MUFORG BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFORG Bulletin, dated June 1967, is published by the Merseyside Unidentified Flying Object Research Group. It features a mix of commentary, detailed sighting reports, and investigative accounts.

Comment: Fashionable Explanations by Paul Hopkins

Paul Hopkins critiques the prevailing explanations for UFO reports in 1967. He notes a shift from earlier explanations like misidentified aircraft or optical illusions to a new trend of attributing sightings to 'strange electrical discharges.' Hopkins uses the Warminster phenomenon as an example, where theories involved atmospheric electrical charges and coronal discharges. He acknowledges that strange electrical phenomena can produce glowing balls and can be mistaken for UFOs. However, he strongly objects to qualified scientists or engineers classifying UFOs as mere electrical phenomena when the conditions at the time of the sighting were not conducive to such events. Hopkins concludes that a universal explanation for UFOs will not be found in electricity, suggesting a desperation among some to find a single scapegoat.

The Brixham Sighting

This section reprints a report from the "Sunday Express" of May 21st, 1967, detailing a sighting over Brixham, Devon, on April 28th. Seven coastguards observed a "giant cone-shaped object" hovering at 15,000 ft. for over an hour. The object revolved, revealing a door, and was observed by an approaching aircraft. It then climbed to approximately 20,000 ft. and vanished. The Ministry of Defence's reaction was puzzling; they initially denied receiving a report, then suggested it might be a reflection of car headlights or a meteorological phenomenon. The coastguards found this explanation laughable, emphasizing the object's polished surface reflecting sunlight. An air vice-marshal reportedly called the sighting "Most interesting."

Recent North West UFO Reports

Handforth, Cheshire (January 1967)

Miss Beatrice Langton reported seeing a "vertical, cigar-shaped cloud" from which a brown, rectangular object emerged. The rectangular object appeared to be drawn along by the cloud-like object.

Stockport, Cheshire (March 14th, 1967)

Two witnesses reported a dark object with red lights, moving at less than 100 m.p.h. at an elevation of 45 degrees, making a noise like a jet plane. The observation lasted about five minutes. Sketches of the object are included.

Landing Reports

Denmark: Sjaellands Odde (Date not known)

Two schoolboys reported seeing a dark grey object descend, lower three "legs," and then speed away. The object released what appeared to be "boxes," and eight "persons" descended via a cable. Four of the beings waved their hands in a peculiar manner. The boy described the persons as small, wearing striped suits and caps, and carrying devices that led to their mouths and had lights on their shoulders.

Denmark: Holbak (Date not given)

A farmer reported a strange, artificial, lilac-coloured light, followed by an object with oval windows and a dome. He later found a mysterious, fine, cotton-wool-like substance that disappeared over three days. The farmer had initially kept quiet due to fear of ridicule.

Other UFO Reports

Vancouver, Canada (December 29th, 1966)

Five members of a Canadian Pacific Airlines flight reported seeing a UFO that grew larger, shot out sparks, and appeared as a string of lights between two main lights, with a thicker shape in the middle.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.A. (May 11th, 1967)

Nine witnesses reported a "flying cigar" object, described as at least 70 ft. long, with a bright orange glow and emitting a low humming noise. It was observed emitting sparks from its rear. The report notes that a large dirigible had been in the area earlier, but the physical descriptions did not match.

Lier, Belgium (April 10th, 1967)

A family observed an oval-shaped object, glowing red, from which two smaller objects emerged. These smaller objects flew in different directions, then formed a triangle with the larger object before disappearing. The objects' color changed from red to blue when changing speed or making turns.

Report on a Visit to Warminster by John Harney and Alan W. Sharp (May 27th-29th, 1967)

This report details an investigation in Warminster, involving other ufologists. The authors note a general expectation of a significant event on the Saturday night, which did not materialize for them. They describe an argument within a convoy regarding skywatch locations (Cradle Hill vs. Imber). Arthur Shuttlewood and his friends were present and reportedly became excited by lightning, which Shuttlewood claimed was not natural but a manifestation of "the Thing." Shuttlewood later claimed to have had a "contact" with an "Aenstrian" who predicted a third world war. The investigators visited areas associated with strange noises and lights, finding that the noises seemed genuine, but expressed skepticism about attributing them to alien spacecraft without exploring other possibilities like atmospheric electrical phenomena. They also investigated claims about a "deserted" house and a copse called Colloway Clump, finding no unusual activity reported by local residents.

Notes and References

This section provides references for the information presented, including meteorological reports on lightning, previous MUFORG Bulletins, and specific publications related to Warminster and other UFO cases.

Recent Books

A list of upcoming book reviews in the Bulletin is provided, including "The Warminster Mystery" by Arthur Shuttlewood, "The Scoriton Mystery" by Eileen Buckle, "The Interrupted Journey" by John G. Fuller, and "UFOs for the Millions" by Howard V. Chambers.

Latest North West UFO Reports

St Helens, Lancs. (May 8th, 1967)

Eight witnesses sighted a cigar-shaped object, glowing orange. A smaller object dropped from the main object and re-entered. The object then flew off rapidly.

Bootle, Lancs. (June 17th, 1967)

While observing the Moon, Stephen Davies saw a domed, saucer-shaped object cross his field of view. It was visible for only 2-3 seconds and had no lights.

MUFORG NEWS

Satellites and Space Travel

Mr Stephen Davies gave a talk on space exploration, comparing current progress with past pessimistic forecasts.

Future Meetings

Announcements for upcoming MUFORG meetings in Liverpool.

UFO Sightings

A request for members to send in local UFO reports.

National Skywatch

A report on the National Sky-Watch Day on Merseyside, noting unfavorable weather conditions.

BUFOR Northern Conference

An announcement for the BUFOR Northern Conference in Liverpool.

MUFORG Bulletin Editorial Information

Details about the editor, contributions, copyright, and distribution of the MUFORG Bulletin are provided. The bulletin is sent to MUFORG members and other UFO organizations. A notice indicates that organizations not heard from will be deleted from the mailing list.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the analysis and debunking of UFO explanations, detailed reporting of specific sightings from various locations, and investigative efforts by MUFORG members. The editorial stance, particularly evident in the "Comment" section and the Warminster report, leans towards a critical and skeptical approach, urging for rigorous investigation and the application of critical faculties before accepting extraordinary claims. While acknowledging the potential reality of some phenomena (like the Warminster noises), the bulletin emphasizes the need to rule out conventional explanations and avoid jumping to conclusions about extraterrestrial origins.