BUFORA Bulletin - No 24 - Jan 1987

Magazine Overview

This is the January 1987 issue, Number 24, of the BUFORA Bulletin, published by BUFORA Ltd. The magazine is dedicated to the research of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and is based in the United Kingdom. The cover features a striking image with the title prominently displayed, hinting at the content within.

Editorial

The editorial section reflects on the retirement of John Barrett as editor, acknowledging the significant effort involved in producing the magazine. The new editor expresses the time-consuming nature of the task and invites anyone with skills in art work, layout, and typesetting to come forward. The editorial also looks forward to 1987 as an important year for BUFORA and Ufology, marking the fortieth anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting of 'flying discs' and BUFORA's own twenty-fifth anniversary. The editor emphasizes the importance of co-operation and open debate within UFO groups, rather than competition. The editorial also touches upon the origin of the term 'Flying Saucer' and advocates for an open-minded approach to UFO research, considering all evidence and evaluating multiple hypotheses rather than adhering to a single theory.

Key Articles and Features

The Cracoe Photographic Case

Jenny Randles, BUFORA's Director of Investigations, introduces an interesting case from March 1982 involving a police officer who observed and photographed a strange glow near Cracoe Fell, North Yorkshire. While the photographs appear as patches of light, the officer took the sighting seriously. The case was later released to the national press by YUFOS, who described it as a 'classic case of a genuine unknown'. However, an investigation by Nigel Mortimer, with assistance from WYUFORG, uncovered a farmer's testimony suggesting a natural explanation involving light reflecting off the cliff face. The article highlights a disagreement between BUFORA/WYUFORG and YUFOS regarding the handling and publication of this information, with BUFORA supporting the right to present all facts and encourage open comment.

Research Grants

S.J. Gamble, BUFORA's Director of Research, outlines plans for the research department, including the provision of grants for members' research projects. Despite limited financial resources, BUFORA has managed to provide three small grants. Future grants are more likely for projects requiring smaller amounts of funding. Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals, and BUFORA may offer additional support through resources and connecting members. The article specifies conditions for grants, including regular progress reports, the option for BUFORA to publish full accounts, and acknowledgement of BUFORA's support in any publications.

The Counselling Aspect of Investigation

Dr. Alexander Keul's article discusses the often-overlooked counselling aspect of field investigations into paranormal phenomena. It emphasizes that investigators must go beyond simply taking notes and measurements, and also provide a degree of counselling to witnesses who may be distressed or seeking meaning. The article stresses the importance of understanding the witness's life context and social dynamics. It advises investigators to avoid personal bias and to facilitate a network for witnesses to share experiences and coping strategies. The article also notes BUFORA's policy that investigators should not become directly involved in counselling but can suggest professional help.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on 'Questions and Answers', an item on 'Phillip Taylor on LBC', 'The Warminster Phenomenon', 'UFO Detection', and reports on the AGM, Accounts, and Congress '87. There is also a 'Booklook' section with reviews and a mention of 'Pre 1947 UFO Bulletin No.47'. The 'Reader's Write' section features letters from members.

BUFORA News

BUFORA was invited to give an introductory lecture on UFOs at the Hadleigh Women's Institute. The event was well-received, with attendees showing significant interest. The article also mentions the ongoing effort to update BUFORA's membership records and a questionnaire being sent to members for this purpose.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization of UFO research, the importance of rigorous investigation, and the need for co-operation within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of promoting open inquiry, sharing information, and supporting serious research efforts. There is a clear emphasis on maintaining a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the potential for genuine phenomena and the need for mundane explanations, while also advocating for a non-judgmental approach to witnesses. The publication also highlights the organizational aspects of BUFORA, its efforts to secure funding for research, and its commitment to transparency and member engagement.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated January 1987, features a two-part article titled "The Mystery of the Circles Part 1" by Paul Fuller. The magazine also includes a section on "The Warminster Phenomena: A Re-Evaluation" by A R Terthis and Robert Moore, and a "BUFORA News" segment.

The Mystery of the Circles Part 1

Paul Fuller recounts the events leading up to and including a significant crop circle appearance on Sunday, July 6th, 1986, at Cheesefoot Head, Winchester. He describes how media interest in the phenomenon was building, with the "Southern Evening Echo" reporting on the circles.

Fuller details his conversation with Patrick ('Pat') Delgado, a retired design engineer who had been studying the circles for years. Delgado and his friend Don Tuersley had been waiting near the punchbowl from 2 am to sunrise for several mornings. On Friday, July 4th, the area was untouched. However, on the morning of Sunday, July 6th, Delgado noticed a precisely cut circle in the middle of the punchbowl. This circle was unique, featuring a distinctive outer ring about four feet across, and an inner ring about 68 feet across, separated by about five feet of standing wheat. The wheat was laid flat in a swirled pattern, with no suspicious markings or signs of a hoax. Notably, the circle displayed both clockwise and anticlockwise patterns, with the inner sixty feet being clockwise and the outer eight feet and ring being anticlockwise.

Within hours of its appearance, photographer Chris Wood was on the scene taking measurements and photographs. Wood had previously donated photographs to BUFORA for their report "Mystery of the Circles," which was a culmination of five years of investigation dating back to 1981.

Fuller also discusses his involvement with BUFORA, which began in October 1985 when he was invited to a meeting about the circles. This led to significant media involvement, including national publicity, radio and TV interviews.

He recounts the media's initial approach, exemplified by Pete Murrey's question on LBC about whether UFO believers were warning of aliens or merely had vivid imaginations. Phillip Taylor, BUFORA's Regional Investigation Co-ordinator, was interviewed and discussed BUFORA's activities and historical background. Taylor dismissed claims of 'little green men' and stated that while claims of sightings often shared a similar scenario, the descriptions of aliens rarely mirrored each other. He also stated that he did not accept claims of any kind of UFO cover-up, considering hoaxes to be a rarity.

Callers to the LBC program included Ted from Mitcham, who spoke about Mike Quinsey and the 'Astar Galactic Command,' and Ivy from Norbury, who asked about the connection between UFOs and the Bible. Taylor dismissed any obvious connection.

Phillip Taylor also shared his views on Erich von Däniken, dismissing his claims. Regarding mystery corn circles, Taylor suggested that their changing patterns each year pointed towards them being probable hoaxes.

The debate featured Rex Dutta, editor of Viewpoint Aquarius, who dismissed mundane explanations and hoax theories. Dutta claimed that experiments with a chain and spring balance indicated that a force of twenty pounds was registered by moving 12 inches, suggesting a significant force was required to create a circle. He also claimed that 'Occult Heat' was used in the production process and that the diversity in circle patterns was due to telepathic symbolism. Dutta also alleged a cover-up to conceal the truth from the public, with the Daily Telegraph discrediting the circles. Paul Fuller had provided the Telegraph with information for an article.

Another caller related an event in Barrowchalk, near Salisbury, involving bright lights, circular burn marks in a field, and cows ceasing milk production for three days, which was suggested to be military maneuvers.

Chris Hutchings of the Daily Mirror discussed the 1983 well-documented hoax as harmless fun. Susan of Norbury congratulated Rex Dutta and suggested Phillip Taylor was too skeptical.

BUFORA also presented two publications: "THE UFO WORLD '86" compiled by Jenny Randles, and a reprinted report "MYSTERY OF THE CIRCLES" by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles.

The Warminster Phenomena: A Re-Evaluation

This section, authored by A R Terthis and Robert Moore, aims to re-evaluate the Warminster phenomena, which has been a significant focus for ufologists for decades. Terthis, a former investigator of UFO sightings in the Somerset, Wiltshire, and Avon areas, has retired from ufology. Moore is an independent investigator who subscribes to a rationalistic explanation of UFOs.

The article states that it is not a vilification of individuals or organizations but a chronicle of events as they actually happened. The introduction highlights that current myths and legends are being re-examined in a different light, and that Warminster's claim of being a 'UFO Mecca' needs re-examination. The authors suggest that the town's association with UFOs is often exaggerated and that the media's reaction has contributed to this.

"The Birth of the Thing" section discusses how Warminster is frequently quoted in media when UFOs are mentioned. The town is described as a pleasant Wiltshire town with a population of approximately 15,500, with the army being a major source of employment. The lights from the army's tank hangers are noted as a prominent feature.

The article explains that "The Thing" is a name coined from phenomena that manifested on Christmas day, 1964, at Heytesbury, near Warminster. Troops heard a thunder clapping noise, and subsequently, observations of aerial forms like discs, cigars, and spheres were reported frequently in "The Warminster Journal." The article notes that this phenomenon began nine months after the first incident when Arthur Shuttlewood, the paper's features editor, claimed to have observed a large cigar-shaped UFO over the town. Gordon Faulkener's photograph of a 'daylight disc' taken on August 29th, 1965, is also mentioned. These events were later used in Shuttlewood's book, "The Warminster Mystery."

The section "Where Things Went Wrong" discusses how the reputation of Warminster as a UFO hot spot, amplified by books like "The Warminster Mystery," led to large crowds and the presence of pseudo-religious individuals. The authors argue that mundane lights in the night sky were often transformed into descriptions of extraterrestrial craft due to this atmosphere. An example is given of a bright light being described as a 'shallow silvery bowl' in Shuttlewood's book, which a reliable witness stated was merely a pinpoint of light that diminished in brightness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of crop circles and UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on detailed reporting of sightings, analysis of evidence, and the exploration of various theories, ranging from psychological explanations to extraterrestrial hypotheses. The magazine also critically examines media portrayals and the sensationalism surrounding these events, particularly in the case of Warminster. The editorial stance appears to be one of rational inquiry, seeking to separate factual reporting from speculation and myth, while acknowledging the genuine mystery that persists. The BUFORA Bulletin aims to provide serious researchers with detailed information and analysis.

Title: BUFORA Bulletin
Issue: Number 24
Date: January 1987

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin features a deep dive into the 'Warminster Mystery,' critically examining the reports, photographs, and the credibility of the accounts presented by Arthur Shuttlewood. It also explores the historical context and current state of UFO detection technology. Additionally, the bulletin includes official reports and minutes from BUFORA Ltd's Annual General Meeting and financial statements.

The Warminster Mystery

The article begins by acknowledging the numerous reports of strange lights and objects in Warminster, noting that the local police have files on these incidents. However, it questions whether these reports were proportionally higher than in other areas, especially considering public attention. The 'Warminster Mystery' is described as a 'good read' containing witness reports and correspondence, but lacking on-site investigations. It is criticized for being plagued by 'paranoid "cover up" material,' with quotes from Gordon W. Creighton expressing a belief that the public is being 'grossly hoodwinked' by authorities.

The emphasis on 'aliens from outer space' is seen as a factor that led to a loss of objectivity. The article details how unidentified lights were interpreted as 'spaceships carrying intelligent occupants,' leading to organized skywatches. Shuttlewood and his team reportedly logged 972 UFO sightings by the end of 1966, with numerous photographs. However, the credibility of these photographs is questioned, with rumors suggesting some were merely 'dot[s] that appears on television screen when the set is switched off!' The article notes that the Shuttlewood skywatch team split up amicably, and hints that Mr. Strong may have supplied Shuttlewood with fake photographs.

Controversy is highlighted regarding photographic evidence, specifically concerning two 'stone columns or pillars' and 'triangular shapes' mentioned in the Warminster Mystery. The article points out a discrepancy where these images are stated to have been destroyed but later appear in books, casting doubt on the accuracy of other material.

UFO Detection: A Thing of the Past?

Mike Wootten's article reflects on the past popularity of UFO detectors, recalling his own Malcolm Jay Skywatch UFO Detector. He describes how these devices often led to false alarms, causing family excitement that ultimately proved unfounded. The article suggests that today, amateur UFO detection has largely been abandoned, with less emphasis on developing and using such technology.

It touches upon earlier efforts to detect transient aerial phenomena using EM radiation and theoretical equipment. The article mentions Project Hessdalen, where personnel use spectrum analyzers and magnetometers, noting interesting correlations between magnetic field variations and UFO activity. The author invites readers to share their experiences with UFO detectors.

BUFORA Ltd - AGM and Financial Reports

The bulletin includes notices and minutes related to BUFORA Ltd's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Twelfth AGM was scheduled for March 7, 1987, at the London Business School. The agenda included receiving the Chairman's Report, Interim Report of the Council of Management, and Treasurer's Accounts, as well as appointing an auditor.

Minutes from the 10th AGM, held on December 6, 1986, detail discussions on the Chairman's report, regrets over resignations (Les Sallis and Pam Kennedy), and the appointment of Manfred Cassirer to the Council. The Treasurer's report noted a decline in membership, with 50 people not renewing since August, and an appeal was made for new members. Progress in research was reported, aided by new computer equipment.

The Interim Report of the Council of Management indicates a change in the AGM date to facilitate the preparation of reports. It also mentions ongoing public meetings, BUFORA publications (including the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena and the BUFORA Bulletin), and plans for the 4th International UFO Congress in July 1987. The report expresses gratitude to John Barrett for his editorial work and Mike Wootten for producing the current issue.

Financial statements for BUFORA Ltd for the year ended August 31, 1986, show an excess of income over expenditure of £475, with total income of £3811 and expenditure of £3336. The Balance Sheet indicates current assets of £3329 and current liabilities of £496, with a General Fund of £2833.

Review of Code of Practice for Investigators

A notice announces a workshop to be held at the forthcoming International UFO Congress in London in July 1987 to review and improve the code of practice for UFO investigators. Constructive criticism and suggestions are welcomed from all relevant groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic material, and the historical perspective of UFO research and detection methods. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism and a call for rigorous investigation and objective analysis, as evidenced by the detailed critique of the Warminster Mystery and the questioning of photographic credibility. The inclusion of BUFORA's internal reports and financial statements underscores the organization's focus on its operational aspects and community engagement within the UFO research field.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated January 1987 and identified as Number 24, is a magazine focused on UFO research and related phenomena. It contains management reports, an obituary, articles on UFO incidents and research, book reviews, and reader correspondence.

Management Reports

The management report details two key points:

6. TRAINING: A training seminar was held in Manchester on November 29, 1986, by Ken Phillips. Feedback indicated a growing interest in interactive training sessions with greater student participation.

7. COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT: Three changes occurred in the council since August 31, 1986. The Hon. Secretary, Les Sallis, resigned in November 1986. John Barrett also resigned in December 1986 from both the Council and as editor of the BUFORA Bulletin. Manfred Cassirer was elected to the Council at the 1986 AGM. Ken Phillips relinquished his post as Lecture Organiser but remains the Association's Training Officer. The Chairman's report is dated December 10, 1986.

Questions & Answers

This section touches upon evidence brought back from recent space missions concerning traces of life on other planets. The writer expresses a belief that Earth is being visited by beings from outer space, suggesting this is only part of a larger 'flying saucer jigsaw' to be explored in future articles.

Obituary

Harold H. Fulton, founder of Saucer Investigation (New Zealand), passed away at the age of 65. Mr. Fulton served 24 years in the Technical Division of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He was involved in UFO investigations and research since 1947, founding CSI in 1952, and became National Director for MUFON in 1973.

Exchange Magazines

Editors of UFO magazines are requested to forward their publications, currently sent to John Barrett, to Arnold West at 16 Southway, Burgess Hill, Sussex, RH15 9ST, UK.

For Sale

An Amstrad PCW 8256 Word Processor is available for £350 ono. Contact BUFORA, Box No. 7, 16 Southway, Burgess Hill, Sussex, RH15 9ST.

UFO Spotters Guide

This section advertises a guide containing worldwide names and addresses of UFO groups, associations, publications, book and photo suppliers, and newsclipping services for $3.00, available from UFON, Flat 2, 1 Pelham Place, Seaford, Sussex.

Foo Fighter Research

Andy Roberts is collecting 'Foo Fighter' material for research and future publication. Help can be sent to 84 Elland Road, Brighouse, West Yorks, HD6 2QR.

Congress '87

Bob Digby, a former chairman of BUFORA and founder member of ICUR, discusses the preparations for the Fourth International UFO Congress '87. He emphasizes the ambition for this to be the best yet and highlights his involvement in running conferences since 1976. Digby notes the shift in strategy for Congress '87, with an outside company acting as a funding broker to raise funds from six different sources, aiming for a non-partisan approach. Enquiries should be sent to The Congress '87 Secretary, c/o 16 Southway, Burgess Hill, Sussex, RH15 9ST, enclosing an SAE.

Booklook........ Reviews

1. THE WORLD'S GREATEST UFO MYSTERIES by Nigel Blundell and Roger Boar (Octopus books, London, 1984, 192pp, £1.99).

This review is highly critical, calling the book 'junk reading' and an 'ill disguised attempt to exploit the UFO myth'. It covers topics like the Bermuda Triangle, Tunguska explosion, Spring-heeled Jack, missing persons, and the Nasca lines. The reviewer states the book is useless as a reference, lacking criticism, data, or references. The authors' knowledge is deemed limited to popular journals and newspaper accounts. The review questions the inclusion of unrelated photographs and concludes it's a poor addition to a bookshelf.

2. STRANGE BERKSHIRE by Alan Cleaver, Chris and Amanda Cowley (Strange Folklore Society, 1986, 57pp, £2.00).

This booklet is described as having 'nothing to do with UFOs'. It is a richly illustrated guide to the mysteries of Windsor, Slough, Datchett, Cookham, Bisham, Maidenhead, Crazies Hill, and surrounding areas. The review suggests purchasing it supports the Observer Mobile Screening unit, which is a worthwhile cause.

Research: PRE 1947 UFO BULLETIN NUMBER 47

This article by Nigel Watson details the 'Ghost Rockets of Sweden' phenomenon. Beginning in 1946, people throughout Sweden reported seeing mystery rockets. Investigations were established, including liaison with civilian authorities. The article references an article by Don Berliner in 'Official UFO' (October 1976) and quotes a report from the 'Swedish Lake Mjosa Case' describing missiles falling into the lake with a splash, bearing resemblance to German flying bombs, and exhibiting specific physical characteristics. The report notes the lack of flame, a strong whistle, and no explosion upon impact. The article also mentions rumors of aerial blasts and damage caused by these ghost rockets. It highlights the difficulty in finding physical evidence due to objects plunging into lakes or exploding into slag. The article concludes by referencing Loren E. Gross's book, 'The Mystery of Ghost Rockets', and the admission by British authorities that insufficient facts were available to reach a definite conclusion, while acknowledging that something was seen by many observers.

Book Reviews Continued

This section continues the review of 'Strange Berkshire', recommending it for those who enjoy reading about witchcraft, ghosts, and folklore. It reiterates that proceeds go to the Observer Mobile Screening unit.

Data Base Vol 1 No 1

This is the first issue of a publication from the British Association for Strange Encounters (BASE). The review describes it as a 'mixed bag' of UFO sightings, Astral projection, and Stigmata events. While the contents are interesting, the presentation and layout are noted as needing improvement. The review also mentions that BASE incorporates the British UFO Society and lists key personnel like Larry Dale and Maureen Hall.

Reader's Write - Letters to the Editor

ANTIPODES (Sir)

Steuart Campbell questions the necessity of borrowing articles from other UFO journals, particularly from Australia, and whether it's always appropriate to concentrate on British reports. He criticizes an anonymous article from 'Australian International UFO Flying Saucer Research' for its lack of competence, citing issues with references, dates, years, times, locations, and object azimuths. Campbell suggests the article is a 'hotch-potch of anecdotes' and that proper investigation requires more information. He notes that several objects mentioned were identified as stars (Vega, Antares, Arcturus, Alpha and Beta Centaurus), a fireball (meteor), or a solar halo. He concludes by urging those in Australia to 'look up'.

SPECTRE (Sir)

Robert Moore expresses concern about 'Psychic Questing' in ufology, viewing it as a 'foul spectre' and a dangerous nonsense that could suffocate rational ufology. He appeals to ufologists to reject this trend, stating that associated 'ufologists' have lost their credibility. Moore hopes the subject will die if this is its future, but believes it can be stopped with a strong stand.

ED (Editor's response to SPECTRE)

The editor acknowledges Robert Moore's strong words and agrees that Psychic Questing is controversial. They express hope that someone more informed will respond to the comments.

Existence? (Sir)

Nigel Smith, a BUFORA member for three years, comments on the 'extraordinary contribution' of the correspondence between Jenny Randles and Steuart Campbell. While acknowledging their dedication to 'nit-picking', Smith questions whether Steuart Campbell actually exists, suggesting he might be a fictional character invented to avoid discussing UFOs. He notes that some longer-standing members claim to have met Campbell, but suggests they might have been looking at Betelgeuse at the time.

Readers Small Advertisements

This section offers free small private adverts for BUFORA members to help with research, information, or selling items. Trade rates and details are available from BUFORA (Ads).

Information

Anyone having information or material relating to the Jean Hingley/Rowley Regis case, prepared in cooperation with Albert Budden, is requested to contact him at 76 Ravensbury Road, London, SW18 4RS.

Warning to Researchers

A quote states: "Statistics are like Bikinis; What they reveal is interesting. But what they conceal is vital!"

Join BUFORA

A call to action encourages readers to 'Join BUFORA' and 'Get Active'.

Plane Crew Report UFO

This article by Mike Wootten discusses a news story released by UPI concerning an investigation by the US Federal Aviation Authority into a UFO sighting by a Japanese Airlines crew. The Times and Sunday Mirror also reported the incident. The Sunday Mirror included an artist's impression of a cigar-shaped craft. Martin Brunt of the Sunday Mirror linked this sighting to the 'Prince Charles Incident', which the article identifies as a brilliant fireball meteor. The article then focuses on the Japanese Airlines incident on November 17, 1986, where Captain Kenju Terauchi, his co-pilot, and engineer observed a large 'Walnut shaped object' the size of two aircraft carriers. The flight path was a routine cargo route from Iceland to Anchorage, Alaska, over the North Pole. The captain reported the object was following his aircraft, and ATC confirmed it on radar. The object dropped to within five miles of the aircraft. Captain Terauchi, a pilot with 29 years of experience, stated he could not explain the event and described it as 'something of extra-terrestrial origin or advanced technology', amazed by its speed and ability to stop suddenly. The article notes an interesting twist: Captain Terauchi has reported a second incident over the North Pole involving a glowing ball of amber light. The Mutual UFO Network is investigating this case, which even garnered attention from The Times.

Cases in Brief

1. REPEATER BALL LIGHTNING (May/June 1979, 18:30, Level A, SP 4-5, Redditch, Worcestershire).

JL, aged eighteen, and a friend saw an 'Oversized ball bearing' approximately eighteen inches in diameter hovering outside his bedroom window. After five minutes, the object maneuvered through trees. JL associated a strong, sickly odor and a high-pitched whistle with the object. Two years later, JL saw a similar revolving silver sphere, 12 inches from his bedroom window. After a minute, the object accelerated out of sight. JL is described as a sci-fi fan and a believer in Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), leading to the question of whether it was ball lightning or 'Earthlight'.

2. UFOS IN KENSINGTON? (27th June 1985, 14:03, Level A, West Kensington, London).

A 33-year-old interior decorator (DC) and his associate (MC) observed a bright flashing light in the sky. They described the object as egg or lozenge-shaped, moving in a straight line, faster than a helicopter but slower than a plane, with a highly reflective surface. The object oscillated and appeared featureless, with no sound emitted. It disappeared beyond adjoining houses after a total observation of less than twenty seconds. DC, who has an art background and is visually skilled, related the event intelligently. The review notes that due to the location (near Heathrow), it could be mistaken for an aircraft reflecting sunlight, but the witnesses are adamant it was not. It suggests the possibility of subjective stimulus.

Stop Press!

CRACOE EVENT: LATEST DEVELOPEMENTS

New information from WYUFORG concerns the controversial Cracoe Fell photographs. WYUFORG has successfully photographed light sources appearing in the same location as original photos taken by police officers on March 16, 1981. YUFOS, the primary investigative team, has rejected these new photographs, stating they are not the same lights and that the case remains unexplained. The author plans to discuss the case with YUFOS and WYUFORG in Yorkshire in February, with an update in the May Bulletin.

Diary

February 27th-28th: The 5th Franco-Symposium has been deferred to later in the year and will probably be held in Brussels.

March 1st: BUFORA AGM followed by RENDLESHAM UPDATE. Speaker: Dot Street.

March: YUFOS/Quest Conference '87 to be held in Leeds (contact YUFOS for details).

April 4th: BUFORA lecture. Speaker and title to be announced.

May 2nd: BUFORA lecture: "WE ARE DEFINITELY NOT ALONE." Speaker: T R Dutton.

June 6th: BUFORA lecture: CIRCLES REWIEW. Speaker: Jenny Randles et. al.

July 10th-12th: CONGRESS '87, The Fourth International UFO Congress, to be held in London.

Contact the editor two months in advance for event advertisements. BUFORA Lectures are held at the London Business School, Regents Park, London, NW1, starting at 6:30 pm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing efforts to organize and professionalize UFO research through conferences and publications like the BUFORA Bulletin. There's a strong emphasis on international cooperation and the exchange of information, as seen in the promotion of Congress '87 and the request for exchange magazines. The editorial stance appears to be critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the harsh review of 'The World's Greatest UFO Mysteries' and the concern raised about 'Psychic Questing'. The bulletin also highlights specific UFO cases and research efforts, such as the 'Ghost Rockets' and the Japanese Airlines sighting, indicating a commitment to investigating and reporting on significant UFO events. The inclusion of reader letters suggests an engagement with the community and a willingness to address diverse viewpoints and criticisms within the field.