NORTHERN UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 117
Date: January - February 1986
Publisher: NUFON...UFO RESEARCH NORTH
Editor: Jenny Randles

This issue of Northern UFO News, published by NUFON (UFO Research North), focuses on a range of UFO-related topics, with a strong emphasis on investigative journalism and critical analysis of prominent cases and media coverage. The cover highlights several key features, including an in-depth look at the Rendlesham Forest incident, UFOs over Wales, physical trace evidence, and a Lancashire Gun Siege case. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious UFO research and discussion, often challenging conventional explanations and media portrayals.

Rendlesham Forest: The Editor's Final Word

The lead article by Jenny Randles offers a strong critique of the Rendlesham Forest incident, dismissing explanations such as Ian Ridpath's 'lighthouse' theory and Steuart Campbell's 'Shipwash' lightship. Randles argues that the case has been deliberately obscured by authorities, who exploited the public's fascination with alien spaceships to hide the true nature of the event, possibly a military or psychological warfare test. She criticizes ufologists and media outlets for contributing to the confusion and calls for a focus on more verifiable UFO cases.

UFOs Over Wales

Margaret Fry contributes a piece on UFO sightings in North Wales, an area described as remote, wild, and beautiful. The article details several incidents from 1979, including a 'beehive' object observed over Brenig Forest and a spectacular sighting of two low-flying solid objects chasing each other near Denbigh. Fry also recounts a personal experience of an eerie light reflecting through a window in Llansamnan. The piece touches on the potential for misidentification with astronomical objects or military aircraft, but highlights the unusual nature of the reported phenomena.

Case Histories and Investigations

The magazine features several detailed case histories:

• Physical Traces in Birmingham: Reports of strange triangular footprints and discolored grass in a park, investigated by LUFOIC and EUFORA. While initially mysterious, analysis suggested frost as a likely cause, with a note of caution against jumping to UFO conclusions.
• Bedroom Visitor Encounter (Felling, Tyne & Wear): A witness describes a terrifying encounter involving a buzzing noise and a glowing hand, with possible links to other CE4 cases in the area.
• Meanwood, West Yorks Sighting: A childhood sighting of a ball of light over a hill is recounted, with potential links to a famous landing case in the same area.
• Holmfirth, W. Yorks Sighting: A report of three stationary lights over a reservoir, with a witness expressing skepticism about UFO explanations.
• Chadderton, Gtr M/cr Sighting: A witness describes a stationary, bright silvery object that rapidly disappeared.
• Beacon Hill, Leics Sighting: Eight witnesses observed bright red, 'see-through' lights on the ground, possibly a 'spooklight' or a lightplane.
• Ashton, Wigan Sighting: A witness and his wife saw a white oval object following their car.
• Huyton, Merseyside Sighting: A bright orange fireball meteor was observed.
• Photographed UFO at Sea: A sunset photograph taken at Blackpool appears to show a hat-shaped UFO, but analysis suggests it was an emulsion fault.
• Repeater Entity Sighting (Ewloe, Clwyd): A case involving a silver-suited entity is discussed, with concerns about potential contamination from reading other UFO literature.

Media Matters and Editorial Stance

Jenny Randles critiques media coverage of UFOs, particularly the sensationalism surrounding the 'El-Legions' (Michael and Aurora El-Legion), who claimed to be aliens from Phoenix. She criticizes their charging for seminars and their appearance on television, contrasting it with serious ufological efforts. Randles also notes the BBC's scheduling of a documentary on Rendlesham Forest, which she implies was timed to coincide with other media attention. She expresses frustration with the media's tendency to sensationalize or dismiss UFO phenomena and highlights the challenges faced by genuine researchers.

NUFON Files and Regional Groups

The issue announces that the NUFON files will be housed at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Manchester University. It also lists the various regional groups affiliated with UFO Research North (NUFON), including SCUFON (Scotland), SDPRG (N.East), NLUFOIG (N.Lancs/Cmbra), CUFOS (Mid Lancs), WAPIT (S.Lancs), MUFORA (G/Mo, Cheshire), WYUFORG (N&W Yorks), SSPR (S.Yorks), SUFORS (Humber), and LUFOIC (Leics), along with their contact details.

Books of the Moment

Reviews are provided for several books:

• Spooklights by David Clarke & Granville Oldroyd: Praised as a comprehensive study of strange balls-of-light phenomena, with a focus on the Burton Dassett hills.
• Desert Center George Adamaki by Marc Halet: A glossy French book on the contactee George Adamski, noted for its photos and analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of prominent UFO cases, particularly Rendlesham Forest, and a skepticism towards sensationalized media portrayals and simplistic explanations. Jenny Randles consistently advocates for rigorous investigation, a distinction between genuine UFO phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes, and a critical approach to the 'alien spaceship' narrative. The editorial stance is one of informed skepticism, emphasizing the need for evidence-based research and a clear understanding of the social and psychological factors influencing UFO beliefs.