BUFORA Bulletin - No 07&8 Undated Early 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No 7/8
Volume: 1982-83
Publisher: British UFO Research Association
Date: Approximately late 1982 / early 1983

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin focuses on internal association news, including the appointment of a new chairman, and presents several detailed case reports of UFO sightings investigated by the association.

New Association Chairman

The lead article introduces Robert S. Digby as the new Chairman of BUFORA, taking over from Leslie Bayer. Digby, at 29, is one of BUFORA's youngest chairmen and has been involved with the association for 12 years. He aims to lead BUFORA out of its current recession and achieve greater scientific respectability. Digby's fascination with UFOs began with an article on George Adamski, and he has since pursued a scientific approach to the subject. He emphasizes the need for in-depth analysis of well-substantiated cases rather than sensationalism. Digby plans to strengthen investigation procedures, improve communications, and encourage academics and students to join BUFORA. He also highlights the association's 21st anniversary and the importance of providing value to members.

Association News and Administration

Page 2 provides a directory of BUFORA's council and administrators for the 1982-83 period. Key figures include President Lord Kings Norton, Vice-Presidents, Council Chairman Robert S. Digby, and Vice-Chairman Arnold West. The administrative team includes Secretary Miss Diane Rollinson, Membership Secretary Miss Pam Kennedy, and Treasurer Hans Streuli. The Editor is John E. Barrett, Director of Publications is Arnold West, and Public Relations Officer is L.E. Beer. The Librarian is Robin Lindsey. The Director of Research is Peter Hill, and the Director of Investigations is Miss Jenny Randles. The BUFORA Edinburgh Branch is managed by Fraser Gordon. The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA LTD) was founded in 1964 and aims to conduct unbiased scientific research into UFO phenomena, collect and disseminate evidence, and coordinate research. Membership is open to all who support these aims.

Upcoming Events and Publications

1983 Third International UFO Congress

BUFORA's Third International Congress is scheduled to take place from August 27th to August 29th, 1983, at the Lorch Foundation Conference Centre. It will feature leading UFOlogists and speakers. Booking forms and timetables are available from The Congress Secretariat.

International UFO Directory

An International UFO Directory is being compiled, with the first section listing over 250 individuals available from Peter Hill. A second section on UFO societies is in preparation.

News Section

BUFORA Meeting (October 4th, 1982)

A BUFORA meeting at Kensington Central Library featured a presentation by Andy Collins on "The Aveley Abduction: A New Look," discussing the case of John Day, who reported a three-hour time loss after encountering a luminous green mist. The meeting included a Q&A session with John Day. Cynthia Hind also gave a brief talk on her UFO experiences in Southern Africa.

Council Meeting (November 6th, 1982)

The Council met with Leslie Bayer in the chair. Discussions included the 1983 International Congress, the potential creation of an evaluation panel for UFO reports, and the cataloguing of BUFORA case histories. The redesign of the Bulletin's front cover was noted. The late John Cleary Baker's UFO literature collection was donated to BUFORA. Leslie Bayer was thanked for his service, and Robert S. Digby was unanimously chosen as his successor. Leslie Bayer also relinquished his Council seat.

Robert Morrell's Talk

At a Kensington meeting, Robert Morrell, Chairman of NUFOIS, presented "UFOs: A Scientific Enigma or a Modern Myth?" His talk covered various topics including angel hair, Egyptology, and earthlights, arguing that the myth of ufology arises from extremes and that precision is vital.

Council Meeting (December 4th, 1982)

In his last meeting as Chairman, Leslie Bayer presided over discussions on publicity, membership recruitment, finance, and publication costs. John Shaw mentioned the possibility of Capitol Radio broadcasting a UFO program. Jenny Randles reported a decrease in UFO sightings but an improvement in reporting quality. The AGM saw an increase in attendance, with Jenny Randles giving a lecture on "The Oz Factor." Betty Wood was awarded Life Membership for her secretarial work. Diane Rollinson was introduced as her successor. Tributes were paid to Leslie Bayer, John Spencer, Arnold West, and the late Anne Harcourt. New council members were elected.

Bob Digby's Installation

Bob Digby, officially installed as Chairman, acknowledged the recent departure of key figures but expressed confidence in BUFORA's future. He emphasized the need for a unified approach to overcome challenges.

Jenny Randles's Lecture on "The Oz Factor"

Jenny Randles presented on "The Oz Factor," a concept describing 'mind-melding' experienced by UFO witnesses, involving sensory distortion and a subjective perception of reality.

Future Meetings

Announced future meetings include talks on "The Genius of the Few" by C.A.E. O'Brien and "The Seven Day Wonder" by Hilary Evans.

Investigation Department News

Jenny Randles reports an increase in UFO activity and promising cases for investigation between July and September 1982. The number of Accredited Investigators has reached 22, all adhering to a new "Code of Practice." A list of investigators will be published. The National Investigations Committee held its second meeting, discussing cases including the DAN-AIR daylight encounter over southern Italy. The first BUFORA investigations seminar was held in Manchester, covering interview techniques and witness perception. The department is seeking investigators in Wales, north-eastern England, and the Hampshire/Dorset area.

Case Reports

CASE 79-271 (Norfolk, UK)

Two independent reports describe a mysterious swishing noise and a beam of light observed near Norwich. One couple saw a beam of light shining through low cloud, which then swooped upwards. RAF Watton is in the vicinity.

CASE 80-113 (Fort William, Scotland, UK)

A couple observed a brilliant light in the south-east, described as a rounded shape, orange at the bottom and flashing white on top. It moved slowly, revealing a triangular underside with inset panels emitting orange light, and a strip of white light on the side. The object accelerated and shot away silently.

CASE 81-62 (Doncaster, Yorkshire, UK)

Investigator David, aged 16, reported on a case involving a night-nurse who observed a "hazy patch of light" at low elevation. The glow materialized into a grey, flying saucer-shaped object with a stationary top half and a revolving lower half, featuring flashing lights and portholes.

CASE 82-002 (Kingsthorpe, Northamptonshire, UK)

Mr and Mrs E. witnessed a doughnut-shaped object with a glowing red dome and blue and white pulsating lights. The object hovered for 10 minutes before shooting away northwards at high speed. An astronomical explanation involving the moon was considered but deemed unlikely.

UFOs Over Powerlines

This section discusses the piezo-electric effect and its potential connection to UFOs, citing two case histories.

Case History (Hipperholme, West Yorkshire, UK)

A civil servant observed a bright golden/orange ball descend through powerlines, causing them to scintillate, then rise again. The object changed shape into a triangular oval.

CASE 82-007 (Thurlaston, Leicestershire, UK)

An electronic project engineer observed a brilliant ball of white light above powerlines, which faded after five seconds. The piezo-electric effect is considered the most viable explanation.

THE PICKUP BANK ENCOUNTERS

CASE 82-008 (Darwen, Lancashire, UK)

George Hill and his family reported an "oil-drum" shaped object with rounded ends, glowing orange/red and green, with flashing lights. This followed a silent explosion of light from which three balls of light emerged and moved off at high speed. A humming noise was also reported.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the internal workings and administration of BUFORA, the rigorous investigation of UFO cases, and the exploration of potential scientific explanations for UFO phenomena, such as the piezo-electric effect. The editorial stance, as articulated by the new Chairman Robert S. Digby, is to move towards greater scientific respectability and in-depth analysis of credible cases, moving away from sensationalism. There is a clear emphasis on professionalism and encouraging wider participation from academics and scientists.

This issue of MAGONIA, identified as issue number 19 and likely from 1983, focuses on UFO experiences, particularly those reported by children, and the investigative approaches within ufology. The cover headline highlights "SOME NOTES ON A PERSONAL UFO EXPERIENCE," and the content includes reports, analyses, and discussions on various UFO sightings and related phenomena.

Investigations Department Report

The issue begins with an update on the BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) Investigations Department. A significant decision has been made by the Council to make BUFORA's report files accessible to members. These files, described as the association's greatest asset, will be housed at a building managed by BUFORA's librarian, Robin Lindsey. The services planned include opportunities for researchers to visit and study the files, with overnight accommodation for extended studies, and photo-copying facilities for specific cases. The files contain many thousands of case reports, and while there will be restrictions on some data to comply with a Code of Practice, the facility aims to complement existing repositories like Newcastle upon Tyne Central Library and Nottingham's NUFOIS, NUFON, and UFOIN files. BUFORA plans to issue annual catalogues of data from 1983 onwards and a catalogue of files prior to 1983 is expected to be on sale at the 1983 Congress. Queries should be directed to Robin Lindsey at 87 Station Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 LUE.

A "CODE OF PRACTICE" for UFO investigators is available from Arnold West, costing 20p plus postage, or £1 for six copies. This code was formulated in early 1982 following meetings between BUFORA and other ufological bodies, outlining principles for investigations.

Close Encounter Incidents and Children

Nigel Watson's article, "CLOSE ENCOUNTER INCIDENTS AND CHILDREN," addresses the prejudice against children's UFO testimonies. He argues that children have as many UFO encounters as adults, but their accounts are often ignored because investigators prefer adult or professional testimony, partly to maintain scientific credibility. Watson criticizes the fixed ideas some investigators hold about what constitutes relevant evidence, citing an example of an investigator dismissing a "stick man" sighting by schoolboys due to their age and prior claims of seeing many UFOs.

Watson emphasizes that investigators should not be deluded into thinking they know the answers beforehand and should examine why children have these experiences, comparing them to adult accounts. He questions the nature of "pure fantasy" and the mechanisms behind UFO phenomena, suggesting these are more relevant questions than outright dismissal.

The article presents several cases involving children:

• Gainsborough, Lincolnshire (1971): A nine-year-old boy reported a UFO spinning across the sky with red and white lights, which passed over his backyard and then vanished. He sent a drawing of a bell-shaped object.
• Stradbroke, Sheffield (November 4, 1977): 12-year-old Timothy Pearson, his younger brother Nicholas, and their friend Roger Shaw saw a strange light in the sky that appeared, vanished, and reappeared. Timothy later described a bluey-white light that seemed to appear from nowhere and hovered before descending into a field. He found a flattened oval section of grass with sticky stuff and a brown patch. Timothy's account is described as straightforward, with no attempt to embellish.
• Wawne, North Humberside (November 18, 1977): Two weeks after Timothy's sighting, 20 children from Wawne Primary School saw a spinning object resembling an upside-down dish. Three children, isolated, were asked to make plasticine models, resulting in remarkably similar representations.

Watson notes that while these children's accounts provide anecdotal evidence, they do not move scientific opinion. He poses the question of whether children have "real" UFO encounters, concluding that their sightings are similar to adults', but the lack of discovered "real" UFOs makes the issue problematical. He uses the analogy of a kitten reacting to its reflection to illustrate how a perceived phenomenon can disappear without a definitive explanation.

Personal UFO Experiences and Investigations

Another section discusses the challenges faced by UFO investigators, who are described as "chasing evidence for phantoms." The article suggests that the UFO puzzle might be resolved by looking at evidence differently, emphasizing that adult and child testimony is reliable, but the lack of physical evidence prevents objective acceptance.

Several more cases are detailed:

• Anlaby, North Humberside (January 18, 1978): A seven-year-old boy named Peter reported a round object with small windows landing on a school roof. Three armless occupants in gold suits emerged, connected to the craft by wires or tubes. The craft then took off like a boomerang. Peter's mother provided the information clearly and precisely.
• Hutton, Essex: The article mentions a report investigated by Andrew Collins, Barry King, and Graham Phillips involving a young boy referred to as "Trevor P."
• Dovey Vale, Machynlleth, Powys (July 22, 1975): A boy named Trevor reported seeing a strange craft with a round hemisphere and lights. Two translucent, jelly-like entities emerged, attending to a metal control unit. Trevor fled but later watched the craft. He later suffered from a thumping noise in his head and temporary blindness, diagnosed as possibly psychosomatic. The article suggests this might be a projection of his unconscious mind.
• Scoriton, Devon (April 24, 1965): Ernest Bryant claimed to have seen a UFO land and spoken to its occupants. Bryant died of a brain tumour, and it is suggested he may have had a need to tell "tall stories" or experienced hallucinatory visions due to his illness.

The author expresses concern that the psychological interpretation of UFO cases can be used to diminish evidence, but believes it can also cast light on ufological evidence. He advocates for critical analysis of every close encounter case, suggesting that children's observations supply valid material equal to adult reports.

References

References are provided for the sources of information for several cases, including letters from witnesses and articles.

Personal UFO Experience: Dorking Sighting

John Rimmer, the Editor of MAGONIA, recounts his own low-level UFO sighting near Dorking in the winter of 1981. He describes seeing a bright, shimmering light that separated into red and green lights with a bright white beam. The object appeared to hover and then moved slowly. Rimmer initially withheld details of the sighting, later realizing it was likely a low-flying aircraft on the approach path to Heathrow Airport. He explains how aircraft lights can play tricks and that the lack of engine noise does not rule out an aircraft. He notes that the experience, while initially dramatic, became an "anti-climax" upon rational explanation, but acknowledges that without his knowledge of the flight path, he might have interpreted it differently.

Dates for Your Diary

Announcements are made for upcoming events:

• June 25, 1983: ASSAP/BUFURA Fair and Garden Party at East Moseley, Surrey.
• September 24, 1983: BUFORA's 21st Anniversary Conference at Kensington Central Library, W8, featuring an address by Graham Knewstub, a discussion paper, a slide show, a raffle, and a buffet tea. Members £2.00, non-members £3.00.

BUFORA on PRESTEL

An explanation of how to access BUFORA pages on the PRESTEL system is provided, encouraging readers to ask for "UFOs" to be reinstated on the main PRESTEL subject index pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the importance of considering all witness testimony, particularly from children, and critically examining potential biases within ufological investigations. It highlights the tension between seeking objective, scientific evidence and the subjective nature of many reported experiences. The articles advocate for a more open-minded and thorough approach to UFO research, suggesting that psychological explanations, while sometimes used to dismiss cases, can also offer valuable insights. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging detailed investigation and questioning conventional assumptions within the field of ufology.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated May 1982, features a prominent book review of "Earthlights" by Paul Devereux. The magazine also includes a 'Letters' section with correspondence and replies regarding previous articles, advertisements for BUFORA publications, and a section on bibliographies and astronomical news.

Book Review: Earthlights by Paul Devereux

The review, written by JB, praises Paul Devereux's "excellent and painstakingly researched account" of UFO phenomena, which integrates seismology, meteorology, megalithic sites, psychokinetism, and ancient shamanistic powers. Devereux proposes a general theory for UFO activity, suggesting that UFOs and their "occupants" are created from material that materializes from piezo-electrical effects caused by ground faulting. These effects ionize in the atmosphere, generating moving plasma that is perceived as UFOs. The review notes that the searchlight beams witnessed from UFOs are interpreted by Devereux as streams of ions feeding energy from the earth to the plasma. The reviewer highlights work in America producing globular light forms in a laboratory by crushing rock as supporting Devereux's thesis.

Devereux's argument extends to ancient history, proposing that the phenomenon was known to late Neolithic and early Bronze Age man, who built stone sites in areas of high faulting to exploit these energy sources, thus investing the sites with sacred nature. He posits a possible fundamental connection between UFO incidence in fault regions and the preferences of megalith builders.

The review contrasts Devereux's theory with the less believable concept of ETs from other planets, suggesting that his explanation is more grounded. Devereux addresses cases where witnesses claim to see "nuts and bolts" spacecraft and humanoid occupants, explaining that the UFO changes form, not the individual's perception. He states, "The UFO 'hardens' into the form that is finally identified as a spaceship, robot or little green man. The data clearly tell us that UFOs can shapeshift: it is a prime characteristic of the phenomenon."

The reviewer concludes that Devereux's work goes a long way towards explaining the UFO enigma and will likely be widely challenged, making "Earthlights" a book of great value. The only criticism mentioned is that the book is "appallingly badly proof-read."

Letters

Force Field Craft

Mark F. Brown from BUFORA RIC, Midlands, writes to express his feeling of misrepresentation regarding a previous article on "Force Field Craft" by Mr. Ferraro. Brown questions the lack of detail and sources for the "facts" presented, comparing the article's style to writers like Von Daniken and Berlitz. He criticizes BUFORA for publishing a "totally biased, unsupported article," which he believes is an affront to serious investigators and damages BUFORA's image. He suggests that the author's biography should be included to clarify their position.

Arnold West, Director of Publications, replies that the article by Romero Ferraro was a "miscellany of information gathered together from various undocumented sources," many of which had been discussed by researchers for years. West clarifies that no claim was made about access to secret material, only that the writer needed a good memory and a wide range of UFO literature. He acknowledges that the Bulletin caters to a diverse readership, from those seeking "gawp and wonder" to "ultra-cautious investigators," and that J-TAP offers a more scientific approach. West states that the article was published with the "full realisation of its speculative nature" and that it has provoked a good reaction, which is positive. He assures Brown that a suitable introduction will precede controversial articles in the future.

Alien Races

John Rimmer, Editor of "MAGONIA," critiques John Paynter's "ludicrous racial stereotyping" in a previous BUFORA Bulletin. Rimmer finds Paynter's assertions about "bird-like skeletal" Mongolians and "Negroid peoples" from high-gravity planets absurd, using Olympic medal wins and athletic events as counter-examples. He suspects the article might be a joke, but if not, it displays "complete naivety of its social and political implications."

Nigel Watson from BUFORA RIC, Althorpe, South Humberside, also addresses Paynter's article, stating that Paynter misunderstands Darwin's theory of evolution. Watson clarifies that Darwin proposed a common ancestor for apes and humans, not that apes would cease to exist if humans evolved from them. He dislikes Paynter's assertion that humanity can be divided into four major groups, with membership being a causal factor in racial hatred, and questions how this explains racial hatred. Watson also criticizes Paynter's ideas for making it too easy to explain racial hatred and thus avoid addressing racial harmony.

John Paynter replies to the criticisms, dismissing socio/political issues as irrelevant to a "serious scientific study" and refusing to answer comments out of context. He reiterates his conviction that the planet was colonized from other planets in pre-history, outlining his reasons in his article. Paynter asserts that man is naturally discriminative of alien cultures due to inherent territorial instinct, which has been exaggerated by ignorance of true origins. He believes legislation cannot effectively neutralize this animosity and only aggravates the situation. He mentions that each nation descended from an original group has a history of a "super-society" or "Golden Age" from four home planets. Regarding racial stereotyping, Paynter acknowledges inter-breeding has created racial strains but maintains that originally there were only four "Alien" races. He explains that inherited physical characteristics from cross-breeding account for diversity within races. On the ape/human origin, Paynter agrees with Darwin on a common origin but argues that modern apes and modern man diverged from a point where both had the same intellectual potential. He believes the ape of today should be as evolved as primitive tribesmen, questioning why apes would have stopped evolving for at least 15 million years.

Advertisements and Information

BUFORA Publications are advertised, including "Close Encounter at Livingston" by Steuart Campbell, a "Standard field investigators handbook," "Congress 79" proceedings, and "Vehicle Interference Project" by Geoffrey Falla. Details on BUFORA Periodicals, including the "BUFORA Journal" and "BUFORA Bulletin," are also provided, with ordering information directed to Arnold West.

John Trotter advertises books on UFOs and Ancient Mysteries for sale, offering a catalogue. Peter Fill, BUFORA's Director of Research, is producing bibliographies on UFO and UFO-related cases, with the first on the Tunguska explosion of 1908 now published. Fill intends to update bibliographies and undertake research for members, with single copies of bibliographies being free to members (requiring a SAE) and priced at 50p for non-members.

Under "STAR-GAZING," it is noted that Professor Graham Smith has succeeded Sir Martin Ryle as Astronomer Royal. Smith's background as Professor of Radio Astronomy at Manchester University and Director of the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories is mentioned.

A disclaimer states that The British UFO Research Association does not hold or express corporate views on UFO phenomena and that contributions reflect the views of the editor or authors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, with a focus on alternative scientific and historical explanations, as exemplified by the review of "Earthlights." The 'Letters' section highlights a strong emphasis on rigorous investigation, questioning unsubstantiated claims, and debating the scientific and social implications of UFO-related theories, particularly concerning race and evolution. BUFORA's editorial stance, as indicated by the disclaimer and Arnold West's response, is to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints, including speculative ones, while encouraging critical engagement and ensuring clarity regarding the speculative nature of certain articles. There is a clear effort to maintain a balance between sensationalism and serious research.