BUFORA Newsfile - No.52 - Jan 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA NEWSFILE
Issue: Number 52
Date: January 1997

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE delves into a variety of UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the United Kingdom and beyond. It features news articles, witness accounts, and expert opinions on unexplained aerial objects, potential alien contact, and government involvement.

Key Articles and Reports

Alien Goings On In Space (Derby Evening Telegraph, 31 Oct 96)

A report from Derby details sightings of a triangular-shaped flying object by Mavis Castledine. Omar Fowler of the Phenomenon Research Association notes a large increase in UFO activity. Separately, dozens in Oxfordshire reported a cigar-shaped craft with red flashing lights near RAF Benson, which police identified as an airship, though Contact International plans to investigate.

IW Opens Up X Files on Newport UFO Sighting (Isle of Wight County Press, 18 Oct 96)

Richard Cattle reported seeing a "round ball of pulsating, white light" in Newport, Isle of Wight, which overtook aircraft. Stuart Shore, organizer of the local Global UFO Investigation Systems group, confirmed a similar sighting in Littlehampton and stated that while most reports are explained, they are interested in the ten percent that cannot be. He can be contacted on 873200.

UFO Sightings (Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, 09 Oct 96)

This article highlights reports of strange objects in the sky over Monklands, with police and the Civil Aviation Authority denying knowledge of any UFO activity. A reader expressed that there must be a reason for the sightings, despite not believing in UFOs.

UFO Investigator Looks for Help (Farnham Herald, 18 Oct 96)

Steve Marriott, an investigator with Global UFO Investigation Systems, is seeking information on a downed UFO and alleged secret investigations at RAF Farnborough in the 1950s. He is also interested in reports of a UFO in Minley Manor woods and recent sightings in the area.

Neighbours Explode Over Alien Invasion (Slough Windsor & Eton Express, 31 Oct 96)

Legoland celebrated its first season with an alien invasion event, which involved laser lights and fireworks. The booming sound system caused noise complaints from neighbours, with residents asking for the event to be moved to a different location.

Aircraft Test Claim Denied (Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard, 31 Oct 96)

The American airforce denied that recent UFO sightings in the Cirencester area were experimental aircraft known as the "wave rider." Squadron Leader Alan Pearson of RAF Fairford confirmed no aircraft were flying from Fairford, and the American airforce at Mildenhall confirmed nothing was being tested in the UK.

Mystery of Lewis Explosion (The Express (Scottish), 11 Nov 96)

American space scientists are investigating a mysterious mid-air explosion off the Outer Hebrides. The military denied involvement, although a large NATO exercise was underway in the area. Nick Pope, a former MoD UFO hunter, is looking into the incident, and the SNP claims a naval frigate was seen uplifting wreckage.

Labourate Hoaxers with a 12ft-long kite... (Derby Evening Telegraph, 12 Nov 96)

Brian Glasgow reported seeing a remote-controlled kite with flashing lights, suggesting it could be responsible for some recent UFO sightings in Derbyshire. Alan Hitchcock of the Derby-based Phenomenon Research Association acknowledged that while some sightings might be hoaxes, flying triangles are a reality.

UFO Reported (Gloucestershire Echo, 19 Oct 96)

Four teenagers camping in the Cotswolds reported seeing a UFO with six flashing lights hovering inside a cloud. The object moved randomly before regrouping and then travelling towards the road. This is the second UFO sighting in the village in five years.

Woman Driver 'Saw UFO Near the Menai Straits' (Various regional papers, Nov 96)

Several reports detail a woman seeing a triangular-shaped object with red and green lights near the Menai Straits. She described it as silent and larger than a plane. Dr Colin Ridyard, who investigates UFO sightings, is seeking information from anyone who may have seen the object.

UFO Spotted (Fife Free Press, 01 Nov 96)

Three teenagers in Kirkcaldy reported seeing bright lights in the sky over the Forth, describing one object as boomerang-shaped with dazzling lights. The Ministry of Defence confirmed receiving a report but stated their only interest is in establishing if it poses a security risk.

Reader Spots UFO Over M3 (Dover Express & East Kent News, 14 Nov 96)

Steve McGarry reported seeing a large white light, the size of Dover Castle, from the M3 motorway. Local UFO expert Chris Rolfe is investigating.

UFO Spotted (Herald Express (Torquay), 19 Nov 96)

George Husband, a newsagent in Newton Abbot, reported seeing an "amazingly bright" light travelling swiftly through the sky, which he believed was a UFO.

The Truth is Out There (Dundee Courier & Advertiser, 26 Nov 96)

This section offers rational explanations for UFO sightings, suggesting that vapour trails from aircraft can be mistaken for UFOs, especially in certain atmospheric conditions.

Were 'they' in Nairn on Saturday morning? (The Nairnshire Telegraph, 05 Nov 96)

Mrs June Hudson reported seeing an unexplained light in the sky over Nairn, which moved between clouds before disappearing downwards at speed. She is curious if anyone else saw it.

Body Implant Puts the T in ET Mystery (Various papers, Nov 96)

An article discusses a UFO conference where ex-CIA officer Derrel Sims presented evidence of alleged alien implants, including a T-shaped fragment made of meteoric origin. Sims believes these implants modify behaviour and control moods.

Call for an X-Files Explanation of UFO Lights in Cloud (Faversham Times, 06 Nov 96)

A Teynham couple reported seeing a group of six flashing lights hovering inside a cloud. The incident lasted 15 minutes. This is the second UFO sighting in the village in five years.

Seeing the Light! (East Kent Gazette, 06 Nov 96)

Reports of mysterious triangular lights in the sky above Bedrule are discussed. Mrs Anne Keddie described the lights as large and changing position. A Ministry of Defence spokesman stated no flights were reported over the Borders at the relevant time.

Tasmanian 'Alien Blobs' Revive Scottish Mystery (East London Advertiser, 14 Nov 96)

This article links recent reports of slime falling in Tasmania to a similar mystery in Scotland from nearly 40 years ago, involving strange "blobs of slime." The Tasmanian incident has led to speculation about extraterrestrial visitors.

UFO Spotted Over Falkirk (Falkirk Herald, 10 Oct 96)

A Royal Mail worker reported seeing a bright object, roughly the size of a medium-haul jet, moving slowly over Falkirk before disappearing. Two workmates also saw it.

Cigar-Shaped Flying Object Spotted in Skies (West Briton & Royal Cornwall Gazette, 17 Oct 96)

The Cornwall UFO Research Group (CUFORG) is contacted daily by people reporting UFO sightings. A recent report described a cigar-shaped silver "ship" spotted near Tregony, moving at tremendous speed.

Couple Tell of Mystery Object in the Night Sky (Lincolnshire Echo, 25 Oct 96)

Kate and Paul Lamymam reported seeing a strange object with a bright light and multiple beams moving over Ancaster. They contacted police, who suggested it might be fireworks, but the couple are adamant it was a UFO.

Looking Good This Christmas (Evangelism Today, 01 Nov 96)

This section briefly mentions that UFOs, The X-Files, and science fiction are popular, with a poster called "Christmas Day" mimicking the style of "Independence Day."

UFOs Disappear in a Flash of Light (Various papers, Nov 96)

Paul Devereux, a researcher, proposes that many UFO sightings are actually "earth lights" or flashes of energy from the earth, linked to geophysical processes and fault lines. He believes this offers a rational explanation for some sightings and has potential as an energy source.

Late-Night UFO is a Puzzler (Hawick News, 01 Nov 96)

Two retired couples in Taunton reported seeing a UFO with lights the length of a cricket pitch. They described it as silent and disappearing instantly. The Somerset UFO Research Group is investigating.

UFOs Ruled Out as Mystery Distress Calls Alert Satellite (Sunderland Echo, 25 Nov 96)

Mysterious distress bleeps from off the coast of Lewis were picked up by a satellite. After a search, it was determined to be a discarded emergency beacon, ruling out alien involvement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE are the prevalence of UFO sightings across the UK, the variety of shapes and behaviours reported, and the ongoing debate between those who believe in extraterrestrial explanations and those who seek more conventional or prosaic reasons. The publication appears to present a range of accounts, from credible witness testimonies to potential hoaxes, and includes contributions from researchers and organizations dedicated to investigating these phenomena. There is an underlying curiosity about the unexplained, with a consistent nod to the popular culture surrounding UFOs, such as "The X-Files."