BUFORA Journal - Volume 08 No 01 - JanFeb 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Vol 8 No 1
Date: January/February 1979
Publisher: British UFO Research Association (BUFORA)
Country: UK
ISSN: 0306 798X

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, dated January/February 1979, presents a range of content related to UFO research and sightings. The cover features a striking illustration of a pyramid-like object with eyes, captioned "1956 'Frogmen.' See Report-Extra!", hinting at a significant case study within.

Editorial: Do you believe in UFOs?

In his editorial, Norman Oliver, the Journal editor, addresses the common question of whether he believes in UFOs. He clarifies that he does not consider it an 'act of faith' but rather a matter of evidence. He posits that even a single credible case, like the 1958 Trinidade Island report, would be sufficient to acknowledge the existence of UFOs. Oliver distinguishes between believing in UFOs and automatically assuming they are extra-terrestrial vehicles, suggesting that the enigma itself necessitates research. He also touches upon hypotheses involving psychic effects associated with some cases.

London Lectures

• The journal lists upcoming lectures in London for early 1979:
• February 3, 1979: "Close Encounters, Space and Sanity" by Norman Oliver.
• March 3, 1979: "Ball Lightning and UFOs" by Mark Stenhoff.
• April 7, 1979: A Research Evening chaired by Anthony R Pace.

These meetings are scheduled to take place at the Lecture Theatre of Kensington Central Library.

Special Announcement: First London International UFO Congress

A major announcement details the "First London International UFO Congress," jointly hosted by BUFORA and Contact International (UK), to be held on August 26-27, 1979, at the Mount Royal Hotel. The event is expected to feature speakers like Dr. Allen Hynek and international ufologists, along with documentary screenings, slide presentations, and an exhibition. A package deal for accommodation and travel is being offered, particularly for those outside London.

Motion for Debate

This section recounts a debate held in the House of Lords on January 18, 1979, initiated by the Earl of Clancarty, on the "increasing number of sightings and landings on a world-wide scale of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and to the need for an intra-governmental study of UFOs." The Earl of Clancarty had lobbied peers, and several Lords, including the Earl of Kimberley, Lord Kings Norton, and Lord Davies of Leek, spoke in support. However, the government, represented by Lord Strabolgi, stated that no governmental study was warranted and denied any 'cover-up' by the Ministry of Defence. The motion was ultimately withdrawn, but the event was seen as giving UFOs an 'official' airing.

Points from the Press

• Compiled by Valerie Martin, this section collates numerous UFO sightings reported in various newspapers during August 1978:
• Weekend of August 9: A report on a week-long UFO detection course at Southeast Missouri State University, with Professor Harley Rutledge noting an increase in sightings.
• August 18 (Daily Mirror): Air traffic controllers at Gatwick airport reportedly spotted a strange object, described as saucer-shaped with a piercing white light.
• August 21 (The Journal): A report from Madagascar's Interior Ministry about a UFO crashing and exploding in Fort Dauphin.
• August 25 (Croydon Advertiser): A man claimed to see a circular white shape hovering over a playground.
• August 26 (Telegraph & Argus): Philip Clark of Bradford Astronomical Society suggested a UFO seen over Clayton Golf Course was the Russian satellite Salyut 6.
• August 29 (Liverpool Echo): Reports of an intensely-lit object moving at terrific speed over Merseyside, and a cone-shaped object seen by a couple.
• August 30 (Evening Times): A man and wife reported seeing a red ball of fire over Wishaw that disappeared before reaching the ground. Norman Oliver suggests it might be ball lightning.
• August 27 (Sunday Mirror): Witnesses near Concorde's West London flightpath reported seeing a hugh reddish ball and a 'shimmering object'.
• August 31 (Hendon Times): Mention of a talk by Lionel Beer on UFO history and photographic evidence.
• September 1 (Leicester Chronicle): A photograph of Dr. Hynek was featured, with estimates that millions of American UFO sightings remain unexplained.
• September 3 (News of the World): A report on three silver-clad figures allegedly landing from a space-craft in Anglesey.
• September 7 (Bromley Times): Articles on a flashing and pulsating light, and a black flat disc with coloured lights seen by a boy.
• September 13 (Weekend): Announcement of a new flying saucer airport in the foothills of Mount Rainier, with claims of seeing four 'spacecraft' on opening day.
• September 15 (The Guardian): A report on a 'flying saucer' seen over Sicily, Rome, Tuscany, and Sardinia, described as triangular, torpedo-shaped, and changing colour.
• September 1 (Evening Gazette): A woman reported seeing an oval object with a criss-cross dome and a pillar-box red flashing light.
• October 8 (Sunday People): An article on a flashing blue object with a silver centre seen shadowing a BA TriStar near Zagreb.

Uforum

• This section contains letters and discussions from members:
• R Jones Pugh (MRCVS, RIC S Wales): Responds to a letter from E. Sears regarding the Dartmoor ponies incident. Pugh argues against a UFO explanation, proposing a scientific cause: the ponies grazed on forage heavily impregnated with worm-infested faecal contents, leading to severe toxaemia and aneurism formation. He also suggests that shattered bones could be due to the carcasses being dragged, not impact from a fall. Pugh criticizes sensationalism in UFO research.
• L Dale (NIC): Comments on a previous statement by Randall Jones Pugh regarding Godel's Theorem, clarifying that while proofs for 'lower calculi' exist, Randall's statement is true for 'high ordered calculi'.
• A BUFORA Logistics Adviser: Responds to an article by Paul Devos, questioning the attribution of a car malfunction to electromagnetic effects of UFOs. The adviser suggests more mundane explanations like fuel supply or ignition system issues, and points out the potential weakness in vehicle earthing systems.

Other Items

• Advertisements: Rates are provided for personal columns and display advertisements in the journal.
• Cover Design: Credit is given to Richard Beet.
• Bufora Branches: Contact details for branches in Yorkshire and Edinburgh are listed.
• Research and Investigations Department: Details of the research director (Tony Pace), research projects officer (Charles Lockwood), and national investigations co-ordinator (Lawrence W Dale) are provided.
• Page Research Library Newsletter: An advertisement offers a package of UFO-related materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently emphasizes a scientific and evidence-based approach to UFO research, as highlighted in the editorial and R. Jones Pugh's letter. BUFORA positions itself as a research organization rather than one promoting specific beliefs about extraterrestrial visitation. The "Points from the Press" section, while documenting numerous sightings, often includes potential mundane explanations or highlights the need for careful investigation, reflecting a cautious and analytical stance. The inclusion of a House of Lords debate underscores the growing public and political interest in the UFO phenomenon during this period.

Title: Report-Extra !
Issue Date: July 1978
Publisher: Bufora
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Report-Extra! presents a collection of intriguing UFO cases, focusing on 'Entities from the Past' and other unusual aerial phenomena. It also includes a section on cassette specials related to UFO encounters and a list of new members admitted to Bufora.

Entities from the Past

This section details three significant UFO cases:

'Kojak-headed entities' in a Brighton garden

Reported by Andy Collins, this case involves Mrs Sheila Burton, who, in September 1951, witnessed a large, flashing, dome-shaped object descend into her garden. Panels opened, and three 'men' approximately 5 to 6 feet tall, with bald 'Kojak-style' heads and wearing dark green or khaki one-piece garments, emerged. They carried devices resembling 'machine-guns'. The men moved obliviously and then retraced their steps backwards into the craft. The object, described as silvery-green, about 40 feet in diameter and 25 feet high, ascended vertically in total silence. The witness was too stunned to call her parents. The description of the 'men' includes expressionless faces, pointed noses and ears, and thick, short legs. Their movements were likened to mindless robots. No physical traces were found.

1956 Landed object and 'Frogmen'

This case, reported by Mr Venerbles of Aveley, Essex, describes a teenager witnessing an orangey-yellow light and a dark form with rotating lights and emitting 'gas fire blue flames'. The object, possibly hemispherical or a rim-type base with a dome, emitted no noise. When the witness opened a window, the object shot off at high speed. The 'frogmen' inside were described as silhouetted against yellow glow, of proportionate height to their arms and shoulders, with little or no hair, and one appeared to hold an 'instrument'. The object's size was 'considerable'. On the same night, Mr Venerbles' mother saw a red glowing orb moving towards the house.

Machynlleth 'Jellentities'

In July 1975, Trevor P, aged 14, and his family were holidaying in Mid-Wales when Trevor saw a strange object resting on the ground. The object was described as having a large circular base (about 40 feet in diameter) with circular lights and what appeared to be 'gas fire blue flames'. It had a hemispherical transparent dome with a large light at the apex. Inside the dome was a 'big metal unit' and two forms or entities like 'lumps of jelly' that were white, translucent, and contained hundreds of white discs. These forms were about 7 feet across and changed shape constantly. Trevor watched for 20 to 25 seconds before retreating.

Other Sightings

'Floating Battleship' over Liphook

Reported by Inv L Dale, this incident occurred on 27 August 1978. A young lady cabaret artiste and her friend noticed a bright bi-lobed object. The driver described it as a 'floating battleship', dark, with a bi-lobed light, estimated to be 150 to 200 yards in size. It hovered soundlessly before vanishing.

Southowram Bank Sighting

Reported by Inv T Whitaker, this case from 26 May 1978 involves David Green, a press photographer, who saw a long, flat, white object that turned black and banked away before vanishing. The object was bright like the sun.

Northfleet 'Orange Cigar'

Reported by Inv M Weaven, this sighting from 11 December 1977 involved Mrs B H Stickland seeing a 'long orange cigar' with three large brilliant orange lights hovering before it suddenly disappeared.

Staffordshire 'Searchlights'

Reported by Inv A Pace, this incident from 16 September 1978 involved Stephen Colclough and his girlfriend witnessing two lights in the sky, a dark shape, and brilliant white lights shining down from an object. They later returned to the spot and saw the original red light still circling.

Hovering 'craft' over Holtspur

Reported by Inv Lennox Adams, this case from 25 February 1977 involved Mr T Rolfe and his son Mr E Rolfe observing an oval object with a central dome and flashing red, green, and blue lights. It hovered soundlessly at an estimated height of not more than 200 feet.

A3075 'Glowing Ellipse'

Reported by Mr F Morton and his wife, this sighting from 23 July 1978 involved a very bright glowing elliptical object coming from the sea and flying inland. It was clearly defined and made no sound.

Skyquest "Close Encounter" Cassette Specials

This section advertises a range of cassette tapes available from Skyquest, detailing various UFO and close encounter events. The cassettes are C60s, with playing times between 52 and 59 minutes, and most include recorded excerpts from witnesses. Titles include 'Saucers and the Nightingales', 'Motorway Close Encounters', 'The Winchester Encounters', 'Strange Events amidst the Peaks', and 'The Humorous side of UFOs'. Prices are listed as £2.90 including P&P, with some older cassettes (C30s) also available.

People and Awards

The magazine welcomes new members to Bufora, listing names under London, Home Counties, National, and Overseas categories. It also announces the 1978 Annual Award for services to Ufology, which goes to J Bernard Delair, BSc, for his work as editor of Contact UK's magazine AWARENESS and his contributions to THE UFO REGISTER. He receives the award along with Arnold West, who receives Life Membership of Bufora.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed accounts of UFO sightings and encounters, often involving distinct physical descriptions of craft and occupants. There is an emphasis on witness testimony and the investigation of these phenomena. The editorial stance, as suggested by the letter from T Fisher, encourages caution in interpreting events, particularly in areas with a history of sightings like Warminster, to avoid attributing undue significance to minor occurrences. The magazine also promotes educational materials through its cassette specials.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 24, Number 5, dated 1978, with a cover price of £0.50, focuses on recent UFO sightings and investigations. The main cover headline is "'Startled' Saucer in Shropshire", accompanied by a small illustration of a saucer-shaped object.

'Startled' Saucer in Shropshire

This article, reported by Inv M Keatman, details an incident in June 1976 where Mr and Mrs Clarkson and a friend were driving on the A518 near Haughton and Gnosall when a large, circular craft emerged from behind a hedge and passed low over their car, moving upwards. The object was described as dark, silent, about thirty feet in diameter, with numerous orange lights on its underside. The sighting lasted less than ten seconds, and the witness had the impression that the car's headlights might have startled the craft.

Odd Object over Cove

Reported by Inv Andy Collins, this account describes a sighting by Mrs ES in Cove, Hampshire, in early May 1974. While walking her dogs, she observed a grey or silver discoid object stationary in the sky, featuring a row of square windows emitting a reddish glow. The object moved slowly in a circular fashion, and the witness felt a sense of 'movement and shadows' within. The total sighting time was six to eight seconds. During the sighting, radio reception faded, but no other electrical effects were apparent. The witness, an experienced observer since 1958, stated this was the only object she had seen that could be positively identified as a UFO.

Anglesey Again

This section, referencing a report from FUFOR (Federation UFO Research), details incidents that occurred on 1 September 1978 in Anglesey, Britain. Investigations were conducted on 5 and 12 September. The report notes that about 24 hours prior to a UFO and humanoid sighting at Llanerchymedd, something strange was happening in the Anglesey skies. On the evening of the 1st, the sky was coloured red with a strange black cloud. At about 2015 hours, Mark Hesketh witnessed a bullet-shaped, white object with a red glow around its edges, which he initially thought was a helicopter landing. Simultaneously, Carmen Burford saw a similar object. Later, Mrs Owen and Mrs Parry observed a spinning white light, thought to be a helicopter. Mark Hesketh also noticed two tall men, about 6 feet or more in height, in a nearby field, one waving his arms. Mrs Owens claimed to have seen three men in one-piece suits with hoods. At 2230 hours, Jeremy Burford and others saw a purple star-like object. On 3 September at 2300 hours, Mrs Garnett saw a circular, silver object hovering before shooting off. Nearby dogs and horses made a racket for hours. Helicopters were observed hovering over the fields on 3 and 4 September, with flares dropped, but RAF Valley denied any military exercises. A field near where an object was seen to go down contained flattened barley, but Fufor suggested this could be due to helicopters or high winds. The section concludes by mentioning a similar object sighted over Cumbria in August 1977, which was also seen by hundreds in Kendal.

Middle East 'Jumbo'

This brief report mentions a sighting in Kuwait in November of the previous year, where a giant craft, described as the 'size of a jumbo jet', landed near a satellite tracking station. It descended in a brilliant ball of light and was watched by seven men who approached within 250 yards. The object took off vertically at high speed. The Kuwaiti government is reportedly conducting an inquiry.

Australia: The Valentich Affair

This extensive report details the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich on 23 October 1978, over Bass Strait, Australia. Valentich, flying a Cessna 182, reported a large aircraft with four bright lights approaching him. The conversation with air traffic control revealed that the object was not RAAF aircraft and was not identifiable. Valentich described it as a 'long shape', 'flying past', and then appearing stationary and orbiting his plane. He noted a green light and a metallic light on the outside. The object then vanished, and shortly after, Valentich's engine began rough-idling, and contact was lost. A search was initiated, involving RAAF Orion aircraft, but no trace of Valentich or his plane was found, apart from a small oil slick and some debris later identified as fruit cartons and plastic bags. The report raises several points, including Valentich's father's claim that his son had seen 'classified material' (denied by authorities), the suggestion that Valentich might have been flying upside down and saw his reflection, and that police could not find anyone selling crayfish to him, which was stated as a reason for his flight.

Australia: Brighton 'Classic UFO'

On 12 November, ship's captain Frank Jolly, a former sceptic, observed a dome-shaped object flying over his house in Brighton, Melbourne. The object, estimated to be about 60 feet in diameter, had brown stripes on its underside and a dark grey dome, appearing to be of a thin metallic substance. It made no sound and was observed on a cloudless day. Checks with local airports confirmed no aircraft in the area.

Sighting Summaries

This section presents a detailed table of UFO sightings, categorized by Code No., Date, Time, Place, Report, Class, and Investigator/Credit. The classification system used by Bufora is explained, with Category A for official observers, B for experienced observers, and C for no experienced observers. Class 1 indicates a permanent record, Class 2 temporary physical effects, Class 3 objects with unusual features, and Class 4 distant objects. Groupings a, b, and c denote the number of independent witnesses.

Apologia

This section includes corrections and apologies. The British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB) is acknowledged as a long-established investigational body. It is clarified that Denis Plunkett, stated to have been killed on active service, is alive and Chairman of the BFSB. An apology is also made to John Rimmer for similarities between his review and one published in the Flying Saucer Review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings from various locations, the presentation of witness testimony, and the investigative efforts by organizations like FUFOR and Bufora. The magazine appears to maintain a stance of presenting evidence and reports for the reader to consider, as indicated by the concluding remarks on the Valentich case: "As things stand at present, your guess is as good as mine!" The inclusion of a detailed sighting summary table and the classification system suggests a methodical approach to cataloging and analyzing UFO phenomena.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Volume: 3
Date: March 1971

This issue of UFO Times is a compilation of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, primarily from the period of 1968 to early 1971. It lists numerous articles with their publication dates and authors, covering a wide spectrum of UFO-related topics.

Contents and Articles

The issue features a detailed index of articles, categorized by date and title, with associated authors. Key articles and their subjects include:

• Spacemen in Antiquity (6.4.68) by W Raymond Drake.
• Skyways and Landmarks (4.5.68) by J A Dunkin Wedd.
• Saucery-Past, Present and Future (8.6.68) by Alan Watts, BSc FRMetS.
• The Spoken Word (6.7.68) by Dr G G Doel, MRCS LCPR DMRE.
• Continuing Story of the Warminster 'Thing' (5.10.68) by Arthur Shuttlewood.
• (a) Contact Claims (12.10.68) by Norman Oliver.
• (b) Investigation of the Potteries 'Flap' (12.10.68) by R Stanway, FRAS and A R Pace, FRAS.
• New Vistas in UFO Research (2.11.68) by J Cleary-Baker, PhD.
• "Our Subject is the UFO" (7.12.68) by Bryan Winder, BSs AMIMechE and Gordon Creighton, MA FRGS FBIS.
• UFO Occupants-Methods & Motives (1.2.69) by J Cleary-Baker, PhD.
• Verdict on a Contactee (1.3.69) by Norman Oliver.
• Bufora Research (4.10.69) by Stephen Smith, MA, and Dr G G Doel, MRCS LRCP DMRE.
• UFOs, Contacts & Science Fiction (1.11.69c) by Rev N Cockburn, MA BD.
• Psychic Research & The UFOs (6.12.69) by J Cleary-Baker, PhD.
• Philip, Mollie & Honey (3.1.70c) by Philip Rodgers and Mollie Thompson.
• Satellite or UFO? (10.1.70) by Tim Childerhouse.
• Investigations of a UFO Wave (31.1.70c) by Roger Stanway.
• Are There Men in Black? (7.2.70) by Norman Oliver.
• Arthur Shuttlewood Speaks (28.2.70c) by Arthur Shuttlewood.
• The Hoaxers (21.3.70c) by Norman Oliver.
• Surrey UFO Sightings (4.4.70) by Omar Fowler.
• Spacemen from the Past (25.4.70c) by W Raymond Drake.
• Teleportations (5.9.70) by Gordon Creighton, MA FRGS FBIS.
• UFOs in Relation to the New Age (24.10.70c) by F O Gardner, FRGS.
• "Alien Beings" (5.12.70) by Anthony Durham, BA.
• The Logic of Ufology (2.1.71) by Alan Watts, BSc FRMetS.
• "I Consider...."-A Symposium (9.1.71c) by Mike Holt, BA, Dr Chris Evans, PhD, J Cleary-Baker, PhD, Mollie Thompson, Dr G G Doel, MRCS LRCP DMRE.
• Lights, Landings & Aliens (30.1.71c) by Rev N Cockburn, MA BD.
• UFOs & The Bible (6.2.71) by John Rimmer.
• Merseyside UFO Group (27.2.71c) by Norman Oliver.
• Aliens Anonymous (null) by Charles Bowen.
• UFO Hypotheses-10 years of Change (6.3.71) by Andrew Tomas, Lionel Beer, N Oliver, D Oakley-Hill.
• Contact Forum (27.3.71c) by C Gibbs-Smith, MA FMA FRSA.
• Saucer Miscellany (3.4.71) by J Cleary-Baker, PhD, Omar Fowler, B Winder, AMIMechE.
• Brains Trust (1.5.71) by David Viewing.
• First Capture Your UFO-by Instrumentation (4.9.71) by Trevor Whitaker.
• Scene Through Northern Eyes (2.10.71) by Norman Oliver.
• No Time for Saucers? (6.11.71) by Norman Oliver.

Services and Organizations

The issue also contains information on various services and organizations related to UFO research:

• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: Offers a monthly 20-page report on UFO accounts from around the world, based in Plumerville, Arkansas, USA.
• Books and Leaflets: A list of publications available for purchase, including titles like "An Engineer's Look at UFO's," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and "Guide to the UFO Phenomenon." These are available from Arnold West, Bufora Publications, Burgess Hill, Sussex.
• Personal Column: An invitation for authors to submit manuscripts for publication, with a mention of The Regency Press.
• Skywatch UFO detector: Information on available UFO detector models.
• THE BRITISH UFO RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (Bufora): Details the association's founding in 1964, its aims (to promote unbiased research, collect evidence, and co-ordinate UFO research), and membership information. The annual subscription is £5.00.

Audio Recordings

A notice indicates that recordings of events lasting about 2 hours are available. Interested individuals can send 2 x C90 cassettes and £1 to cover postage and handling to Robin J Lindsey in Whittlesey, Peterborough.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the broad spectrum of UFO phenomena, including sightings, occupant encounters, and the scientific and psychic aspects of UFO research. There is a strong emphasis on reporting and documenting these events, as evidenced by the extensive list of articles and the promotion of research organizations like Bufora. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and information dissemination within the UFO community.