BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.24 - April 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 24
Date: April 2001
Publisher: BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1466-8017

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, the journal of BUFORA, presents a mix of obituaries, case studies, book reviews, and organizational updates. The cover features a striking black and white image and highlights key articles including 'Strange Places: The Windwhistle Hill', 'Encounters & Mysterious Tales from Cumbria', and a discussion on 'Myths, Magnets and Magic'. The issue also commemorates the passing of significant figures in British ufology.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes readers to a revamped BUFORA Bulletin, hinting at potential title changes. It addresses concerns about declining UFO sightings in the UK press, asserting that UFOs are still seen and reported. The editorial notes the passing of several friends and colleagues, including Desmond Leslie, Tim O'Brien (former BUFORA President and Investigations Officer), and Roger Chinery. It emphasizes their contributions and the legacies they left to BUFORA, with plans to establish a memorial for Roger Chinery. The editorial also announces Steve Gamble's elevation to Life Member of BUFORA in recognition of his extensive work for the association. It touches upon the impact of the foot and mouth crisis on crop circle research and the challenges of clear skies for astronomical observation.

Contents and Key Articles

• Obituaries (Page 6):
• Roger Chinery: Remembered as a long-term member, supporter, and active member of the Research Committee. He served as a photographic consultant, utilizing his knowledge of UFOs and the paranormal. His professional background as a film archivist was noted, along with an anecdote about a misidentified photograph. He is described as having been sorely missed.
• C.A.E. O'Brien (Tim): The obituary details his life, born in 1914, with a background in geology and the oil industry. After retiring, he devoted time to UFOlogy and Astro-archeology. He served on the BUFORA committee, including as Investigations Officer in 1971, handling a significant influx of reports during a major UFO flap in Oxfordshire. He was succeeded by Richard Colbourne. Tim and his wife Joy wrote several books and lectured extensively on their work. His wife intends to continue their research.
• You Can't Tell The People - Reviewed by Malcolm Robinson (Page 9): This book review focuses on Georgina Bruni's work, describing the Rendlesham Forest incident as the 'British Roswell'. The reviewer praises Bruni's thorough research, interviews with key players, and the book's comprehensive coverage of numerous civilian sightings near Rendlesham Forest. It highlights the conflicting accounts and the secrecy surrounding the event, including the release of a statement to the British press. The review mentions the possibility of CE3K phenomena and anomalous phenomena still encountered in the forest.
• UFOrum - Letters Section (Page 3): This section is mentioned in the contents but not detailed in the provided text.
• Investigation Diary Special - Strange Places (Page 16): Authored by Gloria Heather Dixon. The content is not detailed in the provided text.
• Are There Really No More UFOs? (Page 28): The content is not detailed in the provided text.
• Myths, Magnets & Magicians (Page 30): Authored by Brian Allen. The content is not detailed in the provided text.
• Will Foot & Mouth Affect This Years Crop Formations? (Page 36): The content is not detailed in the provided text.

BUFORA Organizational Information

• BUFORA Central Office: Located at BM BUFORA, London, WC1N 3XX. Contact details include phone (+44 (0)01227 722916), email ([email protected]), and website (www.bufora.org.uk). A UFOCALL number (09068 121886) is also provided.
• President: Lionel Fanthorpe
• Vice Presidents: Lionel Beer, Norman Oliver FRAS
• Council: Brian P James (Chairman), Simon Rose (Treasurer), Michael Hudson (Secretary), Manfred Cassirer, Jim Danby, Gloria Heather Dixon, Peter Doye, Tony Eccles, Judith Jafaar, Malcolm Robinson, David Sankey, John Spencer.
• Offices: Jim Danby (Membership Secretary), Richard Conway & Bob Shrewsbury-Gee (Webmasters), Malcolm Robinson (PR, London Lectures), Malcolm Robinson & Judith Jaafar (London Lectures), Jenny Randles (UFOCall), Michael Hudson (Newscuttings), Jim Danby (Data Controller), Adam Bailey (Librarian).
• Research & Investigation: Headed by Gloria Dixon (Director of Investigations), with contact details provided. John Spencer is the Director of Research.
• Postal Training Course: Managed by Judith Jafaar & Gloria Dixon.

Events and Meetings

• Joint TEMS / BUFORA Event (Sunday, June 24th, 2001): Held at the Linden Hall, Hampton, Middlesex. Speakers include Georgina Bruni discussing her book 'You Can't Tell The People' and John Spencer presenting his book 'The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits'. Nick Pope was invited to give an opening introduction. Planned features include photographic displays, a bookstall with author signings, and displays by BUFORA and ASSAP publications. Admission fees are £3.00 for members and £4.00 for non-members.
• BUFORA Summer NIC Meeting (19th May 2001): Hosted by Judy Jaafar in Ealing, West London. This informal meeting is for investigators to discuss case studies and the diverse nature of UFO reports. Light refreshments will be available.

Organizational Updates and Feedback

The magazine mentions a revamp of the BUFORA UFOCALL service, now featuring a menu-driven system. Council has been seeking membership feedback on ways forward for BUFORA, but responses have been limited. The editorial questions whether members are uninterested in the association's structure as long as it disseminates news and research.

Book Review: 'You Can't Tell The People' by Georgina Bruni

This review highlights the book's in-depth research into the Rendlesham Forest incident, calling it superior to other works on the subject. It details the author's efforts to interview various individuals involved and civilian witnesses, suggesting a widespread pattern of sightings. The review touches upon the secrecy surrounding the event and the potential involvement of military hardware, including nuclear warheads, at nearby bases. It also mentions the disappearance of an enforcement officer and a patrol sent to find him, adding to the mystery of the incident.

Desmond Leslie - Obituary

Desmond Arthur Peter Leslie, co-author of 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' with George Adamski, is remembered as a larger-than-life character. Born in 1921, he was the son of Sir Shane Leslie and related to Sir Winston Churchill. He served as a RAF Flight Sergeant during WWII and married actress Agnes Bernelle. The obituary recounts an incident where Leslie punched a BBC drama critic, Bernard Levin, in retaliation for a negative review of his wife's show. He later married Helen Strong and had interests ranging from horse-riding to investigating psychic phenomena. His extensive accomplishments include authorship, musical composition, and directing films. The obituary notes his interest in geometrical lines connecting ancient sites and his work on a novel titled 'Pandora'. His book 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' is described as having influenced a generation's understanding of flying saucers, with Adamski's photographs being particularly impactful.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the enduring nature of UFO phenomena despite media skepticism, the importance of historical research and remembrance of key figures in ufology, and the practicalities of running a research organization like BUFORA. The editorial stance is one of continued dedication to UFO research, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the subject and the importance of the association's history and future. There is a clear commitment to disseminating information and supporting investigators.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, titled 'UFOrum...', focuses on UFO investigations and related phenomena, featuring a review of Georgina Bruni's book 'You Can't Tell The People' concerning the Rendlesham Forest Incident, and an in-depth case study of the Windwhistle Hill encounter.

Rendlesham Forest Incident

The review of Georgina Bruni's book highlights the author's extensive research into the Rendlesham Forest Incident of December 1980. The incident involved two RAF police officers investigating strange lights near RAF Watton, who were confronted by figures in silvery, bulky clothing. Radar detected an unknown air target, and the officers' notebooks were confiscated, with the log book disappearing. The review notes the presence of British scientists from the MoD at Porton Down, who changed into space-type suits, and mentions claims by former USAF sergeant Dan Sherman about a secretive US Air Force Intelligence project known as PPD ('Project Preserve Destiny').

Various explanations for the Rendlesham event are explored, including the possibility of bizarre weather experiments, such as those conducted by William Reich with his 'cloud-buster' device, or experiments at Orfordness and Bawdsey that might have penetrated other dimensions. The reviewer also considers the possibility that witnesses mistook the secret F-19 Stealth aircraft, which allegedly made thirty secret visits to RAF Middlehall during the 1980s, for something more exotic. Brenda Butler uncovered a story from a woman claiming to be the wife of an ARRS member at RAF Woodbridge, who stated the incident involved the capture of a Soviet spy plane. Local fishermen were reportedly instructed not to fish in the waters between Bawdsey and Orfordness during the week of the incident, being compensated for losses, and were told that experiments were taking place.

The review mentions UFO reports from the Rendlesham area dating back to 1947 and a 1974 incident at Bentwaters base involving an object spotted by over 30 individuals and two F4 fighter jets. The reviewer dismisses the explanation of spinning lights from Orfordness Lighthouse as 'stupidest'. The book also covers Larry Warren, a key player in the case. Georgina Bruni is quoted stating her conviction that a cover-up of enormous proportions exists to hide this and similar incidents, asserting that a craft of unknown origin landed in Rendlesham Forest.

Windwhistle Hill Case Study

The 'Investigations Diary' section by Gloria Heather Dixon presents a case study of extraordinary events experienced by Kate Walker and her family in September 1977 at Windwhistle Hill, near Chard in Somerset. The area is described as remote and steeped in mythology, with historical accounts of highwaymen, smugglers, and alleged hauntings.

On the night of the incident, Kate Walker, her husband, and two sons were returning home when they observed a huge orange light, diffused by cloud, to their left. Described as massive, static, and very low, it was estimated to be cigar-shaped and about 200-300 feet in size, at an altitude of 800-1000 feet. As they drove nearer, the light became clearer. Kate noted the Windwhistle Inn nearby was in total darkness, which she found strange. The time was 10.10pm when the light was directly overhead, causing Kate to feel uneasy and urge her husband to speed up.

Upon arriving home, Kate discovered that it was 10.50pm, indicating a time discrepancy of twenty-five to thirty minutes unaccounted for. Her husband did not remark on this, but Kate later found it odd given the short expected journey time.

A few days later, on the same hill, the family saw two figures on the left-hand verge, one lying down and the other standing. The standing figure stepped out into the road, described as 'abnormally tall' with 'horrendously long and thin' legs. The husband swerved to avoid the figure, and they drove away without looking back.

Eighteen years later, Kate's eldest son, Jeff, recalled the events with more detail. He remembered the engine dying, headlights going out, and a deep, humming vibration. He experienced a sense of slow motion and a lack of sound. Jeff also recalled his father lunging across the car, and a lack of memory of his mother being in the passenger seat. He described seeing a white light everywhere and a tall, bending shape outside the car. Jeff's memories suggest that 'all four of us were taken' and that something looked in at him through the window.

The article discusses potential explanations, including electromagnetic phenomena and memory retrieval issues. It notes that EMF effects could explain some experiences, but the Walker case might be difficult to explain solely by EMF hallucination. The psychology of memory is discussed, highlighting that memory is a reconstructive process rather than a perfect recording.

Correspondence and BUFORA's Future

Several correspondents discuss the future direction of BUFORA. Ron Plummer suggests forming a charity for educational purposes, utilizing the internet for a weekly newsletter, and considering annual conferences. Kevin Kell expresses that the BUFORA Bulletin is the main benefit of his membership due to limited income and suggests a guide for newer members. He also proposes Knighton as a venue for meetings.

Geoff Falla suggests improving the bulletin with more current case reports and advocates for a central organization to coordinate research. He is interested in Vehicle Interference cases and is updating a report on them. Bob Digby responds positively to Geoff's contribution and expresses delight in meeting him years ago.

Brian Allen replies to Ernie Sears' letter, defending the length of his bulletin articles and discussing the claims of contactees George Adamski and George Leslie. He expresses concern about researchers giving credence to their 'fictions'. Allen also shares personal experiences with paranormal events, including a channelling session where camcorder batteries drained simultaneously.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO incidents, the exploration of potential explanations (including scientific, experimental, and extraterrestrial hypotheses), the challenges of disinformation and cover-ups, and the psychological aspects of witness testimony and memory. The editorial stance, as indicated by the editor's response to Kevin Kell, is to publish all submissions without editorial censorship, acknowledging that ufology can attract strong egos.

Title: BUFORA Bulletin
Issue: 24
Date: March 4, 2000
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated March 4, 2000, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings, the nature of memory, and the challenges of investigation. The cover story, "Are There Really No More UFOs?" by Gloria Heather Dixon, questions the media's assertion of a decline in UFO reports, attributing it to a lack of adaptation to modern reporting methods and a shift in public focus.

The Windwhistle Hill Case

The central narrative of this issue revolves around the Windwhistle Hill incident, investigated by Gloria Heather Dixon. The case involves Kate Walker and her family, who experienced a peculiar event on New Year's Eve in 1977. Kate remembers an unusual orange light and a sense of unease about the time taken to drive home from Windwhistle. Her son, Geoff, specifically recalls the orange light being the same color as the pub light, which he remembered as being in darkness except for an upstairs room. Kate's husband, Jeff, made the decision not to stop when they encountered a figure on the road, swerving to avoid it. Kate's sister also recalled Kate remarking on the unusual orange light and time discrepancy. A second incident on the same hill a few days later involved a strange figure on the roadside, described as possibly wearing a hat or helmet and having a 'white sheet' attached to its hands.

The article highlights the fallibility of memory, noting that twenty-three years had passed since the incident, making objective and accurate recall difficult. Possible explanations are explored, including misperception due to the remote location, fear, and the potential influence of the first incident on the second. The role of EM fields is also mentioned as a potential contributing factor.

Mysterious Tales from Cumbria

This section presents several reports from Cumbria, particularly around the Alston region.

Hethersgill Incident

On New Year's Eve 1993, Liz, a taxi driver, experienced a ball of white light and vehicle interference near Hethersgill. Her taxi's CB radio became difficult to hear, the lights went out, and the car stopped. She saw a brilliant ball of white light pop up from the rear of the taxi and hover before shooting away rapidly. After the light disappeared, the car started, and the CB radio boomed loudly, revealing that half an hour had passed, not the 5-10 minutes Liz had perceived. Her sister Helena confirmed the time discrepancy. The following day, Helena heard a radio report of a UFO sighting near Dumfries.

Second Incident in Hethersgill Area

In November 1996, Liz's father, David, also a taxi driver, and two passengers noticed a ball of light hovering in trees near a farmhouse. Later, while driving up the same hill, he and two other passengers encountered a strange figure on the road, described as having a hat or helmet and a 'white sheet' attached to its hands. David swerved to avoid the figure.

Cross Fell Encounters

A shepherd from Cross Fell reported experiencing unusual events in 1988. While searching for lost sheep with her partner, she heard a violent swishing rumbling sound and saw a peculiar cloud or disc disappear over the summit ridge. She then discovered two large, deep tracks alongside her own and her dogs' tracks. Her collie reacted fearfully to the tracks, and the shepherd then saw five black-clad figures, approximately eight feet tall, standing on a hillside, who then melted away. On another occasion, she saw a four-engined Halifax bomber banking badly between Cross Fell and Dun Fell, which made no sound and disappeared without a trace.

Are There Really No More UFOs?

This article, by Brian Allen, addresses the media's recent assertion that UFO sightings have declined significantly. Allen critiques an article by Simon de Bruxelles in The Times, which suggested that the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB) was disbanding due to a lack of reports. Allen argues that this view is simplistic and that many groups and researchers are actively countering this "anti-UFO spin" with press releases. He suggests that the BFSB, founded in 1953, had not evolved to encompass modern reporting methods like email and websites, leading to its perceived decline. Dennis Plunkett, the founder of BFSB, attributes the decline to the end of the Cold War and increased secrecy surrounding new weapons like Stealth bombers, which he believes accounted for many past sightings. Allen notes that while direct reports to national groups like BUFORA may have decreased since the 1970s, local groups continue to receive a steady flow of reports from various sources, including international ones.

Myths, Magnets & Magicians

Brian Allen's article explores the concept of Ley Lines, geo-magnetic energies that form networks across the Earth. He attributes the modern study of Ley Lines to Alfred Watkins, who in 1921 noticed that many points of interest on maps lay on straight lines. Watkins' research culminated in his seminal work, 'The Old Straight Track'. The article describes how these lines were historically used as ancient trade routes, marked by mounds, temples, and standing stones. Watkins associated these lines with the Greek god Hermes (Mercury) and Celtic deities. The article also touches upon the idea that these lines might be associated with supernatural agencies.

UFOrum

This section includes a personal reflection on 'transdimensional' experiences and comparisons between quantum physics and 'superstring theory'. The author discusses a book project examining mysticism, religious belief, and phenomena associated with it, including the interchangeability of angels and aliens, and the psychological aspects of religious experiences. The author concludes that many saints may have suffered from mental disorders and that the book evaluates the mystical aspects of ritual magic and spiritualism.

Another part of UFOrum discusses the 'Livingston Case' and the 'A70 Abduction case', with the author opining that the latter was a genuine encounter with extra-dimensional intelligences rather than extraterrestrials.

AGM Notice

An announcement for the Reconvened Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd, scheduled for Sunday, June 24, 2001, at The Linden Hall, Hampton. The meeting will include reports from the Chairman, Council of Management, and Treasurer, and the appointment of an Auditor. Details are provided for proxy appointments and nominations for the Council of Management.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BUFORA Bulletin include the investigation of UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena, the complex nature of human memory and its fallibility, and the role of media and public perception in shaping understanding of these events. The bulletin also touches upon folklore, ancient mysteries, and the potential for extra-dimensional or psychological explanations for anomalous experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to share information and supporting the investigation of these phenomena without imposing pre-conceived interpretations.

Title: BUFORA Bulletin
Issue: 24
Date: April 2001
Publisher: BUFORA LTD

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin delves into a variety of topics related to ufology, earth mysteries, and alternative science, with a particular focus on Ley Lines, electromagnetism, and the crop circle phenomenon. The cover story questions whether the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak will impact the creation and study of crop circles.

Ley Lines and Ancient Sites

The article "The Mystical Avebury Circle" introduces the concept of Ley Lines, described by occultist Dion Fortune as 'lines of energy' linking prehistoric sites. It notes that these lines, detectable by dowsing, became associated with UFO sightings and paranormal events. The author speculates on the deliberate design of structures on these leys, suggesting that standing stones may have served a function analogous to smaller modern devices. The subject is acknowledged to be mired in superstition, with some dismissing bio-magnetism in favor of creating mystique, exemplified by Scientology's 'E-meter'. The article references the work of Watkins, who noticed the co-relation between straight lines and ancient sites, and notes that geo-magnetic energy lines, referred to as leys, are now harnessed by alternative medicine practitioners.

Electromagnetism and Healing

The bulletin explores the role of electromagnetism (EM) in various alternative therapies. It lists acupuncture, biofeedback, Bach healing, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, Kirilian photography, Orgone Therapy, osteopathy, and pyramid healing as practices utilizing EM effects. Acupuncture, originating in China around 3000 BC, is discussed in detail, with research showing a reduction in skin electrical resistance near meridian points and evidence of radioactivity traveling along meridians at a rate consistent with the body's circulation. Colour therapy is also presented as an application of EM, where different frequencies of light can evoke emotional responses. Healing itself is described as an interaction of EM between a healer and patient, with healers possessing a marked degree of EM sensitivity.

Kirilian Photography, discovered in Russia, is highlighted as a spectacular use of EM in healing scenarios, involving photographing luminous discharges around an object under high voltage. The article also touches upon pyramid-shaped devices, as described by Dr. Lyall Watson, which allegedly sharpen razor blades when aligned on a N-S axis, suggesting a function similar to acoustic and electric resonators. Orgone Energy, a therapy devised by Dr. Wilhelm Reich, is presented as distinct from EM, using 'Orgone Accumulators' made of wood and metal layers to direct energy.

Dowsers and EM are discussed, with the skill of the dowser being described as an elusive yet common practical use of 'earth magic'. The movement of the dowsing rod is attributed to involuntary reflexive motor movements in the dowser's forearms and wrists, reacting to the earth's magnetic field or water's ionising stream. The article suggests a modern interpretation where Ley Lines could be analogous to a gigantic printed circuit board, with standing stones acting as coils and oscillators, potentially forming a gigantic communications device with inherent therapeutic properties.

Crop Circles and the Foot and Mouth Crisis

A significant portion of the bulletin is dedicated to the crop circle phenomenon, specifically addressing the question: "Will Foot & Mouth Stop The Circlemakers?". A questionnaire posted by researcher Dave Haith sought views on whether the disease outbreak would prevent visits to 'croppie' country, if 'genuine' formations would still appear, and their validity. Responses indicated that while many researchers believed genuine formations would still appear, the £5000 fine for entering fields might act as an incentive for hoaxers. The difficulty in defining 'genuine' formations without ground analysis was noted, and the challenge of 'proving the paranormal' remains. The article includes observations from Colin Andrews, who suggested that the situation might reveal something about man-made crop circles.

Concerns were raised about the potential for increased 'armchair research' based on poor quality photographs, and the possibility of restrictions on low-level overflights due to the airborne virus. The bulletin notes that the questionnaire did not target many known hoaxers, potentially biasing the results, but inferred that hoaxers would likely continue their activities. A plea is made for responsible behavior and adherence to restrictions to maintain the fragile relationship between farmers and researchers.

BUFORA Activities and Publications

The bulletin includes information on BUFORA's activities, such as upcoming lectures. A lecture by Norman Oliver on "WATCHERS OF THE SKIES" was scheduled for June 4, 2001, and a lecture by Margaret Fry on "THE BERWYN MOUNTAIN CASE" was planned for September 3, 2001. The BUFORA UFOCALL service is promoted as a way to access news, lectures, and report sightings. A list of BUFORA bookshop offerings is provided, including research reports, conference proceedings, and back issues of magazines like UFO Times and Journal of Transient Phenomena. A separate advertisement for Lionel Beer's Spacelink Books offers a wide range of titles on Montauk, UFOs, and related subjects, with prices including postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of ancient sites, energy lines (Ley Lines), and electromagnetic phenomena, and their potential relation to unexplained events like UFO sightings and crop circles. The bulletin also addresses the practical challenges and debates surrounding crop circle research, particularly in the context of external factors like disease outbreaks. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging research while also emphasizing responsibility and a critical approach to distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes and superstition. There is a clear interest in exploring the scientific and historical aspects of these phenomena, often linking them to electromagnetic principles and ancient knowledge.