Northern UFO News - No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: NUFON NEWS
Issue: 12
Volume/Date: April 1975
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial: 'An Important message to UFO groups'

The editorial section, titled 'An Important message to UFO groups', questions the viability of a national association for UFO groups, expressing a belief that independence and geographically linked liaison structures are more effective. The editor notes BUFORA's historical failure to unite local groups and suggests that while cooperation is valuable, BUFORA's approach, including charging for report forms and affiliation fees, is seen as dictatorial and insufficient.

The editorial then addresses a new initiative called 'CUPID' by SCAN (Bournemouth), WATSUP (Wessex), and NUFOIS (Nottingham). NUFON expresses surprise and disappointment that no direct communication was received about this proposal, and that no northern groups were invited to their planning meeting. Furthermore, NUFOIS, located within the NUFON region, had previously declined cooperation with NUFON due to perceived high fees (which NUFON states were non-existent) and had not responded to attempts to persuade them. SCAN and WATSUP have also been contacted, sent free newsletters, and offered information exchange, but have not responded.

The editorial politely points out that NUFON is a well-organized group north of Birmingham and that while they are not upset by being overlooked, they offered assistance and suggestions. The lack of response to these offers is highlighted. The editorial concludes by arguing against a single national 'super group' based on these points, emphasizing that NUFON will not affiliate to BUFORA, and therefore, its members are not obligated to do so directly.

In the Post

Under the heading 'IN THE POST', a brief note from 'APEN NORTH' dated March 16th mentions a slight change in orders necessitating a delay in releasing their North Wales preliminary report. They state they must first contact certain 'UNO member groups' directly before proceeding. The author of this section expresses skepticism, humorously noting, "Ho. Hum This is rather beginning to send me to sleep." They ask readers to inform them if they hear from APEN.

BUFORA & NUFON::

This section addresses concerns that NUFON is becoming too 'BUFORA orientated' and might appear to be 'taken over'. The author acknowledges these feelings are important as NUFON is essentially its members. While conscious efforts have been made to prevent NUFON from aligning too closely with BUFORA, BUFORA has been made aware of this mood and told that their own actions regarding group liaison schemes are partly to blame. It is emphasized that BUFORA is not the only association and NUFON's independence is important, though mutual cooperation is valued.

Two positive outcomes of cooperation are mentioned: NUFON group news appearing in a national journal and the implementation of a tape library. The author encourages readers to share their views, as these will guide NUFON's actions. The section also paraphrases comments SUFORS made to BUFORA regarding their circular to non-affiliated groups. These comments welcomed BUFORA's attempts to modernize but criticized the proposal of 'selling' report forms and taking copies as making groups pay for information. Printing in the journal was not seen as a privilege, and affiliation fees were deemed dictatorial. The measures were considered insufficient. SUFORS requested a reappraisal and a new circular, to which BUFORA replied that the points would be discussed but felt the criticisms were 'strong'. The author concludes that NUFON will not affiliate to BUFORA, and thus its members are not required to do so directly.

Group News

This section provides updates from various affiliated UFO groups:

• YUIG: Quiet on the sighting front, but working on a report about UFOs and animal disturbances, which NUFON hopes to publish. Contributions are requested.
• DIGAP: Invites persons to meetings at the Friends Meeting House in Central Manchester on April 11th and May 9th.
• MUFORA: Planning a late May/early June mini-conference. Norman Oliver will be available, and Pete Warrington is seeking groups willing to provide displays or short talks.
• RIGAP: Now known as the ROSSENDALE INVESTIGATION GROUP on AERIAL PHENOMENA. They suggest groups pool ideas, a reference officer could copy clippings for project work, and investigators carry cut-out discs to help witnesses judge sizes more accurately.
• WUFOS: Wishes to coordinate publicity week and seeks groups interested in exchanging newsletters for their 'Skylink' publication.
• Yorks (BUFORA): Mentioned as being interviewed by the 'York Post' for a feature article on UFOs.

Booklist Additions - March 1975

A list of new books available, including:

• Escape to Inner Earth
• Inforespace
• Lumiers Dans Ia Nuit
• Bermuda Triangle
• Extraterrestrial visitation
• Les Extra-terrestres
• Ufology, New Insights
• UFO Book list
• SUFORS Special Report

Contact details are provided for suppliers (Wirral UFO Society and NUFON suppliers).

NUFON FILM:

This section discusses a proposal for a documentary film about Ufology, based on an idea by Nigel Watson. The film aims to present a fair image of Ufology, emphasizing local group work and coordination through NUFON and national associations. It would cover various aspects of group work, such as investigation techniques and research schemes, to demonstrate that Ufology is a serious subject, not just a social club. The goal is to show coordinated group work and potentially illustrate the official attitude towards the subject. A planning committee is needed to develop the details, with Nigel Watson suggested to chair it. The section notes that NUFON will freely print circulars related to this project.

Investigation Section

This section details several UFO sighting investigations:

• May 1970, Prescot: A report from a man and his wife about a round, fuzzy ball of light observed for 20 minutes, moving slowly.
• November 15 1973, Prescot: A sighting of a Disc with rotating lights, travelling at low speed with a vapour trail and light reflection.
• October 1974, Salford: A large, round object was seen moving low over a park and heading west.
• May 1970, Prescot: An observation of a yellow oval object that moved faster than an aircraft, hovered, and then faded.
• March 16 1975, Oulton Park: A report of a series of sightings described as white lights, with a natural explanation found by police.
• March 18 1975, Clarksfield, Oldham: A sighting of an orange-white light that enlarged and then vanished.

Around the Groups: 2) Scunthorpe UFO Society

This section profiles the Scunthorpe UFO Society (SUFORS), one of the original constituents of NUFON (then UNO). Formed in May 1972, SUFORS holds weekly meetings and focuses on various mysteries in the Lincs area, not just UFO reports. Nigel Watson, the Chairman, is highlighted for his work on UFOs and Folklore. SUFORS has produced a report on 'positive sightings' and held lectures. Nigel Watson has also been appointed BUFORA RIC for the AF region, which is seen as an asset to both BUFORA and NUFON, widening the search network. SUFORS's open attitude is praised.

Viewpoint & Games with ALAN (Mike Dean)

Mike Dean discusses the 'APEN' phenomenon, which he describes as a 'puzzler'. He analyzes audio tapes, suggesting that 'APEN' might consist of only three people. He notes the slow American speech, the phrase "This is APEN Central Control - nothing else," and the presence of two Americans, one of whom is the 'APEN Southern Controller' and the other the 'Central Controller's Personal Secretary'. The 'Northern Controller' is also mentioned. Dean questions the claim of membership by 'invite only' and notes the use of Nazism-related music and military-like organization. He challenges APEN to provide an address to prove their existence, suggesting it might be a hoax. Dean hopes that NUFON will not get overly involved in speculation about APEN, as it might be a distraction from more important matters.

Editor

The editor notes receiving a reply from FSR after four months, stating they lack space to publish regular information from northern Britain supplied by NUFON, but will try to include something.

Contents

The contents page lists: Letters, Editorial, Group News, General News, Centre Spread News Item & Maps, Sighting News (MUFORA, BUFORA, NAPRA & WUFOS), Mike Dean APEN, and a Profile on SUFORS.

Descriptions

This section mentions that many people have renewed subscriptions, but some have not. The deadline was extended for this issue, and no further issues can be sent until the yearly rate is renewed. Subscription rates are listed.

Special Issues

The booklist is in short supply, and postal increases have necessitated a price adjustment. The current price is 10p.

New Release: (Limited issue) SUFORS SPECIAL REPORT

This report contains an essay on UFOs & Folklore and an analysis of research into the Sociology of SUFORS area reports, priced at 20p.

National Publicity Week

WUFOS is coordinating a national publicity week. Groups will be asked to contact local and national press, TV, and radio. A rough outline for a press release will be published next month. Ideas can be sent to Ken Green.

Tape Library Scheme

An arrangement has been made with DUFORA to secure cassette tape copies of their London lectures. A lending scheme is proposed, with a charge of 20p per loan to cover cassette costs. Groups could loan tapes for a maximum of two weeks, with a limit of two lectures per loan. The possibility of adding new tapes is mentioned.

NAPRA REPORT: 7008

This report includes a drawing of a UFO with 'REFLECTION', 'LIGHTS', and 'TRAIL' labeled.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of organizing and cooperating within the UFO community, particularly the tension between independent groups like NUFON and larger, more established organizations like BUFORA. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of group independence and direct communication, expressing skepticism towards centralized, top-down initiatives like CUPID. There is a strong emphasis on practical investigation and sharing information among groups, as evidenced by the 'Investigation Section' and the 'Group News' updates. The issue also highlights the importance of publicity and the potential of a documentary film to present Ufology seriously. The overall tone suggests a pragmatic and somewhat critical approach to UFO group dynamics, prioritizing member input and transparency.