BUFORA Ireland Branch Journal - vol 1 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA (Ireland) Branch Journal, dated September-December 1993, is Volume One, Issue Three. The cover prominently asks, "Are Human Beings an Alien Experiment?" and features an illustration of a microscope examining the Earth. The subtitle identifies it as "The Irish Journal of UFO Phenomena and the Paranormal," with additional headlines about the "March UFO Report - USO's - News and Reviews." It is published by BUFORA (Ireland) Branch and copyrighted 1993.

Editorial

Editor Karl Morris apologizes for the late arrival of the journal, attributing it to a business trip to America. He expresses a desire to revive a membership drive and encourages members to recruit new ones, hinting at a reward for successful referrals due to low funds. Morris mentions completing a preliminary report on the March 30th/31st sightings, with further details to follow in the next issue. He thanks Jenny Randles for her interview results and hopes Timothy Good's interview will be included in issue 4. Morris announces plans for BUFORA (Ireland) Branch's first Open Meeting in Dublin, likely in late February 1994, which will be open to non-members. He notes a recent surge in mail, suggesting growing international recognition, and thanks contributors. He also mentions the upcoming availability of a BUFORA (Ireland) Branch T-Shirt for purchase to support the organization. Morris concludes by wishing readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, promising the next issue in late January 1994. He also reminds organizations seeking information from BUFORA that they must be recognized UFO organizations.

News Desk

Abduction?

The "News Desk" section reports on a UFO incident in the Baci forest near Cluj, Romania, in 1992. During a visit to the forest, the sky suddenly grew pale, a thick fog descended, and the sun-in-law of witness Zoltan Frenc vanished. A search by villagers and police yielded no results. The incident is noted from "Romanul Magazin" and "Fortean Times."

Irish Circles Crop-up...

This section details the appearance of crop circles in Drummuck, Antrim, Northern Ireland, on August 19th, 1993. This was one of Ireland's first reported crop circle sites, attracting journalists and curiosity-seekers. The barley stalks were flattened anti-clockwise, forming two circles, one 30ft in diameter, connected by a 3ft path to another 15ft circle. While pranksters have claimed responsibility for some crop circles, others are attributed to electromagnetic forces, freak wind patterns, or extraterrestrial activity. The report cites "The Irish News."

Notice Board

BUFORA (Ireland) Branch is seeking help in compiling Irish news clippings and UFO-related information for its news gathering service, welcoming contributions of all kinds.

Earth: Laboratory for an Alien race?

This lengthy article by Denis Harper speculates that all life on Earth may have originated from an experiment by an alien race. Harper suggests that these aliens, facing extinction, genetically split their bisexual beings into male and female forms and placed them on Earth to reproduce. This process, involving DNA manipulation and cross-breeding, was intended to produce a split-cell reversion life form mirroring the original alien. The article posits that religious indoctrination was introduced to help the resulting human population justify their existence and manage the confusion arising from this experiment. Harper believes the experiment is nearing its conclusion, possibly around the year 2000 A.D., referencing the number 666 in religious texts as a potential indicator of this timeframe. He also discusses the possibility of reverting to a single bisexual cell to solve the alien extinction problem. Harper concludes by stating that his views are personal and not intended to offend.

March UFO Report

Compiled by Karl Morris, this interim report details UFO sightings from March 30th-31st, 1993, in Ireland and the UK. It begins with reports from Co. Clare and Co. Limerick, where two Gardai in a patrol car observed a "large object in the sky with two bright lights" flying low and silently. Similar reports of silent craft with lights were received by Shannon Air Traffic Control, though radar did not detect the objects. Witnesses in Limerick City described a silent craft like a jumbo jet. The report notes that many sightings were "probably" the debris of a Russian satellite launcher, but acknowledges that the British Ministry of Defence has acknowledged "unknowns" possibly monitoring the Russian space program. Timothy Good's book "Alien Update" is cited as a source for these reports being known to Russian authorities. Other objects were reported trailing the main object, and similar reports emerged from the UK. The report mentions an "expert astronomer" in Sligo who witnessed two bright orange stars leaving a fiery train. Further reports from Shannon ATC were not responded to, but newspaper accounts indicated numerous witnesses, including aircrews. The possibility of an American spy jet called "Aurora" flying over Ireland is mentioned but discounted. The report notes difficulties in obtaining official witness statements and forms.

Limerick Area Sightings

Reports from Limerick indicate sighting times between 1:10 a.m. and 1:20 a.m. on March 31st. The objects were described as silent with a faint vapor trail. Some reports indicated a South East direction of travel, while others from Dublin suggested a South West direction. Three witnesses on a Dublin radio talk-show, including an RTE news reader, described seeing "two lights" moving slowly, with one witness, "Seamus," noting they were silent and low, but contradicting the direction reported by others. An Air Corps Dauphin helicopter crew reported sighting "two moving stars" approximately 14 miles North of Mullingar at an estimated 5,000 feet. A report from Leo Enright of the BBC suggested an Air Corps Jet fighter was dispatched, but the objects were travelling at an estimated 3,000 mph, making pursuit unsuccessful.

UK Sightings

Reports from the UK on the evening of March 30th described strange lights traversing the North Devon sky and hovering. On March 31st, an object of considerable size flew over the River Parrot in Bridgewater. The presence of three helicopters, possibly military, was also noted, though their presence was denied by the Ministry of Defence. Other sightings occurred in Cornwall, Devon, Shropshire, South Yorkshire, and Hampshire.

Conclusion on March Sightings

The report concludes that while the Russian rocket debris (Cosmos 2238) is a likely explanation for many sightings, the "other" sightings, inconsistent with this evidence, must be classed as UFOs. Further evidence is being sought.

A visitor from Norway...

This section, compiled by Anne Griffin, details a meeting with Mrs. Shelia McCabe, a BUFORA (UK) member from Bergen, Norway. Shelia was in Dublin for a course and to attend a BUFORA conference in Sheffield. She shared her interest in UFOs, which stemmed from her interest in crop circles. She recounted a UFO sighting from many years ago in Trondheim, Norway, where she saw a bright white triangular light with flashing green lights. Shelia believes UFO sightings and crop circles are connected and that extraterrestrials are delaying contact due to humanity's destructive behavior towards the planet. She was unaware of any alien abductions in Norway and had not heard of Whitley Strieber. BUFORA (Ireland) Branch presented her with back issues of the journal and an information pack, and she expressed a desire to become a member, making her the first European member of BUFORA (Ireland).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes BUFORA (Ireland) Branch as an organization dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena and the paranormal. It encourages member participation through reporting sightings, purchasing merchandise, and attending events like the planned Open Meeting. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, presenting speculative theories alongside factual reports of sightings and phenomena. There is a clear effort to establish BUFORA's credibility and reach within Ireland and Europe. The issue also highlights the challenges of funding and maintaining such an organization, emphasizing the reliance on member support.

This issue of the BUFORA (Ireland) Branch Journal, dated January 1993, features a collection of articles and discussions centered around UFOs, Unidentified Submarine Objects (USOs), alien abductions, and related governmental and religious stances.

Fire and the critic!

This section, written by Anne Griffin and Pat Delaney, begins by referencing a synopsis of the film 'Fire in the Sky' from a previous issue. It notes the film's release in Irish cinemas and its continued screening. The authors express their displeasure with film critics who describe such films as 'entertaining,' arguing that this trivializes the serious subject of UFOlogy and the experiences of witnesses. They cite former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev's statement that 'The phenomenon of UFO's does exist, and it must be treated seriously.' The article criticizes the notion of Travons Walton's abduction experience being 'funny' or 'entertaining,' emphasizing the real trauma involved. It suggests that this frivolous attitude contributes to the phenomenon not being taken seriously. The authors advocate for a more respectful approach to films based on UFOlogy, especially those dealing with abductions.

UFOs and Bookshops

This piece, also by Anne Griffin, addresses the difficulty of finding UFO-related literature in Irish bookshops. It notes that such titles are often relegated to the 'New Age' section, which the author argues is an inappropriate classification. The article suggests that bookshops should create a dedicated 'UFO Phenomenon' section to lend credibility to the subject. BUFORA (Ireland) BRANCH plans to approach a bookshop in Dublin to request such a section and to stock popular UFO authors. The authors express a hope that this will become a reality, encouraging readers to share their views with the editor, Karl.

Vatican Secrecy?

Authored by Pat Delaney, this article questions the Vatican's stance on extraterrestrial life, referencing a previous article about the Vatican having 'come clean' on the ET issue. The author feels that the Vatican may still be hiding information and questions the timing of their findings, possibly in response to NASA's increased search for extraterrestrial life. The piece ponders whether humanity's creation is the result of a divine or 'All Knowing Being' and explores the idea of a 'Genetic Experiment' gone wrong, possibly due to interference from a 'Luciferian Race.' It also touches upon the concept of 'many Mansions' in the Father's House, questioning if Earth is the only inhabited planet. The article invites reader comments on these profound questions.

ET Miracle in Brazil

Compiled by Anne Griffin and Pat Delaney, this article recounts an extraordinary event in Petropolis, Brazil, on October 25, 1957. A young girl suffering from severe stomach cancer was reportedly cured by two four-foot-tall beings with golden hair and green eyes who descended from a spacecraft. These beings allegedly used 'Medical Instruments' and a blue-white light to remove the cancerous tumors. The girl's father was given thirty pills, and two months later, she was declared completely cured. The incident baffled Brazilian investigators, and the authors express hope that any future visits from extraterrestrials will be for humanity's good.

USO's – Life under the waves?

• Compiled by Anne Griffin, this article explores sightings of Unidentified Submarine Objects (USOs). It begins by contrasting the common image of UFOs with the concept of USOs. The article details several incidents:
• In November 1990, seventy people in Brazil witnessed a USO change into a UFO and rise out of the water.
• On July 26, 1980, the First Mate of a tugboat saw a grey object on the water that was later joined by a UFO, with the combined objects flying out to sea.
• On March 27, 1979, Wesley Gruman in Massachusetts observed a 30-foot luminous cylinder floating offshore that rose silently, causing paralysis and radio interference.
• In April 1961, John Gallagher in Rhode Island saw a red sphere bobbing on the water that accelerated out to sea at high speed.
• In the UK, a silver cigar-shaped UFO dived into the River Lea after smashing into a concrete bank.
• In the summer of 1967, an object shaped like two saucers entered a lake in Canada, causing the water to become muddy and warm.
• In 1963, a huge underwater craft was detected in the North Atlantic traveling at 175 MPH and diving to extreme depths.
• In November 1972, the Norwegian Navy tracked a mysterious underwater craft for three weeks.
• In November 1990, a large dark object was spotted in Norwegian fjords, accompanied by rockets fired from underwater and flashing lights.
• In February 1960, the Argentinian Navy chased two mystery submarines for two weeks.
• The article suggests that some UFOs may need to cool their structures in water and that navies have had encounters with underwater craft that exceed conventional vessel performance. It also raises the possibility that these sightings could be experimental craft from unknown military powers.

Fire in the Sky (Film Review)

Reviewed by Anne Griffin & Pat Delaney, this section provides a critical review of the film 'Fire in the Sky.' The reviewers attended a screening in Dublin with a small audience and viewed the film from a 'UFOogists point of view.' They commend the director, Tracey Torme, for not sensationalizing the story and for presenting it as it happened to Travis Walton. The review highlights the film's message that UFO abductions can happen to anyone and the skepticism faced by abductees. The abduction scenario is described as terrifying, with aliens performing 'genetic surgery.' The reviewers express sympathy for Travis Walton and his friends, emphasizing that abduction is a violation of a person's body. They conclude that the film is excellent and should be taken more seriously by scientists and governments.

MAJESTIC TWELVE DOCUMENTS - US GOVERNMENT FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGES HOAX

This short article reports that Colonel Richard L. Weaver of the USAF, in response to researcher Lee Graham, claims the Majestic Twelve documents are not genuine. Working with U.K. investigator Armen Victorian, Graham acquired a statement from Weaver, who marked copies of the documents as 'NOT AN OFFICIAL USAF DOCUMENT; NOT CLASSIFIED, SUSPECTED FORGERY OR BOGUS DOCUMENTS.'

An Interview with: Jenny Randles

• This extensive interview with Jenny Randles, an author, broadcaster, and professional UFOlogist, covers her journey into ufology, her experiences, and her views on various aspects of the phenomenon.
• Interest in UFOlogy: Randles became interested after hearing about a UFO sighting at a hotel in Blackpool when she was 11. She subscribed to FSR magazine and was captivated by articles from prominent ufologists.
• Personal Experiences: She has witnessed about 12 things, with two reported as UFOs, though most had conventional explanations. Notable sightings include three lights in a triangular formation over Avebury stone circle and a blue light in Chester.
• Writing Career: Randles started by editing a football league magazine and later wrote for the Manchester Evening News. She produced a magazine for a rheumatoid arthritis charity before editing 'Northern UFO News' in 1974. Her first professionally published article was for the US magazine 'Official UFO' in 1976, and she sold her first book, 'UFO's: A British Viewpoint,' in the same month.
• BUFORA Affiliation: She joined BUFORA in 1969 as a passive member, becoming an investigator in 1973. She co-founded the Northern UFO Network to promote regional input and took on her current role as director of investigations in 1981.
• Alien Abduction Stories: Randles notes different approaches in Europe and the USA. In Europe, the focus is on the witness as a medium, while in the USA, the literal reality is studied. She believes both are important but highlights the difficulty in finding psychiatric support for witnesses in Europe.
• Government Cover-up: Randles believes the UK government is more cooperative than in the past, referencing her exchanges with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) between 1978 and 1982. She met with MPs and Lords, discussing the concept of 'education programs.' She concludes that governments know UFOs are real but are not necessarily hostile, and that a public admission would be politically risky. She dismisses tales of captured spaceships and dead aliens, suggesting that governments are more likely to monitor and study the energies associated with UFOs for potential harnessing.
• MIBs: Randles has never had a Men in Black (MIB) visit but was once threatened indirectly by a Ministry of Defence scientist regarding her work on the Rendlesham Forest case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a serious and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena, urging readers and critics alike to treat the subject with gravity rather than dismissiveness. There is a strong emphasis on the reality of UFOs and abductions, and a critique of media and public skepticism. The publication advocates for greater recognition and research into these phenomena, including better organization and accessibility of related literature. The role of government and religious institutions in acknowledging and investigating UFOs is a recurring theme, with a call for more openness and cooperation. The journal also highlights the personal impact of these experiences on witnesses and the need for support. The overall editorial stance is one of advocating for the serious study and acceptance of UFOlogy as a legitimate field of inquiry.

This issue of the BUFORA (Ireland) Branch Journal, published in 1993, delves into various facets of the Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) phenomenon. It features an interview-style Q&A format addressing common questions about alien contact, NASA's involvement, and the nature of UFOs. The journal also provides an "About our organisation..." section detailing the history and aims of BUFORA (Ireland) Branch and its parent organization in England.

Interview with a UFOlogist

The journal presents a series of questions and answers, likely with an expert or author in the field. The interviewee expresses a personal belief that alien contact might be truthful, despite potential financial repercussions from other UFOlogists. Regarding NASA's extensive search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the interviewee is skeptical of the technology used, suggesting that advanced intelligences would likely harness consciousness rather than radio waves. The interviewee also notes that NASA's efforts are partly driven by a desire to ensure Earth is not alone and to avoid being misled by misperceptions or mundane explanations.

The interviewee discusses the possibility of alien contact occurring through mind-to-mind communication in extraordinary cases but remains unconvinced that ET spacecraft are currently visiting Earth. They reference their book, "Looking for the Aliens" by Peter Hough and themselves, for a deeper discussion on these topics. The interviewee also touches upon the idea of time travel, suggesting that any discovered hardware might originate from humanity's own future.

When asked about NASA's openness, the interviewee believes that if SETI were to discover life, NASA would conduct rigorous checks, potentially taking years to announce any findings. They recall past instances where apparent signals were later identified as mundane phenomena.

The interviewee dismisses theories linking US government involvement with cattle mutilations to aliens as incredible, comparing it to Donald Duck becoming president. Regarding US 'Stealth' technology, the interviewee suggests it could be linked to recovered alien hardware, positing that secret aircraft technology developed at bases like Tonopah could be flown and later mistaken for UFOs, providing flexibility and a degree of plausible deniability.

About BUFORA (Ireland) Branch

The "About our organisation..." section traces the modern study of UFOs back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 report of 'nine peculiar aircraft' near Mount Rainier, Washington State. It acknowledges that reports of strange aerial phenomena in the UK and Ireland date back to the turn of the century. BUFORA (Ireland) Branch recognizes multiple theories about the origins of these phenomena, including natural causes, advanced alien technology, or even future human technology, and does not advocate for any single theory.

The history of BUFORA is outlined, starting with its founding in England in 1962 as a federation of UFO groups, many of which originated in the 1950s. The British Flying Saucer Bureau, founded in 1952, is noted as the UK's oldest UFO group. The organization was known as the British UFO Association before changing its name to the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) in 1964. BUFORA Ireland was formed in 1989 under the directorship of Pat Delaney and Anne Griffin and was affiliated to BUFORA England in April 1992, becoming 'BUFORA (Ireland) Branch'. The branch is registered under the Data Protection Act, and membership records are held on a computer database, with a policy not to release them to third parties.

Membership is open to all who support the association's aims and whose application is approved by the Council of Management. The aims of BUFORA (Ireland) Branch are to encourage, promote, and conduct unbiased scientific research of UFO phenomena throughout Ireland and England; to collect and disseminate evidence and data relating to UFOs; and to coordinate UFO research within Ireland and cooperate with international researchers.

BUFORA's activities include research and investigation, with investigators conducting on-site field investigations. Research activities encompass statistical analysis and technical support. The organization also offers support to witnesses through a 'Witness Support Group' (WSG), backed by a press cutting service and libraries of case reports. They can provide case information to recognized UFO research groups.

The journal is published three times yearly to keep members informed about the Irish and International UFO scene. It is available to non-members for £3.00 (inc. P&P). The journal also mentions that back issues are available and that international UFO groups can obtain a copy in exchange for their own magazine.

Application Form and Back Page Information

The second page of the scan is an application form for membership to BUFORA (Ireland) Branch, requesting personal details, contact information, and preferences for assistance within the branch (e.g., Administration, Field Investigation, Lecturing). It also details membership fees and payment options.

The final page, "THE BACK PAGE," includes "Thanks to:" acknowledging various individuals and organizations for their contributions to the issue, including Quest International, Denis Harper, the Irish Air Corps, and artists like Wayne Morris and Karl Morris. It lists music listened to during production (J.M. Jarre's "Chronologie" and U2's "Zooropa"). Copyright information for sketches, photos, and illustrations is provided. The "Next Issue" section previews upcoming content, including reviews, BUFORA Meeting news, updates on the Roswell Alien Photo, and March 30th/31st sightings. It also reiterates the availability of back issues and membership forms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the possibility of alien contact, the role of government agencies like NASA in investigating these phenomena, and the potential for misidentification due to advanced technology. The editorial stance, as presented through the interview and the organization's aims, is one of encouraging unbiased scientific research and the collection of evidence, while remaining open to various hypotheses without definitively endorsing any single theory. The emphasis is on rigorous investigation and data dissemination.