BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.08 - Jan Feb 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 8
Date: January-February 1999
Publisher: British UFO Research Association (BUFORA Ltd)
Country: United Kingdom

Editorial

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL" and written by Robert Moore, addresses recent criticisms regarding his perceived lack of tolerance towards "new age" beliefs and ideas. Moore firmly defends his stance, drawing parallels between ufology and cults like Jonestown and Heaven's Gate, arguing that the line between them is often blurred, particularly in the USA where tabloid ufology is prevalent. He expresses concern that a "new-age" faction might attempt to "hasten" the millennium through nuclear terrorism, citing the collapse of the Soviet Union and organized crime in modern Russia as factors that could facilitate cults acquiring nuclear devices. He also references the minor "hint" of such capabilities seen in Japan. Moore calls for a true spirituality uncorrupted by false hopes and fanaticism, and suggests that individuals interested in UFOs should not seek spiritual fulfillment from them, but rather approach anomalous aerial phenomena with logic, reason, and science.

BUFORA UFO SIGHTING STATISTICS 1996-1997

This section, authored by Robert Moore, presents a schematic depiction of reported UFO events to BUFORA between October 1996 and March 1997. A pie chart illustrates the distribution of 237 reported sightings by type: "Lights In The Sky" (57.0%), "Disc" UFOs (20.0%), "Triangle" UFOs (10.0%), "Cigar" UFOs (10.0%), and "Close Encounters" (3.0%). The article notes that "Lights in the sky" are the most common type, but around 90% are identified as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). It compares these figures to a 1975-1979 sample by the Northern UFO Network, where "Close Encounter" type events constituted 13% of reports, finding the 10% in the BUFORA sample to be close.

A Week With A Remote Viewer

Richard Conway recounts his experience attending a remote viewing seminar in Stowemarket led by David Morehouse, author of "Psychic Warrior." Conway, initially skeptical but interested, found the course beneficial, though he notes that the program had little to do with UFOs directly. Morehouse suggested that the government likely knows about the UFO enigma. The seminar covered the history of the RV program and Morehouse's role in it. Participants included hypnotherapists, a shaman, and the president of the Society for Psychical Research. Conway highlights the Tunguska incident as a fascinating target, which 17 remote viewers reportedly witnessed similarly to a military training exercise involving a structured craft emerging from a rip in the sky. The article touches on the idea that time is not a barrier for advanced viewers and discusses why remote viewing might not be used for personal gain like lottery numbers, citing the complexity of future prediction due to variables. Morehouse's argument for authenticity is based on his ability to perform the task. The article also mentions alleged technologies for tracking individuals via satellite based on their electromagnetic signature and the existence of "remote influencing" technology that can implant thoughts. Morehouse's own experience of a near-fatal gunshot wound and subsequent out-of-body experience is presented as a catalyst for his involvement in RV. The article explains two forms of remote viewing: Coordinate Remote Viewing (CRV) and Extended Remote Viewing (ERV).

The TWA Incident

Conway details a project involving David Morehouse and other viewers concerning a TWA plane that exploded over Long Island. While the official report cited a spark in the fuel tank, viewers claimed a microwave weapon test caused the plane's disintegration, with graphic descriptions of the aftermath. The investigation suggested a boat fired a missile destroyed by a microwave beam from Brookhaven National Labs. However, the research and evidence reportedly disappeared after individuals involved were threatened.

CHALLENGING RV

Kevin McClure responds to Richard Conway's article, expressing his personal threshold for belief. McClure questions the extreme claims made by remote viewers, particularly regarding the TWA incident and the Tunguska event, finding them irrational and offensive. He proposes simple, verifiable tests for remote viewers, such as identifying car details or house layouts, and notes that such tests have not been publicly demonstrated. McClure argues that if RV were reliable for past events, it could be used for crime prevention and solving, human rights monitoring, and war crime trials. He criticizes celebrity viewers for charging high fees for "untestable tales" rooted in conspiracy theories and fears of a New World Order, suggesting that remote viewing is an extension of older practices like astral projection, now glossed over with alien narratives and anti-government sentiments.

ONE PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Barbara Becker examines the controversial Gulf Breeze UFO story, focusing on Edward Walters and his photographs. The article references Walters' book, "The Gulf Breeze Sightings," and his claim of photographing a UFO on November 11, 1987. It notes that the first and fifth photos, along with a letter from "Mr. X.," were published in the Sentinel. The article also discusses other photographs submitted to the Sentinel by an anonymous person called "Jane" and a pseudonym "Believer Bill." These photos, while lending credibility to Walters' story, also challenge it. Tommy Smith, an associate of Walters, claimed that Walters asked him to pose as the photographer for hoaxed UFO photos and that the "Believer Bill" and "Jane" photos were taken by Walters in cooperation with another friend. Becker questions why these individuals were not acknowledged in Walters' book, unlike the Pensacola News Journal, and how Walters used their photos without permission.

Contents

• UFO NEWS (Page 4)
• A WEEK WITH A REMOTE VIEWER (Pages 5-8)
• CHALLENGING RV (Pages 8-9)
• ONE PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS (Pages 10-13)
• INVESTIGATIONS DIARY (Pages 14-15)
• "UFO" BY MOONLIGHT (Page 16)
• THE LEEDS INCIDENT (Pages 17-23)
• A LETTER TO UFOLOGY (Pages 24-25)
• BOOK REVIEWS (Pages 26-27)
• EVENTS & 1999 A.G.M NOTICE (Page 28)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature and validity of remote viewing, the analysis of UFO sighting data, and the examination of specific UFO cases like the Gulf Breeze incident and the TWA incident. The editorial stance, as articulated by Robert Moore, is one of skepticism towards "new age" beliefs and a strong advocacy for a scientific, rational, and evidence-based approach to the study of anomalous aerial phenomena, distancing it from cultic or spiritual interpretations.

This issue of UFOCALL, presented by Jenny Randles and edited by BUFORA, focuses on UFO investigations, copyright law, and organizational updates. The publication date is inferred to be around 1999, based on references to upcoming events and statistical collations.

Copyright Dispute: The 'Believer Bill' and 'Jane' Photos

The lead article delves into a complex copyright dispute surrounding photographs of individuals referred to as 'Believer Bill' and 'Jane'. The author, likely the editor or a researcher, investigates the claims of Ed Walters, who registered copyright for 'Gulf Breeze Sightings' photographs, listing himself as the author and copyright claimant. The article questions Walters' claim, particularly his assertion that ownership was given by Duane Cook, the editor of the Gulf Breeze Sentinel. According to copyright law as explained in the text (Title 17 of the U.S. Code), copyright initially vests with the author. If the photographer was not Walters, then a valid transfer agreement, in writing and signed by the original copyright owner, would be necessary for Walters to legally own the copyright. The author notes that Walters admits there is no transfer agreement and claims to be the photographer himself. The article suggests that Walters' admission of ownership being 'given' by Cook, who likely only had a non-exclusive license to publish, is problematic. The author concludes that Ed Walters likely owns the photos because he took them, implying a potential fabrication or deception in the narrative surrounding the 'Believer Bill' and 'Jane' photos.

BUFORA Updates and Procedures

Postal Training Course

The Postal Training Course (PTC) is compulsory for BUFORA members wishing to become investigators. To date, the course has generated £280.00 for the BUFORA NIC. There are currently 9 trainees enrolled, and 15 have successfully completed it.

Investigators

BUFORA has 35 investigators, with 15 of them being provisional.

Hypnosis Moratorium

A significant portion of the issue addresses BUFORA's ongoing moratorium on the use of regressive hypnosis in investigations, which has been in place since 1988 and is supported by the NIC. The relevant paragraph from The Code Of Practice for UFO Investigators (6.12) is quoted. It states that investigators should inform witnesses of the major problems with hypnosis, particularly its unreliability and the potential for distortion, emphasizing that it represents the witness's 'truth' rather than an 'objective truth'. If a witness or third party insists on hypnosis, the investigator may recommend a qualified practitioner or BUFORA's Psychological Consultants, but the witness must pursue this independently of BUFORA's investigation. Investigators belonging to other groups are expected to adhere to this moratorium at all times, or their position within BUFORA NIC may become untenable. A planned debate on this at the Cambridge NIC meeting in October 1998 was postponed and rescheduled for February or March 1999, to be held in conjunction with a Press Day.

Press Interaction

A Press Day is planned in conjunction with David Clarke, a senior reporter on the Sheffield Star, to provide information on dealing with the press to maximize benefits for BUFORA and UFO research.

Sightings and Case Reports

General Sightings Statistics

As of September 30th, 1998, BUFORA had received approximately 220 sightings. The majority were reported as unusual lights, with many cases identified as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), such as misperceptions of aircraft, stars, planets, and meteors.

Laser Light Displays

Laser light displays have generated numerous reports over the year, and the collation of case statistics will determine how prominent they have become as spurious UFO events.

Nightclub-Related Sighting

A report from Low Moor and Burnley described a UFO-like object from a new nightclub's laser display, which was later identified.

Prototype Aircraft

Reports of possible new prototype aircraft continue to be received, particularly in the Northwest and around Derbyshire.

High Strangeness Reports

High strangeness reports encompass paranormal activity perceived as alien and UFO events, with some witnesses now believing their experiences are UFO or alien encounters. The article suggests that imagery from UFO television, magazines, and books may influence how people interpret extraordinary events, potentially integrating them into their consciousness. Hypnagogic and hypnopompic states are mentioned as occurring during altered states of consciousness before sleeping or after awakening.

Video Footage

Video footage was received from Newton Aycliffe (identified as an aircraft) and Coventry (possibly an airship). The Coventry footage is undergoing computer enhancement.

1998 Statistics

In January 1999, statistics for 1998 are being collated. A preliminary collation for 1996 and part of 1997 by Robert Moore will be published in a future issue of the BUFORA BULLETIN.

Case Closed: "UFO" by Moonlight!

This new feature highlights notable IFO (Identified Flying Object) events. The first case, occurring on April 18th, 1998, near Bury St Edmunds, involved witnesses observing a large orange/yellow circular light above trees. The object flashed and moved erratically before disappearing. Investigator Rob Bull, after studying the report, maps, and astronomical software, concluded that the object was the moon. The description of its motion and color were consistent with the moon being low on the horizon. The witness was adamant it was not a laser light show, and checks confirmed that the local nightclub's laser projector would have been shut down by 02:00 hrs.

Gloria Dixon and Robert Moore comment that mistaking the moon for a UFO is common. They explain how the moon's shape can be altered by cloud, appearing as a 'dome' or 'saucer', and its color can change due to atmospheric conditions or refraction effects when near the horizon.

Investigations Diary Special: The Leeds Incident

This section details an incident on February 2nd, 1998, where a large number of observers in West Yorkshire saw two very bright lights moving slowly from the Pennines towards York. The event was covered by the BBC's 'Look North' program and included video footage from a security man named 'K.M.'.

Witness Accounts of the Leeds Incident

Around 17:35 hrs, 'K.M.' and a colleague in a security cabin noticed two bright lights to their west. Over ten minutes, the lights were tracked moving eastwards. They were described as stationary for several minutes, then moving closer, keeping formation, and sometimes moving apart. The impression was of two lights that appeared to be pairs, possibly due to proximity. The altitude was estimated between a few hundred to a few thousand feet. Andy Rackham of Leeds/Bradford International Airport stated that radar did not pick up any objects, and that extraterrestrial objects might not be detectable by radar.

Most witnesses described the lights as 'two very bright white lights moving very slowly in close formation without sound', dismissing them as conventional aircraft. Some witnesses heard small engine or turboprop sounds, and some reported seeing helicopters. The Halifax Evening Courier reported on similar lights.

Witness accounts from various locations (Stainland, Bradford, Queensbury, Hipperholm, Hunsworth, Allerton, Pudsey, Farnley, Churwell, Armley, Morley, Belle Isle) describe the lights moving from west to east, often in formation. Some accounts mention sounds (turboprop, two-stroke engine), while others report no sound. Several witnesses noted the lights were not like aircraft they were familiar with. One witness, Mr. D of Morley, photographed the lights and thought he saw a black cigar or coffin shape between them.

Some accounts noted anomalies in timing or description. One couple saw the lights moving westwards over the Pennines, followed by them, and also saw a helicopter. They later encountered a strange situation with an 'F' reg. Rover car parked in the middle of the road.

Analysis of the Leeds Incident

The article acknowledges that identifying the lights may require extensive investigation. The witness accounts generally describe two very bright, slow-moving lights in formation, with some variations in sound and perceived altitude. The possibility of them being military helicopters was also raised.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOCALL demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation, evident in the detailed analysis of the copyright dispute and the careful examination of UFO sighting reports. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the 'Case Closed' feature debunking a sighting as the moon and the thorough investigation into Ed Walters' copyright claims. BUFORA's emphasis on adherence to its investigative code of practice, particularly regarding hypnosis, highlights a concern for methodological integrity and the avoidance of potential contamination of evidence. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating information on UFO phenomena, statistical analysis, and organizational news within the UFO research community.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, identified as Issue 21 and dated 1998, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related research, particularly from the West Yorkshire region. The publication includes numerous witness accounts, analysis of these events, and reviews of relevant books.

Witness Sightings and Analysis (Pages 20-23)

The bulk of the issue is dedicated to detailed accounts of UFO sightings, primarily occurring in late 1998. These reports are presented chronologically and geographically, with witnesses providing specific times, locations, and descriptions of the phenomena.

Several sightings involve "very bright LITS" (Lights in the Sky). For instance, on page 20, E.C. of Meanwood describes two static lights moving like 'two stars' that then moved apart, upwards, and downwards, engaging in what she described as 'dancing...to music' before passing overhead. Her son-in-law, J.S., corroborated seeing similar bright lights moving slowly.

M.T. reported seeing two very bright lights approaching him from the City Centre towards Harrogate, noting they were at the same level, silent, and had no discernible shape. M.C. observed two bright slow lights near Foxhill Ave that stopped for over 10 minutes before moving overhead, describing them as having 'same body and tail' but not joined.

Miss C. reported stationary LITS for a prolonged period (30-60 minutes) visible from her back bedroom window. J.G. of Abbeydale photographed two bright lights over Kirkstall Road, but the photo turned out blank.

In Horsforth, J.T. observed what he initially thought was an aeroplane, but the lights then veered off course and split into two. KJ saw two very bright LITS ahead while driving towards the Ring Road, which were over a high-rise building. Mrs N. reported two very bright LITS over Leeds in the Wharfe valley.

Mrs P. of Wetherby saw a bright 'star' with a plane nearing it, noting one object was static while another moved towards it. A.M. and her husband observed two very bright LITS over Whinmoor that split up, one moving towards York and the other southerly at a faster speed.

Mrs C. of Baildon saw an unusual, very bright single light with a 'coloured' edge, described as a perfect round form, which was stationary for 10 minutes before disappearing.

Further sightings include P.R. observing two very bright lights to their right while driving over Nont Sarahs to Rochdale, which appeared to keep pace with them, even with a helicopter passing between them. Mr and Mrs D.R. saw two lights moving very slowly like globes near Heckmondwike. Mr G.A. of Batley saw two bright flashing white lights side by side, estimating their altitude as less than 1,000 feet and noting one veered off course.

The 'Analysis' section on page 23 discusses the common theme of two very bright, formation-keeping, soundless lights, sometimes associated with helicopters. It suggests possibilities ranging from mistaken identity to alternative objects or even military designations like UAVs or RPVs. The lack of radar traces for some sightings is noted, and the issue references similar sightings in the USA.

Several newspaper articles are cited, including reports from the Bradford Telegraph & Argus and the Halifax Evening Courier, detailing sightings of yellow lights and orange rectangles. The Ashton and Audenshaw Reporter is also mentioned for accounts of lights splitting and moving without sound.

Elsie Oakensen's Letter to UFOLOGY (Pages 24-25)

Elsie Oakensen writes a lengthy letter reflecting on her 20 years as a UFO witness. She expresses disappointment that BUFORA researchers have not provided a definitive explanation for her 1978 sighting, feeling her account has been selectively used. She challenges researcher Steuart Campbell's interpretation, particularly his suggestion that her experience was a mirage or hallucination. Oakensen details multiple incidents over a 6-hour period, including tightening sensations around her head, and questions the delayed action of such potential hallucinations.

She invites researchers like Albert Budden and Jenny Randles to verify her medical records, asserting she did not suffer from visual seizures or was not 'past normal child-bearing age' as might be implied by some interpretations. She also calls out researchers Carl Nagaitis, Philip Mantle, Andy Roberts, and Clive Potter, questioning their methodologies and interpretations of her experience.

Oakensen advocates for witnesses investigating their own sightings, referencing her own book, "One Step Beyond... A personal Abduction Experience," published in 1995. She criticizes the lack of respect shown to witnesses whose accounts form the basis of UFO research.

An 'Editors Comment' on page 25 acknowledges Elsie Oakensen's letter and poses the question of what she actually saw. It promises a detailed personal account of her 1978 Daventry sighting in the next issue of BUFORA BULLETIN.

Book Reviews (Pages 26-27)

UFOs & Ufology: The First 50 Years by Paul Devereux & Peter Brookesmith (1998) is reviewed by Robert Moore. The reviewer notes the book's unique attempt to reconcile current UFO understanding with scientific knowledge. It covers early sightings, the Kenneth Arnold sighting, contactees, and various aspects of UFOs and media. The book critically examines the "dark side" of UFOs, including conspiracy theories and the Roswell incident, suggesting the event was likely generated by a Project Mogul balloon and debunking the Roswell autopsy movie. The review highlights the book's excellent treatment of earthlights and its critical examination of abductions. The authors conclude that many UFO events result from earthlight manifestations and favor psychological explanations for high-strangeness reports, grounding Ufology in geophysics, psychology, and sociology. The reviewer recommends the book as a deep, intellectual exploration, though notes it might be a hard read for ETH proponents and is somewhat expensive.

Borderlands by Dr. Mike Dash (1998) is also reviewed by Robert Moore. This book examines a wide variety of paranormal phenomena, including anomalous precipitation, cryptozoology, ghosts, psi abilities, UFOs, SHC, and earth mysteries. The UFO chapter covers familiar material but is considered reasonably informed and up-to-date, though it lacks an index. Dash admits most events can be rationally explained but acknowledges a residue of puzzling incidents and scarce physical evidence. He discusses possible explanations ranging from ultraterrestrial sources to prosaic ones. Two chapters of particular interest to UFO enthusiasts are "Hoax" (fabricated phenomena) and "Answers From Inner Space" (physiological explanations for apparitions, possessions, and Close Encounters). Dash finds popular explanations inadequate and suggests a combination of unusual mental states and cultural expectation are at the root of many happenings. The book concludes that cultural expectations profoundly affect the interpretation of anomalous events and that no phenomenon is consistently inexplicable or explicable. The reviewer praises the book's intellectual depth and its documentation of diverse happenings on the borderlands of consensus reality.

BUFORA Events Calendar & AGM Notice (Page 8)

The issue concludes with a calendar of upcoming BUFORA events in early 1999, including lectures in January, February, and March, all to be held at the University of Westminster in London. Admission prices are listed. An AGM notice for BUFORA Ltd. is also included, scheduled for April 10th, 1999, at the University of Westminster, detailing the agenda and procedures for members, proxies, and nominations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, the challenges and frustrations faced by witnesses in having their experiences understood and researched, and the critical examination of paranormal phenomena through scientific and psychological lenses. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, encouraging direct witness consultation, and presenting a balanced view that considers both conventional and unconventional explanations for anomalous events, while also promoting critical thinking and scientific grounding in ufology.