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BUFORA Bulletin - No 26 - Jul 1987 Misses page 3,4,33,34
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Title: BUFORA BULLETIN Issue: No. 26 Date: July 1987 Publisher: BUFORA Ltd (British UFO Research Association) Country: United Kingdom
Magazine Overview
Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 26
Date: July 1987
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd (British UFO Research Association)
Country: United Kingdom
This issue of the BUFORA BULLETIN, the official publication of the British UFO Research Association, presents a diverse range of articles and discussions centered around UFO phenomena, consciousness, and related research.
Editorial: The Co-operation Conundrum
The editorial addresses the persistent difficulty in achieving meaningful co-operation between UFO research organizations on a global scale. Despite numerous attempts, including the formation of the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research (PICUR) in 1979, which later became ICUR, progress has been slow due to "politics and personality clashes." A meeting held on July 9th, 1987, prior to Congress '87, aimed to revitalize ICUR. It was decided that BUFORA would host the central management of ICUR, with Bob Digby as Chairman and Walt Andrus of MUFON as Vice Chairman, to streamline communications and produce more effective results.
Key Articles and Features
- Taking Communion: An interview with Mike Wootten and Caroline Wise, discussing Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion.' The discussion delves into the nature of UFO experiences, suggesting they might be connected to the Earth itself or a broader evolutionary process rather than solely extraterrestrial visitors. Strieber recounts an experience in Upstate New York involving a throbbing, pulsating environment and electrical flickers, which he felt was connected to the Earth.
- UFOs Over Germany: An article by Werner Walter exploring UFO sightings in Germany.
- Terror in the House of Dolls: A piece by Albert Budden.
- In Search of the Oz Factor: Jenny Randles investigates a specific aspect of UFO research.
- The Scottish UFO Phenomenon: Malcolm Robinson details UFO sightings and events in Scotland.
- UFO Casebook: Paul Fuller presents a collection of UFO cases.
- Possible Characteristics of True UFO Reports: Robert Moore analyzes the common traits found in credible UFO reports.
- BUFORA News: Arnold West provides updates from the organization.
- Booklook... Reviews: Mike Wootten reviews recent publications.
- Readers Write: A section for member correspondence.
- Stop Press!: Late-breaking news.
Interview with Whitley Strieber
A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Whitley Strieber, author of 'Communion.' Strieber discusses his personal experiences and his evolving understanding of the UFO phenomenon. He posits that the experiences are not necessarily about "nuts and bolts" or "little scientists" but are deeply connected to human consciousness and the evolution of the species. He suggests that the phenomenon might be a way for the planet or humanity to draw itself inward to evolve.
Strieber also touches upon the idea of the Earth itself being a conscious entity and the potential connection between the phenomenon and the planet's awareness of its own dying state. He expresses concern about the rise of cults that exploit people's fears by linking UFOs to apocalyptic scenarios, emphasizing that his work aims to foster understanding and acceptance, not passivity.
Regarding his family's reaction to his controversial claims, Strieber notes general support, though some ultra-conservative members have been appalled. He is prepared to defend witnesses against attacks on their character and insists on the authenticity of his experiences.
He also discusses the formation of the TRIAD group in the United States, which aims to connect individuals who have experienced the paranormal with mental health professionals knowledgeable about such phenomena, distinguishing it from the mainstream UFO community.
Strieber expresses skepticism about government conspiracy theories, suggesting that any cover-up is likely due to a lack of understanding rather than deliberate concealment. He believes the phenomenon is a vast, complex, and deeply human experience that is fundamentally about consciousness and the reduction of fear.
BUFORA Organization Details
The issue includes details about BUFORA's structure for 1986-87, listing the President (post to be filled), Vice President (The Rt. Hon. Earl of Clancarty), Founder President (G.F.N. Knewstub), Council Chairman (Arnold West), and Vice Chairman (Stephen Gamble). It also lists Council Members, Membership Secretary, Librarian, Director of Research, Director of Investigations, Training Officer, and Association Historian, along with their contact details.
BUFORA's aims are clearly stated: to promote and conduct unbiased scientific research, collect and disseminate evidence, and co-ordinate research. Membership is open to those who support these aims and whose applications are approved by the Executive Committee. The magazine also mentions member societies, including Britain's oldest UFO group, BFSB.
References
The issue includes references to Michael Swords, an associate professor of natural sciences, and the MUFON Journal. It also notes Brian O'Leary's past involvement with an exhibition on the 'space brothers' theme, organized by the International Centre for UFO Research.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of UFO research and collaboration, the psychological and consciousness-altering aspects of UFO experiences, and the need for rigorous, unbiased investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific inquiry, supporting witnesses, and fostering a deeper understanding of the phenomenon beyond simplistic explanations. There is a clear emphasis on the complexity of the experience and its potential connection to human consciousness and evolution, moving away from purely 'nuts and bolts' or extraterrestrial-centric views.
This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated July 1987, features several articles on UFO phenomena and related topics. The main articles cover UFOs in Germany, the Livingston UFO incident in Scotland, and the 'Oz Factor' experienced by witnesses.
UFOS OVER GERMANY A SERIOUS PROBLEM by Werner Walter
Werner Walter, an organizer within the CENAP organization, discusses the work carried out by CENAP in Germany. He notes that since 1947, UFO reports have increased, with West Germany also experiencing sightings since the mid-fifties. Organized 'Ufology' in Germany began in 1956 with the 'German UFO/IFO Studies Society,' which published 'UFO News' and formed a 'Free Academy of Ufology.' However, Walter criticizes this society as a pseudo-religious association that perpetuates speculation about contactees like George Adamski and Jacob Lorber, and 'evacuation into space by angels.' He contrasts this with CENAP, which he co-runs with Hansjurgen Kohler and Rudolf Hanke since 1976. CENAP's self-proclaimed duty is to investigate individual UFO cases and seek alternative, often natural, explanations, replacing the term UFO with 'Unidentified Moving Atmospheric Phenomena' (UAP).
CENAP has investigated about 350 UFO sightings over ten years. Walter states that Germany is not a country where UFOs frequently appear, and most sightings are distant, unclear lights occurring in darkness. He notes that almost all phenomena have natural explanations. CENAP cooperates with authorities like airlines, observatories, and military bodies, receiving friendly treatment. However, they are not well-known to the public, and the media avoid them because CENAP treats the subject seriously, unlike papers that prefer sensation.
Walter highlights a significant issue in Germany: 'Party gimmick hot air balloons.' These large, red and white balloons, about 35km high and 1.5 metres in diameter, are often mistaken for UFOs. CENAP spent three years identifying this 'childish toy,' which accounts for over 50% of UFO sightings in their experience. They also mention the American UFO society MUFON having a mid-European off-shoot focused on promoting the ideas of B. Heim, but criticizes it for lacking research into individual cases.
CENAP's monthly publication, 'NIGHT LIGHTS,' has a circulation of 120, with most copies distributed for PR. The publication incurs a significant financial loss, financed by three active individuals who also hold normal jobs. The average age of CENAP members is thirty.
CENAP belongs to a new generation of UFO organizations aiming to examine the phenomenon critically and find actual explanations. They investigate German UFO reports nationwide, talking to witnesses and looking for explanations within natural phenomena (stars, planets, meteorites) or man-made objects (aeroplanes, satellites, balloons).
The Doll's Case (Part 2) by Albert Budden
This article continues the account of a family experiencing strange phenomena, referred to as 'the sensation.' The narrative focuses on Carol and her family, detailing incidents of a tingling sensation, a mowing noise, and the appearance of a 'clocked being.'
On a Wednesday morning, Carol's father experienced the tingling sensation. Later, Carol's brother felt it strongly and heard a deafening mowing noise. His mother found him sweating and shaking, reporting he felt like he was 'burning up' and developed a rash.
On September 5th, Carol's father and brother slept in the same room, while Carol slept with her mother. Carol heard the mowing noise faintly and later felt a sensation of 'it's to get me under,' which recurred twice before subsiding.
After a two-week interval, on September 20th, Carol's father felt the sensation again. On September 30th, Carol's brother experienced it, and the following morning, Steve (presumably another family member) left the house. At 7:10 am, Carol felt the sensation briefly. Later, she saw a 'clocked being' pressed against the closed door, which seemed to be looking for her. Her dog showed no concern. The being lifted its arm, holding something white, and leaned towards Carol, who realized she was not under the influence of the 'sensation' but was experiencing something else, causing her to scream hysterically.
The article details further occurrences of the sensation affecting Carol, her brother, and father, leading them to sleep in the same room. Nicola was also affected. On October 29th, Carol felt the sensation and heard the mowing noise filling the house, affecting the dog for the first time.
John Watson's investigation notes that since the October 29th incident, little had happened, with only mild sensations felt. However, on December 1st, Carol was in Nicola's room when she heard a noise and investigated. She saw a disc moving across Nicola's bed as if looking for her, after which it disappeared. Watson's later calls in January and February 1980 confirmed that all traces of the incidents had gone.
The article draws parallels between these events and typical 'hauntings,' noting apparitional figures, inexplicable feelings, and psychological effects. However, it distinguishes hauntings as usually 'place-centred,' whereas the 'Dolls' case involved a 'being' and seemed more directly linked to the family line.
Hauntings and Apparitions by Andrew Mackenzie
This section discusses the potential link between UFOs and poltergeist phenomena. The author notes that in situations like the 'Dolls' case, families have tried moving, but the phenomena continued. This is compared to the well-known poltergeist-afflicted household in Enfield in 1977.
The author suggests that UFOs and poltergeists might be variations of the same phenomenon, or that UFO witnesses often have a history of apparitions and psychic events. Conversely, those without prior psychic experiences may develop them after a UFO encounter.
Anamesis tests have found a tendency for UFO witnesses to have psychic potentials. The author posits that these phenomena are essentially the same thing, with variations on a theme.
Examining Andrew Mackenzie's literature on hauntings and apparitions, the author notes hypotheses about telepathic impulses from specific individuals or locations causing apparitional forms. Experimental work by parapsychologists like Honorton, Tart, and Braud suggests that psycho-kinesis (PK) and ESP (telepathy) are different levels of the same process. This implies a physical aspect to apparitions and UFO entities, with a mind-originating theory explaining them. The mind/physical paradox in UFO encounters becomes less apparent if telepathic processes are involved in apparitions and certain UFO types, and PK manipulates physical objects.
Carol's statement that she could not see the entities clearly without her glasses is presented as a clue, suggesting that hallucinations or a mind-created reality might be involved.
IN SEARCH OF THE OZ FACTOR by Jenny Randles
Jenny Randles introduces the 'Oz Factor,' a phenomenon reported by Close Encounter witnesses, and discusses the need for a questionnaire to cover its effects. Garry Taft, a paranormal researcher from South Yorkshire, suggested the questionnaire.
The Oz Factor is illustrated with examples: a witness on the M53 motorway noticing an absence of traffic, becoming isolated, and observing a peculiar object. Another witness described the sounds of traffic becoming muted, as if encased in a glass dome.
Randles states that the Oz Factor is a 'REAL phenomenon' important to understanding close encounters. She emphasizes discovering it for oneself and notes that standard UFO report forms do not facilitate its emergence. The Oz Factor symptoms include time distortion, memory disruption, strange feelings, humming/buzzing sounds, and peculiar odours.
Randles provides a questionnaire with ten questions designed to elicit information about the witness's surroundings, traffic levels, passage of time, feelings during the experience, unusual odours, sounds, memory effects, and any other perceived differences. She encourages readers to use the questionnaire and send copies of their results for a future update.
THE SCOTTISH UFO PHENOMENON PART 1 by Malcolm Robinson
Malcolm Robinson, the BUFORA RIC for Scotland, discusses UFO phenomena in Scotland, focusing on the Livingston incident.
He begins by referencing an account by Cederic Allingham of a UFO sighting near Lossiemouth in 1954. Robinson notes that many British ufologists consider this a hoax, possibly perpetrated by astronomer Patrick Moore, though Moore denies it. Robinson speculates that Moore might be monitoring ufologists' gullibility.
Robinson then focuses on the Livingston incident in November 1979, which he considers a classic Scottish UFO case. Bob Taylor, a forestry worker, reported observing a 'flying saucer' in Dechmont woods. He described a domed object with a flange and propellers. Taylor claimed that two 'sea mines' approached him, one attaching a rod to his trousers, causing him to lose consciousness. His dog was reportedly furiously barking.
Robinson mentions that Steuart Campbell, after researching the case, initially concluded it was 'Ball Lightning.' However, by 1987, Campbell believed it was a mirage of the planet Venus, causing an epileptic seizure in Taylor. Campbell also suggested that marks found at the site were pre-existing, related to work by the Lothian Regional Council.
Robinson, having visited the site and spoken to Bob Taylor and his wife, states he cannot provide a rational explanation for what Taylor saw, but does not necessarily find it unexplainable. He suggests that the case might be closed as a 'mirage of Venus' or something else.
Philip Mantle stated at Congress '87 that Yorkshire has the most UFO activity in Britain. However, Joyce Byres from Moffat, a repeater witness, claimed to have seen hundreds of UFOs over the hills near Moffat in the late 1970s and early 80s. Research showed she saw more UFOs on Wednesdays.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, the search for rational explanations, and the distinction between genuine sightings and misidentifications or hoaxes. The articles emphasize a critical and factual approach to UFO reports, contrasting with sensationalism. There is a focus on the psychological and environmental effects experienced by witnesses, as highlighted by the 'Oz Factor' and the 'Dolls' case. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, seeking to demystify UFO reports through scientific and psychological analysis, while acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The issue also touches upon the potential overlap between UFOs and other paranormal events like hauntings and poltergeists.
Title: BUFORA Bulletin
Issue: Number 26
Date: July 1987
This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin focuses on UFO case studies and research into the characteristics of reported UFO phenomena. It includes detailed accounts from various locations in the UK, alongside an ongoing research article analyzing common UFO report parameters.
UFO Casebook by Paul Fuller
This section presents several UFO sighting reports from different regions of the UK.
Dumfries and Galloway Sightings
Joyce Byres, a UFO researcher, believed UFOs had a base in the Galloway hills. While she has since stopped her research, other witnesses in the Dumfries and Galloway region have reported sightings. The bulletin highlights a specific incident involving the Potts family.
The Potts Family Incident (January 15, 1981): John Potts, aged 23, was awakened by an intense yellow/golden light filling his bedroom. He observed a round, illuminated object with three distinct white lights approaching. His mother, Margaret Potts, also witnessed the object, describing it as 'clenched fist shape' and noting its intense brightness and silence. This incident was reported in the 'Moffat News'.
Other Potts Family Sightings: Bill Potts, initially skeptical, had his views changed in 1980 when he saw a glowing red and white light moving in a circle near Heathhall air field, Dumfries. The Potts family has since witnessed numerous strange sights they cannot explain.
Joyce Byres's Research: Joyce Byres was not the only person from Moffat to witness UFOs. Fellow researcher Billy Gibbons has provided material on sightings in the Dumfries and Galloway region.
Unusual Ring Marks (June 5, 1980): An unusual report from Joyce Byres concerned ring marks discovered on a patch of grass near the Dumcrief estate. Grounds worker Bob Herdsman and his wife Jean noticed rings of burned grass, with the outer circle about fifteen feet in diameter and the inner one about four feet. There were no tracks leading to or from the rings, and the grass was obviously burned with indentations suggesting a heavy object landed there.
Fifeshire Sighting (July 1969)
Longannet Power Station Incident: Security Officer Robert Miller (pseudonym) witnessed an egg-shaped object with the colour of aluminium while at his gatehouse. The object, described as not a conventional aircraft, oscillated and then vanished when he and the truck driver stopped waving at it.
Denny Area Reports (1982)
Malcolm Robinson's article will cover sightings in the Denny area in the next issue. Stuart Lamont, a former reporter with BBC Scotland, arranged for a witness, Mrs Elsie Beveridge, to discuss her sightings on Radio Scotland.
Portsmouth, Hants (Various Dates)
Mrs BD's Experiences: This witness reported a series of 'Out-of-Body Experiences' (OOBEs) and a prolonged close encounter. Her first OOBE occurred at age 3, where she saw herself at the top of the stairs. A second OOBE in the late 1940s, while stationed with the army in Germany, involved her feeling lifted out of her body. Later, in 1971 or 1972, while walking, she experienced a migraine, after which the street became quiet and unfamilair. A cloud appeared, revealing a dazzling opening through which a cloaked figure emerged, who then vanished.
Brockenhurst, Hants (May 21, 1986)
KR's Sighting: A housewife named KR was hanging washing when she noticed a brilliant white light appear above her house, with a smaller 'tail light' blinking on and off.
Haslemere, Surrey (November 12, 1986)
Mr SH's Sighting: A builder named Mr SH saw a large formation of lights in his back garden, initially thought to be aircraft. The formation consisted of two bright rectangular lights followed by a series of red, circular lights in a banana shape. A smaller red light joined the main formation.
Bournemouth Area (May-June 1986)
Mr PC and Other Witnesses: A coach driver, Mr PC, and several other witnesses observed a bright light emitting sparks and moving across the sky. Other reports mentioned stationary bright lights low in the northern sky.
Trowbridge, Wiltshire (May 23, 1987)
BT's Experience: A 15-year-old named BT was driving a lawn mower when he felt as if in a dream. The clouds parted, a loud ringing was heard, and a multicoloured flash of light appeared. The phenomenon caused the mower's battery and wiring to burn out.
Research: Possible Characteristics of True 'UFO' Reports. Part One by Robert Moore
This article begins an analysis of common parameters in UFO reports to determine if unexplainable sightings have distinct characteristics.
Introduction: The study aims to identify common factors in UFO reports that differentiate them from man-made or natural phenomena. The author used nearly 300 alleged 'true UFO' reports from books and magazines. The study acknowledges potential flaws, including selectivity in reporting (favoring more interesting shapes) and validity issues (spurious reports).
Methodology: The study divided reports into categories: shape, time of observation, color of UFO, color of body lights, sound of UFO, manner of appearance, and manner of disappearance. Other factors like duration and speed were not included due to the modest aims and data quality concerns.
Section One: Main UFO Forms:
- Table One: Main UFO Forms: This table categorizes UFO forms based on night and day reports, totaling 298 reports. Discoid forms were most common (99 reports), followed by ovoid (33), elongated (56), and spheriod (30).
- Ratio of Occurrence: Approximately two nighttime reports were recorded for every one daylight report.
- Most Common Colour of Form: For daylight reports, colors were typically metallic (silver/aluminium) or non-metallic (white/whitish). For nighttime reports, colors were often white, yellow, orange, green, or silver, with many described as self-luminous.
- Colour of Body Lights: Common colors for body lights include blue, white, red, orange, or a combination. More than one color was often reported.
- Sounds Emitted by UFO: Most reports describe UFOs as silent. When sounds are reported, they are typically humming, whirring, or buzzing.
- Manner of Appearance and Disappearance: Actual appearances are rarely observed. Sightings often begin by chance. Disappearances are usually rapid movement away from the observer.
Section Two: Examination of Alleged UFO Forms:
- (1) Discoid 'UFOs': Basic configurations include horizontally oriented discs, with or without a hemispherical turret, or like a convex lens. The ratio of occurrence is approximately two nighttime reports to every one daylight report.
- Colour of Body Lights: Possibly white, red, or blue, or a combination.
- Sounds Emitted by UFO: Four in five reports describe a silent object. When a sound is reported, it is often whirring, roaring, buzzing, or whining.
- Manner of Appearance and Disappearance: Three in four objects were seen by chance alone. Sightings often end with the UFO moving away at rapid speed.
- (2) Ovoid UFOs: Described as 'egg-shaped' objects, often horizontally oriented, with a featureless surface.
Part two of Robert Moore's article will appear in the next issue.
BUFORA News
Members Directory: A new members directory is being prepared and is expected to be available by early 1988. It will be produced using computerized membership records.
BUFORA Postal Library: BUFORA is establishing a postal library of UFO books, available for loan against a deposit.
BUFORA Correspondence Course: A correspondence course for newly appointed investigators is being developed to cover the basics of UFO investigation. It will be available shortly for a small fee.
Contact Information: Enquiries and comments can be sent to BUFORA (CC) at 16 Southway, Burgess Hill, Sussex, RH15 9ST.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The BUFORA Bulletin consistently features detailed UFO sighting reports from across the UK, often emphasizing witness testimonies and the unusual nature of the phenomena. The publication also engages in research-oriented articles, attempting to categorize and analyze UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, encouraging members to share their experiences and participate in training and research initiatives. There is a clear effort to document and analyze sightings, moving beyond mere anecdotal reporting to a more structured approach to understanding UFOs.
This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated July 1987, number 26, is primarily focused on book reviews, UFO reports, and organizational news. The cover prominently features a "Stop Press!" section detailing a UFO flap that hit Britain in August.
Book Reviews
UFOs 1947-1987: The 40 Year Search for an Explanation
Edited by Hilary Evans and John Spencer, this 383-page large format soft cover book (priced at £12.50) is a significant compilation commissioned by BUFORA. It features contributions from thirty-nine individuals covering every aspect of the UFO phenomenon. The book is divided into seven parts, discussing reported phenomena from around the world, assessing collated data, and exploring explanations from the ETH to psycho-physical or para-psychological theories, as well as the societal and skeptical responses to UFOs. The reviewer, while trying to remain unbiased, notes that it's hard to do given the book's origin. Key contributors include Jacques Vallee, VJ Ballester Olmos, Willy Smith, Richard Haines, and Cynthia Hind. Minor criticisms include the lack of an index (though references are provided) and some unflattering photographs of authors. The reviewer also notes that Paul Devereux's book was not recommended reading. Despite these minor points, the book is considered essential reading for anyone interested in Ufology, highlighting its ability to showcase diverse viewpoints from numerous researchers.
Strange Sheffield: Legends, Folklore and Mysteries of Hallamshire
This 114-page booklet by David Clarke and Rob Wilson (priced at £2.50) is part of the successful ASSAP Project Albion, which aims to catalogue the mysteries of Britain. The authors have thoroughly researched unusual events in and around Sheffield. The cover price includes postage and packing, and it is available from Rob Wilson.
UFO Flap Hits Britain in August
Mike Wootten reports that BUFORA's investigation department was highly active over the weekend of August 16th due to numerous reports of unusual aerial phenomena across Britain. Cases included three photographic events. The primary epicenters for these sightings were London and the Derbyshire/Yorkshire areas. WYUFORG and the New Yorkshire UFO Network, coordinated by Philip Mantle, worked with BUFORA to investigate these cases. A unique photographic case in Highgate, North London, involved two neighbors taking photos of a bright, reflective object. These pictures were analyzed by Peter Suthurst of Kodak within 24 hours, with a full report to follow in the next bulletin.
UFO Connection: Exploding Rocks from Australia
Hot news from Australia reports that "glowing red rocks that explode, catch fire and disintegrate after being touched" are being found globally. Dr. Harvey Buxtram, a UFO investigator, warns people not to touch these rocks, which have been discovered in Russia, China, and Ethiopia. Officials state these rocks are not of this earth. Dr. Buxtram notes that in all locations where these rocks have been found, a UFO has been sighted several days prior. It is claimed that after disintegration, a green glow is emitted. Buxtram suggests this is more than a coincidence and that UFO visitors might be trying to communicate something. Tests on the rocks showed no signs of radioactivity, toxicity, or bacterial infestation. Reports of these exploding rocks have topped 100. The article speculates if these rocks might come to Britain, but given the source (The Sun newspaper), it suggests the story might be hyped.
Letters to the Editor
Sir, (from Manfred Cassirer, London)
Manfred Cassirer clarifies the illustration used in an article on witchcraft interference in BUFORA Bulletin Number 25. The illustration is a woodcut from a 1613 pamphlet titled 'Witchcraft Apprehended...', depicting the 'swimming' of a suspected witch. Cassirer notes that the illustration was partially reproduced with the addition of an upside-down UFO, which he admits to adding himself to complete the picture. He mentions that woodcuts are a personal interest and apologizes if they occasionally appear in the bulletin, noting they are copyright-free.
Sir, (from Steuart Campbell, Edinburgh)
Steuart Campbell writes to modify his views on the Cash-Landrum case, as previously published. He is now convinced that the witnesses saw a mirage of an astronomical object. While Canopus was not close enough to create such a mirage at 9:00 PM in Texas, he suggests that Achernar, a first-magnitude star, might have been the source of the mirage when it was setting on the horizon to the south. He expresses regret that Walt Andrus could not answer his question about the moon and that local investigators have not firmly established the time of the event.
Sir, (from Ed.)
Responding to Steuart Campbell's letter, the editor acknowledges that the Cash-Landrum case is where Campbell's defense falls short. The editor reiterates that the witnesses are still suffering from hair loss and skin sores, and these symptoms cannot be psychosomatic effects of a mirage of a star, suggesting that a theory can only be pushed so far.
Correspondence on BUFORA Congress '87
Sir, (from Andy Roberts, WYUFORG, Yorkshire)
Andy Roberts thanks BUFORA for organizing the Congress '87, describing it as an enjoyable event with excellent timekeeping, organization, and high-quality speakers. He found it well worth the £25.00 ticket price and hopes it becomes an annual event.
Sir, (from Philip Mantle, YUFON, Yorkshire)
Philip Mantle also thanks BUFORA for the Congress, stating that it was a success and greatly appreciated. His colleagues at YUFON also enjoyed the event and look forward to the next one.
Sir, (from Ed.)
The editor acknowledges the thanks and highlights the significant work done by Bob Digby, which began months before the congress. He also notes that the congress was financially successful, showing a profit, which is a turnaround from previous congresses that incurred losses. A full report on the proceedings will appear in a future bulletin.
Errata
The biographical notes in 'UFOs 1947-1987' incorrectly stated that Jenny Randles is no longer Director of Investigations. The bulletin apologizes for this error and hopes it has not caused confusion.
New Publication
BUFORA presents a new publication: 'THE UFO WORLD '87'. Compiled by Jenny Randles, this publication catalogues major UFO research work from around the world, including case studies and an article by David Clarke and Andy Roberts. It is priced at $1.50 / £1.75 overseas and is available from BUFORA (Pubs).
Diary
The diary section lists upcoming BUFORA lectures and events:
- 7th Nov: BUFORA Lecture: Psychics and Saucers, speaker Bob Couttie at the LBS, 6:30 PM.
- 14th Nov: ASSAP 6th AGM, followed by lectures from Andrew Green and Ken Phillips at Hove, Sussex, 1:00 PM.
- 5th Dec: BUFORA Lecture: Cracoe: UFO into IFO, speaker Andy Roberts at the LBS, 6:30 PM.
- 2nd Jan: BUFORA Lecture: Investigating Anomalies, speaker Tony Cornell MA at the LBS, 6:30 PM.
BUFORA Lectures are held every first Saturday of the month at the London Business School. Full lecture programs are available from BUFORA (LP).
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing research and documentation of UFO phenomena, the importance of cataloguing cases and mysteries (as seen in the book reviews), and the reporting of contemporary UFO events like the August flap. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation and promotion of UFO research, evidenced by BUFORA's involvement in investigations, publications, and lectures. There's also an emphasis on historical context, as seen in the book reviews and the letter about the witchcraft woodcut. The bulletin encourages reader participation through letters and event announcements. The editor, while acknowledging the need for critical analysis (as in the Cash-Landrum case discussion), generally supports the pursuit of UFO knowledge.