BUFORA Newsfile - No.63 - Jul 2007

Magazine Overview

BUFORA NEWSFILE, Issue Number 63, dated July 1997, is a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related mysteries. The cover prominently features the town of Roswell, New Mexico, and its connection to a famous UFO crash incident, highlighting the burgeoning tourism industry around this event.

Key Articles and Features

Pennies from Heaven for UFO Crash Town

This lead article by Martha Mendoza focuses on Roswell, New Mexico, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the alleged UFO crash in 1947. Frank Kaufmann, an 80-year-old former government intelligence agent, describes the aliens as 'trim, good-looking people' rather than the typical 'big eyes or long, stringy fingers' depiction. The town of Roswell has embraced the incident, turning it into a significant tourist attraction with planned events like crash site tours and UFO lectures. Mayor Tom Jennings notes that 'Something happened here and it's probably the most credible UFO event in the world,' which they have developed into a 'whole new industry – tourism.' The article mentions the army air field's replacement by an industrial park and airport, but the legend of the incident persists. Glenn Dennis, a mortician, recalls being asked to provide small, medically sealed caskets. Lt Walter Haut, the former base public information officer, issued a press release about a 'flying disc' being recovered, which was later retracted and explained as a weather balloon. The story has spawned numerous books and is considered by UFO buffs to be the biggest cover-up in US history. Despite a dip in interest following the Heaven's Gate cult incident, Roswell continues to attract believers, researchers, and the curious, with the International UFO Museum and Research Centre noting a mix of genuine enthusiasts and some eccentric individuals.

UFOs in the Bible

This letter to the editor, from Mrs Roberts of Sheffield, suggests that UFOs and flying saucers have a much longer history than commonly believed, citing passages in the Old Testament, specifically Ezekiel, which describe 'chariots of fire.' The letter also points to Jesus's ascension into a 'cloud' in the New Testament, interpreting it as a vehicle. The author questions whether ancient gods described in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures might have been extraterrestrial visitors, and if humanity is descended from them.

Have UFOs Invaded Israel?

This article reports on a surge of UFO sightings and alien abductions in Israel, as highlighted by Israeli newspapers like Maariv. The 'Great Invasion' headline cited 16 examples of UFO sightings in three months. One incident involved hundreds witnessing what appeared to be an alien spacecraft doing loops above Tel Aviv. An Israeli man in his 60s claimed abduction by aliens. Sceptics attribute this to the influence of US pop culture, like the film 'Independence Day' and 'The X-Files.' Ariel Cohen, an atmospheric physicist, calls the behaviour 'hysterical' and suggests camera focus adjustments. Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi, a psychology professor, notes that modern societies are susceptible to quasi-religious fantasies and that Israelis, despite their cynicism, are 'the greatest suckers in the world.' A television survey indicated that one in two Israelis believe in extraterrestrials. The article details a specific incident where police received dozens of calls about a glowing object over Ramat Aviv, with officers also reporting a strange light. Uri Sakhov, a retiree, described being grabbed by his hair and collar and pulled into an egg-shaped spacecraft by green beings. Analysis of yellow dust from the incident, found to contain 55% aluminium, was sent to NASA. Michael Kobi, from the lab that examined the dust, stated its unusual composition made the sightings difficult to dismiss.

Is Anyone Out There?

This section features letters from readers. Denis P. Plunkett, founder of a flying saucer organisation, highlights the increased monitoring and recording of UFO sightings using various means, leading to a greater understanding of these craft. He expresses satisfaction that the subject has progressed and is now producing scientific results. Simon Lewis of the Aerial Phenomena Association discusses researching UFOs and believes something 'totally amazing' is happening, suggesting that the Ministry of Defence's 'odd replies' indicate they know more than they let on.

No Aliens Landed, Says US Air Force

This report details the US Air Force's 1997 statement regarding the Roswell Incident. The Air Force released a 1972 photo of a Viking space probe as part of its report, 'The Roswell Report – Case Closed.' The report denies that military dummies or high-altitude research projects were mistaken for alien bodies or crashed saucers in 1947, aiming to end speculation and cover-up theories. However, skeptics noted a discrepancy, as the parachute tests occurred years after the Roswell incident. The 1994 report had previously suggested the 'spacecraft' was a balloon from a secret program to monitor the atmosphere for Soviet nuclear tests.

Jane Felt a Rush of Air Like Automatic Doors Opening...

This is part two of an account by Nick Pope, former UFO desk officer at the Ministry of Defence. It details the experience of Jayne Rimmer, a 40-year-old mother of three, who believes she was abducted by aliens. She describes hearing a buzzing sound, her dogs whining, and then feeling herself lifted from her bed into a corridor by 'little grey figures.' She also saw a woman with blonde hair. Jayne experienced a medical examination, including procedures on her head and ears. Her husband, Tom, was unresponsive during the event. Jayne's son, Mark, corroborated her experience, reporting a bizarre green fluorescent light and a feeling of paralysis. Jayne also recalled an earlier incident in 1991 where a tall, blond figure appeared in her room, and another where she was on a hard surface with two figures on either side, hearing a conversation about her awareness. These experiences led Jayne to develop precognition and become a clairvoyant.

Maria's Story

This article, also by Nick Pope, details the abduction experience of Maria Ward. She recounts childhood memories of 'going somewhere' when 'the Moon landed in the garden' and a mysterious scar on her navel. In 1990, she woke to a bright light and saw a gigantic wheel-shaped object. She was led outside and upwards into a craft, where she encountered three small, brown creatures and a taller, dirty white being. She describes a mental communication, a 'rape' of her mind, and being prodded with a lime-green device. She also saw images of an apocalyptic Earth and a nuclear explosion. After returning to her bed, she noticed hair loss and felt in shock. Hypnosis revealed further memories, including being sealed in a perspex capsule and floating above the ground. Maria passed two polygraph tests.

The Essential Features of an Extra-Terrestrial

David E. Jacobs, a historian, analyzed stories from over 60 abductees and identified common descriptions of alien figures, primarily the 'Greys.' These beings are described as 3-4ft tall with disproportionately large heads, pear-shaped, hairless, leathery skin, minimal facial features, and enormous black, almond-shaped eyes. They communicate telepathically and are usually naked, with no visible genitals. A second type, the 'Nordic,' is also reported, being taller with blond hair, more common in Europe than America. The article notes differing scents associated with Greys in Britain (cinnamon or rotting leaves) and America (ammonia, sulphur, lemons, almonds).

The Bobby Snatched from His Beat

This case study details the abduction of police constable Alan Godfrey in Todmorden in 1980. He encountered a diamond-shaped object hovering above the road, after which his radio failed and he found himself moved 100 yards down the road. Under hypnosis, he recalled being on a craft with a tall, bearded humanoid named Joseph and robot-like creatures.

Alfred the Fisherman Was Not a Prize Catch

In 1983, Alfred Burtoo, while fishing, encountered two entities who beckoned him to follow them aboard a UFO. He was told he was too old for their purposes and then left the craft. He calmly continued fishing and never changed his story before his death in 1986.

Baffled by a Strange Gap in Time

This report describes a 1974 incident near Aveley, Essex, where the Day family saw a blue light following their car, which then malfunctioned, lost several hours, and involved being taken onto a craft for medical investigations by tall humanoids, identified as Nordics.

Mystery Object Crashes in Hills

This brief report mentions a search and rescue operation in New Zealand for an object that flared through the sky, believed to be space debris or a returning satellite.

Our Car Was Sucked Upwards into the Air

This article by Nick Pope details the experience of Peter Milton, Jenny Robinson, and Sharon Voght on the Florida Turnpike in 1991. Their car was pulled off the road, sucked upwards, and they found themselves in a clearing in trees, 100 feet in the air. Peter recalled being inside a metallic corridor and seeing hazard lamps and road traffic signs.

Spirited Me Away for Tests

This section features Vaunda Hoscik, who believes she has been abducted multiple times since age 14. She claims to have had telepathic contact with an alien named Antholus, who stated that 16 alien species were visiting Earth and conducting experiments on people. Antholus conveyed that aliens were observing Earth and found it difficult to convince humans of their existence due to the prevalence of non-believers.

Three Lights Come All at Once at a Bus Stop

This report from Staffordshire Evening Sentinel describes three bright lights seen by early risers at a bus stop in Norton, which then sped off towards Bagnall, an area known for mysterious sightings. Garry Cartlidge of the Potteries Organisation for Paranormal Investigation is looking into the reports, suggesting possibilities like a new top-secret aircraft or other unknown phenomena.

UFO Swoops on Lorry Driver

This article from Burton Daily Mail details sightings of 'flying bricks' and oblong objects in the Burton and South Derbyshire area. A lorry driver reported a giant airborne black mass resembling a brick or skip appearing before him and moving at high speed. UFO investigators are examining the site.

'Aliens Are Here' Cry as Thousands See UFO on a 60-Mile Sky Trek

This report from the Daily Mail describes a massive V-shaped UFO formation with red and white lights observed over Arizona in March 1997. Thousands witnessed the silent object, which covered 60 miles at approximately 30 mph, varying in height. Experts were unable to provide an earthly explanation. The incident revived memories of the Roswell incident. Witnesses included pilots and air traffic controllers. Three F-16 fighter jets were seen to intercept the object before it shot upwards and disappeared.

Riddle of Biggest UFO Yet

This article, also from the Daily Mail, reiterates the Arizona sighting of a giant V-shaped object, described as the size of three football pitches, visible for nearly two hours. It notes that defence chiefs were baffled and thousands of witnesses were convinced 'we are NOT alone.' The report mentions the object was first spotted by a retired cop and that police switchboards were jammed with calls. It highlights the inability of computer analysis to explain the phenomenon and the sighting of three fighter jets attempting to intercept it.

I Spied a UFO, Says Connie

This article from the Worcester Evening News reports on Connie Clark's sighting of a fiery red streak falling from the sky over the Malvern Hills. She described it as a long line of fire that split in two before dropping behind trees. Local experts and police had no reports of the incident, and a weatherman ruled out a meteorite, while a local astronomy society chairman also dismissed it. Connie's theory was that it might have been a meteor.

New Helpline - For Victims of Alien Abduction

This article announces the launch of a new helpline by psychic healer Grahame Wyllie for people who believe they have seen a UFO or been abducted by aliens. Wyllie states that many cases are similar, involving paralysis, strange people, and examinations in brightly lit rooms. The helpline aims to provide support and advice.

Workers Shocked by UFOs Sightings

This report from the Dunstable Leader discusses UFO sightings in the Northamptonshire area. A local paranormal group, Truthseekers, is investigating these phenomena. Sue Dilworth, a UFO researcher, believes there is 'another side to life' and that people need up-to-date information on the paranormal. The group is organizing a conference.

The Search Is On for ET

This article features Edward Ashpole, author of the book 'Where Is Everybody? The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.' Ashpole, a former science correspondent, discusses the need for scientific examination of UFO and alien abduction stories. He suggests that evidence of extraterrestrial life could exist within the Solar System as well as among the stars. He mentions the discovery of other planets and the possibility that advanced civilizations could have detected Earth's biosphere. The article also references the theory of Loy Dutton, a former engineer, who proposed that UFO arrivals and departures are governed by orbital and tidal periods of Earth.

To Boldly Go Where No Mannequin's Gone Before

This article, part of a series by Nick Pope, discusses the US Air Force's revised explanation of the Roswell incident. The Air Force admitted that humanoid forms had been recovered, but stated they were crash-test dummies, not aliens. This contradicted earlier versions of the story, including the 1994 admission that a balloon from Project Mogul was involved. Diehard UFO believers remain unconvinced, pointing out that the dummy tests began years after the Roswell incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the theme of UFO sightings, alien abductions, and alleged government cover-ups. There is a strong emphasis on personal testimonies and anecdotal evidence, often presented with a degree of skepticism balanced by an openness to the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena. The articles frequently reference the Roswell incident as a pivotal event and highlight the ongoing public fascination with the topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and reporting on these phenomena, encouraging readers to consider the evidence and possibilities, while also acknowledging the role of hoaxes and misidentifications. The recurring mention of Nick Pope and his work suggests a leaning towards the belief that some UFO phenomena are genuinely unexplained and potentially extraterrestrial in origin.