Northern UFO News - No 115

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 115
Date: SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 1985
Publisher: NUFON... UFO RESEARCH NORTH
Editor: JENNY RANDLES

This issue of Northern UFO News, a publication of NUFON (UFO Research North), presents a blend of theoretical exploration, case studies, and commentary on ufology. The cover, designed by Bill Callaghan, features a dramatic illustration of a flying saucer over a desolate landscape. The main headline teases an article on 'the species field hypothesis'.

Theoretical Explorations: Mind, Consciousness, and UFOs

J.R. Comments: Beyond Explanation?

Editor Jenny Randles begins by discussing her latest book, 'Beyond Explanation?', which explores 'psychic phenomena' and mind-matter interactions. She introduces the concept of two fundamental parallel realities: N.R.M. (Normal Reality Mode) of matter, body, and brain, and S.R.M. (Synchronistic Reality Mode) of consciousness and mind. Randles posits that at the SRM level, information can be accessed from anywhere and anywhen, but the brain, acting as a 'doorman,' filters this information into a watered-down version for conscious experience. This 'doorman' mechanism is crucial for understanding phenomena like precognition and, she argues, 'alien contacts'.

Randles elaborates on Dr. Rupert Sheldrake's insights into 'species fields' (SF), suggesting that human minds form collective fields from which data is tapped. She proposes that UFO encounters, particularly close encounters, are 'apparitional dramas' projected by the 'doorman' using the 'Oz Factor' – a state of altered consciousness characterized by vanished sounds, a feeling of being in two worlds, and timelessness. This input is drawn from the SF, cosmic information, or even future technology. Randles also touches upon 'cultural tracking,' where UFO appearances conform to contemporary concepts, citing Rodney Jones. She highlights Kate Bush's album 'The Ninth Wave' as an example of using the species field for SRM data extraction.

News and Case Round-ups

News Round-up

This section provides brief updates on the ufology scene. Jim Goddard, co-author of 'Skyways and Landmarks Revisited,' is mentioned, with the book arguing that earth mysteries movements were caused by communication from space-people. Clive Potter reports the demise of UFO Research Midlands but the establishment of a new Leicester UFO Investigation Centre, affiliated with NUFON. The Ley Hunter magazine has a new address and is developing as an earth mysteries centre.

Media Matters: A look at UFOs in the public eye

This article critiques the media's handling of UFO topics. It discusses reactions to Ian Ridpath's review of a book on UFOs in 'New Scientist,' which the author found dismissive and lacking in evidence. The Guardian's review is noted as fairer. The piece highlights several international UFO sightings reported in the British press, including a chase by two Zimbabwe Air Force jets, a Chinese Jumbo encounter, and sightings over the Adriatic and in Sweden. It also mentions an encounter witnessed by Argentine journalists and notes the lack of UK aircraft encounters making the press. The author expresses concern about the media's inconsistent coverage and the potential for misinterpretation.

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

This section briefly lists ongoing investigations and sightings:

• A check of NUFON files for UFO sightings around October 21, 1978, revealed cases on October 18 and 23, potentially linked to anomalous readings at the Dragon Project site.
• Clive Potter reports on a 1843 newspaper account of an 'aerial machine' seen over Leicester, suggesting it might be an early example of 'cultural tracking' in UFO interpretation.
• A summary of collected cases for a 'UFOs over Scotland' book project by a Scottish police officer is announced, with the first case being a Perth apprentice's sighting of a daylight disc.

Case Files: Detailed Sightings

This issue features numerous detailed case reports from various UK regions, cataloged by organization (MUFORA, WYUFORG, WAPIT) and case number:

• Case 79-161 (Winter 1979, Bradley, Clwyd): Seven boys reported a 'golden aeroplane' near the moon, described as a golden-yellow, flat, round object with red lights.
• Case 8093 (1980, Tong, West Yorkshire): A bright white steady light was observed descending and moving towards Leeds.
• Case 8257 (Early 1982, Bramley, Leeds): Mrs. W reported a crucifix-shaped object of white lights, possibly an atmospheric effect.
• Case 8512 (August 3, 1985, Meir Heath, Staffs): A retired man reported a tiny star-like light moving at high speed, which he was persuaded was a meteor.
• Case 8513 (August 14, 1985, Chester, Cheshire): A woman described a dim, orange-yellow, planet-shaped light tracking across the sky.
• Case 8514 (August 25, 1985, Worsley Mesnes, Lancs): Three witnesses saw an orange and oval 'fireball' that was silent.
• Case 8515 (September 3, 1985, Haigh Hall, Lancs): Three witnesses observed a silver daylight disc with a dark underside.
• Case 75-162 (July 14, 1975, Ullswater, Cumbria): Seven witnesses reported a white sphere with a bluish middle that floated over the lake and disappeared.
• PW (Gateshead): Three experiences are detailed, including sightings of white lights milling about and zigzagging white lights.
• Case 8510 (July 9, 1985, Nelson, Lancs): Mrs. CH observed a mass of lights traversing the sky, pulsing various colors.
• Case 8511 (July 9, 1985, Aspley, Notts): Witness RS reported a silvery white, round UFO hovering near his house.

Books of the Moment

Circles of Silence by Don Robins is reviewed as a comprehensive and accessible book on earth mysteries, discussing magnetic and radiation anomalies at stone circles.

A Secret Property by Ralph Noyes is discussed in detail. The reviewer notes Noyes's background in the MoD's UFO department and his involvement in the Rendlesham case. The novel is presented as potentially having a deeper 'alternate hypothesis' beyond its surface plot, with the reviewer cautiously analyzing its implications without making definitive claims.

The Peter Day Film - Solved?

This extensive article re-examines the famous Peter Day film from January 11, 1973. Initially considered a classic UFO case, the investigation by SCUFORI suggests the object may have been a crashed F-111 aircraft from USAF Upper Heyford. The article details the F-111's crash and the evidence supporting this theory, including timing and trajectory. However, it also presents counterarguments from other witnesses and investigators who maintain the object's characteristics (shape, silence, rotation) do not match an F-111. The case remains a subject of debate.

A New Photographic Case: MUFORA Investigation

This section analyzes a photograph taken by witness JS near Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness. While initial prints showed a 'disc' shape, image intensifier analysis suggested the object might be a jet plane, possibly a Harrier, engaged in test flights over the area. The conclusion is that the case appears to be identified.

Final Words

This section contains several brief announcements:

• Sad news regarding the serious illness of Coral Lorenzon and the collapse of Allan Hynek due to a brain tumour.
• An upcoming seminar on ESP & UFOs at Manchester University on December 14-15.
• Bill Gibbons's expedition to the Congo to hunt for the 'Mokele-mbembe' dinosaur.
• A call for offers for a new home for the NUFON files.
• A calendar of upcoming events, including meetings and lectures by MUFON, BUFORA, and NIC.
• A directory of UFO Research North / MUFON regional groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with consciousness, psychology, and theoretical physics, particularly through Jenny Randles's evolving ideas on mind-matter interactions and the 'species field' hypothesis. There is a strong emphasis on detailed case analysis, often involving multiple witnesses and investigative techniques. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, critically examining evidence while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the potential for misidentification or natural explanations. The magazine also highlights the challenges of media representation and the importance of rigorous investigation within the ufology community. A recurring theme is the idea that UFOs may not be extraterrestrial craft but rather manifestations of consciousness or unknown natural phenomena, often influenced by cultural context. The publication champions the work of researchers and groups dedicated to exploring these complex subjects.