Northern UFO News - No 170

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 170
Date: May 1995
Publisher: Northern UFO News
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of Northern UFO News, edited by Jenny Randles with cover design by Roy Sandbach, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, offering a mix of news, analysis, and commentary. The magazine addresses the ongoing debate between UFOlogists and skeptics, reviews recent developments in UFO research, and explores specific cases and historical incidents.

JR Comments: Skeptics Under Scrutiny

Jenny Randles, in her 'JR Comments' section, expresses growing doubts about the debunking ethos of the skeptics movement, particularly criticizing 'The Skeptic' magazine and its editor, Dr. Steve Donnelly. Randles highlights the group NARO's invitation to skeptics for an investigation into the Birchwood Mall security video case, noting that the skeptics did not fully resolve it and, crucially, did not publish any findings or acknowledge their involvement in their journal. Randles questions this silence, suggesting that if skeptics had found answers, they would have publicized them extensively. She further criticizes Donnelly's 'Hits and Misses' column for misrepresenting her comments on the Horizon documentary about alien abductions, accusing him of taking her remarks out of context and misleading subscribers into believing she proposed inventing a 'UFO doctorate' for self-importance.

Randles praises Horizon presenter Dr. Susan Blackmore for her objectivity and rational commentary. She calls for Dr. Donnelly to read her original article to understand the context of her remarks.

News Round Up

This section provides a collection of recent UFO-related news and events:

• David Jacobs on Countdown: UFOlogist David Jacobs appeared on the TV show Countdown, repeating a story about a UFO sighting in October 1983. Randles notes that Jacobs, despite being told the sighting was likely a 'bolide' (meteor), continued to present it as a mystery to viewers.
• London Debates: Two successful London debates are mentioned: a Society for Psychical Research symposium on alien abductions, which showed a new willingness to take UFOs seriously, and the Fortean Times Unconvention, which attracted a large audience. The debate on crash retrievals, particularly Roswell, was a focal point, with speakers expressing skepticism about the recently revealed film footage.
• Book Offers: Several book offers are listed, including catalogues from Midnight Books and Arcturus Books, which feature paranormal and UFO titles. Excalibur Books is highlighted for offering a new Randle & Schmitt book on Roswell.
• Rod Haworth's UFO Video Catalogue: Rod Haworth is presented as a collector of rare UFO footage and TV programmes, seeking unusual items.
• Rendlesham Forest Case Update: Readers Albert Budden, Nick Redfern, and Roy Sandbach provide updates on sites related to the Rendlesham Forest incident. Orford Ness, formerly a site for atomic weapons research and the Cobra Mist radar experiment, has been sold to the National Trust and will be open to visitors from June 1995. RAF Bentwaters, a former active air base, has been sold for £8 million to the Maharishi Foundation, which plans to establish a University of Natural Law. The article humorously speculates about potential psychic phenomena related to the Maharishi Foundation's activities.

Roswell: The Real Movie

This extensive article by Philip Mantle, BUFORAS director of investigation, addresses the sensational claim of surfaced film footage allegedly depicting the Roswell crash retrieval, alien bodies, an autopsy, and President Truman's visit. Mantle recounts his involvement in the media blitz surrounding the footage, noting the intense public interest and the exclusive deal BUFORAS struck with the film's buyer. He mentions that attempts to acquire the film date back to 1993, with tales of Steven Spielberg being offered the footage.

Mantle details the film's alleged content, including a dead alien being examined in a 'field hut' and samples being taken. The total footage is said to be 98 minutes on 14 cannisters, described as 16mm, black & white, grainy, and without sound. He notes that close-ups are absent, making absolute certainty of alien origins difficult to determine.

The article discusses the initial press coverage, particularly in 'The People,' which claimed the footage was about to be released and included 'exclusive drawings' of the entities. Mantle is quoted extensively, describing the aliens as human-looking with flesh and blood, but he refrains from commenting on the footage's authenticity.

Mantle's own fax, initially marked private and confidential, was leaked, leading to media citations. He describes the film as 'interesting and nothing more,' a sentiment echoed by others who viewed segments. Bill Chalker also received a non-committal response from Mantle regarding the footage's quality.

The article highlights the media's varied reactions, with the Daily Mail questioning if it's about 'Little green men or big green dollars?' It notes contradictions in Mantle's descriptions of the alien's appearance between different reports.

Mantle expresses concern about the dating of the autopsy (weeks after the crash) and the use of plastic bags, questioning their congruity with 1947. He also mentions that some UFOlogists who have seen clips remain unconvinced.

The article touches upon the potential sale of TV rights to 'Encounters' or Fox TV, and the possibility of a release coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident in July 1997.

Mantle concludes by stating that while he cannot judge the film's authenticity without seeing a full investigation, his real concern is that the film reflects the legends about Roswell rather than its reality. He acknowledges being wrong in cynicism before but stresses the need for caution.

Circular Logic: The Crop Watcher

This section reviews 'The Crop Watcher' magazine, edited by Paul Fuller. Fuller's intensive search through the National Monuments Records Archive in Swindon for aerial photographs of fields where circles have appeared is detailed. While some suspect images have emerged, none are proven crop circles predating the Doug & Dave case. The article notes that Arthur C. Clarke's TV series 'Mysterious Universe' did not proceed with filming this research after finding no conclusive results.

The review praises Fuller's work as scientific and deserving of recognition. The issue also includes an overview of a video film taken in July 1994 at Alton Barnes, where two military helicopters allegedly swooped on individuals filming a crop circle and an anomalous lightball. While Paul Fuller admits he cannot resolve all questions, his approach is commended.

For Your Perusal: New Magazines

This segment highlights several new and interesting magazines:

• Dead of Night: A bulky A4 magazine covering UFOs, ghosts, and other paranormal topics from Merseyside.
• Trans-UFO: A publication that translates articles from recent non-English language UFO journals.
• Strange Days: A photocopied A5 publication with pieces on north-east UFOlogy.
• EMUFORA Spring 95: A local magazine from the east midlands, featuring UFO news and commentary.
• UFO Reporter 4: Focuses on West Yorkshire cases, including a 1991 incident at Ilkley Moor.
• Pegasus Spring 95: Features internet articles on UFOs and abductions, including insights from Whitley Strieber.
• Southampton UFO Newsletter: A cost-effective monthly with comments on press stories and TV items.
• World UFO Journal: A collection of photocopied press articles and commentary on UFOlogy.

Books of the Moment

• Alien Discussions: The MIT Symposium: Edited by Andrea Pritchard, David Pritchard, John Mack, Pam Kasey, and Claudia Yapp, this book is described as a definitive work on alien abductions, presenting the proceedings of a 5-day symposium held at MIT. It covers a broad range of questions about abductions and features contributions from psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists.
• The Pentateuch of the Cosmogony: A remastered CD by Dave Greenslade is reviewed. The music is described as eerie and beautiful, telling a story of human-alien contact set 400 years in the future, with a chilling relevance to today.

Media Matters

This section critically examines media coverage of UFO-related topics:

• Arthur C. Clarke on Esther: The author criticizes the BBC's 'Esther' program for giving Arthur C. Clarke an excessive amount of airtime, while UFOlogists who were invited to discuss alien abductions were largely edited out. Clarke's perceived lack of knowledge about alien abduction evidence is highlighted, leading to a 'pointless, toothless debate.' The treatment of abductee Maria Ward is also deemed distasteful.
• Arthur C. Clarke's Mars Theory: The article references a Daily Mail article where Arthur C. Clarke discusses the possibility of life on Mars based on a meteorite. It also mentions his comments on the 'Esther' show, where he found UFOlogists' stories 'sadly depressing' due to their perceived lack of imagination regarding alien forms.
• Radio Debate: A radio debate on BBC Radio 5 featuring Gloria Dixon of NUFORI and arch debunker Steuart Campbell is discussed. The participant Stewart Lamont suggested links between UFO phenomena, NDEs, and imagery from other dimensions, advocating for freedom of information regarding UFO sightings.
• Political Connection: The article notes that the Tories held a joint meeting with the fringe UFO group the Aetherius Society, leading to accusations that the Tories were more in touch with reality than they were.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Northern UFO News include the ongoing tension and debate between UFOlogists and skeptics, with a clear editorial stance favoring a more open-minded and critical approach to evidence. The controversial Roswell incident and the alleged film footage are a major focus, reflecting the magazine's interest in significant UFO events. Alien abductions are explored through symposia and book reviews, indicating a continued interest in this aspect of ufology. The magazine also highlights the importance of independent research and the dissemination of information through various publications and media. There is a critical perspective on how the media covers UFO topics, often favoring sensationalism or established skeptical viewpoints over detailed investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for serious research into UFO phenomena, questioning official narratives, and encouraging critical thinking among readers.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Volume: 11
Date: 1995

This issue of Northern UFO News focuses on a collection of UFO sightings and investigative reports, primarily from the United Kingdom. It includes detailed accounts of specific incidents, brief case summaries, and an in-depth look at a long-standing UFO case.

More Welsh Wonders

This section, investigated by Margaret Fry, presents two intriguing cases from Wales.

Holyhead Mind-Meld (Case 76-184)

This case involves a woman and her teenage son near Holyhead, Anglesey, in March 1976. They witnessed a metal object resembling two pie dishes stacked atop each other, with eight 'portholes' across the middle, hovering silently. The most frightening aspect was the woman's sensation of telepathic messages, conveying that unhappy human captives were on board. She felt her mind cooperating with an alien source, despite her fear. The object performed an extraordinary loop before disappearing. Margaret Fry intends to investigate this case further.

A World-Shattering Event (Case 8347)

Reported by Mrs K, this incident occurred on the A547 road near Meliden and Prestatyn in late October or early November 1983. While driving with her children, a silent metallic craft appeared over the road, spanning its width. It had a red reflection on its top and bottom, a fuzzy red electrical aura, and a black body with portholes. Despite Mrs K's attempts to draw attention to the object, passing motorists seemed oblivious. The craft then drifted out to sea. Mrs K was bewildered by the lack of police response to what she considered a world-shattering event.

Brief Cases

This section compiles numerous shorter UFO sighting reports from late 1994 and early 1995.

• 9434 (31 December 1994, Caldicot, Dean Forest): A triangular craft with three dull orange lights was seen overhead, blotting out stars and producing a soft rushing sound. It was estimated to be 500 feet up and visible for 5-7 seconds.
• 9502 (1 January 1995, Belper, Derbyshire): A couple reported a low-hovering craft with 'the brightest lights ever seen' on the A6.
• 9503 (11 January 1995, Madeley Heath, Staffs): Mr H observed an egg-shaped fluorescent light with spikes and bright lights moving over woodland at night.
• 9504 (19 January 1995, West Midlands): Reports included a bright fireball meteor and a hovering orange object over the Police Training Centre, possibly an airship.
• 9505 (23 January 1995, Higher Ince, Wigan): Witnesses saw a bright orange ball of fire falling, leading to a search and rescue operation, but no debris was found.
• 9506 (26-28 January 1995, Bradford, W. Yorks): Mrs G observed a white light escorting a plane battling high winds towards Leeds/Bradford airport.
• 9507 (26 January 1995, Sutton, Notts): An ex-Army man spotted a dark triangular mass with red lights that moved away at high speed, its lights turning orange.
• 9508 (29 January 1995, Forfar, Scotland): Mysterious blue and white lights were seen dancing and disappearing from a bedroom window.
• 9509 (30 January 1995, Aberfeldy, Scotland): Two strange oval objects with sparkling lights were observed hovering over a wood in the early morning light.
• 9510 (30 January 1995, Worsley Green, Wigan): Two identical hovering objects, described as brick-like with fuzzy middles and sparkling edges, were seen in the dark sky.
• 9511 (8 February 1995, Perth, Scotland): A giant hula-hoop shaped object, white and large, was spotted in the sky.
• 9512 (9 February 1995, St Cyrus, Scotland): A glowing yellow, frisbee-shaped mass was seen streaking inland at high speed, accompanied by a loud 'beating wings' sound.
• 9513 (11 Feb 1995, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs): A man observed a satellite that stopped and 'hid' within an arc of three stars before continuing.
• 9514 (13 February 1995, Allenton, Derbyshire): Two sisters saw a triangular object hovering over their patio, making a humming noise.
• 9515 (15 February 1995, Ross on Wye, Hereford): A driver saw a red light flash across the sky and disappear instantly.
• 9516 (16 February 1995, Hereford): Blue flashes were observed over a garage and in open country, with the witness unsure if it was lightning.
• 9517 (16 February 1995, Huddersfield, W Yks): A red light was seen over woods, which split into two lights and shot into the sky.
• 9518 (20 February 1995, Runcorn, Cheshire): An object described as oval with reddish lights on its base appeared to be sucking water from the River Mersey.
• 9520 (12 March 1995, Kingsthorpe, Northants): A white circular light was seen heading towards Far Cotton.
• 9521 (13 March 1995, Wincle, Cheshire): White lights with red/green colouration were seen dancing in the sky over Congleton.

Case History: A New Twist in the Allingham Affair

This section delves into the controversial 'Allingham affair,' concerning Cedric Allingham's alleged contact with a Martian spacecraft in Scotland in 1953. The book 'Flying Saucer from Mars' was widely dismissed as a hoax, partly due to the mysterious 'disappearance' of James Duncan, another witness.

The article presents new information from Mr G, who claims to have interviewed James Duncan in 1968 and 1973. Mr G suggests that Duncan's account, which he shared with Mr G in 1983, differs significantly from Allingham's published story. Duncan reportedly stated that the UFO was not Adamski-like, the conversation was spoken, not telepathic, and the entity was a normal human in a wetsuit. Mr G speculates that Allingham may have embellished or had his story ghostwritten.

Mr G's testimony is presented as credible, given his sober approach to UFO research. The article contrasts Duncan's account with Allingham's book, noting that Duncan signed a statement for Allingham but apparently did not read it and that his story differs from the affidavit published in the book.

Stop the Press

This section briefly mentions Dr John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist and abduction researcher, facing a potential legal battle over his university post. The author defends Dr Mack's work, praising his compassion for witnesses and his scientific commitment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings with a focus on witness testimony and investigative details. The tone is generally open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging potential explanations like meteorological events or misidentifications. The 'Brief Cases' section highlights a trend of triangular craft and unusual lights dominating recent reports. The detailed examination of the Allingham affair suggests an editorial interest in re-evaluating historical cases and uncovering new evidence. The publication also engages with the broader UFO community through conference listings and local group information.