Northern UFO News - No 137

Magazine Overview

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated June 1989, is presented as a 'SPECIAL BUMPER ISSUE EXTRA PAGES' and is the 137th issue. The cover features a dramatic silhouette of London landmarks with UFOs hovering above, and highlights key articles including 'Motives of the MoD', 'The virgin and the UFO', and 'Project Becassine needs YOU'. The editor is Jenny Randles, and the cover art is by Johnny Haudby.

Editor's Comments and MoD Cooperation

Jenny Randles begins with an apology for the delay in publication, attributing it to her mother's hospitalization and the work involved in producing 'Controversy of the Circles'. She thanks readers for their support by including four extra pages. Randles notes a positive development in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), citing a response from Clive Neville of the MoD's 'UFO Department' to Clive Potter of LUFOIC. This response indicates a willingness to share information and even recommend witnesses to investigators. However, Randles questions the MoD's criteria for classifying a UFO sighting as a 'defence threat', suggesting that most unexplained sightings do not pose such a risk and that the MoD's reluctance to investigate might be partly for public relations reasons, to avoid confirming alien presence.

RAF Base Presentation and Military Interest

Peter Hough recounts a daunting experience giving a presentation on UFOs at an RAF base in the Midlands. The request came from the officers' mess, with ordinary airmen denied permission to attend. Hough notes that the officers showed a similar level of interest and naivety regarding UFOs as the general public. He speculates that the officer who initiated the invitation might have been a believer in the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The base commander's closing remark, 'we have heard tonight how people can be fooled,' is noted. Hough finds it intriguing that RAF personnel showed significant interest in crop circles, suggesting a possible link to military establishments in the Salisbury Plain area. He references articles by Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado and a 1985 report to the MoD by Lt Col Edgecombe. Hough also shares a conversation with an air traffic controller who reported a radar target flying in circles over the East Midlands, which was invisible to a scrambled jet. Hough interprets such incidents not as proof of an alien cover-up, but as evidence of the military's fascination, puzzlement, and caution regarding the UFO mystery.

News Round-Up and Publications

This section reviews several new and returning UFO publications. BUFORA Publications is busy with 'UFO LEXICON', 'Case History' (Peter Day Case), and 'UFO World'. A new 112-page book, 'CONTROVERSY OF THE CIRCLES', co-authored by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles, is available, detailing a decade of BUFORA's investigation into crop circles. 'PHENOMENON', a previous BUFORA book, is now available in the USA, and Randles' book 'ABDUCTION' is also set for a US softback release. The section also notes the death of UFO pioneer Raymond Drake. New publications mentioned include CONTACT UK's 'AWARENESS', COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK, Belgium's SVL Newsletter, and USA's CAVEAT EMPTOR. The new BUFORA publication, 'UFO TIMES', is praised for its repackaging and content. Other publications reviewed are SPI ENIGMAS, CUFOSC, NUFOIS NEWS, and THE LEY HUNTER. International publications like MUFON Journal and IUR are also discussed, with the latter featuring a debate on US vs. European ufology. STRANGE magazine is highlighted for its coverage of paranormal topics and a special offer for British readers.

Books of the Moment

This section briefly mentions 'RATTLER'S TALE MAGAZINE' for its short mystery and science-fiction stories, and the 'JOURNAL OF UFO STUDIES 1' (1989), an annual forum on modern ufology. The journal focuses on the abduction phenomenon, featuring scientific approaches and unexpected contributors, notably excluding well-known abduction researchers. It includes a review by Thomas (Eddie) Bullard on hypnosis and abductions, and a debate initiated by psychologist Robert Baker denouncing the reality of abductions. Hilary Evans and others contribute, with a concept from Peter Rojcewicz exploring connections between abductions and atmospheric phenomena.

Project Becassine: Help Required

Denys Breysse of Project Becassine is seeking assistance from UK readers for his research project analyzing worldwide CE3 and CE4 cases. He is looking for input on alien encounter cases, and interested individuals can write to him for details.

Media Matters: UFOs in the Public Eye

Jenny Randles shares her negative experience with a TV-AM appearance, where 'graphics' and 'weird sounds' were added, and a presenter dressed as a ghost. She contrasts this with a positive experience on ITV's 'Ghost Train', a children's program that demystified UFOs through careful planning and consultation. Randles criticizes media producers who prioritize entertainment and stereotypes over education. She notes the increased media attention on UFO researchers, mentioning Tim Good's book 'Above Top Secret' and local newspaper coverage. She also reports on George Wild of YUFOS promoting an 'international UFO conference' and a 'counselling service' for witnesses, which Randles views with skepticism. The section also covers Gary Rowe's views on IFOs and ETs, and Ron West's involvement with BUFORA. Randles recounts her own negative media experience with the Stockport Express, which allegedly libeled witnesses in an 'Abduction' article. The contrast between serious UFO reporting (e.g., The Independent on Philip Mantle's research into government UFO documents) and sensationalist reporting (e.g., Sunday Sport on dolphins and aliens) is highlighted.

Case Histories

This issue presents several UFO case histories:

• Case 77-347 (Walsall, West Midlands): A silent, orange light was observed by Mr. R and his wife, moving slowly and silently. It was later compared to another case involving static effects.
• Case 79-180 (Rainhill, Merseyside): Miss W reported seven white lights in a V formation appearing from the SE, moving silently overhead. The author suggests this might be reflective birds.
• Case 8550 (Loughborough, Leics): Mr. F saw about 30-50 red lights in a V formation, which the author concludes were likely geese with reflective underbellies.
• Case 8751 (Silsden, West Yorks): Mr. S and his wife saw a bright white light travelling north to south, identified as a bright meteor.
• Case 8752 (Warwick, Warwickshire): Miss W reported seven white lights in a V formation, which the author suggests could be reflective birds, noting her growing interest in UFOs.
• Case 8832 (Bacup, Lancashire): Miss F reported an intense orange, egg-shaped light with swirling interior patterns, considered a classic example of earthlights.
• Case 8834 (Weedon, Northants): Terri Oakensen reported an 'eye-shaped' object with coloured lights, which moved and glowed white.
• Case 8830 (Broadbottom, G. Man): Mr. C saw ten lights in a line like aircraft cabin lights, described as a stationary 'cigar' that moved off. The Civil Aviation Authority and MoD suggested it was military aircraft testing.
• Case 8902 (Trent Vale, Staffs): Mr. B saw a stationary, shining object in the sky, which was later obscured by cloud. The author suggests it was an aircraft with an unusual vapour trail.
• Case 8901 (Swadlincote, Derbyshire): Mr. HB observed a pulsating ball of light with coloured lights around its surface, which vanished completely.
• Case 8750 (Armadale, West Lothian): A man reported a sound of arguing and observed a greenish-white object shaped like a 'shuttlecock' with lights.
• Case 8753 (Glen Lochy, Argyl and Bute): A 15-year-old boy reported a red light that flashed, rose swiftly, and vanished. Investigators suggested it might have been a helicopter.

The Night of May 16

This section elaborates on the series of UFO sightings in the Midlands on May 16, 1988, which involved MP Bill Cash. New details are added, including a secondary case from Hooton, South Wirral. The sightings, occurring around 21:30 to 22:30, involved various objects with lights. The most plausible explanation offered is a military air refueling exercise involving VC-10 aircraft from RAF Brize Norton. The author questions why the MoD struggled to reach this simple conclusion.

The Heywood Lights

This case, featured in British newspapers in May 1989, involved sightings of three 'objects' flashing coloured lights over Heywood, Lancashire. Reports mentioned 999 lines going dead and police chasing the UFO. Explanations ranged from a 'star' to auroral displays. The media coverage is criticized for inaccuracies and sensationalism, with the Sunday Sport reporting 'aliens' and 'kidnapped humans'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the importance of detailed investigation and critical analysis of UFO reports. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalized media portrayals and a focus on distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking logical explanations while acknowledging the possibility of truly anomalous events. The magazine also emphasizes the role of organizations like BUFORA and LUFOIC in gathering and analyzing UFO data. There's a recurring theme of questioning official explanations, particularly from the MoD, when they seem inadequate or dismissive.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 20
Publisher: Emjay Reprographics
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Northern UFO News focuses heavily on a UFO sighting that occurred in Heywood, United Kingdom. The report details the event, the subsequent investigation, and critiques the media's handling of the story. It also provides information on upcoming UFO events and regional group contacts.

Heywood UFO Sighting and Investigation

The main article discusses a UFO sighting in Heywood, which was witnessed by dozens of people. The event was characterized by some as a 'deliberate scouting mission.' The report criticizes the sensationalism of local media, specifically mentioning the Heywood Advertiser and comments attributed to Steve Balon, who allegedly filled the publication with 'documents about crashed spaceships and dead aliens.'

The investigation into the Heywood incident was prompt and thorough. The Heywood police contacted Peter Hough at MUFORA for advice shortly after the sighting. Within six hours, Jenny Randles was involved in a team effort with Manchester Airport and Jodrell Bank to seek answers. Andy Walmsley of IUN and his computer also joined the effort. Within 36 hours of the media reporting the event and losing interest, a definitive account was compiled. Several MUFORA investigators interviewed the main eyewitnesses on-site, at the request of the police, and produced their findings within hours of the events.

The publication strongly advises readers to consult the MUFORA-IUN report for the full evidence, warning that other versions, especially those based on press stories, could be wildly incorrect.

Other Features and Announcements

May Brigantia: The magazine highlights that the May issue of Brigantia features a definitive report on the Peter Beard (Barnsley) photos, including computer-enhanced images.

UFO Congress: Information is provided about the UFO Congress at the London Business School, described as the 'UFO event of the year.' It spans three days (14-16 July) and includes lectures, films, debates, and forums. The cost is £12 per day or £30 for the full three days. It is recommended as a worthwhile event for meeting international UFOlogists, with tickets potentially available at the door. The venue is located near Baker Street tube station on Regent's Park.

NUFON Regional Groups: A comprehensive list of NUFON (National UFO Network) regional groups is provided, including their names, locations, and contact details. These groups cover various regions across the United Kingdom, such as Scotland, Cumbria, North Lancs, Fylde Coast, South Lancs, Cheshire, Yorkshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Northants.

Archive Information: It is noted that NUFON archive files are held at the University Chaplaincy and are accessible via MUFORA.

Contact Information: A telephone number (0942-604265) is listed, likely for MUFORA.

Printing Information: The magazine was printed by Emjay Reprographics at 17 Langbank Avenue, Rise Park, Nottingham.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous investigation and accurate reporting of UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on relying on firsthand data and detailed reports (like the MUFORA-IUN report) rather than sensationalized media accounts. The publication aims to provide a platform for serious UFOlogists and researchers, as evidenced by the coverage of the UFO Congress and the detailed listing of regional groups. The critique of media coverage suggests a desire to counter misinformation and present a more grounded perspective on UFO events.