AI Magazine Summary
BUFORA Journal - Volume 03 No 08 - Autumn 1972
AI-Generated Summary
This is the Autumn 1972 issue, Volume 3, Number 8, of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by The British U.F.O. Research Association. The cover features a striking red graphic of Earth with a flying saucer, setting a tone of extraterrestrial inquiry.
Magazine Overview
This is the Autumn 1972 issue, Volume 3, Number 8, of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by The British U.F.O. Research Association. The cover features a striking red graphic of Earth with a flying saucer, setting a tone of extraterrestrial inquiry.
Editorial: The Plurality of Worlds
The editorial, likely written by Norman Oliver, challenges the common assumption of a 'Plurality of Worlds,' stating that there is no direct evidence to support the existence of thousands or millions of inhabited planets. While acknowledging that UFOs might be extraterrestrial spacecraft, the editorial argues that the abandonment of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) for good reasons leaves the question open. The author suggests that the public's belief in a plurality of worlds is often driven by aesthetic reasons, disliking the idea of barren planets. Materialistic scientists, conversely, may use this doctrine to support their view of humanity as merely an intelligent ape on a random speck in the universe. The editorial cites Alfred Russel Wallace and Nobel laureate Sir John Eccles, who both posited the uniqueness of Earth as a home for life and intelligence, with Eccles stating that intelligent life elsewhere is "so remote as to be out of the question."
The editorial concludes that an agnostic attitude is the most sound approach given the lack of reliable data on planet formation, the origin of life, and the development of intelligence. It questions whether current astronomical models can accurately represent the distant universe when our understanding of our own solar system has errors.
Calling All Researchers
This section, also likely by Norman Oliver, addresses the evolving landscape of UFO research. The author notes a shift in ufological opinion away from the 'alien craft visitation' theme (ETH) towards concepts like 'Keelism,' 'Ultra-terrestrials,' and 'mental manipulation by alien intelligences.' The author expresses concern that these newer theories are not co-existing with older ones but are actively replacing them.
A pattern is observed in new UFO enthusiasts: they often start by accepting all sighting reports uncritically, then become more selective as they realize many reports have mundane explanations. The next step is research, but the author questions what kind of research yields results, lamenting that research has historically led nowhere. The editorial acknowledges BUFORA's efforts but states that no group has significantly solved the mystery of UFOs. The prevalence of negative results and the parallels with psychic phenomena have led to theories of 'control' by alien intelligences, possibly indigenous to Earth, which create confusion and hallucinations to mislead researchers.
The author then discusses the researcher's potential disillusionment and the choice between abandoning the subject or becoming more interested in 'contact' subjects. The complexity of 'alien friends' coming from various planets and having diverse motives (benevolent, hostile, indifferent) is highlighted. Telepathic contact is also described as confusing, with entities often being evasive about their origins.
Two main approaches to UFO research are proposed:
1. Specialisation: Following Dr. Hynek's suggestion, researchers should focus on one small facet of the subject. BUFORA could assist by co-ordinating specialized reports.
2. Study of Contactees: This approach aims to understand why certain individuals are contacted rather than others and to identify common factors, not necessarily to debunk hoaxes.
The author stresses the importance of presenting all types of reports and ideas in an unbiased manner. The ETH should remain a viable consideration, given the vastness of the universe. The author considers it fatal to assume that the UFO enigma can only be solved within current scientific knowledge or, conversely, that it is entirely outside the realm of science.
Association News
The Annual General Meeting in October saw a larger attendance, indicating members' interest in the Association's running. The need for support from the scientific fraternity is mentioned, but patronage from non-scientific sections is also appreciated. The article emphasizes that UFO research is a great leveller, where anyone can contribute to solving the enigma.
Other Sections and Articles
Editorial (Page 4): Expands on the 'Plurality of Worlds' debate, quoting Norman Oliver and Sir John Eccles.
Calling All Researchers (Page 5): Discusses the shift in UFO theories and research methodologies, mentioning 'Keelism' and 'Ultra-terrestrials'.
Association News (Page 7): Reports on the Annual General Meeting and encourages member participation.
- Articles and Notes (Pages 8-10):
- Project Warminster: The author has reassumed the post of Director of this project, which will continue as 'Warminster File' under BUFORA's aegis.
- Yet Another Hoax: The celebrated Alex Birch UFO photograph of June 1962 has been revealed as a hoax. This revelation casts doubt on the authenticity of other UFO photographs, including the Pratt UFO photograph of March 1966.
- Books for Sale: A list of UFO-related books and magazines available for purchase, including works by Allen Hynek, M. K. Jessup, and Bernard Heuvelmans.
- Notes & Quotes (Page 9): Includes brief items on what is being studied (referencing Condon and Ruppelt's views on UFO abbreviations), 'Food for Thought' with a quote from Dr. P. Van de Kamp about star distances, a note on the journal's size, speculation about a European UFO organisation due to Britain's entry into the EEC, a Charles Fort-related anecdote about a wild boar, and a humorous take on 'Good News for Patriots' regarding the identity of Jack-the-Ripper.
- Not a Gatecrasher! (Page 9): Introduces Richard Colborne as the new Investigation Co-ordinator, noting his previous involvement with Project Warminster and his suitability for the role.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer (Page 8): Features an account of Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer, a contactee from the 1950s, who claims to have had encounters and knowledge of advanced craft built by a nation on Earth, possibly operating from underground bases near the South Pole. Her background as a meteorologist and her husband's reported UFO sighting in 1937 are detailed. She is noted as one of 88 people acknowledged in a US Government publication on UFOs.
- Witness Credibility (Page 8): A brief discussion on what constitutes a reputable witness, humorously suggesting vicars might be the least risky category, similar to motor insurance companies.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO research, the validity of evidence, and the philosophical implications of potential extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism regarding unsubstantiated claims, advocating for scientific rigor and unbiased investigation. There is a clear emphasis on the need for structured research and a critical evaluation of theories, while not dismissing possibilities outright. The journal also serves as a platform for organizational news and the promotion of UFO-related literature, underscoring BUFORA's role in fostering the field.
This issue of "The UFO Vision" is presented as Part I of a series, focusing on a significant case with strong UFO implications. The magazine includes a "Think Tank" section where members offer suggestions for BUFORA, a detailed case study of the Ardern family's experience, and the Chairman's Report for 1971-1972.
Think Tank
The "Think Tank" section collates suggestions received from BUFORA members during the summer months. These suggestions aim to enhance the organization's operations, research, and public profile. Key themes include improving BUFORA's scientific status and relationship with the scientific community, emphasizing publicity and research, and avoiding trying to be everything to everyone. Specific proposals include appointing a "Labour Co-ordinator" to liaise with members and branches, increasing income through a private pool's syndicate and a monthly draw, and publicizing BUFORA at exhibitions using puppetry and a walk-around model Flying Saucer to attract attention, along with advertising and promotional items like car stickers and badges. The suggestions also advocate for arranging lectures and seminars outside of London to reach the provinces, implementing postal ballots for committee nominations, and ending "Committee secrecy." A strong emphasis is placed on concentrating on improving research and publicity, and maintaining records before establishing a permanent staff and central office.
Further "Research and Investigation Suggestions" propose supplying more information on important sightings, producing a standard "identikit" of UFO shapes and colors, and establishing a network of UFO detectors, noting that "Sykwatches are of very limited value." It is also recommended that regional co-ordinators and local investigators receive training through carefully planned seminars, with priority given to an efficient photographic analysis facility.
Another section addresses "Publications and Journal Suggestions," proposing that BUFORA publish at least four periodicals instead of a single journal: a Proceedings Annual, a quarterly Journal with research articles and essays, a monthly Research Newsletter, and a "popular" Newsletter for informal expression. Suggestions for Journal content include articles on unusual natural and man-made phenomena, summaries of scientific developments, detailed UFO reports, articles on related subjects like radar and satellites, summaries of inexplicable happenings, and profiles of UFO world figures.
The Editor Comments
Roger Stanway, the Editor, provides comments on some of the suggestions. He addresses the idea of publishing multiple periodicals, deeming it "ridiculous" due to financial limitations, the difficulty of sourcing material, and the time constraints of unpaid, part-time committee members. He clarifies that nominations for the Committee follow the BUFORA Constitution, with members receiving notice before the AGM and any member being able to nominate another with a seconder. He refutes the notion of "Committee secrecy," explaining that meetings are held in private and minutes are not generally available to maintain "qualified privilege" for frank discussion.
The UFO Experience: Part I
This section introduces "The UFO Vision," a series detailing intriguing and thought-provoking occurrences with strong UFO implications. Part I focuses on the first of three parts describing a specific case. The introduction notes that this is the first time the details of this "strange and ominous occurrence" have been published, with the percipients having hesitated to recount their experiences until the BUFORA investigator gained their complete confidence. The information is provided under strict conditions of confidentiality and anonymity.
The events took place in the early hours of Monday, January 16, 1967, in England, though the specific location cannot be disclosed. The percipients are identified as members of the Ardern family, who lived in a white house on a steep north-west facing slope. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Ardern, their three sons (Eric, James, and Richard), and their daughter (Margaret).
Eric Ardern, aged 29, was a talented artist and part-time lecturer. James Ardern, aged 24, had a Higher National Diploma in Physics and was a gifted pianist. Margaret, aged 14, was still attending school. Richard, aged 19, was studying art at a well-known Art College. Mr. Ardern had retired early due to illness and was described as unusually well-read and articulate, with a habit of recounting his vivid dreams daily.
The Experience
On the night of January 16, 1967, the weather was dry and relatively warm, with a thick layer of low-lying cloud. The countryside was quiet. The events were perceived by family members in varying degrees, with Eric and James having the most vivid and similar experiences. The report aims to relay their exact words to avoid bias.
Eric's Account
Eric Ardern's statement, recorded on September 16, 1970, details his experience. He was aroused from sleep by a very high-pitched hum, which sounded like a generator. He felt a strong pressure bearing down on his body, making it difficult to move. This force persisted, increasing his anxiety. He then heard a voice, described as coming from an elderly person of authority, stating, "You are the chosen ones." The voice was male, with a moderate pitch and a perfect King's English accent. The voice seemed to come from above.
Overcoming the pressure, Eric managed to get out of bed and saw a reflection of a bright blue ball of light on the wall, originating from the large window. The light source was larger and brighter than the Moon, with an even luminosity and a somewhat jagged perimeter. He surmised the hum persisted throughout the event. Upon returning from the window, the sound was still present but reduced. His father confirmed hearing the hum but not the voice. Eric did not relate his full experience to his father at the time.
He noted that the light source was not an aeroplane, as they were under a flight path from Manchester airport, and the light appeared very different and much closer, estimated at no more than 300ft. altitude.
Family Reactions and Aftermath
Later, Eric discovered his brother had also experienced something similar, including the voice. His mother also reported having heard the hum. The experience was discussed at length but largely forgotten thereafter. Eric's interest in UFOs significantly increased following this experience, leading him to view them from a "physical point of view" related to physics and the structure of matter. He remains convinced it was a real experience, not a dream, due to the numerous intervening stimuli and associations.
Chairman's Report 1971-1972
The Chairman's Report, delivered at the Annual General Meeting on October 7, 1972, summarizes BUFORA's activities over the previous 12 months. The Chairman thanked members for their support and proposed increasing the annual subscription rate to £2.40, a resolution later carried by a large majority.
Key activities included:
1. Membership: Increased from approximately 380 to 420 members.
2. Finance: Inflation significantly impacted BUFORA, leading to a small deficit and necessitating the subscription increase for maintaining services and funding expansion.
3. Investigation and Research: Existing systems were appraised, and new methods implemented. This included a formalized investigation and liaison system, a revised network of regional co-ordinators, refiling UFO case files in a modern cabinet with re-indexing, plans to microfilm case material, establishing relationships with external bodies like Kodak and ATV, and a successful manpower survey.
4. Research Headquarters: A decision was made to establish a Research Headquarters, supported by a Foundation Fund for essential equipment. Astronomical research at the Observatory was noted as separate from BUFORA's funds.
5. Publicity: Advertising was low-level, but a publicity campaign was planned. The Vice-Chairman handled numerous requests for advice.
6. Lectures: Ivar Mackay was thanked for providing a high-standard lecture program, with plans to record lectures for the Annual Proceedings. There was a desire to see more research seminars in the Midlands, and a Northern Conference was announced for Yorkshire in Spring 1973.
7. Publications: The increase in printing and postage costs was a concern, but maintaining and improving the quality of the BUFORA Journal and other communications was deemed essential. BUFORA's first external publication, "A GUIDE TO THE UFO PHENOMENON," was released, and members were urged to support its distribution.
Other Information
The issue also includes an advertisement for "The UFO Experience" by Professor J. Allen Hynek, priced at £2.50. A "WANTED" section seeks pre-1960 FSRs and offers a copy of "The Books of Charles Fort" for sale or swap. The British U.F.O. Research Association clarifies that it does not hold corporate views, and contributors are solely responsible for their published views.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the operational and strategic development of BUFORA, alongside the presentation of UFO case evidence. The editorial stance, particularly from Roger Stanway, is pragmatic and defensive regarding the organization's management and resources, emphasizing the challenges faced by unpaid volunteers and the need for realistic expectations from members. The issue highlights a commitment to improving research methodologies, expanding publicity, and managing finances effectively, while also presenting a detailed, first-hand account of a significant UFO sighting as core content.
This issue of the BUFORA Journal, dated August 30, 1972, focuses on UFO research, book reviews, and organizational updates. The cover prominently features a review of J. Allen Hynek's book, 'The UFO Experience-A Scientific Inquiry'.
Book Reviews
The UFO Experience-A Scientific Inquiry by J. Allen Hynek
The reviewer, J. C-B., assesses J. Allen Hynek's book as a valuable and must-read work, though not a 'great' book on the UFO phenomenon. It is considered to rank below works by Vallee and Ruppelt. The reviewer praises Hynek for his critique of fellow scientists' disregard for UFO data, noting it as a point he has long advocated. However, the reviewer finds Hynek's choice of examples for occupant reports, such as the Kelly-Hopkinsville case, to be unrepresentative. Project Bluebook's use of the term 'Unidentified' is also discussed. Despite some reservations, the reviewer concludes that Hynek's work is essential for UFO research and will encourage scientists to engage with the phenomenon.
Journeys Out of the Body by Robert A. Monroe
Reviewed by B.D.W., this book by Robert Monroe, an American businessman, explores out-of-body experiences (OBEs). Monroe claims to achieve this state at will and bring back evidence. He describes traveling in his 'second body' and experiencing a 'second state' where time and space do not exist. The reviewer suggests OBEs might offer a possible explanation for some bizarre UFO contact stories, noting similarities in sensations described by witnesses of UFO encounters and those undergoing OBEs. The book is recommended for open-minded students of the UFO mystery.
The Eternal Man by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier
Also reviewed by B.D.W., this book is described as a 'hotch-potch of fact and theory' covering ancient civilizations, spacemen-gods, Piri Reis maps, the Voynitch manuscript, and Sumerian Fishmen. The authors aim to encourage open-mindedness, but their style is deemed rambling and verbose. The reviewer notes that while the book contains fascinating, little-known items pointing to advanced ancient cultures, it also presents wilder theories. It is recommended for those who enjoyed the authors' previous book, 'The Morning of the Magicians'.
Books Received
'Mysteries From Forgotten Worlds' by Charles Berlitz is listed for review in the next issue.
Now Available: UFOs Unidentified Undeniable
A new revised edition of a book by A. R. Pace and R. H. Stanway is announced. The first edition, detailing the 1967 UFO wave in Central England, sold out. This second edition includes a new case and information on the Ministry of Defence's reactions. Copies can be ordered from Newchapel Observatory for £1.50 plus postage.
Letters to the Editor
Sean Ainscough writes to express support for conclusions on Ufology reached by 'P.W.' in a previous issue. He states his own findings, based on 10 years of study and world travel, coincide with the article. He also commends Roger Stanway's suggestions for 'A BRIGHT NEW FUTURE' for the Association, calling them practical and imaginative, and emphasizing the critical stage the Association is at.
A note about the 'Skywatch Caravan' being sited at Warminster is included, with contact information for A. West.
European UFO Conference, May 26th & 27th, 1972
A photograph from the conference shows several individuals, identified as Charles Bowen (Editor, 'Flying Saucer Review'), Hon. Brinsley Le Poer French (International Chairman of CONTACT), Ctesse R. D'Oultremont, Captain E. I. A. MacKay (BUFORA), Dr. J. Cleary-Baker (BUFORA), and a French Delegate. The scene is described as 'The UFO Vision'.
Richard Colborne, National Investigations Co-ordinator, has moved to a new address in Woking, Surrey.
Investigations Section
Report from The National Investigations Co-ordinator
Richard P. Colborne reports on his efforts to organize the National Investigations Co-ordination department. He notes the extensive workload and the need for a well-organized team, including a personal assistant and Regional Co-ordinators. He mentions that four Regional Co-ordinators have been appointed, with ten more selected and under consideration. The investigator network is being revised to cover Great Britain more adequately. He assures investigators with a good track record that their status will be maintained, while new investigators will receive advice and training. A warning is issued regarding the use of 'Reference Numbers' and membership numbers.
Procedures for Investigation
A circular outlining investigation procedures will be distributed. The aim is to increase speed and efficiency, and there is a wealth of material from previous sightings, with many cases from the last year's flap still uninvestigated.
All future correspondence and sighting reports should be sent to Richard P. Colborne at his new address.
Treasurer's Notice
Membership subscriptions have been ratified at £2.40 annually and £20 for life membership. The committee thanks members who have donated the difference from the old rate.
BUFORA Research 1972
Anthony R. Pace, Director of Research, outlines BUFORA's research plans for 1972:
1. Appraisal of Existing BUFORA Report Files: Separating inexplicable cases for a Report Analysis Card System and checking other sources for missing British cases.
2. Expansion of BUFORA Report Files: Emphasizing international cooperation and exchange of case histories.
3. Research Projects: Focusing on comparative studies to establish the scientific reality of common UFO characteristics and effects, suggesting that a smaller number of well-documented cases are more valuable than large statistical samples.
4. Specialisation: Encouraging individual members to specialize and report directly to the Director of Research.
5. Microfilming the Report Files: BUFORA will microfilm its files for safety and international exchange, contributing unexplained British UFO reports to the APRO COMCAT Project.
UFO Statistics
UFO reports from January 1, 1949, to December 31, 1969, compiled by A. R. Pace, are presented in a table. The total number of reports is 1,372, with approximately 10% remaining unexplained. Miscellaneous reports include hoaxes, reflections, flares, fireworks, kites, and photographic aberrations.
Staffordshire Branch Formed
A new branch of the Association has been formed in Staffordshire, inviting members in the region to participate in activities and research.
UFOLOG (Sightings Supplement)
This section is for UFO sighting-reports to be sent to Mrs. K. Smith. It states that a large percentage of reports are misidentified phenomena and that readers must decide whether to assign a conventional explanation or retain a sighting in the 'Unknown' category. Reports are numbered for future reference. Only major sightings will be evaluated fully, while minor ones will be appraised when possible. The supplement will focus on sightings within the British Isles.
Two specific sightings are detailed:
- Ref. 3/8/1: May 1, 1970, Glastonbury. Eight bright, maroon coloured, egg-shaped objects with a halo of light were seen hovering at an estimated height of 70°, visible for five minutes, then disappearing simultaneously. Investigated by R. M. Skinner.
- Ref. 3/8/2: October 18, 1971, Middleton Cheney, nr. Banbury. A powerful light illuminated the area, followed by an ear-splitting whine and a bright light that ascended and vanished. Investigated by C. David Oakley-Hill and Richard Colborne.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The journal consistently promotes a scientific approach to Ufology, encouraging rigorous investigation and critical analysis of evidence. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of BUFORA's role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating UFO information, both nationally and internationally. The editorial stance supports open-mindedness while advocating for a methodical and evidence-based approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, as seen in the book reviews and the detailed research plans. The journal also highlights the importance of member participation and the development of a robust investigative network.
This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, identified as Volume 3, Issue 30, and dated October 1972, is a publication focused on UFO research and reports. It contains several detailed accounts of alleged UFO sightings and a section offering appraisals and potential explanations for these phenomena. The journal also includes organizational updates regarding BUFORA's research headquarters and membership.
UFO Sightings and Reports
The journal presents a series of UFO sighting reports, each with a reference number, date, time, location, witness details, and investigator information. These reports span from October 1971 to October 1972.
- Ref. 3/8/3 (October 27, 1971): Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Walls of Hailey, Oxfordshire, reported seeing a strange object in the early morning sky. Through binoculars, they observed two objects shaped like oxygen cylinders, one yellow and one orange, with the yellow one appearing brighter than the sun.
- Ref. (December 19, 1971): Mr. Malcolm Pay of Rochester, Kent, witnessed a very bright white light moving slowly from east to west, which remained stationary for about 8 minutes before continuing its journey. He described it as resembling a very bright star and making no sound.
- Ref. 3/8/4 (August 6, 1972): Mr. Vic Stephens of Liverpool reported that he and his wife saw a bright iridescent object stationary at a great height. After hovering for three minutes, it moved rapidly west, then hovered again before disappearing, leaving a condensation trail that quickly vanished. Red flames were observed issuing from the rear during the hovering period.
- Ref. 3/8/5 (August 13, 1972): An officer off-duty at Gatwick Airport observed a 'Zeppelin'-shaped object travelling north-east to south-west, with its rear end enveloped in blue smoke. The object vanished after about 70 seconds.
- Related to this, on August 10th, Mr. W. Jelly at London Airport observed a whirlwind that raised a large quantity of straw to an altitude of at least 4 miles. Some straw fell onto the airport. Reports from August 11th and 14th mentioned straw falling at Heathrow and Heston, respectively.
- Ref. 3/8/6 (September 24, 1972): Mr. Michael Fiest and his girlfriend in Horsham Park saw a bright light in the northern sky performing repeated movements for about two minutes before vanishing.
- Ref. 3/8/7 (October 4, 1972): Mr. Bryan Bishop, an amateur astronomer, observed a series of eight lights forming a diamond shape in the eastern sky. The lights were white and appeared to be magnitude -1. The object travelled at a moderate speed from east to south-east for four minutes.
UFOLOG APPRAISALS
This section features evaluations of various UFO reports by A. R. PACE. These appraisals often suggest conventional explanations for the observed phenomena:
- Ref. 3/7/1: Suggested as possibly a flare, or an event worthy of detailed study due to familiar 'close approach' effects.
- Ref. 3/7/2: Interpreted as high-flying aircraft reflecting the rising sun, with 'slipper-shape' being a giveaway.
- Ref. 3/7/3: The stationary period is difficult to account for, but the wake is consistent with a high-flying aircraft, and the reddish glow could be from the setting sun.
- Ref. 3/7/4: Suggested as a reflection phenomenon.
- Ref. 3/7/5: The phenomenon is believed to be a bright fireball (bolide), comparing it to a previous meteorite event. The second object is also considered a meteor.
- Ref. 3/7/6: Acknowledged as an interesting report but not much to go on, possibly ball lightning.
- Ref. 3/7/7: Suggests a bird or wind-blown debris.
- Ref. 3/7/9: An interesting report but not much to go on.
- Ref. 3/7/10: Suggests ball lightning due to lack of detail.
- Ref. 3/7/11: Too little detail to rule out an aircraft.
- Ref. 3/7/12: Questions whether an object was seen or just a light source, suggesting it might be an aircraft light plus a flare.
- Ref. 3/7/13: Characterized as typically a bolide.
- Ref. 3/7/14: Sound and lights are not unusual enough to rule out low-flying aircraft.
- Ref. 3/7/15: Questions whether the objects were UFOs or just coloured lights, suggesting aircraft if the latter.
- Ref. 3/7/16: Flashing red light is indicative of an aircraft, and 'powerful beams' could be landing lights.
- Ref. 2/7/17: Essential details are missing, possibly a meteorological phenomenon.
- Ref. 3/7/18: Suggests an aircraft again.
BUFORA Research Headquarters and Foundation Fund
The Committee expresses gratitude for the encouraging response to the Headquarters Foundation Fund. They are seeking further donations of equipment, such as typewriters, filing cabinets, office furniture, photocopying facilities, and scientific reference books, to equip the new Research H.Q. Charles Lockwood has been appointed Projects Officer for the Research Section to initiate research programmes and coordinate scientific projects. Details of these projects will appear in the January issue of the Research Bulletin. Letters concerning research equipment should be addressed to the Research Director at the Observatory.
Stop Press
An exhibition titled "Space-the final frontier," covering Astronomy, Spaceflight, and UFOs, will be held at the Museum in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, from January 6, 1973, for six weeks. It is staged by the Stoke-on-Trent Astronomical Society and is expected to be of interest to BUFORA members.
Officers and Aims
The journal lists the honorary officers, including President Dr. G. G. Doel, Vice-Presidents L. G. Cramp and R. H. B. Winder, and the National Executive Committee members, with R. Stanway as Chairman. The aims of BUFORA are stated as: 1. To encourage and promote unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena. 2. To collect and disseminate evidence and data. 3. To co-ordinate UFO research nationally and internationally. Membership details are provided, with an annual subscription of £2.40 (or $6 U.S.A. and Canada). The journal is published quarterly and available to members or by exchange.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as indicated by the 'UFOLOG APPRAISALS' section, appears to be one of critical analysis, often seeking conventional explanations for sightings, while still acknowledging the need for scientific investigation and data collection. The organization is actively working to establish a formal research infrastructure and engage its membership in scientific inquiry into UFO phenomena.