Northern UFO News - No 17

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: No 17
Date: October 1975
Publisher: Northern UFO Network
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, published monthly by the Northern UFO Network, serves as a communications platform for groups investigating UFO phenomena in Northern Britain. It presents an open forum for news, viewpoints, and information, with opinions expressed not necessarily reflecting the collective views of the network.

Contents and Key Articles

Editorial: 'The Psycho Saucers'

Jenny Randles contributes an editorial exploring the debate on whether UFOs are extraterrestrial or if psychic/psychological elements play a larger role. She references Kreskin's experiment, which used suggestibility to make an audience perceive 'UFOs,' and notes Allan Hynek's skepticism, believing most sightings are false and doubting any UFO has landed on Earth. Randles suggests that psychological stimulus can produce reactions similar to 'real' sightings, enhancing perception but also susceptibility, particularly during 'UFO flaps' or multiple witness events. She concludes that while powerful, suggestions cannot be photographed or leave physical traces.

NUFON News and Meetings

A NUFON meeting is announced for Saturday, November 13th, at the Good Companions Public House in Manchester Rd, Warrington. The meeting aims to bring northern groups together for discussions on forming a 24-hour call network of investigators, an evaluation team, investigator training schemes, improved filing systems, and a subscription system for local newspapers. Ideas for these initiatives are welcomed.

NUFON Tape Library

The Wirral UFO Society now operates the NUFON Tape Library. Available lectures include talks by Charles Bowen, Tim Childerhouse, Betty Wood, Pete Thurgood, and Tony Pace, covering various aspects of ufology.

The NUFON Magazine

Due to economic constraints, a printed issue is not feasible on a regular basis. However, the monthly schedule will continue, and subscriptions will be honored. A new subscription rate of £2 for twelve issues will be implemented in the new year, with efforts to improve production quality.

NUFON Report, 1975

This report is scheduled for publication in January 1976, and ideas for improvements are requested.

Group News

Two new groups are mentioned: the Sheffield Dinnington & Rotherham UFO Research Association, offering assistance from NUFON, and the Midlands UFO Research Organisation (MURO) from Mansfield. The failure of MURO's attempts to form a Midlands Union is noted with regret. The Cambridge UFO group is trying to establish a liaison system in eastern England. The opening of LAPRO's HQ in Leicester is highlighted as a positive development. MUFORA and DIGAP are holding a joint open meeting in Manchester on November 14th.

Other News

NUFON's international contacts are expanding, with data received from the Tasmanian UFO Centre and an information exchange request from the Italian group UhASC. 'The Guardian' reported a British UFO Society member's claim of a significant sighting. The 'Manchester Evening News' published a story claiming the Adamski mystery was solved, identifying a photographed object as a bottle cooler top, a claim later confirmed by Pete Warrington.

BUFORA News Report

BUFORA is taking initial steps to coordinate work with Contact UK, involving an experimental period of cooperation. Trevor Whitaker will lead an investigators training program, planned as a weekend seminar. New report forms, including self-duplicating paper, are being prepared and will be available to groups at cost price. The 1975-6 lecture series is announced, featuring talks on various UFO aspects.

Some Suggestions on Publicity

Mike Dean and Ken Green of WUFOS offer advice on obtaining good publicity for ufology. They suggest local newspapers are often receptive to UFO stories, especially if local sighting details are provided. Emphasizing a scientific outlook during interviews is advised, as is being proactive in contacting media outlets rather than waiting for them to approach. Press releases and letters to the editor are recommended methods.

Editors Comments

The editor agrees that media relations are crucial and that local radio can be effective, though it requires vigilance. The upcoming BBC2 program on October 11th is mentioned as an opportunity to present ufology from a scientific perspective, with an appeal for nationwide sightings.

The Rainhill Case: A Postscript

This section provides an update on the Rainhill case, referencing a previous report in the August issue and a summary in the BUFORA Journal. Analysis of a metal sample found at the site suggests it is aluminium or an aluminium alloy. Samples of soil and water were taken for further analysis, and Mr. Harold Scothern is seeking assistance with quantitative testing.

Stop Press

Reports of 'Mystery Helicopter' sightings have resumed, similar to patterns observed in 1973-74.

A UFO Seen Over Alnwick in 1798

JB Delair recounts a sighting from June 10th, 1798, where a schoolmaster observed an object that changed shape from a star-like appearance to a pestle, then a hammer, and finally two half moons. The object was visible for five minutes and is considered a genuine UFO.

Another From The Past: Urmston Aug 6 1972

An amateur astronomer photographed an orange-red oblong shape with steady lights on each end, which glided silently north east. The witness was too amazed to take a photograph initially.

One For The Future

Details of a significant sighting near Rochdale on July 11th, 1975, involving a domed disc moving very fast and a photograph taken by an official, are pending full publication and analysis.

Multi-Witness Case Involving Police (MUFORA Report)

This report details a sighting on August 16th, investigated by Jeff Porter. A PC observed a bright white light moving south. Another PC witnessed the object, described as triangular and changing to red, decelerating and hovering. Hospital staff and security officers also reported seeing a white 'light bulb' and a descending object. Analysis of weather records ruled out astronomical factors, and while an aircraft was a possibility, the timing of the PC's call preceded the aircraft's expected path.

Reports In Brief

• This section summarizes several recent sightings:
• August 6, 1975 (Burnage, Manchester): A bird-shaped object with a 4' wingspan observed.
• August 10, 1975 (Burnley): Three dark disc shapes hovering.
• August 10, 1975 (York): A bright shiny disc shape observed.
• September 18, 1975 (Holmfirth): Two domed white objects with red lights.
• September 22, 1975 (Kirkburton): A bright white light 'swooped down' over Emley Moor.
• September 26, 1975 (Failsworth, Manchester): A bright white light with a hazy halo, moving NE and pulsing.

Associated Groups

This section lists the addresses of various UFO groups, including BUFORA, Contact UK, MUFORA, and others, encouraging members to connect.

Advertisements

Members of NUFON groups can use this column freely. Wanted: Foreign language journals. Foreign language translations are offered. Astrological analysis and research on anti-gravity are also advertised.

Coming Next Month

Features planned for the next issue include a full report on NUFON's 'Open Door' event, analysis of Rochdale PhotoCase and Rainhill soil & water samples (if completed), up-to-date sighting reports, and topical news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO sightings, the importance of accurate reporting, and the challenges of gaining media attention. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and a cautious approach to claims, as seen in the editorial's discussion of psychological factors and the analysis of the Rochdale case. The network actively promotes collaboration between groups and encourages public engagement through its publications and meetings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging both the potential for genuine phenomena and the influence of psychological factors, while striving for a scientific and evidence-based approach.