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BUFORA Journal - Volume 03 No 10 - Spring 1973

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Overview

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, Volume 3, Number 10, published in Spring 1973 by The British U.F.O. Research Association, features a cover with the title in green lettering, an illustration of the Earth with a flying saucer, and the publisher's name. The table of contents…

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, Volume 3, Number 10, published in Spring 1973 by The British U.F.O. Research Association, features a cover with the title in green lettering, an illustration of the Earth with a flying saucer, and the publisher's name. The table of contents reveals a range of articles including Association News, an Editorial Appointment, a Book Review, and specific UFO case reports.

Association News

The "Association News" section addresses the ongoing search for a new editor, noting a positive response to their request for assistance. The current issue was compiled by various committee members due to the editorial transition, which proved to be a "headache." The article clarifies the functions of the BUFORA committee, assuring members that they have opportunities to express views through the journal and at the AGM. It highlights the challenge of managing correspondence, particularly from students seeking information on UFOs. A lecture meeting in January revealed that many attendees were primarily interested in the "extra-terrestrial aspects" of UFO research, prompting a discussion on the need to maintain member interest while pursuing the truth. The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging all types of opinions and avoiding divisions between "extra-terrestrial" and "psychological/parapsychological" viewpoints, as well as between "scientific opinion" and "the others." A recent panel debate between "New Scientist" and the Society for Psychical Research is mentioned, where the audience was reportedly more interested in "spooks" and "poltergeists" than in arid debates.

The article touches upon the growing influence of science fiction, like "Star Trek," in shaping younger generations' views on extraterrestrial life. It suggests that while there is room for various interpretations within the UFO movement, impatience can lead people to discard theories prematurely. The author concludes by advocating for more toleration and a broader perspective in UFO research.

Retirement from Editorship

This section formally records the retirement of Dr. John Cleary-Baker from the Editorship of the Journal. He has served since the Spring issue of 1965, producing a journal with a scientific outlook and high ufological value, adhering to BUFORA's aims. Dr. Cleary-Baker is commended for resisting the temptation to publish everything related to ufology, which sometimes necessitated him contributing much material himself. His editorials are praised for their "shrewd observations, pithy comments and flashes of wit," providing encouragement and inspiration. His awareness of the psychological and philosophical aspects of the phenomenon is noted for helping to avoid "Cultism and Pseudo-science." The article expresses gratitude for his "unstinted hard graft" and "unswerving support," with the President, Geoffrey G. Doel, extending warm thanks on behalf of all members.

Notes and Quotes

Little Green Men Again

A brief report from Gloucestershire mentions a "slight rumour" of an "invasion" by "little green men" in Uckington, evidenced by abandoned parachutes in fields. Six parachutes were found, with more suspected. The vice-chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Arthur Surman, noted that they were all the same design and obviously commercially produced, suggesting they might be of "extra-terrestrial origin."

E.T.V. Theory and Radio Echoes

The issue discusses the "E.T.V. theory" (Extra-Terrestrial Vehicle), suggesting that long delayed radio echoes might originate from a space probe sent by another civilization. This theory is reportedly supported by American radio astronomer Professor Ronald Bracewell, who first proposed it to interpret 1920s radio echoes. Mr. Duncan Lunan, a Scottish scientist, has further developed this work. Tests were planned to locate such a probe, with both British and Russian scientists showing interest. Dr. V. Troitsky of the Radio-physical Institute in Gorky is mentioned for his work monitoring radio signals from stars, with extensive publications on CETI (Communication with Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) by Moscow science publishers.

Good Luck Symbol

President Amin of Uganda is quoted as considering UFOs of "great significance." He reported seeing a mysterious object "covered with something like smoke" descend onto Lake Victoria, which then lifted off like a rocket, described as the "tail of a big snake." He deemed it a "very important and a good sign" for Uganda.

Bad Luck Symbol

A mysterious "light" was reported by Thurlow Craig in Wales, described as a "blue moon" following their car. The object was a "blue light" filling the rear-view mirror. The local legend associated such lights with bad luck, unlike the object seen by President Amin. Mr. Craig drove off swiftly and reported a slight accident later that afternoon.

Editorial Appointment

Norman Oliver has been appointed Editor of BUFORA JOURNAL, effective April 7th. He has been an active member for ten years and will maintain the association's editorial policy. All future editorial material should be addressed to him at 95 Taunton Road, London, SE12 8PA. Advertising copy and related correspondence should be sent to Lionel Beer, Vice-Chairman.

Comment from Richard J. Nash

Richard J. Nash, Regional Co-ordinator for Region UZ (Hants & Dorset), reports a recent increase in sightings and investigators in his region after a period of low activity. He attributes the earlier lack of interest to BUFORA officials not being in close touch. He notes a surge of genuinely interested individuals and emphasizes the need for acknowledgment. Nash mentions that the Staffordshire branch is doing well and that Region UZ is planning to form a similar branch. He expresses interest in hearing from the Staffordshire members for tips. Richard Colborne and his Associates are commended for producing an "Investigations supplement." Nash also recounts his unsuccessful attempts to enlist the official help of RAF and Naval Air Stations for investigations, meeting "complete indifference."

Directory of Members

A Directory of Members is planned to help members contact each other. Members who do not wish to be included are asked to inform the Membership Secretary, Mrs. Harcourt, immediately.

Book Review: The Dragon and the Disc

This section reviews F. W. Holiday's book, "The Dragon and the Disc: An investigation into the totally fantastic." The reviewer finds the book "fascinating and mind-stretching" for its attempt to link monsters and UFOs. Holiday suggests that early human religions were based on two natural phenomena: the Dragon (Great Worm) and the Flying Disc. The review notes that the book challenges the assumption that UFOs are organic creatures and explores the evidence for "dragons" in Britain. It highlights the similarities in elusiveness and reluctance to speak of sightings between monsters and UFOs. The book is described as a valuable contribution to UFO and "Monster" literature, containing numerous illustrations and obtainable from Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd. for £3.25.

UFO's Over Stafford

This article examines peculiar phenomena reported in Dr. Plot's 1680 book, "A Natural History of Staffordshire," which bear similarities to modern UFO reports. Two "Uncommon Meteors" are detailed: one in 1676 and another in 1672. The 1676 event, observed near Seighford, involved a globular object appearing like a "great fire" that moved by jerks, dropped fire, and decreased in magnitude before disappearing. This is linked to a similar sighting on September 20th, 1676, reported in the "Philosophical Transactions" and observed across England. The article notes that Ranton and Seighford in North Staffordshire are areas from which numerous UFO reports have originated. It recounts a 1954 sighting by the vicar of Seighford and his family of a large, illuminated, "crablike" object in the sky, shining like gold with bright appendages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the challenges of UFO research, the need for a balanced and open-minded approach, the historical context of sightings, and the organizational aspects of BUFORA. The editorial stance, as articulated by the outgoing and incoming editors, emphasizes a commitment to "getting to the truth of the matter" through scientific investigation while acknowledging psychological and philosophical dimensions. There is a clear desire to maintain member engagement and present findings in a way that is acceptable to the "Establishment," while also fostering toleration among different viewpoints within the UFO community.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, dated Spring 1973 (Vol. 9 No. 1), focuses on UFO sightings and the organization's investigative efforts. It features a mix of historical and contemporary accounts, alongside an update on the national network of investigators.

Historical Parallels in Staffordshire Sightings

Peter Burton's article draws parallels between a 1676 sighting by Vicar Nash and a 1954 sighting near Broadheath and Seighford in Staffordshire. The 1676 report described a dome-like object, about twenty-five feet wide, seen for two hours, moving in long sweeps and by jerks. The 1954 sighting occurred in the same general area and involved an object described with 'bright appendages hanging down' and similar 'moving by jerks' activity. Burton questions if there's a connection between these phenomena separated by nearly three hundred years.

Further adding to the local pattern, a sighting occurred on October 21st, 1954, near Ranton, where Mrs. Foestenburg reported a 'two men' resembling 'Adamski's Venusians' staring at her from a 'queer round object' hovering above her farmhouse. Her husband also claimed to have seen an object in the sky the night after.

Burton also notes a parallel with a 'meteor' sighting on March 25th, 1955, observed over most parts of Britain. This event was described with various shapes (egg-shaped, cigar-shaped, disc-shaped, ovaloid) and speeds, leading to speculation that multiple UFOs were active. He compares this to Plot's report of an object described as 'globular' at Seighford and 'somewhat long' over Oxford, suggesting a similarity in sightings over a large area and changes in shape.

A Landing in Miniature: Stoke-on-Trent, 1972

The issue details an unusual event that occurred on the morning of Tuesday, December 19th, 1972, in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. Michael William Stanway, a night shift tyre verifier, witnessed a glowing ball on his lawn around 6:15 a.m. He described it as intensely bright, near enough white in the center, with pale blue shading to a deeper blue, then a bright red band, and finally a yellow outer edge. The object lifted off the ground at an angle of about 30 degrees and moved in a sweep. Stanway followed it for a short time before it disappeared.

Approximately six hours later, Stanway discovered a distinct triangular depression in his lawn, about 3-4 inches away from where he had marked the object's position. The depression was shallow, equilateral, with sides of 1 inch, and had moss growing inside. The grass along the west edge was raised, suggesting entry from an easterly direction. Stanway confirmed he had no items that could have made such a mark. The glowing object did not light up the ground or cause shadows, and no sound was detected. The distance between Stanway's location and the depression was about 22 feet. The investigator, Anthony R. Pace, noted the significance of the witness marking the object's position so close to the depression in complete darkness.

An interesting detail is that on the morning of the sighting, the household cat, which usually followed Stanway to the greenhouse, suddenly ran in the opposite direction, prompting Stanway to look up and see the object.

Report from the National Investigations Co-ordinator

Richard Colborne, the National Investigations Co-ordinator, reports on the challenges of his role since taking over five months prior. He identifies the job as comprising at least two distinct functions: sorting and allocating sighting reports to investigators, and managing the list of investigators themselves, including updating their details to match them with suitable cases based on experience and location.

Colborne is working on compiling files of all investigators to facilitate this matching process. He has issued a newsletter to investigators and is working towards decentralizing operations by establishing a national network. The first step involves selecting capable Regional Investigations Co-ordinators (R.I.C.s). As of March 23rd, 1973, eleven of the nineteen provisional regions in the UK have R.I.C.s appointed, with more being considered. A list of these Co-ordinators and their addresses is provided, covering regions from A to UZ.

Colborne also highlights a shortage of investigators in certain areas, including Wales, Scotland, Anglia, the northern counties of London, and the south-east Midlands. He appeals for anyone who believes they should be listed as an investigator, or wishes to become one, to get in touch.

Another significant problem is the number of investigators who have not renewed their subscriptions. Colborne emphasizes the importance of personal recommendations for membership and encourages members to contact those who haven't renewed to understand why.

He also discusses the encouraging of new members, sharing his success in finding two colleagues interested in UFOs at his full-time job. He suggests that encouraging at least one person to join BUFORA per year is achievable for all members.

Publication of Reports

This section introduces the publication of summarized investigated UFO accounts. The editor expresses a belief in not reproducing distorted press stories and advocates for more investigated cases to be featured in the BUFORA Journal. The process of summarizing involves writing a narrative from completed questionnaires, notes, comments, photos, and diagrams.

Several summaries of investigations carried out on behalf of BUFORA are presented:

  • November 14, 1972: John Drawbridge reported a 'coupled light' near Newbury, Berks, which accelerated away at high speed.
  • February 22, 1973: Fourteen-year-old John Enderby reported an orange disc with flashing lights near Portsmouth, Hants, described as disc-shaped and then cigar-shaped.
  • February 9, 1973: Two 12-year-old boys reported a bright cream-colored light near Cosham, Hants, that made a right-angle turn and moved parallel to the road.
  • December 14, 1972: Mrs. Lorna Butterfield reported a bright object near Halifax that changed from a single light to a triangle formation.
  • July 1954: Raymond Logan reported an object with unconventional maneuvers near Harpenden, Herts, which moved in a triangular path and then shot off at high speed.
  • February 4, 1972: Neil Hards and Jacinth reported a silver object with a strange noise near Gt. Ormond St. Hospital, Surrey.
  • February 11, 1973: Mrs. Rouffignac reported a rectangular object with colored lights near Chobham, Woking, Surrey.
  • February 9, 1973: Richard Colborne himself reported a stationary orange light that later moved slowly eastwards near Chobham Common.
  • March 14, 1972: Mrs. Lyons reported an oval or cigar-shaped object with a hazy glow near Walthamstow, London.
  • November 13, 1972: Mrs. Margaret Buxton reported an object speeding across the sky near Brown Edge, Staffs, which wobbled and flashed reflected light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the comparison of historical and contemporary UFO sightings, the importance of detailed witness testimony, the challenges and organization of UFO investigations, and the need for a robust network of researchers. The editorial stance, as expressed by Richard Colborne, emphasizes the importance of accurate, investigated reports over sensationalized press accounts and highlights the ongoing efforts to professionalize BUFORA's investigative capabilities and expand its membership.

This document is the third and final installment of 'The UFO Vision,' a publication likely from the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), dated March 24, 1973. It focuses on UFO phenomena, personal accounts, and organizational news.

UFO Sightings and Cases

Andover, Hants Sighting (January 21, 1972)

Mr. George Harris, his wife, and son reported observing a puzzling object in the night sky at 0143 hours GMT. Initially appearing circular, the object later changed to an ellipse and had a green glow around its periphery. Binoculars revealed an inner ring of evenly spaced white lights. The UFO remained stationary for about four minutes before dropping vertically to a position nearer the horizon, at which point its shape changed again. It then ascended at a 40° angle, reaching an elevation of approximately 40°, slightly higher than its initial position. At 0152 hours, the object disappeared by growing smaller. The witnesses were unable to identify the phenomenon.

Driffield, East Yorks Sighting (April 15, 1972)

At 1830 hours BST, Mrs. Hilary Marson, a 28-year-old housewife, witnessed an object she initially mistook for a small aeroplane. As it approached, she realized her error. The object, traveling south towards her house, had wings made of a shiny material and a dark body with two triangular windows and something rotating underneath. It stopped about 200 yards from the house for approximately one minute before moving away backwards very slowly at an estimated 5 m.p.h. It then curved towards the north-north-east and remained visible for about five minutes before disappearing behind a wood. Mrs. Marson's children also observed the object, and she noted it through binoculars as it moved into the distance. This was the second such object she had seen recently, but the first time she considered a logical explanation, such as an aeroplane at an unusual angle.

The Ardern Family Case (Part 3)

This section is the final installment summarizing an extraordinary event experienced by the Ardern family (pseudonym), exploring its potential links to the UFO phenomenon and religious interpretations. The investigator aims to discuss additional information, formulate preliminary findings, and stimulate discussion.

Further Details and Observations:

  • Diary Entries: Mr. Ardern's daily diary permanently recorded the occurrence. He made two references: one on the date page and another on the back. The diary is described as green and soft-backed, embossed with "National Union of Mineworkers Midland Area."
  • Sunday, January 15th, 1967: The entry reads: "Dull, colder. Up at 9.15 a.m. Our Clive and Andrew came up. James (pseodonym) out. Chest much better. Wind S.W. Very Good Night Legs down."
  • Monday, January 16th, 1967: The entry states: "Dull, Mild. Up at 10.45 a.m. Arderns invaded by men out of space from 2 a.m. in the morning. James and Eric in a trance. No Visitors."
  • Note on Back of Diary: A note on a page headed "NOTES" reads: "Arderns at (name of house) were invaded by some out of space at 2.0 a.m., January 16th, 1967. Eric and James in a trance could not move Groaning and Bumping all of us heard it bar Margaret (pseudonym)."
  • Annual Diary and Eric's Diary: Mr. Ardern's larger annual diary contained no reference to the event. Eric also kept a daily diary but did not record his experience, leading the investigator to believe Mr. Ardern may have thought his sons were dreaming. Mr. Ardern passed away in April 1968, two years before the investigator learned of the case.
  • Significance of Diary Entries: The fact that no family member knew about the diary entries until a search in 1970 discounts the possibility of a hoax or practical joke.
  • Conversation Between Sons: Immediately after the occurrence, Eric and James spoke to their father separately, not each other. Both sons initially believed the other was asleep, suggesting they did not experience the events simultaneously. This is considered curious as Eric would have had to enter James' room.
  • Eric's Belief in a 'Voice': Eric believed a 'voice' communicated, explaining the meaning and purpose of the words: "You are the chosen ones." Although Eric claimed not to remember much, the investigator suggests he may remember more but is reticent due to the personal nature of the message. Both sons were embarrassed about this phrase.
  • Vividness of Experience: The experience was extremely vivid, as evidenced by Eric and James' ability to recount their experiences in detail almost four years later.

Local and Environmental Factors:

  • Geological Fault Line: The ridge behind the Ardern's house lies on a geological fault line at the southern end of the Penine range.
  • Religious Tradition: The area has a strong tradition of Methodism and Primitive Methodism. Hugh Bourne, founder of Primitive Methodism, reportedly had a "vision" less than a mile from the house in 1807, leading to his conversion and evangelism. He also held his first open-air camp meeting nearby.
  • Pentecostal Church: A nationally known Pentecostal Church has grown in the vicinity, though the Ardern family has no affiliation with it.

Possible Explanations, Findings and Evaluation:

  • Hoax: The investigator found no evidence to suggest the event was a hoax.
  • Vivid Dreaming: The sons adamantly deny dreaming, and James was particularly conscious of his surroundings. The shared experience of a high-pitched hum by four family members also argues against individual vivid dreams.
  • External Impulse/Phenomenon Triggering Vivid Dreams: Detailed descriptions and similarities preclude this.
  • Mind Phenomenon (Hallucinatory/Psychosomatic): This could explain an event for one person but is unlikely for two independent individuals experiencing it simultaneously.
  • Religious Vision: The case bears resemblance to biblical descriptions of religious visions. However, unlike many visionaries, Eric and James did not immediately convert. The investigator speculates on whether they heard the same messages, if the forgotten part of the message is stored subconsciously, and if a future event might trigger recall or action, akin to a post-hypnotic suggestion.
  • UFO Phenomenon: The sighting of a bright, glowing ball of light by James after the experience is linked to UFO characteristics. While a natural explanation is possible, the investigator considers it likely part of the overall event.
  • Combination of UFO Phenomenon and Religious Event: This remains a possibility dependent on interpretation.
  • Hoax Perpetrated Upon Percipients: The investigator dismisses this as unlikely, stating that all circumstances do not permit this explanation to be taken seriously.

Conclusions:

The investigator concludes that the Ardern family were not victims of a hoax and that the percipients are truthful. He does not believe they dreamt or imagined the incident. The true explanation remains speculative.

Editor's Note: Readers' observations and suggestions are welcomed for a potential future article.

Pioneer 10 Through the Asteroid Belt

This article discusses the Pioneer 10 space probe's journey through the asteroid belt on its way to Jupiter. It notes that Pioneer 10 was not affected by the debris, contrary to potential fears of collision. NASA's confidence in sending probes beyond Mars is likely increased. The belt appears to contain less matter than previously thought, with Pioneer 10 discovering a deficiency of particles less than 1 micron in diameter. These smaller particles might be more common closer to Earth, possibly slowed by solar radiation. Particles between 10 and 100 microns were uniformly distributed, while larger particles (100 microns to 1.0 m/m) became three times more common as the probe penetrated the belt. No fragments larger than 1 m/m were detected. In December, after experiments near Jupiter, Pioneer 10 will head into deep space on an interstellar trajectory. It is projected to reach the star Aldebaran in Taurus in approximately 1.7 million years. The article is authored by M. F. Pace and includes a diagram illustrating the path of Pioneer 10.

Fireball Observation

Reports of a bright fireball have been received from Staffordshire and the Manchester area, observed at 8:21 a.m. BST on March 23, 1973. Further information, including bearings and elevation measurements, is requested and should be sent to The Research H.Q., Newchapel Observatory, Newchapel, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.

Staffordshire Branch News

This section, dated March 24, 1973, by Paul Gregory, details the activities of the Staffordshire Branch of BUFORA. The branch, formed in November 1972, aims to provide a focal point for research, social meetings, and idea exchange. It is open to all BUFORA members in Staffordshire and surrounding counties, with no separate fees required beyond Association membership. Members receive the BUFORA Journal and a quarterly Research Bulletin.

Meetings: Held at Tawney House, Webberley Lane, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, commencing at 7:30 p.m. A nominal charge of 10p covers light refreshments.

Programme:

  • Tuesday, June 12th: "Sky Watch '73" - a discussion on techniques for organized sky watches and examples of natural phenomena misidentified as UFOs.

Information: For further details, send an SAE to the Hon. Secretary, Staffordshire Branch, Mr. P. Gregory, 25 Wye Road, Clayton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. ST5 4AZ.

Booklet: "A GUIDE TO U.F.O. PHENOMENA," the first in a series of BUFORA information booklets, is available for 42p (inc. P.P.) from A. West, 49 Mill Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex. Special rates are offered for bulk purchases.

Exhibition: The Stoke-on-Trent Astronomical Society's exhibition on UFOs in Hanley Museum attracted over 25,000 visitors, with a lecture on the subject drawing over one hundred people.

Skywatchers Caravan: A four-berth caravan is available at Woodcock Caravan Estate, Woodcock Road, Warminster, for use by Skywatchers. Users are responsible for providing bed linen and towels.

Bookings: For bookings and information, contact Mrs. M. Carey, 61 Corton, Nr. Warminster, Wilts., or for information only, Mr. A. West, 49 Mill Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex.

BUFORA Library

An alphabetical list of authors and their UFO-related books available from the Librarian, Captain I. Mackay, at 5 Pitt Street, Kensington, London, W.8. A postal service is not available; books are obtainable by personal callers only.

Obituary

The death of Ivan T. Sanderson, an active Fortean researcher and founder of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, is noted with regret. He passed away on February 19th, 1973.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena through eyewitness accounts, detailed case studies (like the Ardern case), and scientific perspectives (Pioneer 10). There's a strong emphasis on investigation and analysis, with a call for reader participation and suggestions. The editorial stance, as stated, is that BUFORA does not hold corporate views, and contributors are solely responsible for their published opinions. The publication also highlights the activities of its regional branches and provides resources like a library and information booklets, indicating a commitment to disseminating knowledge and fostering a community around UFO research.

This document appears to be an issue of a publication focused on ufology, likely a magazine or newsletter, identified by the section title "UFOLOG APPRAISALS" and the presence of a list of books for sale related to the subject. The issue number is indicated as "3/9" and it contains content related to the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA).

UFOLOG APPRAISALS

The core of the content consists of several appraisals of UFO reports, each prefaced with a reference number (Ref.: 3/9/1 through 3/9/6). These appraisals offer critical evaluations and suggest potential conventional explanations for the reported phenomena.

  • Ref.: 3/9/1: This appraisal notes that the report suffers from "unintentional exaggeration" and suggests that if the lights were not attached to a conventional structure like a tower, it is difficult to explain them in normal terms. It implies that the full report might provide more clarity.
  • Ref.: 3/9/2: This assessment proposes that the observed lights could be the result of a weather balloon catching the light of the setting sun, which had set only 45 minutes prior. The appraisal notes that at high altitude, wind forces might differ from those affecting lower cloud cover, which eventually obscured the lights.
  • Ref.: 3/9/3: This account is described as detailing an "aerial device of a completely unconventional nature." It is mentioned that a 22-page report on this incident has been prepared by Gordon Clegg and Ron Drabble, investigators for BUFORA.
  • Ref.: 3/9/4: This appraisal suggests that the described phenomena, despite the lack of reported sound, could be a number of helicopters engaged in night exercises. It points out that engine noise is not always detectable in such situations and suggests checking for the proximity of air force or army bases to the reported location.
  • Ref.: 3/9/5: This report is considered "interesting," particularly due to its location on Salisbury Plain, which immediately suggests a "military explanation," possibly a helicopter landing or taking off. The appraisal notes that other witnesses have come forward and that comparing their accounts with "Mr. West's" would be an "enlightening exercise."
  • Ref.: 3/9/6: This appraisal questions whether three "orange objects" could have been "high flying aircraft brightly illuminated and engaged in some refuelling exercises." Alternatively, it poses the possibility that they were "some astronomical phenomenon akin to bolides."

Books for Sale

A section lists various books available for purchase, with prices including postage and packing. Titles include:

  • "UFOs-A Scientific Debate" edited by Carl Sagan & Thornton Page
  • "The Earth Watchers" by Brian Ford
  • "The UFO Experience" by Dr. Allen Hynek
  • "The Eternal Subject" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench
  • "The Flying Saucer Story" by Brinsley Le Poet Trench
  • "The Ancient Secrets of Mysterious America" by R. Drake
  • "Mystery of the Gods" by Raymond Drake
  • "Gods & Spacemen in the Ancient East" by Raymond Drake
  • "Mysterious Britain" by Janet & Colin Bord
  • "Honey-Natural Food & Healer" by Janet Bord
  • "Worlds in Collision" by Immanuel Velikovsky
  • "Earth in Upheaval" by Immanuel Velikovsky

Remittances for these books should be sent to Lionel Beer at a London address.

British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) Details

The document provides extensive information about the organization:

Officers (honorary):

  • President: Dr. G. G. Doel
  • Vice-Presidents: L. G. Cramp, R. H. B. Winder, G. F. N. Knewstub

National Executive Committee:

  • Chairman: R. Stanway
  • Vice-Chairman and P.R.O.: L. E. Beer
  • Honorary Secretary: Miss B. Wood
  • Honorary Treasurer: A. West
  • Asst. Secretary: Miss P. Kennedy
  • Subscription Secretary: Mrs. A. Harcourt
  • Research Director: A. R. Pace
  • Investigations Co-ordinator: R. Colborne
  • Committee Members: P. Wain, L. Richford, R. J. Lindsey, B. Simmonds, C. A. E. O'Brien

Other Officers:

  • Librarian: Capt. E. I. A. Mackay
  • Editorial Assistant: Mrs. K. Smith
  • Publicity Secretary: Miss C. Henning
  • Research Projects Officer: C. Lockwood
  • Historian: J. Cleary-Baker

AIMS:

1. To encourage and promote unbiased scientific investigation and research into Unidentified Flying Object phenomena.
2. To collect and disseminate evidence and data relating to Unidentified Flying Objects.
3. To co-ordinate UFO Research on a nation-wide scale and co-operate with persons and organisations engaged upon similar research in all parts of the world.

Membership:

The annual subscription is £2.40 (UK) or $6 (USA and Canada). Membership is open to all persons supporting the aims of the Association, subject to approval by the Executive Committee. Application forms are available from any Officer.

Journal:

Published Quarterly and available to Members only, or by exchange. Publications should be sent direct to the Editor.

Contact Information:

  • Telephone: Winchester (S.T.D. Code 0962) 2691

Branches:

  • HALIFAX BRANCH B.U.F.O.R.A.
  • NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH B.U.F.O.R.A.
  • STAFFORDSHIRE BRANCH B.U.F.O.R.A.

Other Administrative Details:

  • Advertisements: Personal column (2p/word), Display Rates (whole page £10.00, half page £5.00, quarter page £2.75).
  • Correspondence regarding advertisements should be sent to the Vice-Chairman, L. E. Beer.
  • General correspondence should be sent to the Honorary Secretary, Miss B. Wood.
  • Subscriptions should be sent to Mrs. A. Harcourt.
  • Editorial matters are handled by N. Oliver.
  • Librarian: Capt. I. Mackay.
  • UFO Report/Press Cuttings: R. Colborne.
  • Research: A. R. Pace.
  • Printing is done by Burnetts Printing Works.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical and scientific appraisal of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, seeking conventional explanations for sightings while acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained aerial devices. The emphasis is on unbiased scientific investigation and the collection of evidence, as outlined in the aims of BUFORA. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting books and membership within the ufology community.