UFO Times - No 25 - Sep Oct 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 25
Date: September/October 1993
Publisher: BUFORA PUBLICATION
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0958-4846

This issue of UFO Times, published by BUFORA, presents a collection of articles and reports focused on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The magazine features detailed investigations, witness testimonies, and discussions on the nature and implications of UFO sightings.

Editorial: BUFORA: A Ufological version of the 'Samaritans' or a society devoted to the study of physical UFOs?

Ken Phillips, the editor, addresses a perceived dilemma within BUFORA regarding its role in supporting witnesses. He acknowledges that the organization's policy of providing a Witness Support Group is becoming more prominent. Phillips notes that witness study lacks clear benchmarks for measuring performance, relevance, or achievement against the association's aims. He highlights how witnesses themselves have directed BUFORA towards certain paths, such as Mary Seal's work on UFOs and the 'Secret World Order,' and the witness magazine 'UFOW,' which tolerates no skepticism. Phillips mentions that seasoned researcher Hilary Evans, in a letter to 'Readers Write,' views this counseling role as inappropriate for BUFORA. However, Phillips disagrees, believing the UFO situation extends into the psychic domain and affects people who have been traumatized. He concedes that many might argue BUFORA is not equipped for counseling, lacking the training to help witnesses cope with their experiences. He concludes by asking the readers for their opinions.

Captain Schafer's Last Flight - Part 2

This article, by Pat Otter, continues the investigation into the puzzling final flight of Captain William Schafer in a Lightning XS894 aircraft. The incident occurred 22 years prior to the publication date. Schafer was on a mission to intercept an unknown object over the North Sea. The account details his departure from Binbrook, his visual contact with a bright, conical object described as being like a 'soccer ball made of glass,' and his subsequent loss of control and instrument failures. The narrative includes transcripts of communications between Schafer and the radar station at Staxton Wold, revealing the object's unusual behavior and Schafer's disorientation. The aircraft was eventually ordered to ditch in the North Sea due to fears of radiation contamination, though later examination of the wreckage found no such contamination. The article highlights the missing cockpit instruments and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the investigation, which was abruptly ended due to 'national security.' It also recounts a strange humming noise and 'sheet lightning' observed by a couple near Alnmouth Bay on the night of the incident, suggesting a possible connection.

Alien Encounters: UFO Realities – Part 1

Written by Gordon Millington, this article explores the physical reality of UFOs and the experiences of witnesses. It begins by referencing the Condon report's skepticism about the physical reality of Sergeant Schirmer's experience, but argues that modern physics allows for modes of being previously considered paranormal. The article examines several cases, including that of Steve Michalak, an industrial mechanic who encountered a UFO near Falcon Lake, Manitoba, in 1967. Michalak was burned by the craft's heat and suffered physical ailments, which were later described by a US Navy doctor as indicative of severe whole-body exposure to radiation. The author notes that such injuries from proximity to landed UFOs are not uncommon. The article also discusses the Boianai, Papua New Guinea sightings in 1959, attested by 25 witnesses, and a 1790 incident near Alencon, France, involving multiple witnesses including officials. It touches upon the work of James McCampbell, an engineering physicist, who studied the medical conditions reported by UFO witnesses exposed to radiation, identifying components of an electromagnetic and magnetic field associated with UFOs.

Around the World in Eighty Days: Part 2

This section, authored by Diane Eakin and Ken Phillips, continues the investigation into aviation incidents potentially involving UFOs. It presents correspondence regarding two separate incidents. The first involves an 'AL ITALIA' flight, which denies having the aircraft type in question in their fleet. The second, a 'DAN-AIR' flight on June 17, 1991, involved passengers reporting a 'wingless projectile' flying near their aircraft. The article includes the Dan-Air report, detailing the sighting by four passengers and the lack of confirmation from the flight deck crew or Gatwick ATC. The report notes the passengers appeared concerned and insisted on reporting the sighting. The article concludes that objects remain unidentified due to insufficient and muddled data.

Other Sections

• Contents: Lists the articles and features in the issue, including 'Editorial,' 'Captain Schafer's Last Flight - Part 2,' 'Pat Otter,' 'Alien Encounters - UFO Realities - Part 1,' 'Gordon Millington,' 'Around the World in Eighty Days: Part 2,' 'Investigations Diary,' 'The European Dimension,' 'Sky Watcher,' 'Reviews,' 'Readers Write,' 'Diary,' and 'UFOCall.'
• Front Cover Illustration: Depicts a scene from the movie 'Fire in the Sky,' showing Travis Walton being comforted.
• BUFORA Central Office & Aims: Provides contact information for BUFORA's central office, lists council members and officers, and outlines the association's aims, which include promoting scientific research into UFO phenomena and collecting data.
• Witness Confidentiality: Outlines BUFORA's policy on maintaining the confidentiality of witnesses and their case material.
• Research and Investigation: Details the roles of the Director of Investigations and Director of Research, and mentions the National Investigations Committee (NIC) and its hotline.
• BUFORA (Ireland): Provides contact information for BUFORA's Irish branch and its investigating officers.
• Advertising in UFO Times: Lists advertising rates and policies for the magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the credibility of witness testimony, and the potential for government secrecy or cover-ups. The editorial stance, as expressed by Ken Phillips, is one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the psychological and potentially psychic aspects of UFO experiences alongside the physical. The magazine appears to advocate for a thorough and unbiased approach to UFO research, encouraging contributions and discussions from its readership.

This issue of UFO Times, dated June 1993, is presented as 'Investigations Diary' and features a cover story titled 'THE EUROPEAN DIMENSION' with a subtitle about a close encounter on the road to Bastogne-Noville, Belgium. The magazine covers a variety of UFO-related news, investigations, reviews, and reader correspondence, with a strong emphasis on the work of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association).

Cuttings

The 'Cuttings' section reports that 53 items were collected in May, bringing the total for the first five months of 1993 to 236. It notes a near total absence of references to crop circles, despite numerous cases occurring. The section also mentions the approval of a case file by Paul John of Hereford, granting him AI status, and a reluctance to accept a crop circle case from John Price in Northern Ireland, encouraging him to submit a UFO investigation file instead. The article highlights the high number of provisional AI applications and encourages them to contact experienced full AIs for collaboration and to attend the next NIC gathering.

Training Course

The 'Training Course' section congratulates eleven applicants who successfully qualified from the first postal training course, with Mark Glover and Judith Jaafar receiving top marks. A second run of the course began with twice the number of entrants, requiring two full AIs to assist. The magazine announces that for the third run, any full AI with three years of experience can apply to be a tutor.

The BUFORA Book

This section details the ongoing effort to complete the 'mammoth BUFORA case book' for July. The delay is attributed to contributors sending work on paper rather than computer disks, necessitating laborious editing and re-typing. The book is described as a review of BUFORA's first 30 years of case histories.

The Abduction Experiment

BUFORA's investigation team has joined forces with the J Allen Hynek Centre for UFO Studies and UFO Research Australia for a cross-cultural survey of abductees. This extensive project aims to test hypotheses and gather facts, with data collected being strictly confidential and identities protected.

Broadcast News

The 'Broadcast News' section highlights BUFORA's media involvement. Sky News featured BUFORA in two documentaries, one of which looked at the Rendlesham Forest landings. Philip Mantle appeared on a TV music show and is involved with an upcoming video project. The author worked with LWT on a pilot for a series called 'Strange but True', which included a segment on the Todmorden window area. Granada TV produced a five-minute film about 'UFO Call'. BUFORA also assisted Paramount/UIP Pictures in promoting the movie 'Fire in the Sky', based on the Travis Walton abduction case, including running competitions and arranging for winners to visit UFO hot spots.

Case Files

This section presents several UFO sighting reports from the UK:

• 76-476 (Nov 1976, Portsmouth, Hampshire): A nurse witnessed a purple/red cigar-like object during a power cut, which vanished after a bright flash.
• 77-628 (Date not specified, Stisted, Essex): A young woman and two men experienced engine problems and dimming lights, followed by a light that split into two balls and a dome-like object.
• 9215 (1992-02-16, Kirklington, Notts): A nurse saw a spotlight on the road ahead keeping pace, which then vanished.
• 9216 (1992-11-08, Evesham, Worcestershire): Three witnesses reported an orange floodlight moving rapidly across the sky.
• 9217 (1992-11-15, Wellington, Somerset): A couple observed a bright orange light that resolved into seven lights in a line.
• 9301 (1993-01-10, Sheffield, South Yorks): A man saw an object on the grass that then took off, emitting a blue light.
• 9303 (1993-04-18, Ripley, Surrey): A man and his girlfriend witnessed a circular object spinning rapidly and enveloped in mist.

Preliminary Note: UFO seen over four nations

BUFORA investigators are working on a major sighting from March 31, 1993, involving two bright lights seen over the UK, Wales, Eire, and France. Doug Cooper has identified numerous witnesses, including police officers. An Irish military plane had a contact with the lights. The MoD has been involved, and there's an ongoing discussion about potential explanations, including satellite debris re-entry and other phenomena. The sighting also occurred over Lyon, France.

Training Day Report

BUFORA held a training day in Birmingham on May 22, 1993, with about 8-9 trainees who questioned two witnesses, Charles Rollins and Graham Allen. BUFORA's chairman, Steve Gamble, discussed the difficulties in collecting and evaluating data. Another training day is planned for later in the year or early next spring.

The European Dimension: Belgium - Close Encounter on the Road to Bastogne-Noville

This article by P. Vidal details an encounter by M. and Mme. Vleugels on January 26, 1991. They observed a large, silent, luminous object with a lozenge shape and rounded corners, described as an immense machine. The object flew at a walking pace, estimated to be about fifty metres in altitude and fifty metres or less in size. It had white headlights, a small red light, and a cupola-like feature on its underside. Three tubular beams emanated from the rear. The phenomenon was observed for over five minutes and disappeared suddenly. An old man in the vicinity reported a similar observation the following evening. On February 2, M. and Mme. Vleugels witnessed the same phenomenon again, this time with their daughter raising the alarm.

Skywatcher

Edited by Gary Anthony, this section provides astronomical information. It notes that the Perseid meteor shower is active in August and mentions a meteor that shook houses in Australia. Improvements are being made to the BUFORA Aerial Reference Point (ARP). The planetary data for Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn for July and August is provided, along with moon phases. The 'Space News' section reports on a rare bolide display in Australia on April 16, which generated numerous calls from witnesses.

Improvements For BUFORA ARP

This section elaborates on the BUFORA ARP, which assists investigators with astronomical, meteorological, and sundry details. It is undergoing improvements by collecting data and compiling computer utilities. Investigators are encouraged to send details of UFOs and related information to the ARP address. BUFORA Council is considering acquiring a NORAD-type satellite computer program to track UK visible Earth-orbiting satellites.

Brigantia Books

Brigantia Books is highlighted as a source for second-hand and rare UFO titles in Britain.

Hereford UFO Research Group Lecture

Details are provided for a lecture by the Hereford UFO Research Group on October 9, 1993, featuring lecturers Ray Moore, Clive Potter, and Andrew Watson. The venue, time, admission fee, and contact details are listed.

Contact Corner

This section invites readers to contact BUFORA members in their area. Readers are asked to write to 'Contact Corner, UFO Times'.

Wanted...

Philip Mantle is compiling a directory of UFO groups and publications worldwide and requests names and addresses from interested parties.

UFO Review

This section announces a video called 'UFO Review - The Researchers', produced by DMP in association with BUFORA. The one-hour VHS tape features interviews with leading UFO researchers and is available for purchase.

Reviews

Arc Sound Waves Review:

• Messengers of Destiny: This video depicts waves of UFO activity in Mexico, particularly during a 1991 solar eclipse. While thought-provoking and essential viewing for researchers, it is also disappointing due to unsubstantiated claims of 'ships' and 'enhancement techniques'. It is compared to early UFO research in the 1940s and 50s, with a flavour of excitement and naivety.
• Undeniable Evidence: This video, produced by Arc Sound Waves, features Colin Andrews' work on crop circle research. The reviewer praises its focused approach, contrasting it with 'well-balanced' videos that attempt to cover all viewpoints. It highlights Colin Andrews' point that people are using crop circles to develop themselves and their relationships, suggesting a socially positive effect. The reviewer notes Andrews' inclination towards a directed intelligence behind the circles, whether alien or terrestrial, and applauds his open-minded approach.

"Starchild" by Patti Rayfield (Review by Philip Mantle):

This review discusses a music cassette by Patti Rayfield, described as more 'pop music' than rock. It features a blend of pleasing effects and harmonies, with the title track 'STARCHILD' being highlighted as the best. The cassette is available for purchase.

Readers Write

Philip Mantle's Request:

Philip Mantle is seeking assistance for a project to produce an in-depth publication on British abduction cases, missing time cases, and cases with 'high strangeness' value. He is looking for material, copies of reports, and case files, and offers to pay for photocopying and credit contributors.

Hilary Evans' Condemnation of BUFORA:

Hilary Evans criticizes BUFORA for its dealings with 'pseudo' UFO witnesses, arguing that the organization is focusing too much on psychotherapy cases rather than actual UFO research. She contends that many abduction claims are subjective fantasy with no correlation to external reality, and that BUFORA should focus on physical objects possessing external reality, similar to how the Church of Rome handles claims of visits from the Virgin Mary.

John Rimmer's Criticism:

John Rimmer, editor of Magonia, criticizes UFO Times for plagiarizing an 'Obituary, Aimé Michel' without permission. He questions if anyone at BUFORA is capable of writing a brief piece to mark the passing of Aimé Michel and summarize his place in UFO research.

UFO - Video - Exchange

This section advertises UFO documentaries available from Werner Walter in Germany, for exchange or sale, for research purposes only.

UFORIA Exclusive UFO T-Shirt Design

An advertisement for a unique UFO T-shirt design depicting the Kenneth Arnold sighting, available from UFORIA.

Diary

Forthcoming Lectures:

• September 4, 1993: Lecture on 'ABCs - ALIEN BIG CATS' by Marcus Matthews, chaired by Lionel Beer.
• October 2, 1993: Witness Support Group Meeting and a lecture on 'The Ancient Astronauts' by Gordon Millington.

BUFORA London lectures are held on the first Saturday of the month, starting at 6:30 pm, with a £1.50 member fee and £3.00 for non-members. Wheelchair access is available.

UFOCALL

This section promotes 'UFOCALL', a telephone service edited by Jenny Randles, offering the latest UFO cases, research news, and event details. Calls cost 36p per minute (cheap rate) and 45p per minute (at all other times).

Second-Hand UFO Book List

Lionel Beer (SPACELINK BOOKS) offers a list of popular paperbacks, larger paperbacks, and hardbacks related to UFOs and aliens, with prices and postage details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous UFO investigation and research, particularly through BUFORA's activities. There's a clear distinction made between genuine UFO sightings and what some contributors term 'pseudo' witnesses or subjective fantasies. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical evidence and scientific scrutiny, while acknowledging the need to address the psychological aspects of witness experiences. The magazine also highlights media involvement and promotes BUFORA's various services, including lectures, publications, and a telephone hotline.