another researcher noted no thunderstorm activity in the area at the time.
• The Independent, London (Jan 8, 1988): Eight policemen reportedly witnessed a "swimming jellyfish"-shaped UFO over Kensington, London, seen by 16-year-old Zena Sfeir. The object changed to electric blue when it spun.
• Yorkshire Evening Press (Dec 31, 1987): Housewife Elizabeth Rogers of York reported seeing an unidentified flying object "the size and shape of a pumpkin" with a white light that got brighter, followed by an orange object.
• The Independent, London (Jan 14, 1988): A letter to the editor from Gitta Sereny recounts a personal sighting of a "round object in dull metal" over Kensington years ago, expressing certainty that UFOs exist.
• Derby Evening Telegraph (Jan 15, 1988): Salesman Chris Triggs spotted a circular white, blue, and green sparkling light travelling at about 100mph. A UFO investigator is looking into this and other sightings in the Derbyshire area.
• Yorkshire Post (Jan 11, 1988): Seven people reportedly saw a "giant disc" and three smaller ones hovering over Chesterfield. Retired college lecturer Geoffrey Thorneycroft believes there is technology superior to our own.
• Herald Express (Jan 11, 1988): A young South Devon mum and her daughter are convinced they saw a UFO flying over a field, described as extremely bright orange lights moving fast and erratically.
• Bedfordshire on Sunday (Jan 10, 1988): A spate of UFO sightings in Bedfordshire is reported, including a woman woken by a blinding light and another woman seeing a hovering light that moved away.
• The Star, Sheffield (Jan 13, 1988): Five UFOs were reportedly seen above Rotherham, with descriptions including a brilliant white ball and a formation of red and white light.
• Bedfordshire Times (Feb 25, 1988): Witness Patrick Lyell reported seeing 20 to 30 mysterious flashing objects travelling silently at high speed over Ampthill and Stewartby, dismissing suggestions they were aircraft or stars.
• International Cutting Bureau / Abingdon Herald (Feb 25, 1988): The Tattler column discusses a silent aerial traveller seen before dawn, suggesting it might be a BAe 146 airliner on approach to RAF Benson, noting its quiet descent.
• Hull Daily Mail (Feb 26, 1988): A taxi driver alerted police to a reddish-orange spinning-top-shaped object seen in Hull's night sky, which made several changes of direction.
• Western Daily Press (Mar 2, 1988): Night nurse Elda Coretti spotted a "fireball" UFO over Bath that changed from circular to cigar shape. She also saw a cigar-shaped object later.
• Doncaster Star Yorkshire (Feb 25, 1988): Cleaner Iris Blakeborough claims to have seen an unidentified flying object, described as a large beachball with a floodlight underneath, near her home in Cantley three times. She has armed herself with a high-speed film camera.
• Nottingham Evening Post (Feb 18, 1988): UFO expert Tim Good claimed 300 pilots had encountered UFOs and that the Ministry of Defence regarded UFOs as the "most sensitive subject" of national security.
• Daily Star (Mar 2, 1988): This article details Elda Coretti's sighting again, describing the object as big as a double-decker bus. It also mentions a new organisation called Skyscan set up in Worcester to investigate UFO sightings.
• Droitwich Weekly Mail (Feb 12, 1988): This article discusses the history of UFO sightings, referencing a 1233 Worcestershire event where "four spurious suns" appeared.

Pensacola UFO Investigation

An article from Florida Today (March 7, 1988) details an ongoing investigation in Pensacola, where UFO investigators are attempting to corroborate photographs of spaceships hovering over the city. The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is investigating dozens of UFO photographs submitted by a resident of Gulf Breeze. One photo reportedly shows three disc-shaped objects glowing above silhouetted trees. Another shows a spaceship hovering above a road, with bright light emanating from its bottom. The businessman who submitted the photos fears public ridicule. He also claims to have videotaped a UFO and detailed unusual experiences, including seeing a shielded creature and being struck by a blue beam from a spaceship. MUFON investigators used a special camera to document a further sighting. Bruce Maccabee, an optical physicist, stated it's either a massive hoax or the real thing. Walter Andrus Jr., international director of MUFON, called it "one of the most amazing UFO cases" he has investigated.

New Jersey UFO Sightings

An article from NJ-D2 Pleasantville / Atlanta City Press (March 3, 1988) recounts UFO sightings over southern New Jersey. Radio reporter Mary Burckmyer described an elliptical, enormous object moving at about 30 mph, definitely not an aircraft. She stated it was about 150-200 yards above her and 10 times bigger than her car, with white headlights and blinking green lights underneath, making no sound. Paul Matthews, production manager at WCMC-AM, confirmed the station received numerous calls about strange lights. The article also mentions a previous sighting by the Milner family in Egg Harbor Township, which police attributed to an airplane, though the family was certain it was not.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the mysterious nature of UFO sightings, presenting witness accounts with a degree of seriousness, particularly when corroborated by multiple witnesses or authorities. While some articles mention potential explanations like military exercises or atmospheric phenomena, the overall tone leans towards acknowledging the unexplained nature of many reported events. The inclusion of expert opinions and ongoing investigations by UFO research groups suggests an editorial stance that takes these phenomena seriously, even if definitive proof remains elusive. The compilation of numerous sightings across different regions and dates underscores a perceived increase in UFO activity or public awareness during this period.

This issue of the NEW FOREST POST from April 14, 1988, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent cover story about an "Alien spotter bid for a UFO group." The magazine features a collection of articles from various regional UK newspapers, detailing a wide range of alleged encounters, witness testimonies, and theories surrounding unidentified flying objects.

Key Articles and Reports

Alien Spotter Bid for a UFO Group: The lead story introduces Dot Street, an ex-British UFO Association investigator from Dibden Purlieu, who plans to establish a group for local people who have had close encounters. Street believes many people remain silent about their sightings due to fear of ridicule and that alien lifeforms are slowly introducing themselves to Earth. She also claims the Ministry of Defence holds undisclosed information on UFOs and is working on a follow-up book to her 1984 publication, "Sky Crash," which detailed the RAF Bentwaters mass sighting.

UFO? No, it's Venus, love! This article from the Brighton Evening Argus reports on actress Selena Gilbert's conviction that she saw a UFO, described as a strange, cigar-shaped object. Police and the Royal Observatory suggested it was the planet Venus, noting its brightness and atmospheric effects that can make it appear to twinkle. However, Gilbert and her husband remained convinced it was an extraterrestrial encounter.

Reports on UFO Sightings (Western Evening Herald, Plymouth): This brief piece reminds readers that the Plymouth UFO Research Group (PUFORG) is active and seeking reports from the Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall areas. PUFORG, founded in 1965, has investigated numerous local sightings and had its reports cited in books by Timothy Good and Janet and Colin Bord.

Steve's Plea on UFO (Leigh Journal Lancs): Local UFO investigator Steve Balon is seeking more information about a sighting of an unidentified flying object in Westleigh. A caller described a huge orange triangular object that swooped down from the sky, frightening two women. Balon, who has investigated UFOs for 25 years, noted that while triangular objects are unusual, they are not unique, recalling similar reports from the Atherton and Wigan areas.

Eerie Light Lit Up the Park (Birmingham Evening Mail): A letter to the editor describes a brilliant blue-white light that illuminated a park field and surrounding areas for a few seconds, with no sound heard. The witness compared it to a searchlight being switched on and off, and found the experience eerie.

Teabag UFO Zaps Pauline (Sun London): Schoolgirl Pauline Emerson, 14, reported a close encounter with a "teabag-shaped" UFO that zoomed within yards of her while she was feeding animals. She described it as black and emitting a strange smell. Her mother corroborated that Pauline was trembling and her radio went off during the incident. An education welfare officer found Pauline to be a truthful child.

Nazis Blamed for UFOs! (Yorkshire Evening Press): This article presents a theory from the Yorkshire UFO Society that Nazis may be responsible for UFOs. The society claims that the Americans and Russians possess aircraft or flying discs originally designed by the Nazis during World War II. Mick Hanson, Director of Overseas Research, stated that research suggests these craft were manufactured by the Nazis and later acquired by the superpowers. The society also discussed a sighting of a "large pumpkin object with several cocktail sticks coming out of it" over York.

Pumpkin (Yorkshire Evening Press): This section mentions a sighting of a "large pumpkin object with several cocktail sticks coming out of it" seen over York on December 30. The object was confirmed by RAF Linton-on-Ouse as not being military aircraft. The Yorkshire UFO Society deals with about 15-20 sightings per year, focusing on those that cannot be explained.

Ring Road for UFOs? (Nottingham Evening Post): Strange markings, two rings 12ft in diameter, found in a road surface near Matlock in Derbyshire have led to a flying saucer alert. Police are baffled, but local UFO spotters suggest they could be linked to a UFO landing, noting numerous sightings in Derbyshire in recent months.

RAF Man Sees Craft UFOs Over Chase-90 Sightings! (Chase Post Cannock): The number of UFOs spotted over the Chase area has reportedly risen to 90 in the last month. Sightings include one by an RAF jet engine technician and confirmation of 'unusual sightings' by a radar operator. A security man at Birmingham Airport also reported a sighting. Many sightings occurred before publicity, with people hesitant to report them for fear of mockery. The sightings are concentrated within a ten-mile radius of Burntwood.

Missing UFO Girl is Back (Sun London): Secretary Jackie Smith, who had gone missing after claiming she was captured by aliens in a UFO, reappeared safe. She told her boss she had suffered a blackout and woke up six hours later with blue dots on her ankles and neck. Her car had also been mysteriously transported. Colleague Sally Warren described the beings as appearing suddenly in the car. UFO investigator Jenny Randles suggested the blue dots are a classic sign of alien presence.

Riddle of Lost Girl 'in Kidnap by UFO' (Sun London): This article details Jackie Smith's disappearance after claiming UFO aliens tried to kidnap her. She described beings from outer space materializing in her car, which was then whisked into the air. Upon waking, she found herself in the car with blue dots on her ankles and neck. Her disappearance has led to a UFO investigator being called in.

B-Limey! It's UFO Lemons (Sun London): Alien expert Dennis Harriman suggests that UFOs can change color and appear as "flying LEMONS." Harriman, head of the National UFO Investigation Society, has received numerous reports of yellow objects resembling lemons from the Midlands. The society claims police are withholding reports.

Symposium Will Explore UFOs, Close Encounters (MN-D24 St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch): A daylong program on UFOs and a possible UFO landing site was held at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Donald Schmitt presented evidence from UFO sightings and charged the U.S. government with concealing evidence since 1947. He noted the center has files on 50,000 cases, with 10 percent unexplained, and is now focusing on abduction accounts. Professors Jack Bostrack and Earl Blodgett discussed the probability of life elsewhere in the universe and the challenges of space travel.

Mystery Fireball (Doncaster Advertiser): RAF experts are investigating a "fireball" that floated down in front of a car driver and disappeared. JCB driver Jimmy Wilson described the football-sized, white-hot object as frightening. Local UFO investigators noted that several eyewitnesses backed Wilson's sighting.

Mystery of UF... Oranges! (Daily Star): A fleet of giant flying oranges, the size of a house, have been sighted in the Midlands, reportedly leaving people with sunburn. Dennis Harriman of the UFO Investigation Society stated that checks with the RAF and Ministry of Defence have failed to link the sightings with aircraft.

Spotter Dot Delivers a UFO Plea (Southern Evening Echo): Dot Street, an investigator of Unidentified Flying Objects, has moved to the South of England and is seeking close encounter stories. She stated that her obsession with UFOs has cost her marriage. Her first sighting was in 1978 in Great Yarmouth.

'Silpho Saucer' Secrets Revealed (Scarborough Evening News): This article revisits the 31-year-old mystery of the "Silpho Saucer." The last surviving member of the three-man group involved claims the object he saw on the moors after a red light descended was man-made. He described the object as an 18-inch diameter "saucer" containing copper scrolls with hieroglyphics. The eyewitness arranged for the object to be handed over after a reward was offered.

Not Celestial (Dorking & Leather Head Advertiser Surrey): A letter to the editor describes seeing UFOs come from the north, move across Box Hill, and disappear into a cloud. The objects were described as deep rose colour, soundless, and large.

Unidentified Flying Oranges (Daily Mirror): Witnesses claim that oversize oranges are giving off an orange glow that has left some people with sunburn. The UFO Investigation Society has received dozens of reports about these "oranges."

Welcome Mat Put Out for UFOs (Chippewa Falls): Tom Weber of Chippewa County is spearheading a project to build a multi-million-dollar landing site for flying saucers near Elmwood. The UFO Site Center Corp. aims to raise $50 million for the site and a complex to house scientists. Weber believes contact with advanced civilizations will bring enormous benefits to humanity and that extraterrestrials are slowly making the planet aware of their presence, hoping for an invitation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the challenges faced by witnesses in reporting their experiences due to potential ridicule, and the ongoing efforts of various UFO research groups to document and investigate these phenomena. There is a consistent undercurrent of skepticism from official sources (police, military) contrasted with the strong convictions of witnesses and UFO enthusiasts. Theories range from misidentification of celestial bodies to advanced human technology (Nazi origins) and genuine extraterrestrial visitation. The articles collectively suggest a public fascination with the unknown and a persistent belief in the possibility of life beyond Earth, despite a lack of definitive proof presented in these reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and theories without necessarily endorsing them, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions.