UFO Times - No 42 - Jul Aug 1996

Magazine Overview

UFOTIMES Issue 42, dated July/August 1996, is the journal of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). The cover prominently features headlines about 'HYPNOSIS HORRORS', a warning from Kevin McClure, a review of the film 'INDEPENDENCE DAY' with exclusive goodie bags, and a piece on 'THE UK'S FOX MAULDER?' by Andy Roberts reviewing Nick Pope's book 'Open Skies Closed Minds'. The issue is dedicated to the memory of Ken Phillips.

Obituary: Ken Phillips

Mike Wootten, editor of UFOTIMES, writes a heartfelt obituary for Ken Phillips, a dedicated ufologist who passed away on July 19, 1996. Phillips is remembered for his absolute dedication to the subject, his quiet but groundbreaking research, and his inspiration to many in the field. He served as a director of BUFORA and Director of Investigations but preferred hands-on investigation and research. His tenacious appetite for investigation led to the identification of a 'window area' around Milton Keynes in the BUFORA archive. Phillips is particularly noted for developing the major BUFORA study, the Anamnesis Project, in collaboration with the University of Salzburg, which involved detailed life histories and Rorschach tests of close encounter witnesses. This study, conducted with limited resources, was unique in the UK. Phillips's commitment to thorough research was evident in his efforts to gather control group data by approaching people in Regents Park.

Wootten acknowledges that Phillips could be vociferous in his debates with BUFORA regarding access to case files, but emphasizes that these discussions were never personal and were always about the subject. The editor notes that Phillips was pleased to hear of BUFORA's archive being made available on the Internet. Wootten concludes by stating that the subject needs more 'doers' like Phillips and expresses pride in having known him.

John Spencer, Chairman of BUFORA, also contributes an obituary, highlighting Ken Phillips's long-term involvement as an investigator and researcher for ASSAP and BUFORA. Spencer notes that many witnesses felt confident reporting to Phillips due to his open-minded and intelligent listening. Phillips's sponsorship of witness-driven investigation, putting witnesses first, is acknowledged as a significant contribution. Spencer recalls how Phillips inspired his own recent book on the witness experience. Phillips also headed BUFORA's training program and served as editor of UFO Times for a period. Spencer details the Anamnesis study, a culture-free, time-invariant study applied to witnesses of UFO experiences, which Ken Phillips pioneered. He also mentions Ken's proposal for a control study of non-witnesses and the idea of applying anamnesis-type studies to UFO investigators. Spencer highlights Phillips's significant role in coordinating The Witness Support Group, emphasizing his facilitative approach and the value he brought to members.

The Hypnosis Debate: Why Do Abductees Have Such Bad Memories?

This section, by Kevin McClure, explores the controversial use of hypnosis in recovering memories of alien abductions. It begins with a report about a hypnotherapist in Washington State who paid a $700,000 settlement to a patient who caused a fatal car accident after becoming convinced of satanic cult involvement due to implanted memories.

The article questions the reliability of hypnosis in recalling abduction events, particularly in light of the potential for implanted memories. It discusses Paulinne Delcour-Min, a therapist who advertises her services for those who believe they may be abductees but cannot remember. Delcour-Min presents a pseudo-Theosophical system and believes that aliens plan incarnations and use 'Greys' who want a 'negativity overload' to cause a pole shift for their hybrids. She claims that regression hypnosis, when done correctly, can release 'soul tags and implants' and 'contracts with aliens'.

McClure contrasts this with David Jacobs, who describes researchers like Mack and Boylan as 'Positivists' for encouraging abductees to believe they will encounter 'spirit guides' or 'guardian angels' if they 'push past the trauma'. Jacobs argues that the 'abduction phenomenon' has a devastating effect on abductees' lives, causing phobias and fear.

The article strongly criticizes the use of hypnosis, drawing parallels with the Satanic Ritual Abuse cases where recovered memories were later found to be false. It cites medical professions' skepticism towards hypnosis for memory recovery, noting that it can increase suggestibility, confabulation, and confidence in false memories, while decreasing critical review. The author argues that traumatic events are rarely forgotten and that memory blocks are rare. The article suggests that researchers who profit from asserting the reality of abduction events recalled under hypnosis may be guilty of exploitation.

It is argued that aliens, unlike human abusers, cannot defend themselves, making them easy targets for researchers to lead into false narratives. The author expresses a personal conviction that the methods used to recover abduction memories are flawed and that many have been misled. He calls for BUFORA to consider the dangers of hypnosis and the potential for false memories, rather than pursuing short-term publicity.

Investigations Diary

Gloria Dixon, the new Director of Investigations, provides an update on changes within BUFORA's investigations network. To improve efficiency, Regional Investigations Co-ordinators (RICs) have been appointed across Britain. Each RIC will manage their area, follow up on sighting reports, and administer them to investigators. Sighting reports will be logged by RICs and forwarded to the Director of Research, Steve Gamble. Mike Wootten is preparing an addition to the BUFORA Report Form to include a computer summary and written summary of case details.

Investigator training is being administered by RICs, with over fifty investigators currently working on a postal course tutored by Philip Mantle. A £5 fee is charged for the postal course to cover administration costs. New consultants to BUFORA are also listed, including David A. Newton (Chairman of the Sunderland Astronomical Society), Steuart Campbell, and Anthony Lawrence (School of Health & Social Sciences, Coventry University).

Dixon also issues a warning about close encounter reports, emphasizing the need for careful and diplomatic handling due to the complex nature of these incidents. She advises investigators to contact Philip Mantle or herself if they feel out of their depth. The article notes that media coverage of UFOs may lead witnesses to relate inexplicable past experiences to UFO encounters, reinforcing the importance of witness-driven investigation as advocated by John Spencer.

UFO News

This section covers recent developments within BUFORA, including new staff, doubts over the 'Marcel record', and a sighting in Tewkesbury.

Investigations Diary

This section details the appointment of Regional Investigations Co-ordinators (RICs) across Britain to streamline the investigation network. It also lists new consultants to BUFORA, including David A. Newton, Steuart Campbell, and Anthony Lawrence. A warning is issued regarding the careful handling of close encounter reports.

Case Files

Two case files are presented:

1. Strensham Services, M5, Gloucs. (March 7, 1996): A report of a near collision between a Hercules Transporter and a black triangular object with red and green lights. The object hovered over the lorry park before moving parallel to the motorway. Investigators Rob and Marilyn Aldworth are seeking similar reports.
2. Basildon, Essex (June 23, 1995): A circular object with a domed top, described as bright white with a mesh pattern and green and red lights, was observed for over two hours and 24 minutes. Police officers were also present and observed the object. The report mentions the possibility of an astronomical explanation due to the observation length.

Other Content

• UFO Wave in Australia: Reports of UFO sightings in Narre Warren, Packenham, Emerald, and Cockatoo, Victoria and Queensland, Australia, between May 26-31, 1996. Descriptions include a red saucer and a yellowish-orange object with triangular lights.
• Intelligence Officer Not That Intelligent? Shock!: An article questioning the credibility of Roswell witness Jesse Marcel, based on research by Robert Todd. Todd's findings suggest Marcel's military record and academic claims may be false, casting doubt on his account.
• New Recruit for UFO Times: Caroline Mayne joins the team as a Sub Editor.
• Gloria Dixon is to be New BUFORA Director of Investigations: Gloria Dixon is elected to head BUFORA's investigations team, taking over from Philip Mantle.
• The Autopsy Cameraman Finally Talks... NOT!: A report debunking rumors that the cameraman behind the 'alien autopsy' film had been interviewed, attributing the false story to a test by Ray Santilli.
• Death Sentence: A brief mention of Robert Joe Moody, who was given the death sentence for murder and alleged alien influence.
• Strange Sighting Over Tewkesbury: A report of a ball of light colliding with a factory wall and a similar object seen floating inside a building.
• Shuttle Sighting: An inquiry into whether the STS-73 crew saw a UFO, based on a claim from 'The UFO Enigma' magazine.
• It Could Only Happen In The U.S.A.: A report on an alleged assassination plot involving radioactive material by members of the Long Island 'UFO Network'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO investigation methodologies, particularly the use of hypnosis and recovered memories, and the reporting of UFO sightings. BUFORA's stance appears to be one of cautious scientific research, emphasizing witness confidentiality and careful investigation, while also acknowledging the controversies surrounding certain investigative techniques like hypnosis. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated claims and emphasizes the need for rigorous research, as exemplified by the obituary for Ken Phillips and the debate on hypnosis. The magazine also aims to keep its readership informed about current UFO news, case files, and developments within the organization.

This issue of UFOTIMES, dated July/August 1996, presents a collection of UFO case files and research updates, alongside a film review and an obituary. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related research within the UK and internationally.

Case Files

The issue features three 'Case Files' detailing UFO sightings:

• Littleover, Derby (1982): A witness recalls being woken by a loud buzzing noise at 2 am and seeing a large object with flashing lights hovering over nearby fields. The object was described as red, yellow, and green, with a definitive shape, and was larger than the full moon. The witness, then ten years old, drew a picture of the object.
• Newcastle Upon Tyne (May 1994): A witness reported being unable to sleep due to an outside security light. He then perceived a presence and saw a small, childlike creature about two feet from his bed. The creature was described as having large black oval eyes and a head that appeared too heavy for its body. The witness attempted to wake his wife, who was aware of his attempts but unresponsive. The creature then disappeared through the bedroom window.
• Near Milnthorpe, Cumbria (1965): Mr. and Mrs. C. reported seeing an intense red, dome or lens-shaped light while driving overnight. Within the light were three small creatures emitting a green luminescence. The entities had large, round staring eyes, a long nose resembling a 'small trunk,' and round bodies. They appeared to be gesturing. The object was estimated to be 25 yards away, partially obscured by a dry stone wall. The entities were about fifteen feet from the car. After the encounter, the witnesses independently drew the scene.

Film Review: Independence Day

Gaynor Wootten reviews the highly publicized film 'Independence Day.' The review praises the film's special effects, describing them as 'out of this world' and noting the convincing portrayal of 15-mile-wide UFOs. The reviewer highlights influences from Spielberg and 1970s disaster movies, as well as a strong resemblance to H.G. Wells' 'War of the Worlds,' suggesting the film's solution to the alien invasion is a modern plagiarism of Wells' work. The film is described as good family entertainment with a 'boo factor,' humor, and minimal 'Yankee-doodle flag waving.' It also touches on themes of government cover-ups, crashed saucers, and Area 51, though it notes that the 'Greys' depicted are not like those described by Budd Hopkins. The reviewer concludes that the film is a 'really good film' and advises viewers to take it as it is meant to be seen.

BUFORA Research Update

Steve Gamble, Director of Research, provides an update on BUFORA's activities:

• Archives: The first part of BUFORA's case report index has been placed on the World-Wide-Web site (BUFORA On-Line). Work continues to update the database.
• Case Report Improvement: Efforts are being made to improve the minimum content required for case reports, addressing inadequately investigated past reports.
• BOLIDE Project: Robert Moore has organized information on Ball-of-Light UFOs into a database, which is expected to be a valuable research tool. A report on this project is anticipated.
• International Links: Richard Conway, head of translators, is forging links with Spanish ufologists and working on UFO report files made available by the Spanish Airforce.
• Public Records Office: Matthew Williams is trawling the Public Records Office for UFO information.
• New Projects:
• Astronaut UFO Reports: Robert Moore is heading a project to collect and analyze all astronaut UFO reports to create a definitive databank.
• 'Wedged Shaped Platforms': Vice-president Lionel Beer has suggested a project to collect data on large, triangular, stationary or slow-moving objects.

The article also discusses the history of triangular UFO reports, referencing the Belgian UFO wave and earlier incidents, including a 1978 report from Corby and a 1972 report from Catterick.

Research Meetings

Details are provided for upcoming BUFORA Research Committee meetings, scheduled for 5th October 1996, 4th January 1997, 3rd May 1997, and 4th October 1997 at the University of Westminster. A BUFORA Research Evening will also be held on 5th October 1996.

Review: Open Skies Closed Minds by Nick Pope

Andy Roberts reviews Nick Pope's book, criticizing its ghostwritten prose and lack of substantive revelations. The reviewer finds the book to be 'pseudo-exciting and essential vacuous,' despite Pope's position as a former MoD desk officer. The review points out perceived flaws in Pope's historical accounts of ufology, including his treatment of the Ezekiel wheel, mystery airships, and foo-fighters. The reviewer also questions Pope's credibility and his assertion that there is no government cover-up, suggesting that if Pope knew more, the Official Secrets Act would prevent him from revealing it. The review concludes that the book misrepresents and dulls the mystery of ufology, offering little new information and failing to advance ufological thinking.

Contact Section

This section includes letters from readers:

• Support for Autopsy?: Chris Rathfoot, M.D., provides a medical analysis of the Roswell Autopsy tape, concluding that the dissected subject shares resemblances to human anatomy but with non-conforming organ sizes, suggesting it is not a creature FX but possibly something that was alive.
• Mirages Aplenty?: Billie Devlin investigates a report from the Firth of Forth, suggesting the object seen might have been a mirage, possibly related to an oil exploration rig.

Ken Phillips Obituary

John Spencer, Chair of BUFORA, writes an obituary for Ken Phillips, a former member of BUFORA and the Witness Support Group. Spencer highlights Phillips' contributions, his sense of humor, and his dedication to the subject. He notes that Phillips had recently resolved difficulties with BUFORA and was working to improve relations with 'The Witness' magazine and the Witness Support Group.

The Morgana Pictures: A Message from Morgana

This statement from Morgana addresses questions regarding their photos related to the Roswell autopsy footage. Morgana clarifies that their head model was constructed using urethane rubber at a cost of approximately £250.00 and took four days to build. They emphasize that their aim was to show how simple it would be to construct a similar alien, not to claim their model was identical to Santilli's film. Morgana denies being involved in faking the autopsy footage or being a 'phantom company' involved in crop circle hoaxes. They firmly believe there was a Roswell incident but that the autopsy footage is unrelated and a fabrication. Morgana encourages ufologists to approach the subject with skepticism and open minds.

Parting Shots

A letter from Ken Phillips to 'Mike' (presumably the editor) addresses criticisms regarding articles in 'Rapport X' and BUFORA's case files. Phillips apologizes for any misrepresentation regarding missing cases and confirms BUFORA's efforts to put cases online. He defends the publication of diverse witness viewpoints in 'Rapport' as a forum for their feelings and experiences.

We Want Your Copy!

An invitation for readers to submit papers for consideration by the UFOTIMES editorial board, with submission guidelines provided.

BUFORA National UFO Lectures & Other Events

Announcements for upcoming BUFORA lectures and conferences, including events in London and Liverpool, and other UFO-related events in Staffordshire and Surrey. Dates and contact information are provided.

Advertisements

Advertisements for 'UFO NEWSFILE' (a British UFO newsclipping magazine), 'VISIONS' (quality alienwear merchandise), and 'UFOCALL' (a phone hotline).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and investigative approach to ufology, encouraging skepticism and thorough research. There is a clear emphasis on debunking hoaxes and distinguishing between genuine phenomena and fabricated evidence, as seen in the Morgana Project's statement and the review of Nick Pope's book. BUFORA's role as a research organization is highlighted, with updates on their archival work and ongoing projects. The magazine also reflects a community of researchers and witnesses, with obituaries, letters, and event announcements.