APCIC - Vol 13 No 07 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 13, No. 6
Date: June 1988
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated June 1988, presents a collection of recent UFO sightings and related investigations from various locations, primarily the UK. The cover features a prominent illustration of an alien head and flying saucers, with the main headline posing the question: "UFO light link with airship?"

Nottingham Evening Post: UFO light link with airship?

The lead article, by Patrick Fleckney, discusses a UFO sighting from the autumn of 1981 in Nottingham and Derbyshire. The object, described as having a window and a large tail fin, was investigated by the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society. After consulting scientists and pilots with no success, a breakthrough came when a magazine article about airships provided a possible explanation. The society contacted Airship Industries, which confirmed they were conducting night flight tests with an airship from the U.S. The airship had a large panel of colored lights, similar to those on the Theatre Royal, which, when turned on, could have given it a bizarre appearance. Fleckney notes that while the recently sighted UFO might not be an airship, the similarity to the 1981 case is a valuable clue, especially if only one object was involved.

West Lancashire Evening Gazette: UFO struck him dumb

This article reports on a baffling encounter in Blackpool, UK, where members of the Blackpool UFO society were stumped by a sighting on Langdale Road. A musician, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing a pulsating yellow light that descended in stages. The object then became clear as a spherical shape with an outer shell, spinning at high speed and emitting blue, red, green, and white light before stopping and heading south. The musician described being extremely frightened and weak. Mrs Hazel Shanley, President of the Blackpool UFO society, urged anyone with similar experiences to contact their UFO hotline.

Braintree & Witham Times: Another UFO is spotted

This report details a UFO sighting over Blackmore End, UK, just three weeks after a similar report by two policemen. Beauty therapist Tracy Little saw a very bright stationary object surrounded by pale yellow lights, which moved off very fast. The incident was officially reported, but air traffic control found no radar contact and had no explanation. Acting Inspector Rodney Booth confirmed that authorities had been contacted.

Braintree & Witham Times: Man hears unidentified sounds and reports a noisy UFO

Owen Morgan of Braintree, UK, reported hearing a high-pitched whittering sound and seeing a spaceship-like object disappear into the air. He described the event as lasting about seven seconds, with the noise frequency at four sounds per second. He noted that his dog did not react to the phenomenon, which he found extraordinary.

Huddersfield Examiner: Seeing bright lights before the eyes

This article features Andy Roberts, a writer and researcher on UFOs from Brighouse, UK, who is seeking witnesses to two strange sightings. One sighting on October 28 involved a couple seeing a very bright light near Holmfirth, which was not a star. Around a mile from Holmfirth, they saw five bright lights circling an object, which then moved off with a whooshing sound. Another sighting on November 16 involved a large object with strong light beams seen approaching Castle Hill, which stopped abruptly and moved off at high speed. Roberts believes at least three independent witnesses saw this object.

Nottingham Evening Post: Eerie night sights have folks foxed

This report compiles several sightings of mysterious lights in the sky across Nottinghamshire, UK. One man described a UFO as being "as big as a football pitch" with a deep humming noise. Reports also came from Codnor and Newark, with one witness describing waves of red, green, and white lights, and another seeing red lights at either end and yellow lights in between.

Bolton Evening News: Did you see the light?

An expert is seeking more witnesses to an unexplained light over the Belmont Moors, UK. Mrs Dorothy Lomax reported seeing a bright white light for about 45 minutes before it vanished. UFO expert Steve Bolan stated it was definitely not a star or aircraft and appealed for information from anyone else who saw it.

HERTFORDSHIRE MERCURY: UFO seen by youth

A youth in Hertford, UK, reported a close encounter with a brightly lit object hovering 40 feet above a copse. The object, too large to be a helicopter and making no noise, was seen by other drivers who also stopped to observe it.

The Ely Standard: Barway close encounter!

Leslie Woodbridge of Barway, UK, claims to have had a "close encounter" with a UFO while on his way to work. He described the spacecraft moving across the sky. His wife Cynthia stated that he still sees the vehicle in his mind's eye and is convinced it was a UFO.

Aldershot News: Flying visit?

Two UFOs were spotted over Farnborough town centre, UK. Police were called after a man reported two objects hovering over offices. The caller stated the UFOs had made off towards Camberley.

Western Daily Press: Flying saucer spotter No. 2

This article confirms a mysterious UFO sighting in Bradford-on-Avon, UK, by a second spotter, Mrs Sue Alexander. She saw a large black bulb shape in the sky from her bedroom window. Her report corroborates earlier sightings by Mr and Mrs Peter Golding.

Bath Wilts Chronicle: Police in search for UFO

A Bradford-on-Avon couple, Mr and Mrs Peter Golding, reported seeing a large black bulb with lights underneath floating away from their home. Police searched the area but found nothing.

Swindon Evening Advertiser: UFO group looks for witnesses to lights

The Borderland Phenomena Research Group in Swindon, UK, is seeking witnesses to strange lights in the sky. Paul Horwood, who set up the group, has received several calls describing bright lights moving slowly and lights overtaking each other.

Derby Evening Telegraph: UFO spotter

Alison Beedie of Derby, UK, reported seeing two bright lights hovering over a recreation ground. The object had four bright lights in a square shape and moved overhead before flying off. Beedie stated she had never believed in UFOs before but was now reconsidering.

Evening Gazette Teesside: 'I saw UFO too' says Nancy

Nancy Cook of Cleveland, UK, has come forward to support claims of a UFO sighting. She described seeing a bright light flashing over Beechwood fields, which hovered for about half an hour before vanishing. This sighting was similar to one captured on film by amateur photographer Andrew Farnaby.

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph: Lights in the sky

A Barnetby family reported seeing strange lights in the sky near their home. Bryan Atkinson and his daughter Victoria saw two lights hovering between Brigg and Wrawby for an hour before they disappeared. They are intrigued to know what they were.

Derbyshire Times: UFOs: Mrs Elsa Lee speaks

Mrs Elsa Lee, an investigator from the South Yorkshire UFO Society, spoke to members of Wingerworth Young Wives about UFO experiences. Her talk was supplemented by tapes of people describing their strange experiences.

Chad Mansfield: UFO is sighted

This report details a sighting in Mansfield, UK, where a man saw two objects meet in the sky, swing around each other, and then shoot off at high speed. The Mansfield UFO society is appealing for witnesses.

Bury Free Press: Priest puzzled by UFO

The Rev Dr Scrivener of Wickhambrook, UK, reported seeing a rapidly moving white light with a tail that disappeared within seconds. He contacted local military bases and airports, but none could explain the object. He suggested it might be an alien craft.

Barnsley Chronicle: Any UFO sightings?

Mr Philip Mantle, an investigator for the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), is seeking information about UFO sightings in the South Yorkshire area, particularly on August 5, 1987. He mentions that UFOs are often described as bullet-shaped, 1,000 feet long, and can have smaller objects emerge from them. He also notes that UFOs can disturb electrical circuits and affect animals.

Rotherham South Yorkshire Advertiser: Encounter of the first kind

A Herringthorpe couple reported seeing a mysterious ball of orange light in the sky, which they believe was a UFO. They described it as moving slowly with a halo-like glow before shooting across the sky and disappearing. They are convinced it was not an aircraft.

Walsall Observer: Is it a bird? Is it a plane? NO - IT'S A UFO!

This article compiles several UFO sightings reported around Walsall, UK. Four hospital workers and a newsboy reported seeing bright lights and a cigar-shaped object. Mr Gordon Bennett described seeing two stationary, brilliant white lights. Paperboy Peter Horne saw a long, silver, cigar-shaped object that moved. Mr Brian Griffin, who runs the newsagents, humorously worried about the paperboys being beamed up by aliens.

Chad Medon+Dukeries Advertiser: Seen a UFO lately?

This article follows up on a previous report about a UFO sighting at Ravenshead and appeals for information. Mr Denis Harriman, a siting coordinator for the National UFO Investigation Society, describes commonly shaped objects as being 1,000 feet long and bullet-shaped, with smaller objects emerging from them. He notes that UFOs can affect electrical circuits and animals.

Dorking & Leatherhead Advertiser: What was it?

This piece describes an unidentified flying object seen hovering over Pebblecombe Hill, UK, for around four hours. It was described as two very bright lights more than 100 ft apart, floating in the air.

Chase Post Cannock: Probe into UFO claim

A Burntwood man claimed to have seen a UFO twice in one evening. Lee Haycock reported seeing an oval, cigar-shaped object hovering with flashing lights, which then shot off. He saw the same object again an hour later, hovering for ten minutes before repeating its manoeuvre without sound. The incident is being investigated.

Bury Free Press: UFO was shooting star

Michael C. Miller writes in response to a previous article, suggesting that a bright, burning object with pieces breaking off, seen traveling at high speed, was likely a meteorite burning up in the atmosphere. He notes that this particular 'shooting star' was seen very low and clearly.

Bury Free Press: Now my mother believes me

Sharon Alcoche writes in response to the 'Priest puzzled by UFO' article, stating she saw the same object as the priest on February 26. She described the object moving fast and wiggling off into the distance. Her mother, who initially disbelieved her, now believes her after reading the article.

Walsall Observer Staffs: UFO's: considering natural phenomena

This letter suggests that some reported UFO sightings might be misidentifications of planets like Jupiter and Venus, which have been in close proximity. The writer also mentions that satellite re-entries and meteors can be spectacular and should be reported to astronomical societies or local papers.

Walsall Observer Staffs: UFOs: planets may hold the key

This article, written by an amateur astronomer, discusses how planets like Venus and Jupiter, due to their brightness and proximity, can be mistaken for UFOs. The writer emphasizes that UFOs are 'Unidentified Flying Objects' and should not be immediately referred to as flying saucers. The newspaper boy's sighting is considered possibly genuine, but further details are needed for assessment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS are the reporting of numerous UFO sightings across the UK, the investigation into these sightings, and the attempt to find rational explanations, such as airships, planets, or meteors. There is a clear effort to present witness accounts while also encouraging scientific and astronomical explanations. The magazine seems to maintain an open but critical stance, acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena while also highlighting the importance of accurate observation and avoiding premature conclusions. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting reported events and encouraging further investigation and public participation in reporting sightings.

This issue of the WI-DB Eau Claire Reader Telegram, dated April 11, 1988, features a prominent headline about "UFO experts" and an "Elmwood official," alongside a secondary headline about "UFO spotters" and the "Stealth bomber." The publication includes articles from various regional newspapers, covering a range of UFO-related topics and sightings from across the United States and the United Kingdom.

UFO Experts and Elmwood Seminar

An article by Barbara Averill reports on a seminar about the possibility of life from other planets, to be held at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The seminar is organized by Verna Tweiten, who has become fascinated by the subject. Representatives from the non-profit corporation proposing a UFO Site Center near Elmwood, along with Elmwood Village President Larry Feiler, are scheduled to speak. UW-River Falls professors Jack Bostrack and Earl Blodgett will discuss planetary formation, evolution, and communication physics. UFO expert Donald R. Schmitt, co-director of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, will also present. The article notes that J. Allen Hynek, who coined the phrase "close encounters of the third kind," founded the Center for UFO Studies.

Stealth Bomber and UFO Sightings

Paul Dellinger's article from the Southwest Bureau discusses how the Southwest Virginia UFO Group thought they had identified an unidentified flying object as the secret B-2 Stealth bomber. However, the Air Force stated the bomber had not flown over Wythe County. Patricia Aker reported seeing a craft similar to the one described. The UFO group has submitted questions to Rep. Rick Boucher regarding UFOs seen in Southwest Virginia.

Chesapeake Sighting

An article by Judi Tull details a sighting by Chesapeake residents Joyce and Odie Ogle. They observed a large, bright, silent object hovering over trees, displaying multi-colored lights. A second object briefly appeared. Officer J.A. Whittifield of the Chesapeake Police Department, initially skeptical, was impressed by the witnesses' demeanor and the object's unusual characteristics, including vertical movement. Officials from local airports and Naval Air Base Fentress could not explain the sighting.

Ashley UFO Report

An article from The Bismarck Tribune reports that Christ Gross of Ashley saw three stationary dark stripes outside his bedroom window.

Planetary Alignments and UFO Misinterpretations

Don Rosen, writing for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, discusses how a planetary alignment coupled with the vernal equinox has led to an increase in UFO sightings. Griffith Observatory's John Mosley explains that the alignment of Venus, Jupiter, and the moon is a natural phenomenon. Despite scientific explanations, the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle reports a 50 percent increase in sightings. The article also touches upon the French astrologer Nostradamus and his predictions.

Buffard Ratliff's Experiences

An article from the Huntington Herald Dispatch features Buffard Ratliff, who claims to have had 54 UFO sightings since he was 10 years old. He organized the Tri-State UFO Research & Investigation Committee and later the National UFO Research & Investigation Committee. Ratliff believes UFOs are peaceful and that governments have covered up evidence. He recounts an incident where he was threatened by a government employee in 1970, causing him to cease his work for a decade.

Gulf Breeze UFO Phenomenon

Deborah Papier, writing for The Washington Times, reports on the surge of UFO interest in Gulf Breeze, Florida. The town has seen numerous sightings, with residents actively looking for UFOs. The local newspaper, The Sentinel, has published photographs and accounts of alleged close encounters, including descriptions of a "lighted object, looking something like an upside-down wedding cake" and a "4-foot creature." Investigators from MUFON have been studying the case.

UK UFO Reports

Several articles from UK publications cover UFO sightings:

• Leicester Trader: Clive Potter of BUPRA anticipates a major UFO "invasion" in Leicester, citing an 11-year cycle of sightings and requesting public support for reporting and investigation.
• Guernsey Evening Press: Charles Bradley reported seeing a "very bright light" moving erratically and at "terrific speed" in the North West.
• Barnsley Chronicle: An Elsecar man reported seeing a silent, box-shaped object with green, white, and red lights hovering over Hoyland and Elsecar for about 40 minutes.
• Daily Star London: Reports of "giant flying carrots" and "unidentified flying oranges" are mentioned. Two carrot-shaped objects were seen over Kirk Hallam, Derbyshire, and "unidentified flying oranges" were reported in Beeston, Notts.
• Yorkshire Post Leeds: The Yorkshire UFO Society is holding a conference in Rotherham, featuring photographs of unidentified flying objects and discussing theories of government cover-ups.

Stanton T. Friedman Lecture

Sheri Clegg reports for The Leader-Post on a lecture by physicist Stanton T. Friedman, who strongly believes in the existence of UFOs. Friedman discussed government cover-ups, citing Project Blue Book and the Roswell incident. He noted that a recent poll indicated a majority of people believe in UFOs, making skeptics the minority.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread reporting of UFO sightings across different regions, the attempts to find scientific explanations for these phenomena, and the persistent belief in extraterrestrial visitation despite official skepticism or alleged government cover-ups. The articles showcase a mix of personal accounts, expert opinions, and journalistic investigations into UFO phenomena. There is a general stance of reporting on these events as they are presented by witnesses and investigators, with varying degrees of skepticism or acceptance evident in the different articles.

This issue of the SOUTHERN EVENING ECHO, dated April 26, 1988, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO sleuth aims to uncover top level conspiracy." The magazine focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the personal experiences of individuals involved in researching these phenomena.

UFO Investigator Dot Street

The lead article profiles Mrs Dot Street, a UFO investigator from Drapers Copse, Dibden, who claims to have witnessed an alien spacecraft in 1978. This experience profoundly impacted her life, leading to the breakdown of her marriage, significant financial expenditure on research, and conflict with authorities. Street transformed a garden shed into her office, filled with books on UFOs and the paranormal. She became an investigator for BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) and counseled other witnesses, though she no longer works for the organization but continues her research independently.

Street recounts her initial sighting in 1978, describing an oval object travelling at high speed. Her resolve to uncover the truth was strengthened by a subsequent alleged craft landing near her home in Yarmouth in 1981. Her investigation into the Rendlesham Forest incident, alongside fellow investigator Brenda Butler, was met with resistance from the British government and American personnel at a nearby U.S. Airforce base. The evidence collected is detailed in the book "Skycrash." Street is preparing another book and tape on the incident, believing it to be a government cover-up. Her extensive phone bills from dialling the United States highlight her dedication. The financial strain ultimately led to the breakup of her marriage, though she remains on good terms with her ex-husband. She now lives in a mobile home in Hampshire to be closer to her children. An appeal in the Echo for witnesses has resulted in numerous letters, ranging from ex-RAF personnel reporting unidentified flying objects during aircraft testing to people who saw rocket-type shapes. Street plans to establish a local UFO witness group, with the first meeting scheduled for May 2 at Bogarts in Southampton.

Other UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several other articles detail UFO sightings and related investigations from various regional publications:

• Surrey Mirror (March 17, 1988): Reports on a mystery object with two very bright white lights, estimated to be nearly 200 feet wide, seen by stargazers in Redhill and Dorking. An anonymous caller suggested the lights were Venus and Jupiter in conjunction, a theory supported by Leonard Carter of the British Interplanetary Society. However, UFO spotter Joe Clarke remains unconvinced, citing that planets do not show up on radar, which he claims detected the object. Four people reported seeing "strange, enormous shapes" over Buckland, which PC David Boyce identified as possibly Uranus. A 90-year-old woman from Merstham also reported seeing "very bright lights."
• Western Daily Press (May 7, 1988): Police are investigating a reported sighting of a fireball UFO above the Severn Estuary. A worker at Llanwern Steelworks saw a blazing UFO the size of a motorcar moving up the estuary. Coastguards initially suspected a distress flare, but no vessels were in difficulty. Gwent police suggested it could have been a meteorite.
• Oxford Star (April 14, 1988): Motorist David White reported a mystery red glow following his car at night on Sunday. The object, described as a red light with a white center, stopped when he stopped and moved with him. He stated it was not a plane as it stopped without sound. RAF Abingdon confirmed no planes were flying from their base that night, and Wantage Police had no calls about a mystery object.
• Dunstable Borough Gazette (April 14, 1988): Ken Phillips, an investigator with the British UFO Research Association, is traveling to Luton to investigate sightings of a mysterious object. He plans to interview Irene and Maurice Armstrong, who reported seeing a diamond-shaped object with orange lights hovering over Dunstable. Phillips has made previous reports in Luton after similar sightings in August of the previous year, including one described by Mrs Win Crawley as whitish silver with a black hole and wires.
• Irish Times Dublin (April 13, 1988): Focuses on the "Gulf Breeze" case in Florida, where Walter Andrus, international director of MUFON, is coordinating information on a man known as Mr Ed who claims to have chased alien creatures across his backyard and taken photographs and a videotape. Andrus emphasizes MUFON's professional approach, requiring extensive forms and data from investigators. He believes that with 60,000 reported sightings, UFOs undoubtedly exist, but their purpose and origin remain unknown. Andrus himself had an encounter in 1948 with four dull grey discs, which profoundly affected him and led him to pursue UFO research.
• Bournemouth Advertiser (March 17, 1988): Teenager Michelle Dodd and her friends witnessed an exceptionally bright blue light in the sky for 15 seconds in Creekmoor. Her aunt, Angela Parkin, saw a similar phenomenon, describing it as an "echo flash" ten times the size of the moon. Parkin had previously seen a 50ft diameter dome-shaped UFO over Hamworthy ten years prior.
• West Lancashire Evening Gazette (March 24, 1988): Reports on increasing UFO sightings on the Fylde Coast and introduces Jenny Randles' theory that missing memory chunks might be due to alien abduction. Her new book, "Abduction," details over 200 such incidents.
• Hitchin Gazette (March 16, 1988): Several Stevenage residents have reported seeing unusual shaped craft. The Ministry of Defence acknowledges the reports but states they are not interested unless sightings occur over military installations, suggesting logical explanations are usually found.
• Courier & Advertiser (March 11, 1988): Children in Campbeltown reported seeing two bright white lights close together, one changing to yellow. They contacted the RAF and police, who could not identify the objects. An explanation was offered by ex-harbour master Hugh McShannon, who identified them as the planets Mars and Jupiter being unusually close together.
• Barnsley Chronicle (May 13, 1988): Mrs L. Sage reports seeing a UFO with red and white lights near Broomhill. The object hovered and shone spotlights on her and her daughter before moving away.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the challenges faced by witnesses in being believed, and the efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations like BUFORA and MUFON to investigate these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the need for factual evidence and professional investigation, contrasting with the sensationalism often associated with UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach to investigations, as exemplified by MUFON's rigorous methodology. The issue also touches upon the potential for government secrecy and cover-ups regarding UFO incidents.