MUFORG Bulletin - 1966 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFORG Bulletin, dated December 1966, is published by the Merseyside Unidentified Flying Object Research Group. It features a 'Comment' section discussing the challenges of objective UFO research, particularly concerning the emotional involvement of investigators with witnesses, and proposes finding reliable investigators outside of ufology circles. The bulletin also includes 'Recent North West Reports' detailing UFO sightings in Netherton and Northwich, UK, and a report on a potential meteorite event. It covers proceedings from the BUFORA Congress in Cambridge, highlighting discussions on scientific UFO research, the need for a scientific journal, and the investigation of UFO photographs. The issue also contains 'Comments on the B.U.F.O.R.A. Annual General Meeting' by R.D. Hughes, offering a critical perspective on the organization's methods. A section titled 'B.U.F.O.R... BORES' by Paul Hopkins provides a highly critical review of a BUFOR meeting. 'Letters to the Editor' include contributions from Dr J.Cleary-Baker and Mr Trevor Whitaker, defending Arthur Shuttlewood against previous criticism. The bulletin concludes with 'Recent Landing Reports' from France and Ohio, USA, and a 'Northwich Mystery' section connecting a meteor report with local UFO sightings.

Comment: The Problem of Investigator Bias

The 'Comment' section addresses a significant issue within UFO research: investigators becoming overly emotionally involved with witnesses, particularly in 'contactee' stories. This phenomenon, it is argued, leads to a lack of objective proof and hinders genuine research. The author suggests that serious UFO groups should ensure that contact cases are investigated by reliable individuals. The challenge lies in finding such investigators, as ufologists themselves might be too predisposed. The article proposes enlisting the aid of people with experience in extracting truth, who are less likely to be fooled, and have ample free time. A provocative question is posed: 'Does anybody know of any retired C.I.D. men who do not believe in flying saucers?' This highlights a desire for investigators with a skeptical, evidence-based approach.

Recent North West Reports

Netherton, Lancashire - October 19th, 1966: Two schoolboys reported seeing a brilliant white, oval-shaped object with sharp outlines moving from NW to NE for about five minutes. The sky was mostly clear. The witnesses claimed to have seen a similar object in the same location on two previous occasions. The object's size was compared to a pea at arm's length. This sighting was investigated by Stephen Davies.

Netherton, Lancashire - October 24th, 1966: Again, two schoolboys, one of whom witnessed the previous sighting, reported seeing two objects. These objects had a silvery, metallic appearance with blurred outlines and moved slowly SE for approximately 20 minutes. Three jet planes appeared, and one of the UFOs moved towards the other before they disappeared behind a cloud. The surface wind was light SE. This sighting was also investigated by Stephen Davies.

Northwich, Cheshire - December 3rd, 1966: Mr Harry Jones, a works manager, reported seeing a triangular, glowing shape travelling in the air in front of his car while driving home from Manchester. The object maintained an even distance before suddenly swinging away, returning, and crossing his path, then disappearing. Northwich police investigated but offered no explanation. This report was published in the Liverpool Daily Post on 5/12/66.

Meteorite? - December 4th, 1966: Numerous witnesses reported a brilliant flash over the Irish Sea, described by Formby Coastguard Station as a shower of white sparks that vividly illuminated the sky for two to three seconds. It was generally thought to be a meteor. This was also reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on 5/12/66.

Northwich Mystery - December 6th, 1966: A man reported seeing a flying saucer about 300 feet above the ground at Barnton, Northwich. The UFO was described as crescent-shaped with portholes and made no noise. This was reported in the Daily Mail on 7/12/66. The bulletin notes that police investigation into the December 4th meteor suggested it was not over the Irish Sea but in the direction of Northwich, raising speculation about a connection to the Northwich sightings.

BUFORA Congress - Cambridge, October 22nd, 1966

The congress, organized by the Cambridge University Group for the Investigation of UFOs (CUGIUFO), featured an afternoon session presided over by Dr G.Doel, Chairman of BUFORA. Mr S. Miller (CUGIUFO) presented research into historical UFO reports. Mr A.C.H. Durham spoke on scientific UFO research, emphasizing CUGIUFO's preference for interviewing witnesses or writing to them rather than using printed forms. He stressed the need for a scientific journal and for ufologists to improve their knowledge of unusual natural phenomena.

Mr J.M.Crabtree, Chairman of CUGIUFO, was critical of unscientific approaches and vague theories that lead to bad publicity. He singled out Mr Leonard Cramp and his book 'Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucer' for mention. Crabtree insisted on eradicating 'tripe' from UFO research and advocated for the use of instruments like magnetic detectors, concluding that the congress theme was the scientific investigation of UFOs.

Mr C.M. Sinton (CUGIUFO) presented an illustrated talk on UFO photographs, demonstrating how easily they could be faked, but also noting that some classic pictures remained unexposed as fakes. He suggested that some of Adamski's and Darbishire's photographs might be genuine.

Dr R.L. Gregory of Cambridge University's Experimental Psychology Department discussed how perception depends on the brain as much as the eye, and how the brain can be fooled by inadequate or incompatible information. Talks and discussions were also held on electronic detection equipment and UFO sighting investigations. The congress received little publicity, reportedly because reporters could not find 'cranks or crackpots' to interview.

Comments on the B.U.F.O.R.A. Annual General Meeting

By R.D. Hughes:

R.D. Hughes offers a critical commentary on the BUFORA Annual General Meeting. He agrees with Mr G. Creighton's assessment that the next few years of British ufology will be a 'long grind.' Hughes outlines three approaches to the subject: (a) serious scientific research based on hypotheses and proof, (b) cataloguing types, flight paths, and numbers, and (c) believing everything written. He advocates for the first method, finding the second (practiced by BUFORA) less productive. Hughes believes contactee information should be separated from general research. He criticizes BUFORA for using amateurish ideas and methods instead of a professional, scientific approach, citing the sale of diffraction gratings at inflated prices. He also cautions against pressuring governments for UFO files, warning of potential 'Treasonable Offences Act' implications. The skywatch at Warminster was deemed unsuccessful, with the only notable event being Dr Cleary-Baker sitting in a 'mystic triangle of lights.' A significant controversy arose over the future of the BUFOR Journal, with proposals for issuing either two or four journals annually.

Letters to the Editor

From Dr J.Cleary-Baker: Dr Cleary-Baker defends Arthur Shuttlewood against an attack in the October MUFORG Bulletin. He states that Arthur has been helpful to BUFOR members investigating the Warminster phenomena and has not sought personal publicity. He describes Shuttlewood as well-regarded and not a 'shady confidence-trickster.' Regarding 'Cradle Hill,' he corrects the spelling and suggests that the area, being near military installations like Porton and Larkhill, might attract alien interest, potentially using remote-controlled scanners to observe UFOs above it. He classifies many of Arthur's reported UFOs as 'UFO-lights,' similar to 'Foo-fighters' from World War Two, and believes their appearance over Cradle Hill is not surprising. He asserts his own experience witnessing UFO-lights changing course, speed, and brightness, and dismisses the idea that he could be fooled by simple tricks.

Dr Cleary-Baker also addresses other points, stating that Arthur Shuttlewood attended the Bradford Conference at considerable expense and that the audience enjoyed his address. He confirms that tales of individuals falling under moving vehicles and emerging unhurt in the Warminster area are factual, and that Arthur did not invent them. He acknowledges that Arthur's interpretations might be incorrect but insists the stories themselves are true. He also states he has no reason to doubt that Arthur received mysterious phone calls as related. He concludes by suggesting that the article in question presented only one side of the story regarding Warminster and amounted to character assassination.

From Mr Trevor Whitaker: Mr Whitaker, Hon. Secretary of the Halifax Branch of BUFOR, feels the October MUFORG Bulletin was too harsh on Arthur Shuttlewood. While acknowledging Shuttlewood might be mistaken or naive, Whitaker notes he admits to having no prior background in UFO literature. In private conversations, Shuttlewood appeared genuine and firmly believed his accounts. Whitaker states Shuttlewood's evidence, some not presented in his lecture, is strong. He rejects the idea that Shuttlewood invented stories for money, citing his refusal of a fee or refund for his trip to Bradford. Whitaker also thanks Harney for kind comments about his branch's efforts in organizing the Bradford Conference.

American UFO Investigation

Dr Edward Condon, director of the University of Colorado's UFO investigation, told a reporter that the team was chosen because none of them had prior UFO experience, and they were just starting. The U.S. Air Force has handed over all its UFO files, and scientists at Boulder are ready to investigate reports of 'interesting' sightings.

Moonlight at Warminster

By Ian W. Sharp:

Ian W. Sharp recounts his visit to Warminster, a town known for UFO phenomena. After learning from Arthur Shuttlewood that sightings could occur on clear nights, Sharp decided to visit on November 1st, 1966. Approaching the town, he secured a room with a view of the surrounding hills. Despite clouds obscuring the sky, he set an alarm for 3 a.m. At that hour, the sky cleared, and moonlight bathed the area. Driving towards the Imber Ranges, he observed a cluster of bright lights on a hilltop, which upon investigation with binoculars, appeared more like a house than a spacecraft. He later encountered a white iron gate where there had been no obstruction previously, forcing him to proceed on foot. A bright meteor flashed overhead. He felt a sense of loneliness and apprehension. Upon reaching a guard house, he saw what appeared to be dark shapes, which turned out to be wrecked cars, and a white mound of chalk. He then saw a faint yellow light glide across the sky, followed by a pulsating red light and a faint drone, identified as a possible aeroplane. He returned to his car and drove back to Warminster, eventually discovering the mysterious lights were from the Golf Club-house. He concluded the vigil was not for the nervous.

UFO Landing Reports - Investigation, Research and Hypotheses

The Humanoids: This section references a special issue of 'Flying Saucer Review' and details three British incidents.

• Contactee Story (November 1959): A man claimed to have been picked up by a 'space vehicle' on Helsby Hill, Frodsham, Cheshire. He described the spacemen as golden-skinned, about 5 ft. 2 in. tall, and stated he was taken to a 'mother ship' and the planet 'Shebic.' He was returned the following night.
• Bradford Incident (August 16th, 1955): Mr Ernest Suddards and his son saw a being described as a boy, 4 ft. tall, dressed in skin-tight black clothes, with a circular, silvery disc below its throat. The being jumped in jerky movements and seemed dazzled by headlights. It moved forward and then turned into a passageway.
• Bowling Park Incident (August 19th, 1955): Mr Joseph Wood reported seeing a bright silver bullet-shaped object, about 12 ft. high and 4-5 ft. in diameter, standing upright behind a small hillock. A high-pitched buzzing noise emanated from it. Wood hurried away but saw the object again on his return journey.

Ohio, U.S.A. - April 1966: Police officers Dale Spaur and Barney Neff stopped a Ford car filled with radios and bearing a strange emblem. Suddenly, Spaur heard a humming sound and saw a huge, saucer-shaped craft rising from the woods, its underside gleaming with intense purplish-white light. The craft moved over the patrol car, emitting heat. The officers were ordered to shoot but could not. The UFO, about 50 ft. across and 15-20 ft. high with a dome and antenna, was chased by the officers at speeds up to 100 mph. The chase ended near Pittsburgh when Spaur ran out of petrol. Spaur's marriage broke up, and he became a nervous wreck following the experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of the MUFORG Bulletin revolve around the critical examination of UFO research methodologies, the reliability of witness testimony, and the distinction between scientific investigation and anecdotal reporting. There is a clear emphasis on the need for objectivity and skepticism, as highlighted in the 'Comment' section and the critical review of the BUFORA meeting. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, scientific approaches to UFO phenomena, advocating for clear terminology, improved techniques, and a separation of genuine research from sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims. The letters to the editor reveal ongoing debates within the UFO community regarding the interpretation of evidence and the character of individuals involved in investigations, particularly concerning the Warminster phenomena.

Title: MUFORG NEWS
Issue Date: December 1966
Publisher: MUFORG (Manchester UFO Research Group)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of MUFORG NEWS provides updates on UFO research activities, book reviews, and organizational news for the MUFORG group and its affiliates.

Book Reviews

Flying Saucers - Serious Business by Frank Edwards

Reviewed as similar in style and approach to Keyhoe, this book by Frank Edwards is noted for its focus on the U.S. Air Force's apparent suppression of UFO information. While much of the material is familiar to ufologists, it includes fascinating chapters, such as one detailing a large-scale UFO flap in the Kazakstan area of the Soviet Union in 1965. The review highlights that the book reveals Russia and the United States employ similar techniques in dealing with the UFO problem and public reactions. Edwards is credited with effectively debunking the assertion that no professional astronomer has seen a flying saucer by providing an impressive list of astronomers who have admitted sightings. The book's concluding chapter is said to support NICAP's ideas, suggesting that the current phase of UFO activity (the sixth of a seven-phase program) involves demonstrating presence and lack of hostility, with the seventh phase, 'Overt Landing,' expected within a few years.

Incident at Exeter by John G. Fuller

Journalist John G. Fuller's book is reviewed for its investigation into a significant UFO report. Fuller focused on the famous Exeter, New Hampshire, sighting of September 3rd, 1965, witnessed by two police patrolmen and others. The review notes that Fuller's investigation in New Hampshire provided a vivid impression of a large-scale local flap, emphasizing the number, quality, and consistency of witness accounts. A point of interest is that many low-level sightings occurred near high-tension power lines, leading some scientists to suggest UFOs might be a form of ball lightning generated by the power lines. However, the review states that readers of the detailed reports in Fuller's book would likely find this explanation unconvincing.

More Sightings

Wanaque Reservoir, New Jersey, U.S.A.

In early October of the current year (1966), several UFO sightings were reported in the vicinity of Wanaque Reservoir, New Jersey. These sightings were reported by policemen and local residents. The objects were described as saucer-shaped and glowing with various colours. Some of the objects manoeuvred low over the water. Wanaque police confirmed receiving numerous reports of UFOs in the area over the past two years. The report cites the Atlantic City Press (12/10/66) and The Daily Home News (14/10/66) as sources, with credit given to the Belgian Interplanetary Studycircle.

MUFORG News

Northern Conference

MUFORG has agreed to organize the 1967 BUFORA Northern Conference.

Meetings

Starting in January 1967, MUFORG meetings will be held fortnightly, a change from the current monthly schedule.

Advertising Success

An announcement at the November meeting indicated that an advertisement in the Liverpool Echo had resulted in 30 replies, leading to the attendance of five new members at that meeting and more new and prospective members at the December meeting.

Vice-chairman Election

Mr Alan Rawlinson was elected Vice-chairman at the Group's December meeting.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Merseyside UFO Research Group is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11th, 1967, at the Free Church Centre, Tarleton Street, Liverpool, commencing at 8:0 p.m.

MUFORG Bulletin

Editor and Contact Information

The Editor of the MUFORG Bulletin is John Harney, located at 53 Woodyear Road, Bromborough, Wirral, Cheshire, England. The telephone number is E Stham 2146.

Contributions

Articles, comments, reviews, and press cuttings are welcome. Contributors are asked to indicate if letters to the Editor are intended for publication. The views expressed in the Bulletin are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent MUFORG's policies.

Copyright and Exchanges

Publication of original material from the Bulletin is permitted freely, provided a credit line is given to MUFORG Bulletin, unless otherwise stated. Exchanges with other groups are welcomed, especially if the group does not have a regular publication; correspondence is encouraged. Groups are also asked to inform MUFORG of any address changes.

Distribution

The MUFORG Bulletin is distributed to MUFORG members and UFO organizations in Britain, the U.S.A., and Western Europe.

1967 Meeting Schedule

MUFORG meetings for 1967 have been arranged for the following dates: January 11th, February 8th, March 8th, April 12th, May 10th, June 14th, and July 12th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the critical analysis of books and reports related to UFOs. There is a consistent focus on UFO research groups like MUFORG and their activities, including meetings and publications. The editorial stance, as indicated by the review of Edwards' book and the reporting on sightings, appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also critically examining explanations and potential cover-ups. The MUFORG Bulletin emphasizes the importance of contributions from its readership and maintains a policy of open exchange with other UFO organizations.