1993 - BUFORA Winter News

Magazine Overview

This is the Winter 1993 issue of the BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) Newsletter. It serves as a special update to inform members of recent changes and upcoming events in the shortest possible time. The newsletter covers organizational news, meeting details, conference announcements, and a book review.

Introduction

The 'Introduction' section highlights several important changes within BUFORA. To ensure timely dissemination of information, a special Winter Newsletter is being issued. Key announcements include changes related to investigations, a new office address, and upcoming meetings. Members are specifically directed to note the change in venue for London meetings and the AGM. The January/February UFO Times may still carry adverts for the old venue, which should be ignored. The Chairman, Steve Gamble, expresses gratitude for continued support in 1994.

Investigations

This section details significant shifts in BUFORA's investigative leadership. Jenny Randles has stepped down as Director of Investigations after twelve years, a role described as demanding. She will continue to contribute to BUFORA in other capacities, including UFOCall and special publications with Mike Wootten. Phillip Mantle has been appointed as the new Director of Investigations. Mantle, formerly the Publicity Officer, outlines his background in UFO research since 1979 and his previous roles on the BUFORA Council, including Secretary to the National Investigations Committee, Conference Organiser, and Publicity Officer. He acknowledges Jenny Randles as a tough act to follow but expresses confidence in continuing to represent British UFOlogy with hard work and cooperation. He looks forward to working with investigators and like-minded researchers globally. The next investigators meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 5th, 1994, at the University of Westminster, London, and an investigations training day is planned for Birmingham in May.

Stuart Smith Tribute

This section reports the sad death of Stuart Smith on November 15th, 1993, after a short illness. Smith was known for his involvement in the Sheffield UFO conferences and was a leading member of the Independent UFO Network. He also ran Enigma Publications with Rodney Howarth and was a familiar face at UFO meetings, manning bookstalls. His illness began while he was travelling to a UFO conference in Vienna. The newsletter expresses that he will be missed by many.

Northampton Conference

The Northampton UFO Research Centre (NUFORC) is organizing a one-day conference provisionally set for Saturday, August 6th, 1994. The event will run from 10 am to approximately 6 pm, with breaks for lunch and coffee. Further details can be obtained by contacting NUFORC at 30 Stonebridge Court, Lings, Northampton.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Nineteenth Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd. will be held at The University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1, on Saturday, April 9th, 1994, at 6:00 pm. The meeting will cover the Chairman's Report, the Council of Management's Report, the Treasurer's Accounts, and the appointment of the Auditor. The notice is signed by S.J. Gamble, Chairman, with a revision date of December 27th, 1993. Important notes are provided regarding proxy appointments, nomination of candidates for the Council of Management, and the requirement for members to bring their membership cards.

Meetings

Since the start of the current London lecture season, BUFORA lectures have been held at Kings College in Kensington. This venue was secured at short notice when the previous venue at the London Business School became unavailable. However, Kings College has presented several problems, including poor access, cleanliness issues, and a lack of coffee facilities. Despite minor improvements made following representations by Lionel Beer, the major problems remain unresolved. Effective January 8th, 1994, all BUFORA meetings previously advertised at the London Business School or Kings College will be relocated to The University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1. Evening lectures will take place in Lecture Theatre 1, located in the Library Block. The new venue is opposite The Planetarium and near Baker Street Station. While there is no on-site car parking, it is noted that this is common for central London venues, and local on-street parking restrictions may not apply on Saturday evenings. The times, dates, and costs for meetings remain unchanged. The January 8th meeting will feature "Abductions and Hypnosis" by Lucien Morgan, and the February 5th meeting will be "Early Trends in UFOlogy" by Bernard Delair. The newsletter expresses anticipation for continued support in 1994.

Regional Meeting: Northampton

A regional meeting for Northampton is scheduled for Saturday, January 15th, starting at 1:30 pm. (A note clarifies that a previously published meeting for January 22nd was a mistake). The venue is The Friends Meeting House, Wellington Street, Northampton. The discussion will focus on Northamptonshire cases, and admission is £1.50. The meeting is expected to last approximately three hours, with a short break for refreshments.

UFO Congress

The UFO Congress held in Bristol in July was deemed very successful, with thanks extended to organizers Phillip and Sue Mantle, Bob Digby (audio-visuals), Robin Lindsey (video recording), Paul Doran (registration), and John Spencer and the BUFORA office team (administration and enquiries). Preliminary planning for the next UFO Congress, to be held in the summer of 1995, has begun. Suggestions for speakers and venues are invited and should be sent to the BUFORA office. Potential venues are being considered, possibly including a return to Bristol, with dates around late July or early August 1995. Further information will be published in UFO Times.

Administrative Office

BUFORA has outgrown its office space in Harpenden, which it has used for the past two and a half years. The office has been successful, leading to an increase in membership and media contacts. Consequently, it has become necessary to relocate. Effective immediately, the postal address for the BUFORA office has changed, and the Harpenden address should no longer be used. A new phone number will be published when available. The new address is BM BUFORA, LONDON WC1N 3XX. The newsletter thanks the staff and operators of the Harpenden office for their hard work.

Book Review: The Persecution of Mr Tony Elms - The Bromley Poltergeist

This section reviews a booklet by Manfred Cassirer, a BUFORA Council member. While not strictly a UFO book, it is recommended for those interested in the paranormal. The book details strange events that occurred at a garden centre in Bromley, Kent, in 1973, including objects flying and disappearing. The case was investigated by Manfred Cassirer and Pauline Runnalls, who witnessed events firsthand. The preface is written by Dr. John Beloff, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Edinburgh University and Editor of the Journal and Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research. Manfred Cassirer is described as an S.P.R. investigator, writer, and lecturer with forty years of experience, and has contributed to other works, including Macmillan's Encyclopaedia of the Paranormal. He is currently writing a new book titled 'Dimensions of Enchantment'. The booklet is A5 size, 40 pages, and costs £3.50 (post free), available from M. Cassirer at 38 Christchurch Avenue, LONDON NW6 7BE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects BUFORA's ongoing commitment to UFO investigation and research, as evidenced by the appointment of a new Director of Investigations and the training day. There is a strong emphasis on organizational updates, including changes in meeting venues and office addresses, ensuring members are kept informed. The publication also highlights the broader paranormal field, as seen in the book review, suggesting an inclusive approach to unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of professionalism, dedication, and a desire to advance the study of UFOlogy and related subjects within the UK and internationally. The newsletter also serves as a platform for commemorating members, such as the tribute to Stuart Smith.