LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 1 No 02 - 10th April 1960

Magazine Overview

Title: L.U.F.O.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: No. 2.
Date: 10th April 1960
Publisher: LONDON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECI RESEARCH ORGANISATION
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the L.U.F.O.R.O. Bulletin, the second to be published, dated April 10, 1960, centers on the initiative to form a federation of UFO researchers. It includes an editorial address and lists the key personnel: G.N.P. Stephenson as Director of Research, Roy Stemman as Editor, and Miss S.R. Stebbing as Secretary & Treasurer. The bulletin's primary focus is the discussion surrounding the possibility of organizing a federation of ufologists, initially within the British Isles, with aspirations for an international body at a later date. Plans for this organization are to be detailed in a subsequent bulletin.

Federation of U.F.C. Researchers

The core of this bulletin is dedicated to gathering feedback and comments from various individuals and organizations regarding the proposed federation. Several prominent figures in the UFO research community have responded:

• William P. Davidson, Hon. Sec. of the Scottish U.F.O. Research Society, expressed willingness to cooperate as an international body, believing that "in a large number lies strength," envisioning a global organization.
• David Jones, Editor of "Saucer Forum" and part of the International UFO Observer Corps, confirmed his interest and offered to be included in the list of researchers for the British Federation.
• Capt. H.C. Petersen of Scandinavian UFO-investigation, based in Denmark, stated his readiness to join a world federation, noting that he already has "120 groups in all Scandinavia," with a significant presence in Denmark.
• Graham Knewstub from the British Flying Saucer Bureau in Bristol acknowledged the potential difficulties in organizing UFO societies but agreed that more could be done to exchange information. He mentioned that the B.F.S.B. can provide photo-copies of documents from their files.
• Gavin Gibbons, also of the International UFO Observer Corps and a known author (Glan Severn), enthusiastically supported the idea, calling it "absolutely brilliant" and expressing complete alignment with the initiative.

The bulletin also notes that "Saucer Forum" is entirely correspondence-based and available for 2/6 for 4 issues, with submissions directed to David Jones.

International Bulletin and LUFORO's Activities

The bulletin references the "International Bulletin," edited and distributed by the Netherlands Studygroup for Ufology. This publication aims to establish and maintain regular contact among UFO investigators worldwide. The "International Bulletin" expresses a hope for an international federation that could coordinate critical UFO investigations independently of official sources, aiming for a respectable position as a reliable scientific guide.

LUFORO's own activities are mentioned, with the hope that they will be "speeded up and results achieved faster as the number of active members increases." Gratitude is extended to those who have already offered assistance.

Funds

The bulletin appeals for donations to cover operational costs, including postal expenses, paper, and duplicating materials for investigations and circulating sample bulletins. Members wishing to donate are asked to send contributions to the Secretary, 26, Walmington Fold, London, N.12. Cheques and postal orders should be crossed and made payable to L.U.F.O.R.C.

UFO Sightings

Two specific UFO sightings are detailed in this issue:

"DOZENS WATCH DISC IN SKY" (Pembrey, Wales)

Reported in the "Western Mail" on February 9, 1960, this incident involved process workers at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Pembrey, near Llanelly. Dozens of employees witnessed a mysterious "disc of light" in the sky, described as the "most astonishing thing I have ever seen" by Martin Walsh, aged 43. The object was estimated to be about 3,000 ft. up and measured as much as 400 yards across. It was observed to be spinning continuously, changing color from gold to white and back to gold. A friend in Pembrew village took a photograph of the phenomenon, which reportedly shows a circle of white light silhouetted against the sky.

"SAUCER OVER GWENT?" (Monmouthshire, Wales)

Reported in the "Weekly Argus" on February 13, 1960, this account describes a strange object seen over Monmouthshire, similar to one previously reported in West Wales. People in Llanelly and the surrounding district saw a "huge brilliantly lighted disc." An eyewitness, Miss Rita Hatch of Broadhaven, Blaenavon, described seeing a large spherical object, golden in colour with a tail, speeding across the sky from the South-West towards the North-East. While such sightings are often explained as weather balloons reflecting sunlight, the Air Ministry was reportedly unable to provide an explanation for what was seen over Monmouthshire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the drive towards greater organization and cooperation within the UFO research community. The editorial stance clearly favors the establishment of a formal federation, believing it will strengthen research efforts and facilitate information exchange. The inclusion of international perspectives suggests an ambition for a global network of researchers. The reporting of UFO sightings from Wales underscores the ongoing nature of unexplained aerial phenomena and the need for dedicated investigation. The bulletin also highlights the challenges of voluntary labor in such organizations and the importance of financial support.