Northern UFO News - No 159

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 159
Date: Spring 1993
Editor: Jenny Randles

This issue of Northern UFO News provides a comprehensive update on UFO-related news, views, and recent cases. It aims to cover "all the news, views and up to date cases" for its subscribers.

Editorial: J. R. Comments

Jenny Randles, the editor, opens the issue with a commentary on the UFO movement and the role of skepticism. She expresses a need for strong criticism within the movement and commends 'The British and Irish Skeptics' and their journal 'The Skeptic' for their work. However, she questions the boundary between skepticism and desperation, suggesting that some skeptical bodies may owe it to themselves to examine their objectives. Randles advocates for a cooperative venture between UFO investigators and skeptical scientists to establish the truth. She raises concerns about a perceived one-way street in the interaction between sceptics and UFOlogists, where UFOlogy tends to acknowledge skeptical views, but the reverse is not always true. She argues that sceptics often focus on 'extremists' within the UFO community, portraying them as representative of the whole, rather than engaging with more sober, evidence-based research. Randles illustrates this with examples of how sceptics might flounder when presented with facts rather than conspiracy theories, and how they may prefer to maintain a stance of confrontation through petty disagreements.

Content Highlights

'What is wrong with the sceptics?' (pp. 2-4)

This article, likely the editorial expanded, delves deeper into the perceived issues with skepticism in the UFO field. Randles discusses the tendency for some sceptics to dismiss evidence without thorough investigation and to focus on sensationalist aspects rather than nuanced analysis. She recounts an instance where MUFORA's joint research with sceptics on a UFO video yielded inconclusive findings, which were not published by NUN, leading to questions about transparency and the sceptics' reaction.

Circular Logic (p. 6)

This section discusses the ongoing 'battle' in the crop circle world. It features an article from Jim Schnabel in the MUFON Journal concerning 'Swangate' tapes, which reportedly angered some researchers due to Schnabel's past 'insider' exposees of hoaxing. The article details a dispute that arose from allegations of secret agents infiltrating UFO and circle groups. Paul Fuller's 'The Crop Watcher' is cited for providing a detailed account of these events. The section also mentions CONTACT UK's 'Awareness' publication, which claims direct contact with entities supposedly creating circles, and discusses their predictions for future UFO events and the nature of aliens.

Fire in the Sky: The Movie (p. 7)

This piece announces an upcoming Hollywood movie titled 'Fire in the Sky,' written by UFOlogist Tracy Torme. The film is a dramatisation of the famous 'Travis Walton' abduction case from November 1975. MUFON in the USA is assisting Paramount with publicity. The article notes that Travis Walton is reissuing his book to coincide with the movie's release. It also touches upon the issue of similar titles for books and films, mentioning a previous booklet by the author with a similar title and a case of another author's book being retitled.

Eclipsing the Unknown (4) by Robert France (pp. 7-8)

This is the fourth part of a series exploring the concept of the 'otherworld' in relation to UFO phenomena. France draws parallels between Celtic traditions of an otherworld, separate yet unified with the human world, and the claims made by abductees about alien realities. He discusses how entry to this otherworld is often depicted as underground, through caves or mounds, and how it is veiled from human perception. The article highlights common themes such as contradictory alien origins (from one planet yet multiple galaxies), underground travel, and time warping experienced during alien encounters. France suggests an 'Arthurian overtone' in the UFO phenomenon, linking it to quests for power and the concept of 'cosmic names.' He posits that the extraterrestrial hypothesis may not be the sole explanation, and that ancient legends might have served as a disguise for phenomena that ancient peoples could not comprehend.

News Round Up (pp. 5)

This section provides a digest of recent news and updates from various UFO organizations and publications:

• Brigantia: Assured to be back on a normal schedule after experiencing problems.
• UFO Newsfile: BUFORA's digest of British press stories is back on schedule, with three recent issues available. A competition is announced for readers to invent a UFO-related headline.
• Midnight Books: Has released a 'New Year Sale' catalogue with rare titles.
• Martin Schofield: Suggests checking 'Aircraft Illustrated' for details on air events and military exercises.
• Paul Green: Inquires about Russian film footage shown on SKY NEWS and is impressed by footage of 'secret aircraft' from Groom Lake, Nevada.
• Victor Keen & Tim Matthews: Discuss the 'Fog from Nowhere' report, with Keen suggesting a rational explanation involving a car exhaust fracture and Matthews noting the rarity of multiple pile-ups in such cases.
• Paul John: Notes a change in approach from the MoD, offering to inform investigators of cases that tie in with dated sightings.

Other Publications and Books Reviewed (pp. 8-10)

Several other UFO and Fortean publications are mentioned and briefly reviewed:

• Southampton UFO Group newsletter: Described as a traditional duplicated sheet.
• UFO Times Summer 92: Praised as a well-designed and glossy UFO magazine, featuring articles on IFO options, sceptics' beliefs, alien crystals, and a close encounter at a convent.
• Pegasus Spring 93: A mix of topics including ghosts, leys, ancient astronauts, and UFOs relevant to the Surrey area.
• World UFO 2: Mentions an article on CEIVs and Armageddon, and includes media articles with UFO reports.
• IUR Dec: Features archives of Gray Barker, a review of the Spitzbergen UFO crash, and a CE 2 from Russia.
• MUFON Journal: Noted for its redesign and large circulation, covering the 'Swangate' article, political pressure for UFO action, Ed Walters' photos, and time-travel theory.
• BAE Dec: A Canadian publication focusing on the psychological aspects of close encounters.
• Orbiter Nov: Presents 'underground' reports questioning the 'Manhattan Transfer' abduction.
• Just Cause Dec: Reviews official documents and government cover-ups.
• Swamp Gas Nov: Features Chris Rutkowski's commentary on UFO and circle happenings in Canada.
• Fortean Times 67: Covers news stories, underwater UFOs, and the BBC's 'Ghost Watch' stunt.
• Annals Dec: Described as a mixture of small, digestible items on strange phenomena.
• Skeptic: Recommended for keeping up with arguments, with articles on ball lightning and 'past life' stories.

Books of the Moment

• 'Secret Life' by David Jacobs: A UK edition of his book on American abduction cases.
• 'The Afterlife' by Peter Hough and the author: A Piatkus hardback reviewing evidence for survival.
• 'UFOs: The Final Answer' edited by David Barclay: A compilation due out from Blandford.

Visions of the Bowmen and Angels (p. 10)

A booklet by Kevin McClure assessing legendary visions of phantom bowmen and angels seen by soldiers at the Battle of Mons in 1914. It explores whether the story was inspirational fiction, psychosis, or a genuine paranormal experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate between UFOlogy and skepticism, the nature of evidence and investigation, and the interpretation of anomalous phenomena through historical, mythological, and psychological lenses. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jenny Randles, is one of advocating for a more balanced and cooperative approach to understanding UFO phenomena, urging caution against overly confrontational or dismissive attitudes from the skeptical community. There is a clear emphasis on presenting a wide range of cases, news, and opinions from various sources within the UFO field, while also critically examining the methodologies and stances of those who investigate or debunk these claims.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Issue Date: December 1992
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated December 1992, focuses on 'A look at UFOs in the public eye,' examining recent media coverage and ongoing investigations into UFO phenomena in the United Kingdom.

Media Matters: UFOs in the Public Eye

The magazine begins by discussing two significant recent UFO stories. The first, which generated considerable attention in mid-December, was a spectacular sighting over the Sullom Voe oil terminal in the Shetland Islands. The Glasgow Herald reported a UFO 'blazing a trail of sparks and a vapour cone.' The object, observed for at least 30 seconds around 21:00 on December 12th, glowed dull red and moved from the northwest, faster than a jet fighter but slower than a shooting star. Despite 18 other reports from the coastal area, Lerwick Observatory offered no explanation. This sighting coincided with news of the Aurora spy plane, leading some, including The Guardian, to speculate about a link with secret flights. However, a local astronomer suggested the most probable solution was space junk. The Daily Record cited the author's book, 'UFOs and How to See Them,' linking the sighting to Scotland, but the author argues the visibility was due to the clarity of the sky and open aspect of Shetland. The event was confirmed when similar sightings occurred across northern Scotland, indicating the object was at a high altitude. While a meteor theory was considered, the long duration and sedate passage of the object suggested it was heavier, metallic, and artificial space junk.

The second major story covered is the 'Global Conspiracy' conference held at Wembley. A preview had appeared in the previous issue of NUN and on 'UFO Call,' and it was also promoted on the James Whale show. The media narrative suggested a barrier to publicizing the event, which the magazine questions. The organizers reportedly gambled £120,000 on hiring Wembley Arena for 12-hour sessions on a claimed global conspiracy, including UFOs and the Kennedy assassination. However, only 51 of the 12,000 seats had been sold. Ten days later, partly due to PR, a story about saving the world led to a rise in sales to 105, with a week to go. The magazine finds this respectable but notes the booking of a huge hall for what was perceived as an ephemeral conference. The organizers even advised the author not to promote it as a UFO event, which may have hindered sales to NUN or UFO Call regulars. The underlying conspiracy theme was described as vague and vast, making it difficult for most to grasp.

Regarding the 'Global Conspiracy' conference's ticket sales, an organizer was cited as saying it was hard to sell so few tickets. The Guardian (January 8th) reported the event had been moved to a smaller 2000-seat venue at Wembley and alleged that one organizer stated, 'we have had no advertising published in UFO magazines. Their printing machines have broken down.' The author refutes this, stating that NUN printed without hassle and UFO Call provided details for over a week. Despite the controversy, 300 people attended, a figure considered good for a British UFO conference. The Observer's review sarcastically referred to the printing press story. The Wembley Observer (January 28th) offered a critical summary, with the press officer humorously commenting, 'We cleared the roof to give room for any unusual craft to land but it was all in vain.'

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

The Derbyshire Flap

This section details a spate of sightings in Derbyshire around the turn of the year, based on information from NUN readers and Omar Fowler of PRA. Sightings began in November with a large triangle with red lights seen on several occasions, including at Pleasley (November 3rd) and Breadsall (November 11th). On November 30th, a white light was observed by multiple witnesses in the Langley Mill area, including a police officer. Later that night, a couple at Calwich Bank saw a red light and a green light in vertical array moving north over Ellastone, then retreating. Speculation included mirages or lasers from Alton Towers theme park. On December 7th, a man in Hartington saw two bright lights, one on either side of the road; one moved and appeared as an elongated bright light before vanishing. On December 7th, at 21:40, travelers returning from Ashbourne to Derby saw a bright object scurrying across the sky towards Derby faster than a plane.

Moving into 1993, reports continued. One incident, mentioned in the national press and on TV, involved Police Sergeant Phil Garner and PC Harry Dick reporting a bright light around 18:00 over Kilburn on January 12th. They were responding to a 999 call from a housewife. Many other sightings occurred that evening around Chesterfield, described as 'tadpole'-shaped and very bright. The object remained in one place for extended periods. The article concludes that in these January 11th and 12th reports, the UFO was likely the planet Venus, which was very bright in the early evening sky. Calls were even channeled via Jodrell Bank, leading to the embarrassing revelation that the 'UFO' was a planet, something Jodrell Bank should have known.

Three Visually Challenged Mice

On December 3rd, 1981, in Groeslon, Caernarvon, Gwynedd, a man named Mr. L reported an unusual experience. After setting a trap for mice, he caught three in quick succession. About 20 minutes after returning to bed, he awoke to find three small blue/green lights with a white centre forming a triangle in the corner of his room. His girlfriend also saw them. They watched for 2-3 minutes until the lights faded. The witness concluded that these UFOs were the souls of the three mice he had killed, described as the 'world's most unusual IFO explanation.'

Case 8433: Grimsby, Humberside

On April 22nd, 1984, Mr. W and his mother observed a formation of lights flying eastward out to sea from their house. Using binoculars, they saw two jet afterburners, initially dismissing it as aircraft. However, a friend from Cleethorpes reported chasing it to the boating lake around 23:30. He described it as a huge triangular formation studded with white lights and 'rolling' forward. This event occurred on the same day as the 'Saltfleet' case and amidst a wave of RAF incidents. The author suggests a military exercise was likely underway.

Case 9034: Pilling, Lancashire

On December 9th, 1990, at 17:45, a farmer and garage worker observed a see-through triangular object above Cockerham Sands. It had a reddish glow inside and was floating over the sands towards the sea. After about a minute, it swiveled sharply and disappeared into a point source of light, possibly a sunset mirage.

Case 9123: Llandudno, Gwynedd

On October 18th, 1991, a man and wife observed a bright object near the Little Orme. Via binoculars, they saw it as an oval with 'bays' inset. It remained in view for 2 hours, suggesting a possible astronomical explanation. The author asks readers for possibilities, noting Steuart Campbell might suggest an astronomical mirage.

Case 9124: Llandudno, Gwynedd

On November 4th, 1991, the same two witnesses observed a similar object at 03:33. It was smaller and present for only 15-20 minutes before disappearing. A second witness nearby also saw an object near ground level, described independently as a dome with a row of multi-coloured lights across the top.

Case Histories: UFO Over RAF Base

Reported by Ken Phillips, this section details an incident from 1956 when Mr. M, then in the RAF at Akrotirie base on Cyprus, witnessed a UFO. Described as a long, slim cylinder made of silver, it reflected sunlight and hovered for some minutes, causing the base to go on alert. A Canberra aircraft was scrambled to pursue it. As the plane approached, the UFO dramatically changed behavior, flipping onto its edge and revealing a dish shape. It accelerated rapidly upwards, from zero to about 2000 MPH in under 30 seconds, making the Canberra appear stationary. The experienced air crew estimated the speed and noted the need for a way to shield the crew from G-forces. Debriefing revealed the object had been clearly recorded on radar and tracked after its departure. Mr. M states that all in the squadron accepted that 'they' exist. The author seeks information on similar incidents, referencing the Commander Townsend-Withers affair and an August 1956 intercept near the Isle of Wight.

A Dream of Aliens

Reported by Melanie Warren and June Cameron, this case involves Mrs. M, who, after reading about abduction cases, experienced a similar 'dream' of being inside a UFO. The event occurred in late spring 1987 in Chilton, Oxfordshire. Mrs. M, described as a practicing Christian with no prior interest in UFOs or the paranormal, awoke to see a bright light and felt 'guided' outside. She saw a 'huge spaceship,' round with a dome on top and surrounded by white lights, utterly silent. She felt herself 'lifted up' and placed on a table where she underwent an 'excrutiatingly painful' examination of her internal organs. She recalled three 'things' beside her and others in the background, likening their actions to a TV documentary where salmon were caught, tagged, and released, showing no concept of suffering. Upon waking, she still felt the pain. Looking in a mirror, she experienced a post-hypnotic spell where the pain disappeared. Mrs. M had difficulty sleeping afterward but regarded it as a vivid dream, puzzled by its intensity and lingering pain. Her move to Lancashire 18 months later was unconnected. The investigation team decided against regression hypnosis or showing her alien pictures. The case is presented as impressive, exploring options with a witness not seeking sensationalism. The events took place near an atomic power station. The article discusses the difficulty in distinguishing between a genuine CE4 experience and a vivid dream, especially given the witness's lack of prior interest. It notes that while USA regression might trigger deeper fantasy, it could also stimulate recall. The authors tend not to press reluctant witnesses, leaving them with unresolved questions.

Final Words

This section announces upcoming events. The SOS OVNI annual European conference in Lyons is scheduled for April 10th-12th, with details available for those who speak French. Nearer home, the BUFORA lecture program continues at the London Business School on Saturday, April 3rd, featuring Busty Taylor on crop circles, and on Saturday, May 1st, Ken Phillips will discuss modern contactees. Summer conferences are also announced: one at the University of Bristol School of Chemistry on July 24th-25th, with speakers including MUFON notaries Walt Andrus and Dennis Stacy, and psychologist Dr. John Shaw. Another event is scheduled for Sheffield at The Polytechnic Main Building on August 14th-15th, expected to include Linda Moulton Howe and Budd Hopkins. Details for BUFORA events can be obtained by writing to BUFORA Congress.

Subscriptions

This section thanks subscribers and reminds those with outstanding payments to settle them to continue receiving 1993 issues.

NUFON Regional Groups

A list of NUFON regional groups is provided with their respective contact details and locations across the UK, including Scotland, Cumbria, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Northants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with media coverage and public perception, questioning sensationalism and seeking rational explanations, whether scientific (space junk, Venus) or psychological (dreams, IFOs). The magazine presents detailed case investigations, encouraging reader participation and discussion. There's a clear stance against unsubstantiated claims and a focus on rigorous investigation, even when dealing with potentially controversial topics like alien abductions. The editorial tone is investigative and critical, aiming to inform readers about the complexities of UFO research and its public representation.