BUFORA Newsfile - No.44 - Sep II 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of BUFORA UFO Newsfile, dated September 1996, is a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related mysteries. The magazine features a variety of articles, reports, and reader contributions from across the United Kingdom, reflecting a growing public interest in the subject, partly fueled by popular culture like 'The X-Files'. The cover story highlights the Mansfield UFO Club and its 'X-files' of strange goings-on.

Crop Circles in Ryedale

The issue begins with reports of puzzling crop circles appearing in Ryedale, specifically near Pickering and Duggieby. Farmers Richard and Jenny Coupe and Andrew Underwood shared their experiences, with Underwood noting the unusual scorched appearance of the corn in an oval shape. Underwood expressed disbelief that it could be the work of pranksters due to the lack of tramlines or surrounding marks.

Keyworth Visitor and Midlands Lights

A reader named M. Marks from West Bridgford reported seeing a large, silver, round object circling in the sky near Keyworth. Separately, a group of friends from Birmingham, including Nancy Edwards, reported seeing mystery lights in the sky over the Midlands while returning from Bromsgrove to Birmingham. West Mercia Police were unable to identify the cause of these lights.

The Mansfield UFO Club and 'X-Files'

A significant feature introduces the Mansfield UFO Club, a group dedicated to investigating strange aerial phenomena. The article highlights Walter Blythe, the club's secretary, who has been following UFO sightings for 50 years and claims to have photographic evidence. The club reportedly has various mysterious craft sightings in their records, including one with a strange white ball underneath. The club meets monthly at Mansfield Library.

Nottingham Evening Post and Wolverhampton Express & Star Reports

An article from the Nottingham Evening Post on August 1, 1996, details a UFO alert in Cradley caused by a hot-air balloon that landed after being blown off course. The balloon carried 12 people. Another report from the Wolverhampton Express & Star on August 3, 1996, mentions actor Charlie Sheen claiming to have spotted a UFO as a child in Malibu, California.

New Statesman & Society and The Net

An article from New Statesman & Society on July 12, 1996, discusses the popularity of UFO sites on the internet, mentioning 'Flying Saucer Review' and 'TUFOP - The Ultimate UFO Page'. It notes the availability of declassified documents from agencies like the CIA and FBI, and the ongoing debate about government cover-ups.

UFO Alert in Cradley

The Wolverhampton Express & Star reported on August 3, 1996, about a UFO alert in Cradley caused by a hot-air balloon that landed after being blown off course. Residents reported the mysterious night arrival, which turned out to be a harmless balloon carrying 12 people.

Charlie Sheen's Encounter

The Star (Sheffield) on August 12, 1996, featured actor Charlie Sheen claiming to have spotted a UFO as an 11-year-old boy in Malibu, California, describing an aircraft performing acrobatic maneuvers.

The Experience That Made Me a Believer

Retired businessman Gordon Chamberlain shared his experience of seeing a UFO on the M5, describing a brightly lit cylindrical craft. He stated that before this event, he would have laughed at such claims but now knows what he saw was not a star or aircraft. The article also mentions 50 sightings in Somerset alone in the last couple of years and the theory of UFOs flying along ley lines near sacred sites.

Aliens from Outer Space?

The Chard & Ilminster News on August 7, 1996, discusses reports of huge and complex crop circles appearing near Martock, suggesting a possible increase in UFO activity in the region.

Did You See UFO?

This article from the Yellow Advertiser features Mike Baess investigating a strange flying object seen over east London and Essex. Sylvia Thompson described seeing a 'halo with red and yellow lights' that moved quickly. Colin Elstob of the Thameside UFO Study Group is seeking more information.

University Expert Not Convinced

Catherine Jones reports on parapsychologist Susan Blackmore, who believes that claims of alien abduction are often vivid dreams caused by tiredness or stress, attributing them to 'sleep paralysis'. Blackmore, an expert in the paranormal, concludes that the paranormal does not exist.

Kidnap by Aliens 'All in the Mind'

Another article references Dr. Susan Blackmore, who suggests that alien abduction experiences are figments of the imagination, likely caused by sleep paralysis, and not actual encounters.

Heathrow Airport and Invasion of the Body Snatchers

An article titled 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' discusses the US government's alleged secrecy regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial spacecraft, referencing Bob Lazar, a former Area 51 engineer. It mentions the development of advanced spacecraft based on recovered alien technology and the significant funding allocated to Area 51. The article quotes former CIA Deputy Director Admiral Bobby Ray Inman and Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who suggest that the US government is investigating alien technology.

They Really Got Kinks Star Dave

This section features a photograph of Dave, who claims to have seen a UFO over Nuneaton. The article mentions the 'X-Files' and the possibility of alien invasion.

Strange Phenomena and The Unexplained CD-ROM

This piece reviews a CD-ROM titled 'The Unexplained,' which examines UFOs, strange phenomena, ghosts, and spirits. It highlights interactive encyclopedic content, film and video footage, and interviews with experts.

UFO 'Sighted' on Lithuanian Road

The Irish Times (Dublin) on June 27, 1996, reports a sighting of an unidentified flying object by two Lithuanian policemen near Vilnius.

Termintors on Your Doorstep

This article discusses the surge in interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial sightings, partly attributed to the film 'Independence Day.' It includes personal accounts of encounters, such as Laraine Davis experiencing intense heat and Wayne Bryant describing a tall figure with red hair and large eyes.

Horrible Encounters

More personal accounts of alleged alien encounters are detailed, including Louise Mijatovic's experience of a blinding white light and a subsequent leg injury, and Stewart Bradley's sighting of a silent, saucer-shaped craft.

UFOs are a Serious Business

This section emphasizes that UFOlogists conduct serious research, distinguishing between UFOs and potential military aircraft. It mentions documents suggesting high offices like the White House and CIA regularly receive information about UFOs, and that the phenomenon is worldwide. The Joint Airmiss Working Group investigated an incident involving a triangular-shaped UFO encountered by pilots.

A Look Through the X-Files

This article discusses the growing acceptance of UFO and crop circle discussions, partly due to 'The X-Files.' It mentions a Supernormal Research Conference in Cardiff where people shared their alien encounters. Dr. Susan Blackmore, a parapsychologist, is presented as a skeptic who believes these experiences are psychological.

A Horwich Man's Claim

This piece reports on a Horwich man, Phil Catterall, who claims to have witnessed a mysterious white pulsating light. Other readers, including Alfred Lambert and Ashley Latham, reported seeing similar phenomena, reinforcing the belief that these sightings are not easily dismissed.

Farmers Pour Scorn on Corn Aliens

Reports from Hull Daily Mail and Bolton Evening News discuss crop circles appearing in Hedon and Burstwick. Farmers like Jeremy Saunt expressed skepticism, suggesting they were hoaxes. However, a spokesman for the East Riding Highways depot admitted sensing something strange. The article also touches on the possibility of whirlwinds causing crop damage.

Close Encounter on a Camping Holiday

This article from the Falkirk Herald details a couple, John Norval and Wendy Forbes, who claim to have had a close encounter with a UFO while camping. They described a 'traditional flying saucer' with flashing lights that moved erratically.

UFO Show Director in Alien Base Drama

This section discusses a TV director's investigation into alleged alien bases, including Area 51. It references Bob Lazar's testimony about extraterrestrial spacecraft and the US government's denial of such activities. The article also mentions Nick Pope, a senior MoD official, who believes in the existence of Area 51 and alien technology.

A UFO Over Nuneaton

An article from the Heartland Evening News describes Brian Bates's sighting of a strange, all-black craft passing over Nuneaton in broad daylight, leaving him baffled and seeking logical explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circles, alleged alien encounters, and the question of government secrecy and cover-ups. There is a clear presentation of both believers and skeptics, with a leaning towards reporting on the phenomena and the growing public interest. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena, while acknowledging the seriousness with which some authorities reportedly treat the subject.