NORTHERN UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

Northern UFO News, Issue 122 (November-December 1986)

This issue of Northern UFO News, edited by Jenny Randles, focuses on UFO sightings, case investigations, and the ongoing debates within the ufology community. The cover art, designed by Bill Callaghan, depicts a figure reaching towards a UFO with the caption "...and called out 'Welcome to our world!'". The magazine is published by NUPON and offers a subscription rate of £5.40 for six issues in 1987.

Editor's Comments: The Cracoe Fell Affair and Open Debate

Jenny Randles addresses the reaction to Nigel Mortimer's comments on the Cracoe Fell photographs, clarifying that her intention was to foster open debate, not to provoke acrimony. She emphasizes the importance of honest discussion and self-policing within ufology, stating that "Our subject stands or falls by honest debate of our evidence." Randles defends the right of anyone to comment on cases, regardless of their affiliation, and criticizes secrecy in government circles. She supports the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group's (WYUFORG) decision to release information about the Cracoe Fell case, viewing it as an effort to expedite fair debate rather than a scandal.

News Round-Up

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

• APEN Affair: Articles in "The Unknown" led to a lawsuit warning and a curious request for material from an individual claiming to be from the organization.
• Aetherius Society: Articles in "The Unknown" generated significant publicity for the Aetherius Society, with their European Secretary thanking the publication.
• Computer Project: An Amstrad 464-based computer project is underway to record CEIII cases, seeking assistance.
• Arcturus Books Catalogue: A new catalogue from Arcturus Books offers titles related to the Patrick Moore/Cedric Allingham affair and the Condon report.
• BUFORA Venture: BUFORA is offering photocopies of selected articles from magazines in a new venture.
• ASSAP Diary: The 1987 "Paranormal Research Diary" is available.
• Book of the Moment: "Cat Flaps!" by Andy Roberts is reviewed, discussing sightings of big cats in Britain and relating it to the concept of misperception relevant to UFO study.

Case Histories and Investigations

The magazine features several detailed case histories:

• MUFORA Case 76-101 (Aldingham, Cumbria): A sighting of an orange light surrounded by a hazy glow, which later split into three objects.
• Ernie Still Case 76-175 (Rushden, Northants): A disc of light was seen hovering over golf links, flashing green and white.
• MUFORA Case 76-176 (Atherton, Greater Manchester): A golden ball shape with a halo was observed rising into clouds.
• Ernie Still Case 77-341 (Kettering, Northants): Three boys saw white and red spheres, and mysterious marks were found in a nearby field.
• MUFORA Case 79-171 (Beeston, Leeds, W. Yorks): A significant night of UFO sightings across the north-west, with associated incidents.
• Clive Potter Case 79-172 (Redditch, Worcestershire): A silvery sphere, described as a ball-bearing, was seen hovering outside a bedroom window.
• Ernie Still Case 8423 (Kettering, Northants): A grey/black cigar-shaped object was seen, later identified as a Boeing 737.
• Clive Potter Case 8539 (Harborne, Birmingham): An oval, silvery object was observed drifting and spinning, identified as a toy balloon.
• MUFORA Case 8617 (Bolton, Gtr Manchester): A white elongated shape was observed moving and disappearing.
• MUFORA Report by Jenny Randles (Hankerton, Wiltshire): A red point of light with sparks was seen, followed by drifting lights.
• Case 8618 (Bulwell, Notts): A star-like UFO and a pie-shaped red object were seen.
• Case 8619 (Liverpool): A bright white light was seen heading west, later identified as an aircraft.
• Case 8620 (Chester-Le-Street, Durham): A clear disc shape with no wings was observed, later identified as a Boeing 737.
• The Case of the Reluctant Botanist (AP): A chartered surveyor recounts several sightings from 1935 to 1981, including a reddish object, a white light, and a flashing dark globe.
• Visitors from the Third Solar System (Lowton, Lancashire): A young man reports seeing two figures in suits and a glowing object, with subsequent encounters with MIBs and an RAF officer.

Media Matters

This section reviews media coverage of UFOs:

• Press Cuttings: Press cuttings for 1986 are lower than in previous years, with only seven reported for November.
• The Cambrian News: Reported on "Mysterious Lights in the Sky" and ran a competition for the best case.
• New Scientist: Reviewed "The UFO World '86", with a skeptical tone.
• Yorkshire Evening Post: Covered a "close encounter" involving a football team and a UFO sighting.
• SHE Magazine: Announced upcoming features on ESP and Peter Hough.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the importance of open and honest debate in ufology, the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings across the UK, and the critical analysis of witness testimony. Jenny Randles consistently advocates for a rational and evidence-based approach, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of some experiences. The magazine aims to provide a platform for researchers and witnesses to share their findings and engage in constructive discussion, emphasizing that the subject's credibility relies on its ability to withstand scrutiny and debate.

Competitions and Events

• Christmas Competition: Readers are invited to identify ten 'paranormal researchers' based on descriptions.
• Subscription Offer: A discount is offered for early renewals, with a chance to win a free subscription.
• Fourth International Congress: Dates and venue announced for July 10-12, 1987, at The London Business School.
• Calendar: Upcoming BUFORA lectures and events are listed for January, February, and March 1987.
• Regional Groups: A list of NUFON regional groups across the UK is provided.