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New BUFORA Journal - No 12 - Autumn 2004

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Overview

Title: New Bufora Journal Issue: No. 12 Date: Autumn 2004 Publisher: Bufora Ltd. Country: United Kingdom ISSN: 1476-5314 Price: Free to members

Magazine Overview

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: No. 12
Date: Autumn 2004
Publisher: Bufora Ltd.
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1476-5314
Price: Free to members

This issue of the New Bufora Journal features several articles focusing on UFO phenomena, investigations, and witness accounts. The cover highlights "Strange Encounters on Merseyside" and "What Happened at Scoriton – Part 2," alongside articles on mythology and general observations.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Steve Gamble, reflects on the historical interest in UFO phenomena in the UK, particularly mentioning the Warminster events and the Faulkner photograph. It discusses the challenges in investigating UFO cases, citing the unreliability of some evidence, such as the Alex Birch photograph. Despite these challenges, the editorial expresses conviction in a genuine underlying phenomenon that requires careful investigation, emphasizing the study of tangible evidence like vehicle interference, photographs, and ground traces, as well as cases where UFOs interface with other paranormal phenomena. The editorial also touches upon the Scoriton case, noting that Ernest Bryant's claims are being re-examined with a focus on inconsistencies and potential explanations.

Articles and Features

Strange Encounters on Merseyside

This section, based on notes from Tony Eccles' book 'A Different Sky,' explores the concept of extra-terrestrial encounters and the scientific community's difficulty in addressing them. It argues that witnesses are typically normal individuals and that the lack of data hinders scientific study. The article presents the case of Karen from Aigburth, who experienced a one-hour time loss while driving after seeing a bright, cigar-shaped object. She reported that other witnesses had also seen similar objects, and Manchester Airport staff were baffled. The article also details a second incident involving Karen, where she experienced another hour of time loss and saw a dark triangular craft with blue light beams over a church, followed by an unusual orange-red mark on her face.

Another account features Penny, a nurse from Bootle, who described an encounter with a tiny, pale-skinned creature in her bedroom. She felt paralyzed and observed the creature examining her belongings before it touched her forehead. Penny experienced a sense of calm and felt the creature was communicating with her mentally. The UFO was then seen hovering outside her window, and the creature passed through the glass without breaking it.

The article also recounts Gene's experience near Runcorn, where she saw a tall, black-cloaked figure with a greyish-green, elongated head standing by a stick-like object. Gene felt watched and later experienced a strange phone call.

The author posits that close encounter witnesses may be fulfilling a role, acting as modern-day shamans who are more in tune with their environment and are bringing humanity closer to its human selves. The article suggests that these encounters might be part of a larger cosmic game, possibly guiding humanity's evolution or survival.

What DID happen at Scoriton? Part II

This article, authored by Norman Oliver, continues the investigation into the claims of Ernest Bryant concerning the Scoriton incident. Oliver details his efforts to verify Bryant's accounts, including writing to Mr. Webber, the farmer on whose land the alleged 'pieces' were found. Mr. Webber attributed the scorch marks to a bonfire and suggested lightning as the cause for tree damage, dismissing Bryant's claims as imaginative.

Oliver also contacted Dr. Y., Bryant's doctor, to confirm Bryant's statements about the doctor having his own flying saucer experiences and mentioning 'bent headlights.' Dr. Y. denied recalling any medical reason for Bryant's visits or Bryant bringing up flying saucers. While Dr. Y. admitted to seeing two unusual flying objects, he stated that Bryant's story was inaccurate and that he had never experienced bent headlights. Dr. Y. also noted that Bryant's statements concerning his experiences were untrue.

Further investigation by Oliver revealed that Bryant's claim of working at Dartmoor Prison for seven years was false; his employment record showed only a seven-week period as a Prison Officer Under Training. The article also mentions Bryant's claim of hearing a voice calling 'Ivan, Ivan' and his daughter's portable tape recorder being used to record it, which was subsequently wiped.

Mythology

This section is not detailed in the provided pages but is listed in the table of contents.

Round and About

This section is not detailed in the provided pages but is listed in the table of contents.

Recent Sightings

This section is not detailed in the provided pages but is listed in the table of contents.

BUFORA Meetings

This section is not detailed in the provided pages but is listed in the table of contents.

Organization Information

Page 2 provides contact details for the British UFO Research Association (Bufora), including its registered office in Exeter, Devon, and a London office. It lists the Council of Management and other officers, such as the Chairman (Judith Ja'afar), Vice Chairman (John Spencer), Secretary (Jon Downes), Treasurer (John Wickham), Dir. Investigations (Heather Dixon), Dir. Research (Tony Eccles), President (Lionel Fanthorpe), and Journal Editor (Stephen Gamble).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around detailed investigations into specific UFO cases, witness testimonies, and the challenges of verifying such accounts. There's a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous, evidence-based research rather than armchair speculation. The editorial stance, as expressed by Steve Gamble, is one of cautious optimism, believing in a genuine phenomenon that requires thorough investigation and a willingness to explore the more tangible aspects of UFO encounters and their potential links to other paranormal events. The journal also appears to be committed to scrutinizing claims and uncovering the truth, even when it means questioning established narratives or individuals' accounts.

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, dated Autumn 2004 (Issue 12), delves into complex UFO cases, focusing on the Ernest Bryant case and exploring themes of potential hoaxing, investigation, and abduction phenomena. It also presents a section on 'Mythology' by John Spencer, discussing the breadth of UFO research.

The Ernest Bryant Case: A Potential Hoax

The issue begins by scrutinizing the claims of Ernest Arthur Bryant, a figure whose reliability is questioned. John Theobald, former editor of the Plymouth Independent, expressed doubts about Bryant's account of the 'Adelphos Adelpho' message, noting Bryant's own inconsistencies and a policeman's report suggesting no sighting occurred. Further investigation into Bryant's claim of being a member of Totnes District Council revealed no such record. The only positive reference Bryant received was from Major Boycott, landlord of The Tradesman's Arms, a detail the author intends to revisit.

The author recounts how other researchers, including John Cleary-Baker, Ken Rogers, Edgar Hatvany, Captain Ivar Mackay, Ron Caswell of CONTACT U.K., and independent investigators like Bob Erskine, also visited Bryant. A key development involved the house at Yeovil, which had been featured on Westward TV. Bryant had claimed to have seen reports in The News of the World and The People. A search for these reports led to a significant article in The News of the World dated August 22nd, 1965, detailing a 'House of Mystery'.

Further investigation into Bryant's claims revealed discrepancies. A cutting from The People dated March 31st, 1957, mentioned the disappearance of Tom Jones, his wife Kathleen, and son Terry from a house in Yeovil. However, Tom Jones was later found to be a patient in a mental hospital, and his wife and son had also disappeared. This indicated that an extraterrestrial abduction was unlikely.

In a later conversation on April 29th, 1966, Bryant contradicted himself on several points, including service numbers for Sergeant Tom Jones. He also wrongly attributed the 'Yamski / Adamski' association to Ron Caswell, when it was the author who had informed Caswell. Despite signing affidavits affirming the truth of his encounters, the author concludes that the 'pieces' and the April encounter with 'Yamski and the Venusians' were likely a hoax, possibly stemming from a genuine UFO sighting.

The author suggests Bryant may have been influenced by accomplices, two of whom were knowledgeable about flying saucers and Adamski. The reason for the hoax and Bryant being a 'contactee' is explored.

Bryant's affidavit on February 18th, 1967, and a further document on April 29th, 1967, stated the truth of his encounters. However, the author posits that while Bryant might have seen a bright light on one occasion, the 'pieces' and the 'Yamski/Venusians' encounter were a hoax. The timing of Bryant's 'reveal' months after the August sighting is questioned.

The Yeovil House and Newspaper Cuttings

Bryant's description of the interior of the Yeovil house matched an article in The News of the World. Another cutting from The People, dated March 31st, 1957, mentioned the disappearance of Tom Jones and his family from a house in Yeovil. However, further investigation revealed Tom Jones was in a mental hospital, and his wife and son had also disappeared, suggesting no extraterrestrial abduction.

Bryant's Affadavit and Contradictions

In a conversation on April 29th, 1966, Bryant contradicted previous statements, including giving three different service numbers for Sergeant Tom Jones. He also misattributed the source of the 'Yamski/Adamski' association. Despite signing affidavits, the author believes the 'pieces' and the April encounter were a hoax.

The Hoax Unravelled

The author details how Bryant's claims were investigated, leading to the conclusion that the 'pieces' and the 'Yamski/Venusians' encounter were a hoax. The author suggests Bryant may have been influenced by accomplices. The reason for the hoax is explored, with the possibility that Bryant was a 'contactee'.

The Role of Accomplices and the 'Pieces'

An interesting suggestion by Gerald Aspin concerning a psychometric reading that 're-lived' the Mantell occurrence is discussed. The author proposes that psychometrist 'A' might have been influenced by Eileen Buckle's prior interest in the Mantell case, and then relayed this to psychometrist 'B', who then 'genned-up' on the case. The examination of the 'pieces' by 'Scotty' is revealed to be a deliberate misdirection, as the pieces examined were not those from the Mantell crash but the BUFORA team's own collected items.

It is revealed that Edgar Hatvany, who had driven the team to collect the pieces, had kept some back. These were borrowed by another researcher involved in hoaxing the story. Scotty's claimed scientific degrees are also questioned, with the university in Germany unable to verify them.

The Four Plotters

The author identifies four individuals involved in the hoax: Ernest Bryant, Captain Ivar Mackay, Major Boycott, and Ken Rogers. It is suggested that Bryant may have seen a light after reading about an earlier sighting, but then embellished it with the 'finding' of pieces and a 'phial peg' from The Tradesman's Arms. The writing on the 'Adelphos Adelpho' message is noted as being similar to Bryant's.

The 'Phial Peg' and Adamski Resemblance

Captain Ivar Mackay is identified as the only person known to have had access to the 'phial peg'. It is suggested that he may have given some to Major Boycott, who then passed it to Bryant. Bryant's resemblance to Adamski is highlighted as a key factor in the 'contact hoax'.

The Investigation and Conclusion

Captain Mackay informed Ken Rogers about Bryant's claim. Both were involved in CONTACT U.K. It is suggested that Ken Rogers proposed the hoax idea, enjoying making up false reports to test Research Officer Nigel Stephenson. Captain Mackay saw the hoax as a way to test BUFORA's investigative capabilities.

The author recounts receiving a copy of 'The Scoriton Mystery' cut in half, with handwritten verses indicating 'four plotters'. The handwriting was similar to Dr. Doel, who had relinquished the BUFORA chairmanship to Ivar Mackay. It is believed that Dr. Doel was brought into confidence by Mackay.

The investigations were described as both the worst and best the author had ever made, teaching valuable lessons about UFO research and the importance of independently verifying reports.

MYTHOLOGY by John Spencer

John Spencer's presentation, given following the AGM in July 2004, discusses the mythological aspects of ufology and the importance of investigating them. He addresses the debate within UFO research, particularly within BUFORA, about focusing solely on 'hard' evidence and rejecting phenomena like the paranormal interface and abduction.

Spencer argues for a broader approach to UFO research, emphasizing that the subject has evolved significantly since the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947. He believes that BUFORA's aim to 'encourage, promote and conduct unbiased scientific research' should encompass a wider range of phenomena.

Case Studies: McMinnville and Debbie Jordan-Kauble

Spencer illustrates his point with two cases:

1. The McMinnville Case (1950): This famous case involved photographs of a disc-shaped object taken by the Trents. Even the Condon Committee acknowledged that the photographs were consistent with the witnesses' description and that a real, physical object was likely involved.

2. Debbie Jordan-Kauble (formerly Kathie Davis): This case, detailed by Budd Hopkins in 'Intruders', involves multiple alleged abductions from childhood. Regressive hypnosis revealed experiences including encounters with grey-skinned aliens, surgical procedures, artificial insemination, and the removal of a foetus. Recurring motifs such as screen memories, missing time, decoy objects (like a red tarantula), and the characteristic 'grey aliens' are present.

Spencer notes that Debbie's case shares many similarities with other abduction reports, particularly those documented by Dr. John Mack and David Jacobs. He highlights the 'witness support' network and Debbie's positive experience with Budd Hopkins' handling of her traumas.

Other cases are briefly mentioned, including a UFO landing near Debbie's parents' home in 1983 and a similar encounter by Meagan and André Quezet in South Africa in 1979.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the critical analysis of UFO claims, particularly the Ernest Bryant case, which is presented as a likely hoax. The journal highlights the importance of rigorous investigation, corroboration of evidence, and the identification of potential misdirection or fabrication within the UFO field. The 'Mythology' section by John Spencer advocates for a broader, more inclusive approach to UFO research, arguing against a narrow focus on 'hard' evidence and encouraging the investigation of phenomena such as abductions and paranormal interfaces. The detailed accounts of abduction cases, like Debbie Jordan-Kauble's, serve to illustrate the complex and often disturbing nature of reported UFO experiences, while also underscoring the need for careful research and interpretation.

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, dated Autumn 2004 (Issue 12), explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, moving beyond simple sightings to delve into the psychological, mythological, and paranormal aspects. The publication aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject, encouraging researchers to consider a broader scope of inquiry.

Case Studies and Research Focus

The journal begins by questioning the focus of UFO research, contrasting 'true' UFO cases, often characterized by lights-in-the-sky or daylight discs, with more complex phenomena like abductions. Budd Hopkins is cited for his belief that abductions are the central reason for alien interaction with humans, focusing on human sexuality and genetic makeup. The article introduces a case study of 'Albert,' a man who claimed to be a chosen individual with special knowledge from 'higher alien beings,' and whose factory was a disguised spaceship. This case is presented as a challenge to conventional research, potentially forcing a review of one's worldview.

The author contrasts this with the McMinville case (lights-in-the-sky) and the case of Debbie Jordan-Kauble, who reported abduction and insemination. While lights-in-the-sky cases are deemed less threatening and more easily investigated due to their physical nature and potential for scientific analysis, abduction cases are presented as more intrusive and potentially disturbing, though not fundamentally threatening to the human worldview.

Categorization of UFO Phenomena

The journal proposes a four-part categorization of UFO phenomena for research:

1. Hard Reality of UFO Sightings: This includes daylight discs and lights-in-the-sky, characterized by objective reality, multiple witnesses, and the possibility of photographic evidence. These are considered the 'hard core' of sightings.
2. Abductions and Related Personal Experiences: These are typically single, independently unwitnessed experiences, often occurring during altered states of consciousness. They have a strong personal component and may arise from areas of the natural world not yet understood, overlapping with other paranormal experiences like channelling and shamanism.
3. The Paranormal Interface: This category examines witnesses who claim to have developed psychic or other attributes. It also includes cases where ghost or poltergeist phenomena are reported alongside UFO experiences, as described by Whitley Strieber.
4. Mythology: This area explores how UFOs are shrouded in mythology, which is considered a valid area of research for understanding the subject and the world. The author argues that UFOs represent a new mythology, offering reconciliation between old beliefs and modern technology.

The Paranormal Interface and Abductee Experiences

The paranormal interface is highlighted as a rich area for study, potentially offering insights into the human mind. The physical marks reported by abductees (scoop marks, nosebleeds, warts) are compared to religious stigmata, suggesting that intense belief can manifest physical effects. This phenomenon, rather than alien intervention, may offer a way to study the complex workings of the human mind and its potential for self-healing.

Whitley Strieber's experiences, detailed in his books, are discussed, noting that while he initially suppressed reports of ghost sightings during his encounters, he now sees them as integral to the experience. The journal suggests that studying ghosts through ufology might illuminate this mystery.

Channelling and the Right Brain

Channelling, where individuals receive messages from perceived entities, is discussed. While the messages themselves may be of little use, the process of channelling is seen as a potential shortcut to understanding how the brain stores information and accesses subconscious compartments. This is compared to autistic savants who perform extraordinary feats without apparent 'normal' brain functions. The journal suggests that the 'right brain' may house special qualities that are suppressed by modern rationalism and technology, and that paranormal experiences might be 'blasts' from this right brain.

Abductees often report life-changing effects, including vegetarianism, ecological concern, and a desire for artistic expression. Debbie Jordan describes her experiences as shifting from physical to mental, psychological, psychic, and spiritual levels, opening her mind and changing her perspective on life, God, and herself. This suggests that the UFO experience can act as a form of 'schooling' or personal development.

Near-Death Experiences and Mythology

A comparison is drawn between abduction claims and Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), particularly in the context of Orfeo Angelucci's claims of being taken aboard a spacecraft. Both involve confronting profound realities and often a perceived mission upon return. The journal suggests that by setting aside the 'baggage' of extreme claims, valuable insights into the human mind's connection with the universe can be gained.

The issue then delves into the mythology of UFOs, arguing that belief in aliens is now widespread, shaping a modern mythology. This new mythology, like ancient ones, explains the world, justifies social systems, and provides answers to fundamental questions. The shift from a belief in God to a belief in technologically advanced beings is seen as a response to the decline of rationalism and science's inability to address deeper human needs.

Mythological Motifs and Modern Myths

Similar motifs are identified between ancient myths and UFO beliefs. The concept of gods living in inaccessible domains (Mount Olympus, Fujiyama) is paralleled by aliens residing in special, inaccessible home worlds. The idea of hybrids, such as Zeus's offspring, is mirrored in contemporary science fiction and the concept of alien-human hybrids. Screen memories, where a disguise is used to approach a subject (Zeus as a bull with Europa), are compared to modern UFO encounters where memory may be altered or disguised.

The myth of the Great Flood, found across cultures, is presented as a myth of cleansing, where gods sought to wipe the Earth clean due to mankind's impurity. This is linked to ancient astronaut theories that interpret such myths literally.

The Role of Myths in Society

The journal emphasizes that myths, whether ancient or modern, serve crucial functions: answering fundamental questions ('Who made the world?') and justifying existing social systems. The belief that governments possess hidden knowledge about UFOs and are covering it up is presented as a modern myth that explains distrust in authority. The author argues that science and rationalism, while valuable, have failed to reach the 'soul of mankind,' and that new myths, including those surrounding UFOs, are attempting to re-establish basic values.

Conclusion

The issue concludes by suggesting that UFOs, while not always returning on radar, represent a new, emerging mythology that offers a purpose beyond their literal 'reality.' This new mythology is comparable to 'old' myths in its ability to explore the edges of human experience, challenge taboos, and provide a framework for understanding the world, particularly in the face of scientific rationalism's limitations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of evidence in UFO research, the psychological impact of anomalous experiences, the relationship between UFOs and other paranormal phenomena, and the enduring human need for myth and meaning in a rationalistic world. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a broader, more inclusive approach to UFO research, encouraging the study of subjective experiences and mythological frameworks alongside traditional scientific methods, and emphasizing the importance of understanding the human mind's response to the unknown.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 12
Volume: Autumn 2004
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Mythology and UFOs: Ancient Parallels

The journal opens by drawing parallels between ancient mythology and modern UFO accounts. The Noah figure and the Greek hero Deukalion and his wife Pyrrha are compared to alien narratives of flood warnings and the protection of chosen species. Contactees like Marian Keech are mentioned for their belief that aliens would descend in flying saucers to save humanity. The concept of hierarchies among gods in mythology is mirrored in the reports of abductees, who describe leader-beings, doctors, and workers among aliens, suggesting a similar structure. The article posits that both mythologies and flying saucer accounts address a need for a hierarchy that maintains a 'mission' while allowing for some flexibility. The potential for a fully developed flying saucer mythology is explored, noting that while current entities lack definitive purposes like ancient gods, a division between 'good' Nordics and 'evil' grays is emerging.

The Underworld and Afterlife Concepts

The migration of the concept of the underworld in mythology is examined, referencing Odysseus's journey in 'The Odyssey' to the extremity of the Earth beyond the vast Ocean. As geographical exploration expanded, the underworld was relocated to the center of the Earth, accessible through caverns. Similarly, in flying saucer mythology, the aliens' origin was initially thought to be Venus, but as space exploration progressed, their realm was moved further out, to other dimensions or distant, unexplored places.

The Greek Hero and Modern Parallels

The strong presence of the Hero in Greek myths, a mortal capable of confronting gods, is linked to figures like Adamski and George King of the Aetherius Society, who are described as having interacted with aliens and even fought battles with their assistance. This highlights a recurring theme of human interaction with advanced or divine entities.

Missing Time and Otherworlds

The concept of 'missing time' is explored through the Celtic tradition of Ireland, where a supernatural world, the SID, existed within burial mounds. Time within the SID was fluid, with a minute potentially equivalent to mortal years. The otherworld offered mortal perfection, abundance, and immortality. Humans entered the SID by force or invitation, sometimes to aid rulers or steal treasure, parallels that are also found in flying saucer reports.

The Future of UFO Research

J. Allen Hynek's perspective on UFO research is discussed, emphasizing the need to investigate the phenomenon seriously, as it could lead to a revolution in humanity's understanding of itself and its place in the universe. The article argues against restricting research to fit a narrow, prejudicial viewpoint, advocating for an open mind towards future scientific discoveries. It suggests that phenomena like channelling, rather than being dismissed as alien communication or delusion, could be pathways to accessing the brain more efficiently. The author stresses the importance of examining seemingly strange areas within a separate and rational framework, rather than solely focusing on 'UFOs-as-aliens'. The challenge for future UFO research is to create this rational and scientific framework.

Round and About: UFO Sightings and Reports

This section covers various recent UFO-related news and reports:

  • UK Hotspots: Nick Pope's compilation of the top 40 UK UFO sighting vantage points is mentioned, with Bonnybridge topping the list for Scotland, and Warminster noted for its long history of reports. Other hotspots include The Great Orme, Denbigh, Liverpool, and Manchester.
  • Abduction Experience: Robert Stephenson of Loughborough, UK, recounts an abduction experience from two-and-a-half years prior, where he was taken aboard a spacecraft and given a medical examination by humans from the future, some resembling 'Greys'. He described the experience as unpleasant due to his aggressive reaction.
  • Zecharia Sitchin's 'The Earth Chronicles Expeditions': A review highlights Sitchin's belief that mankind was created by the 'Nefilim' from a rogue planet. A feature of the book is an artefact resembling a cone-nosed rocket ship, found in a Turkish museum and dated to 3,000 years old.
  • NASA and 'The Day After Tomorrow': An article from The Denver Post reveals that NASA reportedly instructed its staff not to give interviews about the film 'The Day After Tomorrow', which dealt with global warming, raising questions about the timing of the alleged email.
  • Kate Hearn's 1937 Sighting: In North Carolina, 78-year-old Kate Hearn related an experience from 1937 where she saw about a hundred 'little men' in uniforms, who vanished. A detail noted is that she was accompanied by her children, implying she was a mother at age eleven.
  • Parallel Universes Experiment: Sam Sachdev explains an experiment based on David Deutch's work, using a laser pointer and paper with holes, to detect parallel universes by observing shadow patterns. The experiment's success relies on quantum-mechanical laws governing particle interactions.
  • Irish Spacecraft Sighting: Miles Johnston and Terry Malone reported a delta-winged craft moving at ultrasonic speed in County Monaghan, Ireland, describing it as enormous and silent.
  • Portuguese UFO Incident: The Portuguese military fired a ground-to-air missile at a cigar-shaped UFO tracked on radar. While the object was described, the military later stated that what people saw was missile smoke, and the investigation was closed.
  • Ronald Reagan and UFOs: An article by Billy Cox in Florida Today discusses Ronald Reagan's promise to release UFO information and his personal sighting in 1974, where he and his pilot observed a light that accelerated at incredible speed. Reagan's alleged comments to Steven Spielberg about 'E.T.' are also mentioned.

Recent Sightings

  • Ernie Sears's Sightings: A witness in Hampshire, UK, reported seeing a 'huge' bright object descending rapidly, and on another occasion, a bright 'star' that performed complex manouevres across the night sky before vanishing.
  • UFOCALL Service: BUFORA offers an information service called 'UFOCALL' for news, lectures, and reporting sightings.

BUFORA Activities and Publications

BUFORA, founded in 1962, is a federation of UK UFO groups aiming to promote scientific research, collect evidence, and co-ordinate research. They organize lectures and publish the 'New Bufora Journal'. The 'UFOCALL' service provides information on reports and events. BUFORA publications are available through Spacelink Books.

BUFORA London Lectures 2004/5

Details of upcoming lectures in London are provided, including a talk by Mark Rosney on a 1995 Runcorn UFO case. Provisional dates for the 2005 lecture program are also listed, with speakers like Jon Downes and Dr. Gail-Nina Anderson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep connections between ancient mythology and modern UFO phenomena, the nature of consciousness and reality (including parallel universes), and the ongoing investigation of UFO sightings and abduction experiences. The editorial stance, as articulated by J. Allen Hynek, advocates for rigorous, open-minded scientific research that is not constrained by current scientific paradigms. There is a clear emphasis on exploring all aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including the more unusual and seemingly paranormal elements, within a rational framework, while acknowledging the potential for profound insights into humanity and the universe.