Northern UFO News - No 10

Magazine Overview

This document is the February 1975 issue of "NORTHERN NEWS UFO," a monthly newsletter from NUFON (Northern UFO Network), formerly UNO NEWS. The cover features a hand-drawn illustration of a UFO over a landscape and highlights the "PATH OF UPERMILL UFO" as a lead story. The issue is priced at £1.50 for a single copy and details various UFO-related news, investigations, and group activities within the UK.

Contents and Key Articles

Editorial: 'The social activities of groups'

The editorial discusses the importance of social activities for UFO groups, noting that while some groups may consist of only a few dedicated members, regular meetings at central venues can attract new personnel and sighting reports. It suggests that a small fee for meeting rooms is worthwhile and encourages groups to consider having a theme for their meetings, perhaps a quiz night or discussing specific UFO origins. The editorial emphasizes that a social life is crucial for cementing a group together and that by working together, NUFON groups can afford to invite 'BIG Name lecturers' who are not necessarily sensational but knowledgeable in ufology.

Important Note

This issue is produced in a new format for economic and delivery reasons, omitting photographs and printed matter. Orders for bulk deliveries from the March 1975 issue are being accepted, with rates provided. Subscribers who have already paid for a year are advised to deduct a proportionate amount from their renewal if they feel entitled to a rebate. Future issues will include photographic and artistic material.

Group News

This section provides updates from various UFO groups:

• BUFORA (Yorks): Thanks are extended to a member for implementing new BUFORA association schemes. The group is involved in research into car stopping incidents, with a new case from Egerton Hill involving a UFO that affected electrical systems and caused compasses to spin wildly. The proximity to a BBC transmitter raises the possibility of microwave effects.
• BRITISH YOUTH UFO: The group is experiencing temporary internal problems but has plans for a weekend convention and a two-day affair in Liverpool, possibly inviting overseas members. They also plan a free show at the Liverpool Planetarium in April. They are seeking new members to help with current reports and have received a promise of help from BUFORA.
• MIDLANDS UFO: Kettering UFO has expanded its name to cover the entire Midlands and is in contact with Australia and Bangla Desh. They are conducting skywatches on Ministry of Defence property and seeking official grants for instrumentation.
• UFORA: This group hopes to unite active UFO investigation elements in the Greater Manchester area. They have been busy with sightings and photographing report sites. Their next meeting is on February 18th at Granada TV studios.
• APRA: The group has faced internal troubles due to personnel illnesses but appears to be improving. They cover a vital part of the North and are correcting a previous comment about the price of a Geiger Counter. Mr. Tyrer is due to visit NASA.
• OSSENDALE ASTRO: The group is holding its AGM and anticipates changes, possibly including a name change and the appointment of a UFO administrator. Tim Evans is researching Glastonbury and seeks ideas for a lending library.
• SCUNTHORPE UFO: Nigel Watson has become the BUFORA RIC for Humberside, Lincolnshire, and Notts, promising more UFO news. He suggests a documentary film produced by NUFON groups.
• WIRRAL UFO Soc: Following publicity, the group details plans for the summer. The school group will continue with Mark Williamson, and the adult section will expand. They are organizing a joint NUFON skywatch and are seeking ideas. Ken Green is looking for a cheap second-hand typewriter.

General News

• BUFORA RIC Conference: The conference scheduled for March 8/9 has been postponed and rescheduled for May 10th at the Grand Hotel, Honey, Staffs. The registration fee is £3, with hotel reservations available for $3.50. The event will focus on investigation with well-known speakers.
• APEN Affair: The final week of January saw three letters and a tape from APEN. The consensus is that APEN is being evasive, with difficulties in accessing important cases and obtaining an address. The issue of legal action regarding files held by Mr. Rees is also mentioned.
• Skywatch: The latest 'Skywatch' publication is criticized for its approach to BUFORA and its alleged inaccurate information about a planning meeting. NUFON intends to cooperate with BUFORA's efforts to unify national approaches.
• WIRRAL UFO: Supervised by Mike Dean, the group is conducting a sociological investigation into sightings, with NUFON supplying information categories.

Sightings Out of the Area

• Spain (January 2, 1975): A flying saucer reportedly landed on a firing range near Zaragossa, emitted a pulsing light, and took off. The Spanish Air Force is investigating.

Thoughts on UFOs: Dave Morley

Morley reflects on the scientific principle that nothing comes from nothing, suggesting that the order in the universe implies thought. He questions whether humanity is watched by other beings and emphasizes the importance of seeking answers and maintaining a watch to gather and disseminate UFO information, rather than locking it away.

Report on Administration Meeting (January 30, 1975)

A meeting was held at Granada TV Studios, Manchester, to discuss the formation of NUFON. Key points included:

• Current Situation: The formation of UNO was outlined, with agreement on the vital importance of group independence. NUFON is intended as an intermediate step between national setups and local groups, facilitating the sharing of experience.
• Suggested Improvements: The term 'NETWORK' was chosen to better summarize aims. Proposals included better contact with official bodies and joint NUFON functions like lectures. A 24-hour call network of group investigators is also being considered.
• Committee Structure: A Governing Committee with representatives from each group was deemed essential. Face-to-face meetings with all groups were planned to foster understanding and cooperation.
• NUFON Files: Concerns were raised about files held by Mr. Rees, which groups had sent in good faith. A letter would be sent to Mr. Rees requesting copies of these reports.
• The Magazine: Expanding the newsletter to open sale was considered but not an immediate aim. It will serve to provide up-to-date information on group activities and local news. MUFON will also publish research work freely.

Analysis of Group Activities

Based on returned forms, group formation dates range from 1958 to the early 1970s. Group aims largely follow BUFOFA's, with an emphasis on investigating reports. Membership averages 15-20, with Wirral being a notable exception with 84 members. Age ranges are generally 16-65, with Scunthorpe being an exception (20-30). Over 800 sightings have been reported in total by the groups. Meetings are frequent, with BUFORA Yorks and DIGAP having specific dates. Skywatches are infrequent, with WUFOS being a main contributor. Opinions on UFOs vary, from skepticism to acceptance of 'Extra Terrestrial vehicles'.

Pete Warrington of MUFORA: A Message

Warrington stresses the importance of professionalism and thorough knowledge in ufology, warning that amateurish or poorly researched work can damage the subject's credibility. He highlights the historical competition among UFO organizations in the Greater Manchester area and suggests that a single, well-organized group with wide contacts and resources would be more effective. He proposes an expansion of an existing group to achieve this. Warrington and Jeff Porter will offer a 24-hour, 7-day response capability for UFO cases.

Investigation Section

This section details several recent UFO reports:

• REPORT 182 (Rochdale Sighting): A cooperative witness was found, describing a fluorescent white ball that elongated into a tube shape and faded.
• ROSSENDALE UFO PROCESSION: A further witness described a 'sausage' shaped object with bright white lights, moving steadily.
• REPORT 7460 (November 24, 1974): A Viscount aircraft was noted near Ringway Airport, but its flight path was to the NE, while witnesses agreed on a NW path for the objects.
• REPORT 7338 (January 5, 1973): A labourer reported a domed disc that descended, hovered, and then shot upwards.
• REPORT 7453/7454 (November 1974): Two teenagers saw a red light attached to a cigar-shaped object hovering over a church, which then moved to woods and descended.

Reports from Oldham Area

• REPORT 7501 (January 5, 1975): Children witnessed a bright object moving N-S, possibly humming, with a flickering outer light.
• REPORT 7502 (January 14, 1975): Children saw an object hover, rotate, and move to and fro before ascending, making no noise.
• REPORT 7503 (January 10, 1975): A couple saw a non-distinct light object with colored lines traverse low across the sky.
• REPORT 7504 (January 16, 1975): Two boys saw a silver domed object with a light, the size of a car, hovering at about 150 feet.

The Oldham Evening Chronicle showed interest in these reports, but a 'weather balloon' explanation was offered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the importance of organization, cooperation, and professionalism within the ufology community. The formation of NUFON signifies a move towards a more unified and structured approach to UFO investigation in the UK. There is a clear focus on reporting and investigating sightings, with an underlying belief in the significance of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation, sharing information, and maintaining a credible public image for ufology. The criticism of 'Skywatch' suggests a desire for more rigorous and scientific approaches to the subject.