British UFO Society Journal - Vol 2 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of The British U.F.O. Society Journal, Volume 2, Number 3, dated December 1985, marks a significant transition for the organization. The cover prominently features Charles Fort, described as the 'biographer of the damned,' with a collage of eclectic imagery including floating fish, dice, flying saucers, and a face in the moon, hinting at the broad and unconventional topics explored within.

Editorial and Society News

The official publication of The British UFO Society, this journal is produced for the benefit of its members and is not for sale, though arrangements can be made for interested parties. The Editor reserves the right to shorten or refuse material, and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Society. Correspondence should be addressed to The Editor, BUFOS JOURNAL, 4, Lulworth Close, Halesowen, West Midlands, B632UJ.

The leadership of The British U.F.O. Society is detailed, with Lawrence W. Dale serving as Chairman & Director of Investigations, David Taylor as Publicity Officer, and Raymond Cox as Journal Editor. Consultants include Vernon C.F. Bell (Hypnotic Regression) and Michael Hall (Photographic Analyst). Maureen Hall is the Membership Secretary.

Chairman's Report: The Birth of B.A.S.E.

In his report, Chairman Lawrence W. Dale announces exciting developments and a philosophical shift within the Society. Due to delays in printing and the loss of their previous facility, Maureen and Michael Hall have kindly provided a new printing machine, for which Dale expresses his gratitude.

More significantly, a change in philosophy was deemed necessary as UFO reports had become scarce, leading to disappointment among members. Dale proposes a nationwide stimulus and a broader scope of investigation. The BUFOS report form, designed by Dale, is now adaptable for any type of 'strange encounter,' not just UFOs. This leads to the second proposal: changing the Society's name to THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION for STRANGE ENCOUNTERS (B.A.S.E.). This name change is intended to better reflect the Society's interest in other paranormal fields. BUFOS will be incorporated into B.A.S.E., and new letterheads and an emblem are planned. The new B.A.S.E. Journal will launch in 1986.

For members, this means the opportunity to become active in multiple paranormal fields while paying only one subscription. The Journal will cover a wider variety of topics, offering greater value. Training seminars are also planned. Existing BUFOS members will automatically become B.A.S.E. members on January 1, 1986.

The initial structure of B.A.S.E. is outlined, with roles such as Chairman (CM), Director of Investigations (DI), Investigation Projects Assistant (IPA), Edit. Secretary, and Liaison Officer. The structure is expandable, with potential for an Investigator Project Team. An additional provisional position of Activities Organiser is also mentioned.

Dale expresses optimism that B.A.S.E. will become an association of considerable expertise, being objective yet adventurous. He thanks those involved in organizing the launch, including Ray Cox, David Taylor, Mark Sampson, and Alan Crowe.

Contents

The issue's contents include:

• CHAIRMAN'S REPORT.
• UFO PROPUSSION METHODS STUDY GROUP REPORT.
• WHAT'S IN A DATE ?
• BIOGRAPHER OF THE DAMNED.
• BOOK REVIEWS.
• THOSE MYSTERIOUS HELICOPTERS.
• CHRONICLES OF MAYBE. (1985 Skywatch Report).
• THE CASE AGAINST THE UFO.
• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
• THE NEW UFOLOGY TOWARDS A SOLUTION.
• SCIENCE NEWS/FORTEAN NEWS.
• BEHIND THE LAUGHTER.
• MEMBERS FORUMN.

Science News and Fortean Phenomena

Under the 'SCIENCE NEWS' section, several items are highlighted:

• U.S. SCIENTISTS MAY HAVE FOUND A NEW SOLAR SYSTEM: Photographs show a swarm of particles around the star Beta Pictoris, located 470 trillion kilometers away.
• NEWS FROM THE U.S.A. & U.S.S.R.: NASA aims for a moon base within 25 years, while the Russians suggest a manned orbit around Mars in eight years.
• SOVIETS HEAR ALIEN CALL: Soviet researchers intercepted an intergalactic radio message asking, "ARE WE ALONE?" The signal, originating from the Milky Way's center, is composed of complex mathematics. Research is ongoing, but the KGB has forbidden further information release.
• THE COSMIC STRING: Astronomers are postulating the existence of 'Cosmic Strings,' strong, thin, taut, and massive strands that tie the universe together gravitationally.

The 'FORTEANA' section covers:

• MYSTERY MILITARY PLANES: In October 1984, a military transport plane flew low over Birmingham, England, with no official acknowledgment from air bases.
• WELSH MUTILATIONS: In September 1984, 100 mutilated animal and bird bodies were found at a refuse tip in Maesycwmer, Wales.
• Tywyn Cwyned, North Wales: Around mid-September 1984, nearly 70 sheep on four farms were injured, with some found dead or bleeding, exhibiting unusual wounds.

Biographer of the Damned: Examining Charles Fort

This article delves into the views of Charles Fort (1874-1932), the collector of unexplained data. Born in Albany, New York, Fort experienced a difficult childhood and later resented authority. After traveling the world and working in journalism, he inherited a small sum at age 42, allowing him to dedicate his life to collecting phenomena ignored by science. His biographer, Damon Knight, described him as a sedentary man who lived quietly.

By 1915, Fort had thousands of notes. His early books, 'X' (proposing Earth was controlled by beings on Mars) and 'Y' (about sinister beings in Earth's interior), were destroyed due to lack of publishing interest. He then wrote 'The Book of the Damned' (1919), a critique of contemporary science, written in a stream-of-consciousness style. The book, dealing with phenomena neglected by science, was a limited edition. Fort later wrote 'New Lands' (a satire on astronomers) and 'Lo!' (about mysterious falls from the sky, including food, blood, ice, frogs, and human flesh).

His final book, 'Wild Talents' (1932), concerned psychic abilities. Fort died shortly after being admitted to hospital in May 1932. The article notes that Fort never openly expressed theories for fear of being pinned down. He declined to join the Fortean Society in 1931. His work is seen as a precursor to ideas later popularized by Erich Von Daniken, particularly the concept of extraterrestrial influence on Earth.

Fort's writings suggested that Earth might be 'property' owned by beings from other worlds. The idea of Mars being inhabited by beings controlling Earth, explored in 'X', resurfaced in ufology. The concept of 'deros' (malevolent beings living inside the Earth), claimed by Richard Shaver in the 1940s, is also mentioned.

The article concludes that Fort's studies have brought many mysteries to light and have led to international organizations. It suggests that mainstream science may eventually turn to Forteans for data when it sees an advantage in pursuing these questions. As Fort himself stated, "There never was an explanation which did not need to be explained itself."

Further reading suggestions include the complete works of Charles Fort, Damon Knight's biography, and a 1947 publication by the Fortean Society.

Letters to the Editor

Erik Frederiksson from Solna Astronomiska Forening, Sweden, thanks the journal for publishing his articles and comments on the Hollow Earth theory, admitting he is not a strong supporter but believes in keeping an open mind. He emphasizes that personal theories should not discourage investigation and that conclusive evidence would necessitate acceptance.

David Taylor, Publicity Officer, responds to the Hollow Earth theory discussion and mentions that arch skeptic David Simpson views ufology as a religion.

Fund Raising and Wanted Submissions

Information is provided on fund-raising initiatives for the new B.A.S.E. organization, which will support special research projects like financing regression hypnosis. Members are encouraged to submit ideas for fund-raising.

B.A.S.E. is also seeking comments from members about the new organization and suggestions for its development. Additionally, they are requesting submissions of 'strange encounters' or 'psychic type experiences' from members for publication in the new B.A.S.E. magazine.

UFO's - Possible Energy Systems & Propulsion Methods Study Group Report

This report focuses on the alleged electro-magnetic effects associated with UFOs, such as erratic electrical equipment behavior and car engine failures. The report questions whether these disturbances are deliberately induced or side effects.

An investigation for the Condon Committee studied the effects of strong magnetic fields on car bodies, finding that cars allegedly malfunctioning during UFO encounters showed no change in their magnetic patterns, leading to the conclusion that strong magnetic fields might not be the cause.

The report also notes that strong electrical fields can affect animals, causing nervous tension. It mentions that cats can detect massive electrical energy build-ups. High-pitched noises, often associated with fast-moving UFOs, are also considered.

Experiments by BUFORA suggest that low-strength magnetic fields can affect car voltage regulators. However, a car's bonnet can act as a shield. Other disturbances are attributed to microwave radiation and intense ultra-violet light. The report questions what causes ignition failure, suggesting the UFO's propulsion unit itself might be responsible, referencing a CE III case in Ashland, Nebraska, in 1967.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes a shift towards a broader investigation of paranormal phenomena beyond UFOs, encapsulated by the rebranding to B.A.S.E. The legacy of Charles Fort and his unconventional approach to unexplained events serves as a guiding principle. There is a clear editorial stance encouraging open-mindedness, investigation, and member participation in shaping the future of the organization and its publications. The inclusion of diverse science news and Fortean reports indicates a commitment to exploring a wide range of unusual occurrences and scientific developments.

This issue of UFO Review, Volume 2, Issue 12, dated June 1985, is published by BUFOS and focuses on various aspects of UFOlogy, including historical cases, theoretical discussions, and eyewitness accounts. The magazine features articles by regular contributors David Taylor and Keith Whitehouse, alongside book reviews and reports on UFO events.

Article: The 24th of the Month

David Taylor explores the recurring theme of UFO and paranormal events occurring on or around the 24th of each month. He cites examples from Biblical times, such as the meeting of prophet Zachariah with angels on May 24th, 520 BC. The famous Kenneth Arnold sighting, which popularized the term 'flying saucers', took place on June 24th, 1947. The article also details instances of teleportation linked to UFO events, including a soldier transported from Manilla to Mexico in 1593, Bruce Burkan's disappearance and reappearance in Newark in 1967, and the vanishing of two pilots over the Arabian desert in 1989.

Uncanny deaths of prominent figures in the UFO community are also noted as occurring on the 24th, such as Frank Scully (June 24th, 1964), E.A. Bryant (June 24th, 1967), Richard Church (June 24th, 1967), and Willy Ley (June 24th, 1969). Taylor concludes that while this may be speculation, it's worth pondering if a common factor exists.

Article: Those Mysterious Helicopters

David Taylor investigates the role of helicopters in UFOlogy. He references John A. Keel's work on the 'helicopter mystery' and recounts an incident on October 11th, 1966, where a bright light over Lake Wanaque, New Jersey, was followed by seven helicopters and numerous jets, with local authorities denying any knowledge of the event. Another incident in Maryland on August 19th, 1968, involved an oval object with flashing lights being circled by at least seven helicopters. The article also mentions a black, unmarked helicopter buzzing a village in the USA in 1974 and a sinister event in Todmorton, West Yorkshire, in 1980, where a man died under circumstances where helicopters were reportedly present. A UFO encounter in Texas in December 1980, involving a diamond-shaped object, was followed by unmarked helicopters, and the witnesses later suffered radiation sickness, leading to a lawsuit against the US government. Taylor questions whether these helicopters are government surveillance or a manifestation of the UFO phenomenon itself.

Article: New UFOLOGY: Towards a Solution?

David Taylor introduces the concept of 'New UFology', which builds upon Carl Jung's theories. Jung suggested that UFOs might be 'projections' from the human subconscious, representing fears and emotions, and related them to archetypal symbols like the 'Mandala'. This perspective shifts the focus from the material aspects of UFOs (size, shape, speed) to their symbolic meaning and the psychological state of the witness. The article discusses how this theory was revived by Clarke and Coleman in 'The Unidentified' and examines an early case from 1947 involving Jose C. Higgins and three entities who emerged from a UFO, poked holes in the ground, and created a circular symbol. New UFology also attempts to explain abduction phenomena through the 'birth trauma' hypothesis, suggesting aliens resemble human fetuses.

Article: Journey to the Centre of the Earth?

Keith Whitehouse discusses David Taylor's feature in the BUFOS Journal regarding the Hollow Earth theory. Whitehouse references Erich Von Daniken's 'Gold of the Gods' and the idea that extraterrestrials might have used Earth's interior as a home, creating subterranean tunnels. While acknowledging Von Daniken's vivid imagination, Whitehouse posits that this theory might be as plausible as any other.

BUFOS 1985 Warminster Skywatch

David Taylor reports on the BUFOS skywatch on June 29th, 1985, in Warminster. Despite organizational issues, four members attended and observed interesting sights. Around 9:30 pm, military personnel approached, apparently curious about the group's astronomical telescope. The highlight occurred around midnight when a circular orange light was reported by the Bristol group. Subsequently, three red lights appeared in a triangular formation near ground level, descending slowly, and an orange light resembling a flare was seen over Battlesbury Hill, followed by a flash of white light. The article suggests that military activity in the area might be responsible for many UFO reports of the 'Warminster Thing'.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• 'Visions, Apparitions & Alien Visitors' by Hilary Evans: A comprehensive study of paranormal entities, including UFOs, ghosts, and demons. The reviewer finds it a worthwhile but expensive addition.
• 'Strange Mutants' by John A. Keel: A reissue of 'Strange Creatures from Time & Space', covering cryptozoology, MIBs, and other anomalies. It offers free membership to 'The Monster Hunters League' and 'UFO Review' with purchase.
• 'The Dark Gods' by Anthony Roberts and Geoff Gilbertson: Explores a cosmic battle with spirits, demons, and ultraterrestrials, drawing on John Keel's work. The reviewer finds it a good book for fans of Keel and the ultraterrestrial theory, despite some minor errors.
• 'The Intelligent Universe' by Fred Hoyle: An astronomer's exploration of universal origins, suggesting a direct intelligence behind the visible universe and challenging conventional scientific theories.
• 'The Evidence for the Bermuda Triangle' by David Group: Deals with UFO connections to disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle, offering a change from typical explanations.
• 'The Gods and Their Grand Design' by Erich Von Daniken: Examines the 'Ancient Astronaut' theory, focusing on Joseph Smith and the colonization of South America by 'The Gods'.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a 'Members Forum' section, with Keith Whitehouse discussing the Hollow Earth theory, and an 'Investigations Project Assistant' notice from Larry Dale seeking applicants. There is also a call for correspondence regarding MIBs and Fortean phenomena from David Taylor, and listings for current study groups focusing on Alien Messages, Alien Encounters, and UFO Propulsion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the potential for common factors in these events (like specific dates), and the exploration of theoretical frameworks beyond conventional extraterrestrial hypotheses, such as Jungian psychology and 'New UFology'. The magazine also highlights the involvement of military activity in UFO reports and provides a platform for book reviews that cover a wide range of paranormal and speculative topics. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various theories and phenomena, encouraging critical thinking and a broader approach to UFO investigation, as suggested by the 'New UFology' article's call to discover what UFOs 'represent' rather than just what they 'are'.