Northern UFO News - No 112

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: Number 112
Date: MAR / APR 1985
Publisher: NUFON (Northern UFO News)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Northern UFO News delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring detailed case studies, investigative reports, and updates on ongoing research projects. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious investigation and discussion within the UFO community.

JR Comments: The BUFORA National Investigations Committee (NIC)

Jenny Randles introduces the BUFORA National Investigations Committee (NIC), a body formed to consolidate and professionalize UFO investigations in the UK. The NIC evolved from the earlier UFOIN initiative and comprises 21 Accredited Investigators (AIs) who undergo a rigorous process to gain and retain their status. The committee operates with significant autonomy, reporting to the BUFORA council but free to manage its own investigations. The focus is on quality of investigation, with a preference for in-depth study of high strangeness cases over a broad, superficial approach. The NIC utilizes a computer database and consults with experts in various fields. The article encourages northern investigators to join BUFORA to participate in the NIC and benefit from its resources, including access to case files, lectures, and a press cutting agency.

The NIC holds open meetings, welcoming local groups and independent investigators, though only AIs have voting rights. The next NIC meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 4 May 1985, in Central London.

News Round-Up

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related news and research:

• Appletreewick Photo: WUFORG disputes the explanation that a photo shows a balloon, suggesting further research is needed.
• Harry Harris Report: The report on the Appletreewick case is criticized as valueless and potentially a scam.
• John Tretter Book Catalogue: A catalogue of 676 UFO-related books is announced.
• Obituaries: The passing of Kenneth Arnold (original witness) and Gray Barker (MIB researcher) is noted with reflections on their contributions to ufology.

Major Articles Elsewhere

This section lists other UFO publications and articles of interest:

• SPECTRUM 2: A publication from NLUFOIG featuring articles on Carl Jung and UFOs, and new physics for ufology.
• BUFORA Jan/Feb: Includes articles on the 'UFos come from the sun' theory, UFO/PSI interface, and natural UAPs.
• ANOMALY '85: A replacement for 'Common Ground', featuring field investigations into anomalies and research into Earthlights.
• QUEST Jan/Feb: Covers Yorkshire cases, RPV research, and 'exploding' UFO cases.
• FATE March: Features research on the 'birth trauma' hypothesis for abduction cases.
• CUFOS Newsletter Jan: Includes a scientific criticism of the earthlights theory and a report on a UFO over the Seattle Boeing plant.
• MUFON JOURNAL 201: Features an interview with Paul Devereux, new information on the Rendlesham Forest incident, and an update on a case investigation.
• UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA: Includes articles on a possible Australian CE4, hypnagogic imagery, 'invisible force' cases, the Fatima 'miracle', and witness exaggeration of IFOs.

Book of the Moment: DREAMERS by John Grant

This review discusses John Grant's book 'Dreamers', which explores paranormal phenomena through anecdotes. While Grant attempts a rational approach, the reviewer finds the book lacking in material on lucid dreams and their relevance to UFO close encounters. The book is noted for its collection of strange and amusing tales, and its examination of precognition and telepathic dreams.

Anamnesis Update

This section details the 'Anamnesis' project, a witness-centered questionnaire aimed at testing the 'psychopath hypothesis' of Dr. Alex Keul. The project seeks to understand how psychological factors might influence UFO experiences. Initial results have not supported the psychopath hypothesis, showing no abnormal psychological profiles in witnesses. The project is ongoing, and investigators are invited to participate by contacting Ken Phillips.

Tapping the Hidden Cases: A research project by the SSPR

This report by Dr. Michele Clare presents findings from a questionnaire study on paranormal beliefs and experiences. The study suggests that a significant percentage of the British population (estimated at 4.8 million) may have had UFO sightings that go unreported. The SSPR's research indicates that only about one-twentieth of potential UFO cases are investigated, highlighting a potential public relations issue for ufology.

Media Matters: A look at UFOs in the public eye

This segment discusses recent media coverage of UFOs, including the Soviet UFO scare and a sighting over Minsk. It also touches upon the media's handling of the Appletreewick photo case and the ongoing investigation into a piece of daylight movie film. The article notes a decline in UFO sightings reported in the media and mentions a peculiar incident involving a 'black table cloth' UFO. It concludes by referencing odds offered by William Hills on UFOs gaining official recognition.

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

This section presents several brief UFO sighting reports:

• Spot the IPO: A report from MUFORA about a sighting of about 10 points of light in a V formation, followed by a bright white light.
• Case 6407 (Glasgow, Scotland): A witness reports a bright orange ball of light hovering near the ground, which then ascended and drifted away.
• Case 8412 (Staveley, Derbyshire): A 'Manta-Ray' type UFO is described, characterized by 'headlights' and a faint engine noise.
• Case 8413 (Edale, Derbyshire): A shining ball of light was observed moving down a slope, hovering, and then ascending.

Book of the Moment: DREAMERS by John Grant

(This section is a repeat of an earlier entry, providing a review of John Grant's book 'Dreamers'.)

Anamnesis Update

(This section is a repeat of an earlier entry, providing an update on the Anamnesis project.)

Tapping the Hidden Cases: A research project by the SSPR

(This section is a repeat of an earlier entry, presenting findings on unreported UFO sightings.)

Media Matters: A look at UFOs in the public eye

(This section is a repeat of an earlier entry, discussing media coverage of UFOs.)

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

• Case 6407 (Glasgow, Scotland): (Repeated from above)
• Case 8412 (Staveley, Derbyshire): (Repeated from above)
• Case 8413 (Edale, Derbyshire): (Repeated from above)

Case 8414 (Cumbernauld, Scotland)

A witness reports a 'rounded' oval object with headlights and dimmer lights. Subsequent photographs, examined by Steuart Campbell, are believed to depict sodium streetlights due to the long telephoto lens used.

Case 8415 (Kirkcaldy, Scotland)

A housewife and her husband observed a bright star-like light that tracked west, shot downwards, and then zig-zagged eastwards with a spiral motion. Steuart Campbell suggested it might have been a fireball meteor.

Case Histories: Somewhere Over The Rainbow - BUFORA field study by Ken Phillips

• Case 8330 (Northampton): Peter Rainbow reports a series of events, including a potential abduction and time-loss experience. His testimony has been consistent, and his psychological profile is normal. He recalls a potential UFO sighting while in the army and a significant sighting in August 1982.

An Abduction?

This section details Peter Rainbow's account of a time-loss experience in February 1983. His motorcycle's engine failed, and he observed a brilliant white football of light. He later discovered he had lost about an hour and a half. The location is noted for its proximity to other abduction/time-loss cases and the writer Ian Watson, author of 'Miracle Visitors'.

Lady Madona and the UFO

• Case 8408 (Blairgowrie, Scotland): Mrs. G.F. reports an encounter where a ball of light entered her, followed by a 'monster' like object. The experience is suggested to be potentially physiological/hallucinogenic due to a recent operation. Subsequent events include a helicopter appearing over the garden.

Rendlesham Forest Updates

This section lists upcoming articles and publications related to the Rendlesham Forest incident, including contributions from JR in various UFO journals.

Next Issue

Teases a story about a RAF Wing Commander encountering a UFO.

Calendar

Lists upcoming events, including a BUFORA lecture and a MUFON Conference.

NUFON

Lists various UFO research groups and their contact details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes serious, evidence-based investigation into UFO phenomena. There is a strong focus on detailed case histories, witness testimony analysis, and the scientific study of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging rigorous research while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The importance of organizations like BUFORA and its NIC in advancing ufological research is a recurring theme. The publication also highlights the challenges of public perception and media representation of UFOs.