BUFORA Journal - Volume 07 No 01 - MayJun 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: Bufora Journal
Issue: Vol 7 No 1
Date: May/June 1978
Publisher: British UFO Research Association

This issue of the Bufora Journal, published by the British UFO Research Association, features a range of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, research, and skeptical viewpoints. The cover art depicts an "'Easter Egg' and Hovering Humanoid" with a reference to a "Report-Extra!" The journal includes organizational details, contact information for various departments and branches, and advertising rates.

Editorial: Irrational Sceptics?

The editorial addresses the rise of groups like "The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims for the Paranormal," which includes prominent figures such as Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan. The editorial criticizes their aim to refute 'pseudo-science,' including Ufology, and their concern that 'irrational thought' might spread into social and political spheres. It argues that while legitimate scientific claims should be defended, attempts to suppress paranormal possibilities or dismiss them based on magicians' abilities constitute irrational thinking. The editorial expresses hope that this will not lead to a "MacCarthy-style witchhunt."

CCE111s?

This section discusses the phenomenon of "contactee" cases, noting the number of researchers who have interviewed individuals claiming contact. It introduces a new classification, "CCE111 - Copyright Contactee," for cases where investigators seem to focus on isolating the contactee, suggesting a potential for exploitation or control.

Bufora Conference 1978

A report on the National UFO Research and Investigations Conference, sponsored by Bufora and held in Nottingham on April 15-16, 1978. The conference was deemed a success with thirteen speakers and approximately 175 attendees. The event was hosted by the Midlands UFO Research Organisation (MURO). Papers covered various hypotheses, including a Danish Time Law Analysis of UFO Sightings and a presentation by Dr. Richard Haines on UFO shapes and witness descriptions. A full report with photographs is promised for the next issue.

Calling all members

This section appeals to Bufora members to actively report UFO sightings by sending newspaper cuttings or photocopies to designated contacts. It highlights the importance of timely reporting while facts are fresh and mentions the organization's subscription to a Press Cutting Agency.

Book Reviews

• Gods and Spacemen Throughout History by W. Raymond Drake: Reviewed positively as a paperback edition that delves into ancient astronaut themes, historical references, and mythological connections. The reviewer, Norman Oliver, recommends it for its thorough research and balanced approach.
• PHENOMENA: A Book of Wonders by John Mitchell and Robert JM Rickard: Described as a fascinating overview of various mysteries, including UFOs, fringe attractions, and unusual phenomena. The book is praised for its lucid writing, extensive research, and original thinking, though a warning is given about some gruesome details.
• The Cosmonauts 1977: A privately published handbook providing detailed personal and career information on thirty-nine Russian Cosmonauts. It is noted as unique and valuable background material, with an updated issue planned.

The Naas UFO

This is a detailed report of an incident that occurred on October 31, 1976, involving four members of the (then) Irish Branch of Bufora who visited Huntington Castle. The report, taken from "Isian News," describes a ritualistic meditation session led by Olivia Robertson, aiming to contact "space people." The participants visualized a golden disc. The report continues with extracts from a letter by Thomas Higgins detailing a subsequent sighting in Naas, Ireland, on November 4, 1976. During an interview, the witnesses observed a UFO, followed it, and one member, Chris Gaffney, managed to photograph it. The object is described as extremely large, very bright red, and noiseless.

Points from the Press

This section compiles numerous UFO reports from various British local newspapers, including:

• The Hinkley Times: Reports a sighting of a blue glowing object, later described as an oval saucer-shaped object with a dull red glow.
• The Leicester Mercury: Details a noiseless delta-shaped object with red, blue, and yellow lights seen over Braunstone.
• The Northampton Chronicle and Echo: Covers sightings of a white illuminated cigar shape and a ball of orange fire with a silver metal piece over Duston.
• The Surrey Herald: Features an article on Sqn Ldr Denis Shipwright, a Bufora member, and his 1967 UFO sighting, noting the object's appearance in subsequent photographs.
• The Herald of Wales: Mentions Clive Edwards, a Bufora member, who developed instructions for UFO spotters.
• The Herald Express (Torquay): Suggests a reported UFO over Shaldon was likely a Russian satellite.
• The Northern Echo: Recounts a frightening experience of Paul Lewis, who saw a bright white light that bathed his car in orange light.
• The Yorkshire Post: Features an article on Yorkshire's UFO investigators and their leader, Trevor Whitaker.
• The Kentish Independent: Reports sightings of two cigar-shaped objects, one horizontal and one vertical, over the Woolwich Ferry, and another cigar-shaped object with white lights.
• The Sevenoaks Chronicle: Briefly mentions a bright stationary light seen by two couples.
• The Essex Chronicle: Describes a couple seeing a "conventional flying saucer" near Chelmsford, with a DC8 landing at Stansted suggested as a possible explanation.
• The Thurrock Gazette: Reports a "saucer circus" with sightings of silver objects and spotlights.
• The Hereford Times: Explains a recent UFO sighting over Bromyard as a weather balloon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the role of skepticism in UFO research, and the experiences of contactees. The journal also highlights the activities of Bufora, its branches, and its members in disseminating information and encouraging public engagement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena while critically examining both overly credulous beliefs and dismissive skepticism. The journal aims to provide a platform for members and researchers to share findings and discuss various aspects of the UFO mystery.

This issue of 'Report-Extra !' is a special report focusing on UFO sightings, primarily from the 1970s, with a significant emphasis on the 'Motorway Monster' incident. The magazine compiles various accounts from different regions of the UK, detailing witness testimonies, object characteristics, and the investigative efforts of organizations like Bufora.

Key Incidents and Reports

Motorway Monster

The lead story, 'Motorway Monster,' details an extraordinary encounter on the M4 motorway on October 25, 1977. Witnesses Colin Stone and Lawrence Hill reported seeing a large, elliptical craft with bright white lights and red/green lights on its underside. The object paced their car for over five hours, sometimes at treetop level, emitting a 'pulsating hum' and a 'cold rush of air.' The craft also exhibited an 'electrical discharge' and 'two smaller red spheres.' The witnesses experienced a 'rough pulling' of their car's engine when restarting on both occasions they stopped.

Later, the same witnesses saw the UFO again on minor roads, described as a very bright white light, pacing them. The incident lasted from approximately 7 pm to 10:30 pm.

Other Sightings Across the UK

The issue presents a collection of other UFO reports from various newspapers and investigations:

• The Derbyshire Times (February 10): Two schoolgirls and four others reported a saucer-shaped object hanging in the sky, with a bright white object hovering noiselessly before moving towards Sheffield. A spokesman for Bufora confirmed they were investigating.
• The St Helens Reporter (February 10): Two readers saw a boomerang-shaped object, glowing white and hovering, which then rapidly accelerated out of sight. Another man reported two huge bright gold objects, larger than aircraft, flying towards Liverpool.
• The Huddersfield Daily Examiner (February 9): A reporter described a bright pink light moving east. Police officers claimed to have seen UFOs over the moors, including one like a bright star with red and blue sparks. A 12-year-old boy saw an object about 50 feet long and 10 feet high with beaming red lights hovering above a house.
• The Daily Express (February 13): Two company directors reported a large cigar-shaped machine, at least 20 feet long, crossing their path near the 'Welsh Triangle.' It made no sound and flew low.
• The Western Mail (February 17): An account of Randall Jones Pugh investigating strange quartz-like crystals believed to have dropped from the sky during a hailstorm in Haverfordwest. Some crystals changed color and generated heat.
• The Sussex Express (February 17): A spread on UFO cases, including a bright glow over Hailsham emitting a humming sound. A witness described it as oval-shaped with three red lights and a ring of lights around the outside.
• The Sun and Daily Express (February 21): Both commenced series on UFOs, with the Daily Express serializing 'Close Encounters' and quoting UFO cases supplied by Bufora. The Express received an overwhelming response from readers sending in experiences.
• The Surrey Herald (February): A mysterious object, long and rounded, giving off a shimmering light, was described as 'highly unusual' by Norman Oliver. A woman passenger saw it flying very low and much faster than normal aircraft.
• Evening News (February 28): An article on Britain's 'only official UFO investigator,' a MoD female clerk who scrutinizes reports but does not investigate further unless relevant to national defence.
• Walthamstow Dome (July 22, 1977): Charles Hayward saw a dome-shaped object, white with green and red bands, descend vertically and vanish behind factory buildings.
• Glowing Green Circles (August 30, 1977): A Barnet housewife reported seeing two green, glowing circles, tennis ball size, that shone through her fingers. Electrical appliances subsequently failed.
• Melberby 'Aluminium van' (April 12, 1977): Mr K Morton and his daughter saw something like a large aluminium van in a field near Penrith. It rose vertically, sank, rose again, and then sank below the horizon, shining like aluminium in sunlight. The next day, the tops of spruce trees in a nearby wood were found broken off.
• Kirkintilloch Black Oval (December 13, 1977): A twenty-year-old amateur astronomer saw a black oval shape that descended towards a house, circled, and then shot away very fast with a 'burring sound.' A 'kind of domed light' protruded from its underside.
• Barnoldswick Object (1977, approx. 8 am): Anne Pickover saw a silvery cigar-shaped object with a dark band around its center, moving slowly and silently towards Gisburn.
• Gillingham V-Shape (December 12, 1977): A very bright light grew dimmer, then a small piece came off and moved away. Later, a 'sideways V-shape' object with small lights was observed for about three-quarters of an hour.
• 'Easter Egg' and Hovering Humanoid (April 7, 1977): A witness in the Milford Haven area reported a large orange light enclosing two silvery objects: one like a large 'Easter Egg' moving like a pendulum, and another described as a 'man' in a silvery boiler suit, hovering motionless.
• 'Bridge Roll' over Borough Green (September 3, 1977): Mrs Pamela Bance saw a large, bright orangey-coloured object, 'about the size of a terrace house,' with two black headlights, which hovered and then moved away.
• Bexhill 'Cereal-bowl' (January 3, 1978): Mrs H reported a 'funny shape with lots of orange lights' hovering over houses, which then became brilliant and took off like a discus, appearing like an upside-down cereal bowl. A nearby tree was enveloped in flames momentarily.
• UFO near Bentley Colliery (January 3, 1978): Paul Strutt saw a large object with red lights on the ground, the top half spinning and a bright light in the center flashing on and off. It made a noise like a Hoover and was heard landing and taking off. The weather was windy with unusual lightning effects.

Physical Data Section (PDS)

Bufora had two departments, Traces Section and PAID, to study material evidence and UFO photographs/films. These were closed, and a new initiative, the Physical Data Section (PDS), was formed with Ken Phillips as the coordinator. The PDS accepts all incoming evidence, assigns unique numbers, logs data, and forwards materials for analysis. Once analyzed, the material and a synopsis are returned to the donor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sheer volume and variety of UFO sightings reported across the UK, the consistent descriptions of unusual aerial objects, and the ongoing efforts by organizations like Bufora to investigate and document these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious reporting and investigation, presenting witness accounts with a degree of credibility, while also acknowledging the challenges of analysis and the possibility of misidentification, as noted by Trevor Whitaker of Bufora.

The magazine highlights the persistent nature of the UFO phenomenon, with reports spanning several years and diverse geographical locations. The detailed descriptions of object shapes, colors, behaviors, and speeds underscore the unusual nature of these sightings. The inclusion of the PDS system indicates a structured approach to gathering and analyzing evidence, suggesting a commitment to understanding the phenomenon beyond mere anecdotal reporting.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 28, Number 2, dated 1982, with a cover price of £1.50, focuses on the United Nations' involvement with UFOs, a specific sighting in Heywood, UK, and other related phenomena. The magazine features a diagram of a flying saucer on its cover, along with the headline "THE UN AND UFOs."

Heywood 'Saucer' 1972

The issue details a sighting that occurred on March 21, 1972, at 8 pm, near Heywood, Lancs. Alan Brown, aged 31, reported seeing two red lights approaching from the north-east. As the object came closer, he described it as shaped like an inverted saucer with a cupola on top, approximately 80-90 feet in diameter. It had a metal collar with three portholes and was gunmetal grey or pewter in colour. A bright flashing red light was atop the cupola, and a dimmer static red light was on the lower rear rim. The object made no noise and emitted no exhaust. It flew above and followed electricity pylons for about a minute before turning and flying out of sight. Brown's dog showed no unusual behaviour.

The Hale & Pike 'Non-UFOs'

This section, presented by Inv K Phillips, discusses two cases that are notable for not directly involving UFO craft. Ken Phillips, formerly of BUFORA's NIC and now in charge of the Physical Data Section, has been investigating such cases.

Now you see it

On October 31, 1977, Mr Hale, aged 32, of Brickendon, Herts, was returning home on his motorcycle when he noticed a strange rectangular structure resting in the middle of a ploughed field. He observed two rows of dark areas on the object, which was otherwise off-white. He continued on his way, keeping the object in view for a few seconds longer. Upon further reflection, Hale reported the incident to the local press, and extensive inquiries by Ken Phillips could not positively identify the object or independently confirm the sighting.

Now you don't!

This case involves Dennis Pike, aged 25, who reported seeing an oval amber light on October 31, 1977, and a similar light on November 2, 1977. He decided to investigate and drove his car. During his drive, his car's lights and radio failed totally for nearly fifteen seconds, during which time he heard a high-pitched whistle. After the lights and radio returned, he saw two Land Rovers pass him at high speed. He then followed them back towards Ware. A diagram illustrates the location and circumstances of this event.

The UN and UFOs

This section details correspondence regarding the United Nations' stance on UFOs. The Chairman of Flying Saucer Review had written to the UN to ascertain their position on a request made by Sir Eric Gairy, Prime Minister of Grenada, for a top-level UN inquiry into UFOs. The reply, dated March 1, 1978, from Lubos Perek, Chief of the Outer Space Affairs Division, UN, states that the General Assembly decided to canvass the views of Member States concerning UFOs for possible future consideration. A copy of Decision 32/424 is attached, which outlines the process for establishing an agency or department for research into unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. The General Assembly had taken note of statements made by the Prime Minister of Grenada and requested the Secretary-General to transmit the draft resolution to Member States.

Uforum

This section contains letters from readers.

G Murphy, Huddersfield

G. Murphy writes about a private aircraft powered by jet engines on arms attached to a steel cabin, which emits a light blue gas when in use. He claims this ozone jet engine was built in the 1930s and that he is the patentee of this jet motor. He explains that the gas circulates around the aircraft, making it undetectable by radar. He warns that the gas can cause skin rot, affect the lungs, and is lethal. He also mentions the high voltage used in the jets.

The editor notes that he has not seen any reports in the last six months that would be consonant with the type of craft described by Mr Murphy.

A Pitts, London, SW17

A. Pitts expresses hope that the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" will herald a more sensible era of opinion regarding UFOs, suggesting that extra-terrestrial intelligent life exists and that beings may be keeping Earth under surveillance. He speculates about their origins, possibly from other dimensions or bases within the Earth and under the oceans. Pitts also mentions his pleasure in seeing items on the fringes of UFO study in the journal and advises readers to maintain an open mind.

R Gaskell, Dorset

R. Gaskell writes that he has become tired of 'nuts and bolts' UFO reports and encounters with strange beings. He believes that ufologists limiting themselves to a materialist enquiry are restricting themselves. He suggests that UFOs should be viewed as part of the expanding consciousness of the 'New Age,' involving non-material beings, thought forms, and unknown energies.

P W, Essex

P.W. writes about his interest in Quasi-Corporeal Manifestations (Humanoids) and their relationship to parapsychological models and archetypal symbolism. He discusses how case histories of certain forms of Folie a deux seem relevant. He states that his research is concerned with the manifestation of phenomena and symbols found in ancient cultures, literature, and paranormal experience. He emphasizes that interpretation is often singular rather than pluralistic and 'apperceptive,' based on the totality of conscious and unconscious forms. He suggests seeking beyond apparent interpretation to the 'unreal' that Western sanity denies.

Sighting Summaries

This extensive section presents a table of UFO sightings, coded by number, date, time, place, report description, class, and investigator/credit. The sightings span from 1974 to 1978 and cover numerous locations across the UK and one in Haifa, Israel. The reports describe various objects, including silver reflecting objects, bright red diamonds, orange/red round objects, maneuvering lights, elongated ovals, bright lights, round objects, blue-white objects with tails, ball-like silver objects, metallic saucers, blobs of light, and various coloured lights.

Betty Hill and a Cornfield

This section revisits Betty Hill, known for her abduction experience in 1961 with her husband Barney. Now 57, she claims UFO landings have become a regular feature in the Kingston, New Hampshire area. She has seen many UFOs, both aerial and landed, but has kept the exact location private to avoid excessive traffic. Her mother, Mrs Florence Barrett, confirms her claims. On the night of October 9-10, 1977, a reporter from the Daily Democrat, an Associated Press representative, and a University of New Hampshire student with his family were taken to the site. The student, David Leuser, a graduate-psychology instructor, stated that on earlier visits, they saw strange patterns of light, like spotlights coming from the ground. On one occasion, David's wife Maria reported a light illuminating their car as they drove away.

Reddish object

The cornfield area is surrounded by woods and swamps. The reporters saw several lights, some identified as planes, and one reddish object with a bright white light that approached and then vanished, remaining unidentified. Neither reporter admitted to sighting a UFO, though the article suggests they might have by literal definition.

Refuted

John Oswald of the Illinois-based Center for UFO Studies, while believing UFOs exist and appear to be piloted spacecraft, does not agree with Betty Hill's claims. He is quoted as saying she is "seeing things that are not UFOs" and "couldn't distinguish between a landed UFO and a streetlight." However, Oswald still considers the Hills' original 'abduction' to be highly credible.

"Hamburger "

The article notes that Betty's claims of seeing up to eight UFOs a night will likely be disputed, with many misidentifications expected. It mentions a claim of seeing something that looked like a "giant Hamburger bun burping out little burgers."

Another "Warminster"?

The author recounts a visit to Warminster, noting a mixture of thoughts and feelings, with some claims sounding outrageous and others being mistaken reports of ordinary objects. Some researchers seemed to be preparing hoaxes, yet there was a residue of 'hard-core' cases. The author suggests that Kingston, USA, could become a "Warminster" in the States.

Letters to the Editor

There is an apology to readers who have not received replies to their recent letters, explaining that the recent 'flap period' has been time-consuming.

UFO Newsclipping Service

This section advertises the UFO Newsclipping Service, which provides UFO reports from the United States and around the world, reproduced from international press clippings since 1969. It highlights that many fascinating reports are only published in smaller newspapers. The service offers monthly 20-page reports and English translations of foreign language reports. Contact information is provided for subscription inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed UFO sightings, the official stance of international bodies like the UN on UFO research, and the exploration of the more esoteric aspects of the UFO phenomenon, such as non-material beings and consciousness expansion. The magazine also addresses 'Non-UFO' reports and cases that challenge conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various reports and opinions while encouraging readers to consider different interpretations of anomalous phenomena, from the materialist to the more speculative.

This document, titled 'Exchange Publications', appears to be a section from the Bufora Journal, listing various overseas publications and organizations that engage in exchanges. It serves as a directory for individuals interested in international UFO research and literature.

Exchange Publications List

The primary content is a comprehensive list of international UFO-related publications and research organizations. Each entry includes the organization's name and its postal address, facilitating contact for those seeking to subscribe, exchange journals, or learn more about their work. The list spans multiple countries, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, and New Zealand.

Notable organizations and publications mentioned include:

• Argentina: A O A International, CEFAI, Umbral Cero.
• Australia: Australian FSRS Magazine, Australian FSR (Victoria), Australian International Flying Saucer (UFO) Research, Center for UFO Studies, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre, UFOIC Newsletter, Psychic Australian.
• Belgium: INFORESPACE, SOBEPS.
• Brazil: SBEDV.
• Canada: UFORUM, UFO CANADA, Canadian UFO Research Association.
• Denmark: Skandinavisk UFO Information, UFORALIA (Dansk UFO Center), FUFOS.
• France: UFOLOGIA-CFRU, OURANOS, BULLETIN du GEOS, PHENOMENES SPATIAUX.
• Germany: UFO NACHRICHTEN, CENAP.
• Holland: VLIEGENDRE SCHOTEL NIEUWS.
• Italy: CENTRO UFOLOGICO NAZIONALE (CUN), CLYPEUS, NOTIZARIO UFO.
• New Zealand: SPACEVIEW.

The list is noted as being continued in the next issue, indicated by the Roman numeral 'iii' at the bottom of the page.

Spacequest Magazine

A separate section introduces 'SPACEQUEST', described as a new bi-monthly magazine on UFOs, Space Travel, and Cosmology. It features 28 large gloss pages and is available for 60p per copy or £4.50 annually (£1.25 per copy or $8.50 annually for US customers). Subscriptions can be sent to the Subscription Dept, Spacequest, P.O. Box 400, Kings Langley, Herts, England.

Books and Leaflets

This section lists various books and leaflets available from Bufora Publications, with prices for members and non-members. Titles include:

• Guide to the UFO Phenomenon
• The Use of Analytical Instruments in the Search for Extra-terrestrial Spacecraft
• Investigation Procedures
• An Engineer's Look at UFO's
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind
• 1976 Conference Proceedings
• Bufora Journals (back numbers)

It is noted that only photocopies of journals may be supplied in some cases. All publications are available post free from Arnold West, Bufora Publications, 16 Southway, Burgess Hill, Sussex RH15 9ST.

Personal Column

This section provides contact details for specific requests:

• UFO Photos: For details, send a stamped addressed envelope (SAE) to R Lawrence, 47 Belsize Square, London, NW3, England.
• Close Encounter Cassette Tapes (C60): Available from 1 July, with many CE11 and CE111 titles. Send for details to Skyquest (B), 95 Taunton Road, London, SE12 8PA.
• Skywatch UFO Detector: A magnetic needle type detector is advertised for £9.00. Stamped addressed envelope for explanatory literature to Malcolm Jay, 102 Nelson Road, Chingford E4 9AS. A disclaimer notes that 'successful' does not guarantee seeing a UFO, but Malcolm's literature quotes purchasers.

The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA)

This subsection provides detailed information about BUFORA:

• Legal Status: Bufora Limited (by guarantee), founded in 1964. Registered Office: Hazelmont House, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham. Registered in London: 1234924.
• Incorporations: Incorporates the London UFO Research Organisation (founded 1959) and the British UFO Association (founded 1962).
• Aims: To encourage and promote unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena, collect and disseminate evidence and data, co-ordinate UFO research nationwide, and co-operate with similar organizations globally.
• Membership: Annual subscription is £5.00, $10 in the USA and Canada. Membership is open to all who support the aims and are approved by the Executive Council. Application/information forms are available from any officer.
• Contact: Associated with Burnett's Printing Works, Cyprus Rd, Burgess Hill, W Sussex. Tel. B. Hill 3126 (STD 044 46).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's primary theme is the dissemination of information related to UFO research and literature, acting as a hub for connecting researchers and enthusiasts with relevant publications and organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and facilitating UFO research through information sharing and providing resources. There is a clear emphasis on international cooperation and the availability of various research materials, from magazines and books to audio cassettes and detection devices.