BUFORA Newsfile - No.02

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSFILE
Issue: Number 2
Publisher: A BUFORA Publication
Date: August 1990
Price: £1.00

This issue of UFO NEWSFILE, Number 2, delves into a variety of UFO-related phenomena, featuring reports, interviews, and analyses from various sources. The cover story, "That's enough Martians-Ed," highlights the experiences of Ed Walters from Gulf Breeze, Florida, who claims multiple encounters with extraterrestrial craft and beings.

Key Articles and Reports

That's enough Martians-Ed

This feature by John Passmore details the experiences of Ed Walters, a builder from Gulf Breeze, Florida. Walters claims his first sighting occurred on November 11, 1987, when he saw a glowing, bluish-grey craft. He managed to take a photograph, which appeared in the local newspaper, the Gulf Breeze Sentinel. Walters describes being hit by a blue light beam, lifted off the ground, and hearing a voice in his head. The article recounts subsequent sightings and an alleged encounter with a small, greyish-black creature with large black eyes. Walters was later examined under hypnosis, where he described being beamed aboard a ship. Despite skepticism, his publishers claim his book offers convincing evidence of UFOs.

'Spaceship' noise keeps families awake

This report from Swindon, UK, details residents' claims of being woken by a mysterious, rhythmic, high-pitched noise described as sounding like a 'spaceship.' Ann Farthing and her family, including her daughter and son-in-law, reported hearing the hovering, whirring sound for extended periods. Local police and environmental health departments had no official reports of such noises.

OAP queries: 'Did anyone else see UFO'

Doris Thirlwell, a 74-year-old resident of Acre Court, claims to have seen a 'funny shaped star' with bright lights above her flat, observed through binoculars. She reported the sighting to the warden and police, who were skeptical. Thirlwell insists she knows what she saw and was not frightened, describing the object as 'magnificent.'

ARE ALIENS SPYING ON US?

This section includes several short reports:

• Couple spooked by close encounter on the planet Thanet: Tracey Render and Paul Cowell reported seeing seven separate bundles of flashing lights enter a black shape in a cloud over Thanet on Halloween morning. They described the event as 'spooky' and 'shocking.'
• COMMUNION (Film Review): A review of Philippe Mora's film 'Communion,' adapted from Whitley Strieber's novel. The review is highly critical, describing the film as a 'second-rate Spielberg rip-off' with a 'third-rate cast' and 'inept' screenplay, despite its subject matter of alien visitations.
• Tank shape UFO: Essex UFO researchers are investigating reports of a 150ft diameter tank-shaped craft with five square red lights spotted over the county. Two police officers reported one sighting. A meeting for the Essex UFO Research Group is announced.
• UFO balloon theory: Tass news agency reported that an unidentified flying object seen near Murmansk, Russia, was likely a gigantic balloon.

Mystery circle appears in field of barley

By Beverly Davies, this report details a new mysterious corn circle found in a barley field in Aberystwyth, Wales. Edna Jones reported the 18-foot-wide circle appeared overnight with no tracks leading to it. Professor Jim Taylor suggests the phenomenon could be caused by humid weather mixed with turbulence, creating a whirlwind-like effect. The article notes that circles have been appearing across Britain, with some people blaming aliens, while others, like Professor Taylor, believe they are hoaxes or weather-related.

Strange circles 'made by Army'

According to a new book, 'The Crop Circle Enigma' by George Wingfield, the Army allegedly created elaborate corn circle hoaxes on official instructions to 'defuse public hysteria.' The article mentions a hoax in Wiltshire where video cameras captured orange lights, followed by a ouija board and wooden crosses found at the site.

Flying dish?

Scientists are studying a strange dish-like hole in a cornfield in western France, with suggestions it could be UFO-related.

Lights in the sky mystery

Residents in Malvern reported seeing strange beams of light, initially thought to be searchlights or UFOs. The cause was later identified as lasers from an exhibition at the Showman's Show.

UFO report at bay

This article discusses a sighting of freak lightning and seven flashing lights over Kingsgate, reported by Paul Cowell. RAF Manston ruled out helicopters. The report also mentions the possibility of 'RPVs' (Remotely Piloted Vehicles) being responsible for some sightings.

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT(?)

This brief report from OSCAR NEWS details a sighting by cosmonauts on September 18, 1990, during a pass over Argentina to the Azores, who observed luminous effects and detailed navigation data of an unknown object.

Bang goes UFO theory

An exploding meteorite is suggested as the cause for mysterious lights flashing in the night sky over western Europe, described by witnesses as 'diamond-shaped flying saucers' and 'flashing triangular unidentified flying objects.'

Alert on reports of UFOs

Three separate reports of a flying saucer hovering above the moors alerted police in Saddleworth and West Yorkshire. A man reported the object shone a spotlight on his car. Similar sightings were reported in West Yorkshire.

G'DAY, E.T.!

Hundreds of people in Sydney, Australia, reported a huge, disc-shaped UFO hovering over the city.

UFO mystery

A couple camping near Banbury claim they saw a black, diamond-shaped craft with lights all around the side hovering over them. They described a wobbling motion and a noise like a generator.

Logic flattens corn circle theories

James Erlichman presents a theory by Robert Cory, who suggests that 'corn circles' are caused by circular irrigation machines altering salts and silt, weakening crop stems, which are then flattened by wind flurries. Cory, who has a degree in theoretical physics, offers his report for free.

Riddle of glasnost and the UFOs

This report from Moscow discusses the increased interest in 'Strange Phenomena' in Russia following the era of glasnost. It mentions sightings of a 'riverboat from space' over the Volga and suggests that the upsurge in religion might be leading people to look for something to believe in.

SPOTTA DA UFO, GINO

An unidentified flying object brought Italy to a halt over a weekend. A pear-shaped luminous object was sighted, and air force jets failed to catch it.

Abductions

This section includes a review by Andrew Clifford of Edith Fiore's book 'Abductions,' which suggests that in many cases, 'UFO-abductees' might be using the UFO narrative as a cover for repressed memories of childhood abuse. The reviewer notes that the UFO scenario with its faceless aliens provides a metaphor for sexual abuse.

Aliens are taking our babies for a ride...

By Tim Cooper, this article discusses Budd Hopkins' theory that aliens are abducting women and stealing their babies for genetic experiments. Hopkins, a painter-sculptor, has documented over 300 cases and believes this is a form of infiltration rather than invasion, causing significant psychic damage.

His alien?

This report details Philip Spencer's encounter with a 'small green creature' and a 'silver disc-shaped object' on Ilkley Moor. Spencer, a policeman, photographed the creature. He also experienced a time loss, with shops open and streets full of people when it should have been much earlier. A Kodak expert's report on the photograph is mentioned, and Spencer's account is further explored through hypnosis, where he describes being taken aboard a UFO.

UFOs: The Gulf Breeze Sightings Ed & Frances Walters Bantam Press (Book Review)

This review discusses the book by Ed and Frances Walters about their experiences in Gulf Breeze. The reviewer notes the aliens speak Spanish and are four feet tall. The review questions the validity of the accounts, suggesting they could be hoaxes or misidentifications, and concludes that the book leaves the reader 'extraterrestrially agnostic.'

Italians in a furore over UFO fireball

Thousands of Italians, including pilots, reported seeing a blinding white light and a huge mass of fire speeding across the sky near Rome. The object was described as incredibly fast and left a trail of grey smoke. The cause is speculated to be a meteorite or a UFO.

UFO sighted hovering in night sky

John Westgarth reported seeing a mysterious pinky-orange cigar-shaped object hovering over his back garden in Wickford. His wife Doris also witnessed it. Bob Easter of the Technical Phenomenon Research group is seeking further information from anyone else in the area who may have seen similar phenomena.

The day Clacton had its own UFO

This report from a new book, 'The UFO Report 1991,' mentions a giant round metal object spotted hovering and then shooting out to sea near Clacton. The object had blue, green, and red lights and made a humming sound. The book also covers other UFO-related topics.

Nothing to do with the moon

A letter to the editor from 'Ferret's Informant' addresses a previous dismissal of a UFO sighting. The writer describes seeing a bright amber light above sea level, which they claim had nothing to do with the moon, helicopters, or aircraft, and was moving at a high speed.

UFO report tells of round metal object

This report, referencing 'UFO Report 1991,' mentions a giant round metal object spotted hovering and then shooting out to sea near Clacton. It also notes an incident where a woman was reportedly 'flabbergasted' by an object that landed in a Kent cornfield.

Bringing UFOs down to earth

By Alan Berry, this article discusses the phenomenon of corn circles, questioning whether they are caused by mini-whirlwinds, UFOs, or hoaxes. It references the book 'Phantoms of the Sky. UFOs - A Modern Myth' by David Clarke and Andy Roberts, which debunks UFO mythology. The article suggests that many sightings can be explained by misidentified aerial objects like stars, planets, airplanes, and the moon, and also mentions Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) as a possible explanation for some sightings.

Farmer in a paddy

A farmer in western Japan reportedly protested that two 'mystery circles,' similar to those in Britain, flattened his rice paddy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWSFILE are UFO sightings, alien encounters, crop circles, and abduction phenomena. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from detailed accounts of alleged encounters and scientific investigations to critical reviews and skeptical explanations. There is a clear interest in documenting these phenomena, with numerous newspaper clippings from various regional and national publications included. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also offering rational explanations for some of the more mysterious events.

This issue, published by BUFORA (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association) and featuring content from the Evening Gazette (18.10.90), Stockport Express Advertiser (17.10.90), East Anglian Daily Times (03.10.90), Standard Recorder (09.08.90), Wall Street Journal Europe (11.09.90), Ealing Gazette (13.04.90), Gloucestershire Echo (11.09.90), and Western Gazette (13.09.90), delves into various UFO sightings and their potential explanations. The overall tone balances the serious investigation of unexplained phenomena with skepticism and rational explanations.

Essex UFO Research

The lead article focuses on Ron West, chairman of the Essex UFO Research team, which comprises 54 members including scientists, accountants, and policemen. The team takes its 2,500 annual reports seriously, with about 300 classified as unidentified. Their files date back to 1906, and some information is kept on computer while other data is guarded due to past raids on UFO centers. Mr. West defines a UFO as 'anything that is unidentified; it could be space debris, the re-entry of satellites or aircraft.'

One of the latest sightings reported is by Mark Parnham, a clairvoyant and medium. He described an object with cherry red lights moving at a 45-degree angle and performing an anti-clockwise manoeuvre before shooting off silently. Mr. West confirmed that Stansted and Southend airfields, the military, and the coastguard had no knowledge of the object and it did not appear on any radar.

The research team's theories are unconventional, with Mr. Parnham explaining that some cases have involved 'inter-dimensional aspects,' 'extra-terrestrial' origins, 'time travel from the future,' and the 'inner world' concept, which assumes the world is hollow. He references Admiral Byrd's alleged journey under the Earth to find rivers, lakes, and forests, suggesting governments may be aware of this 'underworld.'

Another case involved a Clacton couple who reported a strange horse-shoe shaped light that caused them to arrive in Corby two-and-a-half hours later than expected, a phenomenon attributed to 'losing themselves in time.' Mr. West stated these cases were investigated under hypnotic regression.

The group's 'Satellite' team has observed passing satellites, but the public's fascination with UFOs is highlighted by a report of numerous callers claiming to see lights in the sky, which turned out to be an Ipswich nightclub's anniversary lightshow.

Despite skepticism, Mr. Parnham believes England, particularly the Essex area, is becoming a UFO center, with many people afraid to speak out for fear of being labeled cranks.

Stockport Mystery Lights Explained

A separate report from the Stockport Express Advertiser details a 'mystery lights' incident on Monday night where UFO-like shapes hovered in giant circles. The event caused a stir, with many callers reporting the spooky, high-altitude light show. However, the Civil Aviation Authority explained it was a laser display by a Manchester nightclub, the Millionaire Nightspot, celebrating its first anniversary. The club confirmed they had received police inquiries about the incident.

Connie Cook's Alien Music

An article from The Wall Street Journal Europe (11.09.90) introduces Connie Cook, a pianist-singer from Peoria, Illinois, who claims aliens from the Pleiades star cluster taught her their music. She describes her music as a 'dreamy sort of jazz and soft-rock fusion' with lyrics translated from the alien lingo. While the music industry has not embraced her work, some critics find it 'other-worldly.' Ms. Cook's first close encounter was in 1981 when a globe-shaped craft hovered outside her window. She believes she was placed on Earth by aliens to make people aware of humanity's impact on the planet.

Military and aerospace officials doubt such claims, with Capt. Sigmund Adams of the Air Force Readiness Support Branch stating they no longer take UFO reports. NASA's unmanned Voyager missions carry music recordings into space, but there's no active search for extraterrestrial signals.

Ms. Cook's mother is skeptical of her daughter's claims, and astronomers like Carl Sagan express doubt. However, some listeners find her music 'moving and inspired.' Record companies are hesitant due to potential controversy, as music inspired by UFOs could be seen as too controversial.

Other Sightings and Explanations

Several other brief reports cover various sightings:

• Ealing Gazette (13.04.90): A terrified school teacher reported seeing a glowing, fluorescent white light with a hint of green flying across the sky, which then disappeared.
• Daily Express (09.08.00): Ed Walters, a property developer, reported sightings of flying saucers and took pictures. The article mentions his book 'UFOS: THE GULF BREEZE SIGHTINGS' and discusses the skepticism surrounding such claims.
• Gloucestershire Echo (11.09.90): A baffled man from Leckhampton reported seeing a mysterious amber glow in the sky, which moved erratically before disappearing. Police had no reports of unusual lights, and local astronomers suggested it might have been a rising moon.
• Western Gazette (13.09.90): Colin Chambers of Yeovil thought he saw a spaceship with bright lights, but it was later believed to be an airship from the Farnborough Air Show.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with UFOs and the ongoing debate between unexplained phenomena and rational explanations. The Essex UFO Research team represents the dedicated investigators who take these reports seriously, while other articles highlight how many sightings can be attributed to conventional sources like laser shows, airships, or even natural celestial events. The issue also touches upon the psychological aspects of belief, skepticism, and the potential for conspiracy theories surrounding UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the evidence and theories from UFO researchers while also providing the counter-arguments and logical explanations from official sources and scientific perspectives, suggesting that while the mystery persists, many 'UFOs' have earthly origins.