BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.17&18 AprMayJun 2000 (Double)

Magazine Overview

The BUFORA Bulletin, Issue 17 & 18, published in March/April/May 2000, is the journal of the British UFO Research Association. The cover prominently features the organization's name and title, along with a graphic of the Earth and a UFO. Key contents highlighted on the cover include the 'New President' and the 'Annual Report'.

Officers and Council Members 1999-2000

Page 2 details the officers and council members of BUFORA for the 1999-2000 period. The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA Ltd) was founded in 1964 and is registered at 70 High Street, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent. It incorporates the British UFO Association (founded 1962) and the London UFO Research Organisation (founded 1959). The council members are listed, along with the Chairman, Brian James. The BUFORA Central Office is also located in Wingham, with contact details provided. Gloria Dixon serves as the Director of Investigations, and John Spencer is the Director of Research. Other officers include President Lionel Fanthorpe, Vice-Presidents Lionel Beer, FRAS, and key personnel for Membership, Website, UFOCall, Newscuttings, and Press Officer roles.

The publication emphasizes that views expressed in contributions do not necessarily represent the views of BUFORA or its officers, except where explicitly stated.

BUFORA National Investigations Committee (NIC) Investigations Report

This report, presented on pages 3-7, details the activities of the NIC. The committee comprises sixteen investigators, with more enrolled in the Postal Training Course (PTC). Dave Pointon, the national coordinator of the PTC, has stepped down due to family and work commitments. The administration of the course has been taken over temporarily, with Judy Jaafar assisting as a tutor. Two new trainees have joined from Mid Glamorgan, Wales, and Kent.

Sightings: BUFORA logged 217 reports in 1999, a decrease from 293 reports in 1998, indicating a twenty-five percent reduction. While many reports were explained, a residual number remain unknown. Of the 1999 reports, 28 were classified as high strangeness or close encounters, suggesting an increase in reports perceived within the framework of alien encounters. In 1997/1998, such extraordinary reports constituted about 10% of the total. The organization continues to receive diverse reports related to human experiences, often linked to the UFO mystery, ranging from strange lights to puzzling dreams and time discrepancies. Paranormal events are increasingly being perceived as UFO and alien encounters.

The report discusses the challenge of differentiating between actual sightings and the influence of readily available imagery from the internet and media. Researchers are encouraged to look beyond imagery and integrate scientific disciplines to understand human consciousness and cosmic mysteries.

Approximately thirty reports from 1999 were not recent sightings, with many dating back to 1997-1998, and others from as far back as 1960. These older reports, though difficult to research, are still considered important and should be logged using BUFORA questionnaires. Many can be explained by conventional sources like aircraft, astronomical phenomena, satellites, and weather balloons. The figures do not include reports emailed directly to the BUFORA website.

Misidentification: The report highlights that anomalous lights in the sky are a common cause of reports. Investigations are complicated when solid objects are added to descriptions without actual observation. A case is cited where police in Cleveland received reports of UFOs, later identified as a laser light display from a pub in Guisborough. The report also mentions that some reports turned out to be airships, often described in exotic ways.

Satellites: Satellites are identified as a source of UFO reports. They appear as slowly moving points of light, and autokinetic effects can make them seem to jog or zig-zag. Iridium satellites, with their large antennas, can reflect sunlight brilliantly. Tony Eccles identified specific satellites, NOSS (Naval Ocean Surveillance System), as responsible for a sighting report in October 1999. NOSS satellites are part of the US Navy's system for tracking military ships.

Other Phenomena: Unusual atmospheric phenomena like ball lightning have been responsible for two cases reported in the last two years. A dramatic account is given of two Scottish climbers being zapped by a flaming ball of bluish-white light on Ben Lomond.

Photographs/Video Footage: BUFORA investigators Judith Jaafar and Malcolm Robinson reviewed footage from the London area in 1999 where the photographer believed he had captured an 'object' not of this earth. They identified the lights as laser lights. BUFORA also received stills from video footage of the Sierra Madre fires in Mexico (1998) and footage from an aircraft window showing two UFOs. Analysis by Bill Rose suggested inconsistencies in the Mexico footage due to exposure times and potential light trails, while the aircraft footage might be explained by shooting through flawed glass, creating optical artifacts like dirt marks or smudges.

Photographs taken at night, even of the full moon, can produce optical artifacts due to bright light sources.

The report concludes by thanking Bill Rose for his analysis of video film and photographs.

Research & Investigations Meeting – 12th February 2000

Minutes from the R&I meeting have been distributed to investigators and posted on the BUFORA website. The NIC thanks all investigators for their dedication and Judy Jaafar for her role as Secretary. Thanks are also extended to Dave Pointon for his long-term role as National Co-ordinator for the PTC, and to Steve Gamble for his support to the NIC. Arnold West is also remembered with fondness.

Strange Phenomena Investigations

Founded by Malcolm Robinson in 1979, SPI England has a branch in England and operates from Ealing, London.

Bufora Ltd Report of the Directors

This section, on pages 7-10, presents the annual report and accounts for the company for the year ended 31st August 1998. BUFORA Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee. Its principal activity is to encourage, promote, and conduct unbiased scientific research of UFO phenomena in the UK and cooperate internationally. The directors who held office during the year are listed, including M Cassirer, G Dixon, J Ja'Afar, A West (Secretary), R Lindsay, R Digby (Treasurer), J Spencer, S Gamble, R Moore, A Eccles, and M Hudson.

Directors' Responsibilities: Company law requires directors to prepare accounts that give a true and fair view of the company's affairs. They must select appropriate accounting policies, make reasonable judgments, and prepare accounts on a going concern basis. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records and safeguarding company assets.

Political and Charitable Contributions: The company made no political or charitable contributions during the year.

Accountants: Messrs N O'Brien & Co Chartered Accountants continued in office.

Donations Received (1st September 1998 to 31st August 1999): The council thanks members who supported BUFORA, including D.J. Addison, G.F.N. Knewstub, P.D. Corbett, P.J. MacCarthy, Miss F. Farquharson, J. McGilvray, G. Frey, R. Stamp, B.P. James, and S.M. Winslade-Rafter. The report notes that the list was prepared by Arnold West before his death.

Treasurer's Report for the financial year to 31st August 1999

This report, on pages 9-10, details the financial performance for the year ending 31st August 1999. The company started the year with £3,662.64 but had outstanding liabilities. Income for the year was £6,750.59, while expenditure was £8,088.25, resulting in a shortfall of £1,337.66. The year ended with £2,324.98 in the bank. The report notes that previous years' accounts were distorted by conference expenditures, but both income and expenditure have decreased. A comparison of expenditure categories for 1998 and 1999 shows significant reductions in Admin and News Cutting, while Publications and Lectures saw increases. The Treasurer proposes that the accounts be scrutinized by Messrs O'Brien and Company. The report also mentions that £200 was allocated for special investigation purposes and £1500 for a book publishing project.

Revenue Account for the year ended 31st August 1998

This financial statement shows a turnover of £16,796 in 1998, down from £17,766 in 1997. The operating surplus was £1,220 in 1998, a significant improvement from a deficit of (£16,459) in 1997. The balance of the General Fund at 31st August 1998 was £1,142, compared to a deficit of (£78) in the previous year. The directors have taken advantage of special exemptions for small companies under the Companies Act 1985.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific approach to research, the importance of accurate data collection, and the need to identify and explain conventional causes for sightings. The publication highlights the challenges faced by researchers, including misidentification, the influence of media, and the need for rigorous analysis. The financial reports underscore the operational and funding aspects of the organization, indicating a reliance on voluntary efforts and donations. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent, evidence-based investigation, aiming to demystify UFO reports while acknowledging the enduring mystery of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated 30th June 1999, features a cover story by Anthony Eccles titled "Turning UFOs into IFOS - NOSS," which investigates the possibility of UFO sightings being misidentified satellite phenomena. The bulletin also includes financial reports for Bufora Ltd and a report on a skywatch event.

Financial Reports for Bufora Ltd

Pages 33-35 present the financial statements for Bufora Ltd as of 31st August 1998. The Balance Sheet shows Tangible Fixed Assets with equipment at cost of £3848 and accumulated depreciation of £3848, resulting in Net Tangible Assets of £0. Current Assets include Cash at Bank (£2385) and Sundry Debtors & Prepayments (£3444), totaling £5829. Current Liabilities consist of Creditors (£5907). The Net Assets are reported as £1142, with the General Fund showing a balance of £1142 at 31st August 1998, a significant improvement from a deficit of £(78) the previous year. An Accountants' Report by N O'Brien of Slough Berks SL2 2EW states that the directors are responsible for the unaudited accounts, which are prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 applicable to small companies. Notes to the accounts detail the Accounting Policies, including the historical cost convention, exemption from cash flow statements, depreciation rates (25% of net book value for equipment), taxation of deposit interest, and writing off research and development expenditure. The company is limited by guarantee, with each member's liability limited to £1.

Turning UFOs into IFOS - NOSS

Anthony Eccles's article on page 36 discusses a UFO case from the Thingwall area of Merseyside. A witness named John reported seeing three lights moving in a triangular formation on the night of 5th October 1999. Initially thought to be satellites, the witness noted they moved together simultaneously and at a satellite's speed and height. Eccles investigated astronomical phenomena and identified the NOSS (Naval Ocean Surveillance System) satellites as a likely explanation. NOSS satellites are designed for wide area ocean surveillance, tracking military ships by detecting their communication and navigation signals. The system uses triangulation, with clusters of satellites (one primary and three sub-satellites) flying in low polar orbit. The article explains that NOSS utilizes the ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) technique called "time difference of arrival" (TDOA). The initial phase of Operation White Cloud (NOSS) ran from 1976 to 1987. By 1990, satellites were launched using three bodies, incorporating infrared sensors. The article cites sources from FAS (Federation of American Scientists) and a paper by Major A. Andronov, detailing how NOSS systems enable over-the-horizon targeting for warships. Eccles concludes that his interest in UFOlogy involves identifying satellites as a source of sightings and believes this case, and others, can be explained by NOSS satellite behavior, which can involve traveling in formation and creating different shapes of lights.

Case from USA

On page 40, a report from Mike Harman in Arlington, Texas, dated 6th April 2000, describes a sighting of two bright green circular lights traveling at high speed, with an orange companion dancing back and forth. The witness observed the objects directly overhead, noting their intense green color, similar to a traffic light, and a size comparable to Venus or a small car. Through binoculars, the round shape was visible, and the objects moved at a constant high speed, appearing to gain speed just before disappearing behind trees. The witness emphasized that there were no aircraft lights or sounds, and the objects did not leave streaks or sparks. The orange object's movement was described as a rapid dance, not a zigzag. The witness also noted seeing planets Venus and Jupiter during the sighting, confirming the objects were not celestial bodies. Harman, an UFO Investigator with UFO-PI, suggests this sighting is an example of "High Strangeness."

Skywatch Report

Malcolm Robinson and Judith Jaafar report on page 42 about the BUFORA organized skywatch event held on Saturday, 18th September 1999. The event, organized by BUFORA member Philip Walton, took place in Bonnybridge, Scotland, known as an "UFO Hot-Spot." The authors discuss the various forms of involvement in UFOlogy, from passive interest to active investigation and participation in skywatches. They highlight the role of TV shows like "The X Files" in popularizing UFOlogy. The report emphasizes that being present at potential UFO sighting locations, even if nothing manifests, provides a sense of purpose and belonging for enthusiasts. Despite efforts to involve numerous UFO societies, only a few responded to the skywatch invitation in Bonnybridge. The article mentions that the event aimed to identify phenomena that do not conform to normal conventional air traffic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the theme of identifying UFO phenomena, particularly through the lens of satellite technology like the NOSS system. The editorial stance appears to be one of rational investigation, seeking to explain sightings through known or discoverable technological means, rather than solely attributing them to extraterrestrial origins. The inclusion of financial reports suggests a broader scope for the BUFORA Bulletin, encompassing not just UFOlogy but also aspects of the organization's operations and related entities. The magazine encourages active participation and investigation within the UFO community while maintaining a critical and analytical approach to reported sightings.

Title: BUFORA Bulletin
Issue: 19
Issue Date: April 2000
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial: The Moving Finger

Steve Gamble announces that this is his final edition as editor of the BUFORA Bulletin, marking the end of his tenure. He explains that issues 17 and 18 were combined into a double issue due to personal matters and technical problems, bringing the publication back on schedule. Gamble reveals his decision to drastically reduce his involvement in UFO and paranormal research after twenty-nine years, stepping down from all official positions within BUFORA and other organizations. He reflects on the changes in ufology over the years, noting a shift from gentlemanly discourse to more confrontational attitudes. He emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between researchers and witnesses, stating that both are essential for progress. Gamble expresses his gratitude to all who have supported him during his time as editor, on the Council, and in research teams, and looks forward to maintaining friendships within BUFORA. He wishes his successors good luck.

Skywatch Report: Bonnybridge

The article details a skywatch event organized near Bonnybridge, Scotland. The author, along with others from SPI Scotland and the Lanarkshire UFO society, met with around 30 participants. Despite initial difficulties with a local farm owner regarding trespassing, the group relocated to a new, higher vantage point offering a better view of the Forth Valley. Local Councillor Billy Buchanan joined the group. During the observation, participants witnessed unusual lights in the sky. The author's partner, Judith Jaafar, a fellow ufologist, describes the experience. Initially, she was skeptical about UFOs, but the event changed her perspective. She observed a bright white light that repeatedly appeared and disappeared, sometimes replaced by pulsating red lights. The white light's beam was visible reflecting on the underside of clouds. The most striking event occurred when the single white light reappeared, divided into two, rapidly flew in opposite directions, and then shot up into the clouds. The author later returned to the location in daylight to assess the topography and estimated the object's trajectory, distance, and height. Despite considering possible explanations like police or rescue helicopters, or light aircraft, the author concludes that the phenomenon remains an unknown to him.

Memorial: Arnold West

This section pays tribute to Arnold West, BUFORA Vice-President, who passed away suddenly on December 8, 1999, at the age of 73. Arnold joined BUFORA (then BUFOA) in July 1963. He was instrumental in converting a battered Thames builder's van into a 'Mobile Unit' for BUFORA, which saw service in Devon and was displayed at various events, including the Daily Mail NEW YEAR SHOW in 1969. Arnold's practical abilities, honed by his RAF experience, led him to a career in radar for the Civil Aviation Authority. He also maintained a caravan near Warminster for ufologists. Arnold held several key positions within BUFORA, including Hon. Treasurer (1974-1975), responsibility for publications, setting up the BUFORA stand at the Psychics and Mystics Fayre, Vice-Chairman (1981), and Council Chairman (1984-1989). He stepped down to care for his wife, Enid, after she was disabled by a stroke in 1989. Following Enid's death in 1996, Arnold took over the association's day-to-day office work and distribution of the BUFORA BULLETIN. He is credited, along with Steve Gamble and Bob Digby, with saving BUFORA from extinction after the 1997 Sheffield Conference debacle. At the time of his death, he was the Company Secretary, and his house served as BUFORA's registered office. Arnold is remembered as a mild-mannered, practical person and a good friend, to whom the association owes a considerable debt.

From Here and There

This section includes several brief items:

• Arnold West Memorial Fund: The council thanks donors to the fund in memory of Arnold West. Bob Digby collected £170, which was forwarded to the British Heart Foundation. A letter from James McCarthy of the BHF expresses gratitude for the donation.
• All Change: Following Arnold West's death, Michael Hudson was appointed Company Secretary on January 8, 2000, and took over the running of the office. The registered office of BUFORA Ltd is now at 70 High Street, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1BJ. Steve Gamble stepped down as Chairman on January 14, 2000, before the AGM, to allow the new Chairman and Secretary to start work together. Brian James and Michael Hudson are wished well. Bob Digby stood down as treasurer at the AGM and was replaced by Simon Rose.

Bufora Strategy Conference 24th June 2000

BUFORA is holding a strategy conference on June 24, 2000, to review the company's future direction into the 21st century, 53 years after the Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting. The meeting is open to all BUFORA members and is free of charge, but requires pre-registration by ticket. The venue is to be confirmed. The meeting will be facilitated by former chairman Bob Digby. Members are asked to write in with a stamped, addressed envelope to Evolution, P.O. Box 633, Beaconsfield, HP9 2GL, marking the envelope "Conference". A report and recommendations will be produced based on the findings. The event is jointly sponsored by BUFORA Chairman Brian James and the consultancy Evolution, managed by Bob Digby.

Other Content

• Contents Page: Lists articles including Editorial, Arnold West Memorial, From Here and There, Hypnosis, AGM Reports, Skywatch Report, and Lectures.
• BUFORA BOOKSHOP: Lists available research reports, conference proceedings, and back issues of magazines like UFO Times, Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, BUFORA Bulletin, and BUFORA Journal, with prices.
• SUBMISSIONS TO THE BULLETIN: Provides guidelines for submitting material to the BUFORA Bulletin, including contact information and preferred formats.
• Travel & Earth Mysteries Society: An advertisement for TEMS, a society interested in various mysteries, offering membership for £7.50 per year.
• Personal Ad: A request from Mr. Mike Hudson to purchase old UFO books and magazines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the activities and administration of BUFORA, including changes in leadership, memorial tributes, and upcoming events. The editorial stance, as expressed by Steve Gamble, emphasizes the importance of continued research, the collaborative nature of ufology, and a move away from overly confrontational attitudes within the field. There is a clear focus on the organization's history, its current challenges, and its future direction. The issue also highlights specific UFO sightings and research efforts, such as the Bonnybridge skywatch, reinforcing the core purpose of BUFORA.

Title: BUFORA Bulletin
Issue: 9
Volume: 2
Date: April 2000
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin announces the appointment of Lionel Fanthorpe as the new President of BUFORA, highlighting his existing role as President of ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) and suggesting this will strengthen ties between the two organizations. The bulletin also features an obituary for Howard Barkway, a significant figure in the world of mystery publishing and distribution, and includes a lengthy and critical examination of the use of hypnosis in UFO abduction investigations.

BUFORA's New President

The lead story announces that Lionel Fanthorpe has agreed to become the President of BUFORA. Fanthorpe is described as a well-known presenter of Channel 4's 'Fortean TV' programmes and the author of numerous books on paranormal subjects. He has also lectured widely and began his television career in the late 1950s discussing the paranormal on Anglia TV. His other passion, alongside the paranormal, is motorcycles. The article notes that his appointment will strengthen ties between BUFORA and ASSAP, of which he is already President. Fanthorpe expressed his gratitude for the invitation and his pleasure at accepting the role. The presidency had been vacant since the death of Major Sir Patrick Wall.

Obituary: Howard Barkway (alias Bellevue Books)

This section commemorates Howard Barkway, who died suddenly on February 7th at the age of 60. He was known for his book storage unit near Ashford and his popularity was evidenced by the large attendance at his funeral. Barkway was involved in publishing and distributing mystery-related materials through his company, BELLE VUE BOOKS. He published the UK edition of Lionel Fanthorpe's book 'RENNES-LE-CHATEAU' in 1991 and was a member of the "Rennes Group." He also published 'GENE-SET TARGET EARTH' and was interested in the Philadelphia Experiment, having traced the USS ELDRIDGE to Greece. Barkway also consulted for Gazelle Book Services and had a career spanning four decades, including forming ELECTRONICA, a company specializing in distributing material from US associations. In his personal life, he enjoyed playing jazz piano and accordion. He is remembered for his self-deprecation and his ability to connect people, having introduced the author to Lionel Fanthorpe.

Letters and Opinions on Hypnosis in UFO Investigations

This section contains several contributions discussing the reliability and potential pitfalls of using hypnosis in UFO abduction research.

Response to Kate Taylor's Theories (Margaret-Ellen Fry)

Margaret-Ellen Fry responds to theories, possibly by Kate Taylor, suggesting that belief in alien abduction has reached "hysterical" levels. Fry argues that this is an exaggeration and demonstrates a lack of understanding of working-class people's daily concerns, such as jobs, road rage, and family matters. She points out that UFO conference attendance is small compared to the general population, indicating that ufology is a niche interest. Fry recounts her involvement with the Essex UFO Group in the early 1970s and forming the first UK Victim Support Team with Alan Hilton. She emphasizes that individuals experiencing missing time or bed-room experiences did not initially attribute them to UFOs, but their reactions were consistent: seeking answers and government action. Fry suggests that intelligent thinkers and some UFO organizations are inadvertently aiding governments in hiding "sinister research" by promoting theories that lead the public to dismiss UFO phenomena as fantasy.

Nick Garvey on Hypnosis

Nick Garvey, a hypnotherapist, discusses his role in abduction investigations. He describes hypnosis as a "tightrope over a minefield" and stresses that it is not a "parlour game" or entertainment. Garvey, who also practices dowsing and healing, has been involved in the field for over twenty years. He explains that hypnosis is a tool for inducing an altered state of awareness and can be used properly or improperly. He notes that while basic hypnosis can be learned quickly, becoming a skilled hypnotherapist requires years of study. Garvey highlights that the use of regression in abduction investigations is serious, and his early research suggested that subjects could access information from others present. He observes that the public is now more familiar with abduction narratives due to media exposure, making the field more complex. Garvey cautions against using hypnosis for "recovered memory" and warns that practitioners can inadvertently influence clients through their questioning techniques, potentially leading to "pseudo-memories."

Steuart Campbell: Hypnotic Fantasies

This article, originally published in BUFORA's magazine JTAP, presents a cautionary view on hypnosis in UFO encounters. Campbell argues that tales of UFO encounters told under hypnosis proliferate and questions the reliance on this technique. He cites US research suggesting that both fantasy and fabrication strongly influence stories told by hypnotized subjects, making it difficult for experts to distinguish fact from fiction. The article stresses the need for care to avoid influencing the subject and notes that some experts advise against using hypnotic recall in UFO abduction cases. It references an incident at the 1982 BUFORA Conference where Harry Harris presented a case based on 'recalled' memories under hypnosis, which was questioned by attendees.

Lawson Experiment and its Implications

The article discusses the implications of Alvin H. Lawson's 1977 study, which induced imaginary UFO abductions hypnotically. The study found that the fabricated accounts showed no substantive differences from real abduction reports, leading Lawson to question the credibility of hypnotic regression in such cases. While some criticized Lawson for potentially dismissing all abduction reports as imaginary, he later acknowledged crucial differences, such as alleged physical effects and multiple witnesses, that distinguish UFO abductions from imaginary experiences. However, he warned that hypnotic regression can lead witnesses to subtly confuse their own fantasies with reality, a process that can occur without the awareness of either the witness or the hypnotist.

Orne's Safeguards and Warnings

Martin T. Orne, a hypnosis expert, is cited for his warnings about the unreliability of hypnosis. He states that it is possible to feign hypnosis and that even deeply hypnotized subjects can lie. Orne emphasizes that psychologists and psychiatrists are not always adept at recognizing deception and that hypnosis can create "pseudo-memories" that become incorporated into a person's memory store. He suggests four procedural safeguards: hypnosis should be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with special training, the hypnotist should not be informed of case facts verbally but receive a written memorandum, all contact should be videotaped, and only the professional and the subject should be present during the session to avoid external influence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of evidence and methodology within ufology, particularly concerning UFO abduction claims. The BUFORA Bulletin appears to adopt a stance of cautious skepticism, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and questioning the validity of techniques like hypnosis when used for research purposes. The appointment of Lionel Fanthorpe, a figure known for his work in paranormal television and writing, suggests a continued focus on exploring diverse aspects of the paranormal while maintaining a critical approach to evidence. The obituary for Howard Barkway highlights the importance of individuals who contribute to the dissemination of information on mysteries and the paranormal. The debate on hypnosis underscores the bulletin's commitment to presenting balanced viewpoints and raising awareness of potential biases and inaccuracies in witness testimony, especially when influenced by therapeutic or investigative techniques.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated Summer 1999, is primarily focused on the organization's internal affairs, including the minutes of its 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, April 10th, 1999, at the University of Westminster. The bulletin also includes reports from various departments and a comprehensive list of UFO-related books for sale.

AGM Minutes and Reports

The AGM minutes detail the proceedings of the meeting, which opened with 16 members present and apologies from several others. Key agenda items included:

Minutes of Previous AGM

Circulated and accepted with no matters arising.

Deaths Reported

The Chairman reported the deaths of former President Patrick Wall and Ralph Noyes. Manfred Cassirer represented BUFORA at an SPR memorial service for Noyes.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman's report, covering the period ending August 31st, 1999, indicated that BUFORA had turned a corner financially and organizationally. Despite a general low level of interest in the paranormal and UFOs, the organization was in a better position to handle an upturn. Efforts in redesigning the website and organizing the London Lecture season were highlighted. The Chairman expressed hope for increased member recruitment.

Treasurer's Report and Accounts

Bob Digby presented the Treasurer's report and Accounts. The legal format of the accounts lodged at Companies House differed from the presentation for clarity, focusing on expenditure compared to income. The category of 'Research and Investigations' had been dropped due to unfair criticism, though the real cost of effort was estimated to be between £20K-£30K. The meeting approved the accounts and the appointment of Nick O'Brien as auditor.

Director of Research Report

John Spencer, taking over as Director of Research, reported on efforts to build a world-wide community of researchers. He noted that while many prominent researchers expressed support, few contributed actively. He proposed focusing on BUFORA's internal research group for projects, including the Hypnosis Project, Pilots Project, Astronaut sightings, and an updated Vehicle Interference Report. Spencer expressed optimism about BUFORA's internal efforts but was more reserved about the wider UK and international view.

Director of Investigations Report

Gloria Dixon, Director of Investigations, was not present to give her report. Steve Gamble stated that she had resigned the previous week over the 'Max Burns lecture controversy.' The meeting unanimously asked the council to make efforts to get her back.

Publications Report

Kate Taylor offered criticism regarding the readability of the BUFORA Bulletin but stressed the importance of regular contact. The report noted that the A4 format UFO Times was unaffordable, but the Bufora Bulletin was appearing regularly and within budget. Members expressed a desire for regular news over competition with bookstand publications. There was also a suggestion for more regional meetings.

Other Reports and Appointments

Reports were adopted, and council members Steve Gamble, Robin Lindsey, and John Spencer were re-elected. Malcolm Robinson introduced himself as the lecture programme organiser and publicist. The meeting closed at 16:30hrs.

Key Articles and Themes

Hypnosis and UFO Abductions

An article on page 1 discusses the use of hypnosis in UFO abduction cases, citing Hilgard's view that it is an 'abuse of hypnosis.' The article highlights the role of fantasy in hypnotic subjects and the potential for fabrication, referencing experiments where false memories were implanted. Josephine R. Hilgard's documentation on the role of fantasy in hypnosis is also mentioned.

UFOCALL Service

A prominent advertisement on page 6 promotes UFOCALL, a telephone service providing UFO headlines, reports, research news, and event information, edited by Jenny Randles.

Main UFO List - Books for Sale

Pages 7 and 8 feature an extensive list of UFO-related books available for purchase from Lionel Beer (Spacelink Books). The list includes popular paperbacks, larger and quality paperbacks, and hardbacks, with prices and brief descriptions. Titles cover a wide range of UFO topics, including alien contact, government cover-ups, historical cases, and theories.

BUFORA Lectures

Information on upcoming BUFORA lectures is provided on page 8. Meetings are held at the University of Westminster, London, with lectures scheduled for Saturday, May 6th, 2000 (Billy Devlin and Brian Allan on Scottish UFO and paranormal mysteries) and Saturday, June 3rd, 2000 (Chris Evers on British Ufology). The bulletin notes that there will be no lectures in July and August, with the new season starting in September, and that alternative venues are being considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The BUFORA Bulletin consistently focuses on the activities and internal management of the organization. There is a strong emphasis on research, publications, and member engagement. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, particularly regarding the use of hypnosis in UFO abduction cases, as evidenced by the reference to Hilgard's critical view. The organization also seems to be navigating financial challenges and a perceived low level of public interest in the subject matter, while striving to maintain its publications and lecture programs. The passing of key members is also noted with respect and sadness, highlighting the long-standing nature of the organization and its community.