UFO Times - No 06 - Mar 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 6
Date: March 1990
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0958-4846

This issue of UFO Times, published by BUFORA Ltd, focuses heavily on the controversial topic of alien abductions, presenting a critical retrospective and exploring alternative perspectives on investigation methods. The cover features a striking illustration related to the theme of abductions and the headline 'ABDUCTIONS ALTERNATIVES'.

Editorial: Without Prejudice

The editorial, written by Mike Wootten, addresses a perceived shift in ufology towards a more cautious and less open environment, where individuals are hesitant to express opinions freely due to the threat of legal action, particularly libel suits. Wootten notes that UFO Times itself has faced such threats. He contrasts this with publications like 'Flying Saucer Review' which state their articles are published 'without prejudice'. The editorial also touches upon the alleged crashed saucer incident in South Africa, referred to as the 'Roswell of the Kalahari', which occurred on May 7th, 1989. The story involves a UFO, radar contact, and a fighter jet firing an experimental laser cannon, leading to a crash. The editorial expresses skepticism about the story, citing the opinion of ufologist Allen Staiths that it is a hoax. The editorial concludes by announcing a reader questionnaire to gather feedback and improve the magazine, with prizes for returned forms.

Witness Driven Investigation - Part 2 (by John Spencer)

John Spencer continues his radical examination of abduction experiences, challenging prevailing theories. He argues that many abduction stories are derivative of the Betty and Barney Hill case, suggesting that the reasons behind these narratives might be psychological rather than a literal alien study of genetics or hybrid creation. Spencer posits that the 'reality' of UFO phenomena is being clouded by myths, partly generated by the tabloid press and improper investigation. He points to several 'coincidences' in UFO mythology: the origin of the term 'flying saucer' from Kenneth Arnold's description of boomerang-shaped objects, the press's misinterpretation of shape; the 'Roswell' incident; and the claims of contactees like Adamski meeting with aliens. Spencer also critiques the tendency for abduction stories to portray aliens as increasingly sinister, influenced by science fiction. He questions why arachnophobia, for instance, is interpreted as an alien abduction. He suggests that current abduction research might be pursuing a mythology, overriding witness accounts and altering memories.

Spencer expresses doubt about the reliability of regression hypnosis, stating it cannot distinguish fantasy from reality and can be used to implant or reinforce false memories. He argues that many abduction cases are not undertaken with the primary goal of studying UFOs but for other purposes, and that the 'research' is often influenced by the investigator's predetermined goals, leading to a 'new truth' being impressed upon witnesses. He highlights recent cases documented by Budd Hopkins as examples of how abduction research has developed, but maintains his disagreement with the conclusions and techniques used.

Spencer then introduces the concept of 'Questionable Cases', raising points about the consistency of alien types reported and the tendency for investigators to find what they are looking for, whether it be abductions, past lives, or ghosts. He questions why, if reincarnation is true, past lives are not more frequently uncovered. He concludes that regression hypnosis is subjective and potentially misleading.

He further argues that the claims of crash retrievals contradict abduction research where aliens can move UFOs and people through solid objects. He questions why the 'switch off' technique is not used in retrieval scenarios. Citing Jacques Vallee, he wonders why aliens would abduct people for genetic material when it could be obtained more easily. Spencer suggests that while we may not understand alien logic, we also likely do not understand abductions themselves, and our current understanding is based on our own ideas, not the aliens'. He believes the methods used in UFO investigations are preventing us from understanding the truth.

Spencer advocates for 'witness driven investigations' over 'investigator driven investigations'. He suggests that the current method of questioning witnesses is akin to a failed experiment, grilling them like suspects rather than victims. He believes that the emotional and psychological impact on the witness is the crucial component for understanding these cases. He quotes Francis Bacon: "If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties." He anticipates that this new approach will yield less coherent stories initially, but ultimately lead to a better comprehension of the phenomenon.

He presents two cases as examples of this alternative approach. The first involves a witness named 'Marianne' who experienced sightings from a young age and now works as an ecologist, believing the sightings were a 'message' to 'wake her up' to Earth's needs. Spencer argues that the significance lies in Marianne's interpretation and the effect on her, not just the physical description of the UFO. The second case involves a man named Anders in Sweden, investigated by someone outside the UFO field. This investigation focused on exotic research into energy lines, crystallography, and biorhythms, at the witness's instigation, rather than questioning him about the UFO itself. Spencer emphasizes that investigators should not judge what is relevant but follow the witness's lead.

UFO Damages Hedgerow (Case History by Clive Potter)

This section presents a case history of an incident that occurred on August 4th, 1988, in the Leicestershire countryside. A glowing object was observed, and it subsequently damaged a hedgerow and surrounding trees. The article promises a full case history of this strange encounter.

Close Encounters in Benelux (by Manfred Cassirer)

Manfred Cassirer reports on the latest news regarding a UFO wave in Belgium.

Investigations Diary (Edited by Jenny Randles)

This section provides updates and details from the ongoing investigations conducted by the organization.

Reviews

This section features reviews of relevant books or materials within the UFO field.

UFO Times Questionnaire Draw

Readers are invited to participate in a questionnaire draw with a chance to win three prizes. The closing date for submissions is May 5th, 1990.

Skywatcher (Edited by Gary Anthony)

This section, edited by Gary Anthony, likely covers astronomical observations or related phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently returns to the theme of investigation methodology in ufology, with a strong critique of traditional approaches, particularly the reliance on regression hypnosis and investigator-driven questioning. The editorial stance, as articulated by John Spencer and Mike Wootten, is one of critical inquiry, advocating for a more open, less prejudiced approach that prioritizes the witness's experience and interpretation. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalism and a call for more rigorous, yet open-minded, research. The magazine also highlights specific UFO cases and reports on UFO activity, such as the Belgian UFO wave and the Leicestershire incident, while maintaining a critical lens on how these events are studied and understood.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Date: Not specified, but content suggests early 1990s.
Publisher: Not specified.
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFO Times delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring critical analysis of investigation techniques, detailed case reports, book reviews, and announcements for upcoming events.

Tantalising Dreams

The opening section, titled 'Tantalising Dreams,' presents a critical perspective on UFO investigation methods. The author stresses the importance of letting witnesses lead the investigation and listening to their accounts without injecting preconceived notions or details from other cases. The piece suggests that past investigations may have been flawed by leading witnesses down irrelevant paths or by basing recall on details from other well-known cases, such as the Betty Hill abduction. A humorous quote is included, suggesting that witnesses might tell investigators: "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure if you realise that what you heard is not what I meant." The author also criticizes investigators with personal or ulterior motives, while commending those doing diligent work within the current framework of UFO research. The piece concludes by emphasizing the need for better tools and frameworks for UFO research to achieve a more truthful understanding. This section is extracted from a review of John Spencer's forthcoming book 'Perspectives,' published in January 1990. Readers are invited to send critiques to the editor.

UFOCALL Advertisement

A prominent advertisement promotes 'UFOCALL,' described as a service edited and presented by Jenny Randles, Britain's only professional ufologist. It promises to keep readers ahead of UFO headlines with the latest cases from around the world, research news, national and regional event details, and book reviews. A phone number (0898 12 18 86) is provided for 'the strangest close encounters on the telephone,' with call costs specified.

Close Encounters in Benelux

This section reports on a wave of UFO sightings in East Belgium (the German-speaking part of the kingdom) in late 1989. The report, sourced from the German daily 'Die Welt,' details a disk-shaped object with searchlights and a blinking strobe-light observed by Belgian Gendarmes. Similar sightings include a man bathed in a bright light and over 150 citizens reporting flying objects. Witnesses describe objects appearing in the dark, moving with fantastic speed or hovering, illuminating the ground with searchlights, and some instances of radar lock-ins. The article notes that while some officers attributed anomalous radar echoes to temperature inversions, this explanation doesn't account for the lights. A Belgian Radio newscaster's advice to bring a camera is also mentioned. The section includes a translation by Manfred Cassirer.

Investigations Diary

This regular update from the NIC and UFO Times covers cases investigated by the NIC and local groups across the British Isles, edited by Jenny Randles. The year 1989 saw 885 press cuttings, equalling the 1988 total, largely due to media interest in crop circles and the Voronezh case. The diary then summarizes new cases added to the files:

• 75-306: A young woman in West Yorkshire claims repeated sightings and nocturnal abduction episodes with sexual overtones, consciously recalled and investigated in detail, but ongoing with no conclusions.
• 76-474: A series of reports from Scotland beginning in 1976, mostly well investigated with conventional explanations.
• 76-475: Red lights flashed across the sky in Southend, Essex, R1 form only, inconclusive.
• 78-445: A greenish-blue light seen in Kettering, Northants, believed to be planet Venus through haze.
• 79-283: A white disc seen by a woman and three children in Burbage, Leicestershire, behaving like an astronomical body but not positively explained.
• 8173: A U-shaped formation of lights seen in Hillarod, Denmark, which remained present for ten minutes.
• 8428: Various lights seen by Ken Phillips on holiday in Malia, Crete, possibly part of a NATO exercise.
• 8521: A truck driver in Higham Ferrers, Northants, saw a diamond-shaped object glowing with coloured patches in January 1985, similar to other 'silent vulcan' cases.
• 8619: Teenage boys in Woking, Surrey, saw an object like a 'War of Worlds' fighting machine on legs, possibly aircraft activity.
• 8620: White spheres performing maneuvers in Musbury, Devon, speculated to be an atmospheric mirage effect.
• 8726: Hazy spheres performing maneuvers in Crawley, W. Sussex.
• 8726 (Philip Taylor): A witness contacted BUFORA after seeing John Keel on television, reporting a star-like light in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and later a moon shape with robots. The investigator was satisfied that nothing unconventional was on the film or video and that the witness had misperceived LITS and aircraft, a conclusion the witness disputes.
• 8819: Sightings in Staffordshire prompted an MP to ask questions of the MoD, who stated they were aircraft. BUFORA suggested military aircraft, but the local paper accused BUFORA and the MoD of covering up.
• 8820: Lights in Nantwich, Cheshire, on 13 September 1988, almost certainly aircraft.
• 8822: An oval object seen in Ewhurst, Surrey, leaving a 'strange atmosphere' and Oz Factor effects.
• 8902: Lights seen in Tamworth, Staffs, at 21:00 on 10 March 1989, with the investigator also seeing something similar nearby, not dissimilar to aircraft.
• 8903: Fast moving white lights in Daventry, Northants, probably aircraft.
• 8904: A case in Moulton, Northants, abandoned due to lack of cooperation.
• 8905: Yellow lights moving slowly over a rooftop in Corby, Northants, probably aircraft.
• 8906: A glittering sphere seen in West London, probably a balloon.
• 8907: Green lights seen in Herefordshire, possibly meteors.
• 8908: An orange glow moving out to sea in Blackpool, chased by a Tornado jet that seemed to fire a missile.
• 8909: A fast-moving cone shape seen in Rainham, Essex, perhaps aircraft or meteor.
• 8910: A case in Chiswick, London, involving a photograph of a UFO buzzing an aircraft, which fizzled out as dubious, with the Sunday Sport involved.
• 8911: Silver lights seen in Kensington, London, explained as aircraft.
• 8912: Lights seen from a car on the M6 in Cheshire, almost certainly a holiday jet aircraft.
• 8913: An object with pulsing green/blue light seen in Cheam, Surrey, with evidence suggesting it was a large helicopter.

The 'Investigations Diary' invites submissions and notes the retirement of Dave Clarke, previous editor.

Reviews

• To Catch a Flying Star, A Scientific Theory of UFOs by John Ackerman: Reviewed by John L. Spencer. This book is praised as one of the best attempts to produce 'blueprints' of a flying saucer. It scientifically ties together theory with UFO observations and mythology. The reviewer raises two questions regarding Ackerman's arguments about advanced civilizations and the logic of commenting on such technology, but concludes these are minor points that do not detract from the book's worthwhile effort. The book is available from Univelt, Inc. Publishers.

• Visions of Space: Artists Journey Through the Cosmos by David A. Hardy: Reviewed by Mike Wootten. This compendium analyzes the development of Space Art from the 19th century to the present day, featuring depictions of space probes, lunar bases, alien landscapes, and nebulae. It includes the 'New Wave' of impressionistic, abstract, and surrealistic artists. The book is described as a 'luxuriant book filled with a wealth of talent and imagination.' It is available from Paper Tiger for £16.95.

• SKOOBOO SKOOB TWO: This is described as the best secondhand bookshop in London for books on anomalous phenomena, magic, earth mysteries, and related subjects. It is located at 19 Bury Place, London WC1.

• Alternate States of Consciousness by Hilary Evans: Reviewed by Robert Moore. Although not directly relevant to ufology, the book covers phenomena often encountered in high-strangeness UFO reports, such as altered states of consciousness (ASC), multiple personalities, hypnosis, meditation, and 'missing time.' The reviewer notes that the brain has the potential to fabricate 'abduction' experiences. The book details various ways ASCs are induced and covers 'paranormal' forms like spirit contacts and possession. It is described as a frank, no-nonsense scientific approach and should be on the shelves of serious UFO-workers.

Other Features

• UFOCALL Advertisement: A repeat of the advertisement for UFOCALL.
• John Spencer's Book: Mention of John Spencer's book 'Perspectives' being published in January 1990.
• Stanton T. Friedman Lecture: A report on a lecture by Stanton Friedman at Sheffield Central Library in October 1989. Friedman presented on topics including Blue Book Special Report 14, MJ12, and the Hill Case, advocating for the ET hypothesis. The reviewer notes that Friedman's work prompts consideration of non-ET hypotheses.
• Quote of the Month: A quote from James Oberg: 'For 70 years the Russian people we told what to think. Now they can think for themselves, and SO they have crazy ideas,' in reference to Russian UFO sightings.
• BUFORA Lecture Recording Service: Information on obtaining recordings of BUFORA lectures and conferences.
• Questionnaire Draw: A questionnaire for readers to provide feedback on UFO Times, with prizes including BUFORA membership and a signed copy of John Spencer's book.
• Phantoms of the Sky T-Shirt Offer: An offer to purchase a unique T-shirt depicting the 'Phantoms of the Sky' logo.
• Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes: Announcement of the fourth European Rencontres de Lyon UFO congress in Lyon, France, from April 28-30, 1990, focusing on unidentified aerial phenomena and bringing together ufologists, media, the public, and scientists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes rigorous investigation and critical analysis of UFO phenomena. There's a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, favoring evidence-based research and the development of better investigative tools. The editorial board actively encourages submissions for its 'Investigations Diary,' highlighting the importance of contributions from various investigators and groups. The magazine also promotes engagement with its readership through questionnaires and feedback mechanisms. The recurring theme is the ongoing effort to understand the complex and often puzzling nature of UFOs, with a particular focus on the UK and European research landscape.

This issue of UFO Times features a detailed investigation into a case of 'UFO Damages Hedgerow' in Leicestershire, CE2, documented by Clive Potter of BUFORA, LUFOIC, and IUN. The cover story, 'UFO Damages Hedgerow', presents a case from August 4th, 1988, where two witnesses, Mr. RM and Mrs. GM, reported seeing a luminous, pulsating, saucer-shaped object that caused damage to a hedgerow.

The Event

The incident occurred between midnight and 12:30 AM on August 4th, 1988, as Mr. RM and Mrs. GM were traveling home. Mrs. GM first noticed a large luminous cloud on her side of the road, described as pulsating with red light and shaped like a saucer, with edges touching the ground. Mr. RM then observed a large circular object within a diffused mist about 30 meters in the air. The object moved roughly northwest across the road, over the River Trent, disappearing and reappearing before departing. The witnesses estimated the observation duration at one minute, though investigators believed it was likely 15-30 seconds. No time lapse, electro-mechanical, or medical effects were noted.

The following day, the witnesses noticed a damaged section of hedge at the spot where they had seen the object. They were convinced the object had caused the damage. This prompted them to contact the Staffordshire Newsletter, which unfortunately misreported the damage as being burnt.

Site Location and Investigation

The incident site was located near a minor crossroads on the A513, between Rugely and approximately 1.5 miles from the witnesses' home in Little Hayward. When investigators, including Mr. Flannery, visited the site, the damage to the hedge was still apparent. It consisted of a crushed, dying section of hedging approximately 3.5 meters long, with several branches showing signs of uprooting. Broken branches littered the damaged section, and many leaves had begun to wither. Some branches were pushed into an adjoining pasture field, and bark was stripped from others, described as 'scuff marks.' No skid marks or vehicle number plates were found at the scene.

Interestingly, no damage was discovered on the field-side of the hedge. However, a tree on the opposite side of the field had several branches broken off, twisted around and pointing in the opposite direction of the road, consistent with the object's initial movement.

Scientific Analysis and Theories

Several samples, including soil, leaves, and bark, were collected from the site, along with control samples. University analysis of these samples revealed no foreign particles or signs of scorching or heating. The damage was attributed to excessive dehydration caused by the desiccation of plant tissue, deprived of sustenance from the roots. The presence of algae and fungal organisms also indicated a lack of heating.

Investigators initially considered the luminous cloud to be a form of electrical discharge, similar to 'balls-of-light' phenomena with geological origins. Examination of geological maps indicated the site was located between the sandstone escarpment of Cannock Chase and shales, with numerous faults in the area. The place name 'Hell Hole' nearby was also noted as traditionally associated with supernatural phenomena.

Dr. Terence Meaden, a specialist in vortex phenomena, was consulted. He suggested that a descending vortex could explain both the observed object and the damage. Such vortices are associated with 'mystery corn circle rings' and could have descended upon the road verge and hedge, causing damage. The wind direction at the time was conducive to vortex formation, potentially influenced by the Cannock Chase escarpment.

The article posits that the high spin rates within a vortex can cause static build-up and electrical discharge, potentially making the vortex glow. The pulsating red light seen by witnesses could be due to the breaking up of hydrogen, and the orange-red color produced by the interaction with moisture. The weakening and extinction of the vortex would be interpreted as the object's disappearance. The visibility of the vortex was likely due to saturated atmospheric moisture, causing water vapor to condense and form a cloud-like object.

Conclusion and Broader Implications

The investigation concluded that there was strong evidence for the vortex hypothesis. The event was classified as a probable 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) or Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon (UAP). The article suggests that a proportion of UFO reports might be attributable to descending vortices, which could explain glowing lights, buzzing sounds, and even psychological effects on humans, potentially leading to hallucinations or abduction scenarios.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the scientific investigation of anomalous aerial phenomena. It leans towards terrestrial explanations, such as atmospheric vortices and geological influences ('earthlights'), for UFO sightings, rather than extraterrestrial origins. The magazine promotes a rigorous approach to UFO research, encouraging local investigators and providing resources through BUFORA. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to demystify UFO reports by correlating them with known or theorized natural phenomena.