BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.25 - Jun 2001 (not numbered)

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue Date: June 2001
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
ISSN: 1466-8017

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, the journal of the British UFO Research Association, presents a mid-summer collection of articles focusing on various anomalous phenomena. The magazine has transitioned to full digital printing, aiming for improved quality. The editorial highlights the ongoing challenges of media portrayal of ufology in the UK, noting a lack of balanced reporting and a tendency towards negative 'anti-Ufo spin'.

Featured Articles

An OOB Experiment: Tony Bassett's Mind Machine

This article, co-authored by Malcolm Robinson and Judith Jafaar, details an experiment conducted on February 17th, 2001, in Ealing, London, to test the claims of Tony Bassett and his 'Bio-Energiser' machine, which purports to induce Out of Body Experiences (OOBE). A group of BUFORA members and interested individuals participated. The experiment involved guided visualization techniques, with participants attempting to project their consciousness to different locations, including space and a Roman structure. While some participants reported vivid imagery, the general consensus was that the experience was largely due to 'over active imagination'. However, the authors acknowledge that further sessions might yield more conclusive results, and Judith Jafaar, who has had prior OOBEs, noted that the experience with Bassett's machine bore no resemblance to her own, which were far more sensorially rich and verifiable.

The Halt Tape UFOs Reconsidered

Authored by Brian P. James, this article revisits the 'Halt Tape UFOs', a case involving alleged UFO activity and subsequent cover-up. The article likely delves into new evidence or interpretations of this historical case.

Investigations Diary

Gloria Heather Dixon contributes an 'Investigations Diary', offering insights into ongoing UFO research and case investigations conducted by BUFORA.

Synchronicities Within Reports

Brian Allen explores the concept of synchronicity within UFO reports, examining meaningful coincidences and patterns that may link seemingly unrelated events or sightings.

Korean UFO Hunting

This piece focuses on UFO activity and research in Korea, suggesting a growing interest or specific incidents occurring in the region.

It's a Small World...

Written by Thomas Olsen, this article presents an intriguing UFO case forwarded to the BUFORA from the UFOIRC. The sighting occurred on March 13th, 2001, in Urawa City, Japan, where a woman reported a small, metallic disk, approximately 30cm in diameter, with four flickering orange lights. The object vibrated, and her dog exhibited unusual behavior, refusing to move or bark. The article discusses the possibility of misidentification with electronic toys but highlights the unusual aspects of the witness's report and the dog's reaction. It also notes that small UFOs are frequently reported in the UK, often associated with crop formations.

Flying Saucers From the Archives

This article delves into historical records and archives, likely presenting older UFO sightings or information.

Spacewatching - The International Space Station

This piece likely discusses observations or phenomena related to the International Space Station, possibly including UFO sightings reported by astronauts or ground observers.

Skywatch Diary

This section announces upcoming organized skywatch events. SPI England is planning a skywatch in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, on Saturday, July 14th, 2001, meeting at the Cherry Tree Pub. The event encourages participants to bring binoculars, telescopes, and cameras. Notably, Chris Martin is confirmed to attend and video-record the event, having had success in capturing UFOs on film previously. Directions to the meeting point are provided. Additionally, SUFOG and APRA are holding a skywatch at the Avebury henge monument on Saturday, August 4th, 2001.

BUFORA Organizational Information

Page 2 provides comprehensive contact details for BUFORA Central Office, including postal address, phone number, email, and website. It lists key personnel, such as President Lionel Fanthorpe, Vice Presidents Lionel Beer and Norman Oliver FRAS, and various council members and office holders like Jim Danby (Membership Secretary, Data Controller), Judith Jafaar (London Lectures, Postal Training Course), Gloria Dixon (Director of Investigations), and John Spencer (Director of Research). Information on the Postal Training Course and the ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) is also included, along with details for the Travel & Earth Mysteries Society (TEMS).

Editorial Stance

The editorial expresses cautious optimism about the magazine's evolution and quality improvements. It criticizes the media's handling of ufology, particularly the negative publicity surrounding the BFSB's closure and the lack of balanced reporting. The editor questions whether the 'anti-Ufo spin' is a deliberate tactic to divert public attention from potentially significant issues, referencing Steven Greer's Disclosure Project and the broader concept of 'Big Brother' control. The editorial also touches upon the challenges faced by BUFORA in maintaining its operational status as a company and seeks new directors with fresh ideas, particularly for the Treasurer role. The overall tone suggests a commitment to continued investigation and a critical view of mainstream media narratives concerning unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes

Recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of anomalous phenomena (UFOs, OOBEs), the challenges of research in the face of media skepticism, the importance of organized observation (skywatches), and the internal workings and community of ufological organizations like BUFORA.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated June 2001, is primarily focused on UFOlogy in the United Kingdom. The cover prominently features the "NEW BUFORA UFOCALL" with a phone number and menu options, edited and presented by Jenny Randles. The issue includes detailed articles on specific incidents, investigative reports, and organizational updates from BUFORA.

Rendlesham - The UFOs On The Halt Tape Reconsidered

Authored by Brian P James, this extensive article revisits the 20th anniversary of the Rendlesham Incident. It discusses the public domain 'nth' generation copy of the 'Halt Tape' and introduces a newly acquired '1st generation copy' obtained by Georgina Bruni. This new copy is noted for its significantly improved quality, including audible background noise of team members and Sgt. Adrian Bustinza communicating with Woodbridge base. The author expresses curiosity about the lack of footfall sounds in the forest. While acknowledging the tape records damage to vegetation and anomalous effects, the article focuses on the 'UFOs' observed by Lt.Col. Charles Halt and his team. Using astronomy software like StarryNight, the author attempts to correlate the reported UFO sightings with celestial objects. The article suggests that Jupiter and Saturn, visible during December 1980/January 1981, might have been misinterpreted due to atmospheric conditions like mist and fog, especially given the limited view from within the forest. The author also questions the lack of reference to the Moon in Halt's recording. The article concludes by considering that while servicemen might not be easily fooled, the unfamiliarity with the forest environment and potential misperceptions of astronomical objects could be factors, without dismissing the earlier sightings or the 'Ground Zero' landing site investigations.

Investigations Diary

Written by Gloria Heather Dixon, BUFORA DOI, this section provides an overview of BUFORA's investigative activities. As of May 24th, 2001, BUFORA had received 55 reports, with email being the most common reporting method. The diary notes that follow-up on emailed reports can be slow. It highlights that 9% of reports fall into the 'high strangeness' category. Congratulations are extended to Craig Raisbeck for completing the Postal Training Course. An upcoming NIC meeting is announced for October 20th, 2001, in Ealing, hosted by Judy Jaafar, intended as an informal gathering for investigators.

Reports & Investigations

This section details several specific sighting reports:

• Borehamwood, Hertfordshire (November 27th, 1999): Witnesses AD and KD reported observing oval-shaped and then conical lights with four rotating lights at the top, described as 'white with greeny-yellow tinge'. They heard a faint 'air-draft' or wind sound. The observation lasted fifteen minutes. Elstree Aerodrome later confirmed seeing puzzling lights.
• Heighington, Lincoln (October 2000): A star-shaped object, described as dull jet-black and dome-shaped with five points and red dashes, was observed flying slowly and then accelerating vertically. The weather was clear and mild.
• M6 near Knutsford, Cheshire (1997): PL reported observing lights moving vertically into and out of Pickmere Lake over a ten-minute period. The area remained closed off for three months.

Strange Events from Durham

This segment recounts anomalous events that occurred in the mid-eighties near Cotherstone, County Durham, reported by a gentleman named Tom via Jenny Randles. Tom, his wife Melanie, and his parents experienced unsettling phenomena during a six-day holiday. These included strange noises in their bedroom, a feeling of being 'out of sync', and the impression of unseen people. Tom also witnessed a 'thing' moving slowly over the tree line, described as metallic purple, oval-shaped, and massive. Melanie felt 'absolute sadness' after seeing the object. The report also touches upon other Durham-related cases, including a fuzzy glow incident near Barnard Castle and a sighting of a 'small leprechaun-sized man' near Brancepeth in 1995, and a translucent egg-shaped object near Fence Houses in 1976.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of historical UFO cases, particularly the Rendlesham Incident, with an emphasis on critical examination and the potential for prosaic explanations (like astronomical phenomena) while still acknowledging the unexplained aspects. There is a strong focus on investigative work, with BUFORA actively collecting and analyzing reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and investigation, while also promoting the use of scientific tools and critical thinking to understand sightings. The issue also highlights the growing importance of the internet in reporting and disseminating information within the UFO community.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated June 2001, presents a collection of articles and media reports focusing on UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and related scientific and technological investigations. The publication aims to explore anomalous events and theories surrounding them.

Articles and Reports

Durham Area Reports (Page 21)

Gloria Heather Dixon shares peculiar reports from the Durham area. One case involves a woman with long white hair and dark costumes, described as silvery, who caused fear in her granddaughter. Another incident from November 1994 details a man who developed a red, sunburn-like rash after seeing a strange light while riding his motorcycle near Spennymoor. While the man was convinced the rash was related to the sighting, investigators could not definitively prove it, though his wife confirmed his claims. Dixon also mentions plans to visit Cotherstone for further research and invites readers to share any information.

Media Roundup (Pages 22-25)

This section compiles various media snippets on UFO-related matters:

• Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail (April 8, 2001): Bonnybridge in Stirlingshire is highlighted as Scotland's UFO capital, with local councillor Billy Buchanan proposing a stamp design featuring a spaceship and seeking to twin the town with Roswell, New Mexico.
• BBC Monitoring Central Asia Unit (April 7, 2001): A report from Kazakh Commercial Television describes a UFO sighted over Almaty on April 5, 2001, recorded by Darkhan Iskakov. The object was a brightly glowing spot that moved slowly, stretched, contracted, and then disappeared. Kazakh specialists suggested it could have been an aircraft, spacecraft, or a star.
• Western Daily Press (April 3, 2001): This article questions the apparent disappearance of UFO sightings, noting a decline in media coverage and public interest compared to the late 20th century. It references the British Flying Saucer Bureau, established nearly 50 years prior, and suggests theories for the decrease in sightings.
• Chattanooga Times / Chattanooga Free Press (April 1, 2001): Reports on intense solar storms causing red and green lights in the sky, with scientists warning of potential disruptions to telecommunications. Some residents mistook the solar flares for UFOs.
• Daily Mail (London) (March 31, 2001): Features the "Ekip" flying saucer project from Russia, a prototype aircraft designed to resemble a UFO. Developed possibly to fool the West, the project faced funding issues and was reportedly offered to China. The article discusses the history of flying saucer research in Russia and the potential commercial uses of the Ekip craft.
• Off Licence News (March 30, 2001): Mentions UFO sightings above the King's Head pub in Bonsall, Derbyshire, with a humorous suggestion that the sightings might be related to the pub's atmosphere or local inhabitants.
• The Calgary Sun (March 28, 2001): Nova Scotia's town of Shag Harbour will feature a UFO on its new federally approved postmark, commemorating a UFO sighting that occurred there 34 years prior.
• Nordic Business Report (March 28, 2001): No specific content is detailed for this entry.

Icelandic residents spot UFO (Page 26)

Several residents in Reykjavik, Iceland, reported seeing a strange object with green and red lights falling into Faxafloi Bay on March 27, 2001. While some thought it was the 'Mir' spacestation, police suggested it was more likely a meteorite, and the airport stated no aircraft were missing.

The News of the World (March 25, 2001): A TELLY documentary team is searching Ireland for credible UFO sightings for a one-hour program. Producers aim to examine the phenomenon seriously, acknowledging the stigma associated with reporting sightings. The team is working with the Irish UFO and Paranormal Research Association.

Is Science Close To Accepting Ghosts? (Page 27)

This article discusses a study by Dr. Richard Wiseman and his team on alleged ghostly activity in the Edinburgh Vaults. Despite Wiseman's background as a sceptic, the study revealed numerous chilling encounters reported by volunteers, including apparitions and physical effects. The 'blind' tests showed a higher percentage of odd feelings in the vaults than expected by chance, leading Wiseman to re-evaluate the paranormal. The article concludes by emphasizing that the paranormal should be explained rather than dismissed.

Synchronicities Within Anomaly Reports (Pages 28-29)

By Brian Allen, this article explores similarities between the Windwhistle Hill Encounter and the A70 Abduction. Allen suggests that these cases might be the result of a 'dimensional window' or a weakness in space/time, possibly linked to quantum physics and 'D' Brane universes. He cites the Scole Group's findings on an interdimensional entity named 'Blue'. Allen also posits that electromagnetic (EM) phenomena and geomagnetic sources, such as those found near Ley Lines and standing stones, could explain some inexplicable road accidents and potentially trigger temporary seizures in Electrically Hypersensitive (EH) individuals. The article concludes by noting that the Windwhistle Hill site is a natural locus for EM phenomena, with power lines and an underground reservoir contributing to EM radiation.

Flying Saucers From The Archives (Page 30)

This section revisits actual aircraft designs from the late 1950s and early 1960s that mimicked UFO shapes. It highlights the "Couzinet's Saucer," a prototype Aerodyne designed by M. Rene Couzinet, inspired by contemporary UFO reports. The article questions how much further aerospace research might have advanced if disk-like designs had been pursued more vigorously.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The BUFORA Bulletin consistently explores anomalous phenomena, including UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and paranormal events. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation and the potential for scientific acceptance of such phenomena, as seen in the article on ghosts. The publication also delves into theoretical explanations, such as electromagnetic fields and dimensional windows, and examines historical and technological aspects, like the Ekip project and early flying saucer aircraft designs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and the exploration of possibilities, while also attempting to distinguish credible reports from hoaxes.

The BUFORA Bulletin, June 2001 issue, features a cover story titled "UFO Hunters Stake Out Korea," highlighting the persistent investigation of UFO phenomena in South Korea. The magazine also includes articles on aviation, photography techniques, and astronomical observations.

UFO Hunters Stake Out Korea

This section, reported by Thomas Olsen, details the work of Seo Jong-han, a member of the Korea UFO Research Association (KUFORA). Seo has dedicated 20 years to scrutinizing UFO photographs from Korea, employing computer-aided analysis to detect forgeries. He examines photographic evidence by checking sunray reflections against the photographer's alleged position and cross-referencing with astronomical data. His rigorous methodology leads him to conclude that "Ninety-nine percent of the photos I get are fakes." The article notes Korea's history of UFO sightings, including reports from pilots during the Korean War and the "year of the UFO" in 1982. Seo emphasizes the importance of proper photographic techniques for capturing credible evidence, recommending the "Bro Method" developed by John Bro. This technique involves using a camera on a tripod, angled at 80 degrees and partially shaded, to detect UFOs that hide in the sun's glare. The article suggests that UFOs often position themselves directly in front of the sun. It also mentions that UFOs can be distinguished from conventional aircraft by their anomalous flight characteristics, such as rapid acceleration and instantaneous turns. Specific locations in Korea, like Kapyeong and Yangdong, are highlighted as potential hotspots for UFO activity.

The Couzinet Aerodyne

This article discusses the Couzinet Aerodyne, an experimental aircraft conceived by M. Couzinet. The design featured 96 miniature wings revolving around a central hub to achieve vertical take-off, with a small jet engine intended for horizontal flight. A workshop model, three-fifths of actual size and fitted with Lycoming engines, is described. The prototype was planned to be approximately 13.5 meters in diameter, with a cabin designed for a pilot and two crew members, offering excellent visibility through a Perspex dome. The craft had a retractable tricycle undercarriage and a conventional jet engine. The Aerodyne was reportedly due to fly in 1956, though no successful flight has been found referenced. The article notes M. Couzinet's confidence, even when standing near the rapidly rotating rotor vanes.

Spacewatching

This section addresses the possibility of the International Space Station (ISS) being mistaken for a UFO. It presents two photographs taken in Oxfordshire, England, in February of the current year, showing the ISS as a 20-second exposure trail. The article explains that these images, taken during a high-elevation pass, illustrate the ISS's brightness, comparing it to conventional aircraft lighting and Venus. One photo also shows Venus and a commercial flight trail. The ISS was observed climbing higher into the sky, eventually passing overhead before eclipsing.

BUFORA Bookshop and Bulletin Information

The issue includes a "BUFORA BOOKSHOP" section listing various publications available for purchase, including research reports, conference proceedings, and back issues of magazines like "UFO Times" and "BUFORA Bulletin." Prices and ordering information are provided. The "BUFORA BULLETIN" section explains that the bulletin is published by BUFORA Ltd. and that membership is open to those who support the association's aims. It clarifies that the views expressed in the bulletin do not necessarily represent the policy of BUFORA Ltd. and that copyright is held by BUFORA Ltd. from 2000. The bulletin also welcomes submissions for publication, which can be sent via email or post, and can be submitted in various digital formats.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on photographic evidence and analysis. The magazine maintains a stance of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging rigorous research methods and the critical examination of evidence. There is an emphasis on distinguishing genuine sightings from misidentifications or hoaxes, as seen in the Korean UFO section and the Spacewatching article. The inclusion of book sales and submission guidelines indicates BUFORA's role as a platform for disseminating information and engaging with the UFO research community.