BUFORA Journal - Volume 05 No 01 - May June 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 1
Date: May/June 1976
Publisher: British UFO Research Association (BUFORA)
Character: This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by the British UFO Research Association, features a mix of investigative reports, methodological discussions, and organizational news. The editorial highlights a temporary reduction in content due to the upcoming release of a major publication, the 'Investigators Handbook'. The journal aims to encourage and promote unbiased scientific investigation into UFO phenomena.

Editorial: Don't shoot the editor!

Norman Oliver returns as editor after an eighteen-month break, noting a significant change in the journal's format – it is now smaller (A5) and has fewer pages. This reduction is a strategic decision to free up funds for the upcoming launch of the 'Investigators Handbook' and other booklets by the Research Department. Oliver emphasizes that Bufora's financial affairs are sound, but spare cash is needed for these publications. He apologizes for the necessary reduction in content and for potentially holding over articles, urging contributors to be brief. He expresses a desire to hear from members and to return to a fuller journal format as soon as possible.

The editorial also pays tribute to the previous editor, Richard Beet, who is stepping down due to the pressure of the position. Beet is thanked for his hard work in projecting Bufora's image and is noted to remain on the Council.

Systems of Classifying UFO Reports

Charles F Lockwood, Research Projects Officer, presents a proposed system for classifying UFO reports. He explains that the Bufora Research & Investigations Committee met on February 29, 1976, to develop a classification system to guide the Investigations Department. Lockwood discusses two main methods of UFO research: regular skywatches and instrumented monitoring. He emphasizes the need to separate reliable sightings from less reliable ones to avoid wasting time and effort.

He reviews existing classification systems, including Jacques Vallee's, which is based on object proximity and shape, and J. Allen Hynek's, which categorizes sightings into 'Nocturnal lights', 'Daylight discs', 'Radar-visual', and 'Close Encounters' (First, Second, and Third Kind). Lockwood notes that Hynek's classification depends on proximity and shape and does not account for witness credibility. He also mentions William K. Hartman's classification (UFO, IFO, EFO, AFO) and the Condon Report scientist's attempt to define the problem.

Lockwood proposes his own system, which considers factors that would lead to a more detailed examination of a sighting due to a lower probability of error. His 'Bufora UFO Report Classification' includes categories for observer qualification (A: official observers, B: experienced observers, C: no experienced observers) and class of observation (1: permanent record, 2: temporary physical effects, 3: object seen nearby, 4: distant object).

He suggests a weighting system based on Category, Class, and Group (number of witnesses) to prioritize investigations. A report rated between 5 and 10 points would merit higher priority than one rated at 4 points or less. He also mentions a potential modification for subsequently identified objects.

The ATV Film Case

This section details the ongoing investigation into the ATV Film Case, which occurred on October 26, 1971. The report notes that while this was the best-documented sighting, it was part of a larger 'flap' in the Banbury area and the South Midlands during September and October 1971.

Early reports from this period include a sighting on September 28 by three schoolboys of a large silver cigar-shaped object with smaller accompanying objects. On October 17, a former RAF pilot observed a yellow-white object that exhibited stationary periods, abrupt directional changes, and pulsations. On October 19, a young man in Daventry photographed a reddish disc that flipped over and over.

The peak of the flap occurred around noon on October 26, with numerous corroborating observations, likely related to the ATV film. The following morning, several reports of an orange/red glowing object were received, and a color slide was taken of an object leaving a peculiar vapor trail. In the evening of October 26, two flaming orange cigar-shaped objects were seen from various points north of Banbury, with similar objects reported northwest of Oxford. The flap subsided after this burst of activity.

The follow-up investigation is being conducted according to procedures recommended in the original report. The film is undergoing in-depth analysis, with copies sent to Dr. Hynek and the Center for UFO Studies. ATV is also assisting. Mark Rodriquez of the Center for UFO Studies is helping with calculations from witness statements. Investigators Richard Colborne and Julien Hennessey are re-interviewing witnesses, working with Bufora's RIC John Roylance and Contact UK's John Sear. Bufora's Research Department is seeking suggestions for further work on this case.

Overseas Sightings

Brownstown UFO: On January 5, 1976, David Mahon, 14, from Brownstown, Illinois, USA, claimed to have taken five pictures of a black saucer-shaped object with a glowing haze. He alleged it hovered low, appeared to be about 100 feet in diameter with a dome and circular markings, and made a sound like an electric motor. He also claimed to have been 'drawn up' into the object for a few seconds. The sighting, photos, and claim are under investigation.

Belgian Beams: On July 4, 1972, at Ellezelles, Belgium, a young farmer witnessed short projections of bluish light from a luminous 'cloud' in the sky. These beams, in the form of an arc, descended to the ground and touched it at three points around the witness. The beams widened to about 3 feet above the field and narrowed to a small point before touching the soil, then performed the reverse maneuver when returning upwards. These 'flashers' recurred every 30 seconds and were confirmed by a neighbor. Acknowledgements are made to SOBEPS.

Research Department News

Conference 1976: Following the success of the previous year's conference, another regional event is planned for autumn 1976, provisionally in October, in Birmingham. The conference will focus on discussion groups and feature invited speakers, aiming to improve respect for scientific methodology in ufology. Conference proceedings will be published, and papers should be submitted to Charles Lockwood. The registration cost is estimated at £4. Interested individuals are asked to inform Research Co-ordinator Jenny Randles.

Research Appeals: The Research Department is seeking approximately £100 for direct research grants and £30 for prizes for a research article competition. The grants will be awarded for research ideas, with the understanding that full results will be made available for publication by Bufora. The competition aims to reward practical contributions, with winners published in a special issue.

Bryan Jeffery: A clarification is issued stating that Bryan Jeffery, a Cambridge University student, is not an officer of Bufora and does not hold an official position. Views expressed by him are his own.

Membership Drive

The journal includes a call for members to introduce new individuals to the Association by passing them the enclosed application form.

The British UFO Research Association

Information is provided about BUFORA, including its founding year (1964), registered office, and its incorporation of earlier organizations. Its aims are to encourage unbiased scientific investigation, collect and disseminate UFO evidence, and co-ordinate UFO research. The annual subscription is £4.00 in the UK and $10 in the USA and Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic investigation and classification of UFO phenomena, exemplified by the detailed proposal for a new classification system and the ongoing investigation into the ATV Film Case. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the need for rigorous data collection and analysis. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norman Oliver, is one of pragmatic management, prioritizing the release of key publications while maintaining communication with members and acknowledging the contributions of past editors. The journal also serves as a platform for disseminating news about the organization's activities, such as upcoming conferences and research appeals, and clarifying the roles of its members.

Title: Uforum
Issue: 9
Volume: 76
Date: January 1976
Publisher: Bufora
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Uforum focuses on UFO sighting summaries and investigative perspectives, alongside a historical account of the Bufora organization.

Sighting Summaries

The magazine presents several detailed accounts of UFO sightings reported in the UK:

• Uncoded January 1968, Diss, Norfolk: Mr. and Mrs. Barren reported a large, cigar-shaped object with portholes hovering over electric pylon lines. The object, described as nondescript orange, followed their car for about 20 minutes before speeding away like a shooting star. The Ministry of Defence reportedly made enquiries.
• Uncoded June/July 1969, Paul, near Hull: Mr. and Mrs. Binnington witnessed a spinning, glowing bright disc that moved in and out of clouds. It reappeared, hovered, and then split into two parts before disappearing. The witnesses were surprised it wasn't more widely reported.
• 75-206 27 August 1975, Wokingham, Berks: A witness described a grey metallic bell-shaped object with indentations, flashing green and white lights. It hovered over houses before vanishing.
• 76-014 23 January 1976, Bolton, Lancs: Shelley Barnes, a 17-year-old, reported a red light that streaked towards her at incredible speed, stopping over rooftops. She described it as a flat-topped diagonal object with a rounded underside, featuring red and deep amber lights. It tilted and spun, and she felt a strange 'grinding' sensation. She refused to appear on Granada TV due to their perceived lack of seriousness.
• 76-021 30 January 1976, Shadsworth, Blackburn, Lancs: Three young women reported a strange oval object composed of two rounded portions with a rectangular area in the middle. This area had revolving windows emitting red, orange, green, blue, and silver lights. The object moved slowly, circled, and then moved off. Investigators noted potential misinterpretation due to the witnesses' state of mind.

Investigator's Information

Dr. S. Hindey (BAA) is collecting data on meteoric fireballs reported in the UK. Contact details are provided for those investigating cases with meteoric/atmospheric characteristics.

Synopsis of the State of Investigations

Ken Phillips provides an overview of Bufora's investigative network. He highlights the co-operation with other UFO associations like Contact UK, Nufon, Muro, BFSB, Ufosis, Watsup, and Nnufos. The article mentions the provisional map of Bufora regions and lists areas needing new coordinators in England and Scotland. Barry King has retired as coordinator for area AB to become President of SUFON.

A new 'Universal UFO sighting account form R1' has been developed for improved data collection and inter-association co-operation.

Controversy-1: Role of the disabled

Bryan Hartley writes about the challenges faced by disabled researchers in UFO investigations. He notes that many are confined to wheelchairs, making travel to sighting locations difficult. Hartley feels that disabled researchers are often overlooked and kept in the background by organizations like Bufora and Nufon, despite their potential to contribute. He calls for greater recognition and support for disabled members.

The editor's note clarifies that Bufora is unaware of disabled members unless informed, and there is no deliberate policy of ignoring their assistance.

An advertisement for 'Official UFO', a new 68-page illustrated magazine from the USA, is included.

Controversy-2: Plasma Hypothesis

Stuart Campbell challenges the assumption that UFOs are extraterrestrial craft. He argues that there is no objective evidence for this 'ETH' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) and that investigations often dissipate supporting features. Campbell suggests that many UFOs are actually terrestrial phenomena, particularly ball lightning. He cites John E. Scurry's view that a certain percentage of unidentified objects are controlled by intelligent beings but finds it unjustified.

Campbell proposes that ball lightning, a plasma of ionised air, can be generated artificially by modern equipment or aircraft. He describes typical plasmas as discoid, aluminium-colored, hovering, and glowing with various colors. He notes they can discharge to the ground or follow power lines, influenced by magnetic fields. He suggests that standing microwaves might be involved, explaining radar echoes and thermal effects. Campbell concludes that the 'Plasma Hypothesis' has replaced the ETH as the most likely explanation for UFOs.

The editor notes that Stuart Campbell's points are controversial and invites comments, clarifying that 'Klass' is not a scientist.

History of Bufora

Lionel Beer continues his history of Bufora, detailing its origins and early development.

• Part Two-Birth: Beer recounts his entry into the UFO scene in 1960, attending the 'First British Flying Saucer Convention'. He met members of Luforo and joined officially in January 1961, becoming Publicity Officer. He was involved in organizing the British UFO Association Convention in September 1962, which was overwhelmingly successful, with many attendees turned away.
• Formation of Bufora: Bufora was founded on 25 January 1964, from an amalgamation of Luforo and Bufoa. The Anglo-Polish UFO Research Club, British Flying Saucer Bureau, Cheltenham Flying Saucer Group, Direct Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, Stratford-on-Avon UFO Group, Tyneside UFO Society, and Scottish UFO Research Society became corporate members.
• Early Operations: The organization was initially run by its secretary, Nigel Stephenson, with a Council representing member societies. Due to geographical separation, convening Council meetings was difficult.
• Publications: The history mentions the early Bufora Journal and Bulletin, edited by Charles Stickland and Lawrence Moore. It notes Bufora's ongoing struggle with implementing a card index system for comparative research, despite past attempts and allocated funds.

Books and Leaflets published by Bufora Ltd.

A list of publications available from Bufora is provided, including titles like 'A Challenge to Science' and 'UFO's Unidentified Undeniable' by R.H. Stanway, along with guides on UFO phenomena, analytical instruments, investigation procedures, and an engineer's look at UFOs. Prices for members and non-members are listed, along with contact information for ordering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon several recurring themes in ufology: the detailed reporting and investigation of sightings, the challenges faced by researchers (including those with disabilities), and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs. The magazine presents contrasting viewpoints, such as the extraterrestrial hypothesis versus the plasma hypothesis, and encourages reader engagement through letters and future features. The historical account of Bufora highlights the organizational efforts and challenges within the UFO research community in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s.