1991 - BUFORA Winter News

Magazine Overview

This document is the Winter Newsletter from BUFORA, dated December 1991. It serves as a bridge between issues of the "UFO Times" due to production difficulties. The newsletter covers organizational updates, upcoming events, a significant book review, and a report on an international UFO conference.

Introduction

The introduction welcomes readers to the Christmas Newsletter, explaining that production issues with "UFO Times" have necessitated this interim publication. It expresses hope that the next "UFO Times" will be published within three to four weeks. Steve Gamble is mentioned as the author of this section.

UFO Newsfile Updates

Regrettably, Mike Hudson has had to step down as editor of "UFO Newsfile" due to other commitments, though he will continue with other jobs for BUFORA. Due to rising costs, the price of "Newsfile" is increasing to £1-25 for a single copy and £7-00 for a six-issue subscription. However, the special rate of £5-00 for BUFORA members will be maintained, making it better value for most subscribers.

Belgian Flap

The newsletter notes that the major UFO flap over Belgium, which lasted about eighteen months, appears to have subsided. It is understood that SOBEPS is preparing to publish a book detailing their investigations into this flap, expected in mid-1992.

Regional Meeting

A regional meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 18th, 1992, at 13:30 at the Friends Meeting House in Northampton. The speaker will be John Spencer, discussing "The Role of the Witness in Investigation and Training," promising a lively debate with past UFO witnesses. Admission is £1-50.

UFO Times Newsdesk

Readers are encouraged to call the special "UFO TIMES Newsdesk" at 0352 732473 between 9 am and 5 pm, seven days a week, with news stories or meeting details. A disclaimer states that opinions in articles do not necessarily reflect those of BUFORA or its officers.

Towards the National UFO Centre

Written by Steve Gamble, this article outlines BUFORA's long-term goal of establishing a National UFO Centre, envisioned as BUFORA's headquarters and a hub for research. This centre would house meeting rooms, case reports, and an extensive library. The recent opening of a staffed office on November 1st, 1991, is seen as the first step towards this goal. The article also provides BUFORA's postal address in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and a new telephone number (0582 763218) which is manned from 09:00 to 17:00 UK time, with an answerphone available outside these hours. Visitors are not accepted at the office. Gamble draws a parallel with the British Interplanetary Society (BIS), which also started with enthusiasts and grew over decades to establish its own headquarters. He estimates that establishing the National UFO Centre could take another 10 to 15 years.

Book Review: "UFO Crash at Roswell"

This review by Michael Corbin and James R. Black discusses the book "UFO Crash at Roswell" by Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt. The book is highly recommended, asserting that it provides a definitive answer to the question of whether the U.S. government recovered a crashed flying saucer, stating the answer is "Yes!". The review summarizes the book's account of the July 2, 1947 incident near Corona, New Mexico, involving a crashed object, alien bodies, and a subsequent military coverup. The authors are praised for their thorough research, including interviewing over 200 witnesses and conducting a site visit. The review highlights the government's "strange behaviour," including intimidation and disinformation, as key evidence of a coverup, likening it to a "Cosmic Watergate." The book refutes alternative explanations like weather balloons or Japanese bomb tests, concluding the crash involved a vehicle "not of this world."

The review also discusses the book's flaws, such as its paperback original format, a cover art that the authors reportedly disliked, and typographical errors. However, these are attributed to the publisher rather than the authors. The repetitive structure of the book is noted as potentially annoying. On the positive side, the authors are commended for their professional approach, acknowledging previous researchers, admitting shortcomings, and meticulously documenting sources with lists of interviewees, a glossary, bibliography, and extensive footnotes.

Where Do We Go From Here? (Following the Roswell book review)

This section suggests avenues for further research stemming from the Roswell incident. These include investigating the second and third crash sites, the discovery and disposition of alien bodies, and exploring other rumored UFO crashes. The role of Kirtland Air Force Base is highlighted as significant, potentially being a source of orders and a transshipment point for materials. The authors also suggest that the Roswell event necessitates a re-evaluation of postwar history, given the potential impact of recovered alien technology on research, foreign policy, and the aerospace industry. Finally, it raises questions about the relationship between the Roswell crash and other phenomena like abductions and cattle mutilations, cautioning against concluding that the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis is the sole explanation, while acknowledging that something extraordinary undoubtedly happened at Roswell.

Conclusion (of Book Review)

The review strongly recommends the book, urging readers to buy it and loan copies to friends.

Report of International UFO Conference Held in El Vendrell in October 1990

This report, written by Steve Gamble, details the International UFO Conference held in El Vendrell, Spain, from October 12-14, 1990. The conference title was "Diferentes Niveles de Percepcion" (Different Levels of Perception). The event featured simultaneous translation into English. Key attendees from BUFORA included Robin Lindsey, Anne Spencer, John Spencer, and the author.

Friday Sessions:

The conference began with speeches from local officials and A.I.R.U.P.P. representatives. Colin Bloy presented on "Cropfield Circles of Wiltshire," noting over 1000 circles reported in 1990, with epicenters in the UK and similar phenomena in Japan and Australia. He suggested a connection between circle formations and Ley Lines, postulating that these lines could be an energy source. Bloy also discussed phenomena captured by "Operation Blackbird," including abnormal winds and low-frequency electromagnetic pulsing, linking these to psychic effects at low frequencies (8 Hertz Alpha wave).

A question and answer session followed with a panel including Colin Bloy, Andreas Faber Kaiser, Javier Sierra, Manuel Carballal, Angela Zarini, and Bertrand Meheust.

Saturday Sessions:

Leon Brenige spoke on "Belgium: A state of alert," summarizing over 900 reports of triangular objects and lights, some of which were detected on radar and nearly intercepted by fighter aircraft. Bertil Kuhlemann presented on "The Phenomenon and its Significance," using an apple analogy to emphasize not ignoring the broader phenomenon while focusing on details. Pedro Crespi discussed "UFOs the subject of classified material," sharing reports made to him as a Spanish Airforce base commander. John Spencer spoke on "Witness Lead Investigation," outlining his approach and providing updates on cases from his book "Perspectives."

A panel session concluded the day, with discussions including Bertil Kuhlemann speaking about the aims of the International Committee for UFO Research.

Sunday Sessions:

Bertrand Meheust discussed "The Structure of an Abduction." Sixto Paz, a Peruvian contactee, shared his experiences and an expedition into the jungle. Fernando Salazar spoke about "underground temples." Enrique de Vicente's talk, "The Key to the Prophecy," summarized UFOs as one aspect of new thinking.

A final question and answer session featured Bertil Kuhlemann, Fernando Salazar, Enrique de Vicente, Sixto Paz, Pedro Crespi, and John Spencer. A closing ceremony followed.

The report notes that while breaks allowed for discussion, they were also demanding due to the number of people to meet. Videos of the conference talks are available.

BUFORA Scientific - Official

This section details BUFORA's interaction with British Telecom's Yellow Pages. When asked to classify their work, BUFORA stated "scientific investigation of UFO phenomena." As there was no direct category, British Telecom eventually classified them under "Scientific Consultants."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects BUFORA's commitment to investigating UFO phenomena, providing information to its members, and fostering research. There's a clear emphasis on the importance of rigorous investigation, as seen in the book review and the conference report. The organization is actively working to improve its communication channels (newsletter, phone, office) and has a long-term vision for a National UFO Centre. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into UFOs, acknowledging both the challenges and the potential significance of the phenomenon, while also being pragmatic about organizational development and financial realities.