BUFORA Newsfile - No.46 - Oct II 1996

Magazine Overview

BUFORA NEWSFILE, Issue 46, October 1996, is a compilation of news reports detailing numerous UFO sightings across the United Kingdom during late summer and early autumn of 1996. The magazine highlights a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and initial investigations into these events.

UFO Sighting Over Birkdale Leaves Witnesses Stunned

This article by Graeme Goundry reports on a UFO sighting in Birkdale where seven people witnessed a mysterious white object. Carla Frost, one of the witnesses, described the object as "very bright and was shaped like a jellyfish." It was observed for about 30 to 40 seconds, flying at a height of approximately two houses, moving from Waterloo Road towards Ormskirk. Tracy Marshall, another witness, believes the object was extraterrestrial, noting its similarity to images in a UFO book. Both witnesses mentioned facing skepticism from others.

The article also references other strange incidents reported in the Southport Visiter, including a triangular UFO seen hovering above a field. Jenny Randles, editor of "Northern UFO" magazine, suggested the craft might be a secret Stealth aircraft being developed by British Aerospace.

Object Shaped Like a Jellyfish

This short piece reiterates the description of a UFO seen over Birkdale as being "shaped like a jellyfish."

Just What Flew Over Calderdale?

By Nick Drainey, this article details a UFO sighting over Calderdale. Paul Flanagan of Goitside, Booth, reported seeing a bright light, estimated to be 1,000ft long, streaking across the sky at about 9 pm on a Sunday. He described it as "sapphire blue and brilliant white in colour" and unlike a typical meteor. John Swift of Haugh End Lane, Sowerby Bridge, saw a white flash of light moving west, describing it as having "a core of something and a long tail which went for a mile or two." He noted it disappeared within three to four seconds. Kenneth Bufton, a student of strange phenomena, suggested it could be a meteor, explaining how atmospheric friction causes them to heat up and break down. Dr. Ian Brown, a scientist at Jodrell Bank Science Centre, stated that while many meteor sightings are made, some descriptions are plausible, and these objects can be seen from up to 100 miles away.

'Spinning UFO' Has Firemen Mystified

This report from the Tonbridge Courier describes a midnight sighting of a UFO hovering above Bradford. Four firemen from Bradford Central station spotted a "tubular object in the sky spinning over the Bolton Road area." Sub Officer Harvey Stewart said it was visible for about 30 seconds before disappearing in a shower of sparks, with no obvious explanation. A Wilsden man also claims to have seen two UFOs in the village recently. Neither Leeds Bradford Airport nor West Yorkshire Police could provide an explanation.

Did Object Come From Outer Space?

By Sophie Kofman, this article features Helen Padden of Tunbridge Wells, who witnessed a strange object hovering outside her window at 5:30 am. She described it as a "great big bubble, perfectly circular, glowing gold and emitting pulsing light." Within seconds, it glided silently off. Mrs. Padden, who studies humanities, expressed her belief in life in space and stated that while she wouldn't claim it was an alien spaceship, it was the "most likely" explanation. A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed they check all UFO sightings but found no reported instances posing a security threat. They noted that UFOs can be misidentified as aircraft, helicopters, planets, satellites, or even car headlights.

UFO Concern Over Bright Light in Sky

This report from the Dundee Courier & Advertiser details a sighting over the Douglas area of Dundee. A woman saw a "strange bright light with a red bit in the middle" hovering over the Baldovie Incinerator, with another light whizzing around it. The object remained static for about 15 minutes. A spokesperson for RAF Leuchars Airshow confirmed no aircraft were active in the area. Dundee City astronomer Brian Kelly suggested the object could be the planet Venus, which is very bright in the morning sky and appears to drift across the sky.

If There Are Any UFOs Out There Please Phone Home

By Shelley Wright, this article focuses on Brian Tomlinson, a former market trader from Accrington who became interested in UFOs after spotting two unexplained "flying saucers" over Rossendale. He described them as "two bright lights in the sky" that were stationary before one shot towards Burnley and the other towards Manchester. Brian is seeking others with similar stories to compile a book about unexplained phenomena in East Lancashire, which he believes is a "hot-spot" for UFO sightings.

UFO Turned Out To Be Lasers

In Chelmsford, police received calls from people who thought they had spotted a UFO. However, the mystery was solved when it was identified as laser lights from Club Zeus. Inspector Chris McIntosh explained that under specific atmospheric conditions, these lights can be seen for a considerable distance.

'AYRSHIRE A UFO Hotspot'

This article from the Kilmarnock & District Leader confirms Ayrshire as a UFO "hotspot," with over 24 reports of Unidentified Flying Objects in the Stewarton area this year. Michael Robinson, Scotland's Chief Investigator for the British UFO Association, noted that one unusual sighting involved a "long cigar shaped craft the size of an oil tanker flying at low altitude about 100 feet away." The witness, Colin Chisholm, described a feeling he couldn't explain and an audible detection, though no sound was heard.

'UFO' Lights Probably Lasers

A letter to the editor suggests that strange lights seen in the sky were likely laser lights from the Bull Dog Bash event at Long Marston on August 9 and 10. The writer observed them going round at 2 am and described them as an "eerie sight."

I Am Not Alone Says UFO Spotter

By David Elderfield, this article from the Maidenhead Advertiser features a man who claims he saw a UFO floating above his home. He described a "large triangle dotted with lights" hovering motionless. He contacted the police and was later vindicated when he learned of a similar sighting in Surrey. Mr. Elderfield, 64, believes there are many more people who have seen similar objects but have not reported them.

UFO Sightings Were From Zeus

Chelmsford police had to reassure the public that they were not being invaded after receiving calls about UFOs. The lights were identified as coming from the top of Zeus nightclub. A police spokesman stated that the lights could be mistaken for UFOs under certain atmospheric conditions.

'UFO' Lights

This short piece from the Gloucestershire Echo discusses UFO sightings and mentions that the lights seen were likely from the laser show at Club Zeus.

UFO probe sheds no light

This article from the Islington Gazette reports on Teresa Lyons seeing "big circles of light" darting about in the sky for seven consecutive nights. She contacted the police, who stated there were no laser shows in the area, and a UFO group was also unable to identify the phenomenon.

Calls Pour In After Last Week's UFO Story

The Enfield Independent reports on a surge of calls following an article about a "mysterious cosmic event" in Edmonton. Witnesses described fast-moving, "star-like" objects and something strange hovering overhead.

Two Report Seeing UFOs in Ceredigion in Last Few Weeks

This article from The Cambrian News details two sightings in Ceredigion. Richard Alexander reported seeing a "glowing, white ball of light" behaving strangely, travelling at approximately 150 mph. Keith Stevenson reported seeing a bright, yellowish-white, circular light in the sky, which he described as a UFO. Both witnesses ruled out conventional aircraft.

NEW UFO SIGHTINGS 'NO DEFENCE THREAT'

By David Eyre, this report from the Colne Valley Chronicle describes a Golcar family witnessing strange craft shaped like an "upside-down shuttle cock" hovering in the Colne Valley. Maria Krystina Sztyrbowska and her children observed circular lights spinning clockwise and anti-clockwise. They initially thought it might be lasers but later dismissed this. The craft had "two rows of little square windows." The Ministry of Defence stated that while reports are investigated, they are dropped if no threat to national security is found, and reasonable explanations are usually identified.

Printer Insures Himself Against Abduction by Aliens

This article from the Thurrock Lakeside Grays Post features Paul Clarkson, who has taken out an insurance policy against abduction by aliens. He believes aliens will come to Dagenham and that "there must be other beings out there." The policy, costing £102.50, also covers him against poltergeists. The company, First Paranormal Insurers, claims to be the first to offer such insurance.

The Truth Is Out There...

This report from the Sale & Altrincham Messenger details an investigation into UFO sightings in Trafford. Witnesses reported seeing triangular space craft or green lights. One anonymous businessman claims to have had a "real live 'encounter' with two alien beings." The Civil Aviation Authority stated their radars showed nothing unusual, but UFO investigator Stephen Mera is pursuing the case. The Ministry of Defence confirmed receiving three reports of lights and shapes in the area.

UFO Sighting

This brief report from the Plymouth Evening Herald mentions that the Ministry of Defence and RAF were investigating multiple sightings of a UFO near Skegness and over the Norfolk coast. Reports of a bright white shining object were received by Boston and Skegness police forces.

Women Say They Watched UFOs for an Hour

By Roland Batten, this article from the Salisbury Journal describes Jennifer Hart and a friend watching intensely lit objects for nearly an hour above Breamore House. They described seeing an intense, bright light from a "long cylindrical object" that turned sideways and was silent. They also saw a second object appear and disappear upwards into cloud, followed by a third light that seemed to hover. Mrs. Hart, 50, stated she knows what helicopters look like and that the object was not an aircraft.

'UFO at Valley'

This short piece from the Daily Record mentions two Hawk trainers being sent up to investigate a UFO over RAF Valley. Several people living in the area confirmed seeing the object. UFO investigator Dr. Colin Ridyard is appealing for anyone who saw the object to contact him.

UFO Makes Radio Waves

This report from the Daily Record mentions staff at a local radio station claiming they were "buzzed by a UFO." Moray Firth workers reported seeing a mystery object hovering for half an hour above their Inverness-based studios.

Bright Light in the Sky Launches UFO Group

The Hull Daily Mail reports on a spate of strange bright objects seen in the sky, leading to the formation of a UFO group. Hotelier Deidre Dodds, who saw a "triangular shaped object" above her hotel, is planning to organize UFO weekends.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the sheer volume and variety of UFO sightings being reported across the UK. The magazine presents these reports with a degree of seriousness, often quoting witnesses who are convinced of the extraterrestrial nature of the objects, while also including skeptical viewpoints and official explanations such as misidentification of aircraft, atmospheric phenomena, or even laser light shows. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting the evidence and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the subject, partly fueled by popular culture like "The X-Files."