BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.05 - Sep Oct 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 5
Date: September-October 1998
Publisher: The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA Ltd)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Editorial

The editorial, by Robert Moore, welcomes readers to the new-look BUFORA BULLETIN, the first issue under his editorship. He states his aims are to produce a "cheap & sustainable (but well-produced) magazine that both presents general Ufological information and (more importantly) 'showcases' the research and investigation work conducted by our members." Moore acknowledges the potential concern among 'serious' Ufologists about editorial agendas but emphasizes the importance of BUFORA's unique research asset. He notes that 1998 has been a year of "disillusionment and mystery 'busting'" due to a lack of objective reporting and distortions of truth. He aims for the BUFORA BULLETIN to "try to ensure that the level of reporting in this journal will be second to none" and to combat the "love of mystery" generated by media like 'The X-Files' by reporting the truth after proper investigation. The issue includes articles on the "25,000 mph UFO" debacle and the June 11th/12th fireball event, as well as an article on "UFOs in the Bible." The Howden Moors incident is also covered, written by BUFORA press officer Dave Clarke.

Contents

The issue's contents include:

• Obituary: Ralph Noyes (Page 4)
• UK Abduction Symposium (Page 4-5)
• Donald Keyhoe Archives (Page 5)
• Fireball "UFOs" Over the UK (Page 6-7)
• Biblical "UFOs" (Page 8-10)
• 25,000mph UFOs tracked on Radar?? (Page 11)
• Investigations Diary (Page 12-20)
• The Howden Moors Incident (Part 1) (Page 21-25)
• Letters (Page 26)
• Events Calendar (Page 28)

Obituary: Ralph Noyes (1923-1998)

This section reports the death of English UFO researcher Ralph Noyes, who died on May 23rd, 1998, at the age of 75, after sustaining critical head injuries from a fall. Noyes had a distinguished career, serving in the RAF and later as a civil servant in the MoD, where he headed DS 8, the branch responsible for evaluating UFO reports from 1969 to 1972. After retiring in 1977, he became an author, known for his UFO-based science fiction novel "A Secret Property." Noyes believed there was no "darksider" cover-up regarding UFOs, but rather a culture of official disinterest and conservatism. He felt governments lacked tangible evidence of extraterrestrial visitations and were as baffled as the public. He made significant contributions to ufology, including work on the MJ-12 documents and the Rendlesham Forest incident. He was also a member and former president of the SPR and had an interest in crop circles. Kevin McClure described him as "a man of great intelligence, tolerance, kindness and intellectual generosity."

1999 U.K Abduction Symposium

A special 3-day UK symposium is planned for 1999 to examine the "UFO abduction" phenomenon. Inspired by a 1992 MIT symposium, the event aims to generate an open exchange of views between sceptics and advocates, focusing specifically on UK abduction experiences. Attendance is by invitation only, intended to provide a forum for objective discussion. Researchers, abduction participants, and professionals in related fields (hypnosis, false memory, folklore) are invited to present 10-15 minute papers. The event is independent and not affiliated with any organization. Andy Roberts is the Co-Ordinator, and interested parties can contact him via email or mail.

Donald E. Keyhoe Archives

Established in May 1998 by the "Project 1947" initiative, the Donald E. Keyhoe Archives consolidates important early UFO material. Its core collection includes Donald Keyhoe's correspondence with Congress, the military, publishers, the media, and Ufologists, as well as Charles Lindbergh memorabilia. The archives also house Richard Hall's extensive collection of correspondence, UFO reports, newspaper clippings, and posters spanning over 40 years, including material from his time with NICAP. Further donations from Richard Hall include the correspondence of former NICAP official Ted Bloecher and the case-files of Marshall Cleaver. The archives also contain materials related to Dr. James McDonald, Isabel Davis, Idabel Epperson, Walter Webb, and others. Additionally, the archives house the files of the Fund's for UFO Research (FUFOR), including correspondence, research, manuscripts, and microfilmed files like the NICAP/CSI clipping collection and Project Blue Book records. The Keyhoe Archives are located in the Washington, D.C. area and are accessible by advanced appointment only.

Fireball "UFOs" Seen by Hundreds Throughout the UK

BUFORA is investigating a series of "fireball" phenomena reported across the UK on June 11th-12th, 1998. Reports from sources like the "Daily Mirror" and BBC's "Ceefax" indicated "hundreds" of people observed "flaming blue balls." Some reports described a single, large light, while others saw groups of lights. Descriptions included "burning or flaming" appearances and a "tail behind the light." The sightings spanned from Devon to North Yorkshire. Gloria Dixon, BUFORA's Director of Investigations, was contacted by a local radio station about numerous reports of mysterious airborne lights. One witness described a huge ball with a "flame-like" trail descending vertically. BUFORA also received reports of objects seen earlier that evening, including a small ball of light with a smoky tail in Rochdale, a yellow ball of light in Sussex, and two fast-moving yellow balls of light in Somerset. The Royal Edinburgh Observatory suggested these sightings were from the Ophiuchids meteor shower. However, the article notes that observatory data may not always be precise and discusses the possibility of cometary seeding of meteor showers enriching displays, though experts consider this unlikely. The article concludes that the clustering of events was likely coincidental, but acknowledges the possibility of other explanations. Steve Mera is thanked for providing details of the Rochdale event.

Biblical "UFOs"

This section explores biblical accounts that have been reinterpreted as evidence of extraterrestrial visitors or "ancient astronauts." It discusses the concept of "cultural tracking," where phenomena manifest in forms suited to the times. The article examines several biblical passages:

• Book of Exodus (c. 1400 BC): References to a 'Pillar of Cloud' by day and 'Pillar of Fire' by night, and the 'manna' falling from the skies, are discussed. However, it notes that archaeological excavations have failed to find evidence of the Exodus. The Ark of the Covenant and a warning from the Book of Numbers are also mentioned.
• Ezekiel (6th Century BC): The prophet Ezekiel's vision of a "glowing cloud" with "lightning," "bronze-coloured forms resembling wheels within wheels," "four living creatures," and a "dome made of dazzling crystal" over which a "figure that looked like a man" was seated, is detailed. Engineer Josef Blumrich's interpretation of this as a viable spacecraft design is noted, though critics point to the ethical messages in Ezekiel's prophecy.
• Elijah: The appearance of a "chariot of fire, and horses of fire" that parted Elijah from his companion, and Elijah ascending "by a whirlwind into heaven," is presented as a potential UFO event.
• Enoch: The second Book of Enoch describes Enoch being visited by two tall men and taken on a tour of heaven, gaining secret knowledge. Proponents suggest this was a light-speed tour of the stars, with Enoch's aging slowed by relativistic travel. The article notes that the Book of Enoch is considered Pseudepigrapha.
• Jacob: Jacob's vision of angels ascending and descending a ladder between Earth and heaven is interpreted by some as "UFO entities" on a large flying saucer.
• Jonah: The tale of Jonah being swallowed by a whale and disgorged is proposed by some as evidence of him being taken aboard an "amphibious(?) extraterrestrial craft."
• The Star of Bethlehem: The celestial body guiding the Magi is interpreted by some ufologists as a "UFO."
• Saint Paul: Paul's conversion experience, where "a light from the sky flashed round him," is suggested by some ufologists as being caused by a UFO beam, leading to a personality change similar to close encounter experiencers. Others suggest similarities to temporal lobe epilepsy.

The article also includes a "Further Reading List" with books supportive and sceptical of the "ancient astronauts" concept.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of contemporary UFO sightings (specifically the June 1998 fireball events and the Howden Moors incident), the reinterpretation of historical and religious texts through a UFO lens (Biblical "UFOs"), and the archiving of UFO research materials (Donald E. Keyhoe Archives). The editorial stance, as articulated by Robert Moore, is one of rigorous, evidence-based reporting aimed at combating misinformation and presenting the truth about the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on "showcasing" the research efforts of BUFORA members and promoting objective investigation over sensationalism or a "love of mystery."

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated August 1998, focuses on investigations into UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters. The cover story, "25,000 mph UFO" tracked on Radar??..., highlights a sensational report from April 1998 where UK newspapers claimed a new military radar system had detected fast-moving UFOs. The bulletin critically examines this story, revealing it to be largely unsubstantiated and based on unreliable sources.

Radar-Tracked UFO Story Debunked

The lead article details how several UK newspapers, including the Daily Mail and Daily Express, reported that radar tapes of UFOs were to be shown at a Space Symposium at RAF Cranwell. The reports described a 900ft triangular craft moving at speeds up to 24,000 mph, allegedly tracked by radar at RAF Fylingdales and even by the Dutch air force. However, subsequent inquiries by BUFORA's Press officer Dave Clarke and Nick Pope exposed these claims as a "tissue of untruths." The RAF Press office denied that any such tapes were shown at the conference, which was actually about military space systems. They also denied stories of mystery craft and shape-changing UFOs, attributing the original report to a former MoD civilian employee with a history of "wildly exaggerated stories."

Investigations and Sightings

The "Investigations Diary" section, compiled by Gloria Dixon, Director of Investigations for BUFORA, presents several case studies and updates:

New Deputy Director of Investigations

John Heptonstall has resigned as Deputy Director of Investigations (DD of I), and Dave Pointon has been appointed to the role. Pointon, who has experience in tutoring the Postal Training Course (PTC) and conducting investigations, is welcomed to the position.

Sightings Update

BUFORA received approximately 168 sightings in the first half of 1998, with a peak from March to June. December 1997 was unusually quiet, with only about 6 sightings reported. Many reports on June 11th, 1998, of balls of light across England, were likely bolides or meteor showers. A significant event in West Yorkshire on February 2nd, 1998, was investigated by John Heptonstall.

Case Study: West Yorkshire Lights

This case involved two very bright lights observed moving over West Yorkshire. The lights were tracked by an infra-red camera for about 10 minutes before diverging. John Heptonstall's report concluded that the lights were likely some form of military hardware, possibly RPV/UAV craft, with tracking provided by unidentified helicopters. This coincided with RAF exercises involving numerous aircraft.

Paranormal Event... Or Alien Encounter?

This section discusses the increasing number of perceived "close encounter" or "alien abduction" experiences. It notes how powerful imagery from UFO-related media can influence the interpretation of anomalous events, leading some to reinterpret long-term paranormal experiences as alien encounters. A case from Yorkshire is mentioned where a mother believed her daughter was being abducted by aliens due to her drawings of "alien" faces. The article also references the controversial book "Abducted - The True Story of Alien Abduction in Rural England" by Jason Andrews, criticizing its exploitation.

The Role of Memory and Misinformation

Drawing on the work of Professor Elizabeth Loftus, the bulletin highlights the potential for misinformation to invade memories, especially when suggestively interrogated or exposed to media coverage. Researchers have learned that memories are more easily modified over time. The article discusses the problems associated with using hypnosis to gain information on alleged "events" and stresses the need to understand memory retrieval and the phenomenon of "abduction by aliens."

Case Study: Devon 1991

A family in Devon reported experiencing paranormal events, including ghostly apparitions and balls of light, which they later interpreted as alien abduction. The father saw a figure by his bed, and the family heard screaming. The mother experienced hair loss from a spot on her head. The bulletin notes that the family had a psychic investigator visit, after which the paranormal events subsided, but they still felt the presence of ghostly figures.

Case Study: Surrey

Mr. M. contacted BUFORA regarding his partner, who claimed to be experiencing unusual phenomena, including seeing pale faces in the mirror and having unexplained marks, believing she was being "taken by aliens." The bulletin suggests that hypnagogic hallucinations, false awakenings, or sleep paralysis might be involved.

Case Study: Streatham, London

A woman in Streatham reported experiencing bright white lights outside her home. She also has a history of precognitive dreams and visions. The bulletin suggests that these experiences could be related to hypnagogic hallucinatory phenomena.

Case Study: Warley, West Midlands

A 30-year-old man reported a shadow moving across his bedroom, a spot of light, and a fluid sensation, followed by seeing a non-human face. He also experienced paralysis and numbness. The bulletin notes the possibility of hypnagogic phenomena, false awakenings, and sleep paralysis.

Case Study: Gloucester

A woman in Gloucester believes she has witnessed extraordinary phenomena related to UFOs and aliens, including a black saucer-shaped object and figures dressed in military uniforms. She also observes police helicopters. The area is noted for its proximity to GCHQ.

Case Study: Forres, Moray, Scotland

Four people witnessed a loud rumbling sound followed by a white, circular object with a pink illuminated rim that accelerated rapidly into the sky and disappeared. The incident, dubbed "The Thistle Report," is being investigated.

Case Study: Near Spennymoor, Co. Durham

A witness reported a bright light emanating from a field, followed by a red sunburn-like rash covering his body. The rash reappeared two weeks later. While the witness linked it to the sighting, the cause remains unexplained.

Case Study: Shilbottle Road, Northumberland

In September 1963, a woman and her father witnessed a huge "object" above them emitting beams of light, which moved away at extreme speed. The object was described as huge in comparison to their car. The RAF reported no military aircraft in the area at the time.

Photographs/Video Footage

BUFORA continues to receive video and photographs of alleged UFOs. The bulletin emphasizes the importance of establishing all background information for analysis, including camera details and the witness's naked-eye description. Nick Burton, an expert in computer graphics and image processing, comments on the challenges of analyzing "UFO" images, noting that many attempts are made with little experience, resulting in flawed perceptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of sensational UFO reports, the exploration of witness accounts of anomalous phenomena, and the psychological aspects of interpreting these experiences. BUFORA emphasizes a cautious and objective approach, highlighting the potential for misinformation, media influence, and the unreliability of memory. The organization stresses the importance of thorough investigation, utilizing technical consultants, and maintaining a moratorium on hypnosis to ensure an informed understanding of these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims while remaining open to rigorous investigation of genuine anomalous events.

This document is the first part of an investigative report titled "The Howden Moors Incident" by David Clarke, published in the BUFORA BULLETIN in July 1998. David Clarke, a Ufologist and journalist, spent 15 months investigating this event, which was recently recognized with an Editor's Award.

Introduction to the Howden Moors Incident

The incident occurred just after 10 pm on Monday, March 24, 1997. Over 40 people in and around Howden Moors, Derbyshire, telephoned the police to report observations of a "light aircraft" that disappeared from view, followed by an audible explosion, a "flash" of light, and plumes of smoke. Emergency services from four counties conducted a search for this alleged "aircrash" but found no signs of it. The search operation continued until 2 pm the following afternoon and cost an estimated £50,000. Since the event, speculation has varied, with some in the UFO community comparing it to the Roswell incident, while others suggest more conventional explanations like military exercises, experimental aircraft, meteors, or drug smugglers. This article aims to examine the known facts and reach conclusions.

Locational Data

Derbyshire is located in the approximate middle of the United Kingdom, bordering Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire. Its terrain varies from flat in the south to irregular in the mid- and north-easterly portions, with mountainous areas in the northwest. The Peak District National Park, Britain's first National Park established in 1951, is situated at the southern end of the Pennines, between Sheffield and Manchester. It covers approximately 1404 km² and includes parts of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester. Geologically, it's divided into the White Peak (limestone) and Dark Peak (boggy). The park is mostly privately owned, with public access to about 197 km². It is governed by The Peak Park Joint Planning Board (The Peak National Park Authority). Sheffield, the UK's 4th largest city (approx. 0.5 million population), is located about 8 kilometers west of the park.

Fire Over the Moors

At approximately 10 pm on March 24, 1997, Sheffield Police headquarters received numerous calls reporting a low-flying aircraft over the village of Bolsterstone, seemingly on a collision course with the Peak District hills. A witness in Stannington described a "wingless long cigar-shaped object" that appeared to be "on fire," moving from Bradfield towards Strines and the Derbyshire moors. Police special constable Maria-France Tattersfield was observing comet Hale-Bopp at the time.

Witness Accounts

Several witnesses near Bolsterstone reported seeing a "large four-seater aircraft" flying at extreme low altitude, well below the legal limit, with its windows lit up. This aircraft disappeared westward towards Broomhead Moor. Other witnesses at Edge End farm saw a craft flying at low altitude from Deepcar, displaying lights on its wings. As it moved away, it was obscured by Margery Hill, after which an orange glow and smoke were observed, leading witnesses to believe an aircrash had occurred.

A local gamekeeper and his wife, living in an isolated cottage on the moors at Strines, heard a loud "boom and bang" sound in the sky, seeing an eerie glow but no crash. Another witness driving over the Woodhead Pass between 10:05 and 10:10 pm on March 24, 1997, observed a light over the moors that did not resemble a fire. This light appeared stationary and hovered at ground level in the area of Featherbed Moss or the Shepherd's Meeting Stones, appearing as a bright white light. The witness later reported this sighting to the head warden.

The "Rescue" Operation

By 10:30 pm, West Yorkshire Police had received multiple reports. A police controller dispatched 40 officers and alerted the Fire and Rescue service. Air Traffic Control at Manchester Airport confirmed no aircraft were missing or had issued mayday calls. Other airports and RAF installations also reported no unaccounted-for aircraft.

Derbyshire County Police received similar calls. However, the Duty Inspector, after checking with air traffic control and finding nothing unusual, decided not to alert emergency services to a suspected aircrash, stating that they continually receive such reports. He later justified this by saying that the reports were vague and covered a large area.

Police and Military Response

Only a couple of weeks prior, a similar incident involving a reported "aeroplane crashing and on fire" during a meteor shower had been dismissed by a police officer as imagination. This officer later admitted he was "carpeted" for not taking the reports seriously but maintained his assessment was correct, calling the subsequent search a "complete waste of time and public money."

The South Yorkshire Force took over the investigation and ordered a full-scale air and ground search. Staff at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital were on standby. Fire crews from five stations were deployed. Mountain rescue teams, including sniffer dogs, were mobilized. The West Yorkshire Police helicopter, equipped with heat-seeking equipment, conducted a massive overflight, as did an RAF Sea King helicopter from RAF Leconfield. A Temporary Danger Area was established around the Howden Reservoir. Despite these efforts, no sign of a crash was found.

Alternative Explanations and Witness Statements

Yorkshire Water was asked to check reservoirs for pollution or debris, but found none. Police initially told Yorkshire Water that the RAF had admitted to a nighttime exercise involving a sonic boom, but later inquiries were told "no exercise." However, it is understood the military later admitted there had been one.

Senior Peak Park Warden Brian Jones stated that the search was standard procedure for responding to public reports of aircraft in distress. He dismissed allegations of a cover-up as "absolute nonsense," emphasizing the professionalism of the unpaid mountain rescue personnel. He noted that the area is used for low-level RAF training and for "stacking" airliners near Manchester, leading to frequent reports of aircraft on fire or crashing from visitors unfamiliar with these activities.

Inspector Jack Clarkson of South Yorkshire Police suggested an "experimental aircraft" could be responsible, noting that the military is not obligated to inform the police of such activities. Mike France, Chairman of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Association, believed the event was the result of an illegal drugs run, as the valley is known to be used by smugglers. He also suggested the possibility of a covert military operation.

"Sonic Events" Detected by the British Geological Survey

On March 24, 1997, the British Geological Survey (BGS) recorded two "sonic booms" originating from the Sheffield area at 2152 and 2206 hrs. The BGS contacted the RAF, who could not confirm that a military jet was responsible. These were among eight similar sonic events recorded nationally that year. The BGS later confirmed to David Clarke that such events are almost always caused by military aircraft going supersonic, a practice that is forbidden above land without reporting. The culprits are usually military aircraft, Concorde, or space debris/bolides.

Letters and Commentary

The "Letter Page" includes correspondence from Steuart Campbell, who suggests that astronomical mirages could explain some sightings, including a case involving the M54 motorway and RAF Cosford. Gloria Dixon, BUFORA Director Of Investigations, responds, questioning how a mirage theory could explain a "black triangle" sighting and suggesting a military explanation might be more likely, given the proximity to an RAF base. She also notes the increasing reports of silent, hovering black triangles and suggests contacting Dave Pointon, who investigated the case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue focuses on the Howden Moors incident, presenting witness accounts, police and military responses, and expert opinions. Recurring themes include the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine UFO phenomena and conventional explanations such as military activity, drug smuggling, or misidentification of natural events. The article also touches upon the challenges of large-scale searches in remote areas and the potential for misinterpretation of common occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, presenting various possibilities without definitively concluding on the nature of the event, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena.