BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.04 - Jul Aug 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 4
Date: July/August 1998
Publisher: The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA Ltd)
Country: United Kingdom
Cover Headline: UFOs – Worthy of Scientific Study?

Editorial

The editorial, written by Steve Gamble, marks his third and final issue as temporary editor. He announces that Robert Moore will be taking over as the new editor, with his first edition (Bulletin 5) due in September. Gamble reflects on the recent surge of interest in UFOs and the paranormal, fueled by events like the 50th Anniversaries of the Kenneth Arnold report and the Roswell incident, and the media's subsequent hype. He notes that this 'bubble' burst, leading to the closure of several paranormal magazines and damaging some organizations, though BUFORA has survived by adapting. Gamble observes that serious UFO reporting had been overshadowed by media portrayals of UFOlogists as fictional characters, and expresses hope for a return to a more serious perspective. He describes the past year as 'traumatic' for BUFORA, resulting in a smaller, leaner organization, and suggests the association is at a crossroads, needing to decide whether to remain a 'popular' club or evolve into a scientific society. Gamble personally favors the latter, citing the recent Sturrock report as a positive development. He also mentions the recent deaths of two long-term friends of the association: Major Sir Patrick Wall, the President of BUFORA, and Ralph Noyes, a former BUFORA Council consultant and investigator of UFOs and Crop Circles.

Major Sir Patrick Wall

This section is an obituary for Major Sir Patrick Wall, the devoted President of BUFORA, who passed away at the age of 81. Born in 1916, he was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1935, served in World War Two, and was wounded in 1945, receiving the Military Cross. His report praised his courage and devotion to duty. He entered politics in the early 1950s, serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary and PPS to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. A Conservative politician and active Roman Catholic, he was knighted in 1981. Wall was a member of the House of Commons until 1987, known for his shrewd perception and predicted the disintegration of the Soviet empire or aggression as a successor to Andropov. He was a consultant to NATO and authored books on military and security matters. During his thirty years in the House, he actively promoted ufology, asking questions about its defense significance. He became President of BUFORA in 1989 and regularly attended AGMs and conferences, engaging with overseas delegates. Despite failing health in later years, he remained interested in UFO material sent to him. The obituary is attributed to John Spencer.

Whats On?

This section lists upcoming events. The Northampton UFO Group is organizing a summer seminar titled 'The Great UFO Debate' on Saturday, August 15th, 1998. NUFORC will host this event, which will feature separate sessions debating various topics including whether witnesses should be believed, the link between abductions and UFOs, the relevance of modern technology to UFO reports, the evidence for physical UFOs, the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and UFOs as messengers of catastrophe. For more details, attendees are advised to send a large SAE to NUFORC at 38 Portland Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0DJ.

MARA will host the Merseyside UFO and Paranormal Conference on Saturday, October 31st. The venue, speakers, and times are to be announced. For further details, contact MARA at 52 Hawthorne Avenue, Halewood, Liverpool, L26 9XD.

The Sturrock Report

This article discusses a scientific workshop held in New York from September 29th to October 4th, 1997, focusing on Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports. The workshop was organized by the Society for Scientific Exploration and sponsored by the LSR Fund, chaired by Laurance S Rockefeller. Dr. Peter A. Sturrock, Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University, chaired the workshop. Seven leading UFOlogists, including Dr. Richard Haines and Dr. Jacques Vallee, presented evidence to Sturrock and a scientific review panel. The report, which has just been published, is hailed as the first scientific examination of UFO evidence since the Condon Report in the 1960s, which was widely criticized by UFOlogists as a whitewash. The article notes that Dr. Edward Condon, leader of the Condon study, was briefly a member of BUFORA.

The main conclusions of the Sturrock Report were:

• A few reported incidents might have involved rare phenomena like electrical activity, but there was no convincing evidence for unknown physical processes or extraterrestrial intelligence.
• It would be valuable to carefully evaluate UFO reports, as unexplained observations could lead to new scientific discoveries.

The article states that the report and reactions to it will be examined in more detail in future editions of the Bulletin.

The Wilmslow UFO - New Revelations

This article by Nick Redfern, a leading UK document researcher and author of "A Covert Agenda," examines a UFO report that sheds light on government involvement rather than the nature of UFOs. The report concerns an encounter by Police Constable Colin Perks in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on January 7th, 1966. While on patrol, Perks heard a high-pitched whine and saw a greenish-grey, elliptical object, about 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, hovering at 35 feet. The object remained stationary for about five seconds before moving away at high speed. Perks, initially skeptical, could find no conventional explanation and checked with Jodrell Bank and Manchester Airport.

The case gained attention in the press in March 1966, with headlines like "ONE FLYING SAUCER ON MY BEAT." Superintendent Hugh Kenworthy vouched for PC Perks' reliability.

The article reveals that the decades-old UFO encounter gained new significance in January 1997 when Redfern located the declassified Ministry of Defence (MOD) investigation file at the Public Records Office in Kew. The file, nearly twenty pages long, had been classified at a restricted level and attracted the keen interest of the Ministry of Defence's Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS).

The MOD papers indicated that the media had only reported a fraction of the story. PC Perks' initial report was filed on January 7th, 1966. A separate document from Manchester Airport to the MOD also outlined the encounter. Notably, the MOD circulated copies of this report to at least three departments: S4F (an office related to Nick Pope's work), the Air Force Operations Room, and the covert DI61 within the Defence Intelligence Staff. While S4F and the Air Force Operations Room received one copy each, DI61 received four copies.

On February 1st, 1966, a representative from the highly covert DI61 traveled from Whitehall to Wilmslow specifically to interview PC Perks and conduct an on-site inspection. During this inspection, a "glass like substance" was found on an adjacent car park, though DI61 concluded it was likely unrelated to the UFO sighting.

Flight Lieutenant M.J.P.H. Mercer of D161 wrote in a confidential report that "On the evidence available to Tech Int (Air) it is not possible to arrive at any concrete conclusion." He noted that such "one man" sightings are difficult to explain without a scientific team present at the moment of sighting. However, the thoroughness of the DI61 investigation, including checking radar data, is highlighted.

Redfern makes two significant observations: First, the involvement of the covert DI61 contradicts the MOD's public claims that S4F was the primary body investigating UFOs in the 1960s. Second, the DI61 investigation into the Wilmslow sighting has implications for the "Men In Black" phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BUFORA Bulletin revolve around the ongoing debate about the scientific validity of UFO research, the role of government in investigating such phenomena, and the examination of historical UFO cases. The editorial stance, as expressed by Steve Gamble, leans towards advocating for BUFORA to become a more rigorous scientific society, supported by the positive reception of the Sturrock Report. The issue also underscores the importance of government transparency and the potential for hidden information regarding UFO investigations, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of the Wilmslow UFO case and the involvement of covert MOD units like DI61. The passing of prominent figures like Major Sir Patrick Wall and Ralph Noyes also highlights the continuity and legacy within the UFO research community.

This issue of UFOCall, identified by the number 11, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including witness accounts, potential explanations involving technology, and a detailed case history. The publication focuses on providing information and analysis for those interested in the subject, with a particular emphasis on investigative approaches and the dissemination of research through BUFORA publications.

Men in Black and D161

The issue begins with a discussion on 'Men in Black' (MIB) reports, specifically referencing 'D161' and its potential involvement in suppressing information. The author notes that while many MIB accounts have been discounted, new information surrounding D161 might warrant a re-evaluation. The author mentions locating an official file at the Public Records Office (file number: Air 2/1/17983) which indicates D161's involvement in the Wilmslow event was a matter of official secrecy for over three decades. The controversy surrounding Men in Black/D161 is presented as having 'only just begun'.

Postal Training Course

Information is provided regarding the BUFORA Postal Training Course (PTC), which is compulsory for those wishing to become BUFORA investigators. All inquiries are directed to David Pointon, with contact details including a postal address in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., and an email address.

UFOCall Contact

A contact number, 'UFOCall', is provided for the latest news, reviews, and events, with a note about BT Premium Rate call charges.

Swirling Rings in East Anglia: Sighting 1 - 3 March 1996

This section, authored by Robert Bull, details a sighting by Eleanor Green (pseudonym) and her fiancée near Newmarket, Suffolk. While travelling on the A11 around 7:00 p.m., they observed a circular array of hazy white lights resembling 'a lit gas ring on a cooker'. The lights exhibited rotating, spinning, and tilting movements, accelerating ahead of the car before moving to the rear. The witness stated there was no discernible bulk to the object, and her fiancée speculated it might be a light directed from the ground.

Swirling Rings in East Anglia: Sighting 2 - 28 April 1996

Another case investigated by Robert Bull involves three friends travelling near Newmarket on the A11 around 2:00 a.m. They reported seeing a 'glowing swirling cloud-like object' that transformed into a 'dish-like shape with segments'. This object, perceived to be about 500 feet away and at the same altitude, followed their car. One passenger managed to take a photograph, but the picture did not develop due to a long exposure being necessary for a night shot.

Conclusions on East Anglia Sightings

Robert Bull concludes that both East Anglia sightings likely involved the same phenomenon due to their proximity in area and similar descriptions. He posits that the cause was likely a laser light show, possibly originating from a nightclub in Newmarket. Investigations revealed that 'The White House' nightclub had a laser show, but permission was withdrawn in January 1996. However, 'DeNiros' nightclub was operating a 'Sky Tracker' laser device, and its operating times coincided with the sightings. The witness accounts of the object following them were also discussed in relation to automated laser projection systems.

Notes to Investigators About Laser Lights

This section offers guidance to investigators regarding laser light shows, acknowledging their increasing prevalence and the challenges they pose. The author shares insights gained from the East Anglia cases and poses six key questions about laser equipment to an internet forum, receiving replies primarily from the USA. The replies indicate that laser projection ranges can be up to several kilometres, beams are usually invisible unless in smoky or dusty conditions, and they are operated automatically via computer. Permission for operation may be required from local councils.

Technical Data on Laser Lights

Jon Baker of the University of Central Florida provides technical details on lasers used in light shows. The Argon gas laser, producing an aqua-blue beam (a mix of violet blues, green, and yellow), is common. The Helium-Neon (HeNe) laser, a lower-power red beam, is also mentioned. Pattern creation involves scanning the beam using 'GALVOs' (motors with mirrors) controlled by a computer. The visibility of laser beams is explained by 'Colloidal Dispersion', where fine particles in the air act as a medium for reflection. In dry, dust-free environments, beams are invisible.

Who to Ask About Laser Lights

Guidance is offered on who to contact when investigating potential laser light shows. This includes night-clubs and local councils, organizers of displays, the police, the National Air Traffic Services (NATS), and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Contact details for NATS at Stanstead Airport and the CAA at Heathrow Airport are provided.

Time Loss in Sowerby Bridge – A Case History

Authored by Paul Ascough, this section details a 'high strangeness' encounter involving Mr. and Mrs. I and two other adults in Sowerby Bridge on July 15, 1995. During a barbecue, glasses of drinks began to disappear, and a strange atmosphere was noted. At 21:40 hours, Mr. I observed a grey shape with flashing lights, which then appeared above him. A black door with vapour opened, and a beam of light was emitted. Mrs. I recalled lights of various colours on the object. The object moved away, and Mr. I witnessed it shoot a beam of light towards a house before disappearing. Upon checking the time, they discovered they had lost approximately 70 minutes, with the time now being 22:50 hours instead of 21:40 hours. Mr. I also experienced violent sickness.

Investigation into the Sowerby Bridge Case

The investigation into the Sowerby Bridge case raises several questions. The article ponders whether Mr. I told the others about the initial sighting and questions the cause of his violent sickness, suggesting it was not related to food or alcohol. The disappearance of glasses and Mrs. I falling asleep are also noted as unexplained elements. The following week, the witnesses observed two figures dressed in black, described as 'children', in a park near their house, who appeared and disappeared without a trace.

BUFORA Publications

This section lists recent BUFORA publications, including 'UFO Times' (Issue 45, October 1997), 'BUFORA Bulletin' (Issue 1, January 1998; Issue 2, April/May 1998; Issue 3, June/July 1998), and 'UFO Newsfile' (Issue 69). Contact information is provided for ordering missing copies. Additionally, reports on the 'BOLIDE Project' and the 'Men-In-Black study' are available for purchase.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, the investigation of sightings, and the potential for technological explanations (such as laser light shows) to be mistaken for UFOs. The magazine adopts an investigative and analytical stance, presenting witness accounts alongside technical data and expert opinions. There is a clear effort to demystify sightings by exploring rational explanations while also acknowledging the persistent mysteries within the field of ufology. The inclusion of BUFORA publications and contact information reinforces the magazine's role as a resource for UFO enthusiasts and researchers.

This issue of UFO Times, identified as issue number 98 from 1998, focuses heavily on the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity of film footage related to the alleged 1947 Roswell crash. The magazine features articles by Steve Gamble, Director of Research, and discusses the 'Tent Footage' and 'Autopsy Footage', exploring claims of fabrication and the challenges in verifying their origin.

Investigation into Roswell Film Footage

Steve Gamble's article, "That Film - Again!", details the announcement by independent researcher Reg Presley in 1995 about seeing film allegedly from the Roswell crash. Gamble explains that the footage breaks down into two types: 'Tent Footage' and 'Autopsy Footage'. He recounts his statement at a BUFORA lecture in May 1997, where he noted that while many believe the film is genuine, others suspect it is faked, and there is insufficient evidence to make a definitive judgment. He mentions that BUFORA's investigations have identified a small group of individuals allegedly involved in fabricating similar material. Gamble also describes being contacted by individuals claiming to have evidence of faked 'Tent Footage', but faced difficulties in verifying these claims. He recounts his own experience with Ray Santilli, who provided the 'Tent Footage' and later expressed uncertainty about its authenticity after the cameraman did not remember the filmed images. Gamble states he "COMPLETELY PULLED BACK FROM USING THE FILM" due to lack of confidence and that he did not use the studio involved again, emphasizing that the 'Autopsy Film' is separate and its authenticity remains unchanged.

Ray Santilli, in a statement provided via Philip Mantle, clarifies his position on the 'Tent Footage', stating he collected it as 16mm film in poor condition and had a studio attempt to retrieve images. He later showed the footage to the cameraman, who did not recall the images or the filming style. Santilli expresses concern that the film might have been interfered with, making it unusable. He reiterates that the 'Autopsy Film' is what it is and nothing will change that, and that any discussion about the 'Tent Footage' is irrelevant to it. Santilli notes that the 'Tent Footage' has not been widely shown and was considered unsafe in a 1995 interview. He concludes that alleged physical evidence is only supporting material for witness statements, and for any film to be considered evidence, the witness must be available for interview and the original material must be available for study, which he believes has not happened.

BUFORA's Skywatching Program

The magazine also provides information on BUFORA's 'Skywatching' program, a proactive research initiative coordinated by Philip Walton. This section serves as a reminder about upcoming skywatch dates and encourages member participation. The program involves instrumented detection of UFOs and typically takes place from Saturday evening to Sunday morning. The article emphasizes the importance of using a wide range of techniques to study the whole spectrum of UFO reports, rather than focusing solely on sensational Close Encounter experiences. It advises new participants to join existing groups rather than forming their own. National skywatches are scheduled for September 19th-20th, 1998, and December 19th-20th, 1998. Contact details for Philip Walton are provided via email ([email protected]) and phone (0181 313 1556).

BUFORA Lectures and Meetings

Information is provided on upcoming BUFORA lectures, which are held at the University of Westminster in London. The new lecture season will run from September to June, with admission prices set at £1.50 for members and £3.50 for non-members. There will be no lectures in January. A regional meeting is also announced, a joint event with the Cambridge UFO Group, to be held on Friday, October 9th, 1998, at The Unicorn Public House in Trumpington, Cambridge. The speaker for this meeting is John Spencer.

Newscuttings and Book Sales

The magazine includes a section for 'Newscuttings', encouraging members to send in relevant clippings. Additionally, a significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a catalog of books available for purchase at reduced prices, covering a wide range of topics including UFOs, abductions, paranormal phenomena, and historical mysteries. Titles range from popular paperbacks to larger softcovers and hardbacks, with prices listed in GBP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO-related evidence, particularly film footage, and the active engagement of the public in UFO research through skywatching and lectures. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence and witness testimony, while also promoting participation in organized research efforts. There is a clear distinction made between the 'Tent Footage' and the 'Autopsy Footage' concerning Roswell, with a strong emphasis on the former's questionable authenticity. The magazine also promotes BUFORA as a central organization for UFO research and information dissemination in the UK.