BUFORA Journal - Volume 02 No 03 - Winter 1967(8)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, Volume 2, Number 3, from Winter 1967/8, is published by the British U.F.O. Research Association. The cover features the title "BUFORA JOURNAL" prominently, with the subtitle "BRITISH U.F.O. RESEARCH ASSOCIATION" below. The issue date is indicated as "Winter 1967/8".

Contents

The journal contains a variety of articles and sections, including:

• Editorial: Discussing the "space brother" image and the lack of evidence for it.
• The Winter Skies: An article by Norman Oliver guiding readers on identifying constellations and celestial objects visible during winter.
• Report on UFO Sighting & Ground Effect at Whippingham, I.O.W.: A detailed investigation by Leonard G. Cramp into a UFO sighting and associated ground traces on the Isle of Wight.
• The Bufora Constitution: Outlining the organization's structure and rules.
• Book Reviews: Critiques of relevant publications.
• BUFORA Information: Updates and news from the association.
• Personal Column: A section for individual contributions.
• Letters to the Editor: Correspondence from readers.
• Contact News: Information related to UFO contacts.
• BUFORA Northern Conference: A report on a conference.
• Notes & Quotes: Miscellaneous observations.
• "Spacelink" Advertisement: An advertisement.
• Association Jottings: News and updates from BUFORA.
• Cosmic Objects Over The Ukraine: A mention of a topic related to UFOs or celestial phenomena in Ukraine.
• U.F.O Activity in Brazil During 1965: A report on UFO sightings in Brazil.

Editorial: The "Space Brother" Image

The editorial strongly critiques the popular image of "space brothers" as benevolent, wise beings intent on guiding humanity. The author argues that there is no evidence to support this notion and considerable circumstantial evidence against it. Citing C. Maxwell Cade, the editorial questions the effectiveness of these supposed "élite" beings in achieving their stated goals, such as persuading humanity to "ban the bomb." The piece suggests that the focus on Earth and human affairs by these imagined beings is anthropocentric and questions humanity's actual cosmic significance. The editorial encourages readers to look at the stars alone, rather than in groups, to gain perspective and correct exaggerated notions of human importance.

The Winter Skies by Norman Oliver

This article serves as a guide for skywatchers, aiming to foster interest in the celestial scene and help distinguish UFOs from known phenomena. It explains how Earth's rotation causes stars to appear to revolve around the celestial pole, and how the Earth's orbit causes stars to appear at the same point about four minutes earlier each night. The article divides constellations into five groups: Circumpolar, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. It details how to locate Polaris, the Pole Star, and describes the main circumpolar star-groups: Ursa Minor, Ursa Major, Draco, Cassiopeia, and Cepheus. The article then guides readers through identifying winter constellations, including Orion, Taurus, Gemini, and Auriga, and mentions specific bright stars like Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Rigel, Sirius, Procyon, Aldebaran, Castor, Pollux, and Capella. It also provides a "Guide for Skywatchers" listing the visibility of planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and mentioning the "Lyrid" meteor shower and principal artificial satellites. The author recommends purchasing a star map for better understanding.

Report on UFO Sighting & Ground Effect at Whippingham, Isle of Wight

This extensive report by Leonard G. Cramp details an investigation into a UFO sighting and subsequent ground effects that occurred on July 10, 1967, at Whippingham, Isle of Wight. The incident was initially witnessed by two young boys lining up for school. They described a "disc shaped and milky or cloud-like" object, shaped like "two saucers joined together," hovering silently. The object then appeared to flutter downwards erratically before correcting its course and disappearing. Later that evening, one of the boys discovered marks in a barley field adjacent to the school grounds. These marks ran in a straight line, parallel to the road, and up to the school hedge. The investigation, conducted discreetly to avoid public attention, involved examining the site and interviewing witnesses. The report notes that the barley stalks were flattened in a specific direction, appearing as if cut by a knife and swept by a broad broom. Aerial photographs confirmed this pattern. Farmer Warne described the damage as caused by "something violent, more like a whirlwind." Further investigation revealed a trail of flattened barley extending over three-quarters of a mile. Twisted central tufts of corn were found, with the ground beneath them appearing bare, as if violently tugged. The trail also contained feathers of a juvenile bird, all from the same bird, and pieces of stone, concrete, and paper. The author compares the ground effects to "street vortices" caused by a moving body in a fluid. The report concludes by listing potential sites of interest to visiting alien races, including a school, a gun battery site, a research establishment, a pig farm, power lines, a caravan site, and a derelict harvester machine.

BUFORA Organization and Membership

The journal outlines the aims of BUFORA: to encourage unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena, collect and disseminate evidence, and co-ordinate UFO research nationally and internationally. It lists numerous "MEMBER SOCIETIES" across the UK, such as the Cambridge University Group for the Investigation of UFOs and various local BUFORA branches. The "OFFICERS" section lists honorary positions, including President G. W. Creighton and Vice-Presidents L. G. Cramp and Dr. G. G. Doel. The "B.U.F.O.R.A. Executive Committee" includes Chairman Capt. I. MacKay and other members. Membership is open to individuals supporting the aims, with an annual subscription of one guinea ($3 U.S.A. and Canada). The journal is published quarterly and available only to members or member societies. Contact information for general correspondence, subscriptions, and UFO reports is provided, with editorial material to be sent directly to the Editor in Winchester, Hants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO investigation, astronomical observation, and a critical stance towards speculative or unscientific approaches to the UFO phenomenon. The editorial explicitly rejects the "space brother" concept, advocating for rigorous, unbiased scientific inquiry. The article on "The Winter Skies" promotes a scientific approach to understanding celestial phenomena. The detailed report on the Whippingham incident exemplifies the journal's commitment to investigating and documenting UFO-related events and their physical effects. The overall editorial stance emphasizes evidence-based research and a grounded, scientific perspective on UFOs, while also acknowledging the potential for extraterrestrial interest in Earthly phenomena, as suggested by the list of potential sites of interest.

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, dated November 4, 1967, focuses on organizational matters, book reviews, and UFO sighting reports. It includes updates on BUFORA's activities, constitutional amendments, and various contributions from members and researchers.

BUFORA Constitution Amendments

The issue details amendments to the BUFORA Constitution approved at the Annual General Meeting on October 7, 1967. These changes include the deletion of 'Vice-President' and substitution with 'Vice-Presidents to the number of three'. Article 10(a) was amended to state that each member shall pay an annual subscription recommended by the Committee and approved by the Membership. Article 5(d) was similarly amended for Member Societies. Changes were also made regarding the payment of subscriptions, the deletion and renumbering of articles, and the addition of a clause for membership lapse reminders. Article 12(e) had specific words deleted, and Article 4(f) was amended to include 'honorary membership or'. A new Article 8(h) was added to allow nominations for the Committee from the floor of the Annual General Meeting under specific circumstances.

Book Reviews

"The Flying Saucer Vision" by John Michell

Reviewed by J. C-B., this book is described as a study of historical and mythological material with a UFO connotation, written with restraint and common sense. The reviewer notes that the author's interpretation of a talk given by the reviewer to BUFORA members in April 1966, suggesting UFOs are hostile and an invasion is imminent, is not strictly accurate. The reviewer maintains that only *some* UFOs are hostile and an invasion is a possibility. The book connects Arthurian legend and Grail traditions with flying saucers, and the reviewer speculates that Battlesbury Hill near Warminster might be 'Mount Badon'. The reviewer also suggests that dragons in mythology could be theriomorphic representations of spaceships with fiery exhausts. BUFORA members are encouraged to study the volume, finding it instructive and entertaining.

"Strangers from the Skies" by Brad Steiger and "Flying Saucers are Hostile" by Brad Steiger & Joan Whritenour

These two paperbacks are recommended for students of the UFO phenomenon. The emphasis in both is on the reality of UFOs as extraterrestrial spacecraft and the alleged hostile intentions of their occupants. The reviewer notes that many described incidents are weird and potentially terrifying for a novice.

Letters to the Editor

Stephen Smith's Letter

Stephen Smith writes from Nottingham regarding recent UFO sightings in Oxfordshire and North Lincolnshire. He notes that the Oxfordshire sightings received local press and TV coverage, while the Lincolnshire ones, occurring earlier, missed wider TV attention. Smith investigated the Lincolnshire reports and found that the objects were identified as high-altitude balloons used for cosmic ray research, similar to those seen in Aldborough four years prior. He explains that these balloons, manufactured by Peacock and Binnington Ltd., are white, six feet in diameter, filled with hydrogen, and used as bird scarers, often with a black model hawk hanging underneath. He warns that these balloons can break loose and drift, leading to misidentification as UFOs, and advises investigators to be vigilant.

Donald K. Mills' Letter

Donald K. Mills, writing from Margate, Kent, shares a "quotable quote" from Anthony Greenbank's book "The Book of Survival". The quote provides advice on how to handle an encounter with "Creatures from Outer Space (stepping from flying saucer)", including avoiding rapid movement, shrill sounds, and direct menacing gazes, and breathing quietly. Mills suggests this advice could be practical and deserves wide publication, humorously linking it to Antonio Villas Boas.

Editor's Response to Donald K. Mills

The Editor poses the question: "Who wants to avoid a fate like that of Antonio Villas Boas?"

Letter from Runcorn

A correspondent from Runcorn writes to Dr. Cleary-Baker, referencing an article in 'SAGA' about 'Pictures from Outer Space'. The correspondent quotes Dr. Bernard M. Oliver, Vice-President for Research and Development at Hewlett-Packard, who stated that Earth's ultra-high frequency television stations are most likely to be picked up by extraterrestrial beings, as they sweep the heavens and can reach 200 light years, encompassing approximately 80,000 stars.

D. Gittens' Letter

D. Gittens, writing from an unspecified location, suggests that if Earth's transmissions are detectable by aliens, perhaps TV programmers could transmit something important, such as a drawing or photograph of the odd markings found on the 'stone' in the Albury Case. Gittens hopes this might lead to a repetition of 'THE KLEE PHENOMENON' of September 1953. He requests that his letter and the Editor's reply be published in the next issue.

Editor's Response to D. Gittens

The Editor responds, suspecting that alien intelligences are already aware of humanity and will communicate when they please. The Editor notes that radio transmissions travel at the speed of light, making waiting for replies potentially protracted, and that the 'Klee' Phenomenon has multiple interpretations.

BUFORA Information and Contact News

BUFORA Information

Details are provided for recent UFO sightings to be sent to either Mr. Richard Farrow (Southern Area Information Officer) or Mr. Roy Winstanley (Northern Area Information Officer), with contact telephone numbers and operating hours.

Personal Column

Information is available on BUFORA envelope stickers for purchase. Lionel Beer is seeking second-hand flying saucer books and magazines, particularly copies of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW.

Contact News

The Contact Section has prepared dates for member meetings throughout 1968, commencing at 7:30 p.m. and closing at 9:30 p.m. (with later meetings from July onwards starting at 7 p.m. and closing at 10 p.m.). Brian Simmonds, Chairman of the Contact Section, expresses hope for a meaningful program, emphasizing that the section is concerned with research and investigation of contactee reports, not with cults. He welcomes suggestions from members.

BUFORA Northern Conference Report

Report by the Chairman

The BUFORA Northern Conference, held in Liverpool on November 4th and organized by MUFORG, is described as a delightful and fruitful event. The morning featured discussions, refreshments, and a display of UFO-related materials, including photographs, maps, and UFO detectors. A BBC television unit filmed the event for a future program. In the afternoon, Mr. Charles Bowen (Editor of Flying Saucer Review) discussed editorial challenges and shared unpublished sightings. Mr. Anthony Durham presented on atmospheric phenomena like Ball Lightning, which can be mistaken for UFOs. Mr. W. Skellan of DIGAP gave a paper on the mechanical implications of UFOs, suggesting that observed phenomena might be due to circulating energy fields rather than the physical structure of saucers. The event concluded with a Brains Trust panel including Charles Bowen, Anthony Durham, Alan Sharp (Liverpool Astronomical Society), and Lionel Beer (Vice-Chairman of BUFORA). The attendance was estimated at over 200, and the organization by MUFORG, especially the catering, was highly praised.

Notes & Quotes

UFO 'FLAP IN BRITAIN'

The autumn months of 1967 saw a considerable UFO 'flap' in Britain, with BUFORA receiving numerous reports. The Editor, with Mr. Arnold West and Mr. John Myers, personally investigated a sighting near Okehampton in Devon.

THE PASSING OF ICARUS

The asteroid Icarus is due to pass within four million miles of Earth in mid-June next. The article notes that some 'lunatic fringe' elements are using this event to promote 'end of the World' fantasies, but categorically states there is no risk of collision.

DISTURBING REPORT FROM WARMINSTER

A note in 'Spacelink' suggests that Arthur Shuttlewood of Warminster is adopting extreme religious views regarding UFOs. While acknowledging his previous observational work, the journal stresses that any endorsement of his opinions should not be taken as embracing views incompatible with BUFORA's aims, which are considered 'pernicious' by the Editor.

AMPLEFORTH HISTORICAL SIGHTING OR FAKE?

Regarding Paul Thomas's book 'Flying Saucers', the translator, Gavin Gibbons, suggests that the UFO sighting at Ampleforth Abbey in 1290 A.D., as described by Desmond Leslie, might be a modern fake. The author questions if there is any independent corroboration and expresses hope it is not a fake, as it would be disappointing to dismiss the account of a large silver disc that implicated Brother Wilfred.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

The Editor expresses gratitude for the contributions received for this issue, indicating that appeals for content are finally having an effect, allowing for a more varied publication.

"SPACELINK"

Details are provided for "SPACELINK", a publication covering World UFO News and Flying Saucer Scene, with options for single copies and annual subscriptions. Miss Christine Henning is the contact for the Subscription Department.

Association Jottings

Translators Needed

An appeal for translators received only six replies, two of whom were Turkish and Czech, indicating a lack of response from more prolific UFO report countries.

Membership Increase

Recent national press advertisements and a wave of UFO sightings in early November led to a significant increase in BUFORA's membership, now exceeding 650 members.

Dr. G. G. Doel's Debate

Dr. G. G. Doel (Vice-President) successfully argued the case for UFOs at a debate in St. Albans.

Society of UFO Researchers

A new Society of UFO Researchers has been formed in Slough. Mike Holt, the Honorary Secretary, had a pleasant evening with 15 members of the group.

BUFORA Northern Regional Conference

Glowing reports have been received about the BUFORA Northern Regional Conference, despite some complaints about ineffective heating. The event has been successful for the past couple of years and it is hoped it can be held annually.

Constitution Amendments and Library

The amendments to the Constitution approved on October 7th are published elsewhere in the edition. To save expense, the Constitution with amendments will not be reprinted. Members can view it at the Association's Library in Kensington, London, or borrow/purchase a copy from the Honorary Secretary.

UFO Society Affiliations

The Anglo-Polish UFO Society has left the Association, but UFO Societies at Slough, Nottingham, and Birmingham University have applied for membership. The Group at Hindley Green, Nr. Wigan, Lancs, is specifically mentioned.

Christmas Cards

Thanks are extended to members who sent Christmas cards to the Committee.

Material for Column

Individuals and Member Societies are asked to send details of interesting UFO world happenings to the Honorary Secretary for this column.

Errata

An erratum corrects the date for the Bristol Convention from May 18th, 1967, to May 18th, 1968.

Cosmic Objects Over the Ukraine

This section presents a series of UFO sighting reports from the Ukraine, translated from the Ukrainian language Review 'Knowledge & Work'.

1. July 1953, Borovenka: A great ball of fire, approximately 250 meters in diameter, moved soundlessly at about 300 Km/hr, lifted sharply, and vanished.
2. August 1964, Borovenka: A cylindrical object, three times the size of an aeroplane, flew at an altitude of 1,000 meters, then climbed at 60 degrees. It was yellow, made throbbing sounds, and emitted showers of flame.
3. Spring (year unspecified), Glinsk: A bright, aluminium-coloured object moved rapidly westwards and disappeared.
4. September 22, 1966, Zaporozhye: A "flying saucer" was observed at low altitude, hanging motionless for ten minutes before disappearing into the clouds.
5. August 1966, Chernigov: An object of conical shape was seen by telescope, moved into Aquarius in seconds, and emitted a sound like chirping birds.
6. 1914, Rachine: Several cigar-shaped objects crossed the sky at great speed. A viscous substance fell from the sky, smelling unpleasant, and disappeared later.
7. June 1965? 1964?, Vira: An object changed shape from a sphere to a cigarette, then to "a pair of trousers", moved pendulum-wise, became red, and disappeared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing efforts to organize and standardize BUFORA's activities through constitutional amendments and member engagement. There is a strong emphasis on critical investigation, as seen in the book reviews and the debunking of potential UFO sightings (e.g., bird-scaring balloons). The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious but open-minded research, encouraging members to report sightings while also promoting a rational approach to explanations. The journal also highlights the growing interest in UFOs, evidenced by the increase in membership and the formation of new UFO societies. The potential for extraterrestrial contact through radio transmissions is also a topic of discussion, reflecting a forward-looking perspective on the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 5, Issue 19, published in 1967, focuses on UFO activity with a significant section dedicated to "U.F.O. ACTIVITY IN BRAZIL DURING 1965." The magazine presents a compilation of witness testimonies and reports of unidentified flying objects from various locations, primarily from Ukraine and Peru, with some international contributions.

Reports from Ukraine

The issue details numerous sightings from Ukraine, with specific accounts from different regions:

• Kharkiv Region: A witness reported seeing two pale pink globes of different sizes flying together at high speed, and on another occasion, a single pink sphere with an unusual central space.
• Chugen (Kharkiv Oblast): In August 1958, a ring-shaped object, likened to a car hub-cap, was observed near clouds, moving east-west without leaving a trace.
• Kiev (Kolosseiyevskaya Square): In the autumn of 1959, a glowing sphere was seen flying at low altitude and moderate speed towards a forest before disappearing.
• Andreiyevka (Chernigov Oblast): On September 29th, 1966, an intensely brilliant object, comparable to an electric welding arc, was observed for about 1.5 hours. It periodically changed brightness and eventually moved southwestward, becoming darker until it disappeared.
• Sophievka (Novobursk Region): Approximately three years prior to publication, an object described as candle-shaped with a trail of fire was seen flying at jet-plane altitude. It appeared to descend into the steppe and was observed to move in an upright position before taking a horizontal attitude.
• Manduylevka (Donets Oblast): In 1962 or 1963, an ellipsoidal, luminous object with a cold, moon-like light was observed. The witness speculated it could be a UFO.
• Ozariitsa-Mokilev (Vinnitsa Oblast): In the summer of 1961, a fiery object with a large tail of flame was seen crossing the sky from east to west at low altitude.
• Gostroluchye: In 1955, a celestial body with a dark blue forward part and a brilliant blue tail, similar to an electric welding arc, passed very low over the ground.
• Barichevka: In 1962, twelve round, bright yellow objects of varying sizes were observed flying together, emitting noise and crackling sounds, before gaining altitude and disappearing.

These reports were sent from Moscow and translated from Russian by M. Federoff and Mme. C. C. Lefevre, with an English translation by Donald Mills.

U.F.O. Activity in Brazil During 1965

This section, dated August 1st, 1966, from Tongoy, Chile, citing Bulletin No. 5 of CICA (CHILE), details sightings from 1965:

• Chile (Tongoy): Five students from the University of Chile observed an object with strong intermittent red luminosity leaving a wide trail. It disappeared below the horizon in 45 seconds. Half an hour later, a similar machine, but without light or wake, passed rapidly in the opposite direction, also taking 45 seconds.

Some "Flying Saucers" Crash Near Lima

This report, extracted from the newspaper "La Vanguardia" of Barcelona (dated 1/1/67) and communicated by A. Ribera, details events in Peru:

• Lima, Peru (December 30th, 1966): Strange objects, described as balls of fire followed by blue vapor trails, were observed by numerous people. Witnesses reported that these objects crashed on hills near the capital, causing heavy explosions. The objects or their remains have not been found.
• Lima, Peru (Next Morning): Vizente Luna reported seeing an ovoid object encircled by flames descend from the sky and crash on a hill. Children playing football also witnessed the object advancing at great speed before crashing with a great explosion.

Mysterious Flying Machine in Peru

This report, from the newspaper "Le Maine Libre" dated 7/2/67, details an incident on February 7th, 1967:

• Peru to Lima: A mysterious flying machine, shaped like a cone, followed a Peruvian commercial plane for 800 kilometers. The machine took up a position about 8 miles from the plane, later coming within two miles. Witnesses described the object as having a diameter of about 70 meters and changing color. It then moved underneath the plane's tail, joined by another object, and both disappeared at supersonic speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed observation of anomalous aerial phenomena, emphasizing the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors reported by witnesses. The magazine appears to document these events without overt skepticism, presenting them as factual accounts worthy of investigation. The editorial stance seems to be one of cataloging and disseminating information about UFO sightings and related incidents, encouraging further research and discussion within the UFO community. The inclusion of multiple translated reports highlights an international scope in the study of UFOs.