1973 - Feb - The Investigator No.1 (BUFORA)

Magazine Overview

Title: THE INVESTIGATOR.
Issue: 1
Publisher: BUFORA (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association)
Date: October 1972
Type: Newsletter

This is the inaugural issue of 'The Investigator', a newsletter from BUFORA, serving as a platform for reporting and discussing UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) investigations. The publication aims to provide a more scientific and efficient approach to UFO research, encouraging greater participation and a higher standard of data collection.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Richard P. Colborne, the newly elected National Investigations Co-ordinator (NIC), sets the tone for the newsletter. Colborne emphasizes that the primary task of BUFORA is the collection, collation, and investigation of reported UFO sightings. He highlights a critical issue: many cases go uninvestigated because no one is asked to look into them, creating a vicious cycle. Colborne's intention is to significantly increase the percentage of investigated and published reports, thereby expanding the network of investigators and the quantity of raw material for research. He announces the re-organization of the Investigations Section and promises details on investigation techniques in future issues. The newsletter is made possible by donations from members covering the cost of four extra pages for this issue, with future issues likely to be limited to twelve pages including the cover. Colborne thanks those who have assisted him since he took office on October 7th of the previous year and welcomes new members, promising a new lease of life for the association with a more scientific and efficient approach.

Profile: Bob Skinner

This section introduces Bob Skinner, the Assistant National Investigations Co-ordinator. Skinner's interest in UFOs began around 1966 after reading 'Flying Saucers have Landed'. He joined the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) and met Richard Colborne. Initially, his interest was general, but by 1970, he decided to specialize, focusing his research on the UFO phenomenon in 1952. He has compiled a log of over 700 sightings from that year, with the second stage of his work involving writing up each case. Skinner joined BUFORA as an investigator in February 1972 and has since become interested in investigating recent cases, accompanying Colborne on trips and spending time in Winsford, Cheshire. Despite extensive sky-watching, he has never personally seen a UFO but is convinced of the phenomenon's reality. Skinner believes in keeping an open mind about the nature of UFOs, suggesting multiple explanations might exist, and cites his 1952 studies which referenced 'inexplicable light form'-type UFOs, distinct from the later 'flying saucer' concept. He offered his services to the NIC department in late 1972 and is also a member of CONTACT-UK and an investigator for ADR.

A Policy Statement from the National Investigations Co-ordinator

Richard P. Colborne outlines the policy for the investigation of sightings. The core intention is to investigate all reported sightings, even if superficially, to gather as much data as possible. The majority of reports come from newspaper cuttings, but journalists often lack the open-mindedness or scientific rigor to interview witnesses properly. Insubstantial reports lacking date, time, or location will be discarded. The policy aims to give investigators experience, but during 'flap' periods, priority will be given to more substantial cases. The newsletter will publish details of investigated cases, but not as a representation of total knowledge. Information is published for 'bone fide' investigators, not the 'cultist fringe', to prevent data misuse or witness harassment. Readers interested in further details are advised to contact the NIC. Colborne also discusses the nationwide coordination of investigations, noting the extensive workload and the need for at least two assistants for the NIC department. Bob Skinner has already made significant contributions as an assistant.

De-centralisation of Investigations

To effectively coordinate investigations nationally, BUFORA is prioritizing the selection of Regional Co-ordinators. The country is divided into 19 regions, each overseen by a coordinator responsible for a small section, supervising a limited number of investigators. These coordinators are expected to be experienced, provide advice, allocate sightings, and collate reports. They will assign a serial number to fully investigated cases and send the original to the NIC, keeping a regional copy. A map of England, Scotland, and Wales showing regional boundaries and coordinator addresses is available on the back cover.

Co-ordination Procedure

When a witness report reaches the NIC, an investigator is selected based on proximity, experience, and availability. The investigator receives details of the case, and the appropriate Regional Co-ordinator is informed. The coordinator ensures the case is investigated properly, the report is numbered, and returned to the NIC. In regions without a coordinator, the investigator reports directly to the NIC. During busy periods, newspaper cuttings may be sent to regional coordinators for allocation. Richard Nash has offered assistance in allocating sightings.

Colborne thanks the investigators for their work, noting that his policy of investigating virtually all reports has increased the number of active investigators and provided a better overall picture of the phenomena. He believes this process prepares them for more significant sightings and helps convince the scientific community that UFOs are worthy of study.

Sightings

Sighting in Boston, Lincolnshire

On October 3, 1972, at 03:40, Thomas Trinder, a newsagent, observed a large, cigar-shaped object, described as 'sort of glowing' orange and green, floating upright near the crescent moon. Flames were seen coming from the object. His son Alan also witnessed it. The object moved further away from the moon by 05:30 and was gone by 06:30. The sky was clear and warm. The RAF spokesman stated they had nothing that could move that slowly.

Sighting at Wallington, N.E. Surrey

On October 20, 1972, at approximately 18:45 GMT, John Hedger saw six bright, hexagonal-shaped lights in the sky, individually recognizable as discs. They remained visible for about three minutes without apparent movement. The objects were white and did not emit light of other colors, nor did their light intensity vary. Cloud coverage was about 6/8, the weather cold and dry with a strong breeze. No sound was heard. The objects' brightness was compared to the full moon, positioned at 300° true, with an elevation of 30°.

Sighting on Salisbury Plain

Clive West, proprietor of the Ceres Hotel, observed what he initially thought was a bright star while driving on the A303. It was accompanied by two red lights circling it. The object, about 500 yards from the road and at an altitude of 400 ft, descended to the ground, illuminating the area. The red lights remained on its sides as it descended but departed skyward when it touched down. West, a former reporter, appealed for other witnesses, and another family has come forward. Terry Cox, Regional Co-ordinator for Devon and Cornwall, interviewed Mr. West.

Sighting at Basildon, Essex

On December 15, 1972, at 18:15 GMT, Mr. Norris saw "three large, orange coloured objects" high in the sky, moving east at a very high speed in a 'V' formation. The objects were almost overhead but made no sound. They were described as shaped between an "arrowhead" and a "boomerang", with sharply defined leading edges and blurred trailing ones. They appeared 50 times brighter than the average star. The objects were first seen at 85° above the horizon and faded out at about 25°. Mr. Norris's eyesight is good, and he was interviewed by Edward J. Woods, who described him as responsible and well-balanced.

Sighting at East Finchley, London

Around October 14, 1972, between 16:00-17:00 hours, about 20 members of a tennis club witnessed a pinky-beige, "wobbly circle" moving slowly from NE to NW in a clear blue sky. The object's elevation was about 60°, and its shape was not a clean circle. Its color was delicate and pretty. Miss Punt, a retired civil servant, provided the information. The object disappeared behind trees.

The Oldham Encounter

On Sunday, October 8, 1972, at 11:55, an object allegedly visited a Ferranti factory in Oldham, Lancashire. The witness, John Byrne, a 43-year-old works policeman, described a large disc-shaped object, slightly oval from his viewing angle, descending vertically towards the car park. The underside was "black at the back and lit up at the front" with a blue/white fluorescent light shining through a bulge that covered approximately one-third of the base, resembling a large bomb aimer's bubble. Byrne became frightened and felt a lack of sensation in his right arm while the object hovered above him. He had previously been skeptical of UFOs but retorted to a colleague after the sighting, "It was you they wanted, not me. You believe in UFOs, I didn't". The report notes that the case is not closed and further examination is intended.

Sighting at Winsford, Cheshire

A sighting was investigated in Winsford, Cheshire, in November 1972.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic investigation of UFO sightings, the importance of accurate data collection, and the organizational structure of BUFORA. The editorial stance is one of promoting a more scientific, organized, and open-minded approach to UFO research, moving away from sensationalism towards rigorous investigation and publication. The newsletter aims to foster a community of investigators and to build a credible case for the study of UFOs within the scientific community. There is a clear emphasis on the need for experienced investigators and a structured approach to case management, including de-centralization through regional coordinators.

This issue of the BUFORA Newsletter, dated February 1973, focuses on UFO sightings and investigations. The main article details a significant sighting that occurred in Winsford, Cheshire, on November 3, 1972. The newsletter also includes information on UFO activity in Australia and provides notable quotes on the study of unidentified flying objects.

Sighting at Winsford, Cheshire

The lead article describes a sighting that began on Friday, November 3, 1972, after 4 pm. Four children—Damon (10), Dale (12), Wain (13), and Anthony (16) Munday—were walking home from Winsford Verdin Comprehensive School. As dusk approached, they noticed a large, bright, cigar-shaped light above the school. Other children and adults in the vicinity also witnessed the object, which moved to the right and then appeared to vanish behind something invisible.

Wain Munday hurried home and met his neighbor, Mrs. Mary Roberts. Soon after, the other children caught up, and they all saw the object reappear. Mrs. Barbara Munday, Wain's mother, joined them. Both Mrs. Munday and Mrs. Roberts provided a more detailed description: a very bright, cigar-shaped light with tapering ends, emitting a yellowish-white light comparable to the full moon. They observed 5 or 6 darker portions or 'portholes' along its length. Mrs. Munday estimated its angular size as that of a new penny held at arm's length, at an elevation of about 20 degrees. The light increased in size, then decreased, appearing as a ball of light before vanishing.

Mrs. Munday described the experience as "really weird watching it when it did go out. I was really thrilled with what I saw."

A map of the Pulford Road area is included, showing the school, playing fields, and Pulford Road, with labels A, B, and C indicating locations relevant to the sighting.

Mr. Byrne's Sighting

Another account details a sighting by a witness named Mr. Byrne. He reported that an object descended to about 90 feet above a mill tower and hovered for approximately five minutes, during which he felt he was being watched and experienced a tingling sensation on his skin and his hairs standing on end. The object then flipped over, revealing a 'barred dome' and a blue/white light. The object's upper surface had a "very definite blue metallic sheen." After less than half a minute in this position, it shot straight up at a "fantastic rate of knots." Mr. Byrne estimated the object's diameter to be 100-150 feet, which reduced to the size of a fifty pence piece as it ascended. He noted that the humming sound from the object remained constant throughout its movements. Following the object's departure, the factory cat was found cowering.

An excerpt from a taped interview with Mr. Byrne is included. He described a humming sound, "heavier" than a swarm of bees, and estimated the object to be about 100 ft in diameter, filling the sky. He could not see into the object's window. The investigator's report notes discrepancies in Mr. Byrne's estimation of the object's altitude but states efforts are being made to clarify them.

UFOs Down Under

A brief "Stop Press" section reports on UFO sightings occurring on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, over several months. The latest information received was from January 14, 1973, which coincided with a major blackout. Several people independently observed an egg-shaped or cigar-shaped UFO. Investigations are being conducted by the Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau, and BUFORA is seeking investigators for this case, noting that no expenses are available.

Interesting Quotes

Two quotes are featured:

1. Heather Duckley: Compares the UFO question to hypothetical deep-sea encounters, questioning how intelligent life would perceive human divers and their technology.
2. T.H. Fricht: Emphasizes the need for an open but critical mind when approaching the UFO question, distinguishing between receptivity and gullibility, and warning against accepting improbable stories or official-sounding explanations without proof.

BUFORA Regions

Page 5 displays a map of BUFORA regions in England, Scotland, and Wales, noting that regional boundaries are not yet finalized. Page 6 lists the region co-ordinators and their addresses and telephone numbers for various regions (A, AF, DJ, N, OP, PU, S, SE, SN, SX, UZ).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter adopts a stance of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed reports and the inclusion of investigator's notes and contact information for regional co-ordinators. The emphasis on witness testimony, object characteristics, and the pursuit of clarity regarding discrepancies suggests a commitment to documenting and understanding these events. The inclusion of quotes from Heather Duckley and T.H. Fricht highlights a thoughtful approach to the subject, encouraging critical thinking and open-mindedness while cautioning against unfounded belief. The "Stop Press" section indicates an awareness of international UFO activity and a desire to extend investigative reach.