APRA Bulletin - No 4 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: APRA Bulletin
Issue: 4
Date: September 1999
Publisher: Anomalous Phenomena Research Agency (APRA)
Country: UK
Price: Free-of-charge

This issue of the APRA Bulletin, titled 'Circles & Skywatching', marks the first anniversary of the publication and is three weeks late. It covers a range of topics related to UFOs, crop circles, and anomalous phenomena, with a focus on the Thames Valley region and joint investigations with other groups.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes readers to the fourth issue and highlights recent UFO activity, including a joint skywatch with SUFOG at Avebury which yielded a 'result'. It mentions the upcoming year's UFO Magazine conferences and an update on the alleged 1967 Bicester UFO crash, promising new evidence. A new jointly operated UFO/Report hotline for the Thames Valley, hosted by Kate Taylor, is announced, and the expansion of APRA's website is mentioned.

1967 Bicester 'Crash' Update

This section revisits the alleged UFO crash near Bicester in 1967. A witness has come forward claiming to have seen the 'downed' delta-shaped craft before the RAF recovery team arrived. The craft is described as natural-metal coloured, approximately 4m long with a 3m wingspan, lacking a cockpit or engine intakes/exhausts. A key detail is that the rear upper surfaces differed from the underside, featuring a dorsal spine. The site was reportedly between Middleton Stoney and Bucknell. The article notes similar craft descriptions in books by Tim Matthews and Nick Redfern, and references a similar UFO seen at Weymouth.

The Lammas-Night Skywatch at Avebury

This article details APRA's first joint skywatch with SUFOG on the night of July 31st - August 1st, 1999, at Avebury, Wiltshire. The event involved members from both groups meeting and discussing UFOlogy. Despite initial disappointment with a 'Matrix'-like crop formation, which was confirmed as a publicity stunt, the group later observed a blue strip of light in a field, later identified as a security light. The article also mentions other sightings, including a probable C-130 Hercules aircraft and bright pulsing flashes over Waden Hill, the source of which remains unknown. The skywatch concluded with the sunrise.

UFO Update

This section provides a series of brief reports on recent UFO sightings from various locations in the UK:

• June 1999 - Reading, Berks: Sightings included high-flying 'aircraft' leaving odd vapour trails, a fast 'aircraft' with a 'missile' fired at it, four giant cylinders emerging from clouds, and bright blue or white lights. The witness also reported strange phone calls.
• July 25, 1999 - Oxford, Oxon: A family witnessed a star-like object moving slowly, which was videoed. The 'pulsing like a firework' effect was attributed to the camcorder's autofocus.
• August 1, 1999 - Crawley, Sussex: Three witnesses observed a satellite-like object moving erratically, described as similar to movements seen by B. James and Patrick Moore.
• August 12, 1999 - Weymouth, Dorset: An oblong, dark-coloured object with something dangling underneath was observed, resembling a parachutist but without an aircraft.

Crop Circles 1999 Gallery & Review

This section features a gallery of crop circle photographs from July 1999, including formations at Hackpen Hill (Wilts), Alton Barnes (Wilts), Cherhill (Wilts), Asthall (Oxon), and Allington Down (Wilts). The accompanying review discusses the 1999 crop circle season, noting a reliance on tractor tramlines for alignment and the copying of past formations. It highlights specific formations, mentioning reports of light beams at Hackpen Hill and physical effects at Barbury Castle. The review also notes the use of crop circles in TV advertising.

The Eclipse

Brian James recounts his experience of the solar eclipse on August 11th, 1999. He describes attempts at remote viewing and observing the eclipse from Dorset under cloudy skies, noting a drop in temperature, gusting winds, and numerous camera flashes.

A Look To The Future - Lets Get On With It

Jim Rayner's article discusses the tendency for individuals to suppress their own thoughts and ideas to conform to societal expectations. He critiques the 'defrenchising' of thought patterns and the 'staid domination' that prevents progress, advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to facing problems and ensuring survival.

Its out there - in the WWW...

This section provides a guide to relevant websites for UFO research:

• The Farsight Institute (www.farsight.org): Dedicated to Remote Viewing, with details on a new public demonstration initiative.
• HAARP (w3.nrl.navy.mil/projects/haarp): Information on the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program.
• UFOMind (www.ufomind.com): An American site covering a wide range of anomalous phenomena.
• BUFORA (www.bufora.org.uk): The website of the British UFO Research Association.
• David Kingston's website (freespace.virgin.net/david.kingston/index.htm): Dedicated to phenomena and research.
• Abingdon Astronomical Society (www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/holtnet/aas): A local astronomy society website.

Conference Diary

Announcements for upcoming UFO conferences:

• Southampton UFO Conference: October 24th, 1999, featuring speakers from UFO Magazine and SPI/BUFORA.
• PROBE GROUP UFO CONFERENCE: October 9th-10th, 1999, in Blackpool, with speakers including Tony Dodd and Marcus Allen.

Astronomy Notes

This section provides astronomical information for the quarter, including details on Jupiter and Saturn visible in the night sky, and information on meteor showers such as the Piscids and Alpha Aurigids. It also mentions the upcoming Leonid shower.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRA Bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings, crop circles, and other anomalous phenomena, particularly within the UK. The publication promotes open-minded research and collaboration with other organizations like SUFOG and BUFORA. There is a clear interest in investigating unexplained events and providing a platform for witness reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking evidence and logical explanations while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The magazine also encourages public participation through skywatches, hotlines, and website engagement. The inclusion of articles on remote viewing and future-oriented societal issues suggests a broader interest in consciousness and human potential beyond just UFOlogy.

This document is a 'Meetings and Events Diary' from APRA, detailing upcoming events for 1999. It focuses on APRA's regular meetings and 'Skywatches,' providing dates, times, and locations, as well as directing readers to websites for further information.

APRA Meetings

APRA holds regular meetings at various locations. A consistent venue is the meeting room at the Fleur de Lys, Main St, East Hagbourne, Didcot, Oxfordshire. These meetings occur on the last Wednesday of each month from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The diary provides a quick reminder for 1999 with specific dates: September 27th, October 24th, and November 24th. Meetings at other venues, such as The Inner Bookshop in Oxford, will be arranged, with details to follow. A specific meeting at The Inner Bookshop, Magdalen Rd, Oxford, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20th, from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Skywatches

Skywatches are held regularly, often in association with other groups. Most of these events take place on a Saturday night, though the location may vary. Readers are advised to contact APRA for specific details. A particular skywatch event, a 'Bufora skywatch,' is listed for Saturday, December 18th, at Bury Down, Chilton, Oxon.

Event Information Websites

To stay informed about upcoming events, readers are directed to two websites: http://www2.prestel.co.uk/apranet and http://www.bufora.org.uk.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the dissemination of information regarding organized meetings and observational events related to UFOs/UAPs, as indicated by the mention of 'Skywatches' and the organizations APRA and BUFORA. The editorial stance is informative and aims to encourage participation by providing clear logistical details and contact points for further inquiries.