1987 - BUFORA Winter News

Magazine Overview

This is the BUFORA Winter Newsletter, dated December 1987. It is the third in a series of occasional newsletters designed to keep the membership informed. The primary goal of this edition is to present the Annual Report of BUFORA and related documents for the Annual General Meeting. The newsletter is edited by Steve Gamble, Director of Research & Vice Chairman.

Editorial

In his editorial, Steve Gamble welcomes readers and notes that this newsletter is the third in a series. He mentions that the main purpose of this edition is to provide the Annual Report and papers for the Annual General Meeting. Gamble apologizes for production difficulties with the BUFORA BULLETIN, which led to a late arrival of the June/July issue. To compensate, three newsletters have been issued over the past twelve months, making up for the replaced BULLETIN. To improve publication reliability, money previously allocated to the research department's computer has been invested in a desk-top publishing system. Gamble also humorously notes that a new spelling checker might catch errors, potentially preventing embarrassment.

Important Information

Key information highlighted includes that AGM papers start on Page 2 and further details for the training seminar are on Page 16.

Training Seminar

A training session is scheduled to be held in Northampton during February. The session will focus on basic investigation and the initial approach to witnesses. The cost is a small charge of £3-50. It will run from 1:30 PM to approximately 5:00 PM at the Brookside Community Centre, Lings, Northampton. The date is Saturday, February 20th.

Notice of Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd.

The Thirteenth Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 1988, at 6:30 PM in the Lecture Theatre of The London Business School, Regents Park, London. The meeting will receive the Chairman's Report, the Report of the Council of Management, the Treasurer's Accounts, and appoint an Auditor. The notice is signed by A. West, Chairman, on behalf of the Council of Management, dated December 11, 1987.

Members are reminded that they can appoint a proxy. Instruments of proxy must be lodged at the registered address (16 Southway, Burgess Hill, Sussex, RH15 9ST) at least 48 hours before the meeting. Members wishing to nominate persons for the Council of Management must submit nominations in writing at least four, but no more than twenty-eight, clear days before the meeting.

Agenda for the Thirteenth Annual General Meeting (March 5, 1988)

1. Notice convening the Meeting
2. Minutes of the Twelfth Annual General Meeting
3. The President
4. Chairman's Report
5. Treasurer's Report
6. Director of Research Report
7. Director of Investigations Report
8. Adoption of the Report of the Council of Management, the Report of the Auditor, and the Accounts for the year ended August 31, 1987.
9. Amendment of Article 35 of the Articles of Association regarding the number of elected Members of Council (to be not less than six, nor more than twelve), with the addition that the Council may co-opt up to three additional members.
10. Appointment of the Auditor and their remuneration.
11. Members retiring by rotation under Sections 49 and 50 of the Articles of Association: Stephen Gamble and Arnold West, who offer themselves for re-election. Other Council Members eligible for re-election under Section 37: Phillip Mantle and Simon Rose.

Report of the Council of Management for Twelve Months Ended 31 August 1987

This report covers the period from September 1, 1986, to August 31, 1987. The principal activities of the Company were to encourage, promote, and conduct unbiased scientific research of UFO phenomena in the UK and cooperate with similar work globally. Membership stood at 278 at August 31, 1987, down from 282 the previous year, against a registered membership of 550. Public lectures continued monthly at the London Business School, with thanks extended to Manfred Cassirer for organizing them. BUFORA Publications and a separate report are mentioned. An International Conference is planned for 1989, with date and venue to be announced. A joint ASSAP/BUFORA training seminar on Handling the Media in Manchester in November 1986 was abandoned due to lack of support. A seminar on Basic Investigation Skills is under consideration, and correspondence courses on UFology and Basic Investigation are in development. A professional PRO's attempt to guide BUFORA's promotion was short-lived. Bob Holland BSc, a physics lecturer, has taken on the role of Information Officer, handling membership inquiries and UFO-related correspondence. Three changes occurred in the Council of Management during 1986-87: Manfred Cassirer was elected at the 1986 AGM, and Simon Rose and Phillip Mantle were appointed to fill vacancies. The Council members as of August 31, 1987, were Lionel Beer, Manfred Cassirer, Hilary Evans, Stephen Gamble, Robin Lindsey, Ken Phillips, Jenny Randles, Simon Rose, John Spencer, Arnold West, and Mike Wootten. No Council member received remuneration. Appreciation is expressed to James Danby (Membership Secretary) and Bob Holland (Information Officer).

BUFORA Limited - Income and Expenditure Account for Year Ended 31st August 1987

Total income for the year was £4682, with subscriptions (£3232) being the largest component, followed by donations (£296) and publications (£705). Expenditure totaled £4668. Publications accounted for the largest expense (£3534), followed by stationary and administration (£496) and research and investigation (£396). Lecture costs were £624, offset by lecture income of (£551), resulting in a net loss on lectures. The excess of income over expenditure for the year was £14, a significant decrease from the previous year's £475.

BUFORA Limited - Balance Sheet as at 31st August 1987

Fixed assets (Equipment) were valued at £60. Current assets included Bank (£1093), Deposit Account (£3321), and Debtors (£500), totaling £4914. Current liabilities comprised Sundry creditors (£2127) and Subscriptions in advance (£0), totaling £2127. The General Fund balance brought forward was £2833, with an excess of income for the year of £14, resulting in a total fund of £2847. The company is limited by guarantee, with each member's liability limited to £1 upon winding up. The accounts were approved by A. West (Chairman) and J.L. Spencer (Director).

Report of the Auditor to the Members

N. O'Brien, F.C.A., Chartered Accountant, audited the financial statements for the year ended August 31, 1987. The audit was conducted in accordance with approved Auditing Standards. The auditor notes that the company's control system relies on close director involvement. While independent confirmation of accounting records was not fully available, assurances were accepted from directors. The auditor is of the opinion that the financial statements, prepared under the historical cost convention, give a true and fair view of the company's affairs and its excess of income for the year, complying with the Company's Act 1985.

A breakdown of expenditure for 1986-87 shows publications at £3534, admin at £496, research & investigation at £396, registration at £20, audit at £57, training at £25, and bank charges at £12.

Treasurers Report

Simon Rose, acting Honorary Treasurer, presents the Balance Sheet and Statement of Account. He notes that while income has increased, costs have also risen significantly. Lecture costs rose by approximately 35% with only a 4% increase in lecture income, leading to an overall loss. Expenditure on publications increased by approximately 53%, while income from publications only rose by 30%. These factors contributed to the reduced excess of income for the year. Rose highlights that the Association's reserve fund invested in a Building Society has provided worthwhile income. He reiterates that members are the lifeblood of the organization and emphasizes the need to increase the membership base. A graph illustrates the percentage change in costs from 1985/86 to 1986/87, showing significant increases in publications and admin, moderate increases in R&I, and stable costs for registration, audit, and training.

Minutes of the Twelfth Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd.

The twelfth AGM was held on Saturday, March 7, 1987, at The London Business School, with 30 voting members present. Chairman Mr. West announced the death of Miss Pam Kennedy. The minutes of the previous AGM (December 6, 1986) were accepted with two minor amendments: Manfred Cassirer was elected to the Council, not co-opted, and 'amanded' was corrected to 'amendment'. The Chairman's report had been published in the January 1987 BUFORA BULLETIN. Mr. West mentioned approaching Professor Archie Roy to become President and the hope of arranging a workshop at the forthcoming Congress. A survey sent with the January BULLETIN had generated 30 replies. Mr. West presented the accounts, showing an excess of income over expenditure of £475, with £2833 carried forward. Membership had dropped by about 60 over the year. The adoption of the accounts and auditor's report was proposed and passed unanimously. Council was given leave to appoint the auditor. A motion to reduce the AGM quorum to fifteen members was proposed by Mr. Cassirer and seconded by Mr. Beer, passing with 23 votes for and 6 against. Council members retiring by rotation (Hilary Evans, Kenneth Phillips, Jenny Randles, Mike Wootten) were re-elected. Mr. Cassirer asked that Council investigate the possibility of becoming a registered charity. The meeting closed at 19:10.

Donations

A list of members who made donations between September 1, 1986, and August 31, 1987, is provided. The Council of BUFORA Ltd thanks members and supporters for their continued support and apologizes for any errors or omissions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are organizational management, financial reporting, and future planning for BUFORA. The editorial stance, as expressed by Steve Gamble and Simon Rose, is one of transparency regarding operational challenges (like publication delays) and financial performance, while also emphasizing the importance of membership and future development through training and research. There's a clear focus on maintaining the organization's activities and improving its operational efficiency, such as through the investment in desk-top publishing. The issue also highlights the democratic processes of the organization through the detailed reporting of the AGM minutes and the financial statements.

This issue of the BUFORA Winter Newsletter, dated December 1987, provides a comprehensive update on the organization's activities, reports from key departments, and upcoming events. The publication serves as a record of BUFORA's work in UFO research and investigation.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman's report begins by stating the intention to focus on recent developments within BUFORA rather than reiterating routine matters. The report anticipates the opening of proceedings at the AGM by a newly appointed President, described as having a military background and wide experience of public life, combined with a long interest in UFOs, making him eminently qualified to lead BUFORA into the next decade.

Several members are retiring from the Council. Lionel Beer, after many years of service in various capacities including Vice and full Chairman, congress organiser, and lecture organiser, is taking a break but has accepted the post of Vice President of BUFORA as a token of appreciation. Ken Phillips is resigning from his many duties, which included Training Officer, Lecture Officer, and researcher engaged in developing new investigation methods. Robin Lindsey is taking a well-earned break after a three-year battle with ill-health but will continue to operate the Tape Library and record public lectures. The Chairman expresses gratitude for their dedication and wishes them well.

The Lending Library has been established with Michael Hudson, offering approximately 160 books for loan to members, with applications to be directed to the Registered Office. R.D. (Bob) Holland is providing an excellent service handling membership and general information enquiries, and is also compiling a correspondence course for members and investigators.

The publication "UFO's 1947-87" was released to coincide with the 1987 International Congress, and the publications department has exciting plans for the new year. Credit is given to Bob Digby for the fine International Congress held at the L.B.S. in July 1987, which was attended by delegates from around the world.

A recommendation is being made to amend the Articles of Association to permit the co-option of suitable persons to the Council. This is intended to facilitate the use of specialist advisers and allow easy liaison with other bodies.

The report concludes with a note of respect for Charles Bowen, past editor of "Flying Saucer Review", who passed away on October 14, 1987. The Chairman thanks all Council Members, Officers, Investigators, and helpers for their service and looks forward to working with them in the coming year.

Report of the Director of Investigations

The BUFORA Investigations department, operating under the NIC (National Investigations Committee), has continued its work from March 1987 to March 1988. The NIC comprises Accredited Investigators (AIs), guests, and investigators from friendly groups. Approximately 22 AIs represented about one-tenth of the BUFORA membership and covered most of the country.

During the year, the NIC lost members Robert Moore (who moved into a research team job) and Mike Wootten (who quit as London area RIC to focus on the BULLETIN). New provisionals and AIs joined, including Phillip Mantle (ex YUFOS and UK representative for MUFON), Susan Pollock, and Malcolm Robinson (who took over as RIC in Scotland). Albert Budden replaced Mike Wootten as Greater London RIC.

The year was significantly marked by the 40th anniversary of the first 'flying saucer' sightings, the hiatus in the USA concerning the MJ-12 documents and abductions (typified by Whitley Strieber's "Communion"), and BUFORA's extensive efforts in congress and publications.

Press cuttings reached an all-time high of 500 for the year, surpassing the previous best year (1983). However, much of this publicity was for the Atherius Society, a religious cult, necessitating NIC's counteraction through interviews on radio, television, and media, including a piece promoting the NIC in Police Review.

Approximately 50 new cases were added to the files, with a surge of cases following a wave of sightings in August 1987, which produced more sightings than any other since 1980 and more than the entire year of 1986. Many of these were explained as NATO exercises or the London 'UFO kite' incident. Investigations into a prophecy of world end concluded it was a slight exaggeration.

Despite publicity, there were no new major close encounters, but several cases were under investigation: a CE3 in Lancashire, a bedroom visitor with an entity in Cheshire, a car-stop case in Derbyshire, and a major abduction with gynaecological features from Yorkshire.

NIC cases were featured in major media, including 'mystery circles' in OMNI (New York), the Rendlesham Forest case on BBC-TV, and the Ventnor, Isle of Wight case in the Sunday Express. The NIC was also involved with BBC-1's "Kilroy" series, with the Director of Investigations serving as an official research consultant.

The NIC purchased a computer software package to develop a system for probability ratings of various IFO options, intended to complement human evaluation.

NIC publications included an update report by Paul Fuller and Dr Terence Meaden on 'mystery circles', a jointly funded project with TORRO. This report is considered a major addendum to the 1986 NIC publication "Mystery of the Circles" and exemplifies how ufologists should conduct scientific research.

The second edition of the annual "UFO World '87" was released, and a new series of 'Case Histories' was launched with "Fire in the Sky", reporting on the Peter Day movie film.

Publications Report for Year 1986/87

BUFORA experienced its best year for publications. The first book, 'UFOs, 1947-87', was well-received, and 'Mystery of the Circles' was reprinted due to demand and virtually sold out. 'UFO World 1986' was popular, leading to the production of a successful 1987 version.

Technical issues with the Bulletin's publishing hardware caused delays, but BUFORA acquired a new desk top publishing system to improve quality and timeliness. The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena continued its policy of presenting a quality, scientific journal.

BUFORA publications are expected to have a bright future with new ideas in the pipeline, maintaining a policy of high standards in presentation and content. The Council of management thanked all contributors, from authors to printers.

• Publications issued between September 1986 and August 1987 included:
• J. Transient Aerial Phenomena (Sept 86, Mar 87) - Editor Steve Gamble
• BUFORA BULLETIN (Nov/Dec 86, Jan/Feb 87, May/June 87, July/Aug 87) - Editor John Barrett, Mike Wootten
• Winter Newsletter (Jan 87) - Editor Steve Gamble
• UFO World '87 - Editor Jenny Randles
• UFOs 1947-87 - Editors John Spencer & Hilary Evans
• Mystery of the Circles (Re-print) - P. Fuller & J. Randles
• Summer Newsletter (Aug 87) - Editor Steve Gamble

Report of the Research Department for Period Ended 31/8/87

S. Gamble continued as Director of Research. The department's primary work involved research into UFO and associated phenomena and supporting field investigators. Two research committee meetings were held, and representatives attended national investigations committee meetings.

Mike Wootten continued work on the computerised indexing of case reports, assisted by members. Paul Fuller conducted an extensive survey amongst cereal farmers in southern England regarding circular damage to fields.

Nigel Smith headed the photographic and traces group, assisted by Roger Chinery and Steve Gamble. The department monitored computer use for UFO research, with Paul Fuller using forms from BUFORA BULLETIN and JTAP. Two issues of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena were issued.

Nigel Smith worked on a jointly funded project with the Research and Investigation departments on the interpretive powers of witnesses. A grant was made to the Witness centred project of Ken Phillips and Alex Keul. Mike Wootten, assisted by Gaynor Sunderland, continued refurbishing case report files.

Several individuals assisted Steve Gamble: Roger Chinery, James Danby, Robert Digby, Paul Fuller, Julie Hancock, Mike Hudson, Robin Lindsey, Ken Phillips, Nigel Smith, Gaynor Sunderland, Mike Wootten, and Arnold West.

BUFORA's registration under the data protection act was approved during the year.

B.U.F.O.R.A. News

This section details upcoming BUFORA meetings and events. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are held at the London Business School, Sussex Place, Regent's Park, London NW1, starting at 18:30 hrs. Meetings normally end around 21:30, with a short break and concluding with questions and discussion. Publications are available for purchase at most meetings.

There is a small charge to attend meetings: £1 for members and £2.50 for non-members for London lectures, and a flat rate of £3.50 for the training session.

BUFORA reserves the right to alter, cancel meetings, or refuse admission without prior notice.

Copies of the programme card and membership forms are available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to BUFORA (Meetings), 16, Southway, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9ST.

• Upcoming events include:
• February 6th, 1988: Prof. Ray Leonard on "The Turin Shroud: Conjectures on its Origin."
• February 20th, 1988: Training Session - Basic Investigation Techniques at Brookside Community Centre, Lings, Northampton (1:30 pm - 5:00 pm).
• March 5th: AGM of BUFORA Ltd, followed by John Rimmer on "Abductions."
• April 2nd: Guy Lyon Playfair, M.A. on "Mind and Magic."
• May 7th: Phillip Taylor on "UFOs and Astronomy."
• June 4th: Martin Shough on "The Reality of the UFO Phenomenon."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes BUFORA's commitment to rigorous investigation and scientific research in the field of UFO phenomena. There is a clear stance against sensationalism, as seen in the critique of groups and magazines that focus on UFO terms without scientific research. The organization actively engages with the media to promote its work and counter misinformation, as demonstrated by the NIC's involvement with BBC programs and interviews. The importance of publications, both books and journals, as a means of disseminating research and information is highlighted throughout. The newsletter also underscores the collaborative nature of BUFORA's work, involving members, investigators, and other organizations like TORRO and MUFON. The ongoing efforts to improve data management and research methodologies, such as the computer software for probability ratings, reflect a forward-looking approach to UFO research.