Northern UFO News - No 169

Magazine Overview

Northern UFO News, Issue 169, Winter 1995, is a UK-based magazine focused on UFOlogy and related paranormal phenomena. The cover prominently features "20 YEARS OF NUFON 1974 - 1994," indicating a celebration of the organization's history. The editor is Jenny Randles, and the cover design is by Roy Sandbach. The magazine's address is provided as 11 Pike Court, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8QF.

Contents and Key Articles

The contents page outlines a diverse range of topics. Articles include "ET or not ET," "UFOs on TV," and reports on the Welsh Federation and MIT proceedings. There's a focus on media coverage, including the "TV UFO blitz," and reviews of books on magic, mystery, and the supernatural. A significant portion is dedicated to UFO cases from various UK counties such as Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Lancashire, detailing encounters, strange aerial phenomena, and even alleged alien photographs.

Editor's Comments (J.R. Comments...)

In his editorial, Jenny Randles reflects on the magazine's publication schedule, noting that this issue, though dated Winter 1995, is published later than intended due to a house move. He discusses the response to his book "Star Children," mentioning analysis by "neo-ufology" and a chat with Kevin McClure. Randles clarifies his stance on abduction, stating he does not believe he has been on an ET spaceship and that his book was not intended to proclaim himself an abductee but rather to explore strange occurrences. He emphasizes that he is not seeking fame or fortune and that his writings have prompted some researchers to re-evaluate abduction claims. Randles also touches upon the continuum between 'contactees' and 'abductees,' suggesting a blurring of lines. He recounts an experience on the Jamesons talk show on BBC Radio Two, where he was told he was no longer a skeptic, a statement he ponders but does not entirely refute, noting his endorsement of "earthlights and other UAP."

Televisual UFOlogy

This section critically examines recent television coverage of UFO phenomena. Randles discusses the "Strange but true?" program, which he consulted on, fulfilling a long-held ambition to give the Rendlesham Forest case proper attention. He contrasts this with a Channel 4 program that he felt was biased and presented a "lighthouse and police car" theory without adequate research. He notes the success of the "Strange but true?" documentary on Rendlesham, which brought together key witnesses and dedicated a full program to the case. Randles also mentions the "Network First on UFOs" program, produced by Lawrence Moore, which he found to be pro-UFO but slightly disappointing due to the absence of key figures like Tim Good. He criticizes the case selection in "Strange but true?" for focusing too much on Russia and not enough on Roswell or the Gulf Breeze affair. The section also touches upon the BBC's "Horizon" program, which Randles felt presented UFOlogy in a way that implied a lack of rationality among researchers.

News Round Up

This section reports on significant events within the UFO movement. It notes the passing of two prominent figures: Len Stringfield, an American investigator of crash-retrieval cases, and Vlad Godic, a key figure in the Australian UFO movement. The formation of the Welsh Federation of Independent UFOlogists is announced, stemming from dissatisfaction with the national group BUFORA. The AAC (Alien Acknowledgment Campaign) outlines its plans for 1995, including petitions to the UN and demonstrations. Proceedings from a June 1992 symposium at MIT, organized by Dr. John Mack, are to be published in a comprehensive book on alien abductions. Paul Davids has produced videos responding to Air Force claims about the Roswell incident, asserting that Roswell involved ET craft and alien bodies. The section also lists various UFO-related magazines and publications available to readers.

Circular Logic

This section discusses crop circles and government involvement. Nick Redfern reports on an interview with Nick Pope, the outgoing officer at Air Staff 2A, who dismisses rumors of a high-level cabinet meeting in 1990 to discuss crop circles and strategies. Pope states that he never encountered anything to indicate such a meeting occurred. The section also reviews "The Circular," a magazine dedicated to crop circles, and notes the artistic and imaginative nature of the patterns reported.

Books of the Moment

This section reviews several books. "Staffordshire: Its magic and mystery" and "Cheshire: Its magic and mystery" by Doug Pickford are described as tourist guides to British mysteries, with a chapter on UFO activity in Staffordshire. "Fortean Studies Vol 1" is a new annual from Fortean Times, featuring research articles on various paranormal topics, including a review of the "Devils Hoofprints" and a piece linking abductions with eye anomalies. The section also mentions "Supernatural Britain" by Peter Hough, a guide to British paranormal sites, and "ELF Infested Spaces," a magazine blending consciousness, morphogenesis, and UFOlogy.

Media Matters

This section critiques media coverage of UFOlogy. Jenny Randles expresses concern over a Sunday Telegraph article that listed "Northern UFO News" alongside other magazines, some of which he finds questionable. He also criticizes a "South Wales Echo" article that dismisses UFOlogists as "celestial trainspotters." Randles defends the legitimacy of UFOlogy and criticizes journalists like Dan O'Neill for misrepresenting cases, such as the Rendlesham Forest incident. He also notes the Financial Times' critique of TV's obsession with the paranormal and the influence of televised representations on belief, citing findings from Professor Glenn Sparks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with media representation, scientific skepticism, and the paranormal. There's a strong emphasis on case studies from the UK, often presented with detailed analysis. The editor, Jenny Randles, maintains a cautious but open-minded stance, acknowledging the strangeness of reported events while avoiding definitive pronouncements on alien visitation. He is critical of media portrayals that he believes misrepresent or trivialize the field of UFOlogy, advocating for a more serious and accurate approach to research and reporting. The magazine also serves as a platform for discussing new publications, organizations, and ongoing research within the UFO community.

Notable Quote

"I fear UFOlogy may have overemphasised the differences between fifties style contactees and modern day abductees. We often hear of how these are completely separate issues the latter involving forced entry and kidnap, the former being more spiritual and voluntary in nature. Yet there is more of a continuum than you might imagine when you assess the evidence."

Notable Quote Speaker

Jenny Randles

FAQ

• What is the significance of the "20 Years of NUFON" on the cover? The cover celebrates 20 years of NUFON (Northern UFO Network), marking the period from 1974 to 1994.
• What are the main topics covered in the "Contents" section? The contents include discussions on ET, UFOs on TV, the Welsh Federation, MIT proceedings, UFOlogist gatherings, the MoD's position on UFOs, reviews of paranormal books, media coverage of UFOs, and numerous UFO case reports from various UK locations.
• What is the editor's stance on alien abductions? The editor, Jenny Randles, states that while he acknowledges strange events and the possibility of an alien component in some cases, he does not believe he has been on an ET spaceship and stresses that this is not a negative factor in well-being.
• How does the magazine discuss recent TV UFO programs? The magazine critiques recent TV programs like "Strange but true?" and a Channel 4 program, discussing their portrayal of UFOlogy and the handling of cases, with the editor expressing disappointment in how British UFOlogy was presented.
• What new organizations or initiatives are mentioned? The Welsh Federation of Independent UFOlogists has been launched due to dissatisfaction with BUFORA, and the AAC (Alien Acknowledgment Campaign) has announced plans for petitions and demonstrations in 1995.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Volume: 11
Date: November 1994
Publisher: Northern UFO News
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Northern UFO News focuses on recent reports and investigations into UFO and UAP sightings, primarily from late 1994 and early 1995. It features a collection of 'Brief Cases' detailing numerous sightings across the UK, alongside more in-depth investigations and discussions of potential explanations.

Brief Cases

The 'Brief Cases' section presents a series of short reports from various locations:

• November 4, 1994, Seaton Ross, North Yorks: A roadsweeper reported a large white light below cloud, which resolved into two adjacent lights before disappearing.
• November 17, 1994, York, North Yorks: A pensioner saw a blue ball of light hovering over a building at 02:00, causing fear.
• November 27, 1994, Old Swan, Liverpool: This case garnered media attention, with multiple witnesses describing an oval-shaped object with lights, likened to a spaceship with smaller craft surrounding it. Investigators suggest it could be a laser light display.
• November 29, 1994, Barnoldswick, Lancs: A woman observed a large white disc hovering, which faded with sunrise and reappeared the next morning.
• December 15, 1994, Bakewell, Derbyshire: A truck driver reported a rocket-like object crashing from the sky near Hardwick Hall. Searches by eight officers found nothing.
• December 20, 1994, Warrington, Cheshire: A retired man saw a white light hovering over his roof at dawn.
• December 31, 1994, Bradley, Derbyshire: A man witnessed a round object with 50 green lights and a yellow glow, which rapidly departed.

More Welsh Wonders

This section, investigated by Margaret Fry, details two significant cases:

• March 1964, Denbigh Castle, Clywd: A severe case of animal interference is recorded where a woman's dog was distressed by a beam of light emanating from the sky, causing what appeared to be burns.
• Case 6735 (circa 1967), Hiraethog Moors, Clwyd: A 19-year-old man reported seeing a disc-like object with a flat base and humming sound. The encounter was followed by a time lapse, with the witness and his driver finding themselves on a different part of the road an hour later than expected.

UFO photographed over Boggart haunt

• March 1, 1994, Blackley, Manchester: Dozens of people, including nurses and residents of an old people's home, witnessed a disc-like object hovering over Boggart Hole Clough. Photographs were taken by a nurse and a hospital warden.

Case Histories

This section delves into more detailed cases:

• Ilkley Moor Abduction Case: Mentioned as a contentious case from the late 1980s.
• Canadian Case: An anonymous 'Guardian' sent video footage of a UFO with dubious freeze-frame shots of a grey.
• Withernsea, Humberside (October 1994): An elderly lady and her daughter reported numerous strange occurrences at their cottage, including a UFO sighting, an unexplained fire, and huge orange balls hovering overhead. A white ball with a 'shutter' appeared, followed by a loud noise and local burglar alarms activating. The daughter took a photograph through the window, which some believe resembles an alien face. The photos are being sent to NASA for analysis.
• Tovil, Maidstone, Kent (October 1994): A man and his girlfriend spotted strange lights in the sky.

The Helsby Hill collosus

• December 2, 1994, Helsby, Cheshire: A driver on the M56 reported seeing a saucer-shaped object inland beside Helsby Hill. The object had two lines of light and appeared stationary, with a blue oblong window and neon-coloured lights illuminating the ground. The witness was certain it was unusual, though a restaurant atop the hill or a distant laser display reflecting off cloud are suggested as possible explanations.

STOP THE PRESS

This section lists upcoming events and local UFO groups:

• Events: Includes a UFOlogist gathering in Manchester (March 18), an SPR study day on alien abductions in London (April 22), the Fortean Times Unconvention in London (April 22-23), and a South Wales UFO Group conference in Cardiff (August 26-27).
• Local Groups: Provides contact information for groups in Scotland, North East England, North West England, North Midlands, South Midlands, and Wales.

Another mid-air encounter

• January 6, 1995, Peak District Hills: A British Airways Boeing 737 crew reported a bright, spear-head shaped object, coloured orange, descending vertically and then streaking past their aircraft at high speed. The object was described as triangular. The CAA is investigating, but initial reports suggest they could not trace the aircraft, despite the crew providing flight details. The possibility of a bright meteor is also discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of numerous UFO/UAP sightings across the UK, the investigation into these cases, and the exploration of potential explanations ranging from misidentification (Venus, meteors, laser displays) to more unusual phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings while acknowledging the need for further study and caution against premature conclusions. The publication encourages reader participation and provides resources for those interested in UFO research.