Northern UFO News - No 171

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 171
Date: September 1995
Editor: Jenny Randles
Cover Design: Bill Callaghan

This issue of Northern UFO News is heavily dominated by the Roswell incident, particularly the controversial autopsy footage that emerged in 1995. The magazine delves into the commercialisation of UFOlogy, the role of media, and internal organisational politics within BUFORA (British UFO Research Association).

Apology and Editorial Stance

Editor Jenny Randles begins with an apology for the magazine's delay, explaining it was due to personal circumstances, including the serious illness and eventual death of her father. She reiterates her commitment to improving future publication schedules.

Randles then details her contentious departure from the BUFORA council, citing a shift in the organisation's direction towards commercialisation and a focus on membership numbers over serious research. She recounts being pushed out after years of service, with reasons cited including her TV interviews, which she felt were beneficial for BUFORA's promotion.

BUFORA Conference and the Roswell Footage

The issue extensively covers the BUFORA conference held in Sheffield in August 1995, which was a sell-out but also controversial, notably for the debut of the Roswell footage. Randles criticises BUFORA's marketing decisions and the way the conference was organised, suggesting that the Roswell footage was used primarily as a ticket-selling gimmick.

She questions the decision to promote the film without thorough investigation, noting that Philip Mantle, then BUFORA's press officer, actively promoted the footage. Randles also points out the security measures at the conference, which she describes as a 'farce', and the lack of a balanced debate on the footage's authenticity.

The Roswell Footage: Who Took It and What's On It?

The magazine attempts to answer key questions about the Roswell footage. The cameraman, identified as 'JB' and possibly Jack Barnett, is discussed. Ray Santilli, who presented the footage, claims JB sold him the film for a significant sum, but JB's reluctance to speak publicly and the lack of independent verification raise suspicions. The footage itself is described as showing a humanoid figure with unusual features, distinct from typical 'grey alien' depictions. The wreckage shown is also described as looking like crude cast metal rather than advanced technology.

Verification and Expert Opinions

Crucial to the debate is the verification of the film's age. Kodak technicians suggest the film stock could date from 1947, but other experts, including special effects professionals from Pinewood Studios and Sky TV engineer Miles Johnstone, argue it is a modern hoax, possibly shot on contemporary equipment and transferred to black and white film.

Stanton Friedman, a prominent Roswell researcher, is quoted as being unconvinced by the footage. Kent Jeffrey of the International Roswell Initiative expresses strong disappointment, calling the film a 'despicable and deplorable hoax'. UFO abductee Elsie Oakensen also viewed the footage and felt it depicted a human body, expressing indifference rather than any 'affinity' with the being shown.

Bill Moore, author of 'The Roswell Incident', suggests checking medical literature on Turner's Syndrome, which can cause deformities similar to those seen in the footage. The GAO report, released after an 18-month investigation, found no evidence to support the Roswell crash beyond the Air Force's 'Project Mogul' explanation.

Media Coverage and Commercialisation

The issue includes a section detailing media reactions to the Roswell footage, featuring quotes from various newspapers like the Daily Sport, The Sun, Sheffield Star, Telegraph, News of the World, and the Daily Mail. While some, like Philip Mantle, defended the footage, many critics, including politicians and researchers, labelled it a fake or a potential setback for UFOlogy.

Randles expresses concern about the increasing commercialisation of UFOlogy, citing the sponsorship of the BUFORA conference by a rock music company and the aggressive marketing of the Roswell footage and related merchandise. She fears that UFOlogy is becoming more about making money than about genuine investigation and research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly reflects a critical stance towards the commercialisation of UFOlogy and the promotion of unverified phenomena. The editor, Jenny Randles, champions rigorous investigation and transparency, contrasting this with what she perceives as BUFORA's shift towards profit-driven activities and sensationalism. The Roswell footage serves as a central case study for these concerns, with the magazine dedicating significant space to dissecting its claims and the organisational responses to it. The underlying theme is a call for a return to serious, evidence-based UFO research, free from commercial pressures and unsubstantiated hype.

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

This issue of Northern UFO News focuses heavily on the controversial alleged 1960 autopsy footage, exploring its origins, potential for disinformation, and the implications for UFOlogy's reputation. It also includes a 'News Round Up' section covering various UFO-related groups and activities, a review of new books and magazines, and a collection of recent UFO sighting reports from across the UK.

The Roswell Footage Controversy

The lead article delves into the purported 1960 autopsy footage, quoting 'Moore' who describes it as allegedly depicting scenes from actual autopsies performed on two victims around 1960. The footage was reportedly shot by a low-budget Sci-Fi outfit and has been in circulation, with 'Bill' claiming that the company folded and the footage remained unused. 'Bill' also suggests that individuals with counterintelligence connections were aware of the film for years and considered using it for disinformation, but rejected the idea due to its perceived incredibility. The article poses critical questions about the film's authenticity, its handling by organizations like BUFORA, and the impact of commercialization on UFO research. It questions whether the timing of the film's release, amidst rising credibility of UFO evidence and government admissions, is coincidental or intended to distract from government secrets.

News Round Up

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related initiatives and groups:

• Area 51: A new ambient/techno group aims to establish a UFO clubbing fraternity, organizing skywatches and distributing information about alleged cover-ups. They express a desire to unite younger UFOlogists who feel the older generation is uncooperative.
• UFORA (UFO Research Australia): The group has decided to fold following the death of its founder, Vlad Godic. A new setup involving 'various individuals' and 'alternative methods' is planned.
• Albert Budden: Continues to offer writings on his 'environmental pollution' theory, including research updates titled 'The Steady Signal' and a comprehensive file on a West Midlands landing and alien contact case.
• UFO Construction Kit: A news item mentions the availability of a UFO construction kit, inspired by the Bob Lazar Area 51 saga, which includes a grey alien and a US military guard.
• Margaret Fry: Offers a metal badge with a UFO motif, intended to foster a 'united front' among enthusiasts.

Publications and Resources

Several sections highlight new books, magazines, and resources for UFO enthusiasts:

• William Jones: Is seeking old copies of 'Northern UFO News' for a library set up at Ohio State University.
• Midnight Books: Offers a new catalogue of books on UFOs and paranormal topics.
• 'Mysteries of the Mersey Valley': A book co-authored by Peter Hough and Jenny Randles, focusing on UFO tales from the Stockport to the Mersey Estuary region, is available at a discount.
• Jenny Randles' 'Secret UFO Files': A four-part series that appeared in 'The Weekly News' is available for photocopying.
• Robin Lindsey: Offers a vast collection of recorded UFO lectures and videos dating back to 1958, covering prominent figures and cases.
• 'Truth Seekers Review': Described as an interesting new A4 publication covering conspiracies, cover-ups, Roswell, Area 51, and crop circles.
• 'Intelligence': The latest incarnation of UFOlogist Eric Morris's publication, focusing on investigations from Cheshire and the Welsh borders.
• 'Three Shires Earth Mysteries': A well-produced magazine covering various mysteries in Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, with an earth mysteries flavour.
• 'Enigmas': A magazine featuring articles on bedroom visitors, a flying saucer built in Scotland, and an alien encounter.
• 'OVNI': A magazine featuring photos of summer 95 crop circles.
• 'UFOs': A publication offering press cuttings and news snippets from Yorkshire.
• 'SUFORIN': A well-put-together magazine with West Country sightings, articles, and news.
• 'Pegasus': A long-standing magazine edited by Gordon Millington, featuring interesting articles.
• '3rd Stone': A visually appealing magazine with articles on abductions and Warminster.
• 'Awareness': A publication from a group whose founder, Lord Clancarty, has passed away. It covers a mixed bag of topics.
• 'Fortean Times': Features articles on 'wave generation', the Roswell autopsy, and the X-Files.
• 'Anomaly': Known for its investigations into fringe oddities, including timeslips, abductions, and mystery faces on TV.
• 'PSI Researcher': A magazine from the SPR that reviews their activities and lectures, with a critical look at abduction research.
• 'Dead of Night': Contains reprinted press stories, articles on UFOs, a lake monster, and an X-Files episode guide.
• 'IUR': Features a debate on the Project Mogul solution for Roswell and new data on the Ed Ruppelt 'estimate of situation' report.
• 'Just Cause': Offers serious commentary on the US cover-up, with a study of the USAF 'Mogel balloon' report on Roswell.
• 'Ohio UFO Notebook': A regional US magazine with case investigations and articles, questioning if Roswell aliens were crash test dummies.
• 'The Anomalist 2': A compilation edited by Patrick Huyghe and Dennis Stacy, covering topics like faces on Mars, Bigfoot, animal mutilations, and UFO mythology, with an article assessing CE4s in light of sleep disorder phenomena.
• 'UFOs: Examining the Evidence': Proceedings from a conference, featuring the text of major lectures from European and international speakers.
• 'UFOs: Psychic Close Encounters': A book by Albert Budden on his 'environmental pollution' theory.

Brief Cases: UFO Sightings

The magazine reports several recent UFO sightings:

• Case 9435 (January 3, 1994): A golden oval UFO was spotted near Tarporley, Cheshire, hovering above Beeston Castle and then following a car.
• Case 9436 (January 26, 1994): A silent, helicopter-shaped light was seen hovering over trees in Ruabon, Clwyd, which then changed to a diamond shape with a hollow centre and lights.
• Case 9437 (Late January 1994): A white circle with an orange halo was observed near the A55 Dobshill turnoff in Cheshire, which intensified and vanished.
• Case 9438 (February 3, 1994): A nursing sister spotted a strange rectangular object with rounded edges, one dark end and a silvery white other end, over the sea near Llandudno, Gwynedd.
• Case 9522 (January 3, 1995): Two people in a car saw an 'orange light with what appeared to be a cone behind it' near Lea, Herefordshire, which travelled parallel to them.
• Case 9523 (January 18, 1995): A gigantic triangle with a dark middle and three lights (one green, two red) was observed in Mickleover, Derbyshire.
• Case 9524 (January 18, 1995): A 14-year-old saw an oval shape with red and green lights hovering over Marsden Park golf course in Nelson, Lancashire, which seemed to be turning slowly.
• Case 9525 (March 1, 1995): An illuminated object near the A52 in Brailsford, Derbyshire, stopped a line of cars.
• Case 9526 (March 11, 1995): Several townsfolk in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, witnessed a large, triangular-topped, rectangular-based craft with flashing lights after hearing a loud buzzing noise.
• Case 9527 (March 22, 1995): A strange craft, rounded with a dome and bright windows, was seen crossing the face of the moon near Uttoxeter, Staffs, before disappearing and leaving a smoke cloud.
• Case 9528 (March 22, 1995): Encounters in Ballymena, N. Ireland, described an oval-shaped dish with flickering lights that hovered over the town before disappearing.

Other Sections

• Stop the Press: Robin Lindsey offers a service providing recorded UFO lectures and videos.
• Subscriptions: A reminder for readers to renew their subscriptions.
• Autumn Attractions: Information on upcoming UFO events, including conferences and lectures in London and Burnley.
• Local groups in the north: A directory of UFO research groups in Scotland, North East, North West, and North Midlands.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate about the authenticity of UFO evidence, particularly the Roswell footage, and the challenges faced by UFOlogy in maintaining credibility amidst commercialization and potential disinformation campaigns. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to form their own judgments while presenting a wide range of information from various sources. There is a clear emphasis on reporting UFO sightings and research from the UK and Europe, alongside international developments. The magazine also promotes the work of individual researchers and authors, offering their books and services to the readership. The overall tone is informative and aims to engage readers in the complex and often controversial field of UFO research.