BUFORA Journal - Volume 06 No 02 - JulyAug 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Vol 6 No 2
Date: July/August 1977
Publisher: British UFO Research Association

This issue of the Bufora Journal, published in July/August 1977, focuses on the significant increase in UFO 'flaps' during that year, continuing a pattern observed in previous decades. The cover prominently features an illustration related to a 'Humanoid encounter in Wales,' directing readers to a 'Report Extra!' section.

Editorial

X marks the 'flap'

The editorial, written by Norman Oliver, highlights the observation that 1977 is continuing the ten-year cycle of increased UFO activity, following 1947, 1957, and 1967. The journal is receiving a large volume of reports, with a general increase across the country and a proportionally higher number of 'high-strangeness cases.' Oliver speculates about potential government explanations such as 'secret weapons' or 'new types of transport,' humorously questioning the origin of '3-foot aliens' and suggesting a link to metrication due to the ten-year cycle. He concludes that 'flaps' occur every X years.

Contents and Key Articles

Logic and the 'Scientific Method' - part 2

• Authored by Lawrence W Dale, this article continues the discussion on applying scientific methodology to UFO investigation. It explores the historical meaning of 'Science' as 'Reasoned Knowledge' and emphasizes the logical pursuit of truth. The article examines various methods of inquiry, including tenacity, the appeal of authority, and intuition. It then details four specific methods for scientific reasoning:
• Method of Agreement: Identifying a common factor among instances of an effect.
• Method of Difference: Finding a situation where an effect is present in only one instance and identifying the unique factor.
• Method of Concomitant Variation: Observing how a variation in one phenomenon corresponds to a variation in another, suggesting a causal link (though cautioning against assuming causality).
• Method of Residues: Subtracting known phenomena from a situation to understand the remaining effects and their causes, illustrated by the discovery of Neptune.

The article also touches upon the use of Statistics and Probability in drawing conclusions, noting that these often result in beliefs rather than absolute facts. It defines Logic provisionally as 'The systematic investigation and study of the principles of valid reasoning' and suggests that combining these methods can help avoid mistakes and contribute to 'proof' discovery. The author encourages the use of these resources to reach general conclusions about UFOs.

Points from the Press

• This section, compiled by Valerie Martin, collates numerous recent UFO reports from various British newspapers:
• Evening Standard (Feb 22): Claims of secret US photos showing mile-long machines on the Moon and international scientists meeting in London.
• The Northern Echo (Mar 14): A lifeboat crew reported a very bright, glowing object moving rapidly southwest at sea.
• The Kent Messenger (Mar 4): Reports on a skywatch in Detling where members observed a distant red, spherical, pulsating object, also seen by a team in Northern England. Similar UFOs were reported over Maidstone and Orpington.
• The Kent Evening Post (Feb 28): An article on recent UFOs in Kent, with Bufora RIC Larry Dale noting improved organization to handle increased reports.
• Moscow Report: A mile-in-circumference machine in woods south of Moscow is reportedly probing for anti-matter.
• The Essex Chronicle (Mar 11): Details the search for a 'hideous 3 feet high dwarf' in Springfield, possibly linked to UFO sightings.
• The Manchester Evening News (Mar 21 & 22): A long inquiry into UFOs, featuring Nufon and Jenny Randles, focusing on the 'Pennine Run' area.
• The Manchester Evening News (Apr 2): An illustrated article on 'Project Daedalus,' a British spaceship design.
• The Barking & Dagenham Advertiser (Mar 25): News on the Dagenham Paranormal Research Group's preparedness for UFO landings.
• The New Scientist (Mar 31): Reports a survey of American Astronomical Society members indicating 80% believe UFOs deserve further scientific study, referencing Professor Peter Sturrock.
• Evening Star (Mar 2): A weatherman describes seeing an intense light, brighter than Venus, which was later identified as a USAF F-4 Phantom jet's landing light.
• The Cambridgeshire Times (Mar 4): Publicity for the Norfolk and National UFO Society.
• The Observer Colour Supplement (May 8): A column on UFO activity in SW Wales, including cases investigated by Bufora RIC Randall Jones Pugh, such as a silver-white cigar-shaped object and a pale gold UFO.

The section concludes by noting a general increase in press coverage of UFOs, suggesting a more serious approach to the phenomenon.

Book Review

VISITORS FROM OUTER SPACE by Roy Stemman

Reviewed by Lionel Beer, this book is described as part of a series dealing with the supernatural. It is a 144-page volume with approximately 190 illustrations, over 70 in colour. The review notes that the book covers many facets of the UFO puzzle, often uncritically, and is oriented towards the spacecraft hypothesis. While it serves as a general introduction and an interesting picture book, it is considered to have limited value for serious researchers seeking in-depth material. The review also provides background on the author, Roy Stemman, and the origins of Bufora, noting Stemman's initial role as Luforo's first president.

Report-Extra!

From hedge-hoppers to humanoids....!

This section, presented by Norman Oliver, details various UFO reports, starting with 'hedge-hoppers.' It describes a case from Herbrandston, Milford Haven, involving a 13-year-old girl and her friends who encountered a brilliant, gleaming silver object shaped like a round football that moved in all directions, mimicking their movements. The report emphasizes the fright experienced by the witnesses. It also mentions a 'hedge-hopping sphere' and a case involving Mr G W Taylor who reported a car speed of 38 from Truro to Zelah, Cornwall.

Ten years young!

This brief item celebrates the tenth anniversary of SIGAP (Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena) on May 11th. Tributes were paid by various guests, including representatives from BUDC, Bufora Journal, and Flying Saucer Review. The article congratulates SIGAP and looks forward to their twentieth anniversary in 1987.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the cyclical nature of UFO 'flaps,' the application of scientific and logical methods to UFO investigation, and the increasing volume of reports being documented by organizations like Bufora and reported in the press. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norman Oliver, is one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and analysis of data while maintaining a critical perspective on potential explanations. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation and the use of logical frameworks to understand the phenomenon. The journal also serves as a platform for disseminating news from various UFO research groups and societies across the UK.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review," Volume 23, Number 3, published in 1977, focuses on UFO sightings and alleged alien contact. The cover features the headline "THE UFO MYSTERY-SOLVED?" alongside an illustration of a pear-shaped UFO. The magazine presents a collection of witness accounts, investigative reports, and a summary table of various sightings.

Key Sightings and Encounters

Dagenham, Essex Sighting (November 27, 1976)

Gary James, aged 17, reported seeing a white light accompanied by smaller red flashing lights. These formations multiplied, and one red light flew low, appearing to have about eight circular holes on its underside that glowed from red to black. The object was described as having a 'jet-like whistle' sound.

Sheffield Sighting (January 21, 1977)

John Rothwell described a diamond-shaped object in the sky, light grey in color, with a white light flashing on each 'wing' and a strip of red at the front and rear. The object emitted a 'jet-like whistle' sound.

Maidstone Mass Sighting (February 3, 1977)

Robert Cole saw a dome-shaped object with a dark mass and a red flashing light in the center, moving from west to east. An orange light curved from it as it neared the horizon, and both objects abruptly disappeared.

Pembroke Sighting (February 9, 1977)

A pupil at Pembroke Comprehensive School observed a 'plate or saucer-shaped UFO, mostly silver,' with yellow-green lights and a round 'egg-yolk' on top that flashed from grey to white.

Walthamstow Disc (November 19, 1971)

This case, originally reported in 1971, involved three witnesses who saw a silver-grey or gun metal colored disc with a large rim and a dome on top, travelling at the speed of a light aircraft with no sound. The object was observed for two to three minutes.

Doncaster Diamond Sighting (January 14, 1975)

Three fourteen-year-old boys reported a diamond-shaped object, about the size of an A4 sheet of paper, at cloud level. It was described as white with a glowing red dome in the center of its underside and red lights on each side of the rim.

Wickford Sighting (December 6, 1976)

John Bailey, aged 10, saw a disc-shaped object, white in color with a large glowing red dome in the center of its underside and red lights on each side of the rim. The object appeared to be spinning and followed him.

Littlehaven Landing (March 26, 1977)

Mrs Josephine Hewison observed a large, silver, jelly mould-shaped object parked on the ground in front of her greenhouse. The object had three distinct layers, was smooth and metallic, and was estimated to be at least thirty-five feet wide.

Pembroke Pear-Shape and Humanoid (March 13, 1977)

Stephen Taylor saw a well-defined pear-shaped object in the sky with an orange light. Later, he encountered a grounded black shape in a field and a six-foot tall figure wearing a transparent suit, described as having high cheek bones and unnatural eyes.

The Swanner Story: Telepathic Contact

This section details claims by David Swanner of telepathic contact with aliens called Plantoes, who allegedly come from a 'Twin Earth.' Swanner was reportedly told that he had been watched by extra-terrestrials since he was 14 and was to pass information to reporter Stanley Ingrams. The information initially concerned the misuse of atomic energy, with the US Government allegedly keeping facts secret. Swanner also claimed to have entered a glowing white ball in the woods and later boarded a domed disc for a physical examination and a trip to Hawaii. The Plantoes are described as being 4-5 feet tall, weighing 100-150 pounds, with a lifespan of 125-175 years, and are said to be technologically advanced and experts in mental telepathy. They allegedly possess 13 different models of craft.

Uforum: Letters and Discussions

'An Elf in Chap's Clothing'

Nick Maloret of the Wessex Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomena comments on a report about an alleged contact at Farnborough, questioning the name 'Freka' or 'Alfreka' used by the entity and linking it to Saxon elf-names.

'Where do you think UFOs come from?'

Stephen Davis of Ilkston, Derby, suggests pooling theories about UFO origins into a 'think tank' for examination and discussion. The editor acknowledges the idea and notes that previous issues have listed multiple theories.

1977/1978 Lecture Series

A list of upcoming lectures at Kensington Central Library is provided, including topics like "THE UFO MYSTERY-SOLVED?" and "RESEARCH METHODOLOGY."

Sighting Summaries

A table presents a coded summary of numerous UFO sightings from various dates and locations, including the report, class, and investigator/credit for each incident. Shapes range from cylindrical and ball-shaped to saucers, fireballs, orange cigars, and glowing objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged alien contact, and the nature of these phenomena. The editor expresses a personal view that these reports are worthy of study, regardless of their truthfulness, and finds the alleged omniscience of 'aliens' intriguing, while also noting inconsistencies in their explanations. The magazine aims to present a wide range of evidence and theories, encouraging critical examination and discussion among its readers. The editorial stance appears open-minded and investigative, seeking to understand the UFO mystery through diverse reports and perspectives.

This issue of the Bufora Journal, dated May/June 1976, Volume 5, No. 1, is a publication of Bufora Ltd, focusing on UFO phenomena. It contains a detailed catalog of UFO sightings, investigative reports, and articles on related topics.

UFO Sightings Catalog (Pages 1-3)

The journal presents a comprehensive list of UFO sightings, cataloged by Code No, Date, Time, Place, Report, Class, and Investigator/Credit. These reports span from July 1976 to February 1977, with some earlier entries from November 1974 and November/December 1976.

Notable sightings include:

• 76-371 (b) 1.7.76: Sallins, Eire - Red, white object descending and ascending.
• 76-374 (a, b, c) 31.10.76: Dublin, Eire - Red undulating objects.
• 77-008 9.1.77: Huntingdon, Staffs - Maneuvering red lit object.
• 77-009 20-21.1.77: Penkull, Staffs - Bright ovoid light.
• 77-010 26.1.77: Belper, Derbyshire - Silver bullet shape.
• 77-011 7.2.77: Newcastle, Staffs - Maneuvering cigar-shape changing colour.
• 77-015 3.2.77: Maidstone, Kent - Dome-shaped 'mass' with red light.
• 77-016 7.2.77: Bearsted, Kent - Maneuvering object with red, white lights.
• 77-019 3.2.77: Hornchurch, Essex - Dull oval emitting red spot.
• 77-020 (a, b) 17.2.77: Grantham, Lincs - Oval rotating object.
• 77-024 16.3.77: Ruchill Park, Glasgow - Silver-grey joined oblongs.
• 77-025 16.1.77: Hyde Park, London - Two hovering 'boomerangs'.
• 77-029 3.3.77: Romford, Essex - Dart shape with orange lights.
• 77-031 4.3.77: Chadwell Heath, Essex - Silvery oblong.
• 77-032 23.2.77: Rainham, Essex - Pairs of orange lights.
• 77-033 2.3.77: East Ham, London - Two white lights.
• 77-034 2.3.77: Dagenham, Essex - Orange lights.
• 77-035 2.3.77: Dagenham, Essex - Octagon with lights.
• 77-036 February 1977: Stroud, Glos - Two hovering objects with orange light.
• 77-037 24.1.77: Trowbridge, Wilts - Moving 'smoke-ring'.
• 77-038 (a, b, c) 5.1.77: Naas, Eire - Oval flashing object.
• 77-039 (a, b) 14.2.77: Benfleet, Essex - Shiny bullet-shaped object.
• 77-040 5.3.77: Long Newton, Cleveland - Round blue disc.
• 77-041 21.1.77: Intake, Yorks - Blunt cigar-shape.

Extended Reports:

• 74-143 November 1974: Tankerton - Three flashing, sharply-defined triangles moving south-east.
• 76-349 21 November 1976: Maidstone, Kent - Huge, round, dark red mass flying overhead, projecting a dark red ray.
• 76-355 27 November 1976: Wickford, Essex - Pink crescent-shaped object moving east.
• 76-362 29 November 1976: East Malling and Gravesend - Bright light above station buildings, later observed as a round, bright object carrying out maneuvers and beaming a blue ray.
• 77-014 13 February 1977: Barking, Essex - Star-like object, deep yellow-gold, hovering, then arcing upwards, flaring up, turning red, and overtaking a plane.
• 77-024 16 March 1977: Ruchill Park, Glasgow - Strange huge object, fairly low and moving fast, with a noise resembling a plane.
• 77-025 16 January 1977: Hyde Park, London - Two objects with a 'boomerang' shape, motionless.

Out of this world (Page 5)

This section reviews a BBC 1 TV documentary on UFOs aired on Tuesday 10 May. The documentary is described as having done a good job, with unobtrusive and balanced interviews. However, it notes the appearance of two sky-watchers using a photoflood cum mini radio-telescope detector, and the Aetherius Society's prayer-power projector, as detracting from the scientific image. Despite these faults, the program is considered compelling viewing, with notable contributions from Mrs Roestenberg and Charles Bowen.

Research Grant Scheme and Essay Competition (Page 5)

Bufora has launched a Research Grants Scheme and Essay Competition to stimulate active involvement in research projects. The amount available for grants and prizes depends on Bufora's financial situation, with initial allocations of £100 for grants and £30 for essays. Bufora is also aiming for charity status. Information and application forms can be obtained from A. R. Pace, Director of Research, Newchapel Observatory, Stoke-on-Trent.

UFOs-The Photographic Evidence (Page 6)

Robert Digby presented a lecture on the analysis of photographic UFO cases. He stated that investigators are too ready to accept photographs as proof and that approximately 90% of photographic reports are either identifiable or hoaxes. Hoaxing is a significant problem, and investigators must be wary. The requirements for a good UFO case include independent witnesses, submission of the original negative and film, reference points on the photograph, and ideally a movie film or series of still pictures. The Trinidad Island case is cited as an example fitting these criteria. The process of photographic analysis should involve assessing subjective potential, examining natural possibilities, checking for camera/film defects, and carefully examining the possibility of hoaxing.

Silver Suited Beings-Now is the time! (Page 7)

This article highlights recent reports from the Pembroke National Park area of Dyfed, UK, describing 'high strangeness' phenomena. These include daytime discs, a bolide that destroyed a car's electrical system, a silver-suited giant watching television, silver-suited men walking around a fiery disc with burn marks found nearby, a strange blue flashing light disrupting television reception, and a powercut coinciding with a light ascending Great Treffgarne Mountain. Children reported a silver-suited man walking through a turf hedge and experiencing physiological effects. Stephen Taylor saw a silver-suited, fish-eyed being near a NATO base. The article emphasizes the unprecedented nature of this activity in the UK and appeals for donations to fund the gathering of details on physical traces, power cuts, television interference, and descriptions of the beings and their machines.

Reports from Australia (Page 7)

Reports from Australia mention three perfect discs found buried in a coal mine, described as five-foot diameter steel objects. Aborigine folklore recalls a craft from the heavens visiting them in the distant past.

Personal Column (Page 8)

This section contains advertisements and information:

• SKYWATCH UFO DETECTOR: A magnetic needle type detector with latching circuit and audio alarm.
• UFO Photographs: George Adamski Venusian Scout Ship available.
• CASSETTE TAPES: Skyquest cassettes on various UFO topics are available from Norman Oliver.
• Tell your friends about Bufora: Information leaflets/application forms are available.
• Books and Leaflets: A list of publications available from Bufora Publications, including 'Guide to the UFO Phenomenon,' 'The Use of Analytical Instruments,' 'Investigation Procedures,' 'An Engineer's Look at UFOs,' Articles of Association, and Journals.

THE BRITISH UFO RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (Page 8)

This section provides information about Bufora Limited, its founding in 1964, registered office, and aims. Bufora aims to encourage unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena, collect and disseminate evidence, and co-ordinate UFO research. Membership is open to those who support the aims, with an annual subscription of £5-00 (UK) or $10 (USA/Canada).

A recent report from the north of Chile (Page 6)

A report from Chile describes a corporal and a seven-man army unit who encountered two brilliant lights in the desert. The corporal disappeared and reappeared later with a several-day-old beard and his watch showing five days ahead. He lost consciousness and repeated 'the light, the light,' and stated, 'you will never know who we are or where we come from but we will return again.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the cataloging and investigation of UFO sightings, the critical analysis of evidence (particularly photographic), and the promotion of scientific rigor in UFO research. Bufora appears to advocate for a professionalized, data-driven approach, moving away from what it perceives as quasi-religious aspects within some UFO groups. The journal also highlights the importance of funding for research and the need to document unusual phenomena, such as the 'silver-suited beings' reports, before they are lost.