Northern UFO News - No 176

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 176
Date: June 1997

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated June 1997, features a cover illustration of figures being abducted by a UFO and includes a variety of articles on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The editor, Jenny Randles, apologizes for a five-month delay in publication, citing personal difficulties including a house move, electrical problems, and health issues.

JR Comment!

The editor's column details the reasons for the publication delay, including a difficult house move with numerous electrical problems, the disintegration of his computer, and a mysterious kidney illness. He also touches upon the financial realities of writing, contrasting his earnings with those of authors like Nick Pope and Nick Redfern, and reaffirms his loyalty to his publishers and his commitment to continuing Northern UFO News.

NEWS EXTRA: Triangular Evidence

This section discusses the ongoing phenomenon of black triangle sightings in the north west and north midlands of the UK, which have been linked to potential British stealth projects. It mentions reports in national newspapers and the possibility of offshoots of such projects at various bases. The Lancashire UFO Society, led by Tim Matthews, is actively investigating. The article highlights a development in December 1996 where a cargo plane crew spotted a triangle off the Lancashire coast, and a photograph of a daylight triangle near Bolton. A particularly remarkable event under investigation is a hovering black triangle sighted on the Lincolnshire coast on Good Friday 1997, which preliminary computer enhancement suggests is genuine. This sighting occurred near Donna Nook, a noted RAF practice range, which was also the site of previous close encounters in 1993.

REPTILIANS

This article praises BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) for its work, particularly in investigating a case involving a purported reptilian alien captured alive in a Galilee farming village in Israel on December 21, 1996. The creature, only 5 cm long, was examined by a Manchester laboratory using a mass spectrometer. Nine separate analyses concluded that the DNA strands were terrestrial, with a close match to frogs and lizards, debunking the alien claim. The article commends BUFORA for its swift and thorough investigation, noting that the media did not give them credit for their findings.

CARLISLE DIS-UNITED

This piece details the case of Michael Knighton, chairman of Carlisle United Soccer club, who claimed to have experienced a close encounter in the spring of 1977. The incident involved seeing a strange light resolve into a triangle that fell into water, after which he heard a voice in his head. The story gained significant media attention, leading to a public outcry and a newspaper plea for him to stay. The article notes similarities to Jenny Randles' own encounter and discusses the genuine fears witnesses have in reporting such experiences. Despite the controversy, Knighton's team was promoted.

NEWS SNIPS

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related activities:

• SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) has reformed under Malcolm Robinson.
• Phenomenal Books has opened a physical store in Lancaster.
• Trans-UFO, a journal translating foreign UFO case reports, is seeking support and translators.
• A report in the Aberdeen Evening Press about UFO sightings being linked to secret British stealth aircraft is discussed, with the magazine noting that many UFOlogists believe UFOs are not confused with invisible planes.

SCAMS ARE US

This lengthy section exposes the 'alien abduction insurance scam,' detailing how companies like GRIP offered insurance against abduction and impregnation. The article describes a case where a London electrician, Joseph Carpenter, claimed to have been abducted and provided evidence, leading to a large payout. The scam was allegedly dreamt up in a pub after watching 'Independence Day.' The article highlights the media's eagerness to report such stories without thorough checking and the dubious nature of the 'proof' offered.

Perks of the job

This article re-examines the case of PC Colin Perks, a Cheshire police constable who reported a UFO sighting in Wilmslow on January 7, 1966. Initially classified as a probable bolide (meteor), the author, who adopted the BUFORA case file, found similarities with another witness's account and re-evaluated it as unidentified. New findings reveal a 20-page Ministry of Defence (MoD) file, declassified under the '30 year rule,' showing that the case was investigated by Defence Intelligence unit DI 61, which sent an agent to interview Perks and noted the discovery of a glassy substance. This investigation is presented as proof of MoD involvement, countering official denials.

MOD CAT OUT OF THE BAG

This section discusses the release of MoD UFO files and the author's upcoming book, 'MIB' (Men in Black), which examines witnesses alleging threats from mysterious strangers. It highlights the surprise discovery that UFO reports were distributed to Defence Intelligence units like DI 61, not just Air Staff 2A. The article emphasizes that DI 61's documented involvement in the PC Perks case provides concrete proof of government agency interest, countering previous denials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a recurring theme of skepticism towards sensationalized media reporting of UFO phenomena, contrasted with a commitment to rigorous investigation by organizations like BUFORA. The magazine appears to champion 'real UFOlogy' and criticizes the media for not giving credit to genuine investigative work. There's a strong focus on government involvement and potential cover-ups, particularly concerning the Ministry of Defence's handling of UFO reports. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to uncover the truth behind UFO phenomena while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism faced by witnesses and researchers.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Date: March 1997 (inferred from cover date and content)
Publisher: Northern UFO News
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of Northern UFO News focuses on a significant event dubbed 'Peak Malpractice,' investigating a potential UFO crash on the moors. It also includes reports on other UFO sightings, book reviews, and a section on mid-air contacts.

Peak Malpractice: Did a UFO Crash on the Moors?

The lead article details an incident on the night of March 24, 1997, near the Derbyshire/South Yorkshire border. A couple reported seeing a strange plane that plunged silently to earth with a plume of smoke and orange fire. Other witnesses corroborated seeing an aircraft flying low. This led to a massive search operation by the Peak District Mountain Rescue, involving teams from Glossop, tracker dogs, and helicopters from RAF Leconfield. The search focused on the area between Langsett and Woodhead.

Despite an extensive search, no downed aircraft was found. The incident generated three main explanations: a fireball meteor, a 'ghost aircraft' (referencing a May 1945 Lancaster bomber crash in the Dark Peak area), or a UFO crash. The article notes that a seismology unit in Edinburgh recorded a tremor akin to a sonic boom at 10:06 PM, which could be consistent with a sonic boom from a military jet, Concorde, or a bolide (fireball meteor).

UFOlogists suggest the 'crashing plane' was a UFO, supported by Edinburgh readings and reports from two UFO enthusiasts in Sheffield who claimed to have seen a large black triangle hovering over Dronfield, projecting beams of light, shortly before the 'impact.' They also reported seeing military jets and helicopters. However, the article questions why these witnesses are declining to go public.

The article concludes that the UFO crash explanation is the least likely, favoring either the bolide or the ghost plane theory. The Mountain Rescue Controller, Phil Shaw, believes the object was likely a plane, possibly someone doing something illegal, who could have disappeared into a valley.

Historical Cases and Investigations

The issue revisits past UFO-related events, questioning official narratives. It mentions the January 1966 case in Wilmslow, where the MoD allegedly investigated, and the November 1967 double car stop at Sopley, Hampshire. The author notes similarities and suggests that the MoD's claims about not investigating UFOs are dubious.

Sightings Section

This section details several reported sightings:

• Alien contact in 1930: An 80-year-old man named Philip recounts an encounter in Haverigg on the Cumbrian coast in 1930 with a strange, hairy, foil-clad entity. He also recalls seeing a round 'comet' with flames shooting from its back a few days prior.
• Aliens over Easingwold (February 24, 1979): This report describes a UFO landing in a quarry at Bacup, Lancashire, and its subsequent chase by a USAF F-111 jet. Witnesses in the Rossendale Valley reported military aircraft buzzing the area the next day. A Yorkshire investigative reporter uncovered a new case involving a witness who saw a dark, triangular object hovering silently over a field near Topcliffe. He observed a figure inside the craft and two other beings in the field, suggesting a form of 'psychic bond' and an object of amazing speed.

Mid Air Contacts

This section, compiled by Jim Sneddon, reports on several instances of potential UFO activity monitored via air traffic control radio bands:

• April 29, 1996: An RAF Tristar or VC 10 at 10 degrees West under Isle of Man control reported an unusual radar target.
• August 3, 1996: A UK Air 2102 jet south of Edinburgh reported seeing a bright, unusual 'red light' that was not a beacon or an aircraft.
• September 18, 1996: A mail plane flying from Edinburgh to Kinloss reported seeing something unusual at its 2 o'clock position, which was not detected by radar. The pilot described it as possibly a planet, but three different radars were in use.
• September 21, 1996: Another mail flight, ZAP 006, heading south from Edinburgh, inquired about radar targets of 'interest' at its nine o'clock position. ATC reported negative, but the aircraft asked if a military practice area was active, suggesting flares might be involved.

The author highlights Jim Sneddon's work and encourages similar efforts in England to record ATC frequencies.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• 'Weird Year 1996' by Joe MacNally & James Wallis: Described as a popularized version of 'The Paranormal Year 1993,' this book covers various topics from FT magazine issues. Its main flaw is being tied to extracts from FT and media reports. It is colorful and breezy but covers 1995 and part of 1996. Rated 70%.
• 'Fortean Studies Volume 3' edited by Steve Moore: This is considered a superb and indispensable resource for serious researchers. It includes indexes for FT issues and original research papers on UFO trends, super emus, British screaming skull legends, and a New England UFO flap. It offers reasoned commentary and is recommended for serious researchers, priced at £19.99. Rated 90%.
• 'ETs and UFOs - Are they real?' by Larry Kettlelamp: This is a children's book on UFOs, noted for its naff title and dubious cover. It compares a 1990s version with earlier works, showing how UFOlogy has changed, with a focus on abductions and grays. It covers top cases like Roswell and Rendlesham but has a strong ET bias. Rated 40%.

Summer Fun and Events

The magazine lists upcoming events and book releases for the summer, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of UFOs:

• New Books: Mentions 'M I B' by Nick Redfern, 'A Covert Agenda' by Nick Redfern, and 'The Uninvited' by Nick Pope.
• 'Left at East Gate' by Larry Warren and Peter Robbins: This book reports on Larry's alleged role in the Rendlesham Forest case, offering a different version from other witnesses. It includes a tour list for the authors.
• Events: Several bookshop presentations by Collins and Brown discussing 'Alien Contact,' a quiz night organized by the Staffordshire UFO Group, and the 'Golden Saucer Awards' for UFO-related film and stills.
• Upcoming Events: Lists Sci Tec 97 UFO day, the X Files convention in Manchester, and a 'Men In Black' day at Apollo Tatton.

Northern UFO Network Groups

A directory of various UFO network groups in the region is provided, including their contact addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of alleged UFO crashes and sightings, the questioning of official explanations (particularly from the MoD), and the exploration of historical UFO cases. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of critical inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions while encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions. There is a clear interest in the unexplained and a desire to uncover what might be hidden or misrepresented by official sources. The 'Mid Air Contacts' section suggests a belief that unexplained aerial phenomena are more common than officially acknowledged. The book reviews indicate a focus on serious research within the paranormal and UFO fields, distinguishing between popular accounts and more in-depth studies.