BUFORA Newsfile - No.41 - Jul II 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA NEWSFILE
Issue: 41
Date: July 1996
Price: £1.00
Publisher: A BUFORA PUBLICATION

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE, dated July 1996, presents a collection of recent UFO sightings and related investigations from across the United Kingdom. The publication aims to provide an objective and detailed report on these phenomena, moving away from sensationalism and focusing on credible witness accounts and expert analysis.

Cover Story: Something Fishy Scares Off Anglers

The lead story on the cover details an incident where two teenagers on a fishing trip were scared off by a strange black craft that appeared in the sky above them. Steven Wright (17) and James Rawie (16) were fishing near Milverton when they saw a large black triangle with a white light on each corner and another near the centre. The craft made a low-pitched humming noise and passed overhead at an estimated 200 to 300 feet. They described the experience as 'pretty scary' and fled the scene.

The article also includes another sighting reported by retired businessman Gordon Chamberlain of Bishops Hull, Taunton. He reported seeing a brightly lit cylindrical craft keeping pace with his car on the M5 near Bridgwater at midnight. He later watched the craft through binoculars and stated, "I know what I saw and it was a clear night. It was not a star or a plane, it was some sort of craft."

UFO Proves a Mystery (Gloucester Citizen)

This report from Gloucester details how a local paranormal investigations team has declared a UFO sighting over Matson a bizarre mystery. The Gloucester UFO Circular Forum conducted inquiries into a hovering object first spotted a month prior. Witnesses described the object as a main white disc with a peanut-shaped red light and surrounded by blue-green lights. Investigator Robin Cole stated that all lines of inquiry had been exhausted, with checks made with aviation authorities, ballooning enthusiasts, the Ministry of Defence, the Met Office, and police, all without success. The object was seen on multiple occasions, reappearing in the same location and also moving towards Cheltenham. The team is seeking further witnesses.

UFO Watchers Spot 'Boomerang' Object (Staffordshire Evening Sentinel)

UFO watchers have received reports of a boomerang-shaped craft hovering over homes in Clayton. The Potteries Organisation for Paranormal Investigation (POPI) reported that a lady saw a 'flying boomerang' that circled in the sky before heading towards Hanchurch. It returned several times, occasionally disappearing into cloud cover. The object was described as black and solid, appearing to change shape as it moved. No engine noise was heard, and it did not bank like a conventional aircraft. Checks with local flying clubs yielded no explanation. POPI is seeking further information from anyone who had sightings.

Knock Notches Up Another Miracle (Sunday World, Dublin)

In Knock, Ireland, a 'UFO' was reportedly spotted hovering and then heading towards the Nephin Mountains. The object, described by one onlooker as "the size of a four storey house," emitted bright lights from its bottom and eventually disappeared behind trees. The man who examined the object with binoculars confirmed the bright lights.

OAP Hazel Spies UFO (Teesside Evening Gazette)

Hazel Stubbs, a pensioner from Normanby, believes she saw a UFO while making tea. She described a gold-coloured object moving at tremendous speed, stating it was not an aeroplane and was definitely an object travelling from north to south. Cleveland Police had not been informed of any sightings.

UFO Hunter: Video Joy for Video joy for UFO hunter (Dundee Courier & Advertiser)

This article details an appeal by a Fife UFO researcher for information on strange objects seen in the area. Bob Stewart received a videotape from Sam Page, who managed to film a mysterious object for several minutes. The object was estimated to be about 500 feet up and 150 feet long, moving incredibly fast with no sound. It was described as changing shape in a liquid form from a sphere into a glowing ring. The tape was taken on the same nights as other sightings in the area. The researcher is hoping to show the tape to astronomer Brian Kelly.

UFOs Callers Jam Airwaves (Bucks Advertiser)

This report highlights how UFO spotters have been contacting the Bucks Advertiser with reports of unusual sightings around Aylesbury. It follows a previous article about Peter and Sheria Davis's experience. Several other people have confirmed their sightings. Witnesses described a red object glowing like a football. The article also mentions other sightings in the area, including an orange ball and a luminous object shaped like a squashed egg.

Yorks UFO Alert Revealed (York Star)

According to a new book, "Beyond Top Secret" by Timothy Good, airforce personnel at RAF Topcliffe spotted a UFO travelling at incredible speed nearly 45 years ago. Flight Lieutenant John Kilburn spotted a silver, circular object about 10,000ft up, which followed his Meteor jet. The object then accelerated at incredible speed and disappeared. Several other pilots and aircrew witnessed the object, concluding it was a solid object unlike anything they had seen before.

Flying Triangle Was Definitely No Aircraft (Burton Daily Mail)

This letter corrects a previous article, with the President of the Charnwood UFO Research Group, KR Hargrave-Parsons, stating that the triangle sightings in May last year could not be explained as aircraft or dirigibles. Over 30 credible witnesses described the object identically. Checks with local airfields confirmed it was not an aeroplane or airship. He asserts that something large and triangular is flying and it is not an airliner or Venus.

The Truth Is Out There (Burton Daily Mail)

A postal worker claims he had a close encounter after two giant UFOs were spotted hovering over Burton. Mr Tom Culleton described a craft "the size of a football pitch" gliding over homes. He also reported a second sighting of a massive triangular craft. UFO investigators note this as part of around 20 "flying triangle" sightings in the Burton and South Derbyshire area. The case is being investigated by the Phenomena Research Association.

UFO claim for strange orange light (Gloucestershire Echo)

Security guard Tony Bryant reported seeing a cigar-shaped orange light moving across the Tewkesbury-Evesham road. He described it as being about 500ft above the ground, moving silently and at the speed of an aircraft. He noted that nearby gulls went 'bananas' despite the silence. He speculates that the sightings might be related to GCHQ. Police and the RAF had no reports of UFOs in the area.

Did You See a UFO? (Oban Times)

This letter requests information about an alleged sighting of two "unidentified flying objects" on the A82 between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy on February 1, 1996. The objects were described as triangular with red and green lights, with one coming within close proximity of a car. The writer is seeking contact with occupants of other vehicles who may have witnessed the incident.

Odyssey's Alien Oddities (Video Home Entertainment)

This section reviews a video titled "Odyssey: The Untold Stories," which promises stunning UFO footage and extensive interviews with military personnel and civilian observers. It is described as a level-headed and un-sensationalist documentary.

MP Investigates UFO Mystery (Various Sources)

Cirencester MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown inquired about UFOs with the Ministry of Defence. Junior Defence Minister Earl Howe stated that there was no evidence substantiating alleged phenomena and that down-to-earth explanations are available for most sightings. The MP expressed hope that this would reassure constituents, though acknowledged it might disappoint some.

Eyemouth Fisherman Above Vessel (The Scotsman)

This article, though not fully legible, appears to discuss a fisherman's sighting of a UFO above a vessel. The accompanying image shows a sketch of a UFO.

UFOs Really Do Exist (The Mail)

This article, by Nick Pope, discusses his experiences as the UFO desk officer at the Ministry of Defence. He recounts numerous UFO reports, including a significant incident on March 30-31, 1993, involving a triangular craft that radar could not track. Pope expresses his belief that UFOs represent a significant issue for the human race and that the military would be at the forefront of dealing with them. He also mentions the possibility of advanced technology and the government's potential to suppress information.

Officials Are Staying Silent to Avoid Being Ridiculed

This section, likely related to Nick Pope's article, discusses the Ministry of Defence's handling of UFO reports since 1959. It notes that while many reports are explicable, some are genuinely perturbing. The fear of ridicule is cited as a major deterrent for officials and military personnel to report sightings. The article suggests that the armed forces, particularly the RAF, are more open-minded about UFOs due to their potential threat.

Bizarre Sightings Puzzle Residents (Fife Free Press)

This report details sightings of strange, unidentified flying objects over Kirkcaldy, Scotland. Witnesses described lights moving slowly and then sweeping back over the same route. The motion was described as not like a helicopter, and there was no noise. The article mentions that Scottish Power and RAF Leuchars had no reports of unusual activity. The Royal Observatory also stated it was difficult to identify what was seen.

'UFO' Claims Probed (Oxford Mail)

UFO investigators are probing sightings of a 'spooky beam of green light' above Abingdon. Eyewitnesses suggest it could have been a laser. Bill Foley, an investigator with Oxford-based Contact International, is compiling reports on the phenomenon.

UFOs' Good Timing (Manchester Evening News)

This brief article notes that as 'The X-Files' was airing in Australia, several UFO sightings were reported over Gladstone, Queensland. Policeman Andrew Luhrs reported receiving calls about strange lights and investigating a star-shaped light on the horizon.

Circle Closing in on Crop Mystery (Various Sources)

This section discusses the ongoing investigation into crop circles, with expert Colin Andrews and co-researcher Reg Presley examining data. They are moving towards a conclusion about the crop circles, with samples sent to a biophysicist in America. Infra-red photographs revealed some circles were made by people, but a significant number were not. The article also mentions a UFO and crop circle museum in Japan and upcoming speaking engagements for Colin Andrews.

World (Yorkshire Evening Post)

A brief mention of 'The X-Files' coinciding with UFO sightings in Australia and a mysterious blue light in New Zealand.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE consistently highlights a range of UFO sightings across the UK, from the mundane to the unexplained. Recurring themes include the description of various craft shapes (triangles, discs, spheres, boomerangs), unusual lights, silent movement, and high speeds. Several articles emphasize the difficulty in finding conventional explanations for these phenomena, with some suggesting advanced technology or unknown origins. The publication appears to adopt an objective stance, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs. There is an undercurrent of official skepticism or silence, contrasted with the persistent reports from the public and the efforts of independent UFO research groups. The magazine seems to encourage open-mindedness towards the subject, as evidenced by the title of one article, "UFOs Really Do Exist," and the emphasis on credible witnesses and thorough investigation.