BUFORA Journal - Volume 10 No 01 - Feb 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 10, Number 1
Date: Published February 1981
Publisher: BUFORA Limited (by guarantee)
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0306 798X

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL presents a diverse range of content, from editorial reflections and obituaries to detailed reports on UFO events and upcoming conferences. The cover features an image related to an 'Incident at Rosedale, Canada 9.6.71' involving Michael Buhler, with a reference to further details on page 10.

Editorial: "Impartiality"

In his editorial, Norman Oliver addresses reader reactions to his previous suggestion that the Extra-terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) had been given less than fair treatment. He clarifies that presenting 'pro-ET' points does not mean he considers the ETH the ultimate answer, but rather acknowledges that many members regard it as such and their views are in danger of being overlooked. Oliver emphasizes the importance of fair coverage for all aspects of the subject and the right of members to express their viewpoints without censorship. He draws a parallel to the late John Cleary-Baker's approach as a 'balancing force' to counter tendencies in Ufology. Oliver also discusses the composition of BUFORA's membership, noting that while a quarter may be scientists, the majority are not, necessitating a 'popular' approach to the Journal to ensure financial viability. He also mentions the creation of Journal TAP to cover the ufological spectrum more comprehensively.

Obituaries

The journal includes two significant obituaries. The first is for John Cleary-Baker, who edited the Bufora Journal from 1965 to 1973 and was succeeded by Norman Oliver. Cleary-Baker is remembered for his punctilious work and for drawing up Bufora's first Constitution. He held a Doctorate of Philosophy and his literary and philosophical knowledge helped balance Bufora's scientific approach. His analytical mind was invaluable in UFO incident investigation, and his wit often enlivened meetings. The obituary notes that the death of his wife, Vera, significantly impacted his will to live.

The second obituary is for Captain E.A.I. (Ivar) Mackay, a former Chairman of Bufora from 1967 to 1971. Mackay was instrumental in housing and updating the association's book and tape libraries and hosted numerous Council meetings. He was also knowledgeable in UFO and Psychic spheres and was a member of Contact International (UK). His planned talk on 'Paranormal Nuts and Bolts' had to be cancelled due to ill health.

BUFORA JOURNAL Back Issues

Information is provided on the availability of back issues of BUFORA JOURNAL, with prices for printed copies and photo-copies. It also notes the availability of rare LUFORO and BUFOA publications for collectors. Interested parties are directed to write to Arnold West for details.

Kensington Lectures 1981

A schedule of lectures for 1981 at the Kensington Central Library is listed, including topics such as 'UFOs without Prejudice' and 'The Janos People: A Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind,' with speakers like Ian Watson and Frank Johnson.

2nd London International UFO Congress

Details are provided for the 2nd London International UFO Congress, scheduled for May 24-25, 1981, at the Mount Royal Hotel, London. The provisional program includes sessions on 'Are you sure you have your facts right?' by Bob Digby, 'The Link between the Investigator and the Scientist' by Bertil Kuhlemann, 'Reflections of an Editor' by Charles Bowen, 'The Livingston Close Encounter' by Stuart Campbell, and 'Psychic Phenomena and UFOs' with a group discussion introduced by Hilary Evans. The second day features a presentation on 'Close Encounter Experiences' by Norman Oliver and various discussion groups on topics like the ETH, radar/visual cases, investigation techniques, and ethics for UFO investigators. A special combined rail/hotel/congress package is available through Grand Metropolitan Hotels.

The Motunau Photograph

This article details a photographic sensation from New Zealand, involving a UFO sighting on October 27, 1979. The photograph was taken by Lou Blackburn, asked by Norman and June Neilson to photograph their new fishing boat. While the initial shots were disappointing, a later review of the slides revealed a cluster of dazzling blue-white lights. The image, when enlarged, showed a formation of eight lights on top, six underneath, and possibly five more in between. The article notes that the photograph was initially reproduced incorrectly in the Press and that the area is known for limestone hills and valleys. A sketch map illustrates the location of Motunau in relation to previous UFO activity and the Argosy aircraft's flight path.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO research, the balance between scientific and popular approaches, and the importance of open discussion within the ufological community. The editorial stance, as articulated by Norman Oliver, is one of advocating for impartiality while acknowledging the editor's right to express views, and ensuring that all facets of UFO phenomena are given fair coverage. The issue also highlights the international nature of UFO research through the London Congress and the New Zealand photograph.

This issue of "Aerial Phenomena over Britain" presents a preliminary survey of a significant UFO event that occurred on December 31, 1978. The magazine includes detailed reports of sightings, witness descriptions, and an exhibition of UFO-themed art.

The Phenomena

Between approximately 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm on December 31, 1978, thousands of sightings of one or more aerial objects were reported across the United Kingdom. These objects were described as having flames, fiery matter, or luminous vapour. The shapes varied, including spherical, elongated, cigar-shaped, and triangular forms, with some witnesses comparing them to 'legless newts' or 'flying tadpoles'. In most cases, only one object was seen simultaneously, but in one locality, multiple objects were observed. The objects were generally reported as silent, traveling on a level or flat trajectory, and extremely bright. Some descriptions mentioned lighted windows or doors, and a variety of colours were ascribed to the objects.

Early Identifications and Time Lag

Following the widespread reports in national and provincial newspapers on January 1st, 1979, official explanations began to emerge. Local radio stations received numerous first-hand reports, prompting an announcement that the sightings were actually of the COSMOS 1068 launcher unit re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. This identification was initially agreed with by Bufora, but this proved to be premature. The article notes the 'time lag' that often occurs between widespread phenomena and the gathering and analysis of observations, suggesting this was a good instance of this factor.

The Reports

The issue includes a list of nearly 200 reports from various parts of the United Kingdom, culled from published sources and the archives of Contact International (UK). Some sightings were heavily investigated, others less so, but the collective eyewitness accounts showed a remarkable consistency of detail, suggesting they all referred to the same phenomenon. The reports are presented as complementary and supplementary to one another. The list includes details such as report time, locality, direction, phenomenon description, and principal witness/s. Examples of phenomena descriptions include 'Red Sphere', 'Pulsating white light', 'Cigar trailing smoke', 'Silvery object with tail', 'Black object with tail', 'Round white object', and 'Elongated object'. Figures 1 and 2 visually illustrate some of these shapes and descriptions, with specific examples like 'WORKINGTON (Mr. F. Graham)' showing a yellowy white object with black bands, and 'SUNDERLAND (Mr. Rowall)' depicting a brilliant white, vapour-like object.

Lights in the Sky—An Exhibition

An exhibition titled "Lights in the Sky," featuring paintings and drawings by artist Michael Buhler, opened on February 25, 1981, at the Maclean Gallery in London. Buhler, who has been interested in ufology since 1967, has made UFOs the subject of his art. The article highlights the artist's challenge in conveying the feelings of witnesses to close encounters, especially given the influence of science fiction illustrations. Buhler attempts to overcome this by placing UFOs in ordinary surroundings and focusing on luminosity as a key element. He employs an impressionist style to retain the elusive character of UFOs, rather than high technical detail. The drawings are based on actual incidents from FSR and other specialist publications, presented in a narrative, comic-strip-like format of two or three frames. Buhler avoids drawing many humanoids, as he finds they are not taken seriously by the general public. The exhibition is noted as the first devoted entirely to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the documentation and analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly the widespread sightings on December 31, 1978. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of UFO events, presenting witness testimony and photographic evidence alongside artistic interpretations. There is a clear effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the reported phenomena, acknowledging the challenges in identification and the importance of detailed record-keeping. The issue also touches upon the artistic challenges and approaches to depicting such enigmatic subjects.

This issue of the Bufora Journal, Volume 8, No 4, published in 1980, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring detailed analyses of sightings, case studies, and book reviews. The journal aims to provide a platform for factual and well-presented articles on psychic, Fortean, and UFO phenomena, cutting through prejudice and bigotry.

Duration of Sightings

Percipients generally reported observing phenomena for 'several seconds' to 'quite some time,' with some estimates ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. While eyewitness estimates are acknowledged as unreliable, the duration was significantly longer than that of a meteor or fireball. The low altitude of the phenomena may have contributed to the impression of great size.

Size of Object/s

Observers frequently remarked on the huge size of the phenomena, using terms like 'gigantic,' 'colossal,' or 'immense.' In at least three reports, a glowing or fiery tail was described as stretching across the heavens, contributing to the overall impression of enormity.

Height and Trajectory

Over 50% of reports indicated that the objects traveled horizontally at low altitudes, leading some witnesses to expect crashes. However, no crashes were reported. The trajectory was often towards the mainland of Europe, with airline pilots over the North Sea observing the phenomenon at low altitude en route to Amsterdam.

Noise

Despite visible flames, sparks, smoke, and vapor effects, most observers agreed that the objects emitted no noise, with only a few exceptions reporting 'hissed' or 'sighed' sounds. This silence, coupled with the apparent great size and low altitude, was noted as remarkable.

Variety of Objects

The reports identified three principal types of objects: (i) elongated objects resembling cigars, rockets, or torpedoes; (ii) spheres or globes; and (iii) triangular objects. Other descriptions included oblong and bar-shaped configurations, and one globe was described as 'spiky.' These variations were likely local interpretations, often influenced by a long, fiery, or luminous tail that gave the general impression of an elongated object. Some reports described the objects as 'lollipop-like,' 'tapering oval,' or like a 'legless newt.' Other descriptions included 'comet-like' objects or 'flying flames,' while some specifically mentioned black objects. The obscuration or sporadic fading of the main object likely accounted for the variety in observations, with 'segmented' effects or inconsistent clarity reported by witnesses.

Colours

A wide spectrum of colors was reported, with white or yellowy-orange tinges attributed to elongated objects, green, blue, or greenish-blue (also pink, red, or browny-red) to spherical objects, and white or silver to triangular objects. Colors did not appear to be related to speeds or altitudes, and some reported colors may have been due to the inability of eyewitnesses to differentiate subtle tones.

Directions of Flight

Sightings indicated objects proceeding in at least three main directions: West-East (including NW to SE), North-South (including N-SSE and NNE to SSE), and East-North (including E-NW). Other reported directions, while possibly eyewitness errors, shared the factor of involving small segments of sky. Significantly, at least three reports stated that the phenomenon 'arced' or 'zig-zagged about' in a small area before disappearing. Simultaneous reports from independent witnesses in different parts of a locality described radically different objects proceeding in different directions.

A Precedent and A Conclusion

The issue draws a parallel with a similar phenomenon observed in Britain on March 24, 1955, studied by Arthur Constance. In 1955, the phenomenon was officially dismissed as a meteor, but Constance argued it was likely an extraterrestrial visitor. The official explanation for the December 31, 1978, events—the booster rocket of Cosmos 1068 burning up—is deemed unsatisfactory. The article argues that the duration of the 1978 events (at least 5 hours) was too long for a re-entering rocket, and that such hardware does not zigzag and leap about. It concludes that the numerous sightings were not of a rocket but of at least three different objects moving simultaneously at slow speeds, low altitudes, and were virtually silent, with some meandering. Eyewitness drawings collectively suggest artificial shapes, leading to the conclusion that the objects were of alien or extraterrestrial origin.

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the assistance of individuals and Contact International (UK) for their extensive files, with special thanks to Mr D N Mansell for highlighting the enormity of the events.

References

The article includes extensive references to newspaper articles and reports, including those from East Anglian Times, North Staffs Evening Sentinel, Northern UFO News, North Norfolk News, Lantern, Bufora Journal, and others.

The Motunau UFO Photograph

This section discusses a UFO photograph, noting that the time between the 2nd and 3rd photo was between 5 and 10 seconds. The three involved individuals, June and Norman Neilson and Lou Blackburn, were described as sincere and not previously interested in UFOs. The editors, members of the RNZAF Photographic Section, confirmed the authenticity of the color slide, stating it was a genuine photo of a UFO under existing cloud formation.

From here -and there

This section contains several short reports and commentary:

UFO 'Vampires'

A report from the World Weekly News describes Nelson Sayego of Santa Rosa, Argentina, who claimed a black shape hovered over his car, causing the engine to stall and lights to go out. He then encountered two glowing, faceless figures who drained his blood.

Californian Uforia

US TV star actress Cindy Williams, known for 'Laverne & Shirley,' is making a film titled 'Uforia,' about a woman who sees spaceships. Williams herself had a 'saucer sighting' in the Bernadine Mountains years prior.

Alpha to Omega

The independent magazine 'Alpha,' covering the paranormal, ceased publication with its October 1980 issue (No 9). The co-editors, David Harvey and Roy Stemman, believed a magazine like Alpha was needed to provide honest, common-sense coverage of the paranormal.

UFO 'Flat'

Lionel Beer noted in 'Alpha' that 1980 had a 'flat' period of UFO sightings, but noted that things were picking up, with several accounts received in November.

True, True

The author initially intended to criticize the US magazine TRUE UFOs for lifting an illustration without credit. However, upon receiving TRUE UFOs No 20, he found an article summarizing the 'Mrs V' abduction and rape case featured in Bufora Journal.

Well, well

A report from August 1979 describes a 'silver, humming cigar' with an unusual smell, reported by a 12-year-old schoolboy, who gave contradictory colors and times for a 'revolving dome.' He also claimed to be a Qualified Investigator (Ufoin).

Joker-1.

An anonymous letter from Romford described a UFO encounter near Salisbury, Wilts, involving faded headlights, a whistling sound, and a UFO. The writer, claiming to work for the government, also mentioned a symbol and telepathic messages in Latin. The author expresses a wish that the writer had had a camera and a witness.

Joker-2

This section addresses a 'gentleman' who has been repeatedly calling the author late at night, presumably believing he is being contacted by aliens or persecuted by MIB. The author warns that if the calls do not cease, legal action may be taken.

Those 'alien bodies'

An article from 'The Globe' is discussed, detailing the press release by Dennis Pilichis regarding photos of alleged alien bodies. The photographer, a US Navy veteran, claims the photos are genuine and have been analyzed. The article mentions the wreckage of a crashed UFO and the division of its parts between US and Mexican military personnel, with a charred body and others still in American government possession. The reviewer remains skeptical without seeing the original prints and other photos.

MIB in a Mist

A Quarterly Report from Suomen Ufotutkijat ry details a regressive hypnosis/abduction case of Aino Ivanoff, aged 52, who reported a two-hour abduction on April 2, 1980. She described a domed, aluminum-colored object with oval portholes, being examined by three men in black, and a time lapse of two hours. She claimed to have received a message 'supporting peace' and opposing war.'

Frontiers of Science

Dr. Hynek's letter to subscribers announces the severance of the relationship with 'Probe' magazine due to its lack of scientific quality and failure to meet agreement terms. He states that 'Frontiers of Science' (formerly 'Second Look') will now examine and report on UFO controversy reliably, owned by the Center for UFO Studies.

Thanks Folks

Acknowledgements are extended to Lindy Whitehurst, Lou Farish, and various magazines for material. Lou Farish's Newsclipping Service is mentioned for providing updates on UFO and Fortean news. Thanks are also given to Colin and Janet Andrews for their work with the Bufora lending library, which will now be run by Robin Lindsey.

Book Reviews

The Encyclopedia of UFOs

Edited by Ronald D. Story, this 440-page encyclopedia is praised for its impartiality and objectivity, featuring contributions from leading ufologists worldwide. It is described as a well-illustrated, alphabetical pot-pourri of UFO events, aspects, theories, projects, and personalities, and the best guide to the subject seen by the reviewer. It includes three appendices on chronological UFO events, periodicals, and abbreviations, along with numerous UFO photos. The book is considered an excellent buy at $13.95.

The Interrupted Journey

This review discusses the re-issue of John G. Fuller's book, originally published in 1966, which relates the experiences of Betty and Barney Hill in 1961. The book details a two-hour time lapse during an encounter with humanoids aboard an alien craft, disclosed under regressive hypnosis. The new edition includes a revised foreword and a transcript of a further hypnosis session attended by Dr. Hynek. The reviewer calls it a classic and an ideal opportunity for those who do not already own a copy.

Photographs of the Unknown

Reviewed by T. Huntington, this book by Robert Rickard and Richard Kelly features over 300 photographs of unusual phenomena. The reviewer notes a similarity to Arthur C. Clarke's 'Mysterious World' TV series. While covering UFOs, it also delves into the psychic sphere, featuring topics like Mediumship and Firewalking. The book is described as meticulously documented and a good buy, though the reviewer questions the high proportion of UFO photos credited as 'unknown origin.'

The Janos People

Reviewed by Frank Johnson, this book by Frank Johnson details an alleged abduction case involving the 'Janos People.' The reviewer expresses skepticism, noting that the case claims the aliens are terrestrial extraterrestrials who had previously left Earth. The reviewer takes issue with the use of the term CE4 for this type of case and doubts the author's acceptance of the 'Janos People' as reality, comparing the story to a 'non-violent Battlestar Galactica epic minus the Silons.' The book is considered well-illustrated but perhaps naive if viewed as science fiction.

Sighting Summaries

A table lists numerous UFO sightings from 1933 to 1978, including date, time, place, report description, class, and investigator/credit. The descriptions range from 'bright white oval' and 'bright sphere' to 'green dart,' 'silver oval,' 'glowing discs,' 'wheel-shaped object,' 'red rugby-ball,' 'orange fish-shape,' and 'cigar and crescent.'

UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE

This is an advertisement for Lucius Farish's UFO Newsclipping Service, which provides a monthly 20-page report of the latest UFO accounts from around the world, including the US, England, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the detailed analysis of UFO sightings, focusing on the physical characteristics of reported objects, their flight patterns, and the lack of associated noise. The issue emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and common sense in the study of the paranormal, as evidenced by the editorial stance against 'prejudice and bigotry.' The journal consistently questions official explanations for UFO phenomena, advocating for the extraterrestrial hypothesis, particularly in cases like the December 31, 1978, mass sighting. Book reviews critically assess publications within the UFO and paranormal field, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking to present credible evidence and analysis while remaining open to unconventional explanations.

This issue of the magazine, dated September 1980, focuses on the "2nd Psychics & Mystics Fayre & UFO Show" held at Alexandra Palace on September 27-28, 1980. It also features a significant amount of data on UFO sightings and discussions on related topics like time travel.

Bufora at the Psychics & Mystics Fayre & UFO Show

The event was organized by Gay Wilson, who offered Bufora favorable terms for participation. The Association saw this as an opportunity to raise funds and publicize itself to a wider audience, viewing it as an experiment. It was acknowledged that the Fayre was a 'fringe' event, but Bufora aimed to demonstrate that UFO research could be conducted seriously, in contrast to the 'para-religious and theosophical approaches' of other exhibitors like the Aetherius Society and Viewpoint Aquarius.

Lionel Beer spent three weeks assembling photographs and associated material, including 'Letrasetting' captions and headings. The display featured well-known photographs, some of suspected fakes, UFOs on movie-film, historical phenomena, and unusual man-made objects. A poster showing humanoid types attracted attention, as did a small, colorful selection of book covers. The displays reportedly attracted considerable interest, with people queuing three deep on Sunday afternoon.

Approximately 9,000 people attended the Fayre, a decrease from the 14,000 at an earlier event. Sales of literature from the Bufora stand covered costs, and the event resulted in new members and increased attendance at London lectures.

The stand, measuring about 15ft x 6ft, was set up in 90 minutes by Betty Wood, Arnold West, his daughter Averil, and Lionel Beer. Wilf Grunau, Bufora Treasurer, gave a 40-minute talk on UFOs. Other members assisting included Pam Kennedy, Eve Demuth, John Shaw, Robert Morison, and Mr & Mrs Leslie Bayer and their son Christopher. The event was considered a successful public relations exercise and provided valuable experience.

An anecdote mentions that Gay Wilson originally solicited Bufora's participation on July 10th, the same day the Great Hall burnt down. The event was subsequently transferred to the Palm Court area, which, along with the BBC transmitter, remained intact.

UFO Sighting Reports

The magazine includes extensive lists of UFO sighting reports, categorized by Code No, Date, Time, Place, Report (description of the object/phenomenon), Class (a classification system), and Investigator/Credit. These reports span from October 1978 to July 1980, covering numerous locations across the United Kingdom.

Examples of reported objects include:

• Dumbbell shape (Sandbach, Cheshire, 10.10.78)
• White beam (Cwmbran, Gwent, May 1978)
• Blue-green LITS (Basildon, Essex, Autumn 1978)
• Beige cylinder (Moston, Manchester, 8.8.79)
• Round Flare (Sawston, Cambs, 11.2.79)
• Round, orange object (Sawston, Cambs, 22.3.79)
• Round object (Windsor, Hants, 2.5.79)
• Orange sphere (Totton, Hants, 26.6.79 & 17.6.79)
• Two aluminium saucers (East Kirby, Lincs, 5.9.79)
• Orange 'saucer' (Boultham Moor, Lincoln, 6.11.79)
• White oval (Mylor Bridge, Cornwall, 31.12.79)
• Grey box shape (Leeds, 22.9.79)
• Five red/white LITS (Dunstable, Beds, 29.11.79)
• Red ball (New Buckenham, 27.9.79)
• Three silver discs (Portslade, Sussex, 12.12.79)
• Deep pink round object (Gillingham, Kent, 15.4.79)
• Bright orange cigar (Burgess Hill, Sussex, 14.7.79)
• 2 orange lights (Little Odell, Beds, 10.6.79)
• 'Magnesium streak' (Aylesbury, Bucks, 19.6.79)
• Flashing LIT (Church Minshull, Cheshire, 9.2.79)
• White ellipsoid (London, E11, Sept 1979)
• Orange glove-shape (Billericay, Essex, Nov 1979)
• Oval with lights (Nantwich, Cheshire, 20.9.79)
• 3 LITS changing patterns (Beare Green, Surrey, 13.2.80)
• 2 golden 'basket-shapes' (Looe, Cornwall, 5.4.80)
• Silver/white metallic object (Epsom Downs, Surrey, 2.2.80)
• Red dome (Edgware, Middlesex, 2.1.80)
• Multicoloured round lights (Broad Oak, Sussex, 31.1.80)
• Orange/yellow ball of light (Chertsey, Surrey, 7.2.80)
• Flashing 'mass of white spikes' (Upper Dicker, Sussex, 5.4.80)
• White star-shape (M11 Motorway, 7.4.80)
• Red/white LITS (Edinburgh, 8.4.80)
• Spinning red ball (Bradley, N Yorks, 15.1.80)
• Flashing LITS (Leicester, 7.2.80)
• Whirring 'saucer' (Market Harboro', Leics, 7.1.80)
• Grey/silver oval (Nr Folkestone, Kent, 3.4.80)
• 2 round lights (Thurnham, Kent, 30.3.80)
• Gold crescent (Whitstable, Kent, 1.1.80)
• Object with white lights and red beams (Whitstable, Kent, 11.1.80)
• 2 light beams (Seasalter, Kent, 11.1.80)
• Yellow light (Dartford, Kent, 10.2.80)
• Orange ball (Wilmington, Kent, 4.3.80)
• Green object (Ockenden, Essex, 3.6.80)
• Red ball (Milton Keynes, Bucks, 26.2.80)
• White and green LITS (Parson Drove, Cambs, 19.2.80)
• Cigar with red lights (Peterborough, 20.3.80)
• Round, flat, grey object (London, W4, 3.7.80)
• Black oval (Skegness, Lincs, 13.7.80)
• Varicoloured ball of fire (Enfield, Middx, 20.6.80)
• White 'sting-ray' (Friern Barnet, Midx., 21.8.80)
• Spherical object (Friern Barnet, Midx., 21.8.80)
• 3 yellow circles (Edgworth, Lancs, 3.8.80)
• Metallic sphere (Frogmore, Herts, 10.8.80)
• Silver oblong (London, SW16, 27.7.80)
• Oval with bright centre (London, SW16, 27.7.80)

Notice Regarding Investigations Coordinator

Larry Dale has vacated the position of National Investigations Co-ordinator. Pending recommendations from a Working Party on a new investigations structure, communications and reports are to be sent to Maureen Hall, 19 Hall Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 5HB.

Uforum: Letters to the Editor

Letter from J Hand, Basildon

J Hand congratulates the editorial on its 'saturation attack' on 'flap' areas and agrees that investigators would volunteer more time if there was a chance of furthering knowledge. He dismisses the 'waste of time' objection for those with a genuine interest.

Letter from Stuart Campbell, Edinburgh

Stuart Campbell addresses the concept of time travel, referencing a 1964 radio talk by Guy Robinson. He highlights paradoxes, such as altering the past and the impossibility of returning to the same present. Campbell proposes that the past is fixed and any future time travellers must have already appeared. He questions how this would work in practice, the implications for free will, and who would fix the flow of actions. Campbell also points out the practical difficulties of time travel due to Earth's rotation and movement through space, suggesting that a time machine would need complex co-ordinate systems and a space travel mechanism.

Letter from C Stevens, London SW19

C Stevens discusses his fifteen years as a passive member of Bufora. He identifies a dichotomy between 'nuts and bolts' people and 'cultists.' He suggests that while secret weapons or rocket experiments might explain some reports, and misidentifications are common, the few remaining reports are likely from craft controlled by intelligent beings from another solar system.

Letter from Manfred Cassirer, Piltdown, Sussex

Manfred Cassirer comments on the magazine's last issue, questioning the editor's impartiality and suggesting the ET hypothesis be re-christened the "Kid's Comic Hypothesis" (KCH). He sympathizes with Mr. Campbell's complaint about Bufora not being a debating society but criticizes the editor for being unfair to Hilary Evans. Cassirer suggests investing in an "anti-gravity beam" gun to remove contemptible material from the Journal. He also notes that the Plumstead case data was presented at third-hand.

The editor responds, stating that Margaret Fry might disagree about the 'Plumstead' data being third-hand and refers Manfred to his editorial, refraining from further comment due to an impending 'broadside' in the next letter.

Letter from R Jones Pugh, Haverfordwest

R Jones Pugh responds to Manfred Cassirer's criticism, defending his 'track record in the investigative field.' He clarifies that he presented metaphysical aspects of UFO contact as factual alongside visual sightings. Pugh defines metaphysics and explains his claim that entities exist within the ufological phenomenon with the purpose of destroying belief in Christ. He challenges hypercritics to investigate firsthand and suggests that those unwilling to do so do not deserve a reply.

An editorial note mentions that Randall has withdrawn from all ufological activities and associations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, the practicalities and challenges of UFO investigation, and theoretical discussions on topics such as time travel. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that UFO phenomena warrant serious investigation, distinguishing between rigorous inquiry and more speculative or 'occult' approaches. The letters section highlights a debate within the ufological community regarding methodology, interpretation, and the nature of evidence.