BUFORA Newsfile - No.70 - Jun 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA UFO NEWSFILE
Issue Date: June 1998 (Issue Number 70)
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)

This issue of BUFORA UFO NEWSFILE presents a collection of recent UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the United Kingdom in early 1998. The magazine features articles from various regional newspapers, UFO research groups, and expert commentary, highlighting public interest and ongoing investigations into unidentified aerial phenomena.

Key Articles and Sightings

'Triangle UFO' at common

Reported in the Kidderminster Express & Star (March 14, 1998), this article details sightings of a large black triangular UFO over Hartlebury Common, a beauty spot near Stourport. UFO Research Midlands, represented by spokesman Trevor Wylde, is arranging a skywatch and seeking more information. The group meets monthly at the Mitre Inn, Lower High Street, Stourbridge.

'UFO' was a meteor shower

The Derby Evening Telegraph (March 16, 1998) reports that a fireball sighted over Derbyshire was attributed to an unscheduled meteor shower. Police received multiple calls about the object, but the Civil Aviation Authority and military had no answers. Sgt Phil Garner of Derbyshire police suggested it was likely a meteor shower.

Challenge over strange sightings spotted in the sky

Articles from the Cannock Express & Star (April 3, 1998) and Yorkshire Evening Press (April 27, 1998) discuss UFO buffs in Staffordshire challenging the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to clarify if they are testing new secret aircraft. Graham Allen of the Staffordshire UFO Group reported sightings of triangular objects and suggested a high level of activity in the area. Mark Birdsall of UFO magazine believes there are multiple light-carrying sources involved, travelling at speeds far below the stalling speed of most aircraft.

Sighting of a UFO over Truro

The Cornishman (April 2, 1998) reports a sighting of an unusual cylindrical object in the sky over Truro. David Gillham of the Cornwall UFO Research Group was contacted by a woman who saw the black, cylinder-shaped object between two houses. Her son also witnessed it. Gillham is seeking further witnesses.

Sighting of a UFO over Zennor 'unusual'

Another report from The Cornishman (April 2, 1998) details a sighting near Gurnard's Head at Zennor. A resident reported a 'strange unidentified flying object' with red flashing lights and a red and white still light, accompanied by a 'screeching' noise. Dave Gillham of the Cornwall UFO Research Group noted the unusual nature of the sighting.

Airport 'UFOs' baffle experts

An investigation by UFO enthusiasts and aviation experts was launched following unusual lights seen above Leeds Bradford Airport, as reported by the Yorkshire Post (April 22, 1998) and Ashton & Audenshaw Reporter (April 16, 1998). The lights, described as the 'strongest evidence of UFOs in the area for 15 years', were captured on camera by an amateur photographer. Air traffic supervisor Peter Bullough stated that all known aircraft were accounted for, and radar showed no unidentified traffic. Mark Birdsall believes there were two light-carrying sources involved.

UFO? No, we think it's a UFI

The Worcester & Hereford Evening News (March 17, 1998) features a story about a student, April Turner, whose holiday photograph contained a strange saucer shape. The British UFO Research Association initially suggested it might be a UFI (unidentified flying insect), though April remains convinced it was something from another world.

Big increase in reports of UFO Sightings

The Northwich Herald & Post (March 20, 1998) notes a significant increase in UFO reports following an article about the British Unidentified Flying Objects Studies Centre (BUFOSC). Founder Eric Morris has seen a doubling of attendees at society meetings, with many reporting sightings of dark grey, triangular objects.

Woman tells of strange lights in sky

The Scarborough Evening News (March 21, 1998) recounts a woman's experience of seeing strange lights hovering over Rudston. She described it as a 'silver star moving around the sky' with movements unlike military craft.

Mystery craft over ancient landmark

An article from the Dorset Evening Echo (April 15, 1998) describes a huge triangular craft spotted over Maiden Castle, an ancient fort. Five witnesses, including a vicar and a medical practitioner, reported the object hovering for 15 minutes. West Dorset UFO expert David Kingston is appealing for more witnesses.

Expert believes prove there is alien life: ARE UFOS TING SKIES SUFFOLK?

The News of the World (date not specified, but context suggests early 1998) features astonishing UFO pictures from a 35-minute video filmed in Suffolk by David Spoor. The footage allegedly shows three flying saucers, a cigar-shaped craft accelerating at incredible speed, and huge triangular objects engaged in a mock dogfight. UFO experts Graham Birdsall and Nicholas Redfern are quoted as being stunned by the footage, with Redfern calling it 'the most striking UK footage I have seen' and 'on a par with anything filmed anywhere in the world'. Spoor believes the objects are extra-terrestrial.

1948: Flying Disks

An International Herald Tribune (March 30, 1994) brief mentions seven flying disks reported seen speeding across north Italy's skies from north-east to southwest, making 'deep sounds'. This was the second report of flying disks in Italy in a week.

Aliens abduct my 14 year old

A letter to the editor (date not specified) urges readers not to ridicule people reporting UFO experiences, arguing that such ridicule prevents people from coming forward. The writer, a retired professional engineer, states they have seen unexplained air vehicles and believes abductees are being 'tagged'.

The sky at night provides some mysterious sights

An article from the Guardian (date not specified, but context suggests early 1998) discusses a photograph taken by Walthamstow photography student Dean Holt, showing two bright lights with strong rays over the night sky. Holt believes it could be evidence of alien craft, as the film speed was too slow for aeroplanes and the objects appeared still.

RAF TRACKS MYSTERY CRAFT OVER NORTH SEA

The Daily Mail (April 27, 1998) reports that the RAF tracked a UFO 'as big as a battleship' off the coast of Britain, flying at 17,000mph and accelerating to 24,000mph. Military sources revealed the object was tracked by the Ministry of Defence's listening station on Fylingdales moor. The Dutch air force also tracked the UFO but their F-16 fighters could not keep up. Radar records are to be presented at a conference.

UFOs spotted at Rudston

The Bridlington Free Press (March 19, 1998) features a woman's account of seeing strange lights hovering over Rudston, describing it as a 'silver star moving around the sky'.

Mystery of lights in sky

The Bolton Evening News (date not specified, but context suggests early 1998) reports on sightings of unexplained lights and a huge circular object over Bolton. Experts at Manchester Airport and the North West Meteorological Office found no rational explanation. Teenagers Lisa Hatton and Rebecca Cook described the object as circular with many lights.

UFO hunter claims he has video evidence

The Eastern Daily Press (May 4, 1998) profiles amateur cameraman David Spoor, who claims to have hours of video footage of strange flying objects over Waveney. He plans to write a book about his experiences and has presented his findings at UFO conferences. Spoor emphasizes the need to remain analytical to avoid falling into fantasy.

UFO sighting over Zennor 'unusual'

(Duplicate of earlier entry, The Cornishman, April 2, 1998)

Zoo's spot of bother as the aliens hover

The Wolverhampton Express & Star (April 20, 1998) reports that a reported 'alien spaceship' hovering over the Black Country was identified as the illuminated Virgin Skyride balloon at Dudley Zoo.

UFO experts probing Calderdale 'sightings'

The Halifax Evening Courier (April 20, 1998) details an investigation into sightings of mysterious bright lights over Calderdale. UFO researchers met with aviation officials at Leeds-Bradford Airport. Mark Birdsall believes the sightings are the strongest evidence of UFOs in the area for 15 years. Radar at Leeds-Bradford Airport showed no unusual traffic.

It may look like a flying blob, but to the people of a small Scottish town this is proof they are being buzzed by aliens

This article from the Scotsman (date not specified, but context suggests early 1998) discusses the BBC's new sci-fi series 'Invasion: Earth' and its inspiration from UFO sightings in Scotland, particularly the 'Bonnybridge Triangle' near Falkirk. It mentions Peter Mandeison's Dome at Greenwich resembling a spaceship and quotes Archie Roy, emeritus professor of astronomy, on the likelihood of extraterrestrial life. The article also touches on declassified MoD documents and the debate between genuine sightings and potential military cover-ups or secret aircraft testing.

Base accused of UFO cover-up

The Yorkshire Evening Press (April 30, 1998) reports on a row involving the RAF's listening base at Fylingdales over an unidentified flying object. Military sources claimed radar records of a gigantic UFO over the North Sea would be revealed, but a spokesman denied commenting on anything not originating from the base. UFO investigators responded by claiming the base was involved in a cover-up.

IT'S A 'L' OF A UFO

This article from the Sunday Mail (March 25, 1998) describes a 39-year-old woman, Brenda Hughie, who was left trembling after a close encounter with a UFO in East Kilbride. She and a learner driver witnessed flashing objects chased by planes and a helicopter. The incident is compared to similar sightings reported in the area, with East Kilbride gaining a reputation as a 'new UFO capital of Scotland'.

Flying saucer seen over teapot factory

The Herald Express (April 24, 1998) reports a 'flying saucer alert' at a teapot factory in Bovey Tracey, Devon. A security guard reported a 'boomerang-shaped' craft with flashing lights hovering low and fast. The factory owner, Peter Kirvan, humorously suggested the UFO might have been looking for a teapot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BUFORA UFO NEWSFILE are the prevalence of UFO sightings across the UK, the challenges in explaining these phenomena, and the ongoing debate about potential government secrecy or cover-ups. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the efforts of UFO research groups to gather and analyze evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various sightings and expert opinions without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena, while acknowledging the growing public fascination and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The articles often highlight the skepticism of official bodies like the MoD and RAF, contrasted with the strong convictions of UFO enthusiasts and witnesses.