BUFORA Newsfile - No.45 - Oct 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of BUFORA UFO Newsfile, dated October 1996, is a compilation of UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related investigations, primarily focusing on incidents within the United Kingdom. The magazine features reports from various newspapers and personal accounts, highlighting the persistent interest and ongoing debate surrounding the UFO phenomenon.

Key Articles and Reports

Top Secret UFO Mysteries the MOD Ignored This prominent article, by James Moore, introduces Nick Pope, a former UFO Investigator for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Pope, who worked on the MoD's UFO desk from 1991 to 1994, became convinced of alien visitations after dealing with approximately 9,000 reported sightings since 1959. He states that by the end of his tenure, he believed UFOs were 'potentially the most important issue currently facing the human race.' The article highlights several 'unexplained' mysteries that changed his mind, including the March 31, 1993, nationwide wave of sightings and the Rendlesham Forest incident.

'Crashed plane' was spaceship (December 27, 1980) This report details an incident at RAF-US Air Force base at Woodbridge, Suffolk. Two security guards patrolling the perimeter saw bright lights and a metallic, triangular craft. Further investigation by USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt and his team encountered equipment interference and saw pulsating lights. The MoD has reportedly given no answers to Halt's reports, with the official verdict being 'unexplained'.

'Buzzed' at 1,100mph (March 31, 1993) This article describes a major wave of UFO sightings on March 31, 1993, involving numerous police and military witnesses. Reports included two bright lights and a third fainter one flying in perfect formation ahead of vapour trails. One witness calculated a speed of 1,100mph. The sightings were described as zig-zagging in a random pattern at incredibly high speeds. A family in Rugeley, Staffs, also reported seeing a huge diamond-shaped object.

Cadet told 'Do not be afraid' (October 29, 1993) A young cadet from Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth saw a bright, disc-shaped object hovering over a sports field. The object had coloured lights and protrusions, and the cadet reported receiving telepathic messages. A bird reportedly plummeted to the ground after flying too close to the object.

Hunting the spider – lights flashing (November 24, 1995) This report from the Salisbury Journal details a witness account of a strange object with a series of lights, described as an 'upside-down spider,' hovering over MoD fields near Winterslow for about half an hour.

Alien encounter cost victim job A man walking in the Quantock Hills encountered a huge, black, saucer-shaped craft with bat-like wings. He experienced a burning sensation and later suffered health deterioration, losing his job. Researchers suggested radiation sickness, and he eventually recovered after treatment.

RAF pilots spotted UFOs speeding after jet (September 19, 1952) According to a book by UFO expert Timothy Good, RAF pilots at Topcliffe spotted a UFO travelling at incredible speed near a Meteor jet. The object was described as silver and circular, descending and rotating before accelerating west and disappearing.

Fred Walker spotted a flying saucer Fred Walker reported seeing a metallic, silver craft, like aluminium, hovering in front of his car on the A64 road. His son observed different coloured lights underneath. The object was followed for about three miles before vanishing. Walker is convinced he saw a 'flying saucer'.

Skies are Alive with the Sight of UFOs! This section highlights a surge in UFO sightings across Britain, with groups like Skysearch setting up 'alien welcome centres'. It mentions a Civil Aviation Authority investigation into a sighting by two British Airways pilots near Manchester Airport, describing a wedge-shaped object lit up like a Christmas tree.

Bases hold UFO puzzle key Nick Pope claims that servicemen at RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford hold the key to a mystery sighting from March 1993, involving an enormous craft firing beams of light. The MoD stated that sightings are assessed for security risks but provided no specific information on this case.

UFO mystery (Annandale Observer, August 9, 1996) A woman in Annan recalled seeing a strange light in the sky passing over the town, which later vanished.

Object in the sky 'totally alien'? (Oswestry & Border Counties Advertiser, June 19, 1996) Marcus Evans reported seeing a brilliant light in the sky over Oswestry, describing it as 'like nothing else I have ever seen before' and believing it to be an alien force.

Mystery deepens (Huddersfield) Reports of strange lights circling the town of Huddersfield have increased, with witnesses describing lines of brightly-coloured lights and cigar-shaped objects.

Is there anybody out there? (Financial Times, July 9, 1996) This article discusses a colloquium of scientists in Capri discussing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Scientists believe it's a matter of 'when,' not 'if,' such intelligence will be discovered, citing the discovery of Jupiter-like planets around nearby stars.

Don't be so green Dave (Wigan Reporter, July 4, 1996) This section features a letter from a sceptic questioning UFO reports and a response from the publication defending its coverage of UFO sightings and letters.

Are they the next big thing? (Scottish Daily Star, July 9, 1996) This piece reviews the band Dissident Prophet, mentioning that their guitarist is investigating a link between motorway lighting patterns and UFO navigation.

Riddle of guy in the sky! Reports of a mysterious 'unidentified flying man' (UFM) spotted soaring over St. Austell, Cornwall, by a woman walking her dog.

JON PROVES THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE (Various Newspapers) This section highlights the success of Jon King's magazine 'UFO Reality,' which has seen unprecedented demand. King believes there is a conspiracy to keep the truth about UFOs from the public and hopes his magazine will pressure governments to reveal what they know.

Talking about strange encounters of the utterly mysterious kind... This article discusses the 'Day of Abductions' conference in Sheffield, featuring speakers who have experienced or researched alien abductions. It mentions Linda Jones's account of an encounter with six extraterrestrials in Manchester.

Closed minds A letter to the editor expressing delight at the increased coverage of UFOs and the need to overcome 'closed minds' on the subject.

Will we ever be told? (Various Newspapers) This section presents several personal accounts of UFO sightings and experiences, including a sighting in South Yorkshire in 1965, a sighting over a military establishment in 1960, and 'Foo Fighters' seen during WWII.

UFO-watcher David Atkinson David Atkinson, a UFO investigator, is establishing the Manchester UFO Research Network to investigate sightings in the North Manchester and Middleton areas.

The Sky's Not the Limit Details a planned sky-watch event by the Manchester UFO Research Network to monitor the skies for UFOs.

Mega Byte A brief mention of a CD-ROM about UFOs and a book titled 'The Unexplained' by Timothy Good.

Servicemen 'hold the key to UFO sightings mystery' This report reiterates Nick Pope's claim that servicemen at RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford hold key information about a March 1993 sighting.

The X Files A section discussing the BBC series 'X-Files' and its alleged connection to secret government departments treating 'X-File' cases seriously. It features ufologist Jenny Randies and Nick Pope.

Alien encounter cost victim job (Repeated from earlier section)

'Crashed plane' was spaceship (Repeated from earlier section)

'Buzzed' at 1,100mph (Repeated from earlier section)

Cadet told 'Do not be afraid' (Repeated from earlier section)

Hovering craft is snapped... but still hushed up This report details a February 1994 sighting of a disc-shaped, metallic craft with lights over Craigluscar reservoir, Scotland, by civil servant Ian Macpherson.

Many mysteries to explore and enjoy A brief mention of a CD-ROM and a book related to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reporting of UFO sightings across the UK, the alleged secrecy and denial by government bodies (particularly the Ministry of Defence), and the growing public interest fueled by media coverage and popular culture like 'The X-Files'. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence. There's a clear emphasis on the 'unexplained' nature of many events and the belief that governments may be withholding information. The publication aims to provide a platform for these accounts and encourage further investigation and disclosure.