The Armchair Ufologist - Issue 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Armchair Ufologist
Issue: 1
Date: June 1997
Type: Magazine Issue

This inaugural issue of 'The Armchair Ufologist' positions itself as a no-holds-barred publication dedicated to exploring the 'causes of ufology' with a critical and often cynical lens. It aims to provide a platform for unfiltered opinions, group politics, and the 'thin skinny' on how the UFO scene actually works, contrasting itself with more mainstream or sanitized publications.

The Mystery of History: UFO Brigantia and the IUN

The lead article revisits the era of 'UFO Brigantia', a magazine active between 1985 and 1993, which thrived in a simpler time when UFO books and conferences were less common. The author, who was involved with 'UFO Brigantia', describes it as a publication that printed controversial material and received numerous threats. 'UFO Brigantia' was the organ of the Independent UFO Network (IUN), founded and manipulated by Philip Mantle, Dave Clarke, Martin Dagless, Rod Haworth, and Stuart Smith. The IUN is credited with initiating large UFO festivals in the UK, starting in Sheffield in 1988, and bringing prominent figures like Hopkins, Keel, and Vallee to the UK. The author recounts leaving the subject in 1992 after a perceived 'duplicity' by a BUFORA member, selling off his collection and pursuing other interests. He notes that the IUN persisted briefly before Philip Mantle allegedly began hypnotizing the BUFORA council. The article also laments the death of Stuart Smith and the subsequent 'underground' nature of the IUN's activities.

How To Get It Regular, Like

This section outlines subscription details for 'The Armchair Ufologist', costing £6.00 for six bi-monthly issues including postage and packing, or £1.50 for a single copy. It also offers exchanges for other UFO zines and solicits 'salacious UFO gossip, group politics, big secrets, small articles of discernment, bribes, offers of a good time etc.'

Contact Information

Gestated by Andy Roberts, the magazine's space-time co-ordinates are listed as 84 Elland Road, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 2QR. Contact is available via phone at 01484 721993 and email at [email protected].

Twinkles: Derrol Sims and Matthew Williams

This section reports on the cancellation of Derrol Sims' appearance at the Truthseekers Conference on March 23rd. It presents a 'ufological equation' suggesting that Matthew Williams, the organizer of the conference, and Philip Mantle's relationship with Sims led to the cancellation. The author implies that Williams was behind the conference and that Mantle's dislike of Williams, coupled with Mantle's friendship with Sims, resulted in Sims pulling out.

BUFORAGOSS: BUFORA Politics

This lengthy section details internal politics and alleged financial issues within BUFORA. The author expresses a hobby of 'watching' BUFORA and states that the gossip is freely available. It is reported that John Spencer, Steve Gamble, and Phil Walton are allegedly leaving the BUFORA Council. Speculation suggests Matthew Williams, Judith Jafaar, and Richard Conway might join. The article highlights tensions, particularly between Philip Mantle and Matthew Williams, with 'cages being constructed to keep Mantle and Matthews apart'. Questions are raised about who will become the next chairperson and the future stability of BUFORA. The author criticizes the 'glacial slowness' of BUFORA's decision-making and Matthew Williams' attempt to solicit support for challenging Philip Mantle's appointment as BUFORA Press Officer, deeming it 'unthinkable' and 'heresy' within the organization's structure.

The author applauds Matthew Williams' direct action stance, calling it ethical and hoping it signals a change within BUFORA. The section notes that membership has started taking an interest in the organization's direction and finances, encouraging members who support Matthew's motion to write to him.

The Armchair Ufologist's Purpose

The author explains his motivation for starting the newsletter, stemming from a 1995 autopsy video that 'appalled' him. Having previously co-edited BUFORA's UFO Times and been a correspondent for Fortean Times, he felt a need for a publication that gathered overlooked ufological details. He contrasts his approach with 'Saucer Smear' and 'Sceptics Newsletter', aiming for a 'bog standard' newsletter that allows people to express real opinions, chronicle 'stupid things' said and done, and discuss group politics.

UFO Wars: Lancashire Discord

This section describes a fractured ufology scene in Lancashire, with multiple groups vying for position. It mentions Tim Matthews, who started a group in Lancaster and later Southport, focusing on 'Flying Triangles' and 'Our Secret Technology'. While acknowledging Matthews' active research, the article notes that other groups do not seem to like him, leading to accusations of stolen material and other conflicts. The author expresses respect for the dedicated individuals in Lancashire groups, particularly the women involved.

Speaking of Lancashire: Eric Morris and UFO Phenomena

This section covers the LAPIS group's event in Burnley, which featured 'A Day Of Strange Phenomena'. Eric Morris is highlighted for returning to ufology full-time with his Alien Research Counselling Centre (ARCC). The author notes Morris's use of the word 'strange' frequently and recounts a case where a woman described sexual encounters with aliens. The author questions the nature of these experiences, suggesting they might be related to sexual repression. He criticizes the use of hypnotic regression, stating it's a dangerous practice and that BUFORA has a ban on it. The author believes that moves like this, which focus on 'fame freaks and glamour grabbers', will lead to fewer investigators and 'good' cases.

The Lovecraftian Obviousness: George Wingfield on UFOs

George Wingfield is presented as a speaker who discussed 'Flying Triangles' (UFTS). The author criticizes Wingfield's presentation, accusing him of reinventing the history of UFTS and omitting key waves from the 1970s and 80s. Wingfield's analysis of UFTS, comparing them to known aircraft and concluding they were alien, is also questioned. The author highlights Wingfield's reliance on eyewitness accounts and his tendency to define himself by his enemies, specifically mentioning Tim Matthews and criticizing his work 'Stealth Lies and Videotape'. Wingfield also suggested that UFTS could be 'ET craft' and that ancient ring barrows might be UFOs, a theory the author finds dubious.

The 'Missing File' and Other Cases

George Wingfield recounts an incident where a file labeled 'UFO' stored on an IBM mainframe at Warwick University in the 1980s went 'lost'. The author interprets this with 'Lovecraftian obviousness', suggesting IBM may have stolen the file due to its UFO content. The article also touches on the idea that UFTS might be interested in nuclear power stations. The author expresses frustration with ufologists who don't openly state their belief in ETs, suggesting a fundamental contradiction between seeking 'proof' and believing in 'extraterrestrials'.

Dr. Rauni-Leena Luukarem Kilde and 'Different' Ufology

Dr. Rauni-Leena Luukarem Kilde's presentation on 'different' ufology, benevolent aliens, and the universe's central power of love is mentioned. The author notes Kilde's claims of being harassed by 'them' with microwave beams and having her thoughts sucked out. The author finds this type of ufology to be more akin to entertainment and titillation than serious research.

Busty Taylor on Crop Circles

'Busty' Taylor's presentation on crop circles is discussed. The author notes that Taylor believes most circles are hoaxes but that simple designs represent a real phenomenon. Taylor's logic is questioned when he showed a complex circle formed in 35 minutes as not being a hoax. Taylor admitted he thought ETs caused them and that ancient ring barrows might be UFOs. He also hinted at revealing more about hoaxers later.

Nick Pope and 'The Uninvited'

The article mentions Nick Pope's book 'Open Skies, Closed Minds' and his new book 'The Uninvited', which deals with abductions. The author notes that Pope's personal abduction experience in Florida was not mentioned in his earlier book, 'Open Minds, Empty Wallets', and questions why it appeared in 'The Uninvited' under a pseudonym, speculating about financial motivations or 'dark forces'.

A Visit to the Evil Empire: YUFOS and Graham Birdsall

This section revisits the history of the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS) and its strained relationship with the IUN. The IUN reportedly solved YUFOS's 'main' case, the Cracoe Fell photo, proving it was a rock reflection. The article notes that YUFOS is no more, but 'UFO' magazine, edited by Graham W. Birdsall, is still active. The author recounts a visit to the 'Evil Empire' at Wharfebank Business Centre, where Graham Birdsall gave an interview. Despite disagreeing with most of Birdsall's views, the author credits him for sticking to his guns. The same questions were posed to Jenny Randles, with the intention of melding their viewpoints.

UFO Wars: Lancashire Discord (Continued)

The conflict in Lancashire ufology is revisited, with multiple groups jockeying for position. Tim Matthews' activities are mentioned again, focusing on 'Flying Triangles'. The author notes the lack of cooperation between groups and accusations of stolen material.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'The Armchair Ufologist' adopts a highly critical and often skeptical stance towards the established ufology community, particularly focusing on internal politics, alleged financial impropriety, and what the author perceives as sensationalism or lack of rigor in research. There is a strong emphasis on exposing perceived hypocrisy and power struggles within organizations like BUFORA. The publication champions a more direct, honest, and perhaps confrontational approach to investigating UFO phenomena, valuing genuine pursuit of the mystery over financial gain. The author frequently uses sarcasm and a colloquial tone to critique individuals and organizations, aiming to provide an unfiltered perspective on the UFO scene. Themes of organizational infighting, the nature of evidence, the ethics of ufological research (especially hypnotic regression), and the personal motivations of key figures are recurrent.

This issue of 'THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF UFOLOGY' (Issue 11) focuses on the burgeoning efforts to establish a formal research body for ufology in the UK, alongside discussions on abduction phenomena, alien implants, and specific UFO sighting investigations.

Founding the British Institute of Urology

The magazine discusses the concept of establishing a formal 'British Institute of Urology' (BIU). The driving force behind this initiative is a desire among ufologists to see actual research conducted and published, moving beyond the current landscape of UFO groups, zines, conferences, and books that are perceived to lack in-depth, knowledge-advancing research documents. The proposal is to gather individuals committed to doing serious work on specific areas of the subject, setting clear aims, objectives, and timeframes for publication. A meeting is being organized for the end of summer to discuss progress and gather interested individuals.

Upcoming UK Abduction Symposium

Under the potential auspices of the BIU, there is a plan to organize a UK version of the MIT symposium on abductions, also referred to as CE4s. This event is inspired by the comprehensive MIT symposium held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in June 1992, which featured over fifty abduction researchers. The magazine notes that the MIT event, while extensive, had limited international participation, with only two speakers from outside the Americas. The subsequent publication, 'Alien Discussions,' is described as a definitive 700-page document on the abduction experience. The proposed UK event aims to be a non-commercial gathering of researchers presenting to their peers, with the organizer willing to take on the task of publishing the papers afterwards. The success of this event is questioned, given the perceived divisions within the UK UFO community.

BUFORA Internal Matters

News reaches the publication that BUFORA is experiencing internal turmoil, with a member named Matthew Williams reportedly garnering support from over fifty BUFORA members for a motion. This is described as the farthest a 'probe' has gone into BUFORA's 'perimeter' in a long time, with discussions of revolution and Extraordinary General Meetings. A thread on BUFORA's private website discusses the current state of affairs.

Project Pennine Revivication

Another project mooted by the 'virtual institute' is the revival of 'Project Pennine.' Originally a catalogue of 'Ball Of Light' sightings in the Pennine areas, the project now has a dream: to maintain a seven-night-a-week watch on a specific valley in the Pennines known for persistent UFO reports. The goal is to capture light phenomena using instrumentation such as video, still photos, and magnetometers. Similar efforts in Hessdalen and elsewhere are cited as precedents. The plan involves monitoring the valley for four to six hours per night, seven nights a week. The article acknowledges the possibility of failure but expresses belief in the commitment of people in the north to achieve something. It also addresses why this isn't being done through BUFORA, citing that it takes too long, BUFORA won't allocate sufficient funds, and people who don't have much to do with it want a say.

Jenny Randles Lecture in Manchester

The magazine reports on a lecture given by Jenny Randles in Manchester on the last Saturday in May. She spoke at the Friend's Meeting House on the subject of her new book, 'Alien Contact - the first 50 Years.' Despite the event being organized by Tim Matthews, only twelve people attended. The low turnout is speculated to be due to competition from a major football match, a local music festival, or general public interest in Jenny's lectures. The event included a discussion about the proofs or lack thereof for the existence or non-existence of aliens, where the assumptions of attendees colored their beliefs.

Alien Implants: Sue Blackmore's Analysis

Under the 'IMPLANT NEWS' section, the article features parapsychologist Sue Blackmore's account of analyzing a small, dull metallic grey object, approximately 3mm long, that a young man claimed had been implanted in his mouth by aliens. The object had stripes or indentations visible under a microscope. Analysis using a microanalyser revealed its composition: 40% mercury, 30% tin, and 16% silver, which is comparable to a dental filling. Blackmore expresses relief at finding a mundane explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization of UFO research in the UK, the need for rigorous investigation, and the sharing of findings. There is a critical stance towards the current state of ufology, perceived as lacking serious research. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouragement for committed individuals to undertake substantive work and a pragmatic approach to phenomena, as exemplified by the analysis of the alien implant. The issue also touches upon internal organizational dynamics within the ufology community.