BUFORA Newsfile - No.65 - Nov 1997

Magazine Overview

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE, dated November 1997, prominently features 'UFO ALERT' on its cover, alongside discussions on 'Men in Black' and the possibility of alien existence. The magazine compiles various reports and articles related to UFO sightings, government investigations, and personal encounters with unexplained aerial phenomena from across the UK and the United States.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO ALERT: Family Buzzed by Triangular Craft

A lead story details an incident on the A47 between Peterborough and Wisbech, where a family reported being pursued by a triangular, jet-black UFO with bright lights. The craft, observed in November 1996, was described as swooping and pursuing their vehicle, leaving them terrified. International UFO Research Network (IUFORN) leader Russell Kellett is taking the report seriously and is appealing for further witnesses, noting that such reports can sometimes be delayed due to public fear.

CIA Admits Spy Planes Caused UFO Sightings

Several articles address a declassified CIA report suggesting that many UFO sightings in the 1950s and 1960s were actually secret US spy planes, specifically the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird. The report, authored by historian Gerald Haines, indicates that the US Air Force deliberately misled the public to protect national security projects. This revelation has been met with skepticism by UFOlogists, who view it as another layer of deception. Richard Hall, chairman of the Fund for UFO Research, calls the report "very poor, and very inaccurate," arguing it perpetuates stereotypes and ignores clear, structured objects.

'Men in Black' Exist

An article by Dr. Richard Lawrence discusses the phenomenon of 'Men in Black' (MIB), individuals who allegedly work for secret government agencies to silence witnesses of UFOs. The piece connects this to the popular movie 'Men in Black' and references a TV poll where a high percentage of respondents believed in alien visitation.

Close Encounter: Man's Attitude Changed

A report from the Peterborough Evening Telegraph features a motorist who claims his attitude towards aliens changed after a close encounter. The student, who wished to remain anonymous, described a triangular object with bright lights and a pinkish haze hovering near his car on the A47.

Hampton Workers Spot White Light

Construction workers in Hampton reported seeing a bright white circle performing figure-eights in the sky. The object was described as brighter than stars and moved erratically.

Colchester Great Ball of Fire

A 59-year-old woman in Colchester reported seeing a mysterious ball of fire, described as cerise red in the middle and orangy on the outside, heading south and making a crackling sound.

Stevenage Near-Miss Incident

An investigation into a near-miss incident above Stevenage in June 1996 concluded that pilots had seen an "unknown object." Despite ruling out Red Arrows jets and other known aircraft, the Civil Aviation Authority stated the matter was no longer being investigated.

Stoke-on-Trent Lights Explained as Russian Space Station

Reports of bright flashes over Stoke-on-Trent were attributed to the Russian space station Mir reflecting sunlight, according to Staffordshire Paranormal Investigations.

UFOs Over Britain: Explaining Vast Objects

An article in the Daily Mail questions what could explain vast objects seen over Britain, even if the CIA's spy plane explanation for some sightings is accepted. It highlights that the CIA's admission has only added to the intrigue, and questions why the agency is suddenly coming clean.

Roswell Incident and Conspiracy Theories

The Roswell incident of 1947 is revisited, with ongoing debate about whether a UFO crashed or if it was a weather balloon. The article touches on the financial benefits derived from the event and the persistent claims of a government cover-up, including alleged sightings of alien bodies.

Alien Abduction Claims

Reports from Roswell, New Mexico, during its 50th anniversary event, detail numerous alien abduction claims. Individuals describe being taken aboard spacecraft for medical examinations and experiments. The article notes the fascination with abductees and the theories surrounding aliens seeking to save humanity.

Lynne Plaskett's Cancer Cure Claim

A story from 'The People' newspaper details Lynne Plaskett's claim that her cancer was cured by aliens, who she described as "alien flying doctors."

Spy Plane Explanation Alienates UFO Spotters

UFOlogists have criticized the CIA's report that spy planes caused most UFO sightings in the 1950s and 1960s, calling it a deception. They argue that the report ignores clear sightings of structured objects and attempts to shut down further investigation.

GCHQ Spybase UFO Cover-Up Claim

UFO expert Robin Cole claims that the GCHQ spybase in Cheltenham has concealed information about UFO sightings for decades, demanding the base reveal the truth.

Mystery Orange Lights Over Harborough

Residents in Harborough reported seeing mysterious bright orange lights in the sky, which a UFO expert found intriguing, noting they did not appear to be conventional aircraft.

Silver Discs in Sky

Multiple reports from North-East Fife and St. Andrews describe sightings of silver, disc-shaped objects moving silently in the sky, with some witnesses expressing fear and seeking logical explanations.

UFO Over Village (Hockley)

Allan Seymour reported seeing a "bright, glowing sphere" over Hockley, which he insists was not a plane. This sighting is corroborated by other reports of strange lights in the area.

People of Cumbria, You Are Not Alone

This section compiles several UFO sightings in Cumbria, including pulsating discs of light over Carlisle and a strange object seen over the Solway Firth.

UFOs Spotted Over Cumberland Show

Reports of unidentified flying objects over the Cumberland Show are mentioned, described as pulsating disc-like objects hovering near a plane.

Alien Life-Forms Descend on Town, Buy T-shirts (Roswell)

This article describes the 50th anniversary event in Roswell, New Mexico, which attracted thousands of UFO believers, alien abductees, and vendors selling alien-themed merchandise. It highlights the town's efforts to create its own fun and the diverse reactions, from believers to those who see it as a distraction from religion.

Third Close Encounter of the Triangular Kind

Reports from Brinnington describe a triangular craft with a silvery color seen hovering, matching previous sightings. The object was seen for several minutes before accelerating away.

US Spy Jets Behind UFO Hysteria

This article reiterates the claim that the US Air Force may have fueled conspiracy theories by fabricating explanations for sightings of their spy planes during the Cold War.

Are There Aliens in Dundonald?

Reports from Dundonald describe a strange spectacle in the sky, with an unidentified object appearing elliptical with flashing lights, changing shape, and at times seeming very high or very low. The event also coincided with exploding light bulbs in two nearby houses.

Something Spooky (Allerdale)

This section compiles several UFO sightings in the Allerdale area, including a bright light seen by a woman in Seaton and a close encounter reported by two cycling sisters.

Mystery UFO Over Village (Hockley)

Allan Seymour reported seeing a round, shiny object over Hockley, which he believes was not a plane. The object vanished into a cloud and did not re-emerge.

Resident Baffled by UFO in Sky

Terry Wilcox in Telford reported seeing a "pulsating object" that changed color and direction, baffling him and prompting him to believe it was a UFO.

Have You Seen UFO? (Sturry)

Paranormal investigators are seeking witnesses to a bright orange oval UFO seen over Sturry, with a smaller object reportedly breaking away from it.

The Roswell File Book Review

A review of Tim Shawcross's book "The Roswell File" discusses the persistent claims of a government cover-up regarding the 1947 Roswell incident.

Spot the Aliens (York)

Reports from York detail three sightings of silver disc-shaped objects speeding across the sky, which witnesses were certain were not planes.

The Aliens Have Not Landed! (Devon)

Strange lights seen in the sky over Devon were confirmed to be meteors from the Beta Taurids shower, not aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of UFO sightings across various locations, the ongoing debate about government cover-ups and explanations (particularly the CIA's admission about spy planes), and the enduring fascination with alien life and abduction phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these reports and claims, often with a degree of skepticism towards official explanations and an openness to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The magazine seems to aim to inform readers about the latest developments and ongoing mysteries in the UFO field.