1981 - Introduction to BUFORA Booklet

Magazine Overview

This document, titled "AN INTRODUCTION TO BUFORA," is an issue from April 1981, published by The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA). It serves as a comprehensive overview of the organization, its mission, structure, activities, and publications.

BUFORA: Aims and Philosophy

The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA) is dedicated to the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing an objective approach. Its aims are twofold: firstly, to conduct research and investigation, and secondly, to engage in educational activities. Specifically, BUFORA aims to encourage and conduct unbiased scientific research of UFO phenomena in the United Kingdom, collect and disseminate evidence and data related to UFOs, and co-operate with others engaged in such research globally.

BUFORA traces its origins to the London UFO Research Organisation, founded in 1959. In 1962, LUFORO, along with seven other UK groups, founded the British UFO Association, which was consolidated as BUFORA in 1964. To secure funds for in-depth research, BUFORA sought charity status and was legally constituted as a non-profit company limited by guarantee in 1975. The Association relies on member generosity for financing.

BUFORA does not hold or express corporate views on UFO phenomena, recognizing that various hypotheses exist. These hypotheses range from misidentifications of known objects or natural phenomena, hoaxes, man-made devices, mental projections, to advanced alien technologies originating within or beyond our galaxy, or even processes beyond our space-time continuum. BUFORA operates under the assumption that most reports are misidentifications (category 1), with a small percentage falling into other categories, and a few percent consistent with more exotic hypotheses.

BUFORA Organisation and Research

BUFORA is run entirely by volunteers, with management vested in a Council of 12 members elected as Directors. The organization depends on its membership for funding and carrying out its activities. The Research Department is a key component, with various sections including the Physical Data Section (PDS) and the Investigation Network.

The Investigation Network relies on experienced Regional Investigation Co-ordinators (RICs) who manage individual investigators. UFO reports are received through various channels, including a press cutting service, direct public contact, or local contacts. Mrs. Hall serves as the National Investigation Co-ordinator. Investigators submit Sighting Report Forms, which are analyzed by the Research Department. BUFORA also conducts training seminars for investigators to enhance objectivity and accuracy, issuing an official Investigator's Identity Card to qualified researchers. A code of ethics for investigators was expected to be agreed upon after the May 1981 Congress.

The Physical Data Section (PDS) focuses on cases with permanent records, including the Traces Section (environmental disturbance or physical residues) and the Photographic Section (witness or investigator photographs of unusual phenomena). The Research Department is open to suggestions for new projects and offers of assistance.

Publications and Activities

BUFORA publishes the "BUFORA Journal" bi-monthly (excluding May and November), featuring articles with illustrations. Since 1979, the Research Department has also published the "Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena" (JTAP) twice a year, focusing on scientific analysis and appealing to a skeptical reader. BUFORA also publishes case histories, science papers, pamphlets, and a detailed "UFO Investigation" handbook.

BUFORA organizes London Lectures, typically held on the first Saturday evening of the month, offering insights into the UFO phenomenon and an open forum. Attendances average over 100. The organization also provides a tape-recorded lecture service and a postal lending library for members. Donations of UFO books are welcomed.

BUFORA contributes ufological material to the EASTEL Data Base for the Prestel view-data system.

Conferences and International Collaboration

BUFORA has sponsored national UFO research conferences in various locations. The First London International UFO Congress in 1979 was a significant event, attracting 400 people from 21 countries, with notable foreign speakers like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Leo Sprinkle. The Second International Congress was scheduled for May 24-25, 1981, at the Mount Royal Hotel, Marble Arch, featuring speakers from the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe.

At the 1979 Congress, the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research (PICUR) was formed to establish international standards for UFO research. Peter Hill, a BUFORA Council Member, was elected its first Chairman. BUFORA also engages in informal exchanges with GEPAN, a French research group studying UFOs, and is aware of research conducted by Project Starlight International (PSI) in the United States, which has invested heavily in scientific equipment to study UFO phenomena.

Finance, Status, and Administration

BUFORA's finances depend on donations, with an average of £10 per annum needed from each member in addition to modest annual subscriptions. BUFORA is a non-profit making company limited by guarantee, with no share capital. Members' liability is limited to £1 in case of winding up. Council members cannot accept remuneration beyond normal expenses.

Administration requires volunteers for tasks such as translating foreign articles and assisting with publications. Miss Betty Wood serves as the Secretary, and Miss Pamela Kennedy MBE is the Membership Secretary.

Membership is open to individuals with a genuine interest in UFOs who support BUFORA's aims. Application forms are available from the Membership Secretary. The current subscription is £7.50 per annum, increasing to £10.00 from September 1, 1981, with an enrolment fee of £2.00 (increasing to £2.50 from September 1, 1981).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the scientific and objective investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of data collection and dissemination, the organizational structure and volunteer efforts of BUFORA, and its role in promoting research and education within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of promoting rigorous, unbiased research and providing a platform for discussion and information exchange, while acknowledging the complexity and varied nature of UFO reports and hypotheses. The document emphasizes a commitment to a scientific approach, distinguishing BUFORA from more sensationalist or cultist organizations.