BUFORA Journal - Volume 09 No 02 - May 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 9 Number 2
Date: Published May 1980
Publisher: British UFO Research Association
Country: UK
ISSN: 0306 798X

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL introduces Leslie Bayer as the new Chairman, highlighting his background and qualifications. The cover features several article teasers: 'The Fontaine Affair', 'Live Microbe in 'Angel Hair'', and 'Lakeside Mini-UFOs', with a note that these are detailed in 'Report Extra!' on page 10.

Administration and Personnel

The journal lists the Council and administration for 1979/80, including President, Vice-presidents, Council Chairman Leslie Bayer, Vice-chairman Norman Oliver, and various council members. It also details the administration for general correspondence, membership, treasurer, publications, and research and investigations, listing key personnel and their contact details.

Editorial: The Resurrection of ETH-2

In his editorial, Norman Oliver reflects on the question of what active steps can be taken to investigate the UFO mystery, assuming a physical component. He suggests that while many approaches have been tried, improvements could be made by focusing on concentrated 'assaults' on areas where UFOs have been reported to emerge from or enter the sea, or on 'flap' areas while they are active. This would involve round-the-clock observation and terrain examination by experienced, well-equipped teams. Oliver acknowledges the obvious objections of time and money but argues that these might be overcome with proper presentation and sponsorship. He also poses the question of whether he is setting a fashion by introducing serialised editorials.

Kensington Lecture Meetings

Details are provided for upcoming lecture meetings in 1980, including a talk on 'Earth Force' by Paul Devereux on June 7th and the commencement of the 1980/81 Lecture Series on September 6th. Meetings are held at the Kensington Central Library.

Introducing-the Chairman (Cover Photo)

This section provides a biographical sketch of Leslie Bayer, the new Chairman of BUFORA. It details his interest in UFO phenomena, his background in the military (serving in the Western Desert, North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy during WWII), and his subsequent career in manufacturing and marketing, culminating in an MBE for services to Export. His energy, organizational ability, and business expertise are highlighted as beneficial to BUFORA's future planning.

Advertisements

Information is provided for personal and display advertisements in the journal, along with contact details for advertisement copy. The Edinburgh Branch and a member society, BFSB (Britain's oldest UFO investigation group), are also mentioned.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• Secrets of our Spaceship Moon by Don Wilson: Described as a sequel to 'Our Mysterious Spaceship Moon,' this paperback suggests the Moon harbors intelligent life. The review notes that it contains detailed source material but can be repetitive and some sources may not be entirely objective. The reviewer, Norman Oliver, concludes it's a book to buy, likely to polarize opinions.
• The House of Lords UFO Debate (Open Head Press/Pentacle Books): This book compiles the official transcript of the House of Lords debate on UFOs from January 1979, initiated by the Earl of Clancarty. The review notes that while some annotations are extraneous, it contains useful references and details the contributions of 14 members of the Lords, including scientists. The reviewer, Lionel Beer, finds the overall level of awareness disappointing and criticizes the divergence into religious philosophy.
• UFOSs: Interplanetary Visitors by Raymond E Fowler: This book is presented as a personal investigation into the UFO mystery. The review highlights its comprehensive coverage of UFO events, examining them from various viewpoints (military, scientific, sociological). It is noted that the book largely focuses on US items and covers events up to summer 1973, making it a valuable reference for serious researchers.
• Sun, Moon and Standing Stones by John Edwin Wood: This book explores potential UFO connections with ancient monuments like Stonehenge. The review states that the book provides a comprehensive insight into historical facts and hypotheses surrounding these sites and examines astronomical associations. It is noted that while the approach is scientific, it includes mathematical calculations that might be challenging for some readers. The reviewer, Norman Oliver, finds the book absorbing and a valuable source of factual and speculative material.

From here—and there

This section covers various short news items and updates:

• Moore for your pocket: Patrick Moore has released a new diary-size book, 'Pocket Guide to the Stars and Planets,' featuring moon maps and star charts, available for £3.95.
• In Istanbul: The establishment of the Turkey's Space Phenomena Research Group is announced, aiming to be a central clearing house for Turkish UFO reports. They offer a monthly news bulletin and a literary service.
• Oliver Twisted'? BUFORA received mention in the TV Times for March 1-7, 1980, in an article about a play called 'Friends in Space' which dealt with UFO encounters. The article also covered Warminster, Arthur Shuttlewood, and The Dyfed Enigma. The editor notes the dual nomenclature on the pages featuring the play's story and his lack of involvement.
• Meditating on Psi: Psi Publications Ltd offers ESP meditation and training cassettes, with a free Matthew Manning cassette included.
• The UFO Factor: The Worcester group Skyscan organized a screening of a documentary film titled 'The UFO Factor,' produced by Chris Hardwick. Skyscan's contact details are provided.

World—please note!

This section presents two claims:

• No. One: Mr E J Clarke of Newport, Gwent, reports a message from extraterrestrial observers stating that Earthlings must live as one people or face quarantine. He also recounts a personal encounter with a six-foot figure in a room with a table and an electrical device.
• No. Two: Prince Adetokunboh Odufunade of Nigeria shares a statement from a Harley Street specialist regarding his heart function and a personal claim of a linked-up relationship with 'the other Arm of Life in the Universe' since birth, related to a 'Battle of the Olds' where the 'Invisible World' is testing Earth's intellect.

Cassette Specials

'SKYQUEST' offers a selection of cassette tapes covering various UFO-related topics, such as 'Saucers and the Nightingales', 'The Winchester Encounters', and 'The Scoriton Contact of Ernest Arthur Bryant'. Each cassette costs £3, including postage and packing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO investigation, research methodologies, and the dissemination of information through publications and lectures. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norman Oliver, is one of critical inquiry and a desire to improve the effectiveness of UFO research by suggesting more focused and intensive investigative approaches. There is a clear emphasis on providing detailed information, including book reviews and administrative updates, to the BUFORA membership. The journal also serves as a platform for personal accounts and claims, such as those from Mr Clarke and Prince Odufunade, presented with a degree of editorial detachment.

This issue of 'Report-Extra !' (Issue No. 28, May 1979) by Bufora focuses on two significant cases: the 'Cergy Affair' in France and the 'Angel Hair' phenomenon in Portugal.

The Cergy Investigation

The main article details the disappearance and reappearance of Franck Fontaine, a 19-year-old unemployed man from Saint-Ouen-L'Aumone, France. The event occurred on Monday, November 26, 1979, when Fontaine, along with friends Jean-Pierre Provost (25, stallkeeper) and Salomon N'Diaye (25, black), were preparing to sell second-hand clothes at Gisor Market. While loading their borrowed Ford Taunus, they observed a luminous, elongated, white object descending slowly. A dense mist surrounded the car, and four luminous balls detached from it. Fontaine then disappeared.

Commandant Courcoux of the Gendarmerie at Cergy Pontoise stated that something had certainly happened, and the witnesses sounded sincere, but he couldn't identify the phenomenon. The car was checked for radioactivity and tested for deviations with a 'compass test,' yielding negative results. A dog showed no abnormal reaction to the car.

A mechanic from Menucourt, Roland Varin, also reported hearing a strange, oppressive noise around 4 am on the same day, which he initially thought was from his stereo but later attributed to something outside, possibly from the direction of Pontoise.

Franck Fontaine reappeared on Monday, December 3, 1979, eight days after his disappearance. He stated that his memory returned suddenly, and he found himself in the same area where he had disappeared. He announced that the car had been stolen. He then recounted his experience, which involved seeing a round object land on his car bonnet, being engulfed in mist, and feeling his eyes sting, leading to a loss of consciousness.

Jean-Pierre and Salomon were overwhelmed and had to explain the entire situation, including the UFO sighting and the subsequent search, to Franck. The three friends, along with Fontaine's mother and fiancée, met to discuss the events. The Gendarmerie was informed, and a preliminary investigation was conducted. The Deputy Public Prosecutor also initiated a 24-hour investigation to establish if any laws had been broken.

Despite the witnesses' sincerity, the investigation faced obstacles. Two scientists from GEPAN, a biologist and a physicist, were unable to conduct any scientific study on the witnesses, who refused to cooperate. The press exploited the witnesses' negative reaction to GEPAN to ridicule them. A hypnotist from Marseilles, Daniel Huguet, began an experiment on Jean-Pierre, but Franck stopped it midway, fearing disclosure of confidential information.

Commander Courcoux managed to take a blood sample from Franck, but the results were not yet available. The article notes that the witnesses were reluctant to be probed deeply and had refused attempts to do so. The authors conclude that while the Cergy Affair is a well-constructed story, it cannot be presented as a serious scientific study for UFO files and serves no useful purpose in advancing the study of the phenomenon.

UFO Newclipping Service

A brief advertisement for the UFO Newsclipping Service, a 20-page monthly report of UFO accounts from around the world, is included.

Second Look

A new US monthly magazine titled 'Second Look' is mentioned, featuring contributors like Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Sir Fred Hoyle, Dr. Allen Hynek, Sir Bernard Lovell, and Jacques Vallee.

Is he on record?

A query is posed asking for recordings of Silas Newton, who is cited as the source of material in Frank Scully's claims about crashed saucers and dead humanoids.

Any offers?

The USSR National Public Library for Science and Technology of Moscow has offered to exchange publications with Bufora, but assistance with translation is needed.

Solent 'Viewpoint'

Ernie Sears represented Bufora on Southampton's Radio Solent (BBC) programme 'Viewpoint' on December 24, 1979. The discussion included reports of sightings and experiences, with a phone-in segment.

Falls of 'Fibralvina' in Portugal

This section details an extraordinary event in Evora, Southern Portugal, on November 2, 1959. Two unidentified aerial objects were observed, and a rain of a white gelatinous substance, known as 'Angel Hair' or 'Fibralvina,' fell for about four hours. Microscopic examination of this substance at the Technical School revealed an unknown microbe. The case, which came to light in mid-1976, involved researchers from CEAFI and included the names of doctors and biologists. One involved party, referred to as 'Dr A,' noted that the tentacles of the organism did not appear to come directly from the central body but were attracted by electromagnetic phenomena.

Historical instances of 'Fibralvina' falls in Portugal are listed, including cases in Ponte de Lima (1857), Fatima (1917 and 1957), Evora (1959), Tondela (1961), Lisbon (1977), and River Douro (1977).

Unknown organism from 'Angel Hair'

Mr JM Andrade, UK representative of CEAFI, has provided Bufora with full details of the Evora case of 1959.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the challenges in investigating UFO phenomena, particularly when witnesses are reluctant to cooperate or when media attention complicates matters. The editorial stance, as expressed by Gérard Lebat, suggests a cautious approach to the Cergy Affair, acknowledging its well-constructed nature but questioning its value as a serious scientific study for UFO files. The publication also serves as a platform for sharing information on UFO reports and related research through services like UFO Newsclipping Service and 'Second Look' magazine.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, Volume 9, Number 2, published in 1979, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on detailed case studies and scientific analysis. The cover story highlights 'Mini-UFOs at Suonenjoki,' detailing an experience by Jarmo Nykanen in Finland.

Mini-UFOs at Suonenjoki

The report begins by crediting Suomen Ufotutkijat ry. (UFO Research of Finland) for their examination of incidents and the publication from which these accounts are condensed. The first case involves Jarmo Nykanen, a 24-year-old electrician, who on June 30, 1973, experienced a strong blue light entering his lakeside cottage. Upon investigation, he saw a blue light, described as 'twice as big as a row-boat,' approaching and hovering over shallow water. He perceived a strange being inside the light and later found himself on his porch, having lost time. Two years later, in 1975, Nykanen reported unusual nocturnal knockings occurring at two-monthly intervals.

Landing Traces

In February 1979, Reijo Kolehmainen, a friend of Jarmo Nykanen, discovered three 'landing trace areas' around his home. On February 2, 1979, a 2.5-meter crater was found in the snow, with the snow melted to the ground at its center. Inside the crater were red liquid, pieces of metal, and a metallic cup. The red liquid smelled of vinegar. Police took samples. On February 5, 1979, the Kolehmainen family heard a shooting sound, and a constable reported seeing a strange light phenomenon. The next morning, a larger crater was found 10 meters away, again containing red liquid and metal pieces. A third landing trace area with three holes was found on February 21, 1979, with similar findings of red liquid and metal, but no metallic cup. The Kolehmainens initially sought privacy, but news leaked to the press, resulting in about ten published articles.

Photograph Attempt

On March 8, 1979, Reijo Kolehmainen asked Jarmo Nykanen to guard his house. During the evening of March 10, 1979, Nykanen saw a flash of light and thought he was being watched. Shortly after midnight, a bell-shaped mini-UFO, about half a meter in diameter, appeared. The upper part radiated blue light, and the lower part radiated red light. Nykanen, initially mistaking it for car lights, realized it was a UFO. He attempted to take photos, but the flash did not work. He approached the UFO, which ascended to an altitude of three meters and disappeared skywards. The photos did not develop.

12 Mini-UFO Photos

A few days later, Nykanen mapped the landing trace areas, noting they formed a triangle. On March 16, 1979, while walking through the forest, he encountered another mini-UFO, similar to the first, hovering about two meters above the ground. This UFO radiated blue light and moved up and down. Nykanen took five photos before approaching it, at which point it disappeared. Later, while walking on a frozen lake, he heard a humming sound and saw the same UFO in the bushes. He took more photos, then climbed a cliff. The UFO directed a red beam of light towards his face, temporarily blinding him. He hid and took a final photo. A red smoke puffed out, and a cylinder-shaped object zoomed into the sky, leaving behind pieces of metal and red liquid. Nykanen felt tired and sleepy. He met Reijo Kolehmainen on his way home.

Reijo noticed blood on Nykanen's nose and two tiny holes, which later disappeared. The weather was fair.

The police could not explain the events, and the young men seemed eager to learn more. The camera used was a Yashica Junior, and the film was Sakura, in color. Research on the 'retrievals' was ongoing.

Metal fragment from UFO

This section details a significant case investigated by UFO Research of Finland, involving a strange fragment that fell from a UFO into Kallavesi Lake in August 1964, witnessed by Mr Raimo Blomqvist. The fragment has been studied extensively in Finland and Sweden at universities and laboratories. Numerous documents, photographs, analyses, and interviews have accumulated, all supporting Blomqvist's account. No natural objects or machines have been identified as its origin.

Blomqvist was at his summer house when he saw a light in the northeast that grew in size and approached him. The silent UFO halted about 10 meters away, hovering a couple of meters above the water. It was multi-coloured, oval, with a hazy light, and the left edge appeared bent. No reflections were seen on the water, but there was a vibrating movement below the object. The UFO was three to four meters in diameter and a couple of meters high.

After about 20 seconds, a fragment fell into the shallow water with a hissing sound. It glowed brightly before landing. The UFO's colored stripes then glowed, and it zoomed into the clouds at an altitude of 300 meters with enormous speed.

Blomqvist retrieved the fragment, which was about 20 centimeters deep in the water. He put it in his pocket and told no one. In February 1975, he met UFO researchers in Turku, leading to the case becoming public.

The fragment was 36 millimeters long and 6 millimeters thick, weighing 15 grams with a density of 4 kg/dm³. It was not radioactive but was magnetic. It had five layers of material, including a central layer of light-colored metallic iron and surrounding dark grey and grey layers. The chemical composition was analyzed, revealing elements such as Iron, Oxygen, Manganese, Zirconium, Copper, Silicon, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Tin, Chromium, Tungsten, Calcium, Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, Tantalum, Samarium, Praseodymium, Lead, Strontium, and Barium.

Apparatus like mass spectrometers and scanning electron microscopes were used. The fragment was determined not to be ore, volcanic, a meteorite, or from a known machine. However, nothing 'supernormal' was found. The fragment had likely been affected by a very high temperature (around 650 degrees Celsius), causing substances like carbon and sulphur to disappear and reducing clues to its origin. UFO Research of Finland continues to study the case.

Other Sightings

Guildford 1957: Mrs Bennett saw a circular, shimmering 'airship' object that appeared to revolve and disappeared vertically.

Blyth, Northumberland 1966: Mrs Nesbitt and her daughter observed two large 'headlights' on a round, greyish, saucer-shaped object that hovered motionless before vanishing without a flight path.

Colne, Lancs 1968: Sheila Alton witnessed a greenish glowing object, described as 'like a Mexican hat,' humming and hovering a few feet above the ground.

Reading 1972: Alan Shepherd and his wife saw an object described as a black rocket shape with two grey bands, emitting 'jets of flame' as it descended.

Sheffield 1973: Mrs Marguerite Storer observed two bright lights, one red and one white, above a house. The higher light flashed and shot upwards at great speed.

Tanzania 1976: Mrs Riddle reported a large, soundless, cigar-shaped object, grey in front with vivid flames coming from the rear, flying between mountain ridges.

Billingford, Norfolk 1978: Judith Derry and her husband saw a bright, sharply-defined circle that drifted out of a wood, kept pace with their car, and then shot an oblong light skywards.

Thurton, Norfolk 1976: Mr Byron Scott, a design engineer, witnessed an oval-shaped object without rotor blades, displaying red, blue, and white reflections, appearing 'like a dark balloon.' It was soundless and about 100 feet up.

Halifax 1978: Lorraine Heron saw a large, silent grey/black object with a picture window and lights. Other witnesses in Halifax also reported similar soundless, gliding objects.

North Cray, Kent 1979: Witnesses reported strange noises and a sighting of a cylinder-shaped object with a 'very vivid flame' coming from the back.

Cotonfields, Stafford 1979: A young man reported seeing a discoid, orange object with red and yellow lights, which moved straight and passed slowly above.

Eastbourne 1979: A retired master-mariner observed a rounded, flattish object, illuminated in metallic grey/blue, gold/yellow, skimming low across the sky.

Newcastle, Staffs 1979: Two witnesses watched a black/silver oval shape move slowly downwards, appearing to rotate and reflect the sun, then climb and spin in a 'rising leaf motion.'

Uforum

This section contains letters to the editor. Hilary Evans praises several UFO books but reserves judgment on Mr. Pugh's work, suggesting it needs further substantiation. M Cassirer criticizes Mr. Pugh's 'crude fundamentalism' and 'grossly unscientific attitude,' questioning his competence as an investigator. A.R. Pace discusses the importance of scientific rigor in ufology and criticizes the acceptance of unsubstantiated claims, contrasting the 'Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena' with the term 'UFO.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, particularly 'mini-UFOs,' and the investigation of physical evidence such as landing traces and recovered fragments. The journal emphasizes the importance of scientific analysis and rigorous investigation, as evidenced by the detailed study of the Kallavesi Lake fragment. There is a clear editorial stance favoring empirical evidence and scientific scrutiny, as expressed in the 'Uforum' section, which critiques less rigorous approaches to the subject of ufology.

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, identified as number 30 and dated approximately 1979, is primarily focused on cataloging UFO sightings and presenting research-related content. The cover prominently features 'Sighting Summaries,' indicating a significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailed records of reported aerial phenomena. The issue also includes a lecture and information regarding the organization.

Sighting Summaries

The core of this issue is the extensive 'Sighting Summaries' table, which spans multiple pages and lists numerous UFO reports. Each entry includes a unique 'Code No,' the 'Date' and 'Time' of the sighting, the 'Place' where it occurred, a brief 'Report' describing the phenomenon, a 'Class' designation (ranging from C2c to C4c), and the 'Investigator/Credit.' The sightings cover a wide geographical area within the United Kingdom and date primarily from 1978 and 1979, with a few extending into early 1979. The descriptions of the objects range from simple 'lights' to more complex shapes like 'circular orange objects,' 'metallic cigars,' 'banana shapes,' 'hazy ovals,' and 'triangles.' Some reports include details about the behavior of the objects, such as 'flashing,' 'changing colour,' 'manoeuvring,' and 'hovering.'

Kensington Lectures: The Dyfed Enigma

A significant section of the magazine is dedicated to a report on a lecture titled 'The Dyfed Enigma,' delivered by Randall Jones Pugh on 6 October 1979. The lecture, introduced by NIC Larry Dale, focused on the 'strange events of the South Wales 'Flap'' and Pugh's book, 'The Dyfed Enigma.' The report highlights Pugh's emphasis on the importance of the 'calibre of people' involved in UFO experiences and the need to consider 'subjective considerations' and 'intuitive instincts.' Pugh questioned whether an event is purely physical or psychic, and how it materializes and dematerializes. He described the UFO Phenomenon as a 'heterogenous conglomeration of contradictions, inconsistencies, anomalies, aberrations, mimicry and deceit.' The lecture also touched upon the idea of predestination and the influence of 'individual and collective thought' on mankind's future. Pugh concluded by comparing events from 'The Dyfed Enigma' with reports from other areas and suggesting the possibility of researchers coming under 'psychic domination.' The lecture was well-received by an audience of 120.

Personal Column

This section contains various notices and requests. A call is made for a 'competent, mature investigator' near Kings Lynn, Norfolk, to gather information on a 1969 sighting. Information is provided for 'RAPPORT,' described as an 'intelligent person's introduction service.' The Christian UFO Research Association (CHRUFORA) invites enquiries, especially from the troubled. A 'WARMINSTER-Ley and UFO Centre' offers accommodation for UFO researchers and ley hunters. A 'UFO DIRECTORY' of groups and publications is advertised, along with a contact for UFO news-cutting agencies. Finally, an invitation is extended to Bufora members in Gloucester & Somerset to join or attend meetings of new local groups.

BUFORA JOURNAL Back Issues and Publications

Information is provided on obtaining back issues of the BUFORA JOURNAL, available at 70p (50p for members), with photo-copies also offered. Rare LUFORO and BUFOA publications are available to collectors. Contact details for Arnold West are provided for inquiries about availability and charges.

Book Review: The UFO Memory

A review is presented for the book 'The UFO Memory—from Argonauts to Humanoids' by Jean Bastide. Published in 1978, the book covers UFOs in history, folklore, and legend. The reviewer notes that Jean Bastide is seeking to exchange French UFO journals for British UFO magazines.

Books and Leaflets

A list of books and leaflets available for purchase is provided, including titles such as 'An Engineer's Look at UFOs,' 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Guide to the UFO Phenomenon,' and 'Investigators Handbook.' Prices for members and non-members are listed, and all publications are available post-free from Tony Pace.

Editorial Note

The editor apologizes for having to postpone Part Two of Raymond Drake's 'Messengers From The Stars' due to a 'flood of new reports, reviews and other items' that made it impossible to fit everything into the 36-page journal.

THE BRITISH UFO RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (Bufora)

Details about Bufora are provided, including its founding in 1964, registered office, and aims. The aims include encouraging unbiased scientific research, collecting and disseminating data, and co-ordinating UFO research. Membership details, including the annual subscription fee (£5.00, $12 in USA/Canada), are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic cataloging of UFO sightings, the analytical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, and the exploration of the more esoteric aspects of the subject, such as precognition and psychic influence, as highlighted in the 'Dyfed Enigma' lecture. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, unbiased research while also acknowledging the subjective and potentially psychological dimensions of UFO experiences. The inclusion of various sections like 'Personal Column' and 'Books and Leaflets' suggests an effort to engage the readership and provide resources for those interested in UFO research.