Northern UFO News - No 173

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 173
Date: March 1996
Editor: Jenny Randles
Cover Design: Roy Sandbach
Address: 11 Pike Court Fleetwood Lancashire FY7 8QF
Subscription Rate: £7 for 6 issues (payable to 'Northern UFO News')

This issue of Northern UFO News delves into various aspects of ufology, including media portrayals, organizational strategies, and specific case studies. It features a prominent article by the editor, Jenny Randles, discussing her experience producing a BBC documentary on UFOs, and a response from Mike Wootten of BUFORA defending the organization's commercial approach.

BBC Documentary: 'Britain's Secret UFO Files'

Jenny Randles recounts her nine-month project with the BBC to create a documentary titled 'Britain's Secret UFO Files', which aired on Thursday, April 11, 1996, on BBC-2 as part of the 'Secrets of the Supernatural' series. Despite a minimal budget and a 'home camcorder' feel due to the production style, Randles aimed to create a serious documentary. The program sidesteps proving UFOs exist, instead focusing on what the British government knows about UFOs and their secret files. The documentary highlights two specific cases: the Lakenheath radar visual of August 1956 and the Burgh Marshes photograph from May 1964, both theoretically accessible due to the 30-year rule releasing UFO data. Randles invites reader feedback on the program.

MoD's Open-Minded Stance on Extraterrestrials

In an intriguing development, Randles reports that the Ministry of Defence (MoD), while maintaining its focus on defense implications for UFO investigations, has issued a statement indicating they have no 'direct interest, expertise or role in respect of UFO/flying saucer matters, or those relating to the existence or otherwise of extraterrestrial lifeforms, about which we remain totally open-minded.' This statement, unprecedented in its explicit mention of extraterrestrial lifeforms, suggests a shift in official acknowledgment or at least a willingness to consider such possibilities.

News Round-Up: TV and UFO Coverage

The 'News Round-Up' section highlights a surge in UFO-related television programming. This includes the Discovery satellite network's first series about UFOs, filmed globally, and the return of 'Strange but True?' with more UFO coverage due to high ratings. 'Paranormal World of Paul McKenna' and a commissioned BBC series based on a studio/film rival to 'Strange but True?' are also mentioned. A promising new TV pilot concept involves a paranormal mystery where experts and skeptics investigate a case using various methods, with both ghost and UFO encounters featured in the pilot.

BUFORA's Commercialism Debate

Mike Wootten responds to a previous editorial by Jenny Randles regarding the commercialization of ufology and BUFORA's International Congress. Wootten, a marketing professional, argues that ufology in the UK is underfunded and that commercialism is necessary to conduct meaningful research. He defends the BUFORA Congress, describing it as a financial success and a triumph for ufologists, highlighting its professional venue, international speakers, and media coverage. He notes that sponsorship, such as from Sony Music/Columbia Records, was crucial for the congress's financial viability and that profits were directed towards research and initiatives like BUFORA On-Line, a web site housing case reports and research.

Jenny Randles, in her editor's response, acknowledges Wootten's points but expresses reservations about the sponsorship aspect, particularly the inclusion of the Santilli film, questioning whether it's justifiable to give such a controversial film a platform. She applauds BUFORA's intention to use profits for beneficial projects but also questions how previous earnings from 'UFO Call' have been spent.

Case Studies and Phenomena

EM Update: Albert Budden's EM theory regarding hypersensitivity and hallucinatory 'alien contacts' is discussed. The section also reviews 'The Steady Signal', highlighting an interesting discussion on a witness diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy potentially linked to visionary experiences and proximity to power lines. Cases of CE4s (Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind) involving alien abduction are mentioned, with the epilepsy diagnosis being a recurring theme.

The Humadruzz Phenomenon: Maurice Giffin reports on the phenomenon of humming or buzzing sounds emanating from the ground in the Barmouth area, accompanied by an aerial sussaration. This phenomenon, active during warm, sunny afternoons, has been investigated and recorded, with sites identified at Cors y Gedol and Cell Fawr. Giffin's findings are linked to electromagnetic theories and earthlights, suggesting a connection between these environmental sounds and UFO encounters.

Manchester Mid-Air - Case Solved?: This article critically examines the British Airways jet sighting of a UFO near Manchester Airport in January 1995. While the media and some ufologists, like Philip Mantle, promoted it as evidence of 'silent Vulcans' or a 'Pennine Corridor' phenomenon, the author argues that the most probable explanation is a fireball meteor. The CAA's investigation is criticized for not considering this possibility, and the media is accused of ignoring the meteor explanation to sensationalize the case. The author suggests that while many mid-air encounters are significant, this particular case was overhyped.

For Your Perusal: Magazine Reviews

The 'For Your Perusal' section provides reviews of various ufology-related publications, including:

• Enigmas: Review of the Falkirk conference and Scottish video footage of UFOs.
• UFO Times: Expert opinion on the infamous Roswell film.
• Awareness: Analysis of the Roswell film and the annual UFO REGISTER.
• Pegasus: Look at Bob Lazar, the CIA, and an old SIGAP case.
• OVNI: Reviews of 1995 and recent triangle sightings.
• UFO Network: Grassroots ufology efforts in Yorkshire.
• EMUFORA: Tips on interesting folk in UFOs and a visit to Rudloe Manor.
• World UFO Journal: Focus on the infamous autopsy film.
• Journal of Meteorology: Coverage of ball lightning and research.
• Aura Z: Russian magazine with UFO cases and Soviet research.
• Phenomena: Analysis of the autopsy film and its presentation by TF1.
• IUR Winter: Updates on Roswell and USAF UFO investigation methods.
• MUFON Journal: Historian reviews Roswell case evidence.
• Fortean Times: Sonic booms, the Morgana hoax, and X-Files episode guide.
• Dead of Night: UFO content, Roswell, and a dubious video.
• Annals: Well-designed quarterly with UFOs, crop circles, and alien animals.
• PSI Researcher: Debate on paranormal cases and abductions.
• The Ley Hunter: Editor's departure and recognition of Paul Devereux's work.

Circular Logic: Crop Circle News

This section covers crop circle publications, noting that 'The Circular' and 'The Crop Watcher' continue their work despite the seasonal lull. 'The Circular' features photo catalogues and articles on public awareness and circles as art forms, while 'The Crop Watcher' maintains an objective stance, presenting historical data and analyses, including a report on a 1906 story with circle motifs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the increasing media attention on UFOs, the tension between scientific investigation and commercial interests within ufology, and the analysis of specific UFO cases. The magazine maintains a critical yet open-minded stance, encouraging rigorous investigation and questioning official narratives, while also acknowledging the potential for misinterpretation and the need for careful analysis of evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor a more professional and evidence-based approach to ufology, as exemplified by the editor's own work and her critical engagement with organizations like BUFORA and official bodies like the MoD and CAA.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Volume: 11
Date: January 1996 (inferred from issue number and content)

This issue of Northern UFO News focuses on book and music reviews, alongside a collection of UFO sighting reports and investigations primarily from the UK and Scotland.

Books of the Moment

Unidentified Aerial Object

This section reviews a book by Wim Van Utrecht and Frits Van der Veldt, titled 'Unidentified Aerial Object'. The book details a UFO sighting photographed near Zweischbergen, Switzerland, in July 1976. It is praised for its superb quality, extensive content including transcripts, maps, illustrations, and a postcard-sized photo, and for being written in good English despite originating from a Belgian investigation. The reviewer highlights the detailed case investigation and applauds the private funding, suggesting it should be supported by UFOlogists. The book is considered a strong candidate for 'UFO book of the year'.

Fortean Studies Volume 2

Edited by Steve Moore, this is the second annual edition from the Fortean Times book publishing arm. It is described as an extended version of the magazine, featuring original research articles on mysterious phenomena. UFO-related highlights include an analysis of aerial lightwheel cases by Michael Shoemaker and a look at UFOs and the media by Neil Nixon. The book also covers non-UFO topics such as fish falls, alien big cats, and Nazi archaeology. It includes a comprehensive index of Fortean Times issues from 1994.

Music Review

One Dream by CE IV

This review discusses a music tape titled 'One Dream' by CE IV. The music is inspired by the Scottish rock band's concept album 'Abduction' and CE IV's UFO interests. While not having a single theme, the collection of diverse tunes is described as having a slightly more commercial tone at times, yet maintaining the unique CE IV style. Specific tracks mentioned are 'Mac's Ranch' and the title track 'One Dream'. The music is packaged for the home market and considered 'Undoubtedly Fabulous' for UFO enthusiasts.

More Welsh Wonders

Case 9444

Reported by Margaret Fry, this case occurred at midnight on May 12, 1994, in Ruthin, Clwyd. A retired soldier witnessed three parallel beams of white light striking the ground behind his house. He also observed an oval patch of misty light hovering over an artificial lake. He found the situation 'eerie and unexplainable'.

Case 9445

Also investigated by Margaret Fry, this event took place on July 17, 1994, near the Devil's Punch Bowl in Llanaron-yn-Ial, Clwyd. A woman was awoken by a bright light, which she initially mistook for the moon. She then saw a brilliant green heel-shaped object emerge from behind trees and merge with a white glow, after which both disappeared. The witness was concerned about the possibility of abduction, but Margaret Fry reassured her. The following morning, curious marks, described as six straight parallel lines of finely grated material, were found in the courtyard but had vanished by the afternoon. The family's guard dog remained silent throughout the event.

A 1942 abduction and miracle cure?

This section details an event experienced by Mrs E from Halifax, West Yorkshire, in the autumn of 1942 when she was nine years old. During a wartime blackout, while ill with jaundice, she reported that a brilliant blue glow lit her window, and three figures, about five feet tall and dressed in silvery coveralls with helmet-like headgear resembling 'goldfish bowls', entered her bedroom. They passed through the bedroom wall and disappeared. Mrs E felt strangely elated and not frightened. She notes that the experience has remained vivid for over 50 years and finds it hard to dismiss as imagination, especially given the similarity of the clothing to later stories about astronauts. Her childhood illness cleared up immediately after the event.

UFO rescues sinking ship!

Margaret Fry investigated this remarkable close encounter from 1964. Mr A, a radio officer aboard the Israeli ship M.V. Atzmaut, was anchored off Jaffa when a storm hit. After the ship broke its cable and was set adrift, smashing against coastal shallows, Mr A was instructed to send an SOS. He believes that while composing the SOS, a UFO appeared. The sea became calm, and a box-shaped object with four legs, reflecting sunlight, was observed hovering a mile away. The UFO then seemingly tugged the ship along the seabed into Jaffa harbour. Mr A is adamant that the UFO placed the ship there. Once the ship was secured, the UFO disappeared. The ship is officially listed as 'ship wrecked'.

Astronomer over the moon

On June 11, 1969, near Warrington, Cheshire, amateur astronomer Mr J observed a circular object crossing the sun. The object was dark with a light grey, thin ring. He measured its transit across the sun's disk, which took 10 seconds. He ruled out it being Mercury or Venus due to its size and timing. He has seen other objects cross the sun, but has no idea what this particular one was.

The silver man

This event occurred in the mid-1970s, possibly May 1976 or March 1978, in the Lymm, Cheshire area. Mrs S reported a bright, silvery figure appearing in her back garden near a tree. The figure cast no shadow. The following night, the figure approached the house's French windows and stared in. The room was illuminated by an intense light, revealing two large round eyes emitting beams. The family's guard dog, usually fierce, remained silent. Upon confronting the figure, Mr S found no one in the garden, but heard a splash from a nearby swimming pool under construction. No explanation was found for the splash, and it was clear anyone falling in would not have been able to get out.

Aerial Contacts Over Scotland

These cases were compiled by James Sneddon from monitoring civil and military air-band frequencies.

Case 9539 (July 28-29, 1995)

Two aircraft, a Boeing 737 (Midland 8802) and a Piper Aztec (Foxtrot Alpha), reported seeing a bright white strobe light. The Boeing described it as being 'all around the front' and like a strobe going off all the way around the aeroplane. The light appeared for a few seconds and then faded back into the clouds. Radar suggested it might have been a firework, but the factory was closed. The possibility of a meteor is also raised.

Case 9540 (September 12, 1995)

A British Airways jet reported visual contact with a steady red light that kept pace with the aircraft. Speculation included a flame from an oil rig, but the pilot was familiar with the rigs. The conversation was not fully captured by Sneddon's ground-side monitoring.

Other Brief Reports

• November 22, 1995: A British Airways ATP saw an 'airborne explosion' 10-20 miles ahead, south of Edinburgh.
• December 14, 1995: Ostend marine reported green and white flares seen by several aircraft off the Belgian coast.
• December 15, 1995: A British World Viscount saw a brief red flare heading into Edinburgh.

Case 9601 (January 23, 1996)

Two aircraft, a UK Air F-27 and a Knightair Bandeirante, reported seeing a 'strange aircraft' and lights. The Knightair described something 'parallel in our 3 o'clock at range beneath us and probably about - estimate 7 or 8 miles away.' Scottish radar confirmed they had nothing on their radar and had checked with military colleagues, who also had no information. The lights disappeared, and radar confirmed no primary or secondary returns.

Stop Press

Triangular UFOs in the North-West

A wave of triangular UFOs was reported in early 1996 in the north-west of England. A video was taken over Morecambe Bay in January, and a power cut affected Cleveleys and Fleetwood, allegedly during a sighting. In March, triangles were seen in the Southport area. These reports are being linked to the HALO, a prototype British Stealth jet. The activity fits with the known locations of its development.

NARO and Spring Events

Northern UFO News mentions the launch of 'Naro Minded' magazine by NARO. It also lists upcoming events: a BUFORA abduction conference in Sheffield on April 20, 1996; The Fortean Times Unconvention 96 in London on April 20-21, 1996; and a BUFORA Merseyside event on May 18, 1996. Contact details for various local UFO groups across Scotland, North East, North West, North Midlands, South Midlands, and Wales are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed case investigations, book and media reviews related to UFO phenomena, and reports of aerial sightings, particularly from the UK. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO reports, encouraging detailed investigation and publication, as evidenced by the praise for the 'Unidentified Aerial Object' book and the detailed reporting of various cases. There is a clear emphasis on scientific credibility and the need for UFOlogy to move beyond internal disputes. The publication also serves as a platform for reporting on related paranormal topics and upcoming events in the UFO community.