BUFORA Journal - Volume 03 No 05 - Winter 1971

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE BUFORA JOURNAL, Volume 3, Number 5, published in Winter 1971/2, is from the British U.F.O. Research Association. It is priced at £1.50 for an annual subscription, with the journal published quarterly and available to members only or by exchange.

Editorial

The editorial addresses a correspondent's concern that the journal is deteriorating into a 'Psychic Newsletter.' The editor defends the inclusion of non-'nuts-and-bolts' aspects, arguing that UFO phenomena are increasingly linked with psychical research and the collective unconscious. The editor emphasizes the need to follow data wherever they lead, rather than adhering strictly to preconceived notions. The editorial also references a previous remark about the material universe potentially being a four-dimensional surface of a five-dimensional hypersphere, and quotes Benson Herbert's postulate about discarnate humanity or alien creatures populating the interior of such a hypersphere. It notes the vast number of UFO reports since 1947 and the lack of physical UFO 'hardware,' despite apparent mechanical faults and shedding of parts by UFOs.

Skywatch Organisation

This section details the methods used by BUFORA members for organizing 'mini-skywatches,' particularly in response to a 'flap' over the Potteries. The organization involves at least four people, with three watching the sky and one on a random lookout. They use tape recorders to capture real-time comments and analyze them, feeding the audio through an oscilloscope to detect inaudible sounds. They found that feeding the microphone into a powerful amplifier and speaker before recording eliminated background hum. The article also describes a UFO detector based on moving magnetic fields and the importance of having a camera on standby, using fast film and long exposure. When a UFO is sighted, one person operates the camera, another notes details like direction and temperature, and others follow the UFO or scan the rest of the sky. Binoculars are recommended over telescopes for their ease of use and focusing.

Phenomena on the Night of September 7th, 1971

This article identifies a widely reported 'cloud of light' across the UK on September 7th, 1971, as a Barium Thermite Cloud from a PETREL rocket experiment. The cloud formed as a whitish-blue globe, observed at an angle of 35° in the North West, and changed shape before fading. Initial reports suggested a weather experiment by Sussex University, but this was denied. The Ministry of Defence later confirmed the experiment was carried out by a Government Research Establishment, reaching a height of 80km.

On the same night, a small piece of magnetic material fell from the sky at Shipston-on-Stour. Mr. Prior, an employee of the department, heard a 'clonk' and found the material stuck to his door frame. The material was identified as Barium Ferrite (BaO, 6fe₂O₃) and contained Iron, Barium, Calcium, Tin, and Zinc. Spectrographic analysis showed no signs of heating associated with re-entry. The distance from South Uist made association with the Barium Cloud unlikely, and the timing was also inconsistent.

BUFORA A.G.M. 1971

The Annual General Meeting of BUFORA was held on October 2nd at Kensington Library. R. H. Stanway was elected Chairman. Gratitude was expressed to the retiring Chairman, Captain E. I. A. Mackay, and retiring President, Mr. Gordon Creighton. Article 8(d) of the Constitution was amended to change 'eight' to 'six' weeks. John Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., was granted Honorary Life-Membership for his work as Editor of BUFORA JOURNAL. Mr. G. N. P. Stephenson also received Honorary Life-Membership. Membership was reported as satisfactory, and the Association is in good financial standing.

A Message from the Chairman

Roger Stanway, the newly elected Chairman, expresses his honor and sense of responsibility. He acknowledges past criticisms regarding emphasis on research quality, publicity, and value for non-London members. The new committee has taken steps to address these, including a research seminar in Staffordshire, the appointment of Lionel Beer as Public Relations Officer, and efforts to improve the Journal's impact. The Chairman notes that BUFORA's subscription is lower than similar organizations like the Society for Psychical Research, which restricts the Journal's format quality. He suggests that the Association might be operating on a limited budget, potentially affecting its ability to meet members' expectations for investigation and research.

Professor Hoyle-An Audacious Hoax

This article discusses sensational views attributed to astrophysicist Fred Hoyle, Plumian Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge, in an article by Ed. Monk. The article, reproduced in 'National Bulletin,' 'Anomaly,' and 'Canadian UFO Report,' claims Hoyle stated that human beings are pawns of alien minds controlling the universe, that these beings are from another universe, and that they control human evolution and minds. Hoyle is quoted as saying these intelligences are 'pure thought,' can appear in any form, and have been responsible for legends and discoveries worldwide. The article also mentions Hoyle's claim that governments suppress this information due to fear of public panic. The BUFORA article, however, labels these as the opinions of a 'pseudo-Hoyle,' implying Hoyle repudiated these statements. The piece highlights the theme of governmental secrecy and advises UFO researchers to be wary of deceptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of UFO research, the integration of psychic and scientific approaches, the organization and methodology of UFO investigation (skywatches), specific UFO phenomena (Barium Thermite Cloud), and the potential for hoaxes and deception within the UFO field. The editorial stance, as articulated by the editor and chairman, favors a broad, data-driven approach to UFO research that does not exclude psychic or unconventional explanations, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and effective communication. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of the BUFORA JOURNAL as a benefit to members and a platform for discussion, alongside efforts to improve the association's publicity and research focus.

Title: UFOLOG (Sightings Supplement)
Issue: Volume 3, Number 5
Date: September 1971 (raw date: September, 1971)
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFOLOG is a supplement dedicated to presenting UFO sighting reports from the British Isles. It serves as a compilation of accounts intended for readers to evaluate, with the aim of assigning conventional explanations or retaining them in the 'Unknown' category. Each report is assigned a number for future reference and potential verdict delivery by BUFORA investigators.

Notes & Quotes

The issue begins with a 'Notes & Quotes' section featuring several short pieces:

• Vulcan Discovered?: This piece questions the alleged discovery of an intra-Mercurial planet named 'Vulcan' by astronomers at Cambridge and the Naval Observatory. The author, seemingly a UFO researcher, expresses doubt, citing the lack of direct observation and previous failed attempts to link 'black bodies' in transit across the Sun with 'Vulcan'.
• A Question of Date: This short note highlights the uncertainties in science, specifically mentioning how radio-carbon datings of archaeological specimens (like Bristle-cone Pine, Stonehenge, and Egyptian Pyramids) are subject to error as they delve further into the past. It suggests that science is not as unerring as often perceived.
• A Timely Reminder: A quote attributed to Douglas Yates states, "No scientific theory achieves public acceptance until it has been thoroughly discredited."
• False Claims: This section addresses claims made by the 'Director' of a certain UFO organization, stating it is the biggest in the world with 40,000 members and that BUFORA might join it. The author refutes these claims as demonstrably untrue and damaging to the public image of UFO research, urging the gentleman to moderate his claims.
• The Size of the Universe: This piece discusses the growing idea in astronomical circles that the intrinsic luminosity of RR Lyrae stars might be less than previously thought, potentially making the Universe and our own Galaxy smaller than imagined. It references Charles Fort's concept of a "slump of immensities."
• The Value of Experience: A quote attributed to Dr. Samuel Johnson reads, "Human experience, which is constantly contradicting theory, is the greatest test of truth."

The Nature of Phobos

This short piece by J. C-B. discusses the first T.V. close-up picture of Mars' moon Phobos. It confirms Phobos is an irregular, pitted lump of rock, not an artificial construction as some had suggested. The presence of craters supports the impact (meteoric) theory of crater formation.

The Wantage Monster

This is a detailed report of a strange encounter in Wantage. The 'monster' is described as about eight feet tall, with broad shoulders, a featureless head with glowing red eyes, small horns, a protruding back, and greyish-white hair or fur. It possessed the ability to move silently through dense undergrowth and jump large obstacles. The report details an encounter with three teenagers who were initially frightened by the creature and a glowing etheric form. The monster reportedly vanished suddenly, with witnesses unable to explain its disappearance, though some suggested it dodged behind bushes or vanished when lights were shone on it. Police investigated but found no explanation other than goats. Five key witnesses are listed: Mr. Halstead, Mr. Michael Nicols, Mr. Steven Ellis, Miss Linda Milne, and Mr. Nicky Lawrence.

The report notes that the monster was seen on numerous occasions since mid-September and was first reported to the police on September 24th. Sightings dropped off by the end of October. A search of the area was planned for November 20th-22nd. A similar creature report came from Bodicote, Banbury, involving a London lorry driver.

A note also mentions a UFO 'flap' in the Banbury area during late Summer and early Autumn, investigated by BUFORA members Richard Colborne, Mike Prewett, and Rev. H. D. L. Thomas.

Obituary

This section commemorates the passing of Mrs. Aletheia Jane Lloyd, a longtime friend and colleague of the author (J.C-B.). Lee Lloyd was a member of the London UFO Research Organisation and the National Executive Committee of BUFORA from 1964 to 1969. She is remembered for her hard work, loyalty, and keen mind in psychical research.

UFOLOG (Sightings Supplement)

This section, compiled by Mrs. K. Smith, presents a series of UFO sighting reports from the British Isles. Each report is numbered and includes details of the witness, date, time, location, and a description of the sighting. The aim is to help readers decide if a sighting has a conventional explanation or should be retained as 'Unknown'.

Key Incidents Detailed:

• Ref. 3/5/1 (March 23, 1971, Near Dorking): Mr. Patrick O'Brian and Mr. Fred Staunton observed a stationary, white, turnip-shaped object that later moved rapidly towards Gatwick. A Dorking Council refuse truck driver also reported seeing a "flying saucer."
• Ref. 3/5/2 (Early April, 1971, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire): Mr. Les Seymour, a flying instructor, witnessed a copper/greenish-blue illuminated object, estimated to be 40/50 feet in diameter, travelling at an estimated 25,000 m.p.h.
• Ref. 3/5/3 (May 22, 1971, Dorking): William Barnes observed multiple white lights that hovered and moved slowly, with some fusing and projecting beams of light. He counted up to seven lights in a straight line.
• Ref. 3/5/4 (July 17, 1971, Hull, Yorkshire): James Henry and Michael Leslie Sturdy observed two blue/white, bright, disc-shaped objects travelling south, followed by four more, one of which performed impossible aerobatics.
• Ref. 3/5/5 (August 12, 1971, Himbleton, Nr. Droitwich, Worc.): Mrs. O. Grainger and others saw a large, cigar-shaped object with red and green lights hovering silently for about an hour.
• Ref. 3/5/6 (August 16, 1971, Staffordshire): P.C. Leek took 12 photographs of a large, glowing object, described as bigger than a jumbo jet, over S.E. Birmingham. Air traffic control and Edgbaston Observatory reported no aircraft or unusual phenomena, though Mars was visible.
• Ref. 3/5/7 (August 16, 1971, Llywngwril, Merionethshire, Wales): Mr. James Earl and others observed a black spot with a flame-coloured plume, or a cigar-shaped object, moving slowly then rapidly.
• Ref. 3/5/8 (August 16, 1971, South-east Birmingham): A report in the "Birmingham Post" described a large, glowing object seen by several people, which changed shape and colour before disappearing at high speed. Experts and astronomers discounted Mars as an explanation.
• Ref. 3/5/9 (August, 1971, Cirencester, Glos.): A "Thing From Outer Space" appeared as an orange light, with another arriving later. A picture of a UFO taken by a policeman in Aldridge, Staffs., was also mentioned.
• Ref. 3/5/10 (August, 1971, Tyneside, Northumberland): A mathematics teacher and an engineer observed a "manoeuvering" object for nearly three hours, described as yellowish at the centre with red tips, or a solid cigar-shaped object. This sighting occurred hours before police photographed a similar object in Aldridge.
• Ref. 3/5/11 (August 24, 1971, Brownhills, Staffordshire): An object described as silver with a bluish sheen, cigar-shaped with extending arms, hovered and then descended, folding its arms before rising at high speed.
• Ref. 3/5/12 (August 27, 1971, Andover, Hants.): Four young people saw two "shooting star" like objects that pulsed on and off, described as bright, sausage-shaped objects moving south-west.
• Ref. 3/5/13 (August 30, 1971, Southampton): A letter described a UFO seen as a halo, then an eclipse with two bright points of light, which sped away.
• Ref. 3/5/14 (September 1, 1971, Solihull, Birmingham): Two brothers watched a bright, yellowish-white object that scattered into tiny pieces. Their parents had also seen it. A friend, Mark Brown, described a similar white object with a green light flashing.
• Ref. 3/5/15 (September 2, 1971, Birmingham): A glowing L-shaped object, later described as oblong and then a cigar, hovered motionless for over half an hour before disappearing at high speed. Experts noted its changing shape as a puzzling feature.
• Ref. 3/5/16 (September 5, 1971, Barden Tower, Wharfedale, Nr. Skipton, Yorkshire): Mr. and Mrs. Hiley saw a "hazy metallic inverted saucer or cone" above a plane, which then reversed direction and disappeared at terrific speed.
• Ref. 3/5/17 (September 6, 1971, Strensall, Nr. York): Mr. D. Jobling and Mr. K. Mennell observed a bright white light moving vertically to the ground.
• Ref. 3/5/18 (September 8, 1971, Clee Village, Shropshire): Two witnesses saw a cone-shaped object with a flat top, metallic silver coloured, with portholes and round lights, hovering. It emitted a bright red light before disappearing.
• Ref. 3/5/19 (September, 1971, Scotland to Cornwall): Numerous reports described a bright light travelling westwards, sometimes hovering, sometimes moving at high speed. Descriptions varied, including "cotton-wool rim," "white ball," "flames," and "blue blob." The Ministry of Defence suggested noctilucent cloud or a meteorological rocket, but experts dismissed these explanations.
• Ref. 3/5/20 (September 7, 1971, Colwyn Bay, North Wales): An oval shaped white light, like a car headlamp beam in fog, was seen moving north-westerly over the Irish Sea for 20-30 minutes.
• Ref. 3/5/21 (September 8, 1971, Llanfairfechan, North Wales): Mr. E. Jackson and his fiancée observed an oval white light, appearing like a bright bulb through frosted glass, which remained stationary for ten minutes before moving and appearing slightly flattened.
• Ref. 3/5/22 (October 11, 1971, Walthamstow): Two police constables saw a long cigar-shaped object flashing a blinding white light, which disappeared over the rooftops after six seconds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation and investigation of UFO sightings across the UK. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to evaluate evidence while also cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and promoting a scientific approach to understanding these phenomena. The publication aims to present a factual record of sightings, allowing for individual interpretation and further investigation by UFO research organizations.

This document is a single page from a publication, likely a newsletter or magazine, detailing "FORTHCOMING BUFORA MEETINGS" for the year 1972. BUFORA is identified as the British UFO Research Association. The page lists several scheduled meetings, each with a date, time, location, and a brief description of the lecture or event.

Upcoming Meetings Schedule:

• Saturday, February 5th, 1972, 7 p.m. - WARMINSTER - 7 YEARS OF PHENOMENA: This lecture will be given by John Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., Editor of BUFORA Journal, who will report on the findings of an extensive research project in the Warminster area.
• Saturday, May 6th, 1972, 7 p.m. - INVESTIGATIONS OF 'LANDING CASES': Roger Stanway, a Solicitor and amateur astronomer, will lecture. He is a Director of the Newchapel Observatory and co-author of the 'FS REPORT.'
• Saturday, March 4th, 1972, 7 p.m. - UFOS AND DOCUMENTATION: Charles H. Gibbs-Smith, M.A., F.M.A., F.R.S.A., a member of the History Group of the Royal Aeronautical Society and author on aviation history, will discuss his research into early records of aerial devices.
• Saturday, June 3rd, 1972 - BRAINS TRUST: This is described as a popular meeting where attendees can have their questions answered by a panel of experts or challenge the experts.
• Saturday, April 8th, 1972, 7 p.m. - UFOS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SEMANTICS: C. Maxwell Cade, M.I.E.E., M.I.E.R.E., A.F.R.Ae.S., F.R.A.S., a consultant to the FSR, psychical researcher, and inventor, will discuss the complexities of communication and message garbling.

Meeting Logistics and Administration:

All lectures are held at Kensington Central Library, London W.8. The library is accessible via the High Street, Kensington Underground Station on the Circle & District Lines. Lectures typically run from 7 p.m. to about 8:15 p.m., followed by a thirty-minute break, and then notices, questions, and discussion. The organizers reserve the right to alter or cancel meetings without prior notice.

The document also provides contact information for various administrative roles within BUFORA:

• Advertisements: Rates are listed for personal columns and display ads. Correspondence should be sent to the Vice-Chairman, L. E. Beer, at an address in London.
• Correspondence: General-Honorary Secretary is Miss B. Wood, with an address in Ealing, London.
• Subscriptions: Managed by Mrs. A. Harcourt, at an address in Kennington, Ashford, Kent.
• Editorial: Dr. J. Cleary-Baker, at an address in Weeke, Winchester, Hants.
• Librarian: Capt. I. Mackay, at an address in London.
• UFO Report/Press Cuttings: C. A. E. O'Brien, at 'Claypits,' Thaxted, Essex.
• Urgent Communications: BUFORA's telephone number is Paddington 0305 (S.T.D. Code 01-723-0305).

Branches and Member Societies:

Contact details are provided for two BUFORA branches:

• Halifax Branch BUFORA: c/o T. Whitaker, Esq., Huddersfield Road, Halifax, Yorks.
• Northern Ireland Branch BUFORA: c/o T. Thomspon, Esq., Mountainvale Road, Newtonabbey, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland.

A list of "MEMBER SOCIETIES" as of 1/4/1970 is also included, detailing various UFO study groups and research organizations across the UK, such as the British Flying Saucer Bureau, Cambridge U.F.O. Study Society, Imperial College U.F.O. Research Group, and others, with their respective contact persons and addresses.

Disclaimer and Editorial Policy:

A statement clarifies that the British U.F.O. Research Association does not hold or express corporate views on UFO phenomena. The Editor and contributors are solely responsible for their views. Articles and items for the 'Journal' must be sent directly to the Editor, and requests for reproduction permission should also be addressed to the Editor.

Personal Advertisement:

There is a personal advertisement from A. West of Burgess Hill, Sussex, requiring a Lucas Freelite (or similar) wind-driven generator.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this document is the active engagement of BUFORA in the study and discussion of UFO phenomena through a series of public meetings and lectures. The editorial stance, as stated in the disclaimer, is that the organization itself does not hold corporate views, emphasizing individual responsibility for published opinions. The content highlights a focus on documented evidence, historical research into aerial devices, investigations of specific types of UFO encounters ('landing cases'), and the theoretical aspects of communication related to UFOs. The extensive list of member societies indicates a broad network of individuals and groups involved in UFO research across the United Kingdom.