APRA Bulletin no 3 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: APRA Bulletin
Issue: 3
Date: May 1999
Publisher: Anomalous Phenomena Research Agency (APRA)
Focus: The newsletter is dedicated to exploring anomalous phenomena, with a particular emphasis on events and sightings within the Thames Valley, UK, while also connecting with broader research.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes readers to the third issue, noting a stylistic change to DTP (Desktop Publishing). It expresses gratitude for positive comments on previous issues. The editorial highlights key articles, including a renewed look at the potential link between 'black FT' UFOs and stealth aircraft, an 'UFO Update' covering a 1996 'boomerang' case and a 1967 Oxfordshire FT crash, and the APRA website's recent feature in Oxfordshire papers. It also mentions a lecture on crop circles given by Brian James and discusses the current crop circle season, noting the possibility of formations depicting the solar eclipse. The editorial touches upon the Michael and Mary energy lines and promotes upcoming skywatches, including one at Avebury.

The APRA Website in the News

This section details the APRA website's feature in the NewsQuest Oxford's 'OxNet' supplement. APRA co-ordinator Brian James was contacted by Andy Chatfield of NewsQuest Oxford to feature the website as a local-interest site. The article appeared in the Oxford Times and Oxford Mail, reaching a combined readership of over 80,000. The supplement featured a 'boomerang' crop formation as its cover image. The APRA website underwent a revamp before the feature and was complimented on its layout and content. This publicity significantly raised APRA's profile in the Oxford area and led to an increase in website visitors.

FT's or Stealth – More Evidence

This article revisits the speculation from Issue 2 regarding the nature of FT (Fast Transients) UFOs, exploring the possibility that they are not extraterrestrial but rather advanced military stealth aircraft. It presents a witness account from near Swindon who, on March 9th, 1999, observed a formation of B-52 bombers escorting B-2 stealth bombers. The witness described the B-2s as having a 'boomerang' shape with curious lighting configurations. The article includes an artist's impression of an illuminated B-2 and a Northrop Grumman official photo, comparing the observed lights to known B-2 features. It notes that a B-2 'Spirit of Arizona' landed at Fairford on March 10th. The author speculates that these sightings, combined with the known capabilities of stealth aircraft, might necessitate re-evaluating many past FT UFO cases. The article also mentions the increased security at RAF Fairford due to the Kosovo air war and the arrival of B-1B Lancers, with reports of 'plain-clothes' SAS patrols.

Book Reviews

Two book reviews are presented:

• UFO REVELATION - THE SECRET TECHNOLOGY EXPOSED by Tim Matthews: Reviewed by James A Hill. This book is described as focusing on military black projects rather than extraterrestrial technology. It covers projects from WWII to the present, including German rocket scientists' involvement. The reviewer notes that Matthews ties in UFO sightings with flying triangles and saucers, suggesting they are military projects. While finding the book well-researched, the reviewer felt Matthews was harsh on established UFO researchers.
• ALIEN INVESTIGATOR by Anthony Dodd: Reviewed by James A Hill. This book is highly praised for its diverse content, including a crash retrieval in South Africa and an alien base beneath the North Sea. It draws on Dodd's investigations and personal experiences with abductees. The review mentions clandestine meetings, a car chase, animal and possible human mutilations, and an elite security force for alien crash retrievals. The reviewer found the book captivating and recommends it.

UFO Update

This section contains several brief reports:

• CAR PAIR IN BALL OF LIGHT ENCOUNTER: An independent investigator reports a sighting from the Loughborough Echo (Feb 28, 1999) where Adam Greaves and Jane Harms saw a bright white ball of light shoot past their car in January 1999. They described it as very fast and unlike any known celestial object.
• AIRSHIP IFO: On February 23rd, 1999, an advertising airship, described as dayglo orange with 'Walkers Max' logos, was observed over the Oxford area, flying fully illuminated in the evening. The airship flew from Oxford to Abingdon and then towards Reading.
• BLACK BATWING IFOS?: Reports from local aviation enthusiasts suggest that two 'bat-like' aircraft, with no navigation or landing lights, flew into RAF Fairford on February 21st, 1999, during a period of international tension. The article speculates these could be B-2 Spirit bombers or TR-3A aircraft. It notes that stealth bombers have been stationed at Fairford during previous crises, and an FT UFO was seen in the area during the Kosovo crisis in October 1998. A preliminary report of an FT near Wallingford is also mentioned. The article highlights a peculiar incident where photos taken by Brian James of B-52s were 'missing' from the returned prints.
• HIGH ALTITUDE LIGHTS: On January 11th, 1999, in Swindon, APRA Co-ordinator James A Hill observed three bright lights moving in a southerly direction, high in the sky and moving slowly in line astern. They were visible for about two minutes before disappearing. The witness felt 'spooked' by this sighting, despite seeing other UFOs at closer range.
• BOOMERANG OVER SOUTH WALES: In January 1996, near Llanryavon, Gwent, a keen astronomer observed ten orange points of light in a boomerang formation through his telescope. The object, possibly orbital, moved across the sky, blotting out stars, and was accompanied by sonic-boom sounds. The witness speculates a connection to the B-2's wing shape based on the lighting configuration.

AN EARLY STEALTH CRASH?

This article investigates a potential UFO crash in Oxfordshire in 1967. The report stems from a former RAF engineer who claimed that 71MU was called to recover a crashed 'aircraft' midway between Bicester and Upper Heyford. The craft was described as delta-shaped, dull aluminium, with no cockpit or visible engines, and was not a large vehicle. It was transported to RAF Bicester and then taken to a bomb disposal shed, suggesting it was not a standard recovery. The article notes that USAF personnel were present. It explores possibilities that the craft was of British origin, possibly related to lifting-body designs like NASA's early space vehicles or Britain's 'mini-shuttle' Project Mustard. It also references the ATV film case from 1971 and other sightings of white delta-like craft, suggesting terrestrial technology. The article concludes by mentioning that the crash site is reportedly still fenced off and that APRA is investigating further.

Invisible UFOs? A Photo Gallery

This section presents photographic evidence of 'invisible UFOs' – lights and objects not seen by the naked eye but captured on film. The author, Brian P James, suggests these might be manifestations of 'Orgone' or simply photographic quirks. Three photos taken in February 1995 show a circular, possibly domed object and two objects rising from the ground. Another section features photos from a skywatch at Great Milton, Oxfordshire, where no UFOs were seen by the team, but a light was captured on camera. Further photos are from Rendlesham Forest, showing wispy 'mist' and a bright red ball of light, suggesting entities or phenomena not readily explained.

Close Encounters...

This section details experiences of two individuals:

• 'VF' (40 years old): Described as having odd paranormal experiences, including 'interventions' by guardian beings. His major UFO encounter in 1992 involved bright green beams of light from a dark object over rooftops in Swindon. He experienced being in a craft's control room with two Greys, engaging in spiritual conversations. He also reported an overwhelming 'presence' that made him physically ill, followed by the appearance of three small bright 'disks' and the expulsion of a 'live' slug-like creature. His artistic talents reportedly increased significantly afterward.
• 'CK': This individual has increasing experiences in astral realms and encounters with ET visitors. CK distinguishes his accounts from 'abductees' or 'contactees', suggesting a significant number of occurrences involve non-physical body experiences. The article explores the concept of astral realms and the possibility of beings travelling between them. CK's childhood 'dreams' of alien beings, before the advent of modern sci-fi, are noted. A specific experience in Avebury in December 1997 is described, where CK and a friend witnessed strange lights and sounds, and CK later astrally travelled to Avebury, encountering another friend in her astral self and observing a bright red ball of light.

Event Report

BUFORA LECTURE 1st MAY - CROP CIRCLES, by Brian P James: Brian James lectured on crop circles, starting by referencing a BBC program that debunked them as whirlwinds or hoaxes. He then discussed the history and evolution of crop circles, from early references in the 13th century to modern 'pictograms' and 'fractal' formations. He highlighted the association with other anomalous phenomena, including 'trilling noises', anomalous lights, and 'black helicopters', and the involvement of the military. James also touched upon the 'Cosmic Joker' phenomenon, referring to it as 'Q', an intelligence that confuses and baffles. He confirmed that crop circles are a global phenomenon, found in various crops and locations worldwide. He questioned whether crop circles carry messages for humans or are 'grafitti' between higher beings, suggesting that their complexity indicates an intelligence aware of human science. He concluded that crop circles represent an unexplained mystery that needs to be solved, potentially linking to UFO sightings and abduction experiences through energy fields affecting the human psyche.

Earth Energies in Oxfordshire

This article continues the exploration of the Michael and Mary energy currents flowing across southern England. It focuses on sites within the Thames Valley area, noting that many villages along these lines have churches dedicated to St. Mary or St. Michael, predating Christian worship. The Michael line runs through Aldbourne and towards Blewburton Hillfort, passing through Birinus' Knob. The Mary line runs through Uffington and towards East Lockinge and East Hendred. The article notes that neither line passes through the Uffington White Horse, though it and Wayland's Smithy are encompassed by the lines. The two lines converge at Castle Hill, part of Wittenham Clumps, forming a 'nodal point' similar to those at Glastonbury and Avebury. The article describes Castle Hill's folklore connections to witchcraft and the convergence of positive and negative energies. It traces the paths of the Michael and Mary lines from Wittenham, with Michael flowing through Clifton Hampden and crossing the River Thames, while Mary passes through Dorchester on Thames. The article mentions that Dorchester was once a significant settlement and the site of a large henge monument.

HANDY TIPS FOR SKYWATCHERS

This section provides practical advice for amateur skywatchers, compiled by James A Hill:

1. Check the weather forecast.
2. Take a map and directions.
3. Pack waterproof clothing and thermal underwear.
4. Bring cameras with spare film and batteries.
5. Carry something hot to drink.
6. Try to stay awake to avoid missing sightings.
7. Ensure you are at the correct location.
8. Avoid waving torches excessively in groups.
9. Be aware of your surroundings in dark countryside areas.
10. Do not let group members wander off alone.
11. Take spare thermal underwear.

The hints are based on recent skywatch experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRA Bulletin consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with other anomalous events, particularly military technology (stealth aircraft), crop circles, and purported earth energies. There's a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the investigation of cases, often linking them to terrestrial, rather than solely extraterrestrial, origins, or at least suggesting a complex interplay. The publication encourages reader participation in reporting sightings and actively investigates claims, often collaborating with other researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to solve enigmas and challenge conventional explanations, while maintaining a grounded approach to evidence. The recurring theme is the interconnectedness of various unexplained phenomena and their potential impact on our understanding of reality.

This document is a "Meetings and Events Diary" for the year 1999, primarily detailing events organized by APRA (Association for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena) and in association with other groups like Bufora and SUFOG. The content focuses on regular meetings and skywatch events, providing specific dates, times, and locations.

APRA Meetings

APRA holds regular meetings at various locations, with one consistent venue being the meeting room at the Fleur de Lys, Main Street, East Hagbourne, Didcot, Oxfordshire. These meetings occur on the last Wednesday of each month, running from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The diary provides a quick reminder of the specific dates for these meetings in 1999: April 28th, May 26th, June 30th, July 28th, August 25th, September 29th, October 27th, and November 24th. It also notes that meetings at other venues, such as The Inner Bookshop in Oxford, will be arranged, with details to follow.

Skywatches

Skywatches are held regularly, typically in association with other groups, and are usually scheduled for Saturday nights. The locations for these events may vary, and attendees are advised to contact APRA for details. The diary lists the dates and provisional venues arranged so far for 1999:

• Saturday, March 20th: Compton, Berkshire (Bufora skywatch)
• Saturday, June 19th: Bury Down, Chilton, Oxfordshire (Bufora skywatch)
• Saturday, July 31st: APRA skywatch at Avebury (in association with SUFOG)
• Saturday, September 18th: Bury Down, Chilton, Oxfordshire (Bufora skywatch)
• Saturday, December 18th: Bury Down, Chilton, Oxfordshire (Bufora skywatch)

The text hints at the potential significance of these events, stating that if information from a recent channelling session materializes, one of the skywatches could become "very interesting indeed." The Lammas Eve skywatch at Avebury is specifically highlighted as a potentially pivotal event.

Staying Updated

To keep up-to-date with the latest event information, readers are encouraged to visit two websites: `http://www2.prestel.co.uk/apranet` and `http://www.bufora.org.uk`.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The diary reflects an active engagement with UFO and anomalous phenomena research and observation, as evidenced by the regular meetings and skywatch events. The mention of "channelling sessions" and the anticipation of potentially significant findings suggest an open-minded approach to investigating unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging participation and information sharing within the ufological community, providing clear logistical details for events and directing interested parties to online resources for further engagement.