APCIC - Vol 14 No 01 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 14, No. 1
Date: January 1989
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated January 1989, presents a collection of recent UFO sighting reports and related articles, highlighting ongoing public interest and investigation into aerial phenomena.

Key Articles and Sightings

'Second Sighting' of a UFO (Bury St Edmunds, UK)

Mr. Eric Bailey of Stowmarket reported seeing a large, bulky, silent shape flying very low over treetops near Brandon, UK. The object displayed red, green, and white lights. Mr. Bailey, who does not typically believe in UFOs, found the experience unusual and was unable to identify it as any known aircraft.

UFO 'Buzzes' Bus (Perth, Australia)

An upset bus driver, Peter Chapman, reported being "buzzed" by a UFO on the Eyre Highway near Mundrabilla, Western Australia. He and seven passengers witnessed a bright light flying alongside their bus. Sergeant George Johansen of Eucla Police confirmed the report, noting Mr. Chapman was initially reluctant to report the incident due to potential ridicule.

Help with UFO Research Plea (Northamptonshire, UK)

This section is a letter to the editor from Ernest Still, regional investigation co-ordinator for the British UFO Research Association in Northamptonshire. He appeals to readers for any information or clippings on UFOs to aid their scientific investigation and research. He mentions Daventry, Church Stowe, and Preston Capes as areas with past sightings.

Plea to UFO Witnesses (Stafford, UK)

Stafford MP Bill Cash inquired with the Ministry of Defence about mysterious triangular objects sighted in Stafford. The MoD's response suggested the sightings were likely related to modern aircraft and busy Birmingham Airport. Mr. Cash expressed dissatisfaction with this explanation and urged witnesses to contact him directly.

Mystery of 'Ball of Fire' UFO (Australia)

This article reiterates the report of a bus driver, Peter Chapman, encountering a mysterious "ball of fire" on the Nullarbor plains. The object was described as 15ft wide, bright, and hovering about 60ft above the ground. Australian UFO researcher Colin Norris suggested extraterrestrials might be using the remote plains for study.

Family in UFO Green Beam Terror (West Wales, UK)

A family, the Silvestris, reported a close encounter with a UFO near Felinfach, West Wales. Mechanic Tony Silvestri described a brilliant green beam of light that lit up his car, making it impossible to see through the windows. His wife and eight-year-old daughter also witnessed the event. The incident was being investigated by the Ministry of Defence.

Pilots 'Saw UFO' (Brasilia, Brazil)

Brazilian pilots in three aircraft reportedly saw a circular unidentified flying object near Brasilia on October 3.

'I Saw Flying Saucer' (Bury St Edmunds, UK)

Eleven-year-old Peter Topham claimed to have seen an unidentified flying object land in a field behind his home in Fornham All Saints. The following day, he found an 80-meter wide ring of scorched sugar beet. He described the object as having purple, green, and red flashing lights and a large white light.

Anglers in UFO Sighting (Peterborough, UK)

Two fishermen, Paul Crow and Brian Twyman, reported being buzzed by a 15-feet wide craft with red and orange lights for approximately four hours near Peterborough. Mr. Crow had a similar experience two years prior.

Mystery UFO at Wingfield (Rotherham, UK)

A Wingfield housewife reported seeing a cylindrical UFO with white lights underneath and blue and orange lights moving around the top. The object moved quickly and silently. Her daughter also witnessed the sighting. UFO investigator Mick Hanson noted it was unusual for the area.

Yes, We Also Saw UFO (Bury St Edmunds, UK)

Reuben and Esther Eaves reported seeing a black unidentified flying object hovering near their home in Bury St Edmunds. They described it as changing shape from a long form to an umbrella shape. They were convinced it was a UFO.

New UFO Sighting is a Puzzler (South East Essex, UK)

Fourteen-year-old FitzWimarc schoolboy Kevin Laker spotted a triangular UFO with a white light and a long red light over Rayleigh, Essex. His mother confirmed the sighting, noting it moved in the direction of Canvey without noise.

It's a Mad, Mad World in the Tabloids (Houston Post, USA)

This article by Graham Earnshaw discusses the sensationalist content of American tabloids, which often feature stories about aliens, UFOs, and other extraordinary claims. It quotes Eddie Clontz, managing editor of The World Weekly News, and Mike Nevard, who manages other tabloids, on their approach to reporting such stories and reader interest.

UFO Coverup is Still Going On (Little Rock, Arkansas)

A letter from Fillman Bledsoe criticizes the NBC program "UFO - Coverup?" for allegedly continuing the government's cover-up rather than exposing it. The letter mentions past UFO-related events like the 1965 blackout and cattle mutilations, and references the author's own book on UFOs.

'Mystery' Spots Light Up Switchboards (Elgin, USA)

This article describes how a publicity stunt for a new Elgin video store, using an agile four-beam searchlight called a Skytracker, caused a panic of reported UFO sightings in the Elgin area. Police received numerous calls about mysterious white lights chasing each other across the sky.

Belleville Braces for Return of UFO Believers (Wisconsin, USA)

This article previews Belleville, Wisconsin's second annual UFO Days festival, which celebrates the town's connection to UFO sightings, particularly those by police officer Glen Kazmar. The event includes an alien costume contest and other UFO-themed activities.

A UFO Hotel Over Methuen? (Methuen, USA)

A caller reported seeing an object as large as a "three-story hotel" and lit up, suspended over the Methuen Mall. The caller, who believes it might be a UFO, contacted the paper after reading about another UFO report.

'It Was Bright Light' (Cheyenne, USA)

Approximately 20 people reported seeing an unidentified flying object north of Cheyenne in the pre-dawn hours. Witnesses described it as a multi-colored, quick-moving object, with some calling it a "bright light." Officials suggested it might be a star or planet.

Mars Writer Says UFO, 'Face' Link Not Established (Wytheville, USA)

Richard C. Hoagland, author of "The Monuments of Mars," spoke to the Southwest Virginia UFO Group about potential connections between Martian objects (like the "face" on Mars) and UFO reports. He suggests these objects could be a message from an advanced civilization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports of UFO sightings from various locations, emphasizing witness accounts and the mysterious nature of these phenomena. There's an underlying theme of skepticism towards official explanations, particularly from government bodies like the Ministry of Defence, and a focus on encouraging independent investigation. The inclusion of articles discussing the media's portrayal of UFOs, especially in tabloids, highlights the public's fascination and the often sensationalized nature of the topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to share their experiences and supporting scientific investigation.

Title: DAVENTRY WEEKLY EXPRESS
Issue Date: November 24, 1988
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Daventry Weekly Express, dated November 24, 1988, prominently features a cover story about a schoolgirl's alleged encounter with alien craft. The magazine includes a collection of reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena from various locations, primarily in the United Kingdom, with some mentions of incidents in the USA.

Schoolgirl Sees Alien Craft Buzz Houses

The main cover story details an incident in Weedon, UK, where a ten-year-old schoolgirl, Terri Oakensen, reported seeing two UFOs hovering above houses at an altitude of approximately 100 feet. The Northamptonshire UFO Research Association is investigating these sightings and is seeking corroboration from other local residents. Terri described the second sighting as an eye-shaped object with red, blue, green, and yellow lights, which later turned white when it moved away. She noted there was no noise associated with the craft. Her grandmother, Elsie Oakensen, a local representative for the UFO Research Association, also has a history of UFO sightings.

Other UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine compiles several other reports of UFO activity:

• Northampton and Corby: On the same night as Terri's sightings, there were further reports of similar encounters, including sightings of groups of UFOs.
• Beverly Hills, USA: Actor Mel Gibson reportedly experienced a disturbing UFO event at his home.
• Burnley, UK: Eileen Riley described seeing dazzling bright lights in the sky, which she believes were in formation and were very bright.
• Combe Martin and Barnstaple, UK: Businessman Robin Westcott reported a brief sighting of a triangular-shaped object illuminated by an orange light.
• Halifax, UK: Lorraine Clark recounted a close encounter from 21 years prior, where she saw a large, clear-shaped object hovering above trees.
• Halesowen, UK: A housewife, Betty Griffin, and her husband reported seeing two 'flying saucer-like objects' hovering at about 2,500 feet.
• South East Essex, UK: Reports include a fireball meteorite described as having an intense white sphere and green halo, and an engineer who saw a craft with a round front and square back.
• Wythe County, USA: Journalist Paul Dellinger and radio news director Danny Gordon collaborated on a book detailing Gordon's experiences after reporting UFO sightings since October 1987, which significantly impacted his life.
• Minnesota, USA: An article discusses a conference focused on alien abductions, exploring the idea that aliens are 'beaming people up to their ships' and the role of hypnotherapy in dealing with these experiences.

Investigations and Theories

Several articles touch upon the investigation of UFO phenomena and the theories surrounding them. UFO investigators are seeking witnesses and attempting to explain sightings. Some reports mention potential electromagnetic effects, such as cars stalling or lights flickering. The article on Wythe County highlights the personal toll UFO investigations can take on individuals and the growing public interest in the subject. Phillip J. Klass, a UFO investigator, expresses skepticism, stating that most sightings can be explained by natural or earthly phenomena and offering a reward for verifiable abduction claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, and investigations into these phenomena. The magazine presents a range of accounts, from the seemingly mundane to the more extraordinary, including alleged abductions. While some reports are presented with a degree of skepticism or as mysteries to be solved, the overall tone suggests a serious interest in the subject matter, providing a platform for witnesses and researchers to share their experiences and theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the phenomenon and the ongoing efforts to understand it, rather than outright debunking or promoting specific beliefs.

This issue of a magazine, likely focused on UFOs and unexplained phenomena, presents a collection of articles detailing sightings, investigations, and theories from various regions. The content spans personal accounts, expert opinions from astronomers and UFO researchers, and reports on specific incidents.

Wisconsin UFO Sightings

The lead article focuses on the community of Elmwood, Wisconsin, and its history of UFO sightings. Tom Weber is highlighted for promoting a 'spaceship landing-strip idea' with friendly signage for aliens. Paul Fredrickson, a former nursing-home administrator, recounts two personal UFO experiences from the late 1970s. He describes witnessing a large, gray, metallic object with a soft whir overhead and another incident involving a bright light. Fredrickson also mentions George Wheeler, a former village police chief who reported multiple sightings and claimed an alien encounter led to his hospitalization and eventual death from a heart attack. The article notes that after Wheeler's reports gained attention, other villagers shared similar experiences, often describing cigar-shaped objects the size of a football field. Don Schmitt of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies confirms that Elmwood sightings are of 'better-than-average quality' and that his center has collected over 50,000 UFO reports nationwide. Despite the international publicity surrounding a proposed UFO landing site, village president Feiler states it hasn't significantly changed their way of life.

Feelings of awe for mysteries, explained and unexplainable

By Russell McNeil, this article recounts personal experiences that evoke awe and mystery. The author describes seeing a light with no shape moving quickly across the sky over Vancouver Island, which then veered off its course and vanished. Two other powerful occasions are mentioned: witnessing what appeared to be an albatross making a clumsy take-off from the sea, and observing the ocean illuminated in an eerie emerald glow from an ancient submarine. The author reflects that urban life often robs people of such experiences.

Probe into mystery of 'Warminster Thing'

This article from the Bath West Chronicle details physicist Dr. Terence Meaden's intention to investigate the 24-year-old 'Warminster Thing' UFO mystery in Wiltshire. Meaden, who previously discounted claims of alien-caused crop circles, is now reviewing evidence and plans to re-interview witnesses. The 'Warminster Thing' involved reports of strange noises, rooftop 'hammerings', inexplicable lights, unaccountable forces, and bizarre sounds, affecting people, vehicles, and residences. Meaden aims to use his scientific knowledge to find clues to the phenomena's causes, while remaining open-minded but skeptical of the flying saucer theory as the sole explanation.

Strange sighting in Sunderland

The Sunderland Echo reports an unidentified flying object spotted hovering over Wearside skies. The large object, with red and orange flashing lights, appeared to spin before shooting off into the night sky towards Tunstall without making a sound.

UFOs in the night - an astronomer's view

This article from the Yellow Advertiser features Steve Tidey, resident astronomer at the Southend Planetarium, offering an expert's view on UFO sightings. Tidey notes that most astronomers are skeptical due to common misidentifications of planets like Venus or stars like Sirius, and meteors. He explains that meteors, typically grain-sized, streak across the sky due to friction. Tidey also discusses the possibility of alien spacecraft originating from other solar systems, referencing Isaac Asimov's claim of potentially 530,000 civilizations in our galaxy. He mentions a future revolutionary telescope that could detect planets orbiting other stars. However, Tidey concludes that while intelligent, spacefaring lifeforms may exist, UFOs are not necessarily manifestations of their presence, and most sightings can be explained by mundane phenomena. He acknowledges that some sightings defy explanation but cautions against assuming they are alien spacecraft.

It's enough to get a UFO fan lit up

This report from the Yorkshire Evening Press describes bright lights seen in the skies over North Yorkshire, baffling locals and police. Callers reported seeing a burning object or a 'jet aircraft on fire'. Checks with local RAF stations and airports confirmed no aircraft activity at the time. Mark Birdsall of the former Yorkshire UFO Society termed it part of a 'year of the UFO'. A police spokesman offered a humorous explanation involving three men on camels heading towards Bethlehem.

Alien sightings shot down

The Middlesbrough Evening Gazette reports that police received numerous calls about UFO sightings, described as a 'great ball of fire' zipping around, but suspect a large meteor crashing to earth. Checks with RAF bases revealed no missing planes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the balance between unexplained phenomena and rational explanations. While personal testimonies of UFO sightings are presented with a degree of seriousness, expert opinions, particularly from astronomers, emphasize the importance of scientific scrutiny and the likelihood of mundane explanations for many sightings. The articles collectively suggest a fascination with the unknown, coupled with a cautious approach to interpreting extraordinary events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of genuine mysteries while grounding the discussion in scientific principles and evidence-based reasoning.