Northern UFO News - No 123

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: JAN - FEB 1987
Publisher: N UFO N
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated January-February 1987, features a cover design by Albert Budden depicting a winged, haloed figure. The magazine is edited by Jenny Randles and published by 'N UFO N'. It includes a variety of articles, case histories, and news updates related to UFO phenomena.

Editorial: J.R. Comments

The editorial section, written by J.R. (Jenny Randles), addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding the 'Cracoe' case. J.R. expresses disappointment with the personal attacks and what she perceives as unprofessional behavior from the group YUFOS towards WYUFORG and herself. She argues that if WYUFORG has evidence that challenges the Cracoe photographs, YUFOS should address it rationally rather than resorting to abuse. J.R. criticizes YUFOS for selling case reports while allegedly withholding crucial evidence, including a supposedly better photograph. She also points out the hypocrisy in YUFOS dismissing her as a 'ghost hunter' while promoting ghost-related books in their own publications, and highlights an instance where YUFOS allegedly used a plagiarized cartoon in their publication 'Quest'. J.R. urges YUFOS to cease the mud-slinging and publish all facts to allow the UFO community to form their own conclusions, suggesting that their current actions only serve to draw attention to a 'raw nerve'.

Contents

The issue includes usual features, plus articles on the Cracoe case, 'Bedroom Visitor CE4s' by Ray Broderick, media coverage of the Alaska jet intercept, North Wales cases by Margaret Fry, various sightings from different UK counties, case histories including a 'Phantom Photo' from South Wales and a 'Mystery Copter' case from Cheshire, and an update on the 1987 BUFORA Congress.

Articles and Case Histories

More on Cracoe (Pages 2-3): This section delves deeper into the Cracoe case controversy, with the editor criticizing YUFOS's handling of the situation and their public relations tactics.

Ray Broderiok on Bedroom Visitor CE4s (Pages 4-5): This article explores the phenomenon of 'bedroom visitors' (CE4 cases), distinguishing between imagined experiences and those that occur when unprepared. Broderiok suggests that children's fears are often planted by adults and that the lack of control in these encounters indicates a higher intelligence at play. He also touches upon a perceived 'sickness' in humanity characterized by conflict and destruction.

Media Matters (Page 4): This section discusses recent media coverage of UFO encounters, including the Alaska jet intercept reported by Captain Kenju Terauchi of Japan Airlines. The incident involved a UFO following a 747 cargo jet, with ground radar confirming its proximity. The article also mentions a similar sighting by Terauchi on January 11th and speculates about ice crystals. It notes that Japan Airlines pilots frequently report UFOs.

Sightings from Various Counties (Pages 9-12): This segment presents numerous UFO sightings reported across Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cleveland, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Shetland, Scotland, and Wales. These include descriptions of lights, conical objects, dome-shaped craft, and unusual aerial phenomena.

• Case Histories (Pages 13-15):
• Phantom Photo from S. Wales: The case of Mrs AL, who took a photograph in Wales that appeared to show a UFO. Despite investigation by various entities, including the MoD and BUFORA, the object was eventually identified by MUFORA as a bird, possibly a seagull, frozen in flight. The article details the extensive process of evaluation and the various opinions offered.
• A new 'Mystery Copter' case from Cheshire: This section details a sighting by RII near Oakgrove, Cheshire, on December 29, 1980. RII described a reddish, dome-shaped object hovering low, which then moved off slowly, revealing a rectangular shape filled with lights. The object was estimated to be 80 feet across and 10 feet deep. MUFORA considered an aircraft theory but noted similarities to other cases and the witness's certainty.

Update on the 1987 BUFORA Congress (Page 9): Information is provided about the upcoming Fourth International Congress, scheduled for July 10-12, 1987, in London. It highlights presentations and representations from ufologists worldwide, with limited places available. The cost is £10 per day or £25 for three days, with an additional charge for a gala dinner.

• Books of the Moment (Page 3):
• TONY WEDD: New Age Pioneer by Philip Heselton: A review of this book, which details the life and work of Tony Wedd, a figure in earth mysteries research and UFOs.
• SKY MAP MANUAL by Ronny Blomme: A review of a program designed to help UFO investigators identify stellar objects and potential IFOs (Identified Flying Objects).

For Your Perusal (Page 3): A section reviewing other UFO publications, including 'Beyond Science', 'Exploring the Supernatural', 'The Unknown', 'Fortean Times', 'Earth', 'Maonia', and 'UFO Phenomenon'.

• Brief Cases (Pages 5-8): This section presents several shorter UFO reports and investigations:
• A report from John, who experienced multiple sightings in Wales, including a bright object in 1941 and a cylindrical object in 1973.
• MUFORA Case 5914: A sighting near Chester in August 1959 of an object identified as a high-altitude research balloon.
• MUFORA Case 7347: A sighting in the Lake District in September 1973, considered to be an atmospheric haze effect.
• A report from Lerwick, Shetland, in November 1976, of a triangular craft with lights.
• WAPIT Case 77-342: A sighting of two UFOs in Wigan, Lancashire, by a nine-year-old boy.
• WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Case 78-284: A sighting near Heywood, Lancashire, followed by a significant change in the witness's life.
• MUFORA Case 8176: A sighting near Howden Reservoir, Derbyshire, of a blue/white light.
• MUFORA Case 8541: A sighting in Hadfield, Derbyshire, of an oval object.
• ANOTHER MID-AIR ENCOUNTER: Case 8625: A sighting by a former RAF pilot near Cambridge Airport.
• ANIMAL DISTURBANCE IN OLDHAM?: MUFORA Case 8628: A sighting of lights near a factory chimney.
• NLUFOIG Case 8629: A sighting of silver/blue lights near Lancaster.
• NLUFOIG Case 8630: A sighting of an orange light near Morecambe.
• MUFORA Case 8631: A sighting of an orange object described as 'like a fireworks rocket' in Cleveland.

Final Words

This section reflects on the state of ufology in 1987, noting the impact of Spielberg's movie and questioning whether the 'ten year cycle' of UFO activity will continue. It highlights the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold case and mentions significant books and events, including Whitley Streiber's 'Communion' and the BUFORA book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed UFO sighting reports from various locations, critical analysis of UFO organizations and their methods, and discussions on the media's portrayal of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jenny Randles, emphasizes a desire for rational investigation, transparency, and a move away from personal attacks and sensationalism within the ufology community. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence and allowing for independent assessment of cases.