British UFO Society Journal - Vol 1 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BRITISH U.F.O. SOCIETY JOURNAL
Issue: Vol. 1. No. 6.
Date: Undetermined, but context suggests around 1984 based on sighting dates.
Publisher: THE BRITISH UFO SOCIETY
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the BUFOS JOURNAL is dedicated to exploring the legacy of George Adamski, a prominent UFO contactee, 30 years after his peak influence. The journal features articles that analyze his claims, photographs, and the ongoing debates within ufology.

Key Articles and Content

"All in the Mind"

This article addresses the common skeptical dismissal of UFO phenomena as being 'all in the mind.' It discusses how this notion is often used to explain away various UFO theories, including alternative universes and psychic projections. The author references philosopher Emmanuel Kant's ideas on the mind's role in constructing reality and C.G. Jung's theories on archetypes and projections. While acknowledging the subjective experience of UFOs, the article does not definitively dismiss the possibility of external phenomena. It notes that modern physics is increasingly considering the observer's role in reality.

"George Adamski - 30 Years Later" by Ray Cox

Ray Cox offers a personal reflection on George Adamski, aiming for a balanced perspective that avoids both excessive reverence and derision. Adamski (1891-1965) is described as the most controversial and enigmatic figure in ufology, whose claims and photographs became classics of the era. Cox notes that other contactees have since made wilder claims that were met with more respect. He recounts meeting Adamski in 1959 and describes him as modest and soft-spoken. The article highlights Adamski's claim of contact with a 'man from Venus' and his first alleged encounter with a spaceman in the Californian desert on November 20th, 1952. This event, involving telepathic communication and footprints with hieroglyphics, is presented as central to the Adamski affair. The article also touches upon Adamski's subsequent claims of further meetings, space flights, publications, and his 'get-acquainted programme,' as well as his reception by public figures like Queen Juliana and Pope John. Steuart Campbell's critique of Adamski as a fraud is mentioned, alongside the difficulty of definitively proving or disproving his claims.

Cox lists points 'FOR' Adamski's claims, including repeated descriptions of scout ships and cigars, Adamski's description of Earth's radiation belts (later confirmed by Van Allen), and the 'firefly effect' on his space trip (similar to John Glenn's description). The 'AGAINST' arguments focus on Adamski's assertion that planets were inhabited, which Lou Zinsstag suggested would have made his life easier if he had claimed origin from 'other systems.' Timothy Good notes Carol Honey's statement that Adamski himself said the planet names were codes. Desmond Leslie offers an esoteric explanation involving 'higher vibratory frequencies.' Adamski's background, including heading a mystical cult and writing a science fiction novel, is also presented as a potential factor.

The article concludes by posing questions about the nature of the experience, whether Adamski or his visitors were lying, and the motivations behind a potential fraud. It notes a shift in modern contactee stories, with origins now often cited as 'other stars' rather than planets, and a change in the appearance of alleged beings from handsome humanoids to more 'gruesome' figures.

"BUFOS UFO TEAM STARTS IN MERSEYSIDE" by Alan Bramhill

This report details the formation of a BUFOS UFO Team in Merseyside, UK, initiated by Alan Bramhill in January 1984. The team aims to investigate UFO cases for BUFOS and has established a structure with various roles, including chairman, secretary, and publicity officer. They have also secured potential assistance from a laboratory chemist for soil analysis and anticipate coverage in a local magazine. Bramhill encourages other BUFOS members to actively spread the word about the society.

"ARE THEY PROJECTIONS ?" by David Taylor

David Taylor's article explores the long-standing debate between the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and the Psychic Projection theory for UFO phenomena. He notes that the ETH has faced challenges due to perceived difficulties with space travel. The Psychic Projection theory, pioneered by C.G. Jung, suggests UFOs might be subconscious projections. However, Taylor points out that Jung himself concluded UFOs appeared to be alien spaceships before his death. The article questions how the Psychic Projection theory accounts for multiple witnesses, radar detection, electromagnetic effects, and physical landing marks, which are harder to explain as mere projections. Taylor suggests that studying the witness rather than the phenomenon itself might offer more insight, potentially turning ufologists into 'psychiatrists.'

UFO SIGHTINGS from Len Harling

This section lists several reported UFO sightings:

• Dunning, Scotland (13.4.84): Three lights like stars moving rapidly across the sky for about 2 minutes.
• Cambridge (7.5.83): Three disc-shaped objects emerged from behind a cloud, observed for about 5 minutes in formation.
• Barry, Glamorgan (13.5.84): Objects with two rows of six white lights and two brighter lights, travelling east-west and changing course, accompanied by a deep hum upon disappearance.
• Stanmore, London (26.4.84): A 'rotating multi-coloured object' giving off balls of light, seen by police and public for approximately 2 hours.
• Staveley, Nr. Chesterfield (31.5.84): Two large bright white lights from a solid, dark, dome-shaped object with smaller lights underneath.

Investigator Information and Advertisement

The journal includes a section asking investigators to gather specific information such as flight timetables, maps, and lists of local installations and contacts. It also features an advertisement for 'SOLAR POWERED AIR SHIPS' for sale at £3.99.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the complexities and controversies surrounding UFO phenomena. There is a clear engagement with the historical figures of ufology, particularly George Adamski, and a willingness to present differing viewpoints, such as the critique of Adamski by Steuart Campbell. The recurring theme is the ongoing debate between physical explanations (ETH) and psychological or subconscious explanations (Psychic Projection). The BUFOS JOURNAL appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, encouraging investigation and the sharing of information among its members, while also acknowledging the challenges and ambiguities inherent in the subject. The editorial stance seems to favor a thorough examination of evidence and a balanced approach to controversial claims, as exemplified by Ray Cox's article on Adamski.

This issue of "NEWS FROM THE U.S.A." presents a collection of reports and articles related to UFO phenomena, paranormal experiences, and related investigations. It includes correspondence from a correspondent named Jerry Garces, detailing two significant events, and contributions from various individuals involved in UFO research and study groups.

Soviet Union UFO Capture

The lead story details an alleged UFO capture in the Soviet Union, as reported in the 'Globe' newspaper. The incident, which occurred in late summer, involved a UFO landing on an island near the fishing village of Chumika. Following the landing, military forces, including boats and helicopter gunships, surrounded the area. Jets were seen circling, and as the UFO attempted to take off, it was reportedly met with a barrage of rockets. Witnesses claim that two jets and four helicopters were disintegrated, and the area was cordoned off with thousands of troops. Stories also emerged of crates being shipped out, resembling cages containing living creatures.

The report is based on eyewitness accounts and testimony from Japanese spies. Mark Stanley, a former CIA agent, commented that it was a "worrying situation." Eyewitnesses also reported seeing rail trucks moving heavy equipment in and out of the area for ten days following the event.

UFOs and Cattle Mutilations

A second report, from the 'National Enquirer' dated May 15th, 1984, concerns a new outbreak of cattle mutilations in the South Dakota Hills. The article suggests these cases coincide with an increase in UFO activity. Bright lights were reportedly seen five times between February 8th and March 6th near Norris, South Dakota, by policemen and ranchers. The first sighting involved lights hovering for 20 minutes. The following day, a neighbor found a cow mutilated, with its eyes, ears, and udder removed "almost surgically." Further sightings of lights occurred, and two more mutilated cows were found. A rancher, Jerry Grass, observed "2 big reddish lights with an orange fringe" for four hours. Later, the Sheriff's Chief Deputy and a patrolman investigated and saw lights hovering 100 to 150 feet off the ground, which approached their car before flying off.

Cases from Italy

This section presents UFO sightings from Italy, sourced from the publication 'UFO NEWS-FLASH'.

Incident I: July 21st, 1983, 21:00 hrs
A bright, orange-coloured, ball-shaped object was seen hovering over Lake Garda. It descended slowly and disappeared behind trees. Witnesses noted its strange behavior, claiming it remained motionless for some minutes before moving very slowly as if "scanning the coast." Numerous independent witnesses came forward. Pino Dolci observed the object motionless and emitting light, and his wife and son also witnessed it descend slowly "as if it became deflated."

Incident II: July 13th, 1983
Three men observed an object for half an hour near High Tevere. The object moved, rotated on its axis, and emitted a light similar to a welder's light, surrounded by a "halo." It was described as 4-5 meters long. The object moved 300 meters and then turned on its axis, moving to the men's left. It moved in front of them, and one witness, Luciano Urbani, noted it could be seen from two different angles. A third witness, J. Amantini, arrived and saw the UFO make a half-circle before rising out of sight.

The Chesterfield Branch of BUFOS

This article announces the formation of the Chesterfield Branch of BUFOS (British UFO Research Association). The initiative started about eighteen months prior and has resulted in a society with around twenty members. The author highlights the advantage of having a local branch for regular meetings and mentions links with other societies, such as the Chesterfield Physic Study Group. The article expresses pleasure at the enthusiasm shown by a younger member, Jamie Boler. The author thanks those who helped form the branch and encourages members to actively participate in establishing new branches in other areas.

Warminster Revisited

David Taylor reports on the EUFOS 1984 Skywatch held in Warminster. Despite a drop in UFO reports since the mid-sixties, Warminster is still considered a good place to visit. A mini-bus was arranged for West Midlands members. The group met at 'The Old Eell' public house and later proceeded to Cradle Hill. The author recounts a humorous incident involving the disappearance and eventual reappearance of Deirdre O'Neill, the EUFOS Chairman. At Cradle Hill, a message on a barn read "UFOs are coming in 1984." The night was described as active, with many cars arriving and a general atmosphere of unusual activity. A supposed UFO sighting turned out to be a flashlight attached to a branch.

Paranormal Potential

Eileen Perry discusses paranormal phenomena, starting with the quote, "Seeing is believing, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself." She references Celia Green's work at the 'Institute of Psycho-Physical Research' in Oxford, which collected reports of apparitions. The article suggests that children are programmed to pick up things quickly and that imaginary friends are real to them. It posits that paranormal phenomena might be manifestations of the unconscious mind, extending into the collective unconsciousness, as believed by Carl Gustaf Jung.

Clues Led to Vital Secrets of D-Day

This piece recounts how members of MI5 noticed that clues in the Daily Telegraph crossword appeared to reveal vital code names for the D-Day invasion. For example, clues related to "One of the United States?" led to Utah and Omaha, while "Mulberry" referred to floating harbors, and "Neptune" was naval support. The most suspicious clue was about a "big-wig" which produced the answer "Overlord," the code name for the entire operation. MI5 investigated the crossword compiler, Leonard Dawe, a teacher, who claimed he had no knowledge of the invasion strategy and that his choices were coincidental.

The Traumas of Running a UFO Study Course

Lionel Peer (FRAS), Public Relations Officer for BUFORA, details the challenges of running a UFO study course at Putney and Wandsworth Institute in September 1983. The course, promoted under 'The New Philosophy,' had only eight students sign up and was closed after the first night. A subsequent short summer course in June 1984 faced numerous logistical problems, including venue suitability (due to a gale and asbestos concerns), projector issues, and a lack of extension cables. Despite these setbacks, class numbers remained constant, and the course was considered a success based on student feedback. The syllabus covered introduction, historical aspects, parameters of phenomena, official attitudes, and humanoid accounts.

RE Course Approval for UFO Phenomena

This section outlines questions raised by Valerie Hider regarding the approval of a UFO Phenomena course syllabus submitted by Mr. L. Beer. The questions focus on the clarity of aims and objectives, the progressive nature of the syllabus, the justification for including the topic, and a request for a recommended bibliography.

Forthcoming Events of Interest to Members and Friends

This section lists upcoming events, including slide-lectures by Lionel Beer in North London and Sutton, Surrey, covering UFO experiences and their implications. Details for a meeting with the North London Astronomical Society and a cultural event arranged by the Library and Arts Services of the London Borough of Sutton are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and the investigation of these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on reporting eyewitness accounts and findings from various sources, including newspapers and UFO research groups. The articles also explore the broader context of paranormal experiences, the potential for paranormal abilities, and the organizational efforts within the UFO community, such as the formation of local branches and study groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting information and encouraging further investigation and participation from readers.

This document is a page from a publication, likely a magazine or newsletter, titled "Ufology" (implied by the content and the mention of the "Journal"). The issue date is inferred to be 1985, with the competition deadline in late 1984. The publisher is the BRITISH UFO Society (also referred to as EUFOS). The language is English, and the country of publication is the United Kingdom.

Competition Announcement

The main focus of this page is an announcement for a competition inviting members of the BRITISH UFO Society to submit articles. The competition aims to gather content for the society's first issue of their Journal, scheduled for 1985. The theme for the articles is "British UFO matters," which can be historical, factual, personal, or subjective, though it need not be limited to the Warminster perspective.

The announcement highlights the significance of anniversaries in ufology, referencing the 25th anniversary of the term 'Flying Saucers' following the Arnold sighting in 1947 (which occurred in 1972) and the 30th anniversary (in 1977). It also notes the 20th anniversary of the Warminster phenomenon, or 'Thing', which is described as one of the world's most famed ufological 'shrines'.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should ideally be typed using double spacing on A4 paper, or printed clearly if typing is not possible. While the article should not be excessively long, the judging criteria will prioritize clarity of expression, correct grammar, and a balanced and logical composition over mere length.

The judging panel will consist of the Chairman, Deirdre O'Neill, and the Editor of the Journal. The winning article will be published in Volume 2, Number 2 of the Journal, and the author will receive a year's free membership to the BRITISH UFO Society.

Submission Details

Essays must be sent to the Editor of the Journal and must arrive no later than November 30, 1984. Submissions should be clearly marked "COMPETITION". The announcement is signed by Ray Cox, identified as the Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The page reflects an editorial stance that encourages member participation and focuses on British ufology. It acknowledges the historical significance of UFO events and phenomena, using anniversaries as a hook to engage the readership. The emphasis on clarity and logical composition suggests a desire for well-reasoned contributions to the field.