LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 1 No 07 - 15th August 1960

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 7 of the L.U.F.O.R.O. Bulletin, published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation on August 15, 1960. The editorial address is listed as 9, Elizabeth Kenny House, Grange Grove, Islington, London, N.1.

The Evenlode Incident

The main feature of this bulletin is the detailed report on the "Evenlode Incident." News of this event was first reported to the editor three weeks after its discovery by Edward Collins, a LUFORO investigator in Northampton. The nearest investigator, Mr. J.D. Llewellyn of Stratford-on-Avon, was asked to investigate, and his report was published in the previous bulletin. Mr. D.C. Jones, a LUFORO member and editor of 'Saucer Forum,' also investigated and provided an independent report.

The incident occurred in a field at Poplars Farm, Evenlode, Gloucestershire, on June 3, 1960. It was witnessed by Mr. Bill Edwards, the farmer. The particulars of the discovery were two circular burn marks on the ground, one within the other. The larger circle was 23 feet in diameter, and the smaller was 16 feet. Both were described as being 14 inches wide and regular in shape.

Mr. Edwards discovered the markings while walking in the field. He had no explanation for them. His wife and son contacted the 'Weshan Journal,' whose reporter, David Day, visited the site. The discovery became public knowledge.

Various people visited the site, but none could explain the markings. Mr. Rutherford, a draughtsman, provided measurements. By the time of the investigator's visit, thunderstorms and rain had occurred, and the grass had grown considerably. The outlines of the circles were still visible, along with a slight depression on one side where the field sloped. Some parts of the grass still showed burn marks, but the ground inside and outside the circles was unmarked.

Mr. Edwards stated he saw no other markings in the field at the time of his discovery. The markings were located in a corner of the field, midway between Chastleton and Evenlode, far from roads or houses. Cattle and sheep had access to the field but showed no unusual reaction.

A small piece of burnt grass was taken to a laboratory in Cheltenham. The Public Analyst examined it and stated the grass appeared burnt but felt little more could be learned. He suggested that thunderstorms, rain, and the delay in submitting the sample might have affected the results, and further examination at a cost of £2-2-0 was not deemed worthwhile.

During the investigation in Evenlode, villagers were questioned about any unusual sights or sounds around the time of the markings' appearance. One man recalled hearing a strange whistling noise but was uncertain of the timing. There was a vague reference to "black magic" circles, but this was not considered connected to the incident. Mr. Coles had taken two colour photographs, but they were not available for review.

Mr. John D. Llewellyn also examined the markings and took soil samples. An analysis by a chemist colleague was negative.

Mr. Llewellyn concluded that the symmetry of the markings indicated they were not a natural formation and were likely made by something descending from the sky, noting the absence of skidding marks and evidence of downward pressure.

Mr. Llewellyn sent soil samples to LUFORO investigator Mr. W.S. Farrall. Mr. Farrall, collaborating with an analytical chemist, reported that both samples were normal. The top-soil contained no foreign matter, and the grass showed only usual dehydration. There was no evidence of overheating. The only notable feature was a horse-hair in the 22ft diameter sample, which was not considered significant on farmland. A colleague intended to perform further chromatograms, but significant results were considered unlikely.

Mr. Farrall expressed regret that they could not have been present earlier, noting that standard yield deflection methods for gauging weight would not be valid if the object hit the ground at speed, potentially giving exaggerated weight figures.

Reported Sightings

Westcliff-on-Sea Sighting

An Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) was seen by Mr. and Mrs. Kemp of Leigh-on-Sea on Tuesday, June 7, 1960, between approximately 11:15 pm and 11:30 pm. Seen from their garden, it was initially thought to be a distress signal. The sighting lasted three to four seconds. The weather was bright moonlight with patches of cloud. The object appeared bright in the center with luminous green edges. Mrs. Kemp, experienced with wartime searchlights and cloud formations, was certain it was not natural.

This sighting was also witnessed by Mr. J. Marrison.

Greenish-Glow Satellite?

Appearing in the Southend Standard, Mr. C. Giddings of Westcliff reported seeing what appeared to be a satellite at 11:20 pm on Tuesday. It was visible for about five seconds, travelling swiftly from southeast to northwest, emitting a "greenish violet glow."

This report was sent in by Miss Tassie E. Harris. A note clarifies that Sputnik IV Satellite and Sputnik IV Rocket were not due at this time.

Mystery Fireball in Sky

A mysterious light crossed low in the sky above Cardiff early on the day of the report. One observer described it as "a brilliant ball of fire with bits falling off," and another as "just like a plane in distress."

Mr. Robert Cowan of Roath stated, "A huge white ball, with red flares coming from it, passed over us." He watched the object with seven other people. They initially thought it might be a plane due to the flares.

A spokesman at the Royal Air Force station at St. Athan stated that no reports of missing aircraft had been received.

A Meteorite?

At Cardiff (Rhoose) Airport, a meteorological spokesman reported no sightings and no reports of aircraft incidents, suggesting it could have been a meteorite. Observers reported no noise, describing it as "a silent ball of fire sailing through the sky." Mr. George Rigby, who watched the object through binoculars, said it disappeared after two or three minutes and was travelling rapidly. Cardiff police received reports but could not identify the object.

(Source: "Western Mail" July 5, 1960.)

Further 1960 UFO Sighting Reports

Further indexed sighting reports have not yet been compiled and will appear in the next issue.

Flying Saucers

The bulletin thanks readers for sending in subscriptions for the American publication "Flying Saucers" by Ray Palmer. Shipment from America was awaited, and subscribers were asked to be patient. The cost for one issue was 2/10d, and for six issues, 17/-, including postage. Cheques and postal orders were to be made out to L.U.F.O.R.O.

Ring Angels

Readers are advised to look out for a future article in the next bulletin dealing with the mysterious 'radar angels' reported the previous year, which will include findings from the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company's research scientists.

Publication Details

The LUFORO Bulletin is published approximately every month, with no fixed schedule. Single copies cost 6d (including postage), and 12 issues cost 5/- (including postage). All payments were to be sent to the Secretary, LUFORO, 26, Walnington Fold, London, N.12.

The bulletin was printed and published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation. The Director of Research was G.N.P. Stephenson, the Editor was Roy Stennan, and the Secretary & Treasurer was Miss S.R. Stebbing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, presenting detailed reports of incidents, witness accounts, and preliminary investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging reader participation through subscriptions and reports. While acknowledging the lack of definitive conclusions in many cases, the organization aims to document and analyze these events, often referencing scientific analysis and expert opinions. There is a clear effort to distinguish between potential natural phenomena (like meteorites) and unexplained aerial objects, and to provide a platform for disseminating information within the UFO research community.