BUFORA Bulletin - No 19 - Nov 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue Date: November 1985
Issue Number: 19
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd.
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0265-1947

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, published in November 1985, focuses on the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO encounters, alongside practical considerations for identifying aerial phenomena. It features a cover image depicting a child pointing at lights in the sky, with the magazine's title prominently displayed.

Contents and Key Articles

The Doorman Effect

Authored by Jenny Randles, this article explores the relationship between telepathy and UFO close encounters. Randles builds upon Albert Budden's work, suggesting that UFO encounters may be facilitated by a 'noise reduction model' which enhances telepathic communication. She posits that conditions conducive to telepathy, such as sensory deprivation, are similar to those experienced during UFO sightings (e.g., driving late at night). Randles introduces the concept of 'The Doorman,' a mental filter that controls the flow of sensory input, both external and internal. When this doorman is overwhelmed or bypassed due to reduced external stimuli, internal stimuli (which can include paranormal information or imagery) may gain access to consciousness, leading to experiences that blur the line between reality and imagination. The article discusses how 'Ganzfeld' experiments, dream analysis, and even schizophrenic hallucinations might involve similar processes. Randles also touches upon the 'OZ Factor,' a descriptive term for a collection of symptoms indicating a particular mindset or 'Quasi-Conscious' (QC) state where paranormal information is more likely to be received.

External Agent vs. Internal Phenomena

Randles further elaborates on the source of this internal information. She considers three possibilities: it could stem from the witness's own deep-seated consciousness, possibly reflecting subconscious trauma; it might be a paranormally acquired message from the future, perhaps related to a collective cultural trauma like nuclear war; or it could originate from another intelligence elsewhere in the universe. She argues that even if the source is external, the message is processed internally, becoming embodied in a mix of imagery and symbols influenced by the witness's experiences and cultural background. Randles highlights Rupert Sheldrake's concept of 'Formative Causation' as a potential framework for understanding consciousness and inter-intelligence communication, suggesting that advanced civilizations would communicate mind-to-mind rather than through crude radio transmissions.

IFOS RATHER THAN UFOS

This article, written by an anonymous member of BUFORA with a background in aviation engineering, addresses the potential for misidentification of aircraft lights as UFOs. The author critiques a previous letter in the BUFORA Bulletin that reported UFOs over London, arguing that the described phenomena were likely external lights from aircraft approaching Heathrow Airport. The article provides detailed diagrams and explanations of aircraft external lighting, including navigation lights, anti-collision strobes, and landing lamps. It also describes the approach routes to Heathrow Airport, illustrating how aircraft would appear to observers on the ground. The author emphasizes the importance of careful investigation and understanding of conventional phenomena before concluding an object is a UFO.

Other Content

• Annual General Meeting: This section includes the agenda, minutes, and reports for the BUFORA Annual General Meeting, covering council reports, treasurer's accounts, and the chairman's report.
• BUFORA at Newham Air Fair: A report by Mike Wootten on BUFORA's presence at an air fair.
• The Object Lesson: An article by Albert Budden.
• Down in the Forest, Something: An article by John Barrett.
• Home Computer Questionnaire: A survey for members regarding home computer use.
• You Believe UFOs Are What...? An article by John Barrett.
• PRE 1947 UFO Bulletin: An article by Nigel Watson.
• Letters to the Editor: A section for reader correspondence.

International Committee Update

Authored by S.J. Gamble, this update details recent events within the International Committee for UFO Research (ICUR). It mentions the appointment of Bertil Kuhlemann as Chairman and lists other member organizations such as URD (Sweden), VUFORS (Australia), and SUFOI (Denmark). The update notes changes in secretarial and treasury roles within ICUR and highlights an analysis of 1000 cases carried out by URD using statistical software. It also briefly mentions the Hessdalen project, indicating ongoing investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO sightings, questioning whether many encounters are internal mental experiences rather than external physical events. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and the need to rule out conventional explanations, such as misidentified aircraft, before accepting UFO hypotheses. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging members to engage in unbiased scientific research and to consider a wide range of explanations, including psychological and physiological factors. The publication also serves as a platform for organizational updates and member contributions, fostering a sense of community within the British UFO Research Association.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, identified as issue number 9, focuses on debunking common UFO sightings and providing detailed reports on the organization's activities and annual general meeting.

Analysis of UFO Sightings

The first article systematically addresses several UFO sightings reported over central London during darkness. It posits that the observed phenomena can be explained by conventional means:

• Light Characteristics: The mixture of red/orange, white, and green/blue lights, and the varying number of lights seen, are consistent with aircraft navigation and anti-collision lights, depending on the aircraft's position and distance relative to the observer.
• Changing Lights: Changes in light color when the object altered course are also explained by the aircraft's changing orientation.
• Flashing Lights: Flashing red lights or pulsating white lights are attributed to aircraft anti-collision or strobe lights, which can be seen at great distances, sometimes leaving a trail that might be mistaken for exhaust emissions.
• Hovering and Noise: A sighting described as having no noise and hovering is explained as a distant aircraft approaching, where its distance and height would make it appear to hover and be inaudible.
• Spotlight: The observation of a white spotlight ahead of a craft is explained as normal procedure for aircraft landing lamps, which can also be switched on momentarily during other flight phases.
• Zig-Zag Movement: A zig-zag path observed through binoculars is attributed to the magnification effect and the shaking of the arms when holding the binoculars, a phenomenon that can make any light or star appear to move erratically at night.

The author concludes by stating that these explanations demonstrate that there is nothing mysterious about the lights seen, and that they can be turned into a UFO mystery.

BUFORA at Newham Air Fair

This section details BUFORA's participation in the Newham Air Day festival on May 6th. The organization was invited by Newham Council and provided with pitch space, equipment, and advertising. The event, held at Wanstead Flats in East London, featured micro lights, sky divers, model aircraft displays, and stunt kite events. Despite initial apprehension about the weather, the day was blessed with sunshine and was well-attended. BUFORA's stand, positioned between an inflatable castle and a hamburger stand, proved advantageous. The event facilitated sales of books and magazines, and many questions were asked and answered. A few low-definition sighting reports were received, and it is hoped that new members were recruited. The success of the event is attributed to the efforts of several members, and thanks are extended to Deryk Nott of Newham Council.

Annual General Meeting Reports

This section contains official reports related to BUFORA's Annual General Meetings.

Notice of Annual General Meeting of BUFORA LTD

This notice announces the Tenth Annual General Meeting of BUFORA LTD, to be held on Saturday, December 7th, 1985, at The London Business School, Regents Park, London. The agenda includes receiving the President's Address, Chairman's Report, Council of Management Report, Treasurer's Accounts, and electing members of the Council and Auditor. It also outlines procedures for proxy appointments and nominations for Council positions.

Minutes of the Ninth Annual General Meeting

These minutes record the Ninth Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, December 1st, 1984, at The London Business School, with approximately 34 members present. Key points include:

• Apologies: Apologies were received from the Honorary Secretary, Miss Diane Rollison.
• Previous Minutes: Minutes from the previous AGM and EGM were approved.
• President's Address: The Chairman extended apologies for the President's absence due to mitigating circumstances.
• Chairman's Report: Mr Arnold West announced the resignation of Mr John Shaw from the Council and thanked officers and members for their support. A query was raised about advertising in the press, which was confirmed to be done periodically.
• Treasurer's Report: Mr Christopher Pearson reported falling membership numbers and sought support for recruiting new members and fundraising. Suggestions were made to double the BULLETIN print run and explore additional outlets for sales.
• Director of Research Report: Mr Stephen Gamble reported that research files had been moved. Mr M.R. Wootten was working on a computer project to index reports. A vote of thanks was proposed for Mr John Shaw.
• Director of Investigations Report: Miss Jenny Randles reported 23 accredited investigators, the appointment of Mr Ken Phillips as Training Officer, and a need for investigators in Wales. 100 new cases were received from press cuttings, with 45 case reports completed. Six cases were rated unexplained, three as hoaxes, and three as possible ball-lightning. Mr Paul Fuller was commended for an investigation in Winchester.
• Adoption of Reports: The Reports of the Council of Management, Auditor, and Accounts for the year ended August 31st, 1984, were formally adopted.
• Appointment of Auditor: Mr N. O'Brien was re-appointed as Auditor.
• Resolution: Clause 6 of the Memorandum of Association was amended to ensure that any remaining property upon dissolution would be transferred to an organization with similar objects or a charitable body.
• Election of Directors: Mr Christopher Pearson and Mr Ken Phillips were re-elected. A secret ballot was held for the remaining three positions, resulting in the election of Miss Jenny Randles, Mr Hilary Evans, and Mr Michael Wootten.
• Meeting Close: The meeting closed at 8:33 pm.

Report of the Council of Management for Twelve Months Ending August 31st, 1985

This report covers the period from September 1st, 1984, to August 31st, 1985.

• Principal Activities: The company's main activities involved encouraging, promoting, and conducting unbiased scientific research of UFO phenomena, collecting and disseminating evidence, and coordinating UFO research within the UK and internationally.
• Membership: Membership stood at 289 at August 31st, 1985, down from 329 in 1984. The registered membership is 550.
• Lectures: Eleven lectures were held at the London Business School, organized by John Barrett. Thanks were extended to speakers and to Robin Lindsey for taping the talks.
• BUFORA Publications: Two issues of JTAP and four issues of the BULLETIN were published, edited by John Barrett. Efforts were made to maintain 1984 prices, though a rise was expected. The editor welcomed contributions from members outside London. A new editor for JTAP was being sought following Bob Digby's retirement.
• Publications Mailing: Miss Mary Corr took over the responsibilities for mailing BUFORA's publications.
• Conferences: No conferences were held, but plans for a low-key conference in 1987 were mentioned.
• Investigations: Jenny Randles served as Director of Investigations. The National Investigations Committee (NIC) coordinated investigations with 10 Regional Investigators (RICs) and other Accredited Investigators (AIs). The number of AIs remained stable at 22. Several independent groups collaborated with BUFORA.
• NIC Meetings: The NIC met twice, with a further meeting planned. Reports on NIC meetings are published in the BULLETIN.
• Case Files: A new policy was implemented for detailed reporting of new and completed cases to the Council. The number of press cuttings received from Durrants decreased significantly. BUFORA investigators received no remuneration but had a 50% reduction in membership fees.
• Case Identifications: Of 36 completed case files, 24 were identified as conventional phenomena (aircraft, astronomical, IFOs, etc.), and six (16.6%) were rated unexplained.
• Research: The Research Department focused on research projects, technical support for investigations, and data management. Basic data from case files (1980-1983) were being transferred to a computer database. Work was in progress on earlier years (1970-1973) for comparison. A research grant was made to Ken Phillips for research into the UFO Anamnesis technique.
• Training: A second Training Workshop on UFO Anamnesis was held, but it was deemed unsuitable by attendees. Another workshop was planned for November 1985.
• Promotion: BUFORA continued advertising in Flying Saucer Review and received interest from its PRESTEL information frames and UFO books.
• Council of Management: No changes occurred on the Board, but jobs were reallocated. Ken Phillips took over as Lecture Organiser. Chris Pearson resigned as Honorary Treasurer, and Arnold West assumed the role of Acting Treasurer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the demystification of UFO sightings through rational explanations, the organizational activities of BUFORA (including its meetings, publications, and research efforts), and the ongoing investigation of reported phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific skepticism, aiming to provide logical explanations for sightings while continuing to document and research unexplained cases. The organization emphasizes its commitment to unbiased scientific research and the dissemination of information to its members and the public.

This document comprises the annual report for BUFORA LIMITED for the year ended August 31st, 1985. It includes a Chairman's Report, financial statements (Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account), an Auditor's Report, a list of donations, and detailed witness accounts of UFO sightings.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman, Arnold West, notes that the detailed Council report leaves little room for comment, but offers an optimistic outlook. He highlights an improved financial position which allows membership fees to remain stable and supports greater efforts by the Research and Investigations Departments. Membership is reported as slightly down from the previous year, with a correlation suggested between membership numbers and media interest in UFOs. To counter this, BUFORA plans to increase advertising and target university students. The Chairman encourages members to promote BUFORA within their families and social circles. An International Conference is planned for 1987. The report also calls for volunteers and acknowledges the resignation of Pam Kennedy as Membership Secretary after seven years, thanking her for her service. Appreciation is extended to all Council members, officers, and workers.

Financial Statements

Balance Sheet as at 31st August 1985:

• 31st August 1984: Current Assets (£779), Current Liabilities (£149), Net Current Assets (£630).
• 31st August 1985: Current Assets (£2460), Current Liabilities (£102), Net Current Assets (£2358).
• Represented by: General Fund (Balance brought forward £630), Excess of income for the year (£1728).
• The Balance Sheet was approved by the Council of Management, signed by A. West (CHAIRMAN) and J.L. Spencer, ACA (DIRECTOR).

Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31st August 1985:

• Income: Subscriptions (£3265), Donations (£583), Publications (£152), Advertisements (£20), Computer Research Fund (£8), Training (£0). Total Income: £4028.
• Expenditure: Publications (£1701), Stationery and administration (£449), Research and investigation (£281), Lecture costs (£610), Lecture income (£(235)), Registration (£20), Audit fee (£57), Computer project (£27). Total Expenditure: £2300.
• Excess of Income for the year: £1728.
• Corporation Tax: (£2).

Notes:

(1) The Company is limited by Guarantee, with each member's liability limited to £1 in the event of winding up.

Auditor's Report

N. O'BRIEN, FCA, Chartered Accountant, audited the financial statements for the year ended August 31st, 1985. The audit was conducted in accordance with approved Auditing Standards. The report notes that the Company's control system is dependent on the close involvement of Directors, and independent confirmation of accounting records was not always available, with assurances accepted from Directors. Subject to these points, the financial statements, prepared under the historical cost convention, give a true and fair view of the company's affairs and comply with the Companies Act, 1985. The audit date was October 16th, 1985.

Donations

BUFORA thanks members for donations received between September 1st, 1984, and August 31st, 1985. A list of donors is provided, with an apology for any inadvertent omissions.

UFO Sightings Reports

The Object Lesson by Albert Budden:

This section details reports of a "luminous aerial object" received by RIC Mike Wootten, centered around the South Bank/Festival Hall complex in London in November 1984. The object was also seen on the other side of the river, hovering over Cleopatra's Needle.

Witness Account 1 (Saturday, 12th November):

A couple reported seeing a light darting about the sky. Two other couples joined them, unable to identify the object. It moved rapidly towards the river, then back and forth. The object was described as spinning, with no visible trail. Police officers were also alerted to the object, with one officer stating, "I don't know I suppose it must be an UFO. I don't know what else it could be."

Witness Descriptions and Drawings:

Drawings and descriptions from witnesses indicate the object had no definite shape, sometimes appearing as two separate halves, or like an out-of-shape ten pence piece. It shimmered, seemed flat and silverish, and appeared to spin. Witnesses stated, "It continually changed the way it looked."

Witness Account 2 (Continued Sighting):

The initial witnesses continued to watch the object for about fifty minutes. They observed it moving between clearings and through trees. The object was sometimes above the cloud and at others below. It could move fast or slow down, appearing as a thin silverish line or an oval shape. They sometimes lost sight of it above the clouds, only to see it again elsewhere.

Witness Account 3 (Legal Secretary):

A legal secretary reported walking across Waterloo Bridge and seeing two glowing, hazy lights with a dark beam through the center. The object moved in a "stilted steady manner," pulsating, and swinging from right to left at regular intervals. The sighting lasted approximately 50 minutes.

Witness Account 4 (April 1985):

By late April 1985, a witness had spent hours on Charing Cross Bridge with a cine camera. On one evening, the object was seen rising quickly from the Festival Hall/Hayward Gallery roof. The witness described it as a bright orange globe performing in a manner consistent with previous reports, but was frustrated by not having their camera readily available.

Witness Account 5 (Young Tool Engineer):

This witness and his girlfriend saw an object on Waterloo Bridge. He described it as pulsating, with a glow, moving up and down, and occasionally swaying from side to side. He took three photos. The object was obscured by a building, but reappeared later, distant and smaller.

Interpretation of the Object:

One interpretation suggested a radio-controlled flat-winged kite that became round and solid by spinning and transparent when seen end on.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the financial and administrative health of the BUFORA organization, alongside detailed reporting of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into anomalous aerial phenomena, evidenced by the detailed witness reports, drawings, and the involvement of a Research and Investigations Department. The organization actively seeks public engagement and volunteer support, indicating a proactive approach to its mission. The financial reports suggest a stable organization with a modest surplus, enabling continued operations and research efforts.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated July 1985, is primarily focused on UFO phenomena, featuring articles by John Barrett and Nigel Watson, and a review of the book 'Sky Crash'. The publication explores witness accounts, historical legends, and the evolving nature of UFO research and theories.

London Sighting: November 12, 1983

A detailed account is provided by a stock-controller who witnessed an unidentified object in the sky over London on the night of November 12, 1983. While parked near Waterloo Bridge, the narrator and his girlfriend observed an object exhibiting erratic movement and an odd shape. The object darted and spun in the sky for approximately 10 minutes, attracting the attention of other passers-by who also could not identify it. The object moved across the sky, hovered over the river, and then returned overhead. The witness described the object as flat, with little depth, and its outer edges either lit or reflecting. At times, the shape was sharp, but it became unclear as it moved on its axis. The object was also observed to pulsate and emit no sound, though a distinct fluttering was heard when the wind changed. The witness approached the Festival Hall and observed the object about twenty feet above the building's roof, describing it as flat like a piece of cardboard, with an oval pulsating form made of silver reflective Mylar. The witness also reported seeing three pinheads of light leave the main object in circular motion, a detail his girlfriend did not see. Due to cloud cover, tracking became difficult, but the object was later seen again near Charing Cross Bridge before finally disappearing.

The Jersey Devil

Nigel Watson contributes an article discussing the Jersey Devil, noting that 1909 was a significant year for phantom airship sightings and also for the Jersey Devil's activity in South Pennsylvania and North West New Jersey. Witnesses described the creature's frightening appearance in various ways, often likening it to a hybrid of a horse and a kangaroo with wings, capable of emitting a blood-curdling scream. The article draws parallels between the Jersey Devil's hoofprints in the snow and those reported in other cases, such as the South Devon and Exeter tracks from 1855. It also links the Jersey Devil's alleged attacks on farm animals and pets to modern animal mutilation cases. The origin of the Jersey Devil is discussed, with legends mentioning Mrs. Leeds giving birth to the creature in 1735 and stories of it changing from a baby into a monster. The article references 'THE JERSEY DEVIL' by James F. McCloy and Ray Miller Jnr for further information.

Review: 'Sky Crash. A Cosmic Conspiracy.'

This section reviews the book 'Sky Crash. A Cosmic Conspiracy.' by Brenda Butler, Dot Street, and Jenny Randles, published in 1984. The reviewer notes that BUFORA took over a year to assess the book, which is partly authored by BUFORA's Director of Investigations. The review highlights that after five years of research, the authors admit that no one knows what truly happened in Rendlesham Forest in December 1980. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the official explanations and suggests that the incident might have involved a secret missile test rather than a UFO. The review criticizes the early SCUFORI investigation for adding confusion with 'rabbits' and date muddled accounts. The reviewer posits that the Rendlesham incident, occurring around the same time as the Cash/Landrum encounter in Texas, suggests a deliberate cover-up, possibly by the government to test reactions to a bizarre event. The reviewer praises the authors' painstaking research but questions the narrative presented, suggesting that the UFO story was concocted to cover up another event. The article also touches upon the 'News of the World' headline "UFO LANDS IN SUFFOLK" as potentially misleading.

Disinformation and Government Cover-up

The review of 'Sky Crash' strongly implies a government cover-up, drawing parallels to other events like the sinking of the General Belgrano and the death of Hilda Murrell. The author suggests that a UFO story might have been fabricated to conceal the testing of a missile, or that the UFO story itself was a cover for another secret. The article criticizes the authorities for their "sphinx-like attitude" and "snail's pace approach," and notes that many ufologists readily accept UFO explanations without further investigation. The reviewer emphasizes that the book serves as a textbook on how governments and authorities manipulate people and information. Questions are raised about the convenient appearance of Colonel Halt's letter and the reasons why certain witnesses came forward. The article concludes that the Rendlesham incident, whether a UFO or a missile, demonstrates a brilliant stroke of strategy by those concerned, leading many ufologists to believe it was a UFO and not look for other explanations.

The Nature of the UFO Phenomenon

John Barrett's article, "YOU BELIEVE UFOS ARE WHAT....?", addresses the evolving nature of UFO research. He notes a complaint about falling standards in the BUFORA Bulletin, with accusations of incompetence and gullibility. Barrett defends the subject of ufology, stating that an interest in UFOs does not necessarily equate to a belief in space-craft or alien civilizations. He argues that a UFO phenomenon exists, even if it is not always physical objects. Barrett discusses different UFO theories, including the ET hypothesis, which he finds hard to accept due to the 'childish' behavior attributed to advanced civilizations. He advocates for an open-minded approach, where beliefs shift as new information becomes available. The article mentions new research tools like regressive hypnosis and the 'OZ Factor symptoms'.

Extraterrestrial Victims?

The article explores the re-examination of UFO cases, such as the Betty and Barney Hill encounter, suggesting that some witnesses might be sociological rather than extraterrestrial victims, their experiences shaped by cultural and environmental conditioning. However, it acknowledges that for the witnesses, the experience was real. The author argues that if people consistently report similar sightings and close encounters, it is unlikely they are all liars or lunatics. The persistence of ufology, despite the lack of definitive answers, is seen as evidence that the phenomenon is not merely a fad. The article notes the increasing use of psychology, para-psychology, and computer enhancement in UFO research, and the idea that there may be multiple UFO phenomena, such as abductions being separate from other sightings.

Paranormal Context

Barrett reflects on a trend where UFO stories are increasingly explained by psychic or paranormal contexts, questioning the decline of the ET explanation. He welcomes this evolution, seeing it as a sign that ufology is still exploring new paths. The article contrasts this with the past dominance of the 'little green men' theory. It suggests that the phenomenon might be a by-product of the mind, influenced by cultural and environmental stimuli. The author believes that the current generation of people claiming to see objects and aliens cannot be dismissed as cranks, citing the inclusion of policemen, military personnel, and airline pilots among witnesses. The core question posed is: what do these people see, and why do they see it, especially if the craft and aliens have no actual physical reality? The article concludes by suggesting that by 1995, ufologists might be defending against more mundane explanations for UFOs, but emphasizes the need to remain open-minded.

Correction

A correction is issued regarding the title of Ralph Noyes's book, which was incorrectly stated as "A SECRET PROPHECY" and is actually "A SECRET PROPERTY".

Home Computer Questionnaire

A questionnaire from BUFORA is included, seeking information from members about their home computer ownership and access, to aid in the computerization of UFO reports. It asks about computer ownership, access for research, model, memory, operating system, data storage, ports, communication methods, databases, statistical programs, and willingness to be involved in future UFO data recording.

Fulham Incident

This section discusses the Fulham Photographic case, expressing skepticism about it being a genuine UFO sighting. The author explains that aircraft landing at Heathrow often fly over Fulham at several thousand feet, and that helicopters operate in the area. The article details the regulations for helicopter flights in the London Control Zone, including altitude limits and authorized routes. It suggests that the colors shown in the photograph are consistent with those used by aircraft to illuminate dusk conditions, making it more likely to be an aircraft on its final approach to Heathrow rather than a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed witness accounts of UFO sightings, historical anomalous phenomena like the Jersey Devil, and critical analysis of the Rendlesham Forest incident with implications of government cover-up. The editorial stance, particularly in John Barrett's articles, is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the exploration of various theories, including paranormal explanations, while maintaining a critical perspective on official statements and the nature of evidence. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of witness credibility and the evolving understanding of what constitutes the UFO phenomenon. The publication also highlights the role of organizations like BUFORA in researching and disseminating information on these topics.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 3, dated May 1985, features a significant debate concerning the organization's Code of Practice for UFO investigators, alongside a report on a remarkable UFO incident in Zimbabwe. The cover headline highlights 'AIR FORCE JETS SENT AFTER UFO'.

Letters Section

The 'LETTERS' section opens with a detailed letter from Steuart Campbell (BA, BUFORA AI) outlining his objections to the BUFORA Code of Practice, which he was asked to sign. Campbell states that his comments from 1981 and 1982 were not heeded. His objections include poor grammar, vague definitions, and unreasonable demands, such as obtaining witness written consent before releasing their identity and advising them of "consequences which may arise" from disclosure. He also objects to the requirement that only "fully qualified (undefined) practitioners" can use specialized equipment and the implication that hypnosis is an acceptable technique. Campbell describes the Code as a "pretentious amateurish mess" that reflects badly on British ufology and questions why AIs are asked to sign a declaration to abide by it if it is merely advisory, especially when several clauses are mandatory.

Jenny Randles replies to Steuart Campbell, expressing disturbance and stating that he has "totally misconceived the intent and purpose of the Code." She finds his insistence on "minor quibbles about wordings, technicalities" mystifying, given the Code's positive aspects, which she claims are supported by about 20 other BUFORA AIs who signed without complaint. She notes that the paranormal research group ASSAP chose to rework it and that the Australian Center for UFO studies has adopted it.

Randles emphasizes the ethical and moral responsibility of UFO investigators and is proud of the "joint effort" to create a "truly worthwhile co-operative product of ufology." She argues that the Code demonstrates to the outside world that investigators care about their work and are not "childish, amateurs playing God." She dismisses Campbell's objections as "nit-picking, finicky reactions" and insists that the "spirit of the thing which counts." She addresses specific objections, such as obtaining witness permission, noting it's a standard BUFORA form requirement and a courtesy to the witness, and that it doesn't prevent disclosure if the witness has already gone public.

Stephen Gamble, Director of Research BUFORA, also responds, expressing pride in the support for the Code and lamenting BUFORA's failure to promote it internationally. He acknowledges that improvements can be made but stresses the importance of the Code's spirit. He highlights the collaborative effort involving BUFORA, NUFON alliance, SCUFORI, and PROBE.

Mike Wootten, a member of the BUFORA Council, questions Steuart Campbell's statement in the May 1985 Bulletin that he has identified every sighting he has dealt with in the last 12 years. Wootten cites BUFORA's case report database, which indicates that between 1980 and 1982, Campbell investigated 24 cases and evaluated seven as unidentified.

UFO Bibliography

Lionel Beer invites contributions to his UFO bibliography. Stephen Gamble suggests adding more British-oriented material, specifically case reports, mentioning the Warminster events and the 1967 flap around Stoke-on-Trent. He also recommends including "CLOSE ENCOUNTER AT LIVINGSTON" by Steuart Campbell.

UFO Incident Report: Zimbabwe

A report from THE HERALD, Harare, Zimbabwe, dated August 2nd, 1985, details an incident on July 23rd, 1985, where two Zimbabwean fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a "bright flying object" over Matabeleland. The object was tracked by radar and visual sightings. Air Marshal Azim Daudpota stated it was "no ordinary UFO." The object, described as orange, rounded with a cone, hovered at 7000 feet, then accelerated upwards at "tremendous speed" to 70,000 feet, out-climbing the Hawk jets. Air Commodore Dave Thorne noted that while 95 percent of UFOs are explainable, this object was not. The object's speed during ascent was estimated at over 3300 km/h, more than twice the speed of sound. Observers noted its silent operation and powerful vertical acceleration, ruling out a remotely-controlled airship. The object was described as shining brightly and difficult to see distinctly. The report concludes that the object could not be explained as a weather balloon or missiles, unlike previous cases.

Other Information

An announcement for the AGM of BUFORA on December 7th, 1985, at the London Business School, followed by a lecture by Hugh Pincott of ASSAP, is included. A note states there will be no lecture in January 1986.

Editorial Stance

A statement from IMPRESS clarifies that The British UFO Research Association does not hold or express corporate views on UFO phenomena, and contributions reflect only the views of the editor or author(s).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights a strong internal debate within BUFORA regarding the ethical guidelines and investigative practices for UFO researchers, particularly concerning the "Code of Practice." The differing viewpoints between Steuart Campbell and Jenny Randles underscore the challenges in establishing universally accepted standards in the field. The inclusion of the Zimbabwe incident demonstrates the magazine's commitment to reporting on significant, unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as stated by IMPRESS, is one of neutrality, presenting various viewpoints without endorsing any specific conclusion, thereby encouraging open discussion and research within the UFO community.