BUFORA Journal - Volume 06 No 05 - JanFeb 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Vol 6 No 5
Date: January/February 1978
Publisher: British UFO Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the Bufora Journal delves into various aspects of UFO research, featuring a mix of investigative reports, news updates, and commentary. The cover poses the question "'GHOST' or SPACEMAN?" accompanied by an illustrative figure, setting a tone of inquiry into the nature of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Editorial

Strange, isn't it?

In his editorial, Norman Oliver reflects on the varied reactions to unusual experiences, using the 'Georgia experience of Tom Dawson' as an example that might be met with skepticism. He questions what society is prepared to accept or discard, drawing parallels to accepted cases like the Flatwoods monster and M. Masse's encounter, contrasted with less readily accepted cases like Joe Simonton's pancakes or John Womack's 'anti-demon pill' humanoids. Oliver suggests that acceptance often hinges on whether a 'top' researcher has previously lent support to similar cases, leading to a lemming-like following of expert judgment.

Articles and Reports

Trident 'Visual UFO' Identified?

Written by Philip Taylor, this article examines the widely reported Trident UFO sightings over Lisbon, Portugal. The author analyzes the testimony of the air crew and the findings of Dr. David Ramsden, a Southampton University physicist. The visual sightings are concluded to be almost certainly from a high-altitude research balloon launched from Sicily as part of an international scientific project. The article details the balloon's flight path and positions, extrapolating its location at the time of the sighting. It explains how the balloon, at an altitude of 40km, would still be illuminated by the sun after sunset at ground level, creating a striking appearance. The article notes that radar returns observed later remain a mystery, requiring further investigation.

New US UFO Probe

This section reports on NASA's agreement to examine UFO records from the past ten years, at the request of President Carter's science adviser, Dr. Frank Press. The study aims to determine if a full-scale UFO investigation by the government is warranted. Dr. Press believes NASA has the necessary expertise and facilities. A letter from Dr. Press to NASA Administrator Dr. Robert Frosch suggests that since it has been nearly a decade since the Condon Report, a small panel of inquiry could be formed. Walt Andrus of the Mutual UFO Network views this NASA involvement as a significant step in re-opening government investigation into UFOs.

Official French Government Study

This report details the establishment of an official research group by the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) to study the UFO phenomenon. The group, titled GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des Phenomenes Aerospatiaux Non-identifies), includes members from various government research organizations. Claude Poher, formerly of CNES, is named as GEPAN's director.

Points from the Press

Compiled by Valerie Martin, this section presents a collection of recent UFO-related news items from various newspapers:

• The Huddersfield Daily Examiner: Reports on strange lights investigated by the Hinckley UFO Society, including large pulsating white lights and orange flashing lights.
• The South Wales Echo: Features a Pontypridd family frightened by a large black disc-like object hovering over their house.
• The Western Daily Press: Describes members of UFO INFO seeing a UFO crash, which turned out to be a plastic kite with a battery-operated flasher unit.
• The Daily Telegraph: Announces the Royal Observatory's detailed photos of distant stars and galaxies taken by a new British telescope.
• The Peterborough Evening Telegraph: Reports on Chris Shuell's sighting of three large cigar-shaped objects with a dim orange-brown light, with RAF Wittering stating no flights were scheduled.
• The Hinckley Times: Details mysterious objects seen over Burbage and Sharnford, investigated by the Hinckley UFO Society, including triangular objects and orange lights.
• The Daily Telegraph: Mentions numerous UFO sightings in Portugal during the summer.
• The South Wales Evening Post: Outlines Swansea University College's course on the Universe, including UFO activity in West Wales.
• The Evening Post: Refers to a night school series on UFOs and paranormal things held by the British Flying Saucer Bureau of Bristol.
• The Grimsby Evening Telegraph: Features new Bufora member Brendan Taylor, seeking UFO information in the South Humberside area.
• The Evening News: Reports on a spate of UFO sightings in Ashford, Kent, with descriptions varying from red/orange objects to rocket-like shapes.
• The Kent Messenger: Discusses mysterious lights seen over Maidstone, with police suggesting they were flares.
• The East Kent Gazette: Publishes reports of a large object with bright white headlights and red/green lights seen for a month, which hovered or moved rapidly.
• The News of the World: Recounts a French farmer's experience of a flying saucer landing in daylight, with a naked man and woman emerging.

Book Reviews

• The Twelfth Planet by Zecharia Sitchin: Reviewed by Norman Oliver. The reviewer acknowledges Sitchin's diligence in presenting evidence for a 'twelfth planet' and the hypothetical inhabitants, the Nefilim, who allegedly created Man. While reservations are expressed about the longevity of the Nefilim and their planet's habitability, the reviewer finds the argument well-put and recommends the book, noting its focus on historical and pre-historical references and its stopping short of the New Testament era.

• UFOs Explained by Philip J Klass: Reviewed by P Taylor. This book is described as a genuinely skeptical work by a consistent 'anti-UFO' propagandist. Klass's plasma theory of UFOs is mentioned, and the book is characterized as a polemic against the extra-terrestrial hypothesis. It deals with familiar cases, including the 1897 'airship' sightings and the 1973/74 US flap. The reviewer notes that Klass casts doubt on cases like Lakenheath and RB-47, but criticizes him for making unfounded allegations without direct investigation. The book is recommended for those interested in an unbiased study of UFOs, despite its strong bias against extra-terrestrial explanations.

A Bell-shaped Light at Rhode-Saint-Genese

This article by P Taylor details an incident on January 24, 1970, involving Leon Herbosch near Brussels. Herbosch witnessed a luminous elliptical blob on the ground, which then transformed into a goldish bell-shaped object approximately 5 meters in height. The object's luminosity was intense, lighting up the landscape. It then resumed its blob shape and moved away. The witness was extremely frightened, and no tracks were found at the site. The article draws parallels to similar incidents in Aveyron, France, and Anderlues, Belgium, suggesting a possible relationship between the phenomenon's timing and the witness's reaction.

London Lectures

This section lists upcoming lectures at the Kensington Central Library:

• February 3, 1978: 'Ley Lines in relation to UFOs' by Paul Devereux.
• March 4, 1978: 'UFO Activity in Scotland' by Stuart Campbell.
• April 1, 1978: 'Research Evening' with Anthony Pace, Charles Lockwood, and other speakers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Bufora Journal consistently explores UFO phenomena through a lens of investigation and analysis, often presenting both conventional and unconventional explanations. There is a clear emphasis on scientific scrutiny, as seen in the review of Philip Klass's skeptical work and the detailed examination of the Trident UFO case. The journal also highlights official investigations by government bodies in the US and France, indicating an interest in how these phenomena are being officially addressed. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norman Oliver, encourages critical thinking and questions the uncritical acceptance of expert opinions, while acknowledging the wide range of experiences reported by witnesses. The publication serves as a platform for members to share findings and for the broader UFO research community to engage with diverse cases and theories.

This issue of 'Report-Extra!' presents a collection of intriguing reports, primarily focusing on UFO sightings and unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on events from the 1970s. The magazine features detailed accounts from various witnesses, often corroborated by investigations or further testimony.

Ghost or Spaceman '73?

This section introduces a case involving Mr Y and his daughter, with Mr Y requesting anonymity due to his daughter's involvement. The report details two main experiences.

"Bright red cherries"

On October 20, 1970, Mr Y reported seeing a large, multi-lit 'aircraft' flying low over swampy terrain between Brading and St Helens on the Isle of Wight. The object, described as having a ring of seven or more lights, appeared as bright red spheres interspersed with turquoise and white lights. It hovered over the River Yar and then moved parallel to Mr Y's car. As it moved outside St Helens, it cut across behind him and dropped slowly, meandering above distant hedges. The number of red lights reduced to four, and the object seemed to rotate slowly. Mr Y stopped his car and used his torch to signal for ten minutes, during which the object weaved. He continued to his destination, and his friend observed the object playing 'hide and seek' between tree-tops. The lights were lost to view as he continued to Ryde.

On several subsequent occasions, Mr Y noticed single balls of red light in the sky. A more frightening incident occurred on March 1, 1972, when he observed two yellow lights, described as 'eyes', peering up at him from below the surface of the sea at Compton Bay. He estimated they were about 40 feet away. These 'eyes' disappeared, and as the tide subsided, he was able to return to his car.

"Yellow eyes"

This section details an incident on March 1, 1972, where Mr Y, perched on the cliffside at Compton Bay due to an unexpected tidal surge, observed two yellow lights below the sea surface, which he described as 'eyes' of a sea monster. They disappeared as the tide receded.

Sandown spaceman or Golf-links ghost?

This section recounts an experience involving a girl named Fay and a boy. They heard a wailing noise and followed it across golf-links to a swampy meadow near Sandown Airport. They encountered a figure emerging from under a bridge, who dropped a book in the water. The figure then entered a metallic hut. Later, the figure reappeared with a microphone, and the wailing noise returned. The figure spoke, asking if they were still there. The children approached and spoke to the figure, who was described as oddly attired.

#### "A blue-gloved hand"

This sub-section describes the encounter with the figure. The figure was nearly seven feet tall, with no neck, and wore a yellow pointed hat, a red collar, and a green tunic. It had a round black knob on its hat and 'wooden' antennae. Its face had triangular eye markings, a brown square nose, and motionless yellow lips. Round markings were on its paper-white cheeks, and red hair fell onto its forehead. 'Wooden slats' protruded from its sleeves and below its white trousers. Its first communication was in writing, stating "Hello and I am all colours, Sam." The children discovered the creature could talk, though its lips did not move and its speech was unclear. It asked about the children, and they asked about its clothes and if it was a man or a ghost. The reply was vague, suggesting it was "not really, but I am in an odd sort of way." It stated it had no name and that there were others like it.

#### into his Hut

The children were invited into the creature's hut, which had two levels. The lower level was wallpapered in blue-green with dials and had wooden furniture. The upper level had a metallic floor. The creature explained it fed on berries and could drink river water after cleaning it. It removed its hat to reveal round white ears and sparse brown hair. It performed a trick where a berry placed in its ear would disappear and reappear at its eye or mouth.

#### '.... and Goodbye'

After talking for half an hour, the children said goodbye and ran to tell the first man they met, who dismissed it as make-believe. The children, however, were convinced the being was either a ghost or someone dressed up. Fay later told her father, who was initially skeptical but became amazed by the detailed account. Mr Y also obtained a statement from the boy verifying the event. Possibilities considered included shared hallucination or a deliberate hoax, but the extraordinary detail, including the creature's three fingers and three toes, made a hoax difficult. Mr Y felt the story rang true and might connect with his own experiences, suggesting Fay was taken into an "alien reality bubble."

Warminster Cone

Inv K Phillips reports that Bridget Chivers was driving near Warminster on August 28, 1977, when she noticed a bluish oval-shaped light. The object descended and rested in a field, described as an inverted cone with green and pink lights, and a large searchlight at the top. The object disappeared, leaving yellow musky smoke. The sighting lasted five minutes. Analysis of photos taken by Bridget by the Warminster group UFO INFO did not show what she saw, but UFO INFO considered Bridget a reliable witness.

'Saucer' at Townley Hall

David Parkes and Stephen Metcalfe reported seeing an orange-yellow saucer-shaped object in the air near Townley Hall, Burnley, on August 14, 1977. The object was about 75 yards away and appeared to be about to land. It emitted a humming sound, and its brightness was compared to the Moon on a dim night. The object moved towards them, and when they tried to move off, their car engine refused to start. The object rose, the car began to move, then stopped again as the object descended. They ran to a farmhouse but received no reply. When they returned to the car, the object had gone, and the car restarted.

Seaton Burn Black Ovals

This report from June 1973 involves Ian Drever, Graham Dobson, and others who saw a black object in the sky over Seaton Burn, emitting a smoke trail. Four other objects were seen 'homing in' on Seaton Burn, and they all flew together in a figure-eight formation before vanishing. All objects emitted black smoke trails that disappeared about a minute later. The objects were described as black, sharply-defined ovals and were visible for one to three minutes.

Anglesey again

Police Constable John Owen reported that on October 21, 1977, his wife saw a "long thing red-coloured flame" in the sky over Aberffraw Common, Anglesey. The flame vibrated and then formed a domed figure with portholes, which moved backwards and forwards. Owen also viewed the object, describing it as a silver-grey disc, about 200 yards away with an estimated diameter of 30 feet. It hovered, exhibited rotating red, green, and white lights, then moved noiselessly away and ascended at fantastic speed. Owen stated it was no aircraft.

"Thin red-coloured flame"

This sub-section details the Anglesey sighting from the perspective of Mrs Owen, who first saw the red flame which then formed a domed figure. She described it as having portholes and moving in a peculiar manner.

"Outlined in lipstick"

This sub-section continues the Anglesey report, with John P Owen describing his wife outlining the object in lipstick on the kitchen window. He confirmed the sketch was accurate. The object was seen in a SSW direction, fading away. It moved backwards and forwards before disappearing. The weather was fine with occasional cloud, no wind, and the moon not visible. The report is considered reliable, with Mrs Owen's quick thinking in sketching the object being commended.

Humanoid, box and aquatic

Inv R Jones Pugh reports an incident on May 15, 1977, involving Mrs Coombs' twin daughters, Joann and Layann. They saw a silver-suited figure walking about 60-70 feet away, which walked through a hedge and disappeared. A silver-white 'platelike object' landed, and a 'box' was ejected down a stairway to the ground. The children ran to get their mother and nanny, but the 'man' and object had disappeared. The adults found large footprints. The children then saw a silver object flying seawards and entering the water. The twins and their cousin Katrina maintained the event occurred as described.

Thaxted-an EM case?

Inv Andy Collins and Barry King report on an incident involving Mr Stevens on August 3, 1977. Mr Stevens saw two orangey-red objects hovering behind trees. One was a diffuse oval light, the other had a concentrated light with a diffuse glow. The objects seemed to cast light upwards. An increase in brightness from the left object was noted, and the right object moved up and then glided towards the car. Mr Stevens' car experienced a "power surge," with its speed limited to 35 mph despite the accelerator being fully down, before suddenly surging forward. The car's engine had been silent throughout the encounter, which lasted about 1½ minutes.

Disc over airfield

This section details a comparison of compass readings between two identical cars, one of which had been involved in the Thaxted sighting. The readings showed considerable variations, particularly around the engine, leading to the conclusion that an "outside energy or force" might have been responsible for limiting the car's speed.

Compass variations

This sub-section presents a table of compass readings from the 'control car' and the 'car under examination' (TAH 893R), showing significant differences. The report concludes that while a normal malfunction cannot be ruled out, it is possible an external energy or force temporarily prevented Mr Stevens from leaving the area by limiting his car's speed.

Sardinian Saucers

This section presents two reports from Sardinia, Italy, provided by Varricchoi Massimo.

Besieged by a UFO-one

On June 9, 1974, Egidio Traga was driving in Sardinia when his engine stopped, but the car continued moving at the same speed. He realized a strangely-lit ball, brilliantly colored and about five meters in diameter, was hovering above the road. The object passed over his car, then stopped and hovered at about 100 meters. When Traga tried to alight, he felt he was being 'shaken' by a force. He remained in the car for about an hour and a half while the UFO hovered. When it flew off, conditions returned to normal, and his car restarted.

.... and two

Around the same time, Antonio Floris and Giuseppe Gramai saw a bright 'star' that moved towards them, becoming a luminous object. Their car engine refused to start. The object rose, the car began to move, then stopped as the object descended. They ran to a farmhouse but found no reply. When they returned to the car, the object had gone, and their car restarted.

Tom Dawson's experience

Lou Farish reports on Tom Dawson's experience from Georgia, USA. Dawson, a 63-year-old retired automobile dealer, claims an event happened on August 6, 1977. While walking with his dogs, a strange circular-shaped 'space-ship' landed in front of him, hovering two feet off the ground. Dawson, his dogs, and nearby cattle were unable to move, all freezing in place.

#### "Unable to move a muscle "

This sub-section elaborates on the Georgia incident, describing the circular ship landing and immobilizing everything around it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, encounters with strange aerial objects, and interactions with humanoid or unknown entities. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts with a degree of credibility, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and considering alternative explanations such as hoaxes or misidentifications. The magazine aims to document these events, often highlighting unusual details and the impact they have on witnesses. There is a clear interest in cases involving physical effects on vehicles or the environment, as well as direct encounters with non-human intelligences.

This issue of "UFO Reports and Scientific Investigation of Rare Phenomena," identified as issue number 2 and dated 1978, is published by BUFORA. The cover headline, "Alien nudists?", introduces a bizarre encounter where extraterrestrial beings emerge from a craft.

Alien Nudists?

The lead article describes an incident where a hatch opened on a craft, and five strange-looking beings, two women and three men, emerged. Their skin was "white as a flour sack," with sharp, turned-up noses and pointed ears. One man and one woman were nude, while others wore "extremely beautiful" clothing. The leader "tested" the ground, and two more men emerged to guard the hatch. The article then details a medical examination of a person named Tom, involving a "skull-cap sort of thing" with cords and dials, resembling a hula-hoop. During the examination, a loud voice from the ship repeatedly called out, "I am Jimmy Hoffa." After the examination, the aliens conferred, and Tom heard the name "Jupiter," wondering if he would be taken aboard. The aliens then returned to their ship, and it took off. Tom was later treated for hysteria, though hospital staff found no cause for hallucination or alcohol consumption, concluding he had been "definitely given a big scare."

"Hula-hoop" Medical

This section elaborates on the medical examination, describing the device placed on Tom's head and the subsequent actions of the aliens. It notes that the aliens did not take Tom aboard, and after their conference, they returned to their ship and departed.

Treated for Hysteria

This brief section confirms that Tom was treated for hysteria following the encounter, with medical professionals finding no physiological explanation for his state.

UFO CANADA

A new monthly publication is announced, "UFO CANADA," created to report on the UFO scene in Canada and other countries. It promises reports of case histories, research findings, interviews, and Canadian and world-related news, including photographs, diagrams, and charts. Enquiries can be sent to UFO CANADA at 1424 Vendome Avenue, Chomedey, Laval, PQH7W 1S1 CANADA, with subscription rates of $6 in Canada and USA, and $7 in other countries.

Catalogue of UFO Sightings in Essex for 1976

This section reviews a reference work by Andy Collins, criticizing the occasional loose use of astronomical and meteorological terms but praising the detailed tables of sighting characteristics and statistics. The reviewer hopes for a similar survey for 1977.

Ball Lightning

Philip Taylor's article, "UFO Reports and Scientific Investigation of Rare Phenomena-2," discusses ball lightning. He notes that it is often dismissed as an optical illusion by scientists due to its lack of explanation by conventional theories, similar to the UFO situation. While ball lightning is recognized, it lacks the sensationalism of UFOs. Although few authenticated photographs exist, physical effects have allowed energy estimates. No generally accepted theory for its formation or stability exists. The article highlights that ball lightning events are usually witnessed by small numbers, but some, like those entering airliner cabins, have multiple witnesses. The low altitude at which it occurs limits wide observation. It is suggested that ball lightning or similar unknown plasma phenomena could be an explanation for UFOs, with some proposing it as the major source of UFOs, citing Philip Klass's book "UFOs-Identified!"

Taylor contrasts ball lightning with UFO sightings, noting that ball lightning is typically observed during thunderstorms or shortly after, and often when people are in close proximity to a lightning strike, which is not the case for UFOs. He questions whether all fair-weather UFO sightings are definitively not ball lightning, given the incomplete understanding of ball lightning formation. He points out the prejudice against UFO reports, as scientific journals publish ball lightning accounts based on eyewitnesses, but similar UFO cases are not accorded the same respect. The article concludes that if the "plasma" hypothesis is to explain UFOs, new ideas about ball lightning formation or a new plasma phenomenon not requiring thunderstorms are needed.

Uforum

Ken Phillips writes to announce his resignation as NIC (National Investigations Committee) investigator due to increasing financial difficulties. He clarifies that this was not due to Bufora's Council but to his personal insolvency, struggling with postage, stationery, and phone bills. He notes the country experienced a high UFO reporting rate, and his delays in initiating investigations became unacceptable. He thanks those who assisted him and expresses hope that his successor, Larry Dale, will continue the work satisfactorily.

The Long Search

On November 7, 1977, BBC 2 aired a program in "The Long Search" series that examined different types of religions. The article notes that a great deal has been written by numerous authors about possible UFO connections between ancient texts, paintings, and during an episode, an Indonesian island inhabited by people known as the Tarajas was visited. Points raised that could have UFO connections include the Tarajas' belief in "Ancestors in starships coming from the sky" and that souls of the dead are sent to the stars. The article also mentions the "Daiarter spirits" described as small yellow people and "The Ancestors" who watched from the sky. It concludes that examining ancient texts reveals much that could be related to UFOs.

Letter from S C Battman

S C Battman of Basingstoke writes about the "Uforum" section, referencing the BBC 2 program "The Long Search" and its exploration of UFO connections in ancient texts and cultures, specifically mentioning the Tarajas of Indonesia.

Letter from L Taylor

L Taylor writes a speculative letter from the perspective of an alien investigator, "+orfon c2206a," tasked with researching "Flying Saucers." The alien notes a correlation between positive responses to the question "Do you believe in Flying Saucers?" and humans asked on Wednesday evenings. The alien observes that humans grow in size and are produced by larger ones through a process called "giving birth." The alien attempted to collect statistics on this, encountering various responses from humans, including belligerence, leading to an encounter with a "law-enforcement type" who advised the alien to return to its spaceship. The alien concludes that there seems to be a correlation between "giving birth" and the type of garments worn by humans.

Bufora Lecture Recordings

Information is provided about Bufora Lecture Recordings, Volume 6, No 1, listing titles available from Robin Lindsey. Members are advised to send for this issue or write to R J Lindsey for information on titles subsequent to February 1977.

MAPIT

MAPIT (Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team) is compiling a catalogue of Cheshire East sightings. They are seeking help with material and provide contact details for David L Rees.

Sighting Summaries

This extensive section, presented by Pauline Grego, lists numerous UFO sightings with detailed information, including Code No., Date, Time, Place, Report, Class, and Investigator/Credit. The entries span from 1924 to 1977 and cover a wide range of locations across the UK. The reports describe various objects, shapes, colors, and behaviors, such as "Object with 'two tails'," "Hovering cigar," "Pure white' circle," "Elongated saucer," "Discoid with cupola," "Turquoise rugby ball," "Bright hazy light," "Grey flame with ball structures," "Stationary white oval," "Orange disc," "Two pear-shaped objects," "Disc with coloured lights," "Two dark-grey objects," "Silver disc," "Ebony-black object," "Disc with lights," "One and six humming discs," "Pink cylinder," "Red and white lits," "White silvery object," "White-orange light," "Bright vanishing 'star'," "Blue lits," "Spinning object," and "Saucer' with red lights and aerial."

Specific entries include:

• 75-264 (Workington, Cumbria): A witness saw a "machine-like craft" with a twelve-foot high tail, twenty-five-foot fuselage, and ball structures, which vanished in a smoky cloud.
• 76-393 (Hayling Island, Hants): A witness saw a red light during a thunderstorm, which appeared to be a solid-bodied object flying across the Solent.
• 77-046 (Rutherglen, Glasgow): A witness observed a triangular, blue object with a turquoise glow moving slowly, stopping, and then speeding off northwards at fantastic speed.
• 77-047 (Pangbourne, Beds): Three witnesses saw three objects like balls of fire hovering and then moving away to the north-east at high speed.
• 77-082 (Tadworth, Surrey): Witnesses saw a white light that became very bright and pulsated rapidly.
• 77-088 (Bromley, Kent): Witnesses sighted a triangular, yellowish object moving soundlessly, which disappeared completely.
• 77-110 (Hersham, Surrey): A witness saw a small, intense light moving irregularly, which stopped, flared up with a red ellipse and blue aura, and then vanished.
• 77-113 (Cleethorpes, Lincs): A witness saw a sharply defined black object, initially round then oval, traveling noiselessly across the sky at an estimated height of 1,000 feet.

BUFORA NOTTINGHAM CONFERENCE

Details are provided for BUFORA's third weekend National Conference, scheduled for April 15-16, 1978, at the George Hotel, George Street, Nottingham. Speakers and papers booked include:

• Extra-terrestrial Studies: "Zeta Reticulans-a study of Betty and Barney Hill's alleged interstellar travellers" by David Viewing, and "Exobiological Concepts and the Search for Extra-terrestrial Life-forms" by John Armitage.
• Research Projects: "The Vehicle Interference Project" and "Radar Cases Project."
• Field Investigations: An illustrated report on "intensive UFO events in Pembrokeshire in early '77" by Tony Pace.
• UFO Detection Techniques: "Project on Radio Noise Monitoring" by Larry Dale, and a session on "Magnetometers and other instruments for possible UFO detection." John Hind, Mark Stenhoff, and Arnold West are also listed as speakers.

SPACEQUEST

An advertisement for "SPACEQUEST," a new bi-monthly magazine on Cosmology, UFOs, Space Travel and Astronomy. Issue No 1 includes "UFO Hotline-How to talk to Spacemen" and "Sky Diary." Subscription details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the scientific investigation of these events. There is a clear effort to present eyewitness accounts and research findings, while also acknowledging the challenges and skepticism within the scientific community. The magazine appears to advocate for a serious, albeit open-minded, approach to UFO research, as evidenced by the detailed "Sighting Summaries" and the discussion of ball lightning as a potential parallel phenomenon. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging further investigation and open discussion, as seen in the "Uforum" section and the call for contributions to MAPIT. The inclusion of the BUFORA conference details further emphasizes the organization's commitment to promoting research and discussion in the field of UFOlogy.

This issue of the P & O Wireless News, dated November 1977, is the 100th issue produced by the UFO Newsclipping Service. It includes US and world-wide UFO reports, many from Britain, along with Forteana. Subscription details for the service are provided, with contact information for Lucius Farish at the UFO Newsclipping Service in Plumervile, Arkansas, USA.

Acapulco Incident

Peter Hill of Bufora, Edinburgh, submitted an item from the P & O Wireless News of 18 August 1977, detailing an alleged incident near Acapulco, Mexico. A man reported seeing an unidentified flying object hovering over his chicken run. He attempted to discourage the object by firing a shotgun. His wife stated she saw a bright light strike her husband before the craft departed at high speed. The man later went to a restaurant and, during the evening, his ears reportedly fell off. He claimed to feel no pain, but other parts of his face disintegrated before an ambulance arrived. He was dead on arrival at the hospital, with doctors attributing his condition to strong radiation burns. The editor solicits further information on this alleged incident.

Memoranda and Contacts

A memo is directed to all RICs (Regional Investigation Centres), requesting confirmation of receipt of ID cards and advising on the system for RIC/Investigator contact. L Dale, National Investigations Co-ordinator, provides contact details in St Paul's Cray, Kent, England.

Personal Column and Publications

The "Personal Column" section features various listings and advertisements:

• Catastrophist Geology: A journal of academic level that includes UFO research, with inquiries directed to an address in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
• The Cosmonauts 1977: A 75-page booklet detailing the personal and career information of Soviet Union cosmonauts, available from Gordon R Hooper in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, England.
• Michael Hervey: Author of 'UFOs Over the Southern Hemisphere', seeking newspaper cuttings and old UFO journals. Contact details are provided for Drummoyne, NSW, Australia.
• Adamski-Venusian Scout UFO pictures: Available in gloss or matt, with SAE or international reply coupon requested from R Lawrence in London, England.
• The Universal Panufogis League: Information on their publication, 'The Panufologist Unorthodox Quarterly' ($6 per year), is available from Larry Stephens in Midwest City, Oklahoma, USA.
• Cassette Tapes: Skyquest offers several cassette tapes including 'UFOs & YOU', 'UFOS OVER ENGLAND', 'SKY EXPLORING-AROUND POLARIS', and 'OUR SOLAR SYSTEM', with prices listed in GBP and USD. Orders can be sent to Norman Oliver at Skyquest in London, England.
• Skywatch UFO Detector: A magnetic needle type detector with a latching circuit and audio alarm is advertised for £9.00. Stamped addressed envelope for explanatory literature is requested from Malcolm Jay in Chingford, England. A disclaimer notes that 'successful' does not guarantee UFO sightings but that purchasers' names are quoted in Malcolm's literature.

Books and Leaflets

Page 2 lists several books and leaflets available from Arnold West at Bufora Publications in Burgess Hill, Sussex, England. Prices are listed for members and non-members, including postage:

• Guide to the UFO Phenomenon (45p/65p)
• The Use of Analytical Instruments in the Search for Extra-terrestrial Spacecraft by David Viewing (30p/50p)
• Investigation Procedures by Trevor Whitaker (30p/50p)
• An Engineer's Look at UFO's by Leonard Cramp (30p/50p)
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (edited by Ted Bloecher, CF Lockwood & AR Pace) (60p/70p)
• Articles of Association (£1.25 for members only)
• Bufora Journals (back numbers) (35p/50p)

Photocopies of journals may also be supplied at cost.

The British UFO Research Association

Information is provided about The British UFO Research Association (Bufora Limited), founded in 1964. Its registered office is in Nottingham, England. The association aims to promote unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena, collect and disseminate evidence, and co-ordinate UFO research. Annual membership is £5.00 ($10 in the USA and Canada) and is open to all who support the aims and are approved by the Executive Council. Application forms can be obtained from any officer. Burnett's Printing Works in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, is listed as the printer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to serve as a hub for UFO enthusiasts, researchers, and investigators, facilitating the exchange of information, reports, and publications. It highlights various UFO research groups, publications, and equipment. The editorial stance is one of encouraging investigation and information sharing within the UFO community, as evidenced by the "Personal Column" and the solicitation for further details on the Acapulco incident. The inclusion of contact details for numerous individuals and organizations suggests a focus on networking and community building within the field of ufology.