BUFORA Bulletin - No 15&16 Dec 84&Jan85

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated December 1984-January 1985 (No. 015-016), is published by BUFORA Ltd. and covers a range of topics related to UFO research, with a particular focus on historical cases and investigations within Australia. The cover features a striking image of a child pointing at lights in the sky, with the magazine title prominently displayed.

Council and Organization Information

The issue provides a detailed list of the BUFORA Council for 1985-86, including the President, Vice-Presidents, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Council Members, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Director of Publications and Editor, Historian, Librarian, Director of Research, Director of Investigations, and Training Officer. Contact details and roles are provided for each.

It also outlines the aims and structure of BUFORA, emphasizing its commitment to unbiased scientific research and the collection of data on UFO phenomena. The association's history, founding in 1964, and its incorporation of other UFO groups are mentioned. Membership is open to those who support BUFORA's aims.

Information about the BUFORA Edinburgh Branch and its secretary, Fraser Gordon, is included, along with a list of member societies, including Britain's oldest UFO Group, BFS3.

Content Highlights

The issue features several articles and reports:

Countdown to Reality by Paul Norman

This article, an edited version of a paper presented at the MUFON Conference in San Antonio, USA, examines the UFO scene in Australia over the past 60 years. Norman notes a significant shift in public attitude, with belief in the reality of UFOs rising from 15% to 57%. He discusses historical Australian UFO reports, including physical trace landing cases and encounters with entities, and emphasizes the importance of considering their origins and purposes.

#### Historical Background

The article delves into early Australian UFO investigations, dating back to 1920 with the disappearance of the SS AMELIA J and an accompanying search aircraft. It highlights the 1930 investigation by a RAAF officer (later Air Marshall Sir George Jones) into unidentified flying objects over Warrnambool. The Bass Strait region is identified as a significant 'flap area' with a long history of sightings. The disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in 1978 is noted as a peak in UFO activity.

#### The Miss Hobart Mystery

This section recounts the disappearance of the MISS HOBART aircraft in 1935. The plane vanished en route from Launceston to Melbourne, with no distress call. Witnesses reported strange lights and the sudden cessation of engine sounds. The incident is presented as another case of an aircraft disappearing during a period of UFO activity.

#### Cigar Shaped Object Over Melbourne

In June 1954, a cylinder or cigar-shaped object was reported over Melbourne. Witnesses experienced personal effects like stopped watches and dead flashlights. The object was described as having a canopy and windows, with 'dark shapes' of people visible inside. A radio announcer also reported seeing human-like forms.

#### 1954 Navy Radar Case

This radar/visual case from September 1954 involved a navy fighter aircraft being flanked by two disc-shaped objects. Radar confirmed the presence and movements of the UFOs, and naval authorities admitted they could not find a human source for the objects.

#### A CE1 Incident in Tasmania

In October 1960, Reverend Lionel Browning and his wife sighted a grey cigar-shaped object with vertical bands, from which five 'saucers' emerged. The object was descending below stalling speed, indicating it was not a normal aircraft. An RAAF debriefing attributed the sighting to cloud reflections, which investigating officers and later Professor James McDonald disputed.

#### Human and Animal Reaction Experience

On February 15th, 1963, a disc-shaped object descended near a milking shed in Victoria, causing cattle to panic. The witness reported a headache, which a scientist later suggested might be related to the close encounter, indicating early official interest in human physical effects.

#### First UFO Conference in Australia

The 1965 UFO convention in Ballarat is mentioned, attended by ufologists and RAAF officials, including Sir George Jones, signifying early official interest.

#### Was a UFO Responsible for Death of a Young Man?

This section investigates the possibility that a UFO caused the death of 19-year-old Gary Taylor in 1966. A witness reported a strange object with rainbow-colored lights at the same spot, and the UFO left a four-foot depression in the ground. The incident was investigated by VUFORS and police. Later confirmation suggested a UFO was present, and military vehicles were seen examining the site.

#### Airline Captain Photographs Possible UFO

An airline captain flying to Port Moresby filmed a possible UFO, but was instructed not to develop the film until his return. Officials took the film, and the identity of the captain and co-pilot was revealed years later.

Australians Contribute to Condon Committee

In May 1967, BUFORA submitted Australian UFO cases to the Condon Committee at the University of Colorado. The article notes that some committee members were not 'Condonians,' and highlights Dr. David Saunders' critique of the Condon Report.

James E. McDonald Visit

Following the Condon Committee involvement, BUFORA assisted Professor James E. McDonald of the University of Arizona in organizing interviews with witnesses in Australia for his research on UFOs, particularly those involving objects emerging from water.

Pilots Report Multiple UFOs

This section details a 1968 encounter where UFOs were sighted from a charter flight between Adelaide and Perth. The pilots observed a large object with smaller objects emerging, and their radio communications failed during the encounter. The pilots were later instructed not to discuss the incident.

Official Interest Evoked by Valentich Encounter

The disappearance of Frederick Valentich in 1978 is presented as a pivotal event that significantly altered the attitude of Australian officials towards UFOs. A RAAF official even contacted a witness to encourage public reporting. The article also notes attempts to downplay the incident and suggest it was a fabrication.

"Professors of Impossibility"

This concluding section addresses what the author perceives as false stories and misrepresentations surrounding the Valentich case, attributing them to individuals with preconceived notions and a lack of direct knowledge, particularly from the scientific community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of UFO phenomena in Australia, the challenges faced by ufologists, the evolving public and official attitudes towards UFOs, and the importance of rigorous data collection and analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for serious scientific inquiry into UFOs, challenging skepticism, and highlighting the significance of documented cases and witness testimony. The publication aims to inform its members and the public about ongoing research and significant historical events in the field of ufology.

This issue of "REGRESSIVE HYPNOSIS - A Word of Warning" by John Spencer, published in October 1984, critically examines the use and potential dangers of regressive hypnosis, particularly within the context of UFO research and abduction cases. The article features a biographical sketch of the author, John Spencer, highlighting his background in UFO investigation and his interest in applying Nexialist principles.

Regressive Hypnosis: A Tool or a Trap?

The article begins by defining hypnosis and then focuses on regressive hypnosis, noting its common association with reincarnation and UFO abductions. It posits that in abduction cases, subjects may develop an amnesiac block around traumatic experiences, and regressive hypnosis is used to search for these memories. The author cites John G. Fuller's "THE INTERRUPTED JOURNEY" concerning the Betty and Barney Hill case as a key example.

The core argument is that regressive hypnosis, when applied to speculative subjects like UFOs and reincarnation, becomes an "uncalibrated tool." This is supported by a quote from Dr. Benjamin Simon, MD, who hypnotized the Hills, stating that hypnosis reveals the patient's perceived truth, which may not align with ultimate truth.

The Betty and Barney Hill Case Study

The article delves into the 1961 UFO sighting by Betty and Barney Hill in New Hampshire. After the sighting, they experienced missing time and later, under regressive hypnosis, recalled being abducted by aliens and subjected to a medical examination. The author notes that while the Hills saw something and believed it, the details of their recall are questioned.

• Key points raised about the Hills' case include:
• Dreams and Nightmares: Betty Hill experienced vivid nightmares about the abduction, which she discussed with Barney. The article questions whether these dreams were inspired by the incident or if they influenced the hypnotic recall.
• Potential Stressors: The article explores potential stressors in the Hills' lives, including their interracial marriage in a less tolerant era, Barney's previous marriage, his demanding job, and Betty's hysterectomy. These factors are presented as potential sources of anxiety that could fuel fantasy.
• Social Conditioning: The influence of popular culture, including films about UFOs and the burgeoning US space program (highlighted by Alan Shepherd's flight), is discussed as a significant factor in shaping potential fantasies. The "Twilight Zone" television series is also mentioned as a relevant cultural stimulus.
• The Role of Intelligence: The article suggests that high intelligence, rather than preventing fantasies, can make individuals prone to creating them, especially when routine or circumstances create a "vacuum waiting to be filled."
• Medical Examination Fears: The regression revealed fears related to medical examinations, which the author links to Betty's hysterectomy and Barney's ongoing ulcer treatment and upcoming X-ray results.
• Language Inconsistencies: The article points out inconsistencies in the "ufonauts'" language during the hypnotic recall, such as the use of idiomatic English alongside basic questions about common objects, suggesting a fabricated or dream-like quality.

Limitations of Regressive Hypnosis

• The author argues that regressive hypnosis is not a reliable tool for UFO research because:
• Unawareness of Hidden Fears: Contactees may have hidden fears and anxieties unknown to the researcher.
• Lack of Understanding: Regressive hypnosis itself is not fully understood, even by practitioners.
• No Scientific Control: There is no objective framework to study the outcome of the experiment, making it impossible to categorically prove the revelations are true beyond the individual's subjective experience.
• Distorted Instrument: The contactee is an "uncalibrated instrument," and hypnosis acts as a "distorted hand-glass," potentially complicating rather than clarifying the investigation.

NIC Meeting Report

• The latter part of the issue details the NIC meeting held in Warrington in October 1984. Key discussions included:
• Photographic Policy: Establishing procedures for analyzing photographic evidence, including computer enhancement of slides and films, and involving professional laboratories and analysts.
• Computerization of Data: A project to computerize NIC cases using a Spectrum 48K computer was discussed, aiming to create a comprehensive database accessible to ufologists and the media.
• Anamnesis: Concerns were raised about a new psychological questionnaire (anamnesis) being adopted, with a recommendation to couple it with standard Al reports and seek independent support.
• NIC Handbook: Proposals were made to produce an updated UFOIN Guidelines handbook.
• NIC Composition: The meeting agreed that the current composition was adequate but welcomed credible local groups.

Conclusion

John Spencer concludes that regression hypnosis is an unreliable tool for UFO research, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation of the contactee and the methods used by the hypnotist. He quotes Leslie Lecron from "EXPERIMENTAL HYPNOSIS" (1952) suggesting that the danger of being instructed to do something anti-social under hypnosis is comparable to being struck by a flying saucer, implying that both are highly improbable or fantastical outcomes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical evaluation of regressive hypnosis as a research method, particularly in the field of UFOlogy. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards the reliability of hypnotic recall for uncovering objective truth in abduction cases, emphasizing the potential for subjective influences, psychological factors, and social conditioning to create elaborate fantasies that are mistaken for factual memories. The NIC meeting report reflects a practical, methodical approach to UFO investigation, focusing on evidence analysis, data management, and standardized procedures.

This document is a collection of pages from the 1985 BUFORA MEETINGS, detailing the organization's lecture program and recent UFO case investigations. The cover announces the 1985 meeting schedule, including venue details for London Business School and a map. It highlights upcoming lectures for the year, with an entrance fee of £1 for members and £2.50 for non-members.

BUFORA Meetings and Lectures (1985)

The issue outlines several lectures scheduled throughout 1985:

• January 5th, 1985: Abductions: Aliens and Alternatives Presented by John Rimmer, librarian and editor of MAGONIA. Rimmer, who has studied the UFO phenomenon for over 20 years, discusses his book 'EVIDENCE FOR ALIEN ABDUCTIONS'. The lecture aims to survey alternative approaches to understanding abduction phenomena and place individual cases in a wider perspective.

• February 2nd, 1985: UFOs - A New Concept Presented by Albert Budden, a former science teacher and author of 'HIGH STRANGENESS'. Budden proposes a theory reconciling UFOs as both physical objects and psychic/mental apparitions, expected to be controversial.

• March 2nd, 1985: The Earthlights Debate - The Death of UFOLOGY? Presented by Paul Devereux, author of 'EARTHLIGHTS'. Devereux will discuss the implications of his theory for the future of ufology, with a planned two-part debate against a second lecturer.

• April 13th, 1985: UFOs: Property or Possession? Presented by Ralph Noyes, former Assistant Under Secretary of State, MOD. Noyes, who has published speculative fiction on the environment, will explore new approaches to UFO problems, questioning whether 'we are property', 'possessed', or if we 'possess' the unidentified.

• May 4th, 1985: The Close Encounter Case of Alfred Burtoo Presented by Timothy Good, a leading ufologist. The lecture will focus on the case of Alfred Burtoo, who claims to have been taken aboard a landed UFO at Aldershot on August 12th, 1983. This is described as one of the most convincing CElll cases. Omar Fowler and Alfred Burtoo himself are expected to be present.

Details of a June 1st, 1985 meeting will be announced later. The editor also solicits suggestions for future speakers and topics for the 1985-86 program.

UFO Investigations and Cases (1983-1984)

Mike Wootten, BUFORA's RIC for the East Region, contributes an article reflecting on a 'very quiet year' for UFO investigations in his region, which includes Greater London, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. He notes that there are six active investigators in the region.

Investigating cases is described as rewarding but time-consuming, with expenses for travel and information gathering. Cases are typically obtained from news-clipping agencies or through BUFORA's listed address in books. Official sources like the police rarely provide cases.

Wootten describes the investigative process as frustrating at times, particularly when witnesses are initially enthusiastic but later fail to provide information. He notes that no two witnesses are the same, requiring investigators to adapt their approach.

Case Statistics (1983-1984):

• Total cases investigated: 13 (from July 1983 to early 1984).
• New cases: 12.
• Older case: 1 (dated July 1981).

Case Classifications and Evaluations:

The 13 cases were classified as:

• MED (Medium): 5
• LOW (Low): 4
• CEL PHOTO (Clear Photo): 3
• CEL EM (Clear Electromagnetic): 1

Evaluations included:

• Insufficient data: 5
• Under investigation: 3
• Possible kite: 2
• Possible aircraft: 1
• Fireball: 1
• Helicopter: 1

A high proportion of photographic cases were noted, but two under investigation showed mundane explanations. Other cases were attributed to blank negatives, emulsion faults, or possible meteorological balloons.

Specific Cases Detailed:

1. November 12th, 1983 (21:10 GMT): Embankment, London, EC4
A young couple witnessed an oval object, described as silver, that rotated and moved erratically, splitting in half. They took three photographs with an Olympus Trip camera, but no image was captured on the exposures. The object was seen by 11 other people. The investigator was Mike Wootten. Evaluation: Possible kite.

2. April 24th, 1984 (21:45 BST): Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London EC1
Two primary witnesses saw a gold-coloured rotating object making fast, erratic movements. It changed shape from a butterfly to an oval, then split into two spheres. The sighting lasted about 15 minutes, with approximately 60 other witnesses. Investigators: Roy Rowlands, Mike Wootten. Evaluation: Possible kite.

• Note on Royal Festival Hall Kites: The article mentions that an official from the Royal Festival Hall had seen someone flying a kite from Waterloo Bridge after dark, suggesting a possible explanation for some sightings, but questioning how so many people could be fooled.

3. September 25th, 1983 (19:55 BST): Harwich Harbour, Essex
A witness saw a square-shaped object with a circle in each corner, moving from east to west. It was white and the circles reflected the setting sun. The sighting lasted about a minute. Investigator: Mike Lewis. Evaluation: Insufficient data.

4. October 10th, 1983 (19:15 BST): Hatfield Peverel, Essex
Four lights appeared from the southeast. The main object was domed-shaped with coloured lights underneath, while other lights zig-zagged. The witness's husband and two children also saw the objects. Television experienced interference. Investigators: Steve Chetwynd, Mike Wootten. Evaluation: CE1 EM (Clear Electromagnetic).

5. October 14th, 1983 (21:00 BST): Colchester, Essex
Three witnesses observed an object with a bright white light and red lights underneath, traversing the sky above treetops, making a sound like a jet aircraft. Investigators: Steve Chetwynd, Mike Wootten. Evaluation: Helicopter.

6. November 15th, 1983 (04:55 GMT): Harwich Harbour/Southend on Sea, Essex
Multiple witnesses, including fishing vessel crews and a milkman, saw a bright green light moving south. The sighting lasted several seconds. Investigators: Bob Easton. Evaluation: Fireball.

Wootten concludes that while his hopes rose initially, each case was either explicable or lacked sufficient information for accurate evaluation. He suggests that the 'News of the World' story on Rendlesham Forest may have contributed to reporting in October and November 1983. He discusses the Hatfield Peverel case, noting the difficulty in interviewing witnesses whose estimations varied, and points to busy air traffic as a potential source of interference. He expresses hope for more activity in 1985.

UFD Cymru (Wales)

Jenny Randles writes about her involvement with a BBC Wales UFO program in March 1984. This followed the release of Ministry of Defence (MoD) UFO files to BUFORA and others by 'The Observer'. The files were largely uninformative due to censorship, with only one case traceable via a road name.

The Mason Case (Cwbran, September 1982):

'The Observer' identified Mr and Mrs David Mason as witnesses to a strange light. The sighting was described as a fairly innocuous phenomenon. The Masons were surprised their sighting was on file, as the MoD had never contacted them. This led to the headline "IT'S OFFICIAL: THERE ARE UFOS!", marking a significant point in media-ufology relations.

Randles was invited to Cardiff to participate in a 30-minute film. She filmed interviews covering MoD policy and Welsh cases, including the Machynlleth encounter and the Llandrillo impact in January 1974.

Ripperston Farm Hoax:

Randles discusses the Dyfed wave of 1977 and the Coombes family encounters at Ripperston Farm. She refers to Hilary Evans' work which suggested a hoax. The BBC investigation concluded it was a hoax, involving a fire-fighting uniform from a local shop window, which was used by a local man to stage the 'close encounter'.

Llandaff, Cardiff Case (January 19th, 1983):

This case, from an MoD file, involved a sighting of an object described as 'similar to a star or planet'. Randles, with a BBC crew, interviewed three witnesses who were in a car. The witnesses described a bright flashing light that appeared stationary. As they drove towards it, they turned and found the UFO hovering over tennis courts. It was described as a huge triangle, with a steady red light in the centre and white light from the sides. The encounter lasted several minutes, during which time the witnesses felt a loss of awareness of their surroundings, which Randles terms the 'OZ Factor', suggesting a subjective, consciousness phenomenon. The object seemed to defy perspective, maintaining its orientation. The MoD report was considered grossly over-simplified.

Catalyst Theory:

Randles explores the idea that Mrs G, a witness in the Llandaff case, might be a 'catalyst', given her reported telepathic and precognitive experiences. However, her husband later admitted seeing a similar object earlier that day, complicating the 'catalyst' role.

Randles expresses disappointment at leaving the Llandaff case with unanswered questions, highlighting the complexity of even simple cases and the inadequacy of MoD investigation methods. She mentions going to East Anglia to assist in a regression hypnosis experiment related to a USAF officer.

Stop Press

Mike Wootten was elected to BUFORA's Council. Hilary Evans was also elected. Jenny Randles was re-elected. Chris Pearson and Ken Phillips were confirmed to Council. John Shaw resigned from Council.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BUFORA MEETINGS emphasizes the ongoing efforts of BUFORA to organize lectures and investigate UFO sightings across the UK. A recurring theme is the contrast between the perceived significance of UFO phenomena and the often mundane or inconclusive explanations found through investigation. The articles highlight the challenges faced by investigators, including witness reliability, the difficulty of gathering evidence, and the perceived inadequacy of official investigations by bodies like the Ministry of Defence. There is a clear stance that UFOs remain a complex and often controversial subject, with a desire to explore alternative theories and encourage public engagement through lectures and discussions. The issue also touches upon the role of media in reporting UFOs and the importance of rigorous investigation, even when faced with limited information or potential hoaxes.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated February 1984 (Volume 29, No. 1), focuses on the intersection of telepathy and UFO-related events (URE), with a lead article by Albert Budden, an Accredited Investigator for BUFORA. The magazine also includes sections on improving UFO bibliographies, case reports, and updates on specific UFO phenomena like the Hessdalen sightings.

Telepathy in UFO Related Events (URE) by Albert Budden

Albert Budden, who has been an investigator for BUFORA since 1983 and developed an interest in UFOs in 1977, summarizes his upcoming book, 'High Strangeness'. He discusses how many UFO encounters involve witnesses experiencing dramatic mood changes, often described as an 'irresistible calm' or 'sense of tranquility,' coupled with a distinct feeling of isolation and a loss of time. Jenny Randles terms this the 'DZ FACTOR effect'.

Budden outlines distinct stages of these mood changes: an overwhelming calmness and sense of 'oneness' with the UFO, leading to a loss of awareness. This can be followed by a period of amnesia, or a 'blank' in memory. The initial tranquility may develop into a light trance-like state, where the witness feels their attention is strongly fixed on the UFO or entity. He provides several numbered reports from witnesses describing these experiences:

1. A description of altered atmosphere, feeling as if the observer had left their world for a more blissful planet.
2. Minds calmed, merging with shadows, looking towards landing sites.
3. Turning off a recorder and entering a light trance state to ask for contact.
4. Entering a light trance state for a few minutes, feeling awakened by friends who thought the witness had gone.
5. Pointing out an object to a passerby, experiencing a sense of time and the busy world stopping, with an impression that the object did not wish to attract attention.
6. Experiencing traffic humming normally again after the object disappeared.
7. Seeing an enormous, cigar-shaped, 'orangy' craft with windows, emanating peace and tranquility.
8. Estimating a UFO to be half a mile away, positioned over electricity pylons, leading to a feeling of isolation and being hypnotized by its light.
9. Being fascinated and unable to stop watching, despite being frightened.
10. Describing a frightened witness being calmed by a humanoid's influence.
11. A man-like figure calming a motorcyclist by stroking his forehead.

Budden posits that these calming, meditative, and hypnosis-like influences are purposefully imposed on witnesses. He questions whether UFO entities are concerned with the mental welfare of witnesses or if there's an ulterior motive.

He then connects these findings to recent scientific research into telepathy, citing work by the Mind Science Foundation in San Antonio, USA, and psychologists H.J. Eysenck and Carl Sargent. This research aimed to identify mental states conducive to telepathic performance. Their findings indicated that states of relaxation and reduced attention to external events, characteristic of hypnosis, are closely similar to those described in UFO witness reports. This 'sensory noise' reduction model suggests that by minimizing external stimuli, telepathic signals can be received.

Budden argues that the 'DZ FACTOR' effect, involving isolation and a 'blackout' of surroundings, fulfills the conditions for telepathic reception. He predicts that UFO encounters should occur in low 'sensory noise' environments and during times of reduced mental/physical activity, such as late night or early morning. He also notes that a significant proportion of spontaneous ESP experiences occur when people are asleep, suggesting a link to 'blackouts' during UFO encounters.

Confirmation of Predictions

Budden provides confirmations for his predictions:

• Ideal telepathy-conducive conditions: The 'DZ FACTOR isolation/'blackout' effects confirm the prediction of an ideal 'sensory noise' free state comparable to hypnosis or sleep.
• Low 'sensory noise' locations: Jenny Randles' research indicates that true UFOs are seen more frequently in low-density population areas, which are typically rural environments with less concentrated activity.
• Low 'sensory noise' time periods: Jacque Vallee's findings of a peak period for encounters between midnight and 3 am are explained by the reduced human activity and physiological conditions (sleep and awakening) during these hours, which facilitate low 'sensory noise'.

References

The article lists several references, including:

• THE FLYING SAUCERERS.
• FRS Vol.29. No.1. 1983.
• ALIEN CONTACT
• THE UFONAUTS

How Would You Improve This UFO Bibliography? by Lionel Beer

This section invites readers to suggest improvements to a UFO bibliography compiled for a UFO Study Course at the Mayfield Centre in June 1984. Titles were selected based on their reference value, erudition, and influence on thinking. The author notes the vast number of UFO-related books and pamphlets (estimated at 3000-4000) and periodicals (around 200-250 annually) available worldwide.

A list of suggested bibliography entries is provided, including works by:

• George Adamski
• BUFORA UFO INVESTIGATION
• Lynn Cattoe
• Robert Chapman
• Lord Clancarty
• Dr. Edward Condon
• Paul Devereux
• Paris Flammonde
• Timothy Good
• Gerald Heard
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek
• Major Donald Keyhoe
• Philip J. Klass
• Desmond Leslie / George Adamski
• Tom Lind
• Dr. Donald Menzel / Ernest Taves

• Jenny Randles
• Margaret Sachs
• Ronald Story
• Leonard Stringfield
• Jacques Vallee

UK Periodicals are also listed: BUFORA BULLETIN, THE JOURNAL OF TRANSIENT AERIAL PHENOMENA, and FSR (Flying Saucer Review).

Case Reports Received by the Research Department

Stephen Gamble, Director of Research, lists case reports received since June 1983. These reports are being used for initial examination, cataloging by Mike Wootten (with Nigel Mortimer and Paul Fuller) for microcomputer entry, and for checking against other phenomena for correlations. He thanks the members who have investigated these cases.

A table details numerous case reports with BUFORA REF, DATE, LOCATION, and INVESTIGATOR. Notable investigators include Albert Budden, Nigel Mortimer, Jenny Randles, and Philip Taylor.

NIC Proceedings and Meetings

This section discusses NIC (presumably National Investigations Committee) proceedings, including the evaluation of cases and a pilot project for postal circulation of a case report. It reaffirms affiliation to the Code of Practice and suggests that Area Investigators (Als) contact their local Thompsons Directory for free entries.

A future NIC meeting is announced for Saturday, March 2nd, 1985, at the London Business School, featuring a lecture by Paul Devereux on 'Earthlights'. An alternative viewpoint will also be presented.

Letters

From Nigel Mortimer RIC, North. Ilkley, West Yorkshire:

Mortimer responds to Steuart Campbell's letter regarding Jenny Randles' book 'THE PENNINE UFO MYSTERY'. He disagrees with Campbell's assertion that there was 'no special Pennine UFO mystery', arguing that the region has a high number of 'high-strangeness' cases. He criticizes investigators who provided inadequate reports, forming a poor foundation for research. Mortimer defends Randles' book as an appropriate way to document the ongoing UFO situation in the Pennines, noting that 90% of reports in Northern UFO News issues 100-107 have been from the Pennine region since April 1983. He believes that UFO phenomena are part of a larger, unified mystery.

From J.S. Krogh, Acting Managing Director, Norwegian Institute of Scientific Research and Enlightenment (NIVFO), Harstad, Norway:

Krogh addresses an article about Hessdalen sightings, stating that NIVFO's report, 'Hessdalsrapporten', has proven incorrect the assertion that there is no firm evidence linking reflections to cold and warm air inversions. During an expedition from March to May 1984, NIVFO found meteorological information suggesting air inversions caused many sightings, along with plasma lights. NIVFO considers the Hessdalen case cleared up. The report will be translated into German and English.

Odd-Gunnar Røed, Project Co-ordinator and Treasurer, Project Hessdalen, comments:

Røed acknowledges that several possibilities exist to explain the Hessdalen phenomenon, but emphasizes the need for extensive field measuring with sophisticated instruments. He contrasts this with NIVFO's approach, which he characterizes as limited to checking climate data. Project Hessdalen conducted a 24-hour sky watch, took pictures, and gathered data using radar, Geiger counters, magnetometers, seismographs, spectrum analyzers, IR viewers, and cameras. Analysis of this material is ongoing, with a report expected soon. Project Hessdalen remains open to all possible explanations for the phenomenon, which began in December 1981 with a sudden increase in sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and physiological states associated with UFO encounters, particularly the concept of 'sensory noise' reduction and its link to telepathic reception. The magazine strongly supports the idea that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious scientific investigation, as evidenced by the detailed case reports and the critical review of existing literature. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research and the importance of accurate documentation, as seen in the defense of Jenny Randles' work and the detailed listing of BUFORA's case reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging contributions from members and presenting various viewpoints while advocating for a systematic approach to understanding the UFO mystery.

This issue of the BUFORA BULLETIN, dated December/January 1984-1985, is a joint publication due to a change in printing schedules. It features a variety of articles and correspondence related to UFO phenomena, research methodologies, and organizational updates.

Hessdalen Sightings

The issue begins with a report from M.R. Wootten regarding sightings in Hessdalen, Norway. Local residents claim to have seen "objects" as close as 30 meters, described as metallic-looking with a red light at each end. The author notes that while Project Hessdalen has no definitive proof, they have also experienced unexplainable phenomena there, urging an open mind and further research during the upcoming winter.

Regressive Hypnosis

J.P. Timmerman, Chairman of the Center for UFO Studies, writes a critical letter regarding Harry Harris's September 1984 BUFORA lecture on alleged contact cases investigated through hypnotic regression. Timmerman questions the accuracy and interpretation of evidence obtained via hypnosis, particularly when it doesn't fit a pre-existing theoretical framework. He argues that no piece of evidence should be dismissed simply because it is inconvenient or doesn't align with a researcher's beliefs, emphasizing that all evidence should be collectively researched. Timmerman highlights a specific case where a witness's experience involving a dolphin in a swimming pool was dismissed by Harris as a mental block, a dismissal Timmerman finds insufficient.

Effective Rebuttal

Dr. Alexander Keul of Salzburg, Austria, writes to defend Dr. Hynek and Jenny Randles against accusations of being "CIA agent plants" in ufology. Keul expresses gratitude to Randles for her effective rebuttal of these "thoughtless comments." He reminds readers that Dr. Hynek has personally witnessed and photographed unidentified flying objects. Keul also clarifies the Anamnesis technique, describing it as an additional method suitable for cases lacking physical data or yielding inconclusive results, and states it was not intended to replace traditional psychological analysis. He invites NIC members with rational criticisms of the Anamnesis approach to submit their contributions to Jenny Randles or Ken Phillips.

Research and Assistance Required

Stephen Gamble, Director of Research, announces job vacancies within the Research Department for two enthusiastic members to assist with administration. These are honorary positions with a small budget for expenses, requiring applicants to have access to a typewriter and a reasonable standard of written English. The roles involve responding to members offering help, identifying areas of interest, and potentially recommending new projects. He also seeks a Research Secretary to assist with routine office jobs, including arranging meetings, replying to inquiries, and minuting research and JTAP meetings.

Mrs Dot Street, a BUFORA Accredited Investigator, is actively researching the Rendlesham Forest incident of December 1980 and requires assistance, particularly from members in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, or Essex, preferably with a vehicle. This case is described as one of the most fascinating in the UK.

Publications and Dates

A "Special Offer" section lists several BUFORA publications available at a special rate to members, including "Close Encounter at Livingston," "UFO Investigation," "Congress 179," and "Vehicle Interference Project." Information is also provided on how to purchase memorabilia from BUFORA's 21st Anniversary.

The "Publication Dates" section informs members about the new publication schedule for THE BULLETIN and JTAP during 1985. Due to changes, a joint December 1984/January 1985 issue of the BULLETIN has been produced. Council reports and summaries of lectures from September 1984 to March 1985 will appear in the May issue of THE BULLETIN.

A "Please Note" section addresses errors in the numbering of THE BULLETIN during 1982-83, clarifying that issue number 07 should have been dated March 1983 and that there was no actual number 08.

Editorial Stance

The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) explicitly states that it does not hold or express corporate views on UFO phenomena, and contributions reflect only the views of the editor or the authors. Original material is copyright to the contributor and BUFORA, with proper attribution required for other copyright holders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the ongoing debate within ufology regarding the reliability of witness testimony, particularly when obtained through hypnotic regression. It also showcases the international nature of UFO research, with contributions from Norway, Austria, and the USA. BUFORA maintains a neutral stance, publishing diverse viewpoints and emphasizing the importance of rigorous research and open-mindedness, while also clarifying its editorial policy regarding the views expressed in its publications.