Northern UFO News - No 172

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 172
Date: Christmas 1995

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated Christmas 1995, offers a comprehensive look at various facets of UFOlogy. It features articles on international UFOlogy, alleged alien implants, crop circles, and government involvement, alongside news updates and reviews.

J.R. Comments: Contrasting UFOlogy Across Continents

Jenny Randles, the editor, reflects on her travels to the USA and Australia, comparing the UFOlogy scenes in Britain, Australia, and the USA. She characterizes Britain as 'dull, slow, traditionally sceptical,' Australia as a 'hybrid' with a balance of reserve and determination, and the USA as 'bold, dynamic, open minded to the point of gullibility.' Randles uses the Roswell autopsy footage as an example, noting the UK's initial premise that it had to be bogus and the extensive debate it generated. She contrasts this with the USA's reaction, where there was a higher level of reserved judgment and a greater acceptance that the film might be real, attributing this to a cultural predisposition towards conspiracies and distrust of officialdom.

Randles questions how much of the anti-Roswell autopsy sentiment was rooted in a national heritage of doubt. She also touches upon the idea that the Roswell autopsy might have been government disinformation, but warns that arguing truth can be real truth, lies, or truth told as lies leads to a society that 'cries wolf,' potentially hindering acceptance of future genuine events.

Australian UFOlogy and the Roswell Case

Randles recounts an experience in Australia where, despite a lack of media interest in the Roswell video launch, there was significant attention when a piece of material allegedly recovered from an Australian UFO crash was presented. She notes that while the material's origin might be debatable, the significance lay in its potential for analysis and assessment, which she feels the Roswell film lacked by being taken too much 'on trust.'

She criticizes BUFORA's handling of the Roswell autopsy case, calling it a 'wasted opportunity' for not insisting on proper tests before public presentation. This, she argues, led to a situation where people had to believe or disbelieve without sufficient evidence, resulting in a lack of belief.

The Ilkley Entity Photo vs. Roswell

Randles contrasts the Roswell case with the Ilkley entity photo investigation, spearheaded by Peter Hough and NARO. She highlights the thoroughness of the Ilkley investigation, involving analysis by Kodak labs, an independent lab, a wildlife photographic expert, optical physicists, British Universities, and a clinical psychologist. This rigorous approach, she argues, is how UFO research should be conducted, providing facts and answers before public presentation, unlike the Roswell case.

Despite the comprehensive investigation of the Ilkley case, Randles notes the general disinterest from the UFOlogy community and the media's preference for the Roswell film, which attracted huge offers for books. She attributes this disparity to marketing and hype, where evidence takes a backseat. She expresses concern that UFOlogy is slipping from the community's grasp and becoming a 'mass market product' controlled by PR companies and the media, especially with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the mystery.

News Round Up

This section provides updates on various UFO publications and related news. 'New UFOlogist' has experienced delays but is expected to continue with new editors. 'Encounters' magazine is mentioned, along with a 20,000-word book titled '50 Years of UFO Encounters.' The upcoming launch of a British version of a German paranormal glossy is noted, as is the expansion of 'Fortean Times' into a monthly review of the paranormal.

High Strangeness Coming

Jerome Clark's third volume of his UFO Encyclopedia, 'High Strangeness,' covering 1960-1979, is announced as forthcoming. The book is expected to be extensive, with 700 pages and an estimated 400,000 words, building on the 'superb calibre' of previous volumes.

Philip Mantle: A Response

This section features a response from Philip Mantle, director of BUFORA, to previous criticisms regarding the handling of the Roswell autopsy film. Mantle's initial reply was seven pages, with a further response extending to ten A4 sides. The editor, Jenny Randles, expresses reluctance to dedicate extensive space to this, given reader fatigue, but feels it is important to offer a right of reply. She suggests publishing extracts and directing readers to BUFORA or offering photocopies, rather than filling the news-oriented magazine with political arguments.

Mantle has expressed dissatisfaction with this compromise, leaving the decision of whether to publish his full letter to the readers.

Alien Implants Recovered?

This article reports on an extraordinary recent press story from Wilkes Barre, PA, USA, concerning alleged alien implants. A Californian surgeon reportedly operated on two abductees (one male, one female) to remove implants from their bodies. The implants, described as inexplicable objects encased in thick, dark membranes, were found to contain minute pieces of shiny, magnetic metal that glowed green under ultra-violet light. The implants have been sent to Houston for microscopic and chemical testing by UFOlogists and scientists. The story's confirmation is pending, but if true, it could represent a significant development in abduction research.

Circular Logic: Crop Circles in 1995

This section delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly the 1995 season. It mentions the work of American biologist Dr. William Levengood, whose research uncovered nodal swelling and embryo malformation in circles, suggesting transient energy and microwave spectrum phenomena. The article contrasts this with the skeptical views of Joe Nickell, who cited Paul Fuller's assessment that most circles are hoaxed. The author argues that skeptics miss the point that simple circles have a long history, predating modern publicity and even influencing known hoaxers like Doug and Dave. The article expresses concern that complex formations, while potentially hoaxed, are 'post mass publicity products,' and that the underlying reality of crop circles is being dismissed.

It also notes the 'Answers to Correspondents' page in the Daily Mail featuring a crop circle photo and questioning the lack of reports during the tropical summer. Pat Delgado insists that crop circles remain a mystery, with real cases dating back 95 years and possibly thousands of years.

UFOs and Crop Circles in 1964

This report by Nick Redfern details a case from 1964 involving a sighting near Clifton Rectory in Penrith, Cumbria. The witness described a column of bluish light, approximately 8 feet in diameter and 15 feet high, which then disappeared. The rector, T.E.T. Burbury, visited the site and found the ground lightly raked in an almost perfect circle. The report notes that the MoD (specifically department S4) took the case seriously enough to pass it up the chain of command, with an internal memo indicating an evaluation. However, the subsequent handling by Flight Lieutenant Bardsley is described as dismissive and patronizing, suggesting theories like marsh gas or aurora borealis, and making light of the report. The author criticizes the MoD's attitude, suggesting a lack of seriousness in handling reports with potential physical evidence.

For Your Perusal: Major Articles Elsewhere

This section provides a curated list of other UFO-related publications and their featured articles:

• Enigmas Nov 95: Features Billy Buchanans alien and a large crowd at an alien channeling lecture.
• OVNI Sep & Oct 95: Includes an interview with John Mack, an Irish time slip, and a CE4 case involving alien mining operations in Siberia.
• EMUFORA 6: A local magazine with classic group mags, letters, sightings, and comments.
• Pegasus: Features an interview with Whitley Strieber discussing the Roswell autopsy film and a breakdown in the cover-up.
• Southampton Newsletter: Includes a transcript of Ray Santilli on daytime TV.
• Strange Daze 7: Debates BUFORA and its handling of the Roswell footage.
• TransUFO: Gathers and translates UFO cases from European magazines.
• World UFO Journal 9: A magazine with press cuttings and comments on the UFO scene.
• Intelligence: Features historical UFO content and a review of the Belgian wave.
• IUFOPRA Journal 4/7: Covers Billy Meier and a story about an alien hunt in Area 51.
• UFO Afrinews 11: Reports on new sightings and abductions in Africa.
• IUR Aug 95: Includes a GAO report assessment and an article on the Templeton 'spaceman' photo.
• MUFON Journal Oct: Updates on the Roswell crash case.
• Just Cause Jun: Analyzes the Roswell autopsy film's impact on the US market.
• Fortean Times 83: Critiques research by Hopkins, Jacobs, Mack, and CE4.
• Strange 15: A US magazine with articles on building a time machine, CE4 cases, alien animals, and mail-order books.
• Fate Sep 95: Features a piece on the Hudson Valley UFO wave, Allen Hynek's last case.
• TLH 123: Updates on earth mysteries, UAP, and earthlights, and a critique of Philip Mantle's 'Without Consent.'
• Third Stone 22: A well-presented earth mysteries magazine with UFOlogy content.
• Annals 25: Increasingly UFO-oriented, with articles on Lazar, Roswell, and the Martian face.
• Folklore Frontiers 26: A collection of weird press tales.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Northern UFO News revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, the methodologies of UFO research, and the role of official bodies and media in disseminating information. The editorial stance, as evidenced by Jenny Randles's commentary, favors rigorous investigation, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and a concern about the commercialization and sensationalism of UFOlogy. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of verifiable evidence and a critique of how cases like Roswell are handled compared to more thoroughly investigated ones like the Ilkley entity.

The magazine also highlights the international dimension of UFOlogy, contrasting approaches and findings across different countries. The issue expresses a degree of frustration with the perceived lack of transparency from government bodies regarding UFO information and a worry that the public's capacity for belief might be eroded by excessive misinformation and hype.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Date: 1995 (implied by book publication dates)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Northern UFO News delves into the world of UFOlogy, primarily through book reviews and detailed case investigations. It offers a critical look at prominent books on the abduction phenomenon and presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from various locations across the United Kingdom.

Book Reviews

Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind by CD Bryan

The review highlights CD Bryan's book as a significant contribution to the study of the abduction phenomenon, particularly praising it as one of the best books from the USA on the subject. The book is based on a week-long seminar in June 1992 at MIT, where over 100 papers were presented on the CE4 phenomenon. The reviewer notes that the book is divided into two parts: the first 200 pages digest the conference proceedings from an outsider's perspective, while the second part delves into interviews with doctors, a new Budd Hopkins case, and lucid abductees. The reviewer commends the book for its thoroughness and for not definitively concluding that the mystery is not worth studying, while also pointing out the 'Americanisation' of the subject matter due to the conference's participants. A curious anecdote is shared about finding Bryan's voluminous notes discarded on a park bench, which were returned to David Pritchard.

The UFO Phenomena by Edward Ashpole

Edward Ashpole's book is reviewed, with the reviewer noting its higher price point compared to Bryan's book. Despite a 'naff' cover and title, the book is described as a scientific look at extraterrestrial contacts, focusing on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and UFOs (SETU). Ashpole, a former science teacher, is credited with taking UFOlogy seriously enough to dedicate a chapter to it. The book covers the Rendlesham case and dismisses 'pseudo-scientific' aspects of UFOlogy, focusing on the 'ETH' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) premise. It includes a chapter on Roy Dutton's 'how to predict a UFO sighting' theory and discusses the Roswell film. The reviewer notes some failings, including a questionable account of BUFORA analyzing the Roswell film, but concludes that the book is a strong contender for arguing the pure ETH theory.

Aliens: The Final Answer? by David Barclay

This book is presented as a sequel to a previous edited work by David Barclay, who is known for his unusual theories. Barclay's 'startling' theory about alien contacts is described as involving time travel and super-intelligent dinosaurs. The reviewer finds the book to be different, entertaining, and mind-stretching, though it stirs emotions and prompts readers to decide for themselves.

More Welsh Wonders: Investigations by Margaret Fry

This section details several UFO sighting investigations conducted by Margaret Fry in Wales:

• Case 9440 (May 12, 1994, Denbigh Clwyd): Involves a man and woman spotting a small craft, described as cloudy white with lights and a mauve/green light, over the Colmendy Industrial complex. They followed it until it vanished near a quarry.
• Case 9441 (June 27, 1994, Bodfari): A woman reported a large object hovering near a quarry, which turned orange and red and moved from side to side.
• Case 9442 (July 13, 1994, Bodfari): A TV mast was observed with a large white object resembling a chandelier that sank and rose for about 30 minutes. A similar sighting of a large white oval was reported around the same time in Llanfair D C.
• Case 9443 (October 11, 1994, Denbigh): A giant triangle, estimated at 75 feet long with blue and white lights, approached from the Colmendy Industrial estate.

Fry expresses concern about the reluctance of witnesses to report sightings and urges the public to be educated about UFO realities.

Brief Cases

This section presents a series of shorter UFO sighting reports:

• UFOs Photographed Over Humber (March 1995, Humbleton, Humberside): Mr O reported two white ovals that drifted silently towards Aldbrough. He initially thought the glow was from a helicopter but dismissed it due to the silence and light.
• Close Encounter Over Wigan (April 9, 1995, Parbold, Lancashire): Five young women reported a bright light emerging from a craft hovering low above a field, described as ringed with lights and translucent. The craft appeared to give chase before streaking away and returning.
• Going For A Burton (April 13, 1995, Burton on Trent, Staffs): Two teenage plane spotters saw four strange lights forming a square with a pulsating red glow, hovering over the Toyota car factory and making a faint buzzing noise.
• Case 9532 (April 22, 1995, Telford, Shropshire): An 82-year-old retired schoolteacher reported a flickering, star-like light drifting across the sky. She contacted various institutions, including the MoD and Royal Greenwich Observatory, before finding the investigator.
• Case 9533 (May 15, 1995, Scarborough, N Yorks): A man on the esplanade watched a large mass of white light float overhead and out to sea. His report in the local press led to other people corroborating the sighting. A security guard reported a strange noise.
• Case 9534 (May 28, 1995, Lymm, Cheshire): A youth reported seeing a flashing white light joined by two others that flew around the sky for about 45 minutes. He claimed his radio scanner picked up strange sounding voices.
• Case 9535 (May 30, 1995, Seamer, North Yorks): Two 17-year-olds fled a campsite after a huge white light surrounded them, with several oblong shapes appearing briefly.
• Case 9536 (May 31, 1995, Humberside): Multiple witnesses around Hull reported sightings, including a nurse seeing odd flashing lights and Mrs K of Beverley observing a long cylindrical object with lights along the edge that moved without sound.
• Case 9537 (May 31, 1995, Currie, West Lothian): Mrs H saw two brilliant yellow headlights that moved too fast and were too big and bright to be a plane. She also mentioned a policeman at Bridgnorth had seen something but was afraid to talk.
• Case 9538 (June 1, 1995, Littleton, Cheshire): A teenage girl reported a long cylindrical object with lights on the side. Eric Morris of BUSC claims his car radio went dead during his investigation, and later emitted weird bleeps. Partial crop circles were found nearby, with a pictogram formation reported later.

Implants: A brief story

This section offers a cautionary tale about alien implants, referencing a case from 1955 where an eight-year-old boy claimed abduction. The 'implant' found in his penis was later analyzed and found to be dead human cells calcified around shards of old cotton underwear. The text humorously suggests that aliens might disguise their technology as ordinary bodily detritus, and the author jokes about presenting their own metal crown as proof of extraterrestrial origin.

Local groups in the north

A directory of UFO groups across Scotland, North East England, North West England, North Midlands, South Midlands, and Wales is provided, including contact addresses and phone numbers.

Winter Attractions

This section lists upcoming UFO-related events for the winter months:

• January 6, 1996: A joint SPI/Quest conference in Falkirk, Scotland, featuring Graham Birdsall, Tony Dodd, and Malcolm Robinson.
• January 27, 1996: An event at Samuel Platts Centre, Trafford Park, Manchester, organized by NARO, featuring lectures on UFOs, the cover-up, supernatural happenings, and the Rochdale poltergeist.
• February 18, 1996: A 'Planetarty Connections' day at Headway Hotel, Morecambe, organized by NLUFOIG, with speakers on abductions, living with ET, time travel, and crop circles.
• April 20/21: London FT convention with Nick Pope and Dennis Stacy, details via Fortean Times.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical review of UFO literature, particularly concerning the abduction phenomenon, and the detailed reporting of numerous UFO sightings across the UK. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that encourages investigation and open discussion of UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the skepticism and potential for misinterpretation. The editorial tone is generally informative and investigative, with a touch of wry humor, particularly in the 'Implants' section. There's an underlying concern for the lack of public awareness and the reluctance of witnesses to come forward, as highlighted by Margaret Fry.