BUFORA Journal - Volume 07 No 04 - NovDec 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Vol 7 No 4
Date: November/December 1978
Publisher: British UFO Research Association
Country: UK
ISSN: 0306 798X

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, published by the British UFO Research Association, delves into the intersection of psychic phenomena and UFOs, with a significant focus on the historical hauntings at Borley Rectory. It also features a collection of recent UFO sightings reported in the press and highlights the activities of prominent figures in the UFO research community.

Editorial

Drawing the line

In his editorial, Norman Oliver, the Journal editor, addresses the challenge of distinguishing between genuine UFO experiences and other phenomena, acknowledging the difficulty in drawing a definitive line. He emphasizes that while researchers should not dismiss possibilities, developing a speciality within the field is crucial to avoid superficial knowledge. Oliver suggests that the truth about UFOs may only be revealed when 'invisible forces' decide to allow it.

Moving North?

This short piece notes the increasing number of UFO reports emerging from the Isle of Anglesey, suggesting it is becoming a hotspot comparable to Pembrokeshire. It mentions ongoing investigations into sightings from Llanerchymedd and claims of 'silver-grey suited men,' humorously speculating whether the winter might bring sasquatch reports from Snowdonia.

Articles and Features

From Ghosts to UFOs - Part 2-Borley

Authored by Paul Devos, this extensive article explores the controversial history of the Borley Rectory haunting, examining its potential links to UFO phenomena. Devos traces the history of the Rectory from its construction in 1863, detailing the reported hauntings, including those of a phantom nun and coach-and-horses, which were present even before the house was built. The article highlights the involvement of Harry Price, a renowned 'ghost-hunter,' who conducted investigations from 1929 until his death in 1948. Price's work, including his books 'The Most Haunted House in England' and 'The End of Borley Rectory,' is discussed. The Rectory was destroyed by fire in 1939, but phenomena were reportedly seen even during the blaze. Devos asserts his personal conviction that the Borley Case presents a genuine mystery requiring an answer.

The article then substantiates speculations about UFO activity at Borley by presenting several instances of electromagnetic and other phenomena that could be interpreted as evidence of UFOs. These include:

• March 1947: Dr C P Hilton-Rowe's photo-electric cell exposure meter malfunctioned inexplicably at the Rectory site.
• April 8, 1961: Three witnesses observed bright lights, heard footsteps, and experienced simultaneous failures of torches, car headlights, and a flashlight camera near the churchyard. They also reported seeing pin-points of light hovering over the garden.
• 1967: Four individuals reported seeing a 'luminous white figure' or 'patch' in the churchyard, and their car engine failed to start.
• During the Smith occupancy: Mrs Smith reported seeing strange lights in rooms, visible from outside but absent when investigated.
• February 27, 1939: During the fire that destroyed the Rectory, strange figures were seen walking through the flames.
• August 20, 1949: A party from the Ealing Society reported a strong white light emanating from a tree branch.
• April 1951: Mr & Mrs R Bacon reported a 'glow' hovering in their bedroom and whirling circles of light.
• May 1970: Investigators recorded the sound of voices in the locked and empty church.
• June 20, 1970: Two investigators saw a light moving towards the altar within the chancel windows.
• May 1970: During an all-night vigil, innumerable pin-points of light were observed.

Devos notes that these E-M phenomena often occurred in conjunction with unexplained 'strange lights.' He also includes a report from July 1966 where witnesses heard footsteps and saw a 'vaguely human shape' near the Rectory site, with differing descriptions among the observers, raising questions about the subjectivity of such experiences and their parallels with UFO sighting accounts.

The article concludes by suggesting that the lights reported at Borley resemble 'thinking-globes' or 'thought-discs,' which are presented as a well-attested but often ignored aspect of the UFO phenomenon. Devos posits that both Borley and Warminster have become 'Meccas' for researchers, and perhaps the forces responsible for the phenomena at both locations are able to 'feed off the energies of these visitors.' He reflects that despite decades of research by leading societies, the truth remains elusive, and may only be known when 'invisible forces' decide to reveal it.

Points from the Press

This section, compiled by Valerie Martin, collates recent UFO-related news items from various UK newspapers:

• The Surrey and Hants News (May 23): Featured student David Firmage's film on recent UFO sightings, noting that most witnesses are reluctant to speak due to fear of ridicule.
• The Evening Post (June 5): Reported on the West Country UFO Research Association observing odd lights over Worlebury Hill, including a bright intense light that ascended and descended, and other stationary or moving lights.
• The Evening Sentinel (June 14): Described a yellow disc seen near Stafford that stopped, performed a high-speed manoeuvre, and stopped again, followed by another object sighting.
• The Barking and Dagenham Advertiser (June 16): Announced an exhibition by the Dagenham Paranormal Research Group.
• The Kent and Sussex Courier (June 9): Published a letter from Doris Mason describing UFOs seen regularly over 2-3 years, characterized as 'skeleton steel' or 'glittering aeroplanes' with lights, which she was told were satellites.
• The Evening News (June 30): Reported on red and white lights seen in Sittingbourne, which hovered and moved slowly, sometimes joined by other lights. Police inquiries confirmed no military exercises were in the area.
• The Observer (July 23): Mentioned the potential creation of a UN agency to study UFOs.
• The Dorset Evening Echo (July 4-5): Reported UFO sightings over Weymouth and Portland, including a cigar-shaped object changing colour and a large white object described as 'like a big sheet.' A spokesman at Portland Naval Base cited flares from a night exercise and a helicopter.
• The Evening Sentinel (July 24-25): Ran a two-part series on UFOs, interviewing investigator Terry Shotton and Dr Ron Maddison, who suggested UFOs are natural phenomena but admitted ball lightning is not easily understood.
• The Halifax Evening Courier (July 24): Reported on Trevor Whitaker investigating a 'blob of light' and a 'hook shape' over Norland Moor, noting that helicopters operated in the area.
• The North Devon Journal-Herald (July 20): Featured an article on UFOs, including Harold Cobley and his son's photographs of large strange objects, and coverage of Bufora investigators David Painting and Nicholas Dart.
• Weekend of 2-8 August: Recounted a Scottish farmer's experience of a bright red light, a disappearing object, and a high-pitched squeal near his farm.

British Authors: No. 3 The Earl of Clancarty

This section profiles The Earl of Clancarty (Brinsley Le Poer Trench), former editor of 'Flying Saucer Review' and a Vice-President of Bufora. It lists his extensive bibliography, including titles like 'The Sky People,' 'Men Among Mankind,' 'Forgotten Heritage,' 'The Flying Saucer Story,' 'Operation Earth,' 'The Eternal Subject,' and 'Secret of the Ages.' The article notes that The Earl of Clancarty has posed five questions for written answer about UFOs in the House of Lords and has put down a motion for debate calling for an increasing number of UFO reports to be addressed and for an inter-governmental study.

Other Sections

London Lectures

This section provides a schedule of upcoming lectures and meetings organized by Bufora, including an Annual General Meeting, presentations on 'Close Encounter Cases,' 'Ley Lines, UFOs and Ancient Sites,' and 'Close Encounters, Space and Sanity.'

Lending Library Restarting

An announcement regarding the restart of the Bufora book lending library, managed by Colin and Janet Andrews.

Recommended further reading

Suggests 'The Ghosts of Borley' by Peter Underwood and Paul Tabori.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO phenomena, the challenges in researching and verifying sightings, and the potential overlap between UFOs and traditional paranormal or psychic phenomena, particularly exemplified by the Borley Rectory case. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norman Oliver, advocates for specialized research and an open but critical mind, acknowledging the current limitations in understanding the UFO enigma. The journal appears to provide a platform for reporting and discussing a wide range of UFO-related accounts and research efforts within the UK.

This issue of 'Report-Extra !' from July/August 1978, presented by Norman Oliver, focuses on UFO investigations and reports, with a significant portion dedicated to the 'Paul Grant Affair,' investigated by Andy Collins. The magazine highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers who become subjects of investigation themselves, likening it to a 'police detective with a long criminal record.' Several reports are noted as being dated but recently investigated, with high-strangeness cases under ongoing investigation, though detailed reports are delayed.

The Paul Grant Affair

This section, a review by Norman Oliver of Andy Collins' report, details the experiences of Paul Grant, a researcher who allegedly became a focus for UFO entities. Collins introduced hypnotic regression, which helped to link previously seemingly unrelated incidents into a remarkable whole, described as one of the most remarkable experiences recorded in the British Isles. Collins' 100+ page report is anticipated to form the basis of a book on contactee situations. Details have been shared with researchers in the UK and USA, including Dr. Hynek.

Early Experiences and Surveillance

Paul Grant, born in 1952 on the London/Essex border, had early unusual experiences. At four years old, he and his family saw a 'cloud-like mass' in their living room. At ten, a large, round, dark object descended towards him in a playground. In October 1968, he encountered a 'man' who ran into an oncoming car and then disappeared. Starting UFO investigations in 1966, Grant reported being under surveillance from 1970 by a couple in a red sports car, later replaced by a white Vauxhall. This surveillance lasted for seven months, after which poltergeist activity began in his house, including thumping, banging doors, and 'presences.' The surveillance eventually ceased.

Barn Hill and Other Encounters

On May 11, 1974, near Barn Hill, Chingford, Grant and another investigator saw two figures in black gowns. Later, two closer forms appeared, and an object shaped like 'two ice cream cones' with red and white lights and a revolving blue light passed overhead, emitting a sonar-like noise. Photos were taken, but did not develop. The tops of trees over which the object hovered were found to be charred and stripped of bark. On August 10, 1974, Grant saw a similar figure to those at Barn Hill standing next to his garden shed. He crouched down and later developed a severe rash on his face, forehead, and hands, which eventually disappeared.

On March 10, 1976, Grant saw a featureless, light grey figure in his living room. The figure moved its head jerkily, and Grant received mental images of a domed, disc-shaped object and himself being moved towards it by two people. The figure then vanished.

'MIB's and Poltergeists'

Grant's UFO activities were suspended for a time, but by July 1977, he was actively involved again. He reported observing 'Baco-foil-clad humanoids' in Hainault Forest and received strange phone calls, including one from a Mr. Munroe who seemed aware of previous incidents.

Hypnosis Sessions

In January 1978, hypnosis was used to explore Grant's experiences. Childhood experiences were confirmed. During regression of the Barn Hill encounter, it was revealed that Grant's watch hands spun, and then stopped when the 'pinging' object was overhead. He recalled being in a 'dark room' where everything was 'frozen,' and heard phrases like 'not to be afraid' and 'sands of time.' In the 'garden' incident regression, it was found that the figure moved towards the house, and Grant heard a voice say, "We have come to bring you—prepare for next time...." The 'kitchen' encounter regression diverged from his conscious experience, with a splitting pain in his head, coldness, dizziness, and a 'thumping' sound.

'Gatherers' and 'The Merak'

Through hypnosis, the 'weird faceless entities' were identified as 'Gatherers,' whose function was to gather organic and inorganic specimens for examination. These entities were described as part living, part machine, programmed to a central organic computer on board their craft. The 'Small Guys,' who examined Grant's glasses and mouth, wished to be known as 'The Merak.' They were about 4-4.5 ft tall, slender, with large craniums, no hair, small round eyes, and childlike hands with four fingers and a thumb. Their skin was grey.

Craft Details and Security

Grant was shown images on a 'projector screen' within the craft, depicting spires, towers, or rocks. He was told, "Like the sands of time we will come face to face again." A metal device from the wall gripped his shoulder and retracted as a gesture of friendship. During the 'kitchen' encounter, Grant was taken aboard the craft and given a medical examination, including blood, saliva, and urine samples. He was informed that a minute 'Bio-monitor' had been implanted in his chest. He was also shown screen images of various places on Earth.

Information regarding the craft's security mechanism was provided: on 'safe mode,' there was no danger, but on 'security mode,' effects within 10 meters included molecular rearrangement and fatalities; within 10-40 meters, electromagnetic effects, temporary paralysis, and possible memory erasure; and within 40-85 meters, electromagnetic effects, tingling, and minor electrical shocks.

Comparison to Travis Walton Case

Collins noted that the appearance of the entities and craft suggested total efficiency, science, and technology. Subsequent incidents included automatic writing and reference to the Travis Walton case. The layout of the rooms in Grant's experiences struck a chord with Walton's, but Walton's hypnotist encountered a mental block due to a subconscious threat.

Validity of Hypnotic Regression

The issue of hypnotic regression's validity in 'contact' cases is acknowledged as a subject for debate, fueled by Dr. Alvin H. Lawson's paper 'What Can We Learn from Hypnosis of Imaginary Abductees?'. The author states that the details of Grant's encounters, made known over three years prior, were deeply disturbing to him at the time. The Merak entities apparently considered the human conception of Time to be meaningless.

Other Reports

Strutted Stafford UFO: On a night in December 1977, Mr. Johnson, a farmer, observed two large bright white lights that formed a cigar-shaped object with a pill box dome, approximately 40 feet long and 10 feet across. The object moved like a submarine under water. A bright white light emanated from a metallic-looking grill on its underside.

Bingham 'Branches & Roots': In the summer of 1966, objects described as 'trees bared of leaves with a spindly trunk' were seen slowly falling from the clouds and disappearing at ground level. Approximately fifty such objects were observed.

Shildon Squares: On July 23, 1977, a housewife saw a large light, the size of a tennis ball, above a bush. It glowed like a torch and had small squares on it.

BUFORA Limited - Annual Report

The report details BUFORA Limited's activities for the twelve months ending August 31, 1978. The company held its Third Annual General Meeting on December 2, 1978. The financial position showed an improvement over the previous year. BUFORA's principal activities involved promoting scientific research into UFO phenomena, collecting evidence, and co-ordinating research in the UK and internationally.

Membership stood at 731 at August 31, 1978, a slight fall from the previous year, attributed to the loss of overseas members and turnover. However, new members joining were noted as being more qualified and genuinely interested in research.

Key activities included a National Conference in Nottingham in April 1978, featuring speakers like Dr. R.F. Haines, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach. BUFORA also held 10 lectures in London throughout the year. The BUFORA Journal was published six times, expanded to 32 pages, and distributed widely. Sales of BUFORA publications were lower than the previous year, partly due to the release of the 'Investigators Handbook.' Other publications included the 'UFO Guide' and three Science Papers. Two new publications were launched following the November 1976 National Conference.

Research projects included a study of Vehicle Interference Cases, with a catalogue of 420 cases compiled. Work on Radar Cases was also underway. Preliminary studies of photographic material were being conducted for dimensional relationships. Co-operation with international UFO groups continued, including the exchange of information on humanoids and pilot reports.

Approximately 500 investigations were initiated during the year, many stemming from articles in the Daily Express. A new physical data section was formed to examine physical evidence. The Council of Management for the year ending August 31, 1978, is listed, along with members retiring by rotation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation into UFO phenomena, particularly through methods like hypnotic regression, while acknowledging the debates surrounding its validity. The magazine highlights the challenges faced by researchers and the need for detailed, evidence-based reporting. BUFORA's stance is clearly one of promoting scientific research and disseminating information on UFOs, fostering both national and international cooperation within the ufology community. The editorial tone suggests a serious approach to the subject, moving beyond sensationalism towards a more analytical understanding of UFO events and potential contactee experiences.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, dated October 1978, is a 20-page publication focused on UFO/UAP investigations and organizational activities. It includes financial reports, the Chairman's report, minutes from the Annual General Meeting, and detailed accounts of several UFO sightings.

Financial Report

The initial pages present a financial summary for the period ending August 31, 1978. This includes the surplus of income over expenditure for the period, with UK Corporation Tax at 42% applied to deposit account interest earned in 1976/77 and 1977/78. A provision for this tax was made. The net surplus for the period was carried to the General Fund. Notes clarify that the company is limited by guarantee, with each member's liability limited to £1.00 in the event of winding up. Life subscriptions are credited to income at a rate equivalent to the current annual subscription.

Auditor's Report

J C Foxon, Chartered Accountant, provides a report dated October 9, 1978, stating that the attached Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account, prepared under the historical cost convention, give a true and fair view of the company's affairs as of August 31, 1978. The accounts were prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts 1948 and 1967.

Chairman's Report

Lionel Beer, Chairman, outlines his role in coordinating activities and ensuring financial viability. He also assumed the role of Publicity Officer due to the lack of a dedicated position. He highlights the success of the National Research Conference in Nottingham, which attracted up to 175 attendees and broke even financially, crediting Anthony Pace and Charles Lockwood for the program. Plans for the first truly international UFO research conference in the UK, to be held in London, are mentioned. A second press release promoted cash prizes offered by Cutty Sark (UK Scotch Whisky) Ltd. The third release announced the start of the 1978-79 London Lecture Season, which began successfully on September 2 with an attendance of about 145. Beer notes the lack of editorial mention of BUFORA lectures in Flying Saucer Review magazine (FSR), despite their regular occurrence since the early sixties. He mentions positive relations with Contact (UK) and other locally based groups. He also points out that BUFORA has no connection with the British UFO Society, run by an individual who has allegedly plagiarized their R2 sighting report form and caused confusion.

BUFORA continues to invite overseas ufologists, including Erling Jensen from SUFOI (Denmark), who highlighted SUFOI's success through their journal. Norman Oliver is credited with improving the BUFORA Journal, which aims to be 32 pages printed on art-paper. The journal seeks more scientific/technical articles from members. Director of Research, Anthony Pace, plans a special publication of selected articles and scientific papers, in addition to research reports and conference proceedings, which will require donations for printing costs. BUFORA also hopes to acquire an answer-phone for 'UFO Hotline' messages. To improve efficiency, a donation of at least £5.00 per member is requested, in addition to the £5.00 subscription that primarily covers the Journal and administrative costs.

Janet and Colin Andrews have reopened the Lending Library, and donations of UFO-related books are requested, particularly hardbacks. The library also aims to acquire rarer titles like "The Scientific Study of UFOs" (the "Condon Report"). The film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" has led to a record number of enquiries, particularly from youngsters. BUFORA distinguishes itself from fan clubs, emphasizing its focus on research and investigation. The quality of new members is noted as improving, indicating a positive outlook for the future. Beer thanks his colleagues on the Council, especially 'Larry' Dale for his work as National Investigations Co-ordinator, and all members and investigators for their contributions.

Donations

A list of donors to BUFORA is provided, along with the amounts donated for the period ending March 31, 1978.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd., held on Saturday, December 3, 1977, at Kensington Central Library, are detailed. The meeting was attended by approximately 30 members. The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting, and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Chairman, Mr C A O'Brien, gave a brief address. The Treasurer, Mr S L Smith, presented the accounts, noting a sounder financial position due to drastic cuts in the Journal's size (now back to its former size), controlled expenses, members' donations, and increased interest rates. The 1976 conference incurred a £114 loss, but lessons were learned for the next conference in April 1978. A small surplus of income over expenditure was reported, with no need to increase membership rates. Mr Smith stressed the importance of donations. The Director of Research, Mr A Pace, outlined activities including the scrutiny of BUFORA reports up to 1976, in conjunction with NUFON Manchester and CONTACT UK, to create a catalogue. He mentioned the anticipated availability of the Vehicle Interference Project with 420 cases and BUFORA's specialization in certain UFO phenomena, with future projects including radar cases and a report on the Dyfed flap. A report on 1976, with over 400 UK reports, and a potentially more unprecedented 1977 were noted. A new technical supplement was planned. The meeting unanimously adopted the Report of the Council of Management, the Report of the Auditor, and the Accounts. Mr J C Foxon was unanimously re-appointed as Auditor. Mrs A Harcourt, Miss B Wood, and Mr S L Smith were unanimously re-elected to the Council. Mr A West and Mr L Dale were elected to fill three vacancies. Mr Dale's appointment as NIC (National Investigations Co-ordinator) made it preferable for him to be on the Council. One post remained vacant due to no nominations. The Chairman thanked members for attending.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

This section details several specific UFO/UAP incidents:

• Gt Yarmouth Disc - 1956: Mr Sidney Brighton reported seeing a silver-grey disc or oval object flash overhead at high speed and vanish in four seconds. There was no noise or condensation trail. He noted that no one else seemed to have seen it. He later became a member of the British Interplanetary Society and wondered if the object was connected to the Lakenheath incident in 1956.
• Brighton 'Tablet' - 1952: Mr Fox and his father observed a silver-grey, round tablet-shaped object gliding silently from north to south for thirty seconds. Its edges were sharply defined, with a band where darker sections revolved.
• 'Buzzing Dome' at Wednesbury: Jacqueline Bradshaw, aged 13, reported hearing a 'buzzing sound' and seeing an oval object with a middle band of whitish lights, a top dome, and a lower protrusion. The object revolved on its axis and moved horizontally, assuming a tilted position and then a horizontal one before disappearing behind a church.
• Climbing Blue Band: Mary Mills described seeing a 'very light intense colour of blue' band moving across the sea and up the cliffs. She described it as static initially, then moving slowly and steadily, maintaining its progress until it reached the base of the cliffs and then 'snapped out' at the summit.
• Smoking UFO over Kingsbury: Five family members witnessed a glowing object, initially thought to be a burning aircraft, moving from east to west. Smoke appeared to come from it, and it hovered above a house. Descriptions varied from oblong to diamond and ball shapes, glowing bright red to mauve. One witness thought it broke up, while another said it dived towards the ground. Local police and ITN were informed. A 'crack' was heard, and a faint tapping sound was heard on a back window later that evening.
• Salisbury Object: Timothy Laishley observed a yellowish-silver object moving slowly for five minutes. It had a flat bottom, a dome-shaped top with windows, and was sharply defined and brighter than Jupiter. It then 'disappeared like a windscreen wiper going across a car.'
• Swanley Zigzagging Ball: Mrs Eckhardt saw a silver-coloured ball moving very fast in an up and down zig-zag fashion. Her daughter described it as oval with round edges and the brilliance of car headlights. It turned behind trees and houses and went out of view.
• Landing at Aische-en-Refail: Mrs N D reported a red-coloured 'form' on the left side of the road. Her car then inexplicably slowed down, the radio faded, and the engine stalled. She then saw a circular object, approximately one meter in diameter and half a meter high, with three distinct sections: a white dome-shaped base with spots, a yellow convex center, and a flattened red dome top. The object was described as unpolished metal without reflection or brilliance. It rose vertically, descended quickly, then rose again and moved horizontally towards her car before disappearing. Investigations at the site found no physical evidence, and radioactivity and ionisation checks were negative. The witness was questioned extensively and had nightmares following the incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on detailed witness accounts of UFO/UAP sightings, emphasizing the importance of investigation and data collection. BUFORA positions itself as a serious research organization, distinct from 'fan clubs.' The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging member participation and donations to support its research activities. The publication highlights the challenges of UFO research, including the need for scientific articles and the difficulties in finding physical evidence. There is a clear emphasis on the organization's efforts to maintain financial stability and professional operations, as evidenced by the detailed financial reports and AGM minutes.

This issue of the magazine, identified by its cover headline "The Secret Commonwealth and Robert Kirk" and the byline "Peter A Hill, AMR, MWSOM, FSS," appears to be from the July-August 1978 period, likely Volume 7, Issue 21. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, historical accounts, and research methodologies.

The Secret Commonwealth and Robert Kirk

The lead article details a visit to The Cathedral Museum at Dunblane Cathedral, where an exhibit of interest concerning abductions and the Magonia syndrome is described. This exhibit pertains to a manuscript of 17th-century doodles by the Rev Robert Kirk, MA. Kirk, who held the parish of Balquhidder and later Aberfoyle, was a scholar of Gaelic and a believer in fairy superstitions. He wrote "The Secret Commonwealth: or an essay on the Nature and Actions of the Subterranean (and for the most part) Invisible people heretofoir going under the name of Faunes and Fairies, or the lyke, among the low country Scots, as they are decsribed by those who have the second sight." The article notes the tradition of Kirk's demise in 1692, stating he was walking on a fairy knowe when he "sank down and disappeared." The author raises several questions regarding Kirk's book, potential witnesses to his disappearance, the location of the event, and the nature of 'second sight.'

Uforum

This section, penned by Peter A Hill, emphasizes the importance of examining mundane explanations before resorting to mysterious ones. It critiques the UFO organization's tendency to attribute cases to UFO activity without thorough investigation, citing the Dartmoor pony incident as an example where a mundane explanation was eventually found. The author condemns sensationalism and calls for scientific responsibility in UFO research. A letter from a reader comments on the Dartmoor pony incident, questioning the logic of a "heavy worm infection" striking down fifteen ponies simultaneously and suggesting a possible link to vehicles or other phenomena, noting the presence of a 'skid mark.' The reader also touches upon the psychological and physical after-effects of sightings and the tendency to reject facts that don't fit preconceived notions.

Letters and Commentary

Another reader, E Sears, comments on a photograph of a strange object near Highcliffe, noting it was published in the Southern Evening Echo. Sears suggests that the complexity of the UFO subject makes it difficult to cover comprehensively, with reports often being just the 'tip of the iceberg.' The reader points out similarities between various reported craft and occupants, suggesting a unified phenomenon rather than a variety. Sears proposes that future races might develop 'time travel' and visit Earth, and that current human greed could lead to misuse of such technology. The reader also speculates that dramatic cases like aircraft accidents might be explained by alien races having similar 'delusions of power' or technological drawbacks.

A suggestion is made for Bufora's Council to establish a specialist group to study alleged psychic powers, second sight, and selective observation, involving professionals from various scientific fields.

Sighting Summaries

This extensive section, presented by Pauline Grego, lists numerous UFO sightings with details such as date, time, place, report description, class, and investigator/credit. The entries span from 1942 to 1978 and cover a wide geographical range, including Russia, the UK (various locations like St Helens, Newtown, Romsey, Croydon, Bristol, Devon, Yorkshire, London, Cumbria, Kent, Avon, Gwent, Swansea, Wolverhampton), and Edinburgh. The reported objects vary in shape and description, including 'cigar shape,' 'orange top,' 'saucer shape,' 'white light,' 'circular object,' 'egg-shape,' 'tearshape,' 'round objects,' 'skate-shape,' 'diamond kite,' 'triangular shape,' 'hang-glider shape,' 'sting-ray fish shape,' and 'illuminated torch shape.'

Encounter at Rochester

This section reports on an event at The Rochester Odeon where NIC Larry Dale spoke about "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." An exhibition by Bufora was arranged in the foyer. Larry Dale introduced Bufora and discussed 'Vehicle Interference' cases, referencing a Kent case from 1957 and a 'police chase' in Indiana, which involved a radio and TV blackout. Various personalities attended the event.

A number of members have written in concerning the activities of the British UFO Society (Bufos)

This statement clarifies that Bufora is not associated with Mr Ken Rogers or the British UFO Society, and considers his statement that "The British UFO Society is responsible in this country for investigating UFO reports" to be misleading. It highlights that many other UFO investigation societies exist in Britain and that Bufos does not imply official backing.

Obituary

The death of Gavin Gibbons MA (Oxon) is announced. He was the author of "The Coming of The Space Ships" and "They Rode in Space Ships" and was involved in the investigation of the Roestenberg case in October 1954, where a craft with occupants was observed.

Successful Start for London Lectures

Nearly 150 people attended the first Bufora Lecture of the 1978-79 season at Kensington Central Library. J Bernard Delair, editor of Contact (UK)'s magazine Awareness, proposed that UFOs should be viewed as part of a larger set of Fortean phenomena, likening them to "The Tip of an Iceberg."

UFO Newsclipping Service

This is an advertisement for a monthly 20-page report service providing UFO accounts from the US, England, Canada, Australia, South America, and other countries.

Those Martian Moons-Artificial or Natural?

This article discusses the two small moons of Mars, Deimos and Phobos. Initially considered potential artificial satellites due to their orbits, Mariner 9 revealed them to be roughly elliptical and very irregular in shape. Later, Viking probes provided high-resolution images showing Phobos covered in long, parallel grooves. The article concludes that these grooves are likely natural, and the moons' origin is debated, with the most probable suggestion being that they were captured from the Asteroid Belt. The magazine "Sky and Telescope" is recommended for further information.

Books and Leaflets / Personal Column / UFO Network / Cassettes

Several sections offer publications and services related to UFO research. This includes a list of books and leaflets available from Bufora Publications, a "Personal Column" with advertisements for UFO detectors and information magazines, an advertisement for "UFO Network," and a listing of "Skyquest" cassette specials on UFO encounters. Bufora's tape library of Kensington Lectures is also mentioned.

London 1979 Conference

Details are provided for a UFO conference scheduled for August 26-27, 1979, in London, organized by Bufora.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes rigorous investigation, the importance of considering mundane explanations, and a scientific approach to UFO research. There is a clear distinction made between Bufora's research activities and those of other organizations like the British UFO Society. The publication also engages with historical accounts and theoretical discussions surrounding UFO phenomena, including the nature of 'second sight' and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to advance the understanding of UFOs through evidence-based research and critical analysis.