BUFORA Journal - Volume 06 No 01 - MayJun 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 6, Number 1
Date: May/June 1977
Publisher: British UFO Research Association

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by the British UFO Research Association, focuses on various aspects of ufology, including prominent UFO incidents, scientific debate, and the organization's structure and activities.

Editorial

Warning to 'Aliens'!

The editorial, penned by Norman Oliver, the Journal editor, revisits a 1969 article by Janet Gregory (now Janet Bord) titled 'Warning to UFOlogists.' The core message is a caution against the potential 'take-over' of UFO research by individuals claiming direct 'cosmic intelligence' or alien direction. Oliver argues that such claims, if made by influential figures, could lead to isolation from the mainstream of research. He emphasizes that ufologists naturally resent any form of external control. The editorial suggests that individuals who believe they are 'alien-inspired' should agree to investigation by their peers, especially if they hold positions of influence within ufological societies. The piece concludes with a rhetorical question, 'Any volunteers?'

Presidential Profile

C A E O'Brien, CBE, CT, MA(Cantab), FGS, FRAS

This section introduces C A E O'Brien, affectionately known as 'Tim,' as the new President of Bufora, succeeding Dr G G Doel. The profile details O'Brien's extensive biographical background, including his education in Natural Sciences at Christ's College, Cambridge, and his career in geology with the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. (later BP). His career spanned geological surveys in Persia, service in the Royal Engineers during WWII in North Africa, Italy, and Austria, and regional geologist roles for BP in Australia, New Guinea, Canada, and the Caribbean. He also served as General Manager for BP in Libya and President of Triad Oil Co. in Calgary. From 1966-1970, he was Chairman and General Managing Director of the Iranian Oil Operating Companies in Tehran. Upon retirement in 1970, he was decorated by the Shah of Iran and the Queen. His retirement allowed him to pursue interests in Archeo-Astronomy, Anthropology, and Ufology, leading to his 1976 publication, 'An Integrated Astronomical Complex of Earthworks at Wandlebury and Hatfield Forest.'

O'Brien outlines his vision for Bufora, proposing two complementary roles: first, to satisfy the non-scientific interests of those drawn to UFO problems by keeping them informed of developments and discussing pitfalls of popular hypotheses without rational evidence, while presenting scientific options. Second, to conduct research into ufological material to produce scientific papers for the scientific community, stimulating interest and removing prejudices. He envisions Bufora developing into an association with two strong, complementary sections for receiving, digesting, and dispersing information.

Controversy

This section features a debate initiated by a letter from Stuart Campbell, responding to criticism of his earlier article by Ian Grant. Grant had scoffed at the claim that the nearest advanced technological civilization is at least 100 light-years away, attributing it to the assumption that 'if they were nearer we would have heard from them.' Campbell defends his position by referencing calculations by Shklovskii and Sagan, which estimate about 1.5 million such civilizations in the Galaxy. Based on known star distribution and distances, he argues that the average distance would be between a few hundred and a thousand light-years. Campbell counters Grant's belief in closer civilizations by suggesting it's based on the assumption of prior visits, a circular argument.

Campbell further discusses the advancement of extraterrestrial races, implying it's improbable that other civilizations are so much more advanced as to visit Earth. This is based on the fact that older stars (Population II) may not have produced planets or life due to a lack of essential elements like oxygen. Population I stars, like our Sun, are responsible for producing planets and life using heavier elements from dying Population II stars. He questions how long it took for the first Population I stars to evolve planets and life, suggesting that many advanced technological civilizations might be at a similar stage of development.

Campbell also refers to Shklovskii and Sagan's conclusion that the average lifetime of a communicating technological civilization is only 10 million years, which may be insufficient for extensive galactic exploration. He dismisses Grant's 'rambling expedition' into areas like '6D space' and 'witchcraft' as lacking evidence and criticizes Grant's attempt to undermine his views.

Following Campbell's letter, Mark Stenhoff from the Department of Physics, Royal Holloway College, comments on Ian Grant's letter. Stenhoff claims knowledge of ball lightning from his work at London University and a publication in Nature. He notes that descriptions of ball lightning that Grant doubts have been reported, questioning why Grant accepts reports of UFO phenomena but doubts ball lightning. Stenhoff also points out that the antimatter theory of ball lightning is inconsistent with recent work, and while simple plasma models have difficulties, these hypotheses have been discussed within a scientific framework.

Stenhoff criticizes Grant's 'wide ranging survey of contemporary belief,' which includes diverse fields, suggesting that Grant's own work might fall outside the confines of conventional scientific inquiry, thus making his criticisms applicable to himself.

Stuart Campbell, in a separate letter, agrees that ball lightning is not plasma and suggests 'miasma' as an alternative term. He describes the phenomenon's characteristics, including its ability to pass through solid objects and its appearance. He recounts a sighting by a well-known scientist of a spherical, self-luminous object.

Campbell also expresses respect for Carl Sagan and I.S. Shklovsky but notes they are eminent scientists with reputations to maintain and may have vested interests in seeking funds for research that assumes future alien visitation. He questions why, if only one habitable planet in 10,000 has an advanced civilization, they haven't colonized the rest. He references Sagan's open-mindedness on the subject, including the possibility of aliens being present but unrecognized.

Points from the Press

This section compiles recent media coverage related to UFOs. The Daily Express and provincial newspapers reported on a lecture and interview by Dr. J. Allen Hynek in London. Hynek, a former consultant to the USAF Project on UFOs, expressed dissatisfaction with official attitudes that suppress evidence and intends to re-open the Blue Book report for analysis. He categorizes encounters into sightings, physical traces, and human contact with alien beings. The article mentions his advisory role in the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and his founding of the monthly magazine 'International UFO Reporter.'

The Daily Mirror featured a double-page article on UFOs, including the Bowles-Pratt humanoid encounter and a map of sighting areas. A TV film crew captured footage of a UFO over Banbury.

The South Wales Evening Post reported on UFO sightings investigated by R. Jones-Pugh, a Bufora RIC member and retired veterinary surgeon. Jones-Pugh outlined theories on UFO origins and detailed a case from Dyfed where cattle were found huddled around a light. He described a rugby ball-shaped object that hovered and moved away. Jones-Pugh is investigating reports of saucer-shaped objects and silver craft with downward-pointing wings and is seeking to establish a Bufora branch in South Wales.

The West Somerset Free Press reported on UFO sightings accompanied by 'bumps in the night.' Sightings included large cigar-shaped craft over the Bristol Channel and hovering lights and a red ball above the Brendon and Mendip Hills. Bufora branch secretary Jean Cox and researcher Ian Vinten are charting these sightings and noises.

Book Review

HOW TO BE KIDNAPPED BY UFOLK (and other escapes) by Dan Clements

Betty Wood reviews Dan Clements' book, noting its humorous approach to UFOs. The book offers practical advice on what to do if one encounters 'UFOlk,' suggesting a detached, cooperative attitude to gather information. Wood highlights the book's advice to remain calm during an encounter and to observe details. Clements suggests that understanding the variety of UFO types and their approaches can make the scene appear 'almost normal.' The review concludes that the book prepares readers for encounters, making them less nerve-wracking, and humorously suggests that UFOlk HQ might benefit from knowing they are being observed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the debate surrounding the existence and nature of extraterrestrial civilizations, and the importance of maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norman Oliver, emphasizes the need for rigorous research and a cautious approach to claims of direct alien contact, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs. The journal positions itself as a platform for presenting diverse viewpoints and fostering informed discussion within the ufological community.

This issue of 'Report-Extra!', presented by Norman Oliver and dated February 1977, focuses on a collection of recent UFO reports and investigations, primarily from the UK and USA, with a particular emphasis on sightings involving multiple witnesses, including schoolchildren. The publication is from Bufora, a UK-based organization.

Key Reports and Investigations

The Liverpool Echo and International UFO Research Council An item in the Liverpool Echo of 5 January reported on the Liverpool-based International UFO Research Council, an organization separate from Bufora, which aims to obtain government grants for research by lobbying MPs and starting petitions.

The Flying Grapefruit Sighting The Daily Telegraph (18 December), Evening Sentinel (16 January), and other newspapers mentioned the 'Flying Grapefruit' seen over North Staffs. According to Bufora's Derek James, the object was approximately 40 feet long, 15 feet high, with five lights linked like the Olympic rings.

Bufora's Research Director on UFO Visit Patterns The Liverpool Daily Post (4 January) featured Bufora's research director, Tony Pace, who explained that UFO visits tend to occur in 10-year intervals around Christmas, with the latest sightings being anticipated.

Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal The Guardian (14 January) described the newly formed American-based Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, whose members include Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov. The committee's magazine, 'The Zetetic,' is noted for its orthodox scientific stance, ridiculing theories like the Ancient Astronaut theory.

Para-psychologist Oliver Cambren The Peterborough Evening Telegraph (7 January) featured para-psychologist Oliver Cambren, who, initially uninterested in UFOs, has become surprised by the information available. He suggests the possibility of an intelligent force working near Earth, possibly hoaxing at times.

Gravesend Reporter Sighting The Gravesend Reporter (3 December) detailed a star-sized flashing object seen at 2 am, maneuvering with a ray. Police were called and four members witnessed the event after 45 minutes.

Dorothy McCarthy's Duckpond Incident The Evening Standard (13 January) and Daily Mail (15 January) reported on an incident in New Hampshire where something large and black reportedly flew into Dorothy McCarthy's duckpond. Witnesses claimed to see an object in the mud through a hole in the ice, and preliminary radiation readings were high but later normal.

Time-lapse Extraordinary! This report details an encounter in mid-January 1974 near Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent. A student teacher and his fiancee saw a large green light pacing their car. They followed it to traffic lights, where it veered off. Later, driving back, they experienced an overpowering feeling of being watched. Jeff then noticed a black rectangular 'hole' in the sky where stars should be. Two lights, one green and one blue, shone down. The couple felt compelled to follow the object, which led them to a cattle grid at Ilam, Derbyshire, resulting in a time loss of about 3 hours. Upon reaching the main road, they found themselves surrounded by street lights and houses, only to be told they were in Macclesfield, 20 miles from where they believed they were. Bufora's Derek James and T Shotton investigated, confirming the police report and noting the witnesses' continued fear and desire for no publicity.

Schools 'Singled Out' - Broad Haven School Sighting An unusual number of recent UFO reports have come from schoolchildren. The Broad Haven School sighting involved up to 14 children at Broad Haven County Primary School in Pembroke who, on 4 February, saw a silvery metallic object on the ground and a silver-suited figure. Jeremy Passmore, aged 9, described the object as silvery-green with a yellow-orange to red light, featuring a disc and a dome, and saw a person in a silverish-green suit about 350 yards away. The sighting lasted up to 20 minutes.

Herbrandston School Sighting On 7 February, about 20 schoolchildren at Herbrandston School in Hakin, Milford Haven, saw a silver-white cigar shape flying noiselessly over the school at an estimated height of 500 feet. It disappeared into a cloud.

Edenhurst School Sighting On 7 February, Staffordshire witnessed another report from Edenhurst School, Newcastle. Most of the Prep II form claimed to have seen a silvery-blue or silvery-grey cigar-shaped object with a dome, which changed colors and was visible for about ten minutes before disappearing into cloud. It reportedly reappeared later.

Rhos-y-bol School Sighting This incident occurred on 16 February at Rhos-y-bol County Primary School, Anglesey. Nine girls aged 8 to 11 and a teacher saw an object high in the sky with a black dome and a silver cigar-shaped base. It traveled smoothly across the sky and disappeared behind a cloud. The girls and teacher drew what they saw, with the sighting duration estimated at four minutes.

Warminster Light-Ball This incident, witnessed by four members of the Dagenham Paranormal Research Group on 9 October 1976, involved a bright, round, brilliant white light source seen about 90 degrees to their right, approximately 100 yards away and 4 feet off the ground. The witnesses followed the light to a field. Later, Arthur Shuttlewood's book 'The Flying Saucerers' mentioned a 'phantom motorcyclist' that nearly fit their sighting, prompting them to record it.

Again Broad Haven On the evening of 9 December 1976, Mrs Dorothy Cale and her 10-year-old son saw a very bright flashing light above a hedge between Walton West and Rosepool. The light was vaguely dome-shaped with a zig-zag nucleus and lit up the entire surrounding area.

California School Encounter Featured in the Concord Transcript of California on 2 February 1977, this report describes a 24-year-old man who claimed to have been confronted by two short grey-skinned 'men' with enlarged skulls. He then found himself inside a circular craft at Willow Creek Elementary School, experiencing telepathic communication with 'aliens' studying Earth's life habits.

Bufora Lecture Recordings Robin Lindsey offers copies of Bufora lectures, primarily Kensington lectures, to members. A list of available lectures is provided, covering topics from UFO sightings and alien beings to specific cases and technicalities, with details on recording formats and costs.

Logic and the 'Scientific Method' - part 1 This is the first part of a three-part article by Lawrence W Dale, exploring the concept of 'scientific method' and its application to UFO enquiry, focusing on Random Choice, Intuition, and Logic. It begins by discussing Aristotle's definition of Logic and its broader implications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, particularly those involving multiple witnesses and children, and the ongoing efforts by organizations like Bufora and the International UFO Research Council to investigate and understand these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on documenting and analyzing reports, with a nod towards scientific investigation, as seen in the mention of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal and the article on 'Logic and the Scientific Method.' The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for careful investigation to distinguish between genuine sightings, misidentifications, and potential hoaxes, as implied by the Warminster report's cautious introduction.

This issue of Ufology magazine, dated November 1977, delves into the complexities of UFO research, focusing on the application of logic, the scientific method, and the analysis of reported phenomena. The magazine features a blend of theoretical discussion, reader correspondence, and a comprehensive catalog of UFO sightings.

Logic and Assumptions in Ufology

The issue begins with a discussion on logic and the role of assumptions in arguments, using mathematical formulas and elementary logic principles to illustrate points. The author notes that while mathematicians might find these concepts easy, training is crucial for others. It's highlighted that even with correct logic, an incorrect conclusion can arise from a faulty original assumption. The difficulty in testing assumptions in the context of UFO phenomena is emphasized, with 'money' being an all-important factor for organizations.

Several hypothetical arguments are presented and analyzed using logical principles, including the concept of 'consequent' and the use of 'true' and 'false' values. The limitations of 'some' versus 'all' in logical propositions are demonstrated using Venn diagrams, illustrating how a conclusion can be invalid if it cannot be definitively shown that two sets overlap.

The 'Scientific Method' is presented as an attempt to apply logic practically, with examples like the Method of Agreement, Difference, and Statistics to be discussed later. The study of UFO phenomena is framed as a potential step in human advancement, where logic stimulates discussion and produces results.

Reader Correspondence and Opinions

Several letters from readers offer diverse perspectives. One reader, A Dougan from Glasgow, expresses frustration with the lack of indexes and bibliographies in UFO books, calling for authors to provide better resources for constructing a comprehensive picture of the subject.

Philip B Taylor from London suggests that the discrepancy in UFO close encounter frequency between the USA and the UK can be explained by factors like population density and mobility, with the USA's characteristics fitting the profile for more encounters.

R Jones Pugh from Haverfordwest questions the vehemence of some statements in previous issues and suggests that theological influences should be considered alongside scientific ones. He also touches upon the concept of 'pseudo-religious fanatics' and 'pseudo-ufological fanatics.' Pugh further discusses the difficulty of applying logic to the unknown modus operandi of UFO phenomena, suggesting that scientists may be exhibiting 'blinkers' by dismissing the possibility of alien visitation while readily accepting other speculative scientific endeavors.

Mark Stenhoff is quoted regarding the difficulty of making a 'frontal assault on the scientific community' with claims of extra-terrestrial visitation, a sentiment Pugh agrees with, attributing scientists' disinterest to a fear of ostracism and an emotional attachment to the status quo.

Another reader, T R Dutton, argues that despite the inadequacies of available data, there is substantial circumstantial evidence suggesting artificial devices of unknown origin are visiting Earth, and that the nature of these objects is unknown to current science. He suggests the burden of disproof rests on professional skeptics.

Valerie Martin's consideration of psychiatry and deep hypnosis effects is mentioned, referencing 'The Bloxham Tapes' as an example of what can be achieved through hypnotic therapy.

UFO Sightings Summaries

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed catalog of UFO sightings, providing a 'Code No.,' 'Date,' 'Time,' 'Place,' 'Report,' 'Class,' and 'Investigator/Credit' for each entry. These summaries cover a wide range of reported phenomena from the mid-1970s, including:

• Steely-blue sphere (Pontypool, S Wales, June '48)
• Silver Cigar (Burry Port, S Wales, Autumn 1964)
• Flashing Lits (Basingstoke, Hants, 30.6.75)
• 'Classical flying saucer' (Not given, 28.12.75)
• Elongated 'egg' (Nr Holmfirth, Yorks, Aug. '75)
• Flattened spherical object (Gateshead, Co Durham, 28.12.75)
• Disc-shape flashing lights (St Saviours, Jersey, 10.10.75)
• Triangular Hovering object (Trentham, Staffs, 22.8.76)
• Glowing dome-shaped object (Skegness, Lincs, 16.8.76)
• 'Rod joining 3 balls' (Chelmsford, Essex, 24.9.76)
• Cigar-shape, flashing lights (Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, 29.8.76)
• Lights with dome above (Nr Colchester, Essex, 5.8.76)
• Revolving cone-shape (Arnold, Notts, 1.6.76)
• Large egg-shaped object (Ballymena, N Ireland, 11.8.76)
• Blue-green pulsating star (Gateshead, Co Durham, 22.8.76)
• 'Dark shape' flashing red (Gateshead, Co Durham, 22.8.76)
• 'Orange' airship' (Gateshead, Co Durham, 22.8.76)
• Lits (Kidsgrove, Staffs, 4.10.76 and Norton, Staffs, 4.10.76)
• Hovering triangle, flashing blue (Ilam, Astonfield, 11.10.76)
• Glowing white light with halo (Nr Maidenhead, Berks, 30.10.76)
• Spinning white disc-red lights (Wickford, Essex, 6.12.76)
• Bright manoeuvring object (Dudley, Worcs, 12.10.76)
• Spinning lits (Nr Lichfield, Staffs, 27.8.76)
• Manoeuvering lits (Barking, Essex, 21.12.76)
• Hovering delta, flashing lights (Vange, Essex, 4.12.76)
• Silvery-yellow egg shape (Chalvedon, Essex, 23.11.76)

Detailed accounts are provided for some specific incidents, including:

• 75-252 (August 1975): A witness driving in Yorkshire observed an elongated egg-shaped object that moved towards his car, turned, and crossed the road. The object was bright enough to create persistence of vision, and the witness experienced his ears popping.
• 76-258 (5 August 1976): A witness in Aldham, Essex, reported observing a row of lights surmounted by a dome hovering in the sky, which caused anxiety and headaches.
• 76-325 (12 October 1976): Mr and Mrs Hughes in Dudley witnessed a bright, intense object moving rapidly across the sky, lowering, stopping, and moving up and down. They described it as 'awe-inspiring,' and it was later observed that Mr Hughes' digital watch malfunctioned.
• 76-256 (24 September 1976): In Chelmsford, Essex, witnesses observed an unusual object described as three balls joined by a rod, floating low and light grey in colour, disappearing behind houses.
• 75-255 (28 December 1976): A witness in Gateshead observed a flattened spherical craft hovering just above rooftop level, with a revolving band and flashing lights. The craft made sudden movements and produced a 'hypnotic, calming effect.'
• Third Winchester Claim (7 March 1977): Mrs Bowles reported a third encounter where a 'man' approached her, spoke in a foreign language, and then returned to a craft that took off.

Other Sections

Personal Column: This section features advertisements for UFO-related products, including a 'Skywatch UFO Detector' and various cassette tapes on UFO topics.

Erratum: An correction is noted for the date of the Vange Delta sighting in the previous issue.

Prime Minister of Grenada: Sir Eric Gairy is mentioned for calling on the United Nations to monitor 'alien activity from outer space.'

Books and Leaflets: A list of publications available for purchase is provided, including 'Guide to the UFO Phenomenon,' 'The Use of Analytical Instruments in the Search for Extra-terrestrial Spacecraft,' and 'Investigation Procedures.'

The British UFO Research Association (Bufora): Information about Bufora is presented, detailing its founding in 1964, aims, and membership details. It encourages unbiased scientific investigation and data collection.

Uforum: Continued from page 22, this section includes further reader contributions, including a statement about the need to consider the unknown nature of UFO objects and the burden of proof on skeptics. It also mentions cooperation between Bufora and UFION (formerly UKIA).

AWARENESS: Information is provided for the Journal of Contact UK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the application of logic and scientific principles to the study of UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by anecdotal evidence and assumptions, and the reporting of specific UFO sightings. There is a clear editorial stance that encourages rigorous investigation and a willingness to explore all avenues of research, including those that might be considered unconventional or theological. The magazine also highlights the importance of organized research efforts, as exemplified by Bufora and its call for cooperation with other organizations.