UFO Times - No 19 - & 20 Summer 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 19/20
Date: Summer 1992
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: UK
ISSN: 0958-4846

This bumper double issue of UFO Times presents a comprehensive exploration of ufological topics, with a strong emphasis on challenging conventional theories and promoting rigorous investigation. The cover prominently features the "The Multi-stimuli Hypothesis" by Robert Moore, suggesting a new framework for understanding UFO reports.

Key Articles and Features

The Multi-stimuli Hypothesis

Robert Moore's lead article proposes that the UFO phenomenon can be explained by the "implied interaction of rare & diverse mundane stimuli." He argues that while the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) has dominated ufology, actual progress requires an objective datum. Moore categorizes potential explanations into several groups:

• Super-Mirages: These are explained by Steuart Campbell's work on mirages with curved thermoclines, which can create illusions of altitude, movement, and proximity, often mistaken for UFOs. These can occur at night, with stars and planets being common sources, but also under diurnal conditions.
• Ionisation Phenomena: This category includes atmospheric effects like Meaden's plasma vortex effect and 'Earthlights' (linked to tectonic stress), as well as man-made sources like high-voltage power lines. These phenomena are theorized to generate electromagnetic fields and could explain reports of humming, odors, and biological effects.
• X-Devices: This refers to 'black technology' such as remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) and classified aircraft, which could account for sightings of delta, cross, or manta ray-shaped objects.
• Subjective Phenomena: Moore highlights that the number of witnesses decreases as the 'strangeness factor' of a report increases, suggesting a subjective origin. He discusses how hoaxes, fantasy-prone personalities (FPPs), and the subconscious 'release' of UFO archetypes (influenced by media imagery) can lead to misinterpretations of mundane stimuli. He also touches on 'missing time' potentially being traumatic amnesia.

Moore concludes that the "UFO mythology" acts as a seamstress, linking disparate phenomena and dictating that UFOs are a distinct, often alien, entity. He stresses the importance of distinguishing between 'true UFOs' and misperceptions, noting that the latter likely accounts for a vast majority of reports.

Ufologists: What Do They Believe?

Manfred Cassirer delves into the psychological landscape of ufologists themselves. He notes that ufology is an emotive subject, often swayed by religious beliefs or wishful thinking. Cassirer identifies five discreet groups of ufologists:

• 'Nuts and bolts' buffs: Those who believe in extraterrestrial visitors.
• 'Don't knows': Those undecided or finding data insufficient.
• Proponents of 'natural' or psychological explanations: Those who seek mundane causes.
• Proponents of 'dimensions': Those who believe in other realities.
• Champions of parapsychological connections: Those who link UFOs to psychic phenomena.

Cassirer points out that the ETH is not scientifically established and often ignores the fact that only a small percentage of sightings are significant. He emphasizes the need to rule out 'natural' causation first and explore the psychological processes that turn prosaic stimuli into 'mind-boggling prodigies.' He also discusses the "sustaining the ufological myth" by considering psychological quirks, paranormal elements, illusions, and deliberate mystification.

Scientific Research, yes - but what does that mean?

John Spencer questions the very definition and practice of scientific UFO research. He highlights the difficulty in establishing objective data and the tendency for research to be filtered through subjective interpretations and pre-existing beliefs.

Other Features and Reports

• Witness Support Group Established: Janice Georgiou reports on the formation of an independent venture designed to empower witnesses and allow them to express their experiences without the devaluing scrutiny sometimes faced within mainstream ufology. The group has launched its own magazine, "THE UFO WITNESS."
• First German Meeting Of The Society For Scientific Exploration: Manfred Cassirer reports on the SSE's meeting in Munich, which discussed topics like dowsing and crop-circles. The event aimed for "open mindedness" among scholars.
• NUFOC-Belgium Revamps Publications: NUFOC has ceased publishing its "NUFOC JOURNAL" and launched two new specialist magazines: "NUFOC-FLASH" and "NUFOC SIGHTING NEWS."
• Colombo Requires Assistance in UFO Probe!: John Robert Colombo is compiling "The UFO quote book" and seeks contributions of interesting quotations about unidentified flying objects.
• BUFORA Special Projects Appeal: Robert Moore outlines BUFORA's efforts to restart the "UFO World" publication and compile data on "ball of light" (BOL) type UFO events.
• Obituary: Edgar Lawrence Plunkett: A tribute to the President of the British Flying Saucer Bureau, highlighting his significant contributions to ufology in the UK.
• BUFORA (Ireland) Branch Seeks New Members: Information on BUFORA's Irish branch and its local research efforts.
• Seventh European Lyons Congress: Details about an upcoming congress in Lyons dedicated to the scientific and objective study of UFOs.
• News: Includes updates on the UFO Times Newsdesk phone number and various reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a more critical and scientifically grounded approach to ufology. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond the dominant extraterrestrial hypothesis and exploring mundane, albeit rare, explanations for sightings. The magazine champions the importance of witness testimony but also stresses the need for rigorous analysis and the separation of subjective influences from objective data. BUFORA's role as a facilitator of research, a promoter of scientific inquiry, and a protector of witness confidentiality is consistently highlighted. The editorial stance is one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging readers to consider a wide range of possibilities while demanding evidence-based conclusions.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Publication Date: Commenced 1989 (This issue is undated but likely from the early 1990s based on content).
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFO Times delves into the complexities of UFO research, the challenges faced by investigators, and a series of recent case files. It features articles by John Spencer and Steve Gamble, offering perspectives on the scientific approach to the phenomenon and detailing specific sightings.

Scientific Research, Yes – But What Does That Mean?

By John Spencer, this article questions the purpose and methodology of UFO research. Spencer argues that while researchers investigate UFOs, the ultimate goal should be to gather evidence convincing enough to present to the wider world. He highlights the difficulties in convincing a skeptical scientific community, suggesting that a 'healthy scepticism' combined with an 'open mind' is crucial for investigators. The article posits that simply collecting data, such as photos or videos, has not significantly dented public skepticism over decades. Spencer advocates for a 'witness-driven investigation' approach, where witnesses are given a chance to prove their claims on their own terms, and investigators work in partnership with them. He criticizes the rigid, often closed-minded approach of conventional science, which demands repeatability and predictability that spontaneous paranormal phenomena may not offer. Spencer suggests that science needs to develop appropriate 'measuring instruments' for phenomena like UFOs, rather than dismissing them outright. He emphasizes the importance of attending to the needs of witnesses, especially those experiencing repeated abductions, and the need for researchers to consider the 'Big Picture' beyond individual cases.

The article also touches upon the idea of UFOs as spaceships from other worlds, but stresses that any explanation, whether extraterrestrial or otherwise, requires verifiable evidence. Spencer outlines a hypothetical scenario of a 'predestined encounter' with aliens, yielding extensive video, audio, and physical evidence, and questions what would happen when such evidence is presented to the world. He anticipates professional jealousy, challenges to methods, and accusations of fraud, particularly from the scientific community. He concludes by advocating for a more open approach, where researchers and witnesses collaborate to understand the 'trigger' factors behind UFO appearances, potentially leading to experimental replication and acceptance by conventional science.

Investigations Diary

This section provides a chronological listing of UFO reports investigated by BUFORA and its affiliates. Each entry includes a case number, date, location, and a brief description of the sighting and investigation.

• 82-004 (April 1982, Guildford/Dorking Road, Surrey): An update on an Omar Fowler investigation, describing a cigar-shaped UFO with square windows and 'jet burners'. The 'Oz factor' (silence) was noted by witnesses.
• 64-501 (Summer 1964, Wentloog, South Wales): A man reported a blue oval object with an orange patch approaching across the sky, which then accelerated away rapidly.
• 70-505 (Winter 1970, Drumchapel, Scotland): A police officer reported a copper-coloured dumb-bell shape moving across the sky.
• 77-626 (Summer 1977, Cwmbran, South Wales): A white cucumber-shaped object was seen moving extremely fast, possibly a meteor.
• 77-627 (October 1977, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham): A teacher observed a white oval of light that grew brighter and vanished, possibly a ball lightning/plasma event.
• 79-285 (August 1979, Swansea, South Wales): Friends reported seeing white lights moving in the sky for two hours, described as star-like and steady.
• 85-023 (November 1985, Great Snoring, Norfolk): A bright white light, 'like Jupiter', moved across the sky, with lights detaching from it.
• 90-005 (August 1990, Collumpton, Devon): Two detailed reports on a crop circle formation, including soil analysis showing unusual chemical and radioactive substances.
• 90-028 (June 1990, Malahide Beach, Co Dublin, Ireland): A photograph showed a black conical UFO, suspected to be a photographic artefact.
• 91-014 (November 1991, Walton, Liverpool): A woman reported seeing a crescent-shaped set of white lights with red lights.
• 91-015 (September 1991, Hay Mills, Birmingham): A red light was observed jumping about the sky, then descending out of sight.
• 91-016 (December 1991, Mullingar, Ireland): A boomerang-shaped object with three red lights was seen, which stopped, flipped, and moved away rapidly.
• 92-004 (February 1992, Central London): Reports of a drifting light identified as the 'Daily Star' airship, though some witnesses disputed this.
• 92-005 (February 1992, Eggardon Hill, Dorset): Two men saw two dark oval masses, with a photograph revealing three dark objects that vanished.
• 92-006 (April 1992, A 303, Near Salisbury): A dark 'airship' like mass was seen drifting slowly, possibly an army blimp.
• 92-007 (June 1992, Glastonbury): A big saucer-like mass with red and green lights was observed, likely a police helicopter.
• 92-008 (July 1992, Patney, Wiltshire): A family observed rotating flat ellipses for over an hour, possibly mistaken laser lights.
• 92-009 (July 1992, Selhurst, London): A steel-like egg-shaped object passed a window quickly.

Airship Flap in the South East

By Steve Gamble, Director of Research, this article details sightings of strange, slow-moving aircraft and cigar/saucer-shaped objects in London and the surrounding South East during late January and February 1992. Gamble's interest was piqued by a report from Hemel Hempstead.

• January 22, 1992: A witness driving south on the M1 motorway saw a peculiar, strangely lit aircraft crossing the motorway. It had two lights, one at each end, which flashed and reversed every couple of seconds. The witness described the lights as different from typical aircraft lights and believed it was an aircraft with a strange light pattern.
• February 16, 1992: Gamble discusses reports from Arnold West about a gentleman from East London who saw a cigar-shaped object over the City of London, and a lady in Brentford who saw a large object heading north towards Wembley. Both were initially thought to be airships.
• Subsequent Observation: Gamble himself observed a white airship, approximately 50 feet long, painted with 'mita' advertising, heading south towards London. He notes that the 'mita' logo's vertical bars could give the impression of windows.
• Connection to Previous Reports: Gamble believes this airship sighting likely explains the reports received by Arnold West and the initial sighting of the 'peculiar aircraft' on the M1.
• Broader Context: The article mentions that similar airships have been used to advertise the 'Daily Star' newspaper and that there may be a fleet of such advertising blimps. It also draws a parallel to earlier reports from March 1988 of 'barrage balloon' objects and strange lights over Hertfordshire, suggesting these might also have been airships.
• Recommendation: Gamble advises anyone investigating UFO reports to spend time observing normal sky activity to familiarize themselves with what is common.

Publications and BUFORA Activities

This section details BUFORA's publications and ongoing activities.

• BUFORA Publications: A list of books and magazines available for purchase, including titles like 'Flying Saucers – Serious Business', 'UFO Encyclopedia', and 'UFO Times'. Prices are listed in both GBP and USD.
• Unbound Photocopies: A selection of publications available as unbound photocopies.
• BUFORA Journal and UFO Times: Information on the publication history of BUFORA's periodicals.
• Investigations Diary Submissions: An invitation for investigators to submit case histories for publication in UFO Times, with contact details for the editor, Jenny Randles.
• AI Training: The National Investigations Committee has 50 investigators, with 50% being full AIs. A postal training course began in September, with plans for a second run and potential opening to non-BUFORA members.
• IFO Sensitivity Index: Roy Rowlands is working on a project to produce a 'kit' for investigators.
• New Tool Development: AI Gary Anthony is developing a program to print sky maps for sighting analysis, extending to a comprehensive diagnostic program.
• Publications in Process: Two investigator-based publications are underway: the 'UFO World' series (yearly report) and the 'Best of British' casebook, a reflection of 30 years of BUFORA's work.
• Press Points: A bar chart shows the number of press cuttings received by the department, with a significant drop in crop circle-related news compared to previous years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO research, the challenges of scientific validation, and the importance of witness testimony and collaboration. The editorial stance, as expressed by John Spencer and the content of the 'Investigations Diary', leans towards a more open-minded, yet rigorous, approach to investigating UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the need for partnership between investigators and witnesses, and a critique of conventional science's limitations in addressing anomalous phenomena. The 'Airship Flap' article suggests a practical explanation for some sightings, highlighting the importance of identifying mundane explanations before concluding on extraordinary ones. BUFORA's activities, including investigator training and publications, underscore a commitment to improving the standards and professionalism of UFO research.

This issue of UFO Times, dated July-August-September-October 1992, features a prominent cover story titled "VISITORS AT THE CONVENT OF JESUS AND MARY," detailing a significant UFO sighting and subsequent encounter with men in black. The magazine also includes astronomical news, planetary data, and reports from a UFO research conference.

Case Report: Visitors at the Convent of Jesus and Mary

The main article details a case, PHILCASE.027, investigated by Ken Phillips and Roy Rowlands. The witness, Elena (E), a schoolgirl border at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Milton Keynes in 1978, recounts her experiences starting in 1980. She describes waking up one night and seeing a large, circular object with lights resting on the convent tennis courts. The object later took off, leaving a circular trace on the court. Following this sighting, Elena experienced paranormal events and reality tilts, culminating in a visit from two men in black.

Elena recounts that in 1980, around midnight, she was falling asleep when she looked out of her dormitory window and saw the object. She was woken by other girls later, and one friend, Karen, also saw nothing unusual. However, a few months later, during a maths lesson, Sister Jennifer informed Elena that she had two visitors. These visitors were men who claimed to be working for Dr. White, Elena's psychiatrist. Elena described them as middle-aged, with identical appearances, short black hair that looked freshly washed and sprayed, and faces that appeared 'waxed' and creamy, lacking any stubble. Their eyes were described as straining her, not ordinary brown or blue, but a mixture of brown and greyish colour. Their suits were completely black, perfectly tailored, with black socks matching the suit. Elena found their presence unnerving and felt they were trying to extract information about any strange occurrences at the convent.

When the school bell rang for lunch, the men asked Elena to show them out. She escorted them to the doorway, and they entered a black car with what she described as 'smoked' or 'mirror' windows, through which they could see out but she could not see in. The driver was also described as wearing a black suit. Elena noted that the car's engine was exceptionally quiet, almost as if running on air.

Regarding the initial sighting, Elena confirmed that the following morning, during a tennis game, she slipped in a hole on the tennis court, which was now burnt and had a large circular impression, estimated to be about 45ft in diameter. The police investigated the incident, arriving on the second day after she played tennis. Elena did not mention the object to the police, fearing she would be sent to a mental institution.

Elena also described a subsequent encounter with the men in black in a room at the convent. She felt a sudden drop in temperature, despite a fire being on, and had to put on her red jacket. The men stated they were there to see Elena, and Sister Jennifer confirmed they were associated with Dr. White. Elena's parents were living in London, and she was concerned about them finding out about the encounter.

Later, Elena discussed the men in black with Dr. White, who denied sending anyone. Elena also mentioned that the men had claimed they would visit again. She recalled an incident where her spoon became bent into the shape of a 'P' after drinking hot coffee, which her friend Karen witnessed and could not explain. Elena also experienced a period where she felt she was 'flying' in a dream, and her classmates claimed to have seen her flying. She also described a dream of being in a spaceship.

Animal Mutilation

The magazine reports on a case of animal mutilation that occurred in the middle of winter. A reindeer carcass was found with a completely round, clean cut wound, as if made by a knife, with no blood or signs of struggle in the snow. Elena described it as being like surgery. There were no footprints around the carcass other than her own.

Further Encounters

Elena also recounted an encounter in 1986 in Harrow-on-the-Hill, where she and other girls saw a large, silver, round object with clear windows hovering very close to their office window. The object appeared to be touching the window and was described as completely silver and round, with a flat base. It moved off at a high speed, which Elena stated was too fast for a helicopter or plane.

BUFORA's 30th Anniversary Conference

The issue includes a report on BUFORA's 30th Anniversary Conference held at the London Business School on September 19, 1992. The conference commemorated the founding of BUFOA in 1962. Speakers included Roy Stemman, Graham Knewstub, Lionel Beer, Norman Oliver, Steuart Campbell, and Paul Fuller. Topics discussed included the history of UFO research, the Scoriton CE III incident (later revealed as a hoax), astronomical mirage hypotheses for UFO sightings, crop circle controversies, and the BUFORA association's activities.

Skywatcher and Space News

This section provides astronomical information for July-October 1992, including moon phases, planetary positions (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), and meteor showers (Perseids, Orionids). It also reports on space news, including ESA's Giotto probe's encounter with Comet Grigg-Skjellerup, the World Astronomy Day (WAD) project, and the launch of Europe's satellite EURECA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, encounters with unexplained phenomena, and related research. There is a strong emphasis on detailed case reports, witness testimonies, and investigations. The inclusion of astronomical data and conference reports suggests an effort to connect UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry and broader research efforts within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO-related events and related scientific developments.

Title: UFO Times
Issue Date: 1992
Content Focus: This issue of UFO Times delves into various unexplained phenomena, including a peculiar case involving crystals, a close encounter in Cyprus, a critical review of the Roswell crash video, and reader contributions discussing sightings and ufological theories.

The Case of the Curious Crystals

The lead article, "The Case of the Curious Crystals" by Kerry Blower, details an unusual experience reported by a woman in Cardiff, Wales. On the evening of February 24th, 1992, she placed a Florite crystal under her pillow. Upon waking, she discovered a roughly quarter-inch-long triangle within the crystal, featuring a white circle in the center and white lines to each angle. She had purchased the crystal three weeks prior at a psychic fayre. When she contacted the seller, they had never heard of such a phenomenon. Additionally, the woman experienced sore eyes that morning and later developed a red sun-tan that faded after four days. Over the following two weeks, she noticed that two large crystals she kept on her living room shelf were missing significant chunks, described as if someone had removed them easily, like butter. These missing pieces were from the facets of the crystals, and the woman stated they had become useless for her healing practices. Kerry Blower, the investigator, observed the triangle within the crystal increasing and decreasing in size. The lady, who had collected pyramid and triangle-shaped ornaments since childhood, feels strongly that something happened that evening and is willing to undergo hypnosis. The article invites readers to share similar experiences with BUFORA.

Close Encounter, Dhekhelia Barracks, Cyprus

This section recounts a personal experience of Martin Lyon, who describes an encounter at Dhekhelia Barracks in Cyprus. His wolfhound, Abdul, became terrified one night, leading Lyon to investigate a piercing whine from outside. He then witnessed a humanoid figure floating up the stairs, clad in a blue phosphorescent suit with a glowing orange face and rust-red hair. The figure's head swiveled towards him at an impossible angle, causing Lyon to retreat to his room and lock the door. He armed himself with an underwater speargun. The whine intensified, accompanied by a shuffling sound as the humanoid pushed at his door. Lyon held his fire, and eventually, the sounds ceased. The next morning, a guard woke him, and he found Abdul cowering. The guard took the speargun and found no trace of the humanoid. Lyon reports that Abdul became a coward after the incident. The account is presented as a firsthand testimony.

Reviews

Roswell Part II (Video Tape)

This review discusses a video tape produced by the FUND FOR UFO RESEARCH (FUFOR) titled "Roswell Part II." The tape features interviews with witnesses to the alleged Roswell crashed saucer event, aiming to bring the matter to public and congressional attention. The reviewer, however, expresses skepticism about the video's impact on the Senate Government Affairs Committee. The tape consists of a 90-minute documentary narrated and produced by Fred Whiting, featuring interviews with 28 "witnesses." The reviewer notes that only a handful claim to have seen alleged ET bodies or handled UFO fragments, with most testimony being second or third-hand. This lack of direct evidence, along with the absence of "hardware" or bodies, is seen as weakening the case. The reviewer highlights several specific testimonies as problematic:

• Frank Joyce: Recalls a rancher named Mac Brazel saying "little green men weren't green." The reviewer points out that the concept of "little green men" emerged later, suggesting Joyce is backdating a remark.
• Lydia Sleppy: Her teletype operator account, first appearing in 1974, has reportedly "improved" over the years, with later versions mentioning the FBI, which was absent in earlier accounts. The reviewer questions if this is an attempt to emphasize official suppression.
• Military Personnel: The reviewer questions how aging military personnel can accurately recall specific flights from 1947, especially when many are deceased and their stories are recounted secondhand. The reviewer also notes the large number of UFO sightings in New Mexico between 1947-1952 and suggests witnesses might be conflating different events.

Contamination from re-interviewing, reading UFO literature, watching documentaries, and undergoing hypnotic regression is cited as a factor that may lead witnesses to embellish their stories.

The video presents two separate crashes, with one allegedly leaving behind a LIVE E.T. The only firsthand witness to this second crash is Gerald Anderson, who was five years old at the time. His detailed account, lasting 40 minutes, has led even some ardent believers to be skeptical, suggesting he either has an extraordinary memory or is fabricating the story. Despite reportedly passing a polygraph test, the reviewer strongly advises against Anderson testifying before Congress if the UFO community seeks scientific acceptance for the Roswell case.

The review also addresses allegations of death threats from the USAF against witnesses' families. It notes that many witnesses did talk and survived, questioning the validity of these threats and suggesting they might stem from UFO "spy fiction." The reviewer points out the documentary's failure to consider how authorities could have stopped anyone from revealing information about an extraterrestrial visit.

UFO Books for Sale

This section lists various UFO-related books available for purchase, including titles by Timothy Good, R. Matthews, George Andrews, Frank Edwards, Jenny Randles, and Jacques Vallée. Prices and page counts are provided, along with contact information for Lionel Beer (Spacelink Books).

Visions of CE IV

Philip Mantle reviews "Visions of CE IV," a 46-minute cassette by the Scottish rock band CE IV. The band, formed in Glasgow in 1984, mixes music with UFO themes, drawing from their interest in ufology and strong links to UFO organizations. The cassette contains 10 songs, including "New Gods," "Visions," "Warminster Nights," "Down on the Outside," and "MIB Man." CE IV also has tapes titled "Abduction" and "Shadow of Man" available for £7.00 each. Contact information for ordering is provided.

Blaise

Philip Mantle also reviews "Blaise," a band featuring UFO BRIGANTIA illustrator Kevin Flannery. Blaise combines UFO themes with Arthurian mythology. Their first cassette, "High Ground," includes narration and music, with songs like "Arrival," "Excalibur," and "Hibernation." The reviewer found "Excalibur" to be a favorite. The band provides a 9-page program with lyrics and illustrations. Pricing information is not available, but interested parties are directed to write to Kevin Flannery.

Readers Write

Letter from Joseph Dormer

Joseph Dormer writes in response to a report by Andrew Billing from Blackpool in July 1989. Dormer finds Billing's report "so crazy that it could not possibly have happened" without evidence of lying. He suggests that the investigator should use imagination and asks what astronomical objects lay on the horizon.

Response from Steuart Campbell

Steuart Campbell responds to Dormer's letter, providing a detailed meteorological explanation for Billing's sighting. He suggests that at 2210Z on July 5, 1989, Venus and Mars were visible just below the horizon. Campbell posits that a mirage, caused by a temperature inversion (possible due to hot, humid air cooling over the sea), could have created the appearance of an object. He explains that the mirage might have been displaced laterally and moved northwards as the inversion layer changed. The disappearance of the object in the northwest indicates it was Mars. Campbell also addresses the report of a low-flying aircraft, suggesting it might have been an after-image or effect of the mirage. He notes that civil twilight had ended but nautical twilight had not, which could explain confusion over "dusk."

Letter from Christopher D. Allan

Christopher D. Allan writes to address a comment in a previous issue of UFO Times regarding his letter. He clarifies that he did not state there were no pre-1980 crop circles, but rather no patterns in Wiltshire crops during the summer of 1944. He also questions why crop circles have manifested themselves only in the last ten years, suggesting the term "Pictogram" might be more appropriate. He defends his theories about leys, stating they are personal and that the editor should prove otherwise if declaring them unfounded. Regarding Stonehenge, he suggests it may have been closed for scientific research rather than just public protection.

Letter from Philip Mantle

Philip Mantle thanks those who assisted with a conference, including Mike Wootten, Clive Potter, Gordon Perkins, and the staff at Sheffield library Theatre and the NOVOTEL. He also expresses gratitude to the speakers and everyone who helped before, during, and after the event.

Letter from David I. Norman

David I. Norman shares his recollections of the Warminster events in the late 1960s, where he was present as a student. He describes a "burning bush" effect seen on Cradle Hill, followed by two red lights in the sky. He also recounts an incident where he and a friend, while walking in a nearby wood, were mistaken for "occupants" using "strange" lights by Mr. Shuttlewood's group. Norman believes that while something did occur in Warminster, the events were exaggerated by Mr. Shuttlewood. He suggests Warminster serves as a microcosm of ufology, where real events and hoaxes are mixed.

Diary

This section contains announcements for upcoming events:

• AT THE WEMBLEY ARENA: The First International Conference That Exposes A Global Deception, on January 9th-10th, 1993. The conference aims to expose manipulations affecting individuals. Ticket information is provided.
• LECTURES: A schedule of lectures hosted by BUFORA London at the London Business School includes:
• November 7th, 1992: 'Cognating the UFO: A Bonfire of Old Theories' by Alan Mayne.
• December 5th, 1992: 'UFOs in Art' by Michael Buhler.
• January 9th, 1993: 'A Meeting with MIBs' by Maria Korn. Lectures start at 6:30 pm, with a £1.50 fee for members and £3.00 for non-members. Wheelchair access is available.
• UFO CLOSE-ENCOUNTER WITNESSES, CONTACTEES AND ABDUCTEES: The Witness Support Group is scheduled to meet on Saturday, December 5th, 1992, at The London Business School.

UFOCALL

This is an advertisement for UFOCALL, a telephone service presented by Jenny Randles, offering the latest UFO cases, research news, and event details. Calls cost 36p per minute (cheap rate) and 45p per minute (all other times).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unusual physical phenomena (crystals, alleged humanoid sightings), critical analysis of witness testimony and its reliability (particularly concerning the Roswell incident), and the presentation of reader experiences and theories. The magazine appears to maintain a stance of critical inquiry, encouraging evidence-based discussion while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of documentation and the potential for misinterpretation or embellishment of accounts. The editorial also promotes ufological events and resources, such as books, lectures, and telephone hotlines, fostering a community for enthusiasts.