Northern UFO News - No 116

Magazine Overview

Northern UFO News, Issue 116, November-December 1985, is a UK-based magazine focused on UFO research and related phenomena. Published by NUFON...UFO RESEARCH NORTH, this issue features a cover designed by Georgina Mills and is edited by Jenny Randles.

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

"The Uninvited" Book Series: A Hoax?

The central theme of this issue appears to be a critical examination of Frank Taylor's "The Uninvited" book series, which claims to document UFO abductions and encounters. Editor Jenny Randles expresses significant concern and suspicion regarding these books, suggesting they are likely hoaxes designed to mislead the public and capitalize on the public's interest in UFOs. Randles recounts how the publisher, Star paperbacks, has allegedly attempted to commission similar 'fact-based' UFO stories from other authors, but was refused by Clive Harold, the author of the first "Uninvited" book. This leads to the conclusion that Taylor, unlike Harold, may have readily fabricated cases, possibly by rewriting existing reports or creating entirely new ones with altered details and names to avoid verification. The magazine argues that these books, despite being marketed as 'real' non-fiction, are sold alongside fiction by authors like Stephen King, and that their success is due to their novelistic presentation rather than factual accuracy. Randles urges UFO researchers to treat books published by Star with extreme skepticism, comparing their evidential value to a 'Rupert Bear annual'.

News Round-Up

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related activities and organizations:

• Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS): Hopes to purchase a caravan for use on-site in the North Yorkshire moors, to be shared among members.
• BUFORA: Is launching a "UFO Yearbook" for 1986, intended to review worldwide UFO research, cases, and developments from the past year. It will be made available at a low cost.
• NUFON Files: The stock of NUFON files from 1974-1985 has been transferred to MUFORA. High-strangeness cases from the UFOIN files have been retained by NUFOIS, who claim they will restart the UFOIN system.
• File Location: MUFORA has arranged for NUFON files to be stored at Manchester University's Catholic Chaplaincy.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes reviews of several UFO-related books and publications:

• "The Unknown" (Nov 85): A publication featuring articles on the Scoriton Adamski 'hoax', CE4 cases, stone circle energies, and hallucinations.
• FSR 31-1: Criticized for its price increase and perceived lack of quality, though it contains a Japan photo and Argentine cases review.
• BUFORA Bulletin 19: Includes reports on IFO exposure, a review of 1985, witness reliability assessments, and a statistical review of BUFORA cases.
• ASSAP News Oct 1985: Reports on AS3AP's 'Year Four' and membership growth.
• UFO BRIGANTIA: Features articles on religious entities and CE3 cases, the Yorkshire Ripper UFO connection, and the Ken Arnold case.
• PEGASUS Sep/Oct: Welcomes back the magazine after an absence, with a focus on circle analysis and an alleged UFO witness.
• FATE (UK): Includes articles on US cases, Hilary Evans' BOLS, and alleged cattle-killing UFO incidents.
• IUR Jul/Aug: Praised for its content but criticized for its price.
• MUFON Journal Aug: Features a photo-review of the 1985 St Louis Conference.
• "UFOS OVER LANCASHIRE Vol 1" by Stephen Brown: A duplicated A4 publication reviewing UFO sightings in Lancashire, noted for its useful material but criticized for sketchy details and irrelevant photos.
• "THE BRENTFORD GRIFFIN" by Andy Collins: Highly recommended, this book investigates sightings of a 'Griffin' over Brentford and its connection to UFO phenomena, with the author's investigative technique being particularly praised.

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

This section details numerous UFO sightings and incidents, primarily from Scotland and England:

• Take the Very High Road (2): A series of cases from Scotland, including a sighting of a grey metal object with coloured lights, a cigar-shaped object observed by boys, a circular grey ball, and a formation of red lights.
• Like an Aircraft in Trouble: A case from Greatham, Cleveland, involving a loud roaring noise and a shimmering blue arc light rising from behind trees, which then disappeared. The event was witnessed by a 75-year-old man and heard by many villagers.
• WYUFORG Case 6914: A cigar-shaped object with a red-yellow glow and lights was observed stationary over Bradford.
• MUFORA Case 75-165: A bright light remained stationary above cloud level for 1.5 hours over Skelmersdale, emitting a beam and performing jerky motions, possibly explained as a bright star or autokinesis.
• MUFORA Case 77-337: Two round, transparent objects emitting light were observed moving erratically below low cloud over Cleveleys.
• UFO CHASED BY RAF JET?: A witness claimed a RAF jet chased a UFO over Blackpool, which then accelerated and vanished. MUFORA concluded the case offered no evidence of a UFO and suggested a possible explanation involving a jet and a contrail.
• MUFORA Case 79-162: A hazy orange egg shape was observed moving in a zig-zag fashion across the sky over Blackpool.
• Three lights in the sky: Cases from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, involving white star-like lights and a formation of three lights.
• SDPRG Case 8518: A witness reported a loud roaring noise and a shimmering blue arc light over Greatham, Cleveland.
• WAPIT Case 8519: A circular object, the size of a dinner plate, moved towards Burnley over Accrington.
• WAPIT Case 8521: A brilliant white light appeared and glided silently over Pendle Hill.
• SDPRG Case 8520: A bright silvery glow was observed hovering above woodland near Hartlepool.

Media Matters

This section discusses UFOs in the public eye:

• UFO sightings: Generally low, but cuttings have picked up since September 1985. A report in the Sunday Mirror about the McMurray family's sighting of a disc-like UFO and subsequent physiological effects is mentioned, with BUFORA having investigated the case.
• "Britain's only UFO" landed in Derbyshire: This turned out to be a fairground ride.
• Helicopter mistaken for UFO: A local police report of a UFO over Dunoon Grammar School was later identified as a helicopter.
• New Scientist "Ridpath review row": The magazine is in correspondence with New Scientist regarding a review of "Science and the UFOs", challenging the reviewer to present evidence publicly.
• Ball lightning: An article in New Scientist about Dutch attempts at cheap fusion power using artificial ball lightning is mentioned.
• Alien publicity stunts: The press has featured numerous pictures of 'aliens' in publicity stunts for books like "Battlefield Earth".
• "Are you living next to an alien?" article: This Brighton Argus article discusses individuals claiming to be alien visitors.

CAR CHASE LEADS TO NEW UFO GROUP

This article details the experience of Mrs Hazel Shanley, who reported a UFO sighting on August 29, 1985, which she claims followed her car for two hours. This event led her to contact various UFO groups and consider starting a new group and journal. The article also mentions a disturbing call received by Jenny Randles from a man claiming to be a member of this new group, who expressed fear of being drugged and held in a mental hospital.

THE NORTH WALES LANDING

This section reports on a CE1 landing that occurred in Llangernyw, Clwyd, on April 14, 1984. Margaret Fry, a UFO researcher who recently moved to the area, compiled the report. The incident involved orange balls of fire seen descending, followed by significant military activity, including a helicopter and soldiers searching the area. The article notes the high strangeness of cases during this period and suggests potential periodicities in UFO waves.

AIRCRAFT STRUCK BY "UFO" OVER RENDLESHAM FOREST!

This article investigates an incident where a Britten Norman Trislander cargo flight reportedly struck something over Rendlesham Forest on November 24, 1984. The aircraft sustained damage, including holes in the fuselage and a bent propeller, with foreign objects found embedded. While an Accident Investigation Bureau report speculated about 'space junk or military objects', the magazine suggests a possible UFO connection, especially given the unexplained nature of the debris and the lack of conventional explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly the distinction between genuine sightings and potential hoaxes or misidentifications. The magazine expresses a strong stance against sensationalism and unverified claims, advocating for rigorous research and evidence-based conclusions. There is a clear emphasis on debunking fraudulent cases, such as the "Uninvited" books, while still acknowledging the interest and importance of unexplained events. The magazine also highlights the activities of various UFO research groups and publications, fostering a sense of community among its readers. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism, urging readers to be discerning about the information they encounter in the UFO field.