Northern UFO News - No 135

Magazine Overview

Northern UFO News, Issue 135, dated February 1988, is a publication dedicated to exploring UFO phenomena, abductions, and related paranormal events. The cover features a striking illustration of a UFO hovering above a mountainous landscape with a small airplane flying below, hinting at the intersection of conventional and unconventional aerial observations. The main headline teases 'Hot and Cold running patter...', suggesting a discussion of various UFO-related topics and perhaps contrasting viewpoints. The issue is edited by Jenny Randles and features cover art by Johnny Haudby. It includes a subscription offer for Northern UFO News and details of content ranging from feature articles to specific case updates and historical investigations.

J.R. Comments: Philosophy of Investigation

This section delves into the philosophical underpinnings of paranormal investigation, sparked by the controversy surrounding the book 'Death by Supernatural Causes?' by Peter Hough and J.R. The authors aimed to examine cases where the media attributed deaths and disappearances to paranormal phenomena, focusing on factual investigation rather than pre-conceived supernatural explanations. They highlight how the media and some researchers can push their own agendas, sometimes distorting facts and using cases to fit their theories. The authors emphasize their role in presenting facts and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, noting that while most cases likely have natural explanations, they acknowledge the possibility of the paranormal in a few instances. They also critique the tendency for some groups, like YUFOS, to restrict information and accuse others of lying, while also noting a contrasting, more scientific review from 'New Scientist' that seems to misunderstand their approach.

News Round-Up

This section provides a variety of updates and announcements for readers interested in UFO research. It reminds readers about available back issues of 'UFO World' and other BUFORA publications, including 'Sky Crash' about the Bentwaters/Rendlesham Forest case. A free offer is mentioned for anyone interested in a bibliography and address list of 'mystery crop circles' researchers. The section addresses a misunderstanding with the 'Sunday Sport' newspaper regarding an alleged association with Prince Charles and UFOs, with BUFORA Ltd taking the matter to the press council. A tragic 'prophecy' from a previous issue is recalled, where a witness felt a 'UFO over the M1' was going to crash, which eerily foreshadowed a real aircraft crash on the M1. The passing of US pioneer Donald Keyhoe, author of the first UFO best-seller, is also reported. Information is provided on 'CALL UFO: HOT AND COLD RUNNING PATTER', a new paranormal phenomena hotline, and the launch of 'UFO CALL', a national UFO news update service in partnership with British Telecom, which aims to provide accurate news and contribute to ufology.

Project Becassine

This brief section introduces Project Becassine, an initiative that studies CE III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) cases and maintains a computer database. The organizer, Denys Breysse, is seeking information on new and obscure cases to add to the database, with results to be published in the 1989 edition of BUFORA's 'UFO World'.

Does the Government Have UFO Police?

This article presents claims from an anonymous letter suggesting a connection between a former partner of the letter writer's wife and a secret government investigation department, possibly DI 55. The letter details alleged involvement in a UFO landing incident at Fencehouses, Co. Durham, and mentions encounters with 'alien beings'. The former partner reportedly had cards related to 'UFO research' and 'Department of Defence Investigation 55'. The account includes a description of a strange encounter involving a black BMW car and a blond man, and a subsequent UFO sighting. The letter writer's ex-partner claimed to be involved in UFO research to protect the public. The article notes the similarities to the TV show 'Dynasty' and raises questions about the timing and details of the alleged abduction.

For Your Perusal:

This section offers a curated list of articles and publications relevant to UFO research. It notes that 'FATE' magazine has been rescued from closure by a new publisher. BUFORA Bulletin Nov is highlighted for its coverage of the MJ-12 debate and the South Yorkshire flap. SPI Newsletter is praised for its diverse content, including articles on UFOs, yetis, and psychics. 'International UFO Reporter' (IUR) is mentioned for its interviews with Budd Hopkins and Dr Eddie Bullard on abduction work and UFO waves. The 'MUFON Journal' is noted for its wide range of contributors and topics, including abduction cases. 'FOCUS' is recommended for its cover-up material from William Moore and Stanton Friedman. Finally, 'JUST CAUSE' is presented as an alternative perspective on the cover-up, particularly concerning the book 'Clear Intent'.

Books of the Moment

This section reviews 'Lake Monster Traditions' by Michel Meurger and Claude Gagnon, published by Fortean Tomes. While primarily focused on lake monsters in Canada, the book is presented as relevant to the UFO subject due to its exploration of myths, legends, and symbology. The reviewer notes the book's dense language and complex arguments, suggesting that the authors challenge conventional explanations for these phenomena, proposing they are rooted in misperceived stimuli and social storytelling. The reviewer finds links between the book's themes and ufology, recommending it for those interested in myths, legends, or the concept of manufactured anomalies, though cautioning that its obscurity might limit its appeal.

Media Matters:

The 'Media Matters' section critiques how UFOs are portrayed in the media. It points out that the 'Daily Star' has reported on the 'stealth' aircraft possibly being mistaken for UFOs, a story previously covered by 'Northern UFO News'. The article also criticizes the 'Sunday Sport' for its sensationalist and often inaccurate reporting, citing an instance where they claimed to be the 'local paper for outer space' and featured an abductee joking about his experiences.

Brief Cases:

This section presents several brief UFO case reports:

• Another Christmas Star: A spectacular fireball sighting on December 20, 1988, across the north-east and Yorkshire, described as a bright light bursting into flames. Media coverage varied, with some quoting air traffic control and others speculating about UFOs. BUFORA suggested it might be meteor or satellite debris.
• A View on the Sky: A monthly astronomical column by Gary Anthony, discussing the visibility of planets like Venus and Jupiter, and mentioning meteor showers and a partial solar eclipse. It notes that Venus is best seen in the early morning in January, while Jupiter is visible in the evening sky until spring.
• The Mrs B Abduction: This ongoing case details further investigation into Mrs B's abduction experience. Hypnosis sessions revealed new details, including Mrs B's description of a spaceship, aliens, and an experiment involving her. The report notes similarities to the TV show 'Dynasty' and raises questions about the timing and nature of the abduction.
• Another Vanishing UFO: A report from Aycliffe, Co. Durham, describing a hexagonal object with colored segments that made a 'growling' noise and appeared to rotate.
• A Close Up View of the Silent Vulcan?: A case from Overseal, Leics, involving a large object with a red glow and complex piping, moving slowly and seemingly following the witness. This case is compared to other 'Silent Vulcan' type sightings.
• Case 8749 UFORM: A sighting near Ratcliffe, Notts, of a white light with an orange halo, which was investigated and suggested to be a light aircraft.
• UFO Photographed Over Cleveland: A report on a photograph of a disc-like UFO taken by two youths in Linthorpe, Cleveland. The article questions the authenticity of the photo, suggesting it might be a misinterpretation of star trails due to planetary motion.
• Case 8823 IUN: A sighting in Shelf, W. Yorkshire, of a white light that was likely an aircraft.
• Case 8824 CUFOSC: A case from Crewe, Cheshire, involving two white lights and a red ball, possibly aircraft.

Case Histories:

The Perfect Abduction? (Part 5) by Peter Hough details the hypnosis investigation into Philip's alleged encounter with a UFO and a 'little green man' at Ilkley Moor. Philip reported time loss and a detailed account of the encounter, including descriptions of the craft, aliens, and an experiment. Dr. Jim Singleton, a clinical psychologist, conducted the hypnosis and found Philip to be a good subject, though J.R. expressed some skepticism about the conviction of the hypnosis session.

Final Words

This section provides an interesting statistic: the Ministry of Defence (MoD) reportedly received a total of 3200 UFO reports over a ten-year period (1978-1988), with a significant number in 1981. The author notes that despite these reports, the MoD appears to be doing nothing with the information. The section also promotes subscriptions to 'UFO BRIGANTIA' and 'Northern UFO News', highlighting articles on topics such as the Scarborough 'UFO crash', Celtic mythology, and the UFOCAT computer project.

Calendar

The calendar lists upcoming events, including lectures by Ralph Noyes on 'Aliens', Jenny Randles on 'Experiencing the paranormal', and Peter Hough on 'The Ilkley Entity Photos'.

NUFON Regional Groups

A directory of regional UFO groups across Scotland, Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, the West Midlands, East Midlands, and Northants is provided, along with their addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Northern UFO News consistently focuses on detailed case histories, investigative journalism, and critical analysis of UFO phenomena. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that encourages readers to critically evaluate evidence and draw their own conclusions, rather than blindly accepting supernatural explanations. There is a clear emphasis on debunking sensationalist media portrayals and promoting rigorous research. The publication also highlights the importance of organizations like BUFORA and MUFON in collecting and disseminating UFO-related information. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded skepticism, valuing factual reporting and investigative depth over speculation or sensationalism, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena.