BUFORA Newsfile - No.58 - Apr 2007

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA Newsletter, dated April 1997, focuses on a variety of UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related phenomena reported across the United Kingdom and the United States. The cover prominently features a headline questioning "Something to hide Mr Soames?" alongside a photograph of a man's face, and a smaller image related to UFOs in Oban. The newsletter delves into specific incidents, expert opinions, and the cultural impact of UFO beliefs.

Article: Something to hide Mr Soames?

This article questions the actions of Nicholas Soames, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, regarding the Ministry of Defence's stance on UFOs. It suggests that the Ministry might be hiding information, particularly in light of a previous incident where a "massive green object" spotted over Accrington was later identified as an advertising airship. The article implies a potential cover-up or lack of transparency concerning UFO phenomena.

Article: Mystery 'UFO' was an airship

This piece from the Basingstoke Gazette resolves a recent UFO mystery. A "massive green object" reported by over 30 callers was confirmed to be an airship advertising the American computer company Alta Vista. The airship, 45 metres long, was flying over the area for several hours. While most callers identified it as a blimp, some insisted it was not explainable as an airship, with one 13-year-old describing flashes of light and a weird shape.

Article: Strange lights spark UFO investigation

Reports from Tuxford and Ollerton detail villagers witnessing strange lights in the night sky. Mr Philip Gropazzi reported an object hovering at 400ft, described as looking like six powerful lighthouse beams. He contacted neighbours, and a group of 11 people saw the object. Radio producer Roger Waldron is appealing for similar experiences for a BBC Radio series.

Article: Mystery grows over lights in the sky

This article from Scarborough reports on mysterious lights seen over the town. Newspaper deliverer Andy Whitaker saw a UFO with blue and white flashing lights. Basil Good, 85, also reported seeing lights described as spinning. Carmen Steel saw a similar oval-shaped object with blue and white lights that remained stationary. RAF Fylingdales stated they had not received any unusual reports and would pass information to the Ministry of Defence.

Article: Mystery shining object sparks UFO probe

EXPERTS are to investigate reports of a slow-moving, shining object seen over North Norfolk. Fakenham police received about 40 calls since December. Two policemen tracked the object for 10 miles. Air traffic controllers had no explanation, recording it as a UFO. The British UFO Research Association is collecting details from the officers.

Article: Brazilian UFO expert boldly goes to Bonnybridge

Professor A J Gevaerd, a Brazilian UFO researcher, is set to speak in Bonnybridge, Scotland's "UFO hotspot." He claims that on January 20th of the previous year, a US satellite detected an object entering Earth's atmosphere and crashing in Brazil. He alleges that Brazilian soldiers captured four "little brown aliens" after their spaceship crashed. Gevaerd claims to have spoken to over 30 witnesses, including soldiers, and that autopsies were performed by a pathologist. However, the pathologist denied carrying out any such examinations.

Article: New UFO sighting

Reports of unidentified flying objects have again been sighted over Stroud, with sightings over Rodborough Common and Minchinhampton Common. Landlord Julian Court described an object with a shining beam, not identifiable as a plane or helicopter, and having a saucer shape with blue on the outside. RAF Commander Alan Pearson stated it was not one of theirs.

Article: Just what is this 'black triangle?'

This report from Luton News details a sighting of a "black triangle" over Shevington. A woman and her daughter drew identical sketches of the object, described as triangular with lights at each corner and a blue/white flashing light in the middle. The craft was flying with a flat edge forward and made no noise.

Article: 'Beam me up Scotty' had nothing on town motor firm's launch as UFO mystery solved

This article from the Accrington Observer & Times explains a UFO sighting reported by Mrs Marjorie Clegg. The "massive green object" was revealed to be special lights used by Lythgoe Motors for a new showroom launch. The beams were set up along the frontage and made circles. Another resident, James Bradshaw, recounted similar sightings in 1977 and two years later, describing large revolving lights and a faint droning noise.

Article: Aircraft enthusiast puzzled by strange flashing lights

Andy Whitaker, an aircraft enthusiast from Scarborough, reported seeing strange blue and white lights while delivering papers. He followed the lights for 15 minutes, noting their erratic movement at great speed. He compared it to a previous sighting near the Spa cliff lift. Police had received no other reports.

Article: What is going on?

A reader, David Gould, writes about seeing a "blue metallic sphere" and a sphere of white light, suggesting they might have come from an experimental laboratory at MOD Aston Down.

Article: The caring counsellor who now specialises in abductions – by aliens

This article from the Liverpool Daily Post profiles Eric Morris, co-founder of Britain's only alien abduction counselling service. Morris receives dozens of calls from people reporting missing hours or alien abductions. He believes these accounts are science fact, not fiction, and uses relaxation techniques to help people recall memories. He shares anecdotes of alleged abductions, including one involving a supposed alien impregnation and another where a teenager claims to have had an implant placed in his knee.

Article: Bizarre theory to killings

This piece from the Scarborough Evening News & Mercury discusses a UFO theory linking extraterrestrial activity to killings. It mentions a book by Glenn Campbell, a UFO researcher who satirises Area 51 and UFO beliefs, and his work on the World Wide Web. Campbell collects and assesses UFO stories for accuracy.

Article: Home on the Strange

This feature from Top Gear explores the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada, USA, near Area 51. It describes the area as a magnet for ufologists, abductees, and conspiracy theorists. The article mentions Bob Lazar's claims of working on captured alien spaceships at Area 51. It also highlights "The Little A'Le'Inn," a bar and motel catering to UFO enthusiasts, and its owners, Joe and Pat Travis, who hold strong views on global conspiracies and the New World Order. The article touches on the 'Black Mailbox' as a popular UFO-watching spot and the phenomenon of 'Old Faithful,' a Boeing 737 mistaken by some as an alien craft.

Article: The anthropology of UFO believers

This section, continuing the 'Home on the Strange' feature, categorizes UFO believers. It distinguishes between 'saucerists' (focused on hardware), 'abductionists' (often reporting sexual encounters with aliens), and 'conspiracists' (believing in global conspiracies). It mentions Meredith Clark of San Francisco, who recovered abduction memories through hypnosis, and Glenn Campbell, a UFO researcher who uses satire and the internet to analyze UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, government secrecy surrounding these phenomena, and the cultural impact of UFO beliefs, particularly in the UK and USA. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these claims and investigations, presenting various perspectives from eyewitnesses, researchers, and sceptics, while also acknowledging the more fringe elements of the UFO community, such as conspiracy theories and abduction narratives. There is an underlying tone of questioning official explanations and exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial presence or government cover-ups.