MUFORG Bulletin

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFORG Bulletin, dated June 1966, is published by the Merseyside Unidentified Flying Objects Research Group and edited by John Harney. It features a commentary on the impact of UFO publicity, news from the MUFORG Annual General Meeting, and detailed investigations into several UFO sightings.

COMMENT: The Publicity Boomerang

In his commentary, P.K.Haythornthwaite discusses the dual nature of recent UFO publicity. He notes that while it brings the UFO phenomenon to the attention of more people, potentially encouraging further interest, it also carries risks. Publicity can alter the phenomenon itself, giving cues to hoaxers and confusing the situation. Furthermore, a wave of sensationalism can be followed by a period of media disinterest, especially when a highly publicized sighting turns out to have a conventional explanation, such as the Cannock cine-film incident. Haythornthwaite concludes that a steady trickle of serious coverage is preferable to short bursts of sensationalism. He advises UFO investigators to caution the public to examine all sightings critically, as many will have mundane explanations. He also questions the strategy of organizations like NICAP, suggesting that achieving publicity breaks and Congressional hearings might be misguided. Instead, he advocates for the encouragement of serious research by technically capable individuals as being of greater long-term value to UFO research than mass support and general excitement.

MUFORG NEWS

The Group's Annual General Meeting was held on May 11th at the Free Church Centre, Tarleton Street, Liverpool. The following officers were elected for the year 1966-7: P. Hopkins (Chairman), T. Dixon (Vice-Chairman), R.D. Hughes (Secretary), Miss M.P. Black (Treasurer), J. Harney (Minuting Secretary), L. Geoghegan (Astronomy Secretary), J. Harnwell (Librarian), and Committee Members Miss I. Amery, R. Donnelly, and G.T. Woods.

The AGM also rejected a proposal from the Midland Interplanetary Association for MUFORG to become formally associated with them. However, it was noted that there was no reason why they should not keep in touch with M.I.A.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Andy Mayers, writing from Walton-on-Thames, expresses concern that many UFO organizations are engaged in "profitless 'hate campaigns' against each other" instead of focusing on investigation and research. He states that many ordinary UFO researchers are tired of the constant "pro- and anti- Adamski propaganda" from various publications and groups. Mayers calls for UFO researchers to maintain an open mind on all aspects of ufology, respect differing views, and avoid condemning different approaches. He urges all to admit that no single person may have the complete answer and to concentrate on their areas of interest, ending the "useless bickerings."

INVESTIGATION: SIGHTING AT UPHOLLAN, 2035 BST, 21st March, 1966

This investigation by P.K.Haythornthwaite details a sighting reported in the MUFORG Bulletin for April 1966. The witness, Mr Norman Comber, was interviewed on March 25th. The object was observed for 3-4 seconds, was orange, and the size of a sixpence held at arm's length. It travelled about 120 degrees of arc and left a trail about half its length. The witness's sketch showed a plain oval shape, differing from a newspaper report that mentioned a dome. The witness's impression of the object being "twice as high as the houses" is considered unreliable due to the speed and brief observation period. The details are deemed compatible with the observation of a meteor or fireball. The weather report indicated clear skies.

A similar observation occurred at Orrell two weeks prior, on March 7th, 1966, where Mrs Betty Webb observed a round orange object with a flaming red trail, travelling a straight course from NE to SW in 2-3 seconds. No noise was reported, and this is also considered likely to be a fireball.

ANNOUNCEMENT: B.U.F.O.R.A. NORTHERN CONVENTION

The B.U.F.O.R.A. Northern Convention was scheduled for Saturday, September 10th, 1966, at the Textile Hall, Westgate, Bradford.

"SPACESHIP" FILM AND WIGAN "LION" MYSTERIES CLEARED UP

The "Spaceship" film, which had received significant publicity, was investigated by a BBC team for "Tomorrow's World." They produced a similar film, attributing the illusion to reflections of the tailplane in the porthole glass. The Wigan "lion" mystery was resolved with the capture of a large Alsatian dog that had been running wild.

QUESTIONS ON FLYING OBJECTS

Dr Edwin Brooks, MP for Bebington, questioned the Secretary of Defence in the House of Commons about man-made equipment orbiting Earth. Over 400 such objects were detected in May. Dr Brooks also inquired about reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) investigated by the Ministry. In 1964, there were 74 reports, with four unexplained. In 1965, there were 56 reports, with 14 unexplained. In cases that remained unexplained, the information was generally too imprecise for further investigation.

SIX SAUCERS SIGHTED AT ST HELENS

Reports in several newspapers on May 17th described a sighting by a policeman, Donald Cameron, and his wife in St. Helens. Early on a dull, grey morning, the policeman saw six glowing white objects hovering above houses. He described one as a "mother ship" larger than the others, with a cup-shaped dome, while the smaller ones were oval. They disappeared at high speed towards Manchester. No other witnesses on the estate reported seeing them. The Chief Constable of St. Helens described P.C. Cameron as "a reliable policeman."

INVESTIGATION: ST HELENS UFO SIGHTING

This section, provided by P.K.Haythornthwaite, offers a more detailed account of the St Helens sighting, correcting inaccuracies from newspaper reports. The sighting occurred on May 10th, 1966, at 1030 BST. The witness was visited twice. The objects were first noted moving from right to left at a steady speed, with their elevation dropping for about 15 seconds. They then hovered for another 15 seconds before setting off at high speed and disappearing rapidly. The objects moved as a group, maintaining formation. The witness initially assumed they were three-dimensional, but the dome on the larger object was attributed to newspaper imagination. The objects were described as elliptical and white in colour.

Data collected indicated initial elevations and bearings, with the objects disappearing at a lower elevation and slightly different bearing. Calculations based on apparent sizes and estimated distances suggested speeds of around 700 m.p.h. The witness was certain the sky was overcast, which conflicted with the weather report. It remains uncertain if the objects were self-luminous or reflecting sunlight. The observation was made through window glass, with no reflections identified. P.C. Cameron was described as a sensible, cooperative witness with an inquiring mind, considered above average.

THE SQUARE SAUCER OF BOLAZEC, or the Flying Tractor

This article reports on an alleged UFO landing at Bolazec, France, on January 16th, 1966, from the journal Phénomènes Spatiaux. The witness, Mr Eugène Coquil, saw lights on a hillside he initially mistook for a tractor. He then saw the "tractor" moving towards him, silently and at low altitude. The object hovered over his car before setting down gently. The witness described four luminous columns and possibly portholes. Investigations were conducted by G.E.P.A. and the magazine "Noir et Blanc." Supporting testimony came from local inhabitants who admitted seeing strange lights. The witness was definite that the object was square, measuring 3.5 x 3.5 metres at the base, with sides sloping inward or perpendicular. The article notes that a square UFO is considered new in ufology.

EXCHANGES RECEIVED

The bulletin lists several publications received: UFO SIGHTER (USA), PROBE (USA), CFSIB NEWSLETTER (USA), UFOLOG Information Sheet (UK), PHÉNOMENES SPATIUX (France), and GESAG BULLETIN (Belgium).

UFO PETITION

The Midland Interplanetary Association is organizing a petition to the Prime Minister, requesting the government to establish a National Investigation Committee and release UFO data. MUFORG expresses concern that M.I.A.'s association with organizations like the Japanese "Cosmic Brotherhood Association" could be damaging to serious UFO research, despite the petition's potentially useful aim. They note that M.I.A. is also engaged in useful skywatches with other groups and express interest in how BUFORA will address potential harmful effects of the petition.

MUFORG Bulletin - Editorial Information

The bulletin provides contact details for the Editor, John Harney, and welcomes contributions. It states that published contributions are the responsibility of their authors and do not necessarily reflect MUFORG's views. Reprinting of original material is permitted with credit. The bulletin is distributed to UFO organizations in Britain, Western Europe, and the USA and is published every other month. A note requests publications to exchange and asks those who have not acknowledged receipt to do so. The date of printing is noted as 16 JUN 1966.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO publicity, the importance of rigorous investigation over sensationalism, and the need for inter-organizational cooperation and open-mindedness within the UFO research community. The editorial stance, particularly evident in P.K.Haythornthwaite's commentary and the response to the M.I.A. petition, emphasizes a preference for serious, technically grounded research and a cautious approach to public engagement, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of hoaxes and media backlash.