MUFORG Bulletin - 1967 10

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFORG Bulletin
Issue: October 1967
Publisher: MERSEYSIDE UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS RESEARCH GROUP
Editor: John Harney

This issue of the MUFORG Bulletin, dated October 1967, features a prominent "COMMENT" section titled "From Outer Space, or From Inner Space?" which sets the tone for a deep dive into the nature and origin of UFO phenomena. The bulletin also includes several detailed reports of recent UFO sightings from across the United Kingdom, alongside book reviews and organizational updates.

Comment: From Outer Space, or From Inner Space?

The lead article by John Harney explores the dichotomy in UFO research between those who focus on contactees and their messages, and physical scientists who conduct statistical studies. Harney critiques the tendency for researchers to approach the subject with preconceived theories, dismissing evidence that doesn't fit. A central controversy among ufologists is the definition of admissible evidence, with a notable divide between those who accept accounts like the Socorro and Exeter incidents and those who deride them. The article questions the prejudiced attitude of many physical scientists towards contactees, suggesting that while many contactee stories are "ridiculous," the line between "contactee story" and "UFO with operators" is not always clear. Cases like Antonio Villas Boas and Betty and Barney Hill are cited as examples that blur these categories. Harney argues that the contactee problem is not purely psychological, as some believe, but may involve genuine phenomena. He introduces an extraordinary sequel to UFO reports near Wanaque Reservoir, New Jersey, where local police were reportedly told by an Air Force officer that their sightings were just "seeing things," an incident that extensive inquiries suggest may not have actually occurred.

The article emphasizes the need to explore explanations within current scientific knowledge before resorting to esoteric or occult evaluations. It suggests that psychology is crucial for understanding contact stories, mysterious phone calls, and alleged silencing of witnesses, lamenting the superficiality of most psychological studies on the subject. While acknowledging the existence of physical evidence for UFOs, Harney points out that it often has alternative explanations. He questions the effectiveness of twenty years of research focused on the interplanetary spaceship theory, suggesting it's time for a new approach. The core question posed is whether UFOs are physical or psychological, originating from "outer space" or "inner space."

Recent North West UFO Reports

This section compiles several recent sighting reports from the North West of England:

• Borough Road, Birkenhead, Cheshire (September 19th, 1967, 1315 BST): Reported by T.C.Dixon, this involved four separate sightings by excited ten-year-old schoolboys. The objects were described as glowing white ovals, varying in size from a sixpence to larger than the previous one, and moving "not too quickly" or "faster than before" westwards and southwards into clouds. One was described as a "small saucer" that "looked like it was spinning." Another moved north-eastwards, causing a small cloud to break up.
• Preston, Lancashire (October 1967): Two architects reported sighting a UFO over Preston. They sketched the object, which they planned to send to the Ministry of Defence. Witnesses measured the object as it moved above church spires and mill chimneys, estimating its length at 400 feet.
• Hoylake, Wirral, Cheshire (October 19th, 1967, 1800 BST): Mrs A.N.Crossman and her son Jeremy reported seeing an unidentified flying object from their home. It was described as torpedo-shaped, greyish-white, and travelling at a fast speed.

Further Details of Sightings Reported in Previous Issues

• Dingle, Liverpool (July 11th): The completed sighting form for a report mentioned in the August issue has been received. However, discrepancies exist regarding the location (Sefton Park) and date (July 21st), requiring further checks.
• Hindley, Lancashire: A follow-up investigation into UFO sightings there is detailed. Fig. 1 shows a drawing of the UFO made by the principal witness, Bernard Cox (17). Cox reported two sightings on August 19th and August 29th, both around 2140 BST. He noted that all dogs began barking, and strange humming noises started around 11 p.m., continuing until about 2 a.m., causing distressing symptoms like headaches. He also mentioned other sightings by children, often vague "lights in the sky." On a second visit, Mrs Judson corroborated the description of a cone-shaped UFO, noting it was a "very large object" viewed for about 20 minutes. She also reported seeing mysterious glows in the sky when no actual UFO was visible. Bernard Cox mentioned the object spinning while moving, with purple lights appearing as bands, and stopping to hover. Mrs Judson also spoke of coloured lights and beams streaming from the object.

UFO Reports from Nottinghamshire

These reports were sent by Walter Blythe of the Mansfield UFO Group.

• The Clifton Landing Report (July 5th, 1967): A Nottingham newspaper reported a possible flying saucer landing in Clifton. Dozens of people claimed to see a disc-shaped, silvery object, about 30 feet long, travelling at about 4.45 p.m. Witnesses described its size, colour, direction, and movements identically. Police, however, suggested it was an optical illusion caused by sunlight on a barn roof or greenhouses. Mrs Marjorie Cowdell and teenager Denise Stanley insisted they saw the object clearly. Earlier reports mentioned a similar object hovering above trees. The Air Ministry and Meteorological Office were baffled. A spokesman from Watnall Meteorological Office stated it was unlikely to be a weather balloon, adding that such things "have never done anyone any harm."
• Wellow, near Ollerton, Notts. (July 8th, 1967, 2110 to 2150 BST): Newark schoolmaster Bernard Doy, previously skeptical, reported seeing a spinning object shaped like a child's humming top, with an elliptical top and pointed base. It spun for over 40 minutes before disappearing in clouds. Doy stated the object was "stationary" but spun on its axis, surrounded by a "very bright light," convincing him it was not a weather balloon. His party used binoculars and contacted the local police constable. Insp. Street's inquiries proved negative, and the Meteorological Office could not identify the object.
• Stapleford Woods, near Newark, Notts. (August 7th, 1967, 2225 BST): Mr Robinson wrote to the editor describing an experience with his girlfriend. They saw two round or slightly oval lights, about 6 inches in diameter at their distance, which then disappeared and were replaced by a flashing red light that moved away and climbed above the trees. Initially thought to be a helicopter, it was strange due to the absence of sound and wind. Later, two lights reappeared, stopped, and hovered. Mr Robinson drove towards them and saw a craft about 20 feet high, with a curved top and bottom, three square-ish windows showing orange light, and brilliant beams of light shining downwards. Frightened, he drove away and contacted Mr Doy.

Mr Blythe adds a note about a newspaper cutting reporting an object with two beams of light shining downwards near Grantham on July 1st, seen by a young couple in a car, with no noise.

UFO FLIP IN CANADA

Reports indicate the Canadian Air Force is investigating mysterious objects with flashing lights terrorizing the Calgary district. Mrs Nora Tibbs reported a dazzling light that cut out her car's engine and electrical system, while a dark oval shape circled her car at about 1,000 feet. The car's power returned after the object disappeared. Helicopters may be deployed to search for an object that three gold prospectors claim fell from a flying saucer. Squadron Leader E.B.Chase noted that a photograph taken by prospector Warren Smith showed a domed, saucer-shaped object about 40 feet in diameter with a red light on top and leaving a trail of blue exhaust smoke. Forestry look-out Russ Hill reported hearing a throbbing sound and seeing a bowl-shaped object 75 feet in diameter with two exhaust flames and a pulsating yellow-green light.

The Sky Scouts Muddle

The Daily Mirror reported that the British Section of the International Sky Scouts changed their name to CONTACT (U.K.) at the behest of the Boy Scouts Association, due to confusion between the groups. The chairman, Mr Quanjer, states the new name implies spiritual and practical activities. The article notes that the Sky Scouts Association (U.K.) has turned its attention to raising the "winged sun-disc" as their motif, a symbol linked to ancient civilizations that perished due to blood sacrifices. NICAP/GB considers this revival "wrong and dangerous." The Sky Scouts have been renamed INTERNATIONAL SKY-SCOUTS GB, with NICAP/GB as their parent body. The article expresses surprise that CONTACT (U.K.) has not announced a severance of relations with the International Sky Scouts or Cosmic Brotherhood. It suggests that the Sky Scouts have an "eccentric" reputation and that local UFO groups may need to distinguish between "Sky Scouts" and "Contact."

Recent Books

• Flying Saucer Occupants by Coral and Jim Lorenzen: Reviewed as containing familiar reports, but noting that the authors' organization (PRO) was instrumental in bringing many interesting reports to light. The book emphasizes investigating all reports, including "occupants." A key chapter, "Psychological Implications in the Investigation of UFO Reports" by R.Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D., discusses bias and suggests methods for obtaining details. The authors believe UFOs and their operators are physically real, with speculation focusing on their identity and origin.
• The Flying Saucer Vision by John Michell: This book is welcomed by "New Age" ufologists. The author re-interprets ancient myths as accounts of meetings with superior beings from other planets or dimensions. The hypothesis is that superior alien beings brought civilization to mankind thousands of years ago, and that current UFO activity indicates mankind is at a crisis point, with full-scale contact imminent. The book suggests a considerable body of evidence supports this idea.

BUFOR Northern Conference

A reminder for the BUFOR conference on Saturday, November 4th, 1967, in Liverpool, featuring speakers like Charles Bowen and Anthony Durham.

Great UFO Flap

A note indicates that a "wave of UFO sightings, surely unprecedented in this country," is sweeping Britain, and the situation will be covered in a special edition or the December issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the fundamental question of the nature and origin of UFOs: are they physical phenomena from outer space, or psychological manifestations from "inner space"? The bulletin presents a range of perspectives, from the empirical approach of physical scientists to the more esoteric interpretations of contactees and ufologists. There is a clear emphasis on critical evaluation of evidence and a call for new approaches to UFO research, moving beyond the long-standing interplanetary spaceship hypothesis. The editorial stance, as articulated in the "Comment" section, leans towards questioning established paradigms and encouraging open-minded yet rigorous investigation, acknowledging the existence of UFOs while remaining uncertain about their true nature and origin. The inclusion of diverse sighting reports from various locations suggests a commitment to documenting the phenomenon comprehensively. The bulletin also highlights the internal politics and evolving identities within the UFO research community, particularly concerning groups like the Sky Scouts.