New BUFORA Journal - No 14 - Feb 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: No.14
Date: February 2005
Publisher: Bufora Ltd.
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1476-5314
Price: Free to members

This issue of the New Bufora Journal presents a collection of articles and reports focused on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related topics. The cover features a photograph of four individuals and highlights key articles on the Rendlesham Visit, Strange Places, The Other Side, and Adamski Revisited.

Editorial: PUT YOUR BEST CASE FORWARD!

Steve Gamble's editorial emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation in UFO research, moving beyond individual 'best cases' to the 'overall weight of the evidence'. He uses the analogy of building a wall with bricks, where a strong theory relies on numerous well-founded cases, and weak cases are like missing or faulty bricks. Gamble suggests that the era of focusing on single, isolated cases is over, and revisiting old cases with new evidence is crucial for renovating our understanding. He concludes that his 'best case' is the sum of all cases, as their collective strength is greater than individual contributions. He also touches upon the concept of reproducibility and repeated UFO incidents in specific locations.

BUFORA News

This section details recent activities and upcoming events for BUFORA. Daniel Gallo has stepped down from running the BUFORA website after years of excellent work; Bob Shrewsbury-Gee has taken over, assisted by Richard Conway. The Investigations team, led by Heather Dixon, is launching a series of articles on 'high strangeness cases' which will also appear on the website. Robert Rosamond has joined Heather to assist with investigations. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Saturday, 16th July 2005, at the Sols Arms, followed by a lecture on 'The Physics of UFOs: Breakthrough Propulsion' by Stan and Richard Conway. BUFORA will also be participating in the CFZ Weird Weekend in Exeter from August 19th-21st, hosting lectures and a stall. Information is provided on how to update member email addresses and details for UFOCALL, a new menu system for news and information.

Betty Hill Passes Away

Written by John Spencer, this article commemorates the passing of Betty Hill at the age of 85. It recounts the famous UFO encounter and abduction experience she and her husband Barney reported on September 19th, 1961, which became a seminal event in UFO research. The article notes that while Antonio Villas Boas reported an abduction earlier, the Hills' case contained many elements that became standard motifs. The impact of the book 'The Interrupted Journey' by John G. Fuller is highlighted. Spencer discusses the controversies surrounding Betty's account, questioning the influence of her reading and her psychiatrist's suggestions. He references Jacques Vallee's mention of a radar report from Pease Air Force Base that might correspond to the Hills' sighting. Spencer concludes by commending Betty Hill's bravery and honesty in sharing her experience, which he believes contributed significantly to the subject, adding to what J. Allen Hynek called 'an embarrassment of riches'.

Readers Write

J. L. Baxter from Hertfordshire shares his experiences as a radar operator in the Royal Air Force during his national service in 1949-51. He recounts numerous occasions at R.A.F. Wartling where unidentified objects were tracked on radar at speeds around 1100 knots, far exceeding the speed of the Meteors scrambled to intercept them. These objects would veer away at high speed when approached. Baxter believes these experiences support the existence of advanced extraterrestrial life. He offers to provide names of colleagues who could corroborate his account. The editor replies, noting BUFORA's long-standing interest in pilot reports and mentioning the West Malling Incident from Tim Good's book 'Above Top Secret', which shares similarities with Baxter's observations, though acknowledging recent reinvestigations have cast doubt on its accuracy.

Margaret Fry, Welsh Federation of Independent UFOlogists, writes to express her concern about media misrepresentation. She states that her husband's efforts to get internet access revealed pages of her reports taken out of context and hyped up, without her permission. She warns readers to take such sensationalized publicity with a pinch of salt, as it damages the reputation of genuine research.

UFOs and the PSI Interface

This section introduces a publication by Manfred Cassirer, Stephen Gamble, Elsie Oakensen, and John Spencer. The publication explores the potential interaction between UFO reports and PSI experiences. Manfred Cassirer presents a research paper on 'UFOs and the PSI Interface', Stephen Gamble compares UFOs and Psychic Entities, Elsie Oakensen describes her life-changing experience after a UFO close encounter, and John Spencer discusses UFOs and the Paranormal Interface. Copies are available for purchase.

VISIT TO RENDLESHAM FOREST

Roy Rowlands reports on a BUFORA visit to Rendlesham Forest. The trip involved meeting at the Goat in Boots Public House before traveling by minibus, driven by John Wickham. The group met up with other members and friends, including Larry Warren, a witness to the 1980 incident. The weather was sunny, allowing for outdoor enjoyment at the Cherry Tree Pub. The visit included a tour of the Bentwaters Base Theatre, noting the new housing developments on the former US Airbase. Larry Warren provided an introductory talk about the Rendlesham Forest Case and showed a documentary. The group then visited the alleged landing site in the forest, described as a clearing. The walk into the forest was challenging due to darkness and the dense trees. The article concludes with thanks to the organizers and participants for an interesting day.

AN EVENING WITH THE 'OTHER SIDE'?

John Wickham recounts his attendance at an independent voice physical mediumship séance. He describes his skeptical but open-minded approach to seeking 'the truth' and his belief in life after death. The séance took place at the home of 'Mrs X', one of the regulars. Wickham details the setup of the room, including a 'Cabinet' draped in a black cloth, and a portable radio/cassette player. He notes the presence of five lightweight plastic chairs and the expectation of spiritual manifestations such as cold breezes, furniture levitation, and mysterious voices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach to UFO research, as articulated in the editorial. There is a strong emphasis on collective evidence over individual cases and the importance of revisiting historical reports. The publication also covers a range of UFO-related phenomena, from classic sightings and abductions to more esoteric topics like the PSI interface and mediumship. BUFORA's role as an organizing body for lectures, meetings, and investigations is evident throughout the issue. The journal also highlights the challenges faced by researchers, such as media misrepresentation and the need for accurate reporting.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 14
Date: February 2005

This issue of the New Bufora Journal features two main investigative articles. The first, authored by John Wickham, critically examines a séance experience, questioning the authenticity of the phenomena observed. The second, written by Gloria Dixon, delves into a series of mysterious events and local folklore surrounding Windwhistle Hill, focusing on the experiences of the Walker family.

The Séance Experience (John Wickham)

The article begins with John Wickham detailing his participation in a séance. He describes the setup, including a cabinet, a medium, and various props like Velcro straps and a blue light, designed to create an atmosphere for spiritual manifestation. Wickham, while admitting to initial excitement, maintained a skeptical approach, meticulously analyzing each event for possible rational explanations.

During the séance, several phenomena were reported: loud music to potentially mask sounds, knocking sounds, a sound described as "birds singing" but identified by Wickham as more like rubbing shiny material, a head protruding from behind the curtain, and voices speaking in French accents, purportedly from spirits. A bowl of water mysteriously appeared on the floor. Wickham systematically debunks these events, suggesting the head could have been the medium leaning out, the voices were likely the medium's own, and the water bowl could have been placed by an accomplice. He notes that he had previously tampered with the Velcro straps to make them harder for the medium to undo, potentially hindering any trickery.

Wickham concludes that the entire experience was "a complete farce" and "embarrassing," stating that he easily explained away all the reported occurrences. He contrasts this with his own belief in paranormal experiences and life after death, emphasizing that he is not afraid to expose what he perceives as fraudulent.

Strange Places: In The Shadow of Windwhistle Hill (Gloria Dixon)

Gloria Dixon's article explores the mysterious area of Windwhistle Hill in Somerset, drawing on local folklore and specific witness accounts. The area is described as remote and prone to unusual phenomena, with a history of folklore involving ghosts, witches, highwaymen, and smugglers.

The central case study involves Kate Walker and her family, who in September 1977, experienced a series of unsettling events while driving near Windwhistle Hill. They observed a large, static, orange light, described as cigar-shaped and massive, partially obscured by cloud. This sighting was followed by a significant time discrepancy; a journey that should have taken 10-15 minutes inexplicably took 40 minutes, with 25-30 minutes unaccounted for.

Further incidents are recounted, including a second sighting of the orange light and a bizarre encounter with a tall, abnormally thin figure standing on the roadside, which caused Kate's husband to swerve violently to avoid it. The car's engine and headlights reportedly cut out during this encounter, and the family experienced a sense of slow motion, humming vibrations, and a profound sense of fear. Kate's eldest son, Jeff, later recalled the engine dying, the headlights failing, and a feeling of paralysis, along with seeing a dark, human-like shape outside the car and a bright white light.

The article also presents other witness accounts from the area, including reports of strange lights, unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and unusual figures. Witness D described a large, silver, humming top-shaped object observed for hours. Witness E, an employee of Westland Helicopters, suggested the light Kate saw might have been a Sea King Helicopter with a Nitesun beam.

Dixon touches upon potential explanations, including electromagnetic fields (EMF) and the fallibility of human memory. She notes that Kate and her family have struggled to find definitive answers and that Kate is now permanently residing in Somerset to conduct her own research.

Memory and Interpretation

Both articles touch upon the subjective nature of paranormal experiences and the challenges of corroborating them. John Wickham's skepticism highlights the importance of critical analysis and the possibility of misinterpretation or deliberate deception. Gloria Dixon, while presenting witness accounts, also acknowledges the role of memory reconstruction and the difficulty in establishing objective truth, particularly when dealing with events that occurred years prior.

The article references research on memory, suggesting that memories are not perfect recordings but are reconstructed, elaborated, and influenced by subsequent information and emotions. This is particularly relevant to the Walker family's case, where recollections evolved over eighteen years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of alleged paranormal phenomena, the critical evaluation of evidence, the role of skepticism versus belief, and the exploration of local folklore and unexplained events. The journal appears to present accounts of unusual occurrences while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, with the authorial voice often leaning towards a critical and analytical perspective, particularly in Wickham's piece. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, balanced with a healthy dose of skepticism and a commitment to exploring rational explanations where possible.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 14
Date: February 2005

This issue of the New Bufora Journal features a collection of articles exploring various facets of UFOlogy, including eyewitness accounts, theoretical discussions, and historical case studies. The content spans from personal experiences and investigations to interpretations of ancient texts and the legacy of prominent figures in the field.

The Walker Family Case

The issue revisits the 1977 incident involving the Walker family on Windwhistle Hill, UK. Despite the passage of time, the report highlights the persistent questions and difficulties in obtaining objective accounts due to memory discrepancies. The article explores possibilities such as misperception, fear induced by the remote location, or even electromagnetic field influences. It acknowledges the family's strong conviction that they experienced unusual and disturbing events, while also noting the vast sea of theories attempting to explain such phenomena. The complexity of consciousness and its role in interpreting these experiences is also touched upon.

Balls of Light (BOLs) and Crop Circles

An article by Steve Gamble investigates the phenomenon of 'Balls of Light' (BOLs), which are frequently reported near crop circles. The author notes similarities between these lights and those reported in other contexts, such as Rendlesham Forest. The article questions whether these BOLs are directly associated with crop circles or if they are a more general phenomenon that is now being observed more frequently due to increased attention on crop circle locations. The geology of areas with repeated BOL reports is also being examined for potential correlations.

Biblical UFOs

Robert Bull contributes an article exploring the interpretation of biblical accounts as potential evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. Several passages are cited, including descriptions from the Book of Exodus (Pillar of Cloud/Fire, parting of the Red Sea), Ezekiel's vision of 'flying wheels', Elijah's ascension in a 'chariot of fire', Enoch's journey, Jacob's vision of a ladder, Jonah's experience with a 'whale', and the Star of Bethlehem. The article presents these as interpretations favored by some ufologists, contrasting them with traditional religious or astronomical explanations.

George Adamski Revisited

Steve Gamble also provides an updated look at the controversial figure of George Adamski, a prominent contactee. The article discusses the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and Adamski's claims of encounters with beings from Venus and travel on flying saucers. It acknowledges that while Adamski's claims have been challenged and some evidence has been debunked (e.g., the identification of his photographs as mundane objects), there remain unanswered questions and some aspects that are difficult to dismiss outright. The article mentions the 'fireflies' phenomenon observed by Adamski and later by John Glenn, and the photographs taken by Stephen Darbishire, which bore similarities to Adamski's scout craft. The author concludes that while much of Adamski's account may be faked, the case against him is not proven beyond doubt, and there are parts that warrant further consideration.

Diary of an Abductee

An excerpt from the diary of James Basil, a young experiencer, offers a personal perspective on abduction experiences. The entries, written between the ages of sixteen and twenty, reflect on the nature of these encounters, the search for meaning, and the longing for 'normality'. Basil describes a 'flying dream' and the sensory details of his experiences, including the sounds associated with UFOs and alien beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the unexplained, encouraging open-minded investigation while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation of evidence. There is a recurring theme of seeking patterns in UFO data and understanding the subjective nature of human experience. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging research and documentation, particularly through organizations like BUFORA, and inviting readers to contribute information. The articles collectively suggest that UFO phenomena, whether interpreted as extraterrestrial, psychological, or natural, represent a significant area of human inquiry.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 14
Date: February 2005
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)

This issue of the New Bufora Journal delves into personal experiences with the unexplained, alongside organizational updates and a book sale.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

The journal features several deeply personal accounts. One author recounts a recurring memory involving droplets of blood on a pillow, questioning the reality and location of these experiences, and whether they occurred in an 'other place'. This is linked to a poem titled 'The Place of Blue Light', which describes a place of blue light and a strange man, and later, a naked child on the floor. The author also notes unusual occurrences like pyjama tops and bottoms being worn backwards with no memory of doing so, and bleeding from the ears with scab marks.

Another section details unusual 'sleeping habits' and a 1992 bedtime visitation where a foreign hand was felt. The author expresses a desire for safety in high, open places, away from potential threats. There's a sense of feeling dragged down by the world and the system, leading to a loss of motivation.

Physical marks are also documented, including three distinct red, circular marks in a triangular formation on the right thigh, and marks inside the ears. The significance of the number three is pondered. The author also recounts an incident where electricity went out, causing fear, and a subsequent search for a torch, armed with an aerosol can.

Further entries discuss a sister being woken by a noise and hearing an argument, with the author having no memory of it, only remembering waking up and going back to sleep. A childhood experience of a 'conversation' heard by parents is also mentioned.

Reflections on identity and the universe are included, with quotes like "To know the mind is to know the universe; and as I am the universe, and the universe is endless, therefore I am without boundaries, and without end..." A friend's experience of a 'grey, dislocated hand' grabbing his shoulder is also noted.

UFO Research and BUFORA Activities

The journal includes information about BUFORA, its history, aims, and activities. Founded in 1962, BUFORA is a federation of regional UFO groups dedicated to scientific research and data collection. Membership is open to those who support its aims. BUFORA organizes regular lectures and publishes the 'New Bufora Journal'. The 'UFOCALL' information service is also mentioned.

Forthcoming Lectures and Events

Details of BUFORA London Lectures for 2005 are provided, including dates, speakers, and topics. Gary Heseltine is scheduled to speak on 'Police Reports of UFOs', and Dr. Gail-Nina Anderson on 'Vampires'. An AGM is also listed. A 'CFZ Weird Weekend' in Exeter, co-hosted by BUFORA, is announced for August.

Book Sale

A section offers UFO-related books at bargain prices, including titles by Nick Redfern, Philip Corso, and others. Contact details for Lionel Beer of Spacelink Books are provided for ordering.

BUFORA Annual General Meeting

Notice is given for the Thirty-First Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd., to be held on Saturday, 16th July 2005, at the Sols Arms Public House in London. The meeting will include reports from the Chairman and Council of Management, accounts, and the appointment of an auditor. Information on proxy voting and nominations for the Council of Management is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are personal encounters with the unexplained, the nature of memory, physical and psychological effects of these experiences, and the ongoing research and organizational efforts of BUFORA. The journal appears to provide a platform for individuals to share their often unsettling and profound experiences, while also informing readers about the broader UFO research community in the UK. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry and documentation of these phenomena, encouraging readers to engage with the subject matter.