BUFORA Newsfile - No.37 - May 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA NEWSFILE
Issue: 37
Date: May 1996
Price: £1.00

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE, a publication by BUFORA, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and related mysteries. The cover story highlights an amateur photographer's capture of "Odd lights in sky caught on camera." The magazine features a collection of articles from different regional newspapers across the UK, presenting eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and ongoing investigations into aerial anomalies and crop circles.

Cover Story: Odd lights in sky caught on camera

The lead story on the cover features Chris Perrin, a keen amateur photographer from Wellington, who captured a photograph of a bright object in the night sky. The black and white print shows a series of 'splodges' or dashes of bright light, joined by a thin line. Perrin described the object as 'pulsating' and nearly 'going out.' He called his family to observe it and then set up his camera, taking about half a dozen shots over 30 minutes. The object appeared to remain stationary. The film was developed after Perrin heard a local radio bulletin about strange lights reported near Weston-super-Mare, which Bristol Airport had tracked on radar.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Worcester UFO Sighting: Mat Luder, a UFO investigator from Worcester, reported seeing a triangular craft flying backwards over Barbourne in October of the previous year. He speculated it could be the fabled 'Aurora' spy plane, but noted the craft had wild flashing lights and its point was to the rear. Luder's sighting was prompted by a recent report of an alleged UFO encounter on a nearby road.

Robot Theory on Forestry Worker's UFO Attack Claim: Science fiction writer Duncan Lunan debunked the story of Bob Taylor, a forestry worker who claimed to have been attacked by aliens in 1979. Lunan suggested that Taylor's experience was likely an encounter with an 'undercover military test' involving a remotely piloted vehicle, possibly a robot, that had misfired while being retrieved.

Airport UFO Mystery Hits TV Screens: A UFO spotted near Manchester Airport was the subject of a special investigation on the television programme 'Close Up North.' The report focused on the incident where two British Airways pilots reported an object silently passing their jet 4000 feet above Wilmslow. Initial inquiries suggested it could be a secret airforce plane, and a year-long investigation followed without definitive answers. The programme also explored claims that British Aerospace was developing a radar-invisible fighter jet.

Seeking Answers for Unexplained: A team of amateur investigators in North Staffordshire, called the Potteries Organisation for Paranormal Investigation (P.O.P.I.), was formed to research local UFO activity, hauntings, and psychic phenomena. Gary Cartlidge, a founder member, stated they aim to investigate paranormal aspects rationally, not for profit or glory. The group had invested over £3,000 in equipment and planned regular monthly meetings.

UFO Investigator on Strange Sights: Jenny Randles, a prominent UFO investigator and author, spoke at the Lancaster UFO Group's Planetary Connection Conference. She is also working on a BBC documentary titled 'Britain's Secret UFO Files.' Randles discussed the historical context of UFO investigations, referencing a 1952 document from Winston Churchill regarding flying saucers and the lack of definitive answers over the years.

Mid-Essex UFO Hot Spot: The Essex UFO Group reported a surge in mystery aircraft sightings in the Mid-Essex area, with Chairman Ron West noting Chelmsford, Braintree, and Witham as frequent locations. He stated that 1996 was the busiest year for reports since he began recording figures 15 years prior. Specific sightings included crafts with multiple white lights or red and yellow lights, often described as hovering without noise and spinning anti-clockwise.

The UFOs are flying much closer to home: This article previews the 'Close Up North' programme, highlighting its focus on UFO files in the North-West region. It mentions a Cheshire man's film of unusual shapes and reiterates the British Airways pilots' sighting near Manchester Airport. The article also features Eric Morris of BUFOSC and discusses the skepticism of Ian Morrison from Jodrell Bank observatory.

33 See Strange Flying Objects: The Birmingham UFO Society was investigating alleged sightings of a mystery object over a Midland village, with 33 people reporting sightings. Rob and Marilyn Aldworth, who run the society, were staging vigils in the area. Pauline Tew described seeing a saucer-shaped craft on February 8.

The UFO Phenomena by Edward Ashpole: This section reviews a paperback book that explores questions about the Belgian UFO wave, New Mexico footage of dead aliens, and the possibility of ET surveillance, backed by photographs.

Space Invaders: Coronation Street actress Betty Driver recounted an experience where a UFO followed her car home. She described a large, bright, bulb-shaped object hovering about 30 feet above her car, which moved with her as she drove. She was terrified and pulled over, but the object then flew off.

Strange Spaceship Terrified the Street star: Jonathan Johnson of the Essex UFO Research Group identified Brentwood as a hotspot for alien visitors. He described a 'black triangle with bright white lights around it and an orange light in the middle' as a recurring sighting in Anglia.

UFO expert throws light on strange sights: An investigator explained that a pulsating light seen over Yeovil was likely Venus or the star Regulus, with possible atmospheric effects. However, a report of yellow-white lights was still being studied.

Not one, but two flying triangles: Mr R. Croft from Southport reported seeing two identical triangular objects with white and green lights spiraling around each other over Ovington Drive. He also noted that his car radio had stopped working.

Bright lights worry John: Mysterious bright lights over Manchester left sky-watchers puzzled. John Priestman reported seeing 'very bright, silvery lights,' which Ringway airport suggested might be Venus.

Object in the sky: A witness in Greenfield described a bright gold, mushroom-shaped object with a stalk-like feature, which moved slowly northwards over two hours. The object was reported to the police and Manchester Airport.

Mystery in the evening skies: UFOs hovering above Southport stunned witnesses. A triangular object with white lights in each corner and a green light in the middle was observed. Another couple reported an unidentifiable craft leaving a vapour trail.

Was 'Flying Triangle' an alien craft over town?: This article discusses the Southport sightings and suggests a possible explanation could be a secret Stealth aircraft being developed by British Aerospace. It also encourages keeping an open mind.

UFO expert throws light on strange sights (Yeovil): This article repeats the explanation that a pulsating light over Yeovil was likely Venus or the star Regulus.

Local 'alien' craft: A reader initially mistook a helicopter for an alien craft due to its silent operation and bright lights.

Jim's home, Carlisle, a few weeks later: Jim's story about a figure appearing in a photograph taken in 1964 is revisited. Jenny Randles investigated the 'Cumberland Spaceman' case, finding references to a missile test site incident at Woomera where an unexplained object was recorded.

Unusual sighting: Mrs Caroline Gregory of Cholderton reported seeing a large, bright light hovering towards Andover, which she described as too large for a star and fanning out like skeins of jellyfish.

Woomera, Australia, July 1964: A technician recognized a figure in Jim Templeton's photograph from a sighting at the Blue Streak missile launch site.

Fire station, Carlisle, August 1964: Two men in black suits, claiming to be from 'Her Majesty's Government,' questioned Jim about the photograph.

Probing mystery of crop circles: This article discusses the spread of crop circle formations and the ongoing research by Dr. William Levengood and the BLT Research Team in America. It mentions that ADAS Plant Clinic's work on crop circles was disbanded, raising questions about government involvement.

CROP CIRCLES: Investigations into the mystery continue: This section highlights the extensive research being done on crop circles, with Dr. Levengood seeking sponsors for his work. It also mentions the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) and Ron Jones.

UFO boy on the box: John Taylor, a teenager from Runcorn who claimed to see a UFO, was featured in a BBC-2 documentary 'Close Up North.'

UFOs over Basin?: Unidentified flying objects were spotted hovering over Montrose Basin. Kay Simpson and neighbours observed two bright lights that sank towards the basin.

More strange sightings: Reports of UFOs in the Billericay and Wickford area continued, with a woman forced to stop her car due to an intense white light. Mrs Emily Chatfield and her husband Arthur also witnessed a large, white object with little white lights over the A127.

The picture that featured in a recent UFO Update: A woman from Appley Bridge reported seeing a bright object similar to one previously featured, with a beam of light coming down from it.

Here's your UFO! (Ultimate Flue Outlet): This article humorously points out that a reported UFO sighting in Chichester might have been a UFO-shaped chimney cowl.

UFO mystery solved: Reported UFO sightings over West Cornwall were identified as reflected sunlight from wind turbines on the Lizard.

UFO group told of link with Mars: A Somerset-based UFO group heard a lecture linking formations on Mars with standing stones in Avebury and the ancient Egyptian pyramids, suggesting an extraterrestrial origin.

Mystery light calls: Residents of Dundee reported a light in the sky that disappeared abruptly. Forth District Coastguard received three calls about what looked like a flare.

Strange things are afoot at Gallows Corner: A large, triangular craft with flashing lights was spotted hovering over Gallows Corner in Romford by multiple witnesses. Jonathan Johnson of the Essex UFO Research Group stated this visitor is frequently seen in the area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across the UK, the ongoing efforts to investigate these phenomena, and the persistent mystery surrounding many of them. There's a clear interest in distinguishing between explainable events (like Venus, aircraft, or even hoaxes) and those that defy conventional explanations. The articles often touch upon the role of the military and government in either investigating or potentially concealing information about UFOs. The editorial stance, as suggested by the variety of articles and the inclusion of expert opinions, is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the public to report sightings while also seeking rational explanations where possible. The inclusion of crop circle research adds another layer to the exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential causes.