Northern UFO News - No 162

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 162
Date: September 1993
Editor: Jenny Randles

This issue of Northern UFO News, a 20-page 'bumper issue,' provides a comprehensive update on UFO news, views, and cases, with a particular focus on the Bristol UFO wave and the ongoing crop circle debate. The magazine aims to keep readers informed with the latest developments and investigations in the field.

The Bristol UFO Wave

The lead story, spanning pages 2-4, details the events in the Hartcliffe area of Bristol during the last few days of June 1993. News of lights in the sky and a large cigar-shaped object seen on June 26th led to a local paper reporting an 'UFO alert' on June 28th. Skywatchers reported observing various lights throughout the night. The local airport and weather centre denied any unusual atmospheric phenomena. The Bristol evening paper amplified the story, leading to increased public interest.

Astronomer Patrick Moore suggested the sightings were of the aurora, a view disputed by Pat Delgado, who supported the idea of real UFOs. The article notes that no actual UFOlogists were consulted by the media. BUFORA was investigating, but the media focused on celebrity spokespeople. The author, Jenny Randles, expresses skepticism about UFOs appearing night after night for extended periods, suggesting conventional explanations are more likely. She notes that while an astronomical explanation was a prime suspect, the details reported by witnesses did not fully support Moore's aurora theory or any single solution.

Alan Woodward, an investigator on the scene, reported seeing a 'big white UFO' on the second night of the affair. Doug Cooper, a prominent UFOlogist, also spent time skywatching in the area. The media's coverage included reports of steady white lights, flickering red and green lights, and a large object rising skyward around 3 am. Even a policeman described the object as a 'daily star' with 'no earthly reason for it.'

Various explanations were suggested, including laser lights and artificial satellites. Lee Winterson, who formed the Bristol UFO Research Group, focused on filming the bright white light, which appeared like a bright star in the pre-dawn sky. The article suggests that the planet Venus, being particularly bright in June and July, is a strong candidate for this 'big star' sighting. However, the media seemed disinterested in this explanation. Doug Cooper's attempts to present Venus as the explanation were met with resistance, particularly from witnesses who had been observing all night and whose eyes were adapted to the dark.

Jenny Randles recounts a debate on 'Wire TV' where she, along with other UFOlogists, identified the video-recorded object as Venus. She notes that Philip Mantle was quoted as refuting the Venus option. Randles and Sue Henderson visited Hartcliffe again and were joined by Ken Phillips, John Spencer, Paul Vanbrabant, and psychologist Dr John Shaw. They observed stars, satellites, and noted that 'autokinesis' (perceiving clouds as moving objects) was a factor for some witnesses. The large object seen was described as potentially an airship, but the author concludes that the 'big one' was undoubtedly Venus.

Randles expresses disappointment with a report by Gerry Lovell in 'Annals' magazine, which she felt implied that investigators had not adequately pursued mundane explanations. She asserts that she identified the object as Venus early on and publicly stated this, and that she attempted to convince witnesses through reasoning.

Paramnesia and UFO Investigation

Albert Budden's article, 'Paramnesia,' discusses the implications of psychological memory states for UFO investigation. He defines paramnesia as illusions of memory where incidents that never occurred seem familiar, as if they were part of past experience. This feeling of familiarity is supplied by prior recountings, creating the illusion of actual memory.

Budden suggests that the process of asking witnesses to repeat their accounts multiple times to check for inconsistencies, while seemingly a way to verify truth, can artificially create a sense of sincerity. He posits that repetition can instill a paramnesiac effect, leading witnesses to believe they experienced events that did not happen. Sources for such 'creative testimony' can include fantastic tales, exaggerated stories, or fantasies compiled for attention or status.

He argues that investigators should stagger their requests for witnesses to repeat stories and that consistency may not always be the key indicator of truth. Budden raises two concerning questions: whether the paramnesiac effect can become so strong that it overrides a polygraph test, and which classic UFO cases might primarily be a result of this effect.

The editor notes that John Spencer's experiments using hypnosis to instill a belief in abduction among volunteers who have not experienced it provide proof of the paramnesiac effect, as participants emerge with a belief in abduction despite video evidence showing its creation through hypnosis and invented narratives.

Crop Circles: Hoaxes and Reality

The magazine addresses the ongoing crop circle phenomenon, noting that media coverage and conferences continued despite claims that circles are hoaxes created by 'field artists.' The article critiques Jim Schnabel's book, suggesting it has damaged serious research by focusing on hoaxing revelations. The author believes that while many circles are hoaxes, there is evidence of a few real, simple circles.

Examples of circles promoted in Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Sussex, and Kent are mentioned, with some being universally decreed as hoaxes. A 'giant phallus' appeared near John Major's home. Terence Meaden, Pat Delgado, and Colin Andrews are mentioned in relation to their activities in the field. Jeff Birks, a CPR member, commented on a formation at Codicote, suggesting it could be communication from alien beings. Marilyn Preston in Devon believes that the plague of hoaxers has caused aliens to depart.

Doug and Dave are discussed for their public lectures and claims of having made dozens of circles since 1976, modeling their hoax on circles seen in Queensland in 1966. The article reaffirms the position that behind the complex hoaxes lie a few real, simple circles.

The issue also discusses Paul Fuller's updated book, 'Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved,' which reaffirms that hoax formations have swamped real, single circles. An article in the 'Northern Echo' by Nigel Burton is praised for offering a fair and detailed series of comments on the reality behind the circles mythology.

'Operation Magpie,' an effort by Eric Beckjord and Joan DeNeve from the USA, aimed to write messages in a field to attract an alien response. The messages included words like 'Man,' 'House,' 'Water,' and 'Love,' accompanied by stick drawings. The aliens' response was interpreted as 'the symbol for the disabled as you see outside a toilet,' which Operation Magpie interpreted as a sign that the Earth is in big trouble.

News Round Up and Other Items

News Round Up: Tim Good expresses his views on 'Alien Update,' and his belief that while George Wingfield holds 'extreme views,' he has done 'fine work.' Good believes that 'we are still left with a residue of genuinely anomalous events' regarding crop circles.

Paul John of Hereford clarifies that he is not the anonymous 'Herefordshire man' mentioned previously and now operates HURG (Hereford UFO Research Group), which investigates cases and publishes a local journal.

New groups like BRUFOP (Barnsley Research UFO Phenomenon) are listed.

Ken Higgins confirms that SRUFO (Scottish Research into UFOs) has not been totally disbanded. He offers observations on Bonnybridge, calling it the 'capital of the UFO world,' but notes an unprecedented level of sensationalism. He suggests that towns may use UFO attractions to gain notice.

A UFO comic, 'Weird Science-Fantasy,' featuring a reprint of a 1954 story, is mentioned.

Midnight Books: A new catalogue of secondhand titles on the unexplained is available.

Snippets from Readers: Nick Redfern is compiling data on the 'sky crash' at Llandrillo in 1974, noting similarities to the Rendlesham Forest case. The event was officially attributed to an earthquake and meteor, but the RAF's involvement and the finding of nothing are questioned.

Where is UFO Brigantia?: The editor expresses frustration with Andy Roberts, editor of Brigantia magazine, for failing to provide details of joint subscribers, leading to a breakdown in the joint subscription service. Many subscribers who paid for both magazines have not received issues.

UFO Call: An important message regarding an updated phone number for the UFO Call UK service is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance. While acknowledging the existence of genuine UFO phenomena, it emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, the identification of mundane explanations (such as Venus or autokinesis), and the critical evaluation of witness testimony. The editor, Jenny Randles, is forthright in her opinions, particularly regarding the Bristol UFO wave and the handling of information by the media and certain organizations. There is a clear distinction made between sensationalism and serious research. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by researchers in distinguishing between hoaxes and genuine events, particularly in the context of crop circles. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, coupled with a commitment to uncovering the truth through careful analysis and evidence-based reasoning. The ongoing issues with Brigantia highlight a concern for the integrity of UFO publications and the fair treatment of subscribers.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11-
Volume: 13
Date: 1993

This issue of Northern UFO News functions as a review and news roundup, focusing on recent publications and ongoing investigations within the UFO community. It highlights new magazines, details various UFO sighting reports, and discusses the media's engagement with the subject.

Major Articles Elsewhere: New Magazines Reviewed

The section "FOR YOUR PERUSAL" introduces three new magazines. Kevin McClure offers "Alien Scripture," described as a magazine with a theme of "If we are not alone then who is talking to us and what are they saying?" It covers various forms of 'alien' contact and features contributions from Hilary Evans and Martin Kottmeyer. This publication is issued in sequence with "Wild Places." A subscription costs £2 for a single issue or £7.50 for a 4-issue sub (£9 Europe, $18 US).

The Hereford UFO Research Group offers a newsletter at £1 per number, featuring news, reports, and data on the group.

MUFON NYC, the newsletter of the New York branch of MUFON, is described as a tastefully designed, simple newsletter packed with US data, demonstrating effective use of computer DTP. A 4-issue subscription is $8 (potentially more from the UK).

Magonia June (£4 for 4.5 issues) features an interesting reappraisal of early abduction complexities by Peter Rogerson.

SPI Enigmas Aug (£10 for 5.4 issues) is noted for its improvement, featuring reviews of the Sheffield conference, an interview with Bill Moore, and articles on Japanese involvement in Bonnybridge, Loch Ness, Poltergeists, and the Yowie of Oz.

Skylink Aug (£6 for 4 issues) provides detailed reports, particularly on London area lectures and sightings, considered good value for money.

World UFO 4 (£5 for 4 issues) includes a transcript of the reviewer's appearance on GMTV and features letters and press stories.

Skeptic (£12 for 6 issues) is reviewed, with a predictably scathing interview/review of 'The Afterlife.' The reviewer notes that the magazine ignored constructive comments made about 'The Skeptic' in the NUN and questions why they act this way, suggesting they avoid reviewing serious analytical books like 'Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved' because they cannot refute them.

PSI Researcher (£7.95 for 4 issues) is praised as probably the best UK publication for serious paranormal debate, being open-minded and sensible. It features articles, lecture reviews, letter debates, and reports on phenomena and experiments, presented in a lively style unlike the dry approach of the SPR.

Other Publications Mentioned

Several other publications are briefly noted:

• Annals June (£6 for 4 issues) offers assorted news items and short briefs, likened to a supernatural teletext.
• J. Meteorology (£24 for 10.54 issues) contains interesting items of possible relevance, including discussions on ice rings, water vortices, and vortices from aircraft wakes.
• IUR ($30 for 6 issues) features a detailed analysis of the 'Pentacle Letter,' a sceptic/believer debate on the Roswell testimony, and theories explaining Roswell.
• MUFON Journal ($30 for 12 issues) includes a Manhattan Transfer witness's personal account, a pro/sceptic debate, an analysis of the Roper poll results, and research on false memory syndrome.
• BAE Aug ($25 CAN) is recommended for keeping up with 'fas' and psychological work, digesting mainstream journals, and reviewing books.
• Just Cause Jun ($20 for 4 issues) offers excellent research on the official angle in the USA and a review of the 1952 Washington wave.
• Strange 11 (£13.50 for 4 issues) is described as a US equivalent to FT, packed with paranormal content, including UFO pieces.
• Phenomena (150FF for 6 issues) covers the French side of the 31 March 1993 Cosmos case and the Belgian Air Force radar/visual report from March 1990. It also mentions OVNI Presence, a French language glossy, and features a retrospective on Aime Michel.

Orgone 93

Andy Collins conducted an experiment in Wiltshire testing his 'Orgone Energy' theory, as proposed in his book 'The Circlemakers.' He is also involved in a conference and a new Orgone Newsletter.

Books of the Moment

"Seeing and Believing" by Nigel Watson (32pp, £4.99) is reviewed. The reviewer acknowledges past criticisms of Watson's work but states they review books on their merits. The booklet is described as privately published, large format, with b&w illustrations, covering how UFOs and alien contact have been portrayed in film and TV. It is considered informative and educative, though perhaps limited by its length.

Media Matters: UFOs in the Public Eye

An LWT feature on the Todmorden/Bacup UFO window, compiled by the reviewer, received a large audience. The reviewer expresses reservations about the editing, particularly the emphasis on Todmorden when cases also occurred in Rossendale. The feature is described as a 'sceptical portrayal of a looney theory' by some viewers.

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

Several brief case histories are presented:

• A Sounding...: A reader from Doncaster describes an event on 3 June 1993.
• Case 6813: In June 1968, Mrs M experienced a CE 1 involving a silver ellipse descending from the sea near Stonehaven.
• Case 6919: On 22 May 1969, Mrs K witnessed a fast-descending, red-glowing object near Aberdeen, described as egg-shaped with polished metal and a cone of gasses at the rear, emitting a humming noise.
• Case 6814: In October 1968, Mrs B observed a dark, torpedo-shaped object with flames and circling objects near Boosbeck, Cleveland.
• Case 8761: In February 1987, Mr R witnessed a formation of multi-coloured lights, described as a pulsing blue cluster with amber and white on four arms of an 'X' shape, near Brownhills.
• Case 9230: On 8 November 1992, Mr B, a BBC engineer, observed an orange ball of fire near Evesham.
• Case 9309: On 26 January 1993, Mrs C saw two 'tadpole' like objects moving fast and horizontally, coloured yellow/orange with bulbous heads and emitting sparks, near Kingsthorpe.

Case Histories

ON THE MACCLESFIELD ROAD: This case, investigated by Omar Fowler of PRA, occurred in February 1987. Mrs H and companions observed a bright star that transformed into a stainless steel, circular object with windows and railings, emitting a red glow and flashing lights, before disappearing. The event occurred on the M6 motorway.

WELSH VALLEY CLOSE ENCOUNTER: Reported by Leyton Williams-Davies, this sighting occurred on 2 November 1989. Three youths witnessed a small disk with a flat base and a dome, glowing intensely, moving rapidly in a tight circuit of a valley near Cwmtillery, Gwent, before ascending steeply and disappearing. The witnesses were left frightened, and one developed red and swollen eyes.

Quantock Update

This section reports on the Quantock Hills incident from May 1988, involving Tony B. He observed an object described as two saucers with stacked decks and protruding wings, which reputedly flew low over him, blocking out the sun. He took photographs, one showing an entity. A wave of heat allegedly burned the negatives. Tony B subsequently developed severe health problems, including weakness and extreme sensitivity to electrical equipment. The case was reported to the MoD, who involved BUFORA. A rock found at the scene was analysed and found to be 75% silicon dioxide, manufactured into its constituency. Medical data on Tony B has been difficult to establish, but Dr Peter Fenwick affirmed that Tony B was improving.

Final Words: Conferences and Events

This section lists upcoming conferences and events:

• 9 October: Lancaster Pub, Hereford - Conference organised by HURG.
• 23 October: Dr Johnson's House, Birmingham - BUFORA regional lecture by Albert Budden.
• 30 October: Institute of Psychiatry, London - One-day conference on science of mind and brain, involving scientists like Drs Peter Fenwick, John Taylor, and others.
• 6 November: King's College Campus, London - BUFORA lecture by Arthur Tomlinson on 'Northern Contact Cases'.
• 6 November: Conway Hall, London - 15th Psychic Questing Conference with Andy Collins, Graham Hancock, and Debbie Benstead.
• 27 November: Parr Hall, Warrington - MUFORA event: 'Mysteries of the Mersey Valley,' featuring Peter Hough and Jenny Randles.

The issue concludes with a list of NUFON Regional Groups across the UK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the review and promotion of UFO literature and research publications, the detailed reporting of UFO sighting cases from the UK, and an analysis of how UFO phenomena are presented in the media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis, while also acknowledging and sometimes critiquing skeptical viewpoints and media coverage. There is a clear emphasis on providing a platform for various researchers and groups within the UFO community.