LUFORO BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: LUFORO BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. II No. 5
Date: May 1961
Publisher: London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation (LUFORO)
Price: 6d.

This issue of the LUFORO Bulletin, dated May 1961, is the fifth issue of Volume II. It is published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation, an entity established on July 11th, 1959, dedicated to the unbiased scientific investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), the collection of verifiable data, and the dissemination of information.

Editorial and Organizational News

The editorial, penned by Lawrence G. Moore, addresses the public's often confused attitudes towards UFOs and clarifies the organization's stance on terminology, emphasizing the distinction between 'UFO' and 'flying saucer'. It notes that while some criticize the use of 'UFO', LUFORO maintains it is the correct term unless the sighting specifically resembles a saucer. The editorial also touches upon the public's general lack of interest, government attitudes, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial visitors. It cites opinions from scientists like M. Agrest and Hermann Oberth, and mentions Clyde Tombaugh's observations.

The bulletin announces several changes within the LUFORO committee. Mr. G. Berrisford (Hon. Treasurer) and Miss M.E. Goodall have resigned due to changes in residence. Mr. Roy Stemman, former President and editor, has also resigned for private reasons. The organization thanks them for their contributions. The committee has co-opted Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shephard, and Miss Yvette Stebbing as Acting Honorary Treasurer.

Information is provided on how to obtain copies of the LUFORO BULLETIN and details on membership. Full membership costs 10/- or $1.50 and includes the bulletin subscription, while associate membership is free. Subscription rates are 5/- or $1 for 12 monthly issues, and 6d. or 10 cents for a single copy.

UFO Sightings and Reports

This issue features a variety of UFO sighting reports:

• Royal Navy Report: The "News Summary" from the Admiralty claimed their first flying saucer report from the minesweeper H.M.S. Maxton. Extracts from the ship's log detail an object sighted on April 19th, described as having an orange trail and green light, moving fast at high altitude, and disappearing abruptly. Another sighting on April 20th described an object with a broadening trail, erratic course, and rapid ascent.
• T.P. Welch Report: A report from Gateshead describes an oval white object seen on April 21st, which glowed, was estimated to be 150 mph at 10,000 ft., and moved slowly with a wide turn.
• D. Wright Sightings: Investigator W.F. Frankland details sightings noted by D. Wright in Nottingham. One report from November 13th, 1960, described a cigar-shaped object with blue fluorescence. Another described a "tubo de luz" (tube of light) phenomenon.
• Popping Green-White Light: A letter describes a sighting on April 17th, 1961, involving a popping sound followed by a stream of greenish-white light that dissolved into sparks.
• The Mysterious Hum: A letter published in the Daily Sketch on May 15th reports the return of a mysterious "hum" sound, described as a high-pitched wail mixed with a lower hum, preceded by a hissing sound.
• Mystery Explosion: Reports from the West Riding (Yorkshire) describe a mystery explosion heard across 100 sq. miles, causing buildings to shudder.
• UFO Over London: A "brilliant yellowish-green light" leaving a "spark trail" was seen in the London area on April 18th, 1961, though the Air Ministry reported no official sightings.
• Overseas Sightings: A translation from "Le Courrier Interplanetaire" details two aircraft crews in Montevideo observing a strange object following their planes.
• Space Pancakes Analysed: A report from The New Daily mentions "space pancakes" allegedly given to a Wisconsin plumber by "flying saucermen." The U.S. Air Force is investigating this.
• Argentine Sightings by Airline Pilots: A Feb. 7th, 1961, sighting described a "bright something" that grew to the size of the noon-day sun before shrinking and disappearing. It was noted as a "brilliant flame yellow" spherical shape.

Technical and Practical Information

UFO Detector Alarms: The bulletin includes instructions for constructing a simple magnetic UFO detector. It details the components needed, such as a magnet, nails, battery, and bell, and explains how a magnetic disturbance can trigger the alarm. The article suggests readers carry a pocket compass to detect the force fields of UFOs.

Revised Sighting Report Form: A new UFO Sighting Report Form (S.3.) is enclosed with the bulletin, designed to help investigators and witnesses record details accurately, particularly regarding the object's course and position.

Acknowledgements and Further Reading

The bulletin acknowledges contributions from NICAP, the Australian Flying Saucer Review, and Interplanetary magazine. It also recommends an article by Peter F. Sharp, B.Sc., titled 'An Appraisal of the Present UFO Position' in Flying Saucer Review (March-April 1961).

Upcoming Events

• June Meeting: Details are provided for a meeting of the Flying Saucer Viewpoint group at Caxton Hall on June 8th.
• July Meeting: A lecture by C.A. Stickland, B.Sc., on "Flying Saucers and Their Effect on the Weather" is scheduled for Saturday, July 15th, 1961, at 7:30 p.m. at the Kensington New Central Library.

Errata

An erratum corrects the February issue, noting that credit to APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation) for an article on Brazilian Navy sightings was unfortunately omitted. The address for APRO is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently promotes a scientific and unbiased approach to UFO investigation. It emphasizes the importance of verifiable data and accurate reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors while cautioning against sensationalism and opportunism. The publication aims to foster a community of researchers and inform the public about the ongoing UFO phenomenon, despite perceived public apathy and potential government reticence. The inclusion of technical guides like the UFO detector construction and detailed reporting forms underscores the organization's commitment to rigorous investigation.