Northern UFO News - No 128

Magazine Overview

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, number 128, covers the period of November-December 1987. The cover features a striking illustration of a UFO and the headline "DADDY CHRISTMAS, NORTHERN UFO NEWS". The editor is Jenny Randles, and the cover art is by Bill Callaghan. The magazine is priced at £5.40 for six issues.

Contents Overview

The issue includes usual features along with specific articles on 'UFOs on the box', 'Welsh Waves', and numerous 'Cases from' various UK counties including Cheshire, Derbyshire, Humberside, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire, and West Yorkshire. It also features 'CASE HISTORIES' on a landing at Xenwith Hill, Darwen lights, and a 'Great August Wave' report, plus a competition for a free subscription.

J.R. Comments: TV Shows and Debunking

Editor Jenny Randles begins with a commentary on two contrasting TV shows about paranormal claims. The first, a Channel 4 'Halloween' special presented by psychologist Nicholas Humphrey, is criticized for its one-sided, 'CSICOP style' debunking approach, which she argues omitted witnesses and investigators to save costs and provide a biased debate. The Rendlesham Forest case is highlighted as the only UFO aspect, with the program allegedly using the book 'SKY CRASH' as its primary source without proper permission, including copyright illustrations.

Randles expresses frustration with the show's inaccuracies and the lighthouse explanation for the lights, which she calls "bloody insolance and arrogance." She also criticizes Ian Ridpath for his perceived lack of integrity in allowing such a program to air without challenging its inaccuracies, contrasting it with her own publication's willingness to present different viewpoints.

The second program discussed is the BBC's 'Kilroy' show, a 35-minute debate format. Randles describes the challenge of getting a balanced representation of witnesses and sceptics. While she was able to advise on a range of experts, the BBC insisted on including numerous 'lights-in-the-sky' cases, which diluted the discussion. She notes that the program format limited in-depth discussion of any single case, leaving viewers with unanswered questions. She praises the sensible approach of most British ufologists on the show, who presented UFOs as an unknown phenomenon, but criticizes the extremes of Adrian Berry's aggression and Tim Good's 'spaceship' solutions. A surprising positive note is her mention of 'Dr' Richard Lawrence of the Aetherius Society speaking sense.

News Round-Up

A brief note announces that the Northamptonshire Network has changed its name to the Northants UFO Research Centre.

For Your Perusal: New Publications

This section reviews several UFO-related publications:

• NUFORC Newsletter: Described as a fancy 'Desktop Publishing' (DTP) publication from the Northamptonshire UFO Research Centre, noted for its aesthetic but potentially hard-to-read presentation. It is considered informative, and interested parties are directed to write to the N UFO RC address.
• BUFORA BULLETIN 26: A good issue with various articles, including one on Steuart Campbell's 'mirages' and an interview with Whitley Strieber.
• FATE Oct 1987: Features Jerome Clark's book review column on 'UFO Conspiracy'.
• FOCUS Sept 1987: Edited by Villiam Moore, this publication is presented as a source for material from proponents of the MJ-12 documents, including answers to debunkers.
• FORTEAN RESEARCH Oct 1987: Continues discussion on MJ-12 and includes news items on US Fortean mysteries.
• IUR Jul/Aug 1987: Highly recommended as the best, covering abduction themes, Scott Rogo, and Eddie Bullard's folklore abduction project.
• MUFON Journal Sept 1987: Described as the cheapest way to get a good quality regular UFO journal from the US, packed with cases and articles, including a study on vehicle interference effects.

Books of the Moment

Upcoming book releases are detailed:

• 'Communion' by Whitley Strieber: Paperback release on February 4th, 1988, with a poster campaign.
• 'UFO Conspiracy': Softback release on February 18th, 1988.
• 'Phenomenon' by McDonald/Futura: Hardback and paperback release on March 17th.
• 'Abduction' by Jenny Randles: Hardback release in April.
• 'Above Top Secret' by Tim Good: Edited version of his book, paperback release in July.

Fatima: A Close Encounter of the Worst Kind?

This £2.95 paperback by David Barclay is reviewed. It concerns the 1917 Fatima visions and prophecies, including the 'Sun spinning' event. The book is described as well-written but relies on already published material. Barclay links the case to the UFO theme with 'diabolical' implications and some supporting evidence. The review notes factual errors and production issues, suggesting it might be difficult to find in bookstores.

Media Matters: UFOs in the Public Eye

This section criticizes 'New Scientist' for its perceived lack of impartiality, citing its review of the BUFORA book 'UFOs 1947-1987' which featured Philip Klass, known for his attacks on ufology. The author recalls Klass accusing BUFORA of feeding UFO rumours in the 'mystery circles' affair and refusing to publish a retraction.

It also discusses Gary Kinder's endorsement of the 'Billy Meier' hoax, with serial rights sold to 'News of the World'. The author dismisses Kinder's claims and photos as easily explained by poor photography and strings, referencing a previous article in 'The Unexplained' that exposed the truth.

Case Histories

A LANDING AT MENVITH HILL? (IUN Report by Philip Mantle & Rodney Howarth, Case 8337, 23 December 1983)

This case from North Yorkshire involves a 50-year-old security guard and HGV truck driver (AD) who saw a large, dark, elongated egg-shaped object with square windows and a blue light hovering silently over the US military base at Menwith Hill. The object was described as being about 75-100 feet away and 20 feet above tree level, drifting slowly downwards. Investigators suggest it was likely a misperception related to the base, possibly exacerbated by mist and drizzle.

UFO over the M1 (Investigation by IUN, Case 8648, 14 October 1986)

Two witnesses, Mr S and his girlfriend, returning home via the M1 motorway near Nottingham, reported a strange, round grey disc surrounded by lights or windows, pouring down light. It passed overhead at a low altitude, appearing to land in nearby fields. The MoD admitted receiving 17 reports in October 1986 but released none. East Midlands airport confirmed a flight path crossing the M1 at the location described, suggesting a possible aircraft explanation.

The night the moon moved (IUN Case 79-178, 25 July 1979)

A Green Keeper in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, saw a bright white light that he initially mistook for the moon. The object then revealed itself as a car hubcap-like shape with a dome and lights, changing direction at a 90-degree angle and shooting away rapidly. Philip Mantle notes the case is too old for adequate investigation, leaving insufficient data.

An Anonymous Encounter (MW letter)

A letter from an anonymous reader, MW, challenges the magazine's views, stating that two UFOs she saw were 'solid and metallic', not psychic. The first sighting on 2 September 1954 involved a 'big light' that moved with her and then flew vertically upwards. The second, on 4 August 1973, involved a huge, stationary, tilted object described as a giant tin can, which sailed into a cloud. The writer suggests these might be aircraft, but the magazine notes that the Macclesfield area has many other recorded sightings.

Back to the Haars! (MUFORA Case 77-344, Mid October 1977)

Mrs IL reported seeing a fast-moving cigar-shaped object with lights along its side, heading from south-west to north-east, and later reappearing heading in the opposite direction. The magazine suggests this could be an aircraft with cabin lights, possibly a Pennine rescue helicopter.

Welsh Waves (From Margaret Fry)

Margaret Fry reports on recent sightings:

• Case 8649: Mr and Mrs B observed a 'very bright light' over a caravan site at Prestatyn, described as a metallic disc with flashing lights, hovering for hours. The report suggests this was likely Jupiter or Venus.
• Case 8650: Margaret and her husband witnessed an object on 8 December 1986, described as a metallic disc with flashing lights, hovering for hours. The object was described as a 'very bright light' towards Rhyl, definitely a UFO, and drawn as a metallic disc with flashing multi-coloured lights. It hovered for hours. The report suggests this was likely Jupiter or Venus.
• Case 8650: On 8 December 1986, witnesses saw an object with the 'force of a Harrier jet' sweep low over hills near Abergele. It was described as a cigar-shaped, muddy white object about 3/4 feet long, moving at high speed. The report suggests this could be an experimental RPV or aircraft.

• Case 8712: A young woman and her mother saw a bluish-white ball rise from Denbigh moors, lengthen, and vanish. This is suggested to be a distress flare or army flare.
• Case 8713: A man and his brother observed a light above the horizon at Betws-yn-Rhos, described as twinkling like a star, zig-zagging, and shooting vertically upwards. The witness, ex-RAF, is noted, but the zig-zag and vertical ascent are linked to autokinesis and the bright planet Jupiter.

Brief Cases

The case of the photo that got away:

A reader reports an incident on 29 August 1949, near Folkestone beach, where a small, flat, circular silver cloud was observed moving silently across the sky. The witness, a semi-professional photographer, was unable to photograph it due to the time needed to set up his equipment. He compared its speed to a V1 or jet aircraft.

Three from Hull (Report by Gary Anthony, BUFORA)

Gary Anthony reports on three cases:

• Case 6915 (5 July 1969): A couple saw two ping pong ball-like objects appear, move, and then shoot off at high speed. An uncorroborated story of youths being scared by a low-flying UFO on the same day is also mentioned.
• Case 8098 (13 August 1980): Mrs X and her son saw a dark saucer shape move slowly across the sky.
• Case 8099 (5 September 1980): Mr O and his son saw a triangle of 'stars', with the top one moving away rapidly, described as a red orange glow through binoculars.

Northampton (Susan Pollock & Clive Potter)

• Case 80-100 (12 September 1980): Mr G observed a strange orangey light with tentacles in the east. The report suggests this was likely the planet Venus.

Vortley, Vest Yorks (Investigation: IUN)

• Case 8646 (8 February 1986): Mr S and his family saw a pinkish ball with a greyish smoke trail moving parallel to their car. The investigator suggests a flare, but the witness is sure it was not one.

ALLO! ALLO! IT'S a UFO

• Case 8647 (29 July 1986): Witnesses saw two faint red lights low on the horizon that flickered and moved west, fading in and out. The report suggests this could be aircraft.

A LANDING AT MENVITH HILL? (IUN Report by Philip Mantle & Rodney Howarth)

This case from North Yorkshire involves a witness who saw a large, dark, egg-shaped object with square windows and a blue light hovering silently over the US military base at Menwith Hill. The object was described as being about 75-100 feet away and 20 feet above tree level, drifting slowly downwards. Investigators suggest it was likely a misperception related to the base, possibly exacerbated by mist and drizzle. The report also mentions a similar case from 1978 involving a landing near Harrogate, which involved MoD interrogation and hints of abduction.

THE DARVEN LIGHTS (Report by NUFORA)

This report details sightings by a 22-year-old labourer named Ashley in Darwen, Lancashire. Ashley has reported numerous sightings, mostly flashing white lights. The report focuses on two specific incidents:

• 20 October 1979: Ashley heard a strange humming sound and later, after hearing about another witness, saw a 'star' descend smoothly, followed by red lights and a strange white light. This resolved into a helicopter shape, then a large green light appeared, and two such objects traversed the sky slowly.
• 12 July 1987: Encounters began with a 'big white lightbulb' seen at 21.30, dipping and bobbing into cloud. Later, on 6 August 1987, two faint red lights were seen flickering and fading in and out.

THE GREAT AUGUST WAVE

UFO magazines are noting a significant increase in UFO activity in Britain during August 1987, comparable to events in late 1980. The wave included close encounters, potential abductions, and car stop incidents, but the majority of sightings involved lights. The report mentions potential links to air bases in Devon and Cornwall, and military exercises. Tim Good is cited as supporting the significance of these events. The article notes that some sightings were described as delta shapes and cross shapes, manouvering silently for hours. While some suggest aircraft refuelling exercises, others, including amateur astronomers and an ex-MoD officer, were baffled. The description of lights merging is linked to aircraft refuelling, but the sheer volume and nature of sightings raise questions. The report also touches upon a Hopi Indian prophecy predicting the end of the world on August 17th, which coincided with the wave and led to increased UFO interest. The article mentions that the wave centred on the exact days of this furore, with many events occurring between August 14th and 18th. It also notes sightings in the north London area on August 16th-17th, which were explained by inventor Ken Sams' 'UFO kite' designed to reflect light intensely.

Northern UFO News << 14

This section continues the discussion on the 'Great August Wave', detailing sightings on 14 August 1987, including white and red lights, and other lights associated with aircraft. The author notes the significance of so many lights being visible to an experienced skywatcher.

Northern UFO News << 15

The 'Great August Wave' is further discussed, with a focus on sightings in the west country. RAF Culdrose's explanation of Sea King helicopters was met with skepticism. RAF Chivenor explained that two VC-10s on a night-tanking exercise over the area at the time used big lights that could appear to fuse together. The author concludes that these sightings were likely related to military exercises and not UFOs.

The article then shifts to a Hopi Indian prophecy predicting the end of the world on August 17th, which coincided with the UFO wave. It mentions actress Shirley MacLaine's involvement and Dr Jose Arguelles' theory linking UFO sightings to the prophecy. The author questions whether the wave was a result of the prophecy, military exercises, or genuine extraterrestrial contact. Sightings in the north London area on August 16th-17th are mentioned, and the explanation of Ken Sams' 'UFO kite' is presented as the likely cause.

Northern UFO News << 16

FINAL WORDS

This section addresses the magazine's subscription drive. It announces that there will be no price increase for the third consecutive year, despite rising production costs. An incentive is offered for subscribers to renew before January 31st, with a reduced price of £15 instead of the usual £5.40. The editor warns that prices may increase after this deadline. A competition is announced, where participants must answer questions based on UFO expert authors' titles and brief descriptions to win a free subscription. The offer is extended to cover two years if subscribed now.

COMPETITION!

A competition is presented, asking readers to identify 'UFO experts' based on titles and descriptions of science-fiction works they have written. The titles include 'Chekhov's Journey', 'Made to measure', 'Contact', 'Catmagic', 'Alintell', 'Varp', 'Satan:Man of the hour', and ''Ow!' said the sandwich'.

CALENDAR

Upcoming events are listed:

• BUFORA lectures: At the London Business School, 6:30-9:30 pm on January 2nd ('Investigating anomalies' by Tony Cornell) and February 6th ('The Turin Shroud' by Professor Ray Leonard).

NUFON Regional Groups

A directory of regional UFO groups across the UK is provided, including:

• SPI (Scotland)
• NLUFOIG (Cumbria)
• DIGAP (Lancashire)
• MUFORA (Gtr Man)
• IUN (Yorkshire)
• CUFOSC (Cheshire)
• SSPR (Derbyshire)
• LUFOIC (E. Midlands)
• BASE (W. Midlands)
• NUFORC (Northants)

Each entry includes an address and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed investigations of UFO sightings, critical analysis of media coverage (particularly television programs and newspaper articles), and a consistent effort to provide rational explanations for phenomena where possible, while also acknowledging unexplained cases. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jenny Randles, is one of critical inquiry, challenging perceived biases in debunking efforts and advocating for a balanced approach to UFO research. The magazine appears to prioritize evidence-based investigation and is skeptical of sensationalism, whether from proponents or debunkers. There is a strong emphasis on UK-based cases and research groups.