BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.12 - July August 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 12
Date: July/August 1999
Publisher: British UFO Research Association

Editorial

The editorial discusses the challenges of producing the BUFORA Bulletin, now with an increased frequency of eight issues per year. The former editor, Robert Moore, has stepped down due to the time commitment and disagreements over a BUFORA lecture speaker. The new editor expresses a desire to retain popular features while introducing new sections, including clearly marked contributions from the Research and Investigations teams, and a new feature called "From Here And There," inspired by a 1970s BUFORA Journal.

Key Articles and Features

Obituary Notice: Graham Knewstub

This section is a detailed obituary for Graham Knewstub, a pioneering British ufologist who passed away at age 90. It highlights his early interest in space travel, his membership in the British Interplanetary Society (BIS) before it was widely accepted, and his role as a Chartered Engineer and Head of Instrumentation Laboratory at the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Knewstub was a founding member of the British Branch of Albert Bender's International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) in 1952 and later became Chairman of the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB) in 1953. He authored "TECHNICAL REPORT No.1: PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF DATA CONCERNING FLYING SAUCERS." He also served as President of the London UFO Research Organisation and the founding-President of the British UFO Association. The obituary notes his involvement in conferences and his definition of ufology as the systematic comparison of observer data. It mentions his reported sightings of a cigar-shaped object in 1960 and another object with rotating lights. His daughter recalled his pleasure at receiving a framed Citation for his long service to UFO research.

From Here and There

This section provides several short updates:

• BUFORA Website: Richard Conway and Jay Loring are updating the BUFORA website with a new look and future plans. Philip Walton is thanked for keeping the site running.
• New editor for Strange Daze: Gloria Dixon is congratulated on becoming the new editor of Strange Daze magazine, which covers UFOs and related topics. The magazine, started by former BUFORA editor Dave Newton, is published quarterly and details are provided for subscription.
• Disco Satellite: The article discusses the Starshine satellite, released by the space shuttle Discovery, described as a 19-inch disco ball covered in mirrors that flashes approximately every thirty seconds. It also mentions the International Space Station, which is becoming a bright object in the sky. The article suggests these celestial events might generate UFO reports.

Interview with Don Ecker

Conducted by John Spencer, this interview features Don Ecker, Director of Research for UFO Magazine and former presenter of 'UFOs Tonite.' Ecker emphasizes the importance of defining "UFO" as an "unidentified flying object" rather than immediately assuming alien spaceships. He believes that while many UFOs are likely misidentifications, there are cases that suggest the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence or advanced technology. He presents the Washington DC overfly in July 1952 as his "best case" for technologically advanced visitation. Ecker details how the event spanned three weekends, was observed on numerous radar sets, and witnessed by commercial airline pilots and military personnel. He criticizes the Air Force's explanation of misinterpreted weather inversions, pointing out that the objects were seen visually as well as on radar and that they evaded intercepting aircraft. The context of the Cold War and McCarthyism is mentioned as a backdrop to the heightened sensitivity and fear of the time.

Wilf Grunau

This piece reports the recent death of Wilf Grunau, a BUFORA member for over twenty years and treasurer in the late 1970s. He was known for his ability to find funds for the association, often through anonymous donations. Grunau presented on the extraterrestrial hypothesis in 1979 and advocated for not discarding old hypotheses without better alternatives. Professionally, he ran a company making interior wood fittings for luxury cars and later moved his operation to the United States in the early 1980s. He remained a BUFORA member and attended meetings when visiting the UK. He spent several years in a religious community in the US, where he wrote a book, before returning to the UK where he died.

BUFORA Bookshop and Lecture Notices

Information is provided about the BUFORA Bookshop and Lecture Notices, with the latter appearing on the outside back cover.

BUFORA Website and Online Presence

The BUFORA website is highlighted, accessible at www.bufora.org.uk. Additionally, "Spacelink Hits Cyberspace" notes that Spacelink Books has a new website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The BUFORA Bulletin appears to maintain a stance of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, encouraging rigorous definition and analysis of data. The editorial suggests a move towards a more frequent and informative publication, aiming to be a society magazine rather than competing with commercial publications. The inclusion of obituaries for long-standing members like Graham Knewstub and Wilf Grunau underscores the historical depth and community aspect of the organization. The focus on cases like the Washington DC overfly indicates an interest in examining evidence for potentially advanced technology or extraterrestrial visitation, while also acknowledging the need for careful definition and the possibility of misidentification. The magazine also covers space-related news that might be perceived as UFO-related, such as the Starshine satellite.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, identified as issue 11, focuses on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and historical accounts of unexplained events. The publication, from the British UFO Research Association, features articles and discussions that delve into the complexities of UFO investigations and their implications.

Roswell Incident and National Security

The issue begins by referencing J. Allen Hynek's (implied by 'Project Blue Book investigator' and 'Ruppelt') account of the Roswell crash, highlighting the involvement of General Ramey and General Sammons. It suggests that there was a concerted effort to suppress information about the incident, driven by the need to maintain national security during a period of heightened Cold War tensions, including the Communist threat and the Korean War. The article posits that the government's intense secrecy surrounding UFOs, even years later, indicates that these phenomena are not being dismissed as mere natural occurrences but are considered a significant security concern.

The Robertson Panel and Public Perception

Following the Roswell incident, the Central Intelligence Agency convened the Robertson Panel five months later. Their conclusion was to 'demythisise' the subject of UFOs in the public's mind, making it appear ludicrous. This strategy allegedly involved bringing in celebrities like Walt Disney and Arthur Godfrey, which subsequently led to cartoons from Disney and Warner Brothers poking fun at UFOs. The article suggests this was a subtle form of manipulation.

SAC Base Incursions and 'Clear Intent'

A second significant case discussed involves incursions by unidentified objects into a number of Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases, including those handling nuclear weaponry, during October and November 1975. This event was thoroughly investigated and documented by Barry Greenwood and Larry Fawcett in their book 'Clear Intent'. The investigation, aided by Freedom of Information Act requests, indicated that one or more atomic nuclear-tipped missiles may have been affected, potentially requiring replacement.

The STS 48 Case and Potential Weapons Technology

The third example highlighted is the STS 48 case, which the author claims to have broken on national television. NASA initially attributed the observed phenomenon to frozen urine from a wastewater dump. However, the author disputes this, presenting footage showing an object rising from Earth, moving in a straight line in a zero-gravity environment without tumbling, and making a drastic right-angle turn. The author speculates that this could have been a test of advanced weapons, possibly a rail gun, designed to knock down incoming missiles, suggesting a connection between NASA and the Department of Defense's 'Star Wars' initiative.

NASA's Secrecy and Funding

The article questions NASA's practices, particularly regarding the encryption of live feeds from space after the STS 48 story broke. It raises concerns about NASA's funding, noting its increasing reliance on the Department of Defense for projects, including ultra-top-secret satellites. The author points to the background of NASA administrator Daniel Golden, who came from a 'black budget civilian contract' or background, suggesting a shift away from NASA's traditional openness.

Historical Accounts and Ancient Civilizations

The publication also explores historical perspectives on UFOs and advanced beings. It references ancient oral traditions from various cultures, including Greek, Indian, Irish, Celtic, and Norse traditions, which speak of 'gods' or 'superior beings' warring and interacting with humans. These beings are often described as coming from the sky. The author suspects that the human race may have been genetically engineered from an early proto-human stage, with DNA mixed from another species.

Air Force Academy and 'E.T.s'

An interesting historical detail is the revelation that in 1970 or 1971, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs taught a chapter on unidentified flying objects in its science and physics textbooks for cadets. This chapter reportedly discussed ancient traditions and mentioned four types of 'E.T.s' engaging in warfare. The author claims to be the first researcher to transcribe this chapter and make it available online.

The 'Eighteenth Century Aliens?' Article

This section, authored by Kate Taylor, details an eighteenth-century pamphlet titled "Extraordinary appearance of the moon!" by Susannah Goodall. The pamphlet describes a strange appearance of the moon on February 3, 1794, which was seen as a sign of God's displeasure. Following this, a mysterious boy with white hair emitting rays appeared, speaking of 'great armies' and urging people to 'REMEMBER!'. The article notes that while the moon's appearance might have an astronomical explanation, the boy remains an enigma. The author of the article, Kate Taylor, holds a Masters degree in Classics from Oxford and works for Oxford University's Early Printed Books Project.

Government Deception and Public Trust

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the perceived dishonesty of governments regarding UFO phenomena. The author expresses anger at being lied to, citing examples where official explanations, such as the 'Venus' sighting, are demonstrably false. The article emphasizes that agencies like the Air Force, CIA, DIA, and NSA are not expected to make mistakes, implying that their explanations for unexplained events are often deliberate misdirections.

Postal Training Course

The bulletin concludes with information about the Postal Training Course (PTC), which is compulsory for BUFORA members wishing to become investigators. Contact details for David Pointon are provided for inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BUFORA Bulletin include government secrecy and deception surrounding UFO phenomena, the potential national security implications of unexplained aerial objects, and the exploration of historical accounts and ancient myths that may relate to extraterrestrial contact or advanced ancient civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official government explanations and a strong advocacy for transparency and public awareness regarding UFOs. The publication aims to present these subjects in a logical and palatable manner to the public, highlighting that governments have not been truthful about these matters.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated May 1999, features an article titled "Light Work" by Steve Gamble, which delves into the phenomenon of 'Balls of Light' (BOLs) and their potential connection to crop circles. The bulletin also includes book reviews, information on upcoming UFO conferences, and details on BUFORA's publications and submission guidelines.

Light Work

Steve Gamble's article "Light Work" begins by referencing a previous article in Bulletin 11 about researching Ball of Light phenomena and the work of Norman Oliver. The author highlights an incident in Newton, Cambridgeshire, where Michael Bradford described a small white ball of light moving across a harvested field with a zig-zag motion, followed by about ten more similar lights. These lights were reported to be moving about six feet above the ground, a characteristic also noted in lights associated with crop circles.

Gamble speculates that these lights might be a phenomenon that has always existed, and their association with crop circles is due to increased observation in those areas. He recalls close encounter witnesses reporting seeing small globes of light on other occasions and mentions that Brian James has noted strange lights frequently reported around Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk.

Brian James also brought to Gamble's attention an article by Michael Green and Jim Lyons concerning crop circles near Sibson airfield, Peterborough. This article also discusses strange lights seen repeatedly in the area and notes the geology of the region being adjacent to the River Nene. The author draws a parallel to the area around Little and Great Houghton on the outskirts of Northampton, which is also part of the Nene valley. A priority is set to examine the geology of the Little/Great Houghton area to compare it with the Sibson area. Newton, the location of the first incident, is also noted to be on a river, a tributary of the River Cam.

The article details two interesting sightings in the Little/Great Houghton area where witnesses described small Balls of Light seen near the ground. Further incidents are recounted, including one where a young man travelling from Northampton to Bedford saw a bright white light approaching his car. Another incident involved a motorbike rider whose engine cut out and lights failed near Great Houghton, after which he noticed a small globe of light hovering about three feet above the ground.

Gamble references Dr. Hynek's statement about the lack of patterns in UFO data, suggesting that the Ball of Light phenomena might be revealing patterns. Robert Bull's work in Cambridgeshire is mentioned, indicating places with multiple reports over time. The period 1979/80 saw many reports from Harston, where Michael Bradford, a BUFORA member, actively collected UFO reports. An incident near Barley on the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border is also mentioned, as is a more recent investigation by Robert Bull in the Barley area concerning multiple lights.

A report from July 1998 describes a motorist seeing eight to ten strange lights hovering over a field near the junction of the A10 and A505 roads, a few miles from Barley and south of Harston. The author notes that BUFORA is rapidly building a catalogue of areas with repeat phenomena, but questions whether these 'hotspots' are recognized because they are actively being studied. The article mentions Philip Walton's programme of sky-watches as a way to help resolve this question.

Members are encouraged to help by watching for reports in local newspapers or on radio and TV, and to visit local newspaper archives. The article concludes by listing references, including Gamble's own work and articles by Oliver, Green, and Lyons.

7th Northampton UFO Conference

Details are provided for the 7th Annual Northampton UFO Conference, scheduled for Saturday, August 14th, 1999, at The Friends Meeting House in Wellington Street, Northampton. The conference runs from 10:00 am to approximately 5:30 pm, with a cost of £5. The theme is a review of the last 50 years of UFO research, with a provisional list of speakers including Elsie Oakensen, Gavin Dingley, Gary H., Kate Taylor, and Richard Conway. Further details can be obtained from NUFORC or their website.

Book Reviews

The Hollow Earth Enigma

Malcolm Robinson reviews "The Hollow Earth Enigma" by Alec Maclellan. The book is described as a follow-on study to "The Lost World Of Agharti," exploring the concept that the Earth is hollow. Robinson notes that the author examines the research of Charles Fort and Erich Von Daniken, as well as various pre-recorded tales from different countries. The review mentions that Adolf Hitler pursued these claims and that Admiral Byrd's expedition is discussed. The book also touches upon photographs allegedly showing an entrance at the North Pole. Robinson recommends the book for readers to decide for themselves if the planet has a hollow interior.

On The Day In UFO History (2nd Edition)

Malcolm Robinson also reviews "On The Day In UFO History" (2nd Edition) by Phaedra Enterprises. This book lists UFO incidents for each day of the year. While acknowledging that it cannot include every case, Robinson finds it a useful reference tool for UFOlogists. He notes that the book provides brief facts and may include rational explanations rather than solely extraterrestrial craft. The review highlights that the latter part of the book lists UFO organizations worldwide, including SPI England, with their contact details. Robinson strongly recommends the book for students and researchers of the UFO enigma.

BUFORA Bookshop and Submissions

Page 26 lists various research reports, conference proceedings, and magazines available for purchase from the BUFORA Bookshop, including "Men-In-Black (1997)", "BOLIDE Report (1997)", "Vehicle Interference (1978)", "UFOs - Examining The Evidence (1995)", "UFOs - A Global View (1991)", "UFO Times", "Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena", "BUFORA Bulletin", and "BUFORA Journal". Prices and ordering instructions are provided.

Page 26 also contains information on "SUBMISSIONS TO THE BULLETIN". BUFORA BULLETIN is published by the British UFO Research Association and welcomes new submissions for publication. Articles can be sent electronically via e-mail to [email protected] or posted to the editorial address. Submissions can be in typewritten copy, preferably in a bold, non-OCR-compatible font, or on a 3.5-inch IBM format computer disc in Plain Text, Rich Text, or Word 6 for Windows format.

Amazing Book Bargains (May 1999)

This section, compiled by Lionel Beer, lists various UFO-related books available at reasonable prices, including postage. Titles range from "UFO ABDUCTIONS in Gulf Breeze" and "The UFO ENCYCLOPEDIA" to "ARKTOS-The Polar Myth", "FACES of the VISITORS", "FORBIDDEN SCIENCE", and "ALIEN AGENDA". Specific details such as author, year, page count, and price are provided for each book. Some titles are noted as paperbacks, softcovers, or hardbacks, with some items being shop-soiled.

Featured books include "FIRE IN THE SKY" by Travis Walton, "STONEHENGE DECODED" by Gerald Hawkins, and "WITNESSED" by Budd Hopkins. Contact information for Lionel Beer is provided for ordering.

BUFORA Lectures

Information is provided about upcoming BUFORA lectures held at the University of Westminster. The lectures are scheduled for Saturday, September 4th, 1999, featuring Lynn Picknett & Clive Prince discussing "THE STARGATE CONSPIRACY", and Saturday, October 2nd, 1999, with Jon Downes presenting "THE RISING OF THE MOON". Admission fees are £2.50 for members and £4.50 for non-members. The bulletin notes that there are no London lectures during July and August and that the new lecture season begins in September. It also mentions the possibility of regional events and that lecturers' views do not necessarily reflect those of BUFORA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, specifically 'Balls of Light' and their potential connection to crop circles, as well as broader UFO research topics like the 'Hollow Earth' theory. The bulletin also serves as a platform for promoting BUFORA's activities, including conferences and lectures, and for disseminating research and publications within the UFO community. The editorial stance, as indicated in the 'Submissions' section, is that the views expressed in contributions do not necessarily represent BUFORA's policies, except where specifically stated, emphasizing a commitment to presenting diverse perspectives within the field of UFO research.