New BUFORA Journal - No 13 - Jan 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 13
Date: January 2005
Publisher: Bufora Ltd.
ISSN: 1476-5314
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, dated January 2005, is the thirteenth edition and features a cover image of Devils Tower. The main cover headlines include "Men In Black on Merseyside," "UFOs, Interference & Crop Circles," "The Eureka Springs UFO Conferences," and "Are we the Martians?"

Editorial

In the editorial, Steve Gamble, the outgoing editor, welcomes readers to the latest issue and addresses production delays that have affected the journal's output. He announces his plan to stand down as editor with the completion of issue 17 and introduces Graham Inglis as the appointed assistant editor who will take over. Gamble reflects on the aging of the UFO research field, noting that BUFORA is over forty years old and the subject, since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 report, is well into middle age. He emphasizes the need for a younger, more scientifically educated generation to engage in UFO study and research, believing that with the right people and resources, greater progress can be made. The editorial concludes with the X-Files tagline, "The Truth is Out There!"

John Mack Killed

This section is an obituary for Professor John Mack, who died in a tragic road traffic accident on September 27, 2004, at the age of 74. Mack was a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and was renowned for his study of UFO abductees. The article details his academic background, including winning a Pulitzer Prize in 1977 for his biography of Lawrence of Arabia. It mentions his extensive research into the UFO abduction phenomenon, working with over 200 witnesses, and his two books, "Abduction" (1994) and "Passport to the Cosmos" (1999). The piece notes that many abductees reported heightened interest in the environment and increased spirituality, and few showed signs of mental illness. It also recounts the 1994 peer committee review at Harvard Medical School, which determined Mack was free to investigate as he wished. The article touches upon conspiracy theories surrounding his death but suggests it was likely an unfortunate accident. Steve Gamble concludes that Mack contributed greatly to both his academic studies and UFOlogy.

Betty Hill

A brief note mentions that following the news in 2004 of the death of veteran UFO abductee Betty Hill, there will be more coverage in issue 14 of this Journal.

The Eureka Springs UFO Conferences

Written by Norman Oliver, this article details the history and significance of the UFO conferences held in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Oliver recounts his early involvement with BUFORA in the late 1960s and his contact with overseas researchers like Lucius Farish. The first two-day conference was held in 1988, organized by Bill Pitts. In 1989, a three-day conference was planned by Lou Farish and Ed Mazur, attracting an audience of two to three hundred, a number that grew in subsequent years. The Inn of the Ozarks hotel was the primary venue. The article describes Eureka Springs as a beautiful holiday area in the Ozark mountains, known for its attractions like the 'Christ of the Ozarks' statue and a 'Passion Play'. The Conference Centre, part of the Inn of the Ozarks, has hosted the event annually since 1989, with an exception in 2001 due to a fire, requiring an alternative venue. The conference is characterized by its 'non-combative' attitude, aiming to provide a forum for researchers to present their ideas and findings. Oliver mentions his own contributions, including talks on the South Wales 'Flap' of 1976, Winchester encounters, and the controversial Mind Control/Time Travel claims related to Montauk and the Philadelphia Experiment. He also discusses strange experiences of Larry Dale in Thailand. The article highlights key speakers and attendees over the years, including Tim Good, Linda Howe, Antonio Huneeus, Jim Williamson, Robert Reid, Robert Swiatek, Rosemary Decker, Danny Gordon, Dr. James Deardorff, Vicki Cooper, and Dan Fry. It also references the Gulf Breeze events and Ed Walters.

Corroborative Evidence for Hickson and Parker

The article touches upon the 1973 Pascagoula abduction case involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker. It presents corroborative evidence from a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, Mike Cataldo, who was on the USS Tunney under construction at the time. Cataldo reported seeing a strange object on the horizon near Ocean Springs, Florida, which hovered over the tree line before vanishing. He described it as looking like a large tambourine with flashing lights.

Dan Fry and The White Sands Incident

The article discusses Dan Fry and his book "The White Sands Incident." Fry's claim involved an encounter on July 4th, 1950, near the White Sands Proving Grounds, where he met an 'oblate spheroid' and was invited into the craft by a voice named 'A-lan'. He experienced a thirty-minute trip to New York and back. Fry reported four contacts with 'space people,' describing them as different from the 'Greys' commonly encountered. He subsequently produced the magazine "Understanding," based on information from these contacts.

Gulf Breeze Events

The 1989 Conference coincided with the Gulf Breeze events gaining media attention, with Ed Walters ('Mr. Ed') attending under an alias. The author met Walters at the conference, and they exchanged addresses. Walters was to attend the following year as a speaker, and his book on the Gulf Breeze events had just been published. The author plans a comprehensive article on Ed and Gulf Breeze for a future NBJ.

Other Conference Contributions and Experiences

Norman Oliver recounts his experiences at the Eureka Springs Conferences, including talks on the South Wales 'Flap' of 1976, Winchester encounters, and the controversial Mind Control/Time Travel claims linked to Montauk and the Philadelphia Experiment. He also mentions Larry Dale's strange experiences in Thailand. The article notes that Sunday morning 'mini-sessions' at the conferences are dedicated to short presentations on personal experiences or reports that do not warrant a full session. One memorable incident involved an ex-army 'recovery' man relating an incident he was called out to.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, abduction experiences, and the ongoing research and conferences dedicated to these phenomena. The journal also touches upon the historical aspects of UFOlogy, including notable cases like Pascagoula and White Sands, and the work of prominent researchers such as John Mack. The editorial stance, as expressed by Steve Gamble, highlights a concern for the aging of the field and a call for new, scientifically-minded researchers to carry the torch forward, ensuring continued progress in understanding UFO phenomena. The journal itself is presented as a platform for sharing diverse perspectives within the UFO community, with a focus on presenting findings and experiences in a non-confrontational manner.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 13
Date: January 2005

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, published in January 2005, features a range of articles focusing on UFO phenomena, witness testimonies, and historical connections to unexplained events. The cover prominently highlights 'Rendlesham Revisited' by Michael Lewis and 'Men in Black come to Merseyside' by Tony Eccles.

Rendlesham Revisited

Michael Lewis recounts a BUFORA field trip to Rendlesham, involving Larry Warren, a former US air force policeman who witnessed the 1980 landed UFO incident. The article details the efforts to investigate the case, the secrecy that followed, and Warren's return to England to share his experiences. During Warren's talk, a dramatic incident occurred where a ball of light swept across the room, witnessed by the audience. The party then visited the Capel Green site where Warren described the intense activity, seeing a cone-shaped craft and beings emerging, with military officers present, suggesting a pre-existing protocol for such encounters. The article also touches upon the psychological impact on base personnel and the subsequent efforts to ensure witnesses remained silent.

Men in Black come to Merseyside

Tony Eccles explores the phenomenon of the 'Men in Black' (MIB), entities that appear to resemble humans and visit UFO witnesses. Eccles notes that MIBs often appear mysteriously, dressed in black, and their behavior is often stiff or robotic, suggesting they are not entirely human. Their purpose is believed to be to terrify witnesses into silence, though paradoxically, their visits can also draw attention to the reality of UFO experiences. The article traces the history of MIB sightings back to the 1950s and connects them to a broader context of government surveillance and fear during the Cold War. It also discusses a specific case from Merseyside in 1978 involving James Bartley, who encountered a man with binoculars and later a man in a black suit after witnessing a strange silver ball in the sky. Bartley's experience was followed by disturbing dreams of nuclear explosions.

UFOs and the PSI Interface

This section reviews a publication titled 'UFOs and the PSI Interface,' featuring contributions from Manfred Cassirer, Stephen Gamble, Elsie Oakensen, and John Spencer. The publication explores the interaction between UFO reports and PSI experiences, with Cassirer examining main theories, Gamble comparing UFOs and Psychic Entities, Oakensen describing life after a UFO close encounter, and Spencer discussing UFOs and the Paranormal Interface. Copies are available for purchase.

Men in Black come to Merseyside (Continued)

Eccles continues his discussion on the MIB phenomenon, noting its global presence and various forms, such as the 'Ihk'al' in Chiapas, Mexico. These entities are described as frightening black beings that appear after strange lights and have been known to attack people. The article draws parallels between these accounts and ancient Mayan mythology, suggesting that such creatures may originate from another reality rather than a distant galaxy. Eccles also contacts anthropologist Brian Stross, who has researched similar stories among the Maya, indicating that these 'Black Man' stories have been prevalent for thousands of years.

Encounters and Mythology

Further exploring the historical roots of the MIB, Eccles links them to witchcraft and folklore, particularly the creature 'Spring Heeled Jack' from the late 19th century. He suggests that the paranoia surrounding witch hunts created an atmosphere conducive to paranormal experiences, and that figures believed to be the Devil may have been misperceived encounters with other intelligences. The article posits that people believed to be witches might have been unwitting contactees, similar to modern-day abductees.

UFO Sightings and Events

The journal includes a report from Jean and Richard Siefried detailing a UFO sighting on April 27, 2002, near Grand Lake O' The Cherokees in Oklahoma. A round object hovered above the shoreline, emitting balls of light that were then absorbed back into the object. The report also describes a subsequent sighting of a 'strobe-quality' flash in the sky.

Another article mentions Bob White's UFO 'Museum of the Unexplained' in Reeds Spring, Missouri, which houses artifacts from UFO experiences. The journal also references past speakers at The Conference, including Esen Sekerkarar from Turkey, and mentions vendors selling UFO-related material.

Political and Personal Reflections

The issue touches upon political aspects, with a mention of President George W. Bush's promise to reveal 'the truth about UFOs.' An anecdote describes an encounter with Bush at a rally where the researcher reminded him of his promise, to which Bush replied 'YES.'

Personal reflections on visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas, are included, recommending local attractions and dining options. The article also notes that some counties in Arkansas and Missouri are 'dry' areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings and encounters, the exploration of the Men in Black phenomenon, and the connection between modern unexplained events and historical folklore and mythology. The journal appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting witness testimonies and research findings for readers to consider, while also encouraging critical thinking and further investigation. The editorial stance seems to favor the idea that there are genuine underlying reasons for these phenomena, possibly involving unknown energies or intelligences, and that historical accounts can offer insights into modern encounters.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 13
Date: January 2005

This issue of the New Bufora Journal delves into the complex and often interconnected world of unexplained phenomena, focusing on UFOs, vehicle interference, and crop circles, with a particular emphasis on the UK.

The Man in Black and Cultural Parallels

The lead article draws parallels between the modern 'Man in Black' (MIB) phenomenon and historical beliefs, such as the 'witchcraft Black Men' of the Seventeenth Century and 'Ihk'al' stories from Mexico. The author argues that while the image of these entities may change with cultural perception, the underlying beliefs and the human tendency to be deceived remain constant. The MIB is often associated with the smell of sulphur or ozone, linking it to occult or even demonic interpretations. The author posits that these phenomena, like alien encounters, might be part of a larger game of deception, advising caution in seeking 'Close Encounters'.

The Scientific Approach to UFOs

The journal questions the current scientific understanding of UFOs, noting that much of the research relies on amateur contributions, similar to the origins of many scientific disciplines. It highlights the difficulty in studying UFOs due to the lack of physical evidence, with information primarily derived from witness accounts and photographic/film evidence. The article mentions the Roswell incident as a potential exception but acknowledges that many UFOs may not be physically real, capable of dematerializing or passing through solid objects. The scientific community's acceptance of UFO phenomena is still considered nascent, with only phenomena like earthlights and ball lightning gaining traction.

UFOs, Vehicle Interference, and Crop Circles: A Definitive Link?

Geoff Falla's article explores the intriguing connection between UFO sightings, strange physical effects on vehicles, and the phenomenon of crop circles. He notes that while many UFO sightings can be explained conventionally, others are accompanied by unusual effects like temporary vehicle malfunction (engines, lights, radios) or aircraft system interference. These effects are often described as electromagnetic in nature, particularly affecting electrical systems but generally leaving diesel engines unaffected. Magnetic effects are also noted. The article points out that these interference incidents, recorded globally since 1944, follow a similar pattern. In Britain, over 80 such incidents have been reported since 1955, with a notable concentration in Wiltshire and Hampshire. These counties are also major locations for crop circles. The author suggests that the overlap in locations for interference effects and crop circles, especially near Warminster and Winchester, is unlikely to be a mere coincidence, hinting at a deeper connection.

Several specific cases of vehicle interference are detailed, including:

• August 20, 1965, Warminster, Wiltshire: A couple’s scooter stalled, followed by sightings of two large spheres of light. Their watches stopped at 11:02 p.m., and they felt waves of hot and cold air.
• September 7, 1965, Warminster: Major William Hill’s car engine cut out, accompanied by aerial vibrations and flickering headlights.
• October 8, 1965, Warminster: A driver reported a glowing orange object, engine misfire, dimming headlights, and a dark object taking off, leaving a trail of red and blue sparks.
• September 24, 1966, Tilshead and Shrewton, Wiltshire: A car’s engine, lights, and radio failed during a red haze, with a humming sound.
• October 26, 1967, Hook, Hampshire: A vehicle’s electrical system failed suddenly near a dark object, with repeated engine failures.
• November 6, 1967, Avon and Sopley, Hampshire: A lorry and a Jaguar car experienced engine and light malfunctions due to a large egg-shaped object, described as magenta with a whitish area, emitting a humming sound and a pungent smell. The incident left the scrub land blackened and the tarmac shiny.
• November 1967, Hampshire: A luminous object caused significant effects on two vehicles and surroundings, leading to a police investigation.
• 1967, Cley Hill, Warminster: A driver experienced extreme heat and a whining noise, with the car engine cutting out while a glowing white disc hovered overhead.
• August 25, 1975, near Warminster: A serviceman reported a bright red light, car headlights failing, and intermittent sidelights, with the engine cutting out.
• November 14, 1976, near Winchester, Hampshire: A car shuddered violently and moved off the road. A glowing orange cigar-shaped object appeared, with jets of vapor and three figures visible. The passenger’s clothes felt hot.
• December 30, 1976, Winchester: Mrs Joyce Bowles and friends reported a whistling sound and their car rocking, leading to a sensation of being in a craft with silver-suited occupants.
• March 7, 1977, Nether Wallop, Hampshire: Mrs Bowles experienced engine sputtering, a humming noise, and saw a bright glowing oval object with a figure.
• November 7, 1978, Portsdown, near Portsmouth: A family saw a large dome-shaped object with green lights, and their car could not gain speed despite full acceleration.
• 1980, Winchester: A grey object landed in a cornfield, emitting a humming sound. Vehicles nearby, including a refuse van, would not start while the object was present.
• July 10, 1990, Alton Barnes, Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire: A heavy buzzing noise was heard, and car batteries were found dead. A large crop circle formation appeared in an adjacent field.

The article suggests that interference effects might precede crop circle appearances, and the concentration of these events in Wiltshire and Hampshire is significant.

The 'Storm' That Wasn't: Secrecy and Media Silence

Ernie Sears recounts an unusual event experienced in Netley Abbey on March 25th, described as a heavy, cloudy day with a sudden "flash" that illuminated the sky, accompanied by a rumble. The incident caused fire doors to shut, the fire alarm to sound, and the TV to go off. Notably, police phones were reportedly down, and the local media (Southern Daily Echo) had no reports or headlines. Sears highlights the "secrecy" surrounding the event, with authorities and media remaining silent. He also mentions a similar experience reported by his TV meter man and a connection to a potential meeting between Bush and Blair regarding the 'UFO Enigma'. The article questions why weather presenters are discussing UFO hotspots, suggesting a deliberate dissemination of information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the nature of intelligence beyond human comprehension, and the potential for deception or manipulation. The journal appears to adopt a stance that encourages open-minded investigation, drawing from both historical accounts and contemporary reports, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding. There is a clear interest in the geographical clustering of certain phenomena, particularly in Wiltshire and Hampshire, and a critical view of the lack of transparency and media coverage surrounding unusual events. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging further research and questioning official narratives.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 13
Date: January 2005

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, published in January 2005, marks the 40th anniversary of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). The journal features a mix of organizational news, book reviews, scientific discussions on extraterrestrial life, and reports on UFO sightings.

Vice-President's Address: BUFORA's 40th Year AGM

Lionel Beer, the Vice-President, opens the journal with an address reflecting on BUFORA's 40 years. He apologizes for his absence due to his partner Joy's health issues but expresses hope for her recovery. Beer highlights BUFORA's founding in 1964 (or 1962 as the British UFO Association) and its longevity compared to other UFO groups. He discusses the challenges BUFORA has faced, including "insidious assaults on its credibility" and "devious attacks" via the internet. Beer advocates for unity and reasoned debate to counter cynicism and emphasizes the dedication of volunteer investigators. He mentions ongoing work by Chairman Judith Jaafar to digitize case files, a tribute to over forty years of research.

The Storm that Never Was...Conclusion

This section discusses recent media coverage of UFO "hotspots," including a mention of Bedhampton in The Times. It notes a Daily Express article linking UFOs to a Russian-built "saucer" and earth technology. The author questions the timing of this information, suggesting it was leaked from a former UFO MOD person, possibly related to a weather phenomenon. The piece encourages readers to share their thoughts and knowledge, stating that "They ARE changing things!"

Book Review: The Journey of My Soul by Alan Hilton

Reviewed by Norman Oliver, this section details Alan Hilton's book, "The Journey of My Soul." Oliver praises the book's comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, including Past Lives, Sai Baba, Astral Projection, Alternative Therapies, UFOs, and Alien Abduction. Hilton's personal experiences, including an abduction in Spain and a companion's experience in Scotland, are mentioned. The review also touches upon possible intentions of "The Greys" and references early contactees like Howard Menger and George Adamski, with whom Hilton corresponded. The book also examines 'UFO-connected' areas such as Cattle Mutilations, the Philadelphia Experiment, and Richard Shaver's 'Inner Earth' claims. Hilton's sense of humor is highlighted through his stage play, "ET-The Musical." The review notes Hilton's background as a pilot and recounts a hazardous air journey to Malta. The book is described as well-produced and worth reading.

From Here and There: A Roundup of World Events

This section provides brief reports on various UFO-related events:

• UFO Theme Park: Plans for a £850m UFO Theme Park near Bonnybridge were reported by The Scotsman.
• UFO near Bristol: Tim Lock observed a strange white light in woods.
• Scottish Reports: Two strange lights were reported over Livingston.
• Crop Circles: An interesting formation resembling a Mayan symbol near Silbury Hill in Wiltshire is noted.
• Reports from Wales: Three silver spherical objects were seen moving in a triangular formation near Cardiff, with one disappearing at high speed. A video of a strange object was taken by Allison Moore in Trehafod.
• Balloon Sparks UFO Scare: A report of a bullet-shaped object over Humberside was later identified as a balloon.
• Northern Ireland UFO: Two men reported seeing a strange triangular object cross the sky near County Monaghan, heading towards Belfast. One witness was Miles Johnston of the Irish UFO Research Centre.

Maybe We Are The Martians!

Written by Steve Gamble, this article explores the possibility of life on Mars and its potential connection to life on Earth. Gamble discusses early ideas of UFOs as extraterrestrial spacecraft, with Mars being an early destination mentioned by George Adamski. He reviews current knowledge about Mars, including evidence for past water, the discovery of methane in its atmosphere, and the theory of panspermia. The article suggests that Mars may have had conditions suitable for life earlier than Earth due to its distance from the Sun and smaller size. The discovery of the meteorite ALH 84001, thought to be from Mars and containing possible fossilized bacteria, is discussed. Gamble posits that life on Earth might have been seeded by Martian meteorites, leading to the idea that humans could be descendants of Martian bacteria, making us all "Martian colonists."

The article also touches upon the "Face on Mars" and the limitations of image enhancement, suggesting it might be a collapsed volcanic cone. It concludes by advocating for manned missions to Mars for proper investigation and mentions the UK's involvement in the Beagle 3 spacecraft project.

BUFORA London Lectures 2005

This section announces a new series of bi-monthly lectures for 2005, held at the Sols Arms public house in London. Topics include "Police Reports of UFOs" by Gary Heseltine and "Vampires" by Dr. Gail-Nina Anderson. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is also scheduled. Details for an "CFZ Weird Weekend" in Exeter are provided, and contact information for Judy Jaafar and John Wickham is given for further information.

Notice of Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd.

This notice details the Thirty-First Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd., to be held on Saturday, 16th July 2005. The meeting will include the Chairman's Report, Council of Management's Report, Treasurer's Accounts, and the appointment of an Auditor. It outlines procedures for appointing proxies, nominating candidates for the Council of Management, and clarifies that only members in good standing can attend and vote.

UFO Books @ Bargain Prices!

This page is an advertisement from Lionel Beer (Spacelink Books) offering a selection of UFO-related books at discounted prices. Titles include works by Nick Redfern, Philip Corso, Karla Turner, and others, covering topics like government cover-ups, Roswell, alien abductions, and UFO manuals. Prices include postage and packing within the UK, with options for international orders.

About BUFORA

This section provides background information on BUFORA, detailing its founding in 1962 as a federation of regional UFO groups. It traces the organization's history, including its name changes and its incorporation as a company limited by guarantee in 1975. BUFORA is run by volunteers and relies on member funding. Membership is open to those who support the association's aims. It also mentions its registration under the Data Protection Act and its policy of not releasing membership records.

Aims of BUFORA

The stated aims of BUFORA are to encourage, promote, and conduct unbiased scientific research of UFO phenomena; to collect and disseminate evidence and data relating to UFOs; and to co-ordinate UFO research within the UK and internationally.

Activities of BUFORA

BUFORA organizes regular lectures, provides six issues of the 'New Bufora Journal' annually, and operates the 'UFOCALL' information service.

Publications of BUFORA

Details of available publications, including back issues of journals, can be obtained from the registered office or through Spacelink Books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes scientific inquiry into UFO phenomena while acknowledging the challenges and criticisms faced by organizations like BUFORA. There's a strong emphasis on research, evidence collection, and member unity. The issue also highlights the growing interest in space exploration and the potential for extraterrestrial life, particularly concerning Mars, reflecting a forward-looking and speculative stance within the ufological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation and a commitment to the long-term study of UFOs and related subjects.