BUFORA Bulletin - No 23 - Nov 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 23
Date: November 1986
Publisher: BUFORA LTD.
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0265-1947

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, published in November 1986, is primarily dedicated to the state of UFO research and sightings in Poland, alongside reports on specific incidents in the UK.

UFOs in Poland

The article "UFOS IN POLAND" by Bronislaw Rzspecki provides a comprehensive historical overview of the UFO phenomenon in Poland. It notes that while UFOs are observed and investigated globally, Poland's engagement with the phenomenon is equally significant. The article traces the early interest in UFOs in Poland back to articles in magazines like WIECZOR WYBRZEZA and SKRZYDLATA POLSKA in 1958, and the publication of the first Polish book on UFOs, "LATAJACE TALERZE FLYING SAUCERS," in 1961. The early 1970s saw a surge in popular articles by journalists such as Lucjan Znicz, Andrzej Donimirski, Arnold Mostowicz, and Zbigniew Blania, leading to the formation of informal UFO enthusiast groups.

A pivotal moment was the establishment of the KLUB KONTAKTOW KOSMICZYCH (Space Contacts Club) on July 8th, 1976, which is considered the official start of the Polish ufological movement. This was followed by UFO SONDA in Wroclaw in December 1976. The first legally authorized ufological organization, VARSOVIAN UFO RESEARCH SOCIETY - UFO VIDEO, was registered in Warsaw on June 24th, 1981. In January 1980, the UFOLOGICAL SECTION OF CRACOVIAN SCIENCE FICTION FAN CLUB was formed, which later became the CRACOVIAN CLUB OF UFO RESEARCH AND POPULARISATION. The publication of the first Polish ufological magazine, WIZJA PERYFERYJNE (Peripheral Visions), in November 1981, further boosted the movement.

The article highlights a milestone in 1983 with the establishment of the "SPACE CLUB OF LODZ PARA UFO." A significant meeting of various organizations in February 1983 led to discussions on cooperation and the decision to organize the first Polish Ufological Congress, held in Cracow from September 23rd-25th, 1983. Subsequent congresses took place in Szczecin (November 1984) and Lublin (September 1985). The CRACOVIAN UFO RESEARCH SOCIETY was registered in January 1984 but was disbanded in October 1985. In its place, the non-formal UFO RESEARCH GROUP was established on October 27th, 1985, to coordinate research activities. By the end of 1983, ten organizations were active, with seven remaining and strengthened by the end of the article's reporting period.

The article includes a map illustrating the locations of existing ufological organizations in Poland and notes that while documented UFO observations are relatively recent, undocumented sightings have occurred for many years. It lists several historical incidents in Poland, including a 1908 sighting in Zalesic, a 1922 Warsaw event involving a silvery object, a 1953 landing at Wolin Island, a 1958 photograph in Muzzyna, and a 1959 sighting near Koloborzeg. Two cases from 1979 are detailed: one in Piastow near Warsaw involving a disc-shaped object emitting lights and causing physical effects on the witness, and another in Czlachow involving a "dark, oblong object" on a lake and the appearance of two beings.

Not Coming Through The Glen

This section by Steuart Campbell addresses a UFO report from a family in Fort William, Scotland. Campbell critiques Jenny Randles for allegedly misrepresenting the case and providing an incorrect date and time. He refers to the case previously reported in BUFORA BULLETIN 21 and BUFORA BULLETIN 7. The incident involved a family observing flashing lights in Glen Nevis on the morning of May 3rd, 1980, which they described as a squat, cigar-shaped object, orange at the bottom, descending the valley. They reported seeing a triangular shape with orange lights and revolving flashing lights. Campbell suggests the phenomenon could be explained as a mirage of the star Antares, influenced by atmospheric conditions and temperature inversions, accounting for its brightness, size, and flashing lights. He notes that the witnesses rejected this explanation, and Jenny Randles sided with them.

The Clapton Event

Robert Moore investigates the "Clapton Event" (BUFORA CASE REF 82 030) which occurred on Wednesday, June 9th, 1982, near Clapton and Midsomer-Norton, Somerset. Four witnesses reported seeing a bright pinky-red-orange or red-orange object in the eastern sky. The object was described as ball-shaped or oval, with a halo, and appeared to be coming towards them. It then seemed to drop to the ground, was obscured by trees, and later rose vertically, hovered, and dipped before disappearing. A flashing light was observed for about 10 minutes. The duration of the observation is estimated to be between 21:15 and 21:40 hrs. The witnesses later reported the event to their employer, Mr. A.W., who, along with his wife, had also observed an object in the sky at the same time.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on the "ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING," listing the agenda, minutes, reports to the council, accounts, and chairman's and treasurer's reports. There is a "Tribute to Allan J Hynek" and an article titled "Pre 1947 UFO Bulletin" by Nigel Watson. A "Letters to the Editor" section is also present.

A copyright notice states that BUFORA LTD. 1966 permits members to use material for personal use on a limited basis, with proper acknowledgement required for publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes scientific research into UFO phenomena and encourages unbiased investigation. It highlights the importance of organized ufological groups and their efforts to collect and disseminate data. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and analysis, as demonstrated by the detailed case reports and the inclusion of scientific explanations for sightings, even when they are contested by witnesses. The publication also serves as a platform for members to share information and discuss findings, as evidenced by the "Letters to the Editor" section and the focus on organizational activities within BUFORA and related groups.

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: 7
Volume: 1
Date: October 1986
Publisher: BUFORA
Price: £1.50

This issue of UFO TIMES focuses on "THE CLAPTON EVENT - A CASE CLOSED?", an in-depth analysis of a UFO sighting that occurred on June 9th, 1982, near Clapton, Somerset, UK. The article, authored by Robert Moore, presents the findings of an investigation conducted by PROBE UFO Group and explores the possibility that the observed phenomena were caused by natural atmospheric effects, specifically a superior mirage.

The Clapton Event: The Secondary Observation

The primary focus of the issue is the detailed account of the Clapton sighting. On June 9th, 1982, at approximately 21:15 BST, Mr. A.W. and Mrs. A.W. observed an object in the eastern sky from their home at Hudson Farm. The object was described as a sharply defined, ball-shaped form with an angular size similar to a half penny held at arm's length. It was noted to have a bright orange/red color and was soundless. The object appeared to be moving away from the witnesses and disappeared behind trees after approximately two minutes. A secondary observation was made by other witnesses around 21:15 BST, describing a present, rising, hovering, and dipping object.

Witness Descriptions and Weather Conditions

Witnesses reported clear weather conditions with little or no cloud, warm temperatures, and a slight breeze. Dusk was falling at the time of the sighting, and no celestial bodies like the sun, moon, planets, or stars were noticed by the observers. The article provides details of the witnesses, including their ages and occupations at the time of the sighting.

The Investigation

The discovery of the observation began when Mr. B.W. wrote to a mysteries magazine, which then passed his details to BUFORA. PROBE UFO Group, based in Bristol, took over the investigation. Following an on-site visit in September 1982, interviews were conducted, and photographs were taken. Witnesses were asked to mark the object's position on the photographs, which were then returned, annotated, in early November.

Results of Follow-Up Investigation and Astronomical Data

The follow-up investigation revealed that local police, PROBE, SCUFORI, BUFORA, and NUFON had no record of any UFOs being observed on the night of June 9th, 1982. Astronomical data indicated that sunset occurred around 21:24 BST, and moonrise was at 23:45 BST. Venus was not visible, but Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were evening objects. Specific stars like Antares and Altar were also noted in the eastern sky.

Aircraft and Balloon Movements

There were at least three civil aircraft airborne during the time of the observation, but their exact location was unknown. No air-balloon flights were definitively identified, though their presence could not be entirely ruled out. Displays of powered hang-gliding had occurred in the vicinity on previous dates.

Conclusions and Evaluation

The article presents a detailed evaluation, acknowledging minor and major inconsistencies in the witness accounts. However, it argues that the reports are unlikely to be misperceptions of fireballs, re-entries, aircraft, or balloons. The primary explanation proposed is a "Temperature Inversion," an atmospheric effect where layers of hot and cold air create distortions. This effect, combined with a low-elevation light source, could explain the observed phenomena, including the object's apparent enlargement, brightness, and movement.

Steuart Campbell's theory that the Clapton object was the star Antares is discussed, with some problems noted regarding its visibility before sunset and apparent magnitude. The author, Robert Moore, proposes his own theory that a star (like Altair or Antares) affected by an inversion could appear as a bright, luminous ball, with its apparent movement explained by parallax as witnesses moved towards it. The illusion of movement, size changes, and "flashing" could all be attributed to this mirage effect.

Other Aspects of the Sighting

Mrs. W.W.'s description of the object as "hazy" might be due to a sight defect (astigmatism), contrasting with other witnesses who reported a sharply defined outline. The "halo" reported by Mr. B.W. is also attributed to optical effects, meteorological diffraction, or image distortion.

Closing Comments and Postscript

While acknowledging some aspects that seem to contradict the mirage explanation, the author emphasizes that estimations were made by people unused to such assessments, and some eight weeks after the event. Therefore, the reliability of these estimations is considered suspect. The article concludes that the Clapton case should be treated as explained by the mirage theory, with the proviso for reassessment if new evidence emerges.

The postscript mentions Steuart Campbell's theory that the Clapton object was the star Antares, noting potential issues with its visibility and apparent brightness. It also suggests that a star affected by a superior mirage could explain the observed phenomena, including false colors and apparent movement.

Conclusion

The article concludes that the Clapton event was most likely caused by:
1. A star (Altair or Antares) plus a superior mirage.
2. A man-made light source plus a superior mirage.
3. A star under normal or semi-normal conditions.

The author stresses the importance of considering astronomical mirages when investigating UFO observations, particularly those occurring around sunrise and sunset.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for rational, scientific explanations for UFO sightings, particularly focusing on atmospheric phenomena like mirages. The editorial stance is that many UFO reports can be explained by natural causes, and that ufology should be approached with a critical and analytical mindset. The article aims to close the Clapton case by providing a comprehensive explanation based on existing scientific understanding, while leaving room for future reassessment.

BUFORA Activities

The issue also includes reports on BUFORA's activities, including:

• Annual General Meeting: Notices and minutes from the Eleventh Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd., held on December 6th, 1986. This included receiving reports from the President, Chairman, Council of Management, Treasurer, Director of Research, and Director of Investigations. Elections for the Council of Management were also held.
• Tenth Annual General Meeting Minutes: Detailed minutes from the meeting held on December 7th, 1985, covering the Chairman's report, plans for a low-budget conference in August 1986, computerization of records, and rationalization of publications.
• Director of Research Report: Mr. Stephen Gamble reported on the computerization of BUFORA's UFO case histories and the need for more volunteers. He also discussed the indexing of BUFORA files and the increase in Research Department funds.
• Director of Investigations Report: Outlined the main highlights of investigations during the past year.
• Council of Management Report: Covered the period from September 1st, 1985, to August 31st, 1986, detailing BUFORA's activities, membership numbers, public meetings, publications (JTAP and BULLETIN), and plans for future conferences and books.
• Training Day: An announcement for a "TRAINING DAY" on "ANAMNESIS - A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE PARANORMAL" to be held on November 29th, 1986, at the University of Manchester.

Author and Sources

Robert Moore is described as an independent ufologist who believes most cases have prosaic explanations but acknowledges that some events may defy easy explanation. The Clapton event is noted as his first major case study. Sources for the article include BUFORA case archives (82-030 IFO THE CLAPTON EVENT).

Other Information

The issue also lists several Polish ufological organizations and events, including the establishment of the CRACOVIAN UFO RESEARCH SOCIETY and subsequent congresses and disbandments.

This document is the Annual Report for BUFORA LIMITED for the year ended August 31st, 1986. It details the activities of various departments, financial statements, and organizational updates.

Investigations Department

The National Investigations Committee (NIC) continued to supervise field investigations, maintaining a stable team of AI (Accredited Investigator) status holders. TONY MANN and GEORGINA MILLS were granted AI status in South Wales and Lancashire, respectively. NIGEL MORTIMER returned to West Yorkshire after two years. STEUART CAMPBELL in Scotland had his AI status removed due to failure to sign the Code of Practice. The total number of AI investigators stood at 21, with three probationary members awaiting approval.

The NIC met three times during the year (November 1985, March 1985, and May 1985). Key activities included the preparation of "MYSTERY OF THE CIRCLES," a 28-page summary of evidence for strange rings in Southern England since 1980. Plans were finalized for the "IFO SENSITIVITY INDEX," a card designed to provide an objective gauge of a witness's sensitivity to UFOs and IFOs, with plans for international marketing. Development of computer archives and a computer-based questionnaire to replace the RI form was also underway. A new sub-committee under NIGEL SMITH was formed to formalize photographic case investigation. The department also handled the investigation of cases and evaluation thereof.

During the year, BUFORA received 259 press cuttings, with about two-thirds not relating to actual investigatable UFO reports. 51 case investigations were initiated by the NIC, with approximately three-quarters resulting in final case reports for the research department. The activity level was comparable to 1984-85, significantly below the peaks of 1977 or 1978. This allowed for more in-depth studies into individual cases, including a CE4 contact claim in Sussex by PHILIP TAYLOR, a study of an Isle of Wight case potentially involving an RPV by PAUL FULLER, an investigation of a possible advertising plane UFO in South Wales by TONY MANN, and an evaluation of a "landing with footprint traces" in Birmingham by CLIVE POTTER and STEVEN BANKS, which was attributed to sewage. JENNY RANDLES investigated an unexplained time-lapse encounter in the Pennines.

Most cases investigated were identified, with a small residue (under five) remaining unexplained.

Research Department

The primary activity of the Research Department was research into UFO and other transient aerial phenomena. This included research projects and providing technical backup to the investigations and other sections of BUFORA. Liaison with similar research groups in the UK and abroad was also maintained. STEPHEN GAMBLE served as Director of Research throughout the period. There was one meeting of the Research Committee and one combined meeting with the Investigations department. Research representatives also attended two further meetings of the investigations department.

Two issues of "JTAP" (Journal of Technical Aerial Phenomena) were produced, carrying advertisements for research assistance, which yielded a small but high-quality response. JOHN BARRETT, Director of Publications, was heavily involved in JTAP production. MIKE WOOTTEN, assisted by MICHAEL LEWIS and BERNARD HUSBANDS, continued work on computer indexing of case reports, which was included in BUFORA's application for the Data Protection Act. PAUL FULLER conducted a survey of computer usage among members, published in the BUFORA Bulletin and JTAP, to inform future computer policy. MIKE WOOTTEN donated a Sinclair Spectrum computer, which, with an interface and microdrive, was used by PAUL FULLER for indexing 1977 case reports and elementary statistics.

Work continued on refurbishing paper case reports by MIKE WOOTTEN and his team. STEPHEN GAMBLE carried out preliminary work on a computerised bibliographical reference system, linked to BUFORA's Data Protection Act application. NIGEL SMITH took over coordination of the photographic and traces group. Funds were used to purchase cine editing equipment for studying movie film. A lecture on the Research Department's role was presented at the March lecture meeting. The department continued to receive completed reports from the Investigations section, with the case report archive based at Research Headquarters in Peterborough. Several individuals assisted the research department, including PAUL FULLER, MIKE WOOTTEN, MIKE BROWN, DENNIS AILEY, NIGEL SMITH, ROGER CHINERY, MICHAEL LEWTS, BERNARD HUSBANDS, BOB DIGBY, ROBIN LINDSEY, and EWAN SCOTT.

BUFORA's pages were removed from PRESTEL due to EASTEL withdrawing from the market. The Data Protection Act 1984 came into force, and BUFORA applied for registration as a Data User and Bureau. STEPHEN GAMBLE was appointed Data Protection Officer.

Training

A joint ASSAP/BUFORA training seminar took place in Tufnell Park in May 1986. KEN PHILLIPS led a practical workshop comparing conventional investigation procedures with Anamnesis for witness/contactee cases. Further training covering a broader base was planned for 1986-87.

Promotion

BUFORA's PRESTEL listing was discontinued due to Eastern Counties Newspapers ending their contract. An energetic advertising campaign was planned to attract new members and publicize London lectures.

Council of Management

There were three changes in the Council of Management during 1985-86. DIANE ROLLISON resigned as Honorary Secretary, followed by NORMAN OLIVER's resignation as Membership Secretary designate. LESLIE SALLIS was elected as Honorary Secretary. The Council of Management as of August 31st, 1986, included JOHN BARRETT, LIONEL BEER, HILARY EVANS, STEPHEN GAMBLE, ROBIN LINDSEY, KEN PHILLIPS, JENNY RANDLES, LESLIE SALLIS, JOHN SPENCER, ARNOLD WEST, and MIKE WOOTTEN. NORMAN OLIVER and DIANE ROLLISON also served during the period. The Council expressed appreciation for the assistance of JAMES DANBY (Membership Secretary), PAM KENNEDY (Information Officer), and MARY CORR (mailing department). No member of Council received remuneration. LESLIE SALLIS was eligible for re-election, and ROBIN LINDSEY, JOHN SPENCER, and ARNOLD WEST were retiring by rotation and offered themselves for re-election.

Financial Statements

Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31st August 1986:
Total Income: £3811
Total Expenditure: £3336
Excess of Income for the Year: £475

Key income sources included subscriptions (£3251), donations (£292), and publications (£162). Major expenditures were publications (£2311), stationery and administration (£431), and research and investigation (£565).

Balance Sheet as at 31st August 1986:
Current Assets: £3329 (Bank £243, Deposit Account £3086, Debtors £60)
Current Liabilities: £2833 (Sundry creditors £77, Subscriptions in advance £419, less £496 adjustment)
General Fund: £2358 (Balance brought forward £2358, Excess of Income for the year £475)

The company is limited by guarantee, with member liability limited to £1.

Treasurer's Statement

ARNOLD WEST, acting Honorary Treasurer, reported increasing income, allowing for proper budgeting. Publications "UFO WORLD 86" and "MYSTERY OF THE CIRCLES" cost approximately £200 and had made a small profit. The Research Department purchased optical equipment and computer peripherals. Reserve funds were invested in an interest-earning Building Society account. Donations had peaked in 1985 and dropped to about £300. He emphasized the need to increase membership.

Chairman's Report

ARNOLD WEST, Chairman, highlighted two significant events: registration with the Data Protection Registrar, enabling efficient handling of membership records via a database, and increased use of ADP (Automated Data Processing) by the Investigations and Research Departments. The BUFORA YEARBOOK and UFO WORLD would be published annually, indicating increasing stability. The 1987 conference venue was being considered, with London venues being prohibitively expensive. The impending resignation of JOHN BARRETT created vacancies in the editorial field. He welcomed LES SALLIS to Council and JAMES DANBY as Membership Secretary.

Report of the Auditor

N. O'BRIEN, FCA, Chartered Accountant, reported that the financial statements were prepared under the historical cost convention and gave a true and fair view of the company's affairs. He noted that the company's system of control was dependent on the close involvement of the Directors, and where independent confirmation was not available, assurances from Directors were accepted. The accounts were unaudited, with audited accounts to be presented at a General Meeting.

Donations

A list of members who made donations to the Association between September 1st, 1985, and August 31st, 1986, was provided.

Tribute to Allan J. Hynek

This section is a tribute to the life and work of Dr. Allan J. Hynek, who died in April of that year. The article originally appeared in the April 1971 issue of SPACELINK and was reproduced with permission. It recounts an interview with Dr. Hynek in London, discussing his background, his involvement with astronomy and UFOs, his work with Project Blue Book, and his views on the scientific community's approach to UFO research. He emphasized the need for specialization and a higher caliber of UFO investigator, stressing the importance of training.

Dr. Hynek explained his initial involvement in astronomy at Ohio State School in 1948, leading to his engagement by the Air Force to review astronomical phenomena reports. He noted that about 20% of cases remained unexplained, similar to the Condon Report. He described his regular trips to Dayton during the 1952 flap and his observations of the Project Blue Book operation. He also mentioned his visits to the British Air Ministry in 1955 and 1963. Dr. Hynek, as Director of the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, attended a congress in Brighton where the discussion of unusual radio signals and pulsars was relevant to UFO sightings. He stated that the time had passed for serious UFO researchers to be on the defensive and advocated for answering doubter's questions with questions, or by asking about specific cases.

He expressed disappointment with USA UFO magazines, feeling editors had to cater to popular readership. He emphasized the need for specialization, citing Ted Phillips' focus on burnt circle cases. He discussed computerizing data and establishing the reliability of sightings. He was seeking a title for his book, which would cover his 21 years with the Air Force, APRO, and the Condon Committee. He noted that Dr. Condon's house copy of the Stanway and Pace FLYING SAUCER REPORT had no influence on Dr. Condon.

Dr. Hynek desired a higher caliber of UFO investigator and stressed the need for training, ideally organizing a body of trained investigators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are the ongoing efforts in UFO investigations and research, the importance of data management and computerization, financial stability and growth of the organization, and the development of trained personnel. The editorial stance appears to be one of professionalization and scientific rigor within the field of ufology, as evidenced by the emphasis on data collection, analysis, training, and adherence to codes of practice. The tribute to Dr. Hynek underscores the value of scientific inquiry and a proactive approach to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of the PRE 1947 UFO BULLETIN, dated July 1986, features a cover story titled 'Ringing the changes' and includes a photograph of Jenny Randles. The publication appears to be a compilation of articles, letters, and reports related to UFO phenomena and related topics.

Review: The Warlord of the Air

The issue begins with a review of 'The Warlord of the Air' (New English Library, 1972), a book attributed to Michael Moorcock's grandfather. The reviewer, Nigel Watson, describes it as a 'scientific romance' in the tradition of Jules Verne, though owing more to H.G. Wells. The story follows Captain Oswald Bastable, who is transported from 1902 to 71 years in the future, encountering advanced technology and a revolution against Imperialist powers. The review highlights the story's exploration of paradoxes and ambiguities, suggesting that Bastable might have moved between realities. Watson notes that the book examines 'what ifs' through an Edwardian writer's lens and cautions against extrapolating current trends too far when considering UFO phenomena.

Letters to the Editor

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to letters from readers, showcasing a lively debate on UFO explanations and related topics.

T.W. Clark writes regarding the Peter Day film, clarifying facts about the Flll aircraft, including its crew escape capsule and standard procedures for fuel dumping and ignition.

T. Roy Dutton praises the May edition, particularly Steuart Campbell's article on identifying brilliant stars as causes of false UFO reports. He shares his own experiences from the 1970s, noting how observers can be misled by stars, especially with fast-moving clouds. Dutton also comments on Jenny Randles' account and expresses mild offense at Steuart Campbell's review of 'Science and the UFOs.' He advocates for not excluding any evidence, however ridiculed, in the quest for truth, and recounts his initial research in 1967 into whether UFO occurrences indicated intelligent surveillance or psychological phenomena.

Mark Ian Birdsall responds to Steuart Campbell's article, defending Jenny Randles and criticizing Campbell's lack of understanding of the Pennine areas' UFO phenomena. Birdsall asserts that there are hundreds of case files, many from police officers, describing structured objects defying explanation, and questions why Campbell negates this evidence.

Jenny Randles expresses gratitude to James Danby for his comments on the 'developing acrimony between Randles and Campbell.' She clarifies that while she often disagrees with Steuart Campbell, she enjoys the debates, finding them productive. She emphasizes that acrimony is not the right word and that she enjoys raising opposing viewpoints. However, she draws the line at personalized attacks suggesting dubious motives. Randles also addresses James Danby's point about 'increasingly fantastic theories,' stating that she has no new data from his arguments. She explains her approach to UFO theorizing, which involves listening to evidence and suggesting hypotheses, acknowledging that she might be wrong but that it's a valid approach.

Steuart Campbell writes about 'Ball Lightnings?', referencing a report in PHYSICS TODAY about two luminous objects seen near Washington in July 1975. He suggests that these objects might have been ball lightning, even though local storms were not reported. Campbell also mentions re-evaluating cases with Mike Wootten, finding that most are not 'unidentified' but are stars.

I'M NOT SIRIUS, BUT I AM SERIOUS! (signed by someone who appears to be Steuart Campbell, though not explicitly stated) clarifies that he never claimed Allan Hendry discussed the Huffman or Rendlesham cases in his book. He notes Jenny Randles' claims about the Huffman report, stating that investigation failed to verify the presence of helicopters or radiation sickness. He suggests that 'waves of heat' are likely self-induced panic and that Jenny Randles should not present beliefs as facts. He offers to explain the astronomical hypothesis for the Huffman report, suggesting the time given by John Schuessler might be incorrect.

I'M NOT SIRIUS, BUT I AM SERIOUS! (continued) further discusses the Huffman report, suggesting the object was a star, possibly Canopus, and that the witnesses' reactions were self-induced hysteria. He criticizes Jenny Randles for making 'valid points' while also generalizing his astronomical evaluations as 'full explanations.' He argues that it is unfair for UFO proponents to criticize sceptics for cavalier identifications when they themselves relate UFO reports in a similar fashion.

Robert Moore from East Huntsmill, Somerset, offers 'SOME THOUGHTS' on Steuart Campbell's 'Astronomical UFOs' article. Moore agrees that Campbell's theory might explain many UFOs but warns that a theory explaining 'nearly all' might go too far. He believes that other phenomena like plasmas, ball lightning, and RPVs should also be considered. Moore finds it amazing that stars like Canopus can cause such high strangeness events and that science is involved in studying these effects. He notes that Jenny's continued skepticism regarding the Day film case is justified, as it would be half-explained otherwise. He concludes that the system for BUFORA's future is vital.

Zimbabwe Sighting

Cynthia Hind describes a 1985 incident where the Zimbabwean air force attempted to chase a 'bright flying object.' Hind suggests that the object was astronomical, likely the star Canopus, based on its consistent appearance, wide visibility, hovering behavior, and star-like description. She explains that atmospheric scattering at low altitude could account for its reddish color, and a pilot's misjudgment of distance could explain its reported position relative to Bulawayo.

UFO Newsclipping Service

Mike Wootten has started a newsclipping round-up featuring UFO cases from the UK and abroad, available for purchase.

London Meetings

A schedule of upcoming meetings is provided, including lectures on 'The Enfield Poltergeist,' 'Buddhist Cosmology,' and 'Earthlights Update.'

RAF Chase Canterbury UFO

Mike Wootten reports on an interesting, though old, case from 1976 in Sturry, Kent. Three witnesses fishing at 2 am observed a very intense white light that appeared stationary, then grew brighter and closer. It was described as five fluorescent strip lights gliding silently, cone-shaped with five rows of lights. The object passed over them at approximately 300ft and disappeared. Shortly after, two Phantom jet fighters flew over on the same course. Wootten notes that due to the age of the case, a full follow-up is almost impossible, making speculation unwise.

People in the News: Ringing the changes

This section discusses crop circles appearing in the West Country. Jenny Randles is quoted explaining that they are not landing marks of spacecraft. She co-authored a report examining various theories, including hoaxes and the mating habits of hedgehogs, but finds the 'fair-weather stationary whirlwind' theory promulgated by meteorologist Dr Terence Meadon most plausible. However, the advent of huge concentric rings has made her reconsider. Randles insists there is no evidence to explain the circles in terms of UFOs, stating it's wrong to explain one inexplicable phenomenon with another. The section also mentions an unusual greenish-white jelly-like substance found in a central ring, analyzed as confectionery.

Editor Resigns

John Barrett, editor of the BULLETIN for nearly five years, has resigned due to increasing work and domestic pressures. The Council is now seeking a replacement.

Exchange Magazines

Editors of UFO magazines are asked to forward their publications to Arnold West.

Andy Roberts is collecting information on FOO FIGHTERS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate within the UFO community regarding the nature of sightings and phenomena. There is a clear division between those who favor astronomical explanations (like Steuart Campbell) and those who believe in more conventional UFO interpretations or other unexplained phenomena (like Jenny Randles and Mark Ian Birdsall). The issue highlights the challenges of research, the importance of evidence, and the sometimes contentious nature of these discussions. The editorial stance, as represented by the variety of opinions expressed in the letters, appears to be one of open inquiry, even when disagreements are strong. The publication itself seems to serve as a platform for these diverse viewpoints within the UFO research field.