Northern UFO News - No 177

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 177
Date: October 1997

This issue of Northern UFO News, edited by Jenny Randles, provides a comprehensive look at various UFO-related topics, including investigative reports, book reviews, and commentary on current events in the UFO community.

JR Comments

The editor, Jenny Randles, begins with a personal update, explaining her absence due to a hospital operation for a kidney blockage. She expresses her appreciation for the support from readers and her commitment to providing commentary on the UFO world without dictating opinions. She also discusses her concern about the practice of reprinting and repackaging older UFO articles into new books without proper credit or compensation to the original authors, citing the 'Orbis' company's practice with 'The Unexplained' as an example.

Forest of Confusion: Larry Warren's new book assessed

This section reviews Larry Warren's new book, 'Left at East Gate,' which details the Rendlesham Forest incident. The author acknowledges the complexity of the case and the documentary evidence supporting it, including a report by Colonel Charles Halt. However, the review expresses reservations about Warren's account, suggesting it may be inconsistent with other witnesses' testimonies and potentially influenced by secret NSA experiments. The reviewer criticizes the book for omitting references to other significant works on the subject, including 'Sky Crash' and 'From out of the Blue,' and urges readers to consider the case from multiple perspectives.

News Round-Up: New Group launched to fight alien threat

This section reports on the launch of 'UFO Concern,' an organization aiming to combat the perceived 'alien threat.' The group, promoted by Lord Hill-Norton and including Nick Pope among its promoters, suggests that 'non-human intelligences are operating increasingly amongst mankind' and that 'reported contacts with them have seldom been beneficial.' The article notes that the group's rhetoric appears to infer that aliens are demons, a viewpoint that is questioned by Stephen Bailey, rector of Betchworth. The editor expresses her personal decision not to join the group, citing concerns about its potentially negative framing of the subject.

Aliens are a threat - says Stephen Hawking

This article discusses Professor Stephen Hawking's views on the possibility of alien life, as reported in The Sunday Times. Hawking suggests that Earth could be in real danger if aliens were to visit, drawing a parallel to Columbus's arrival in the Americas. However, he also expresses skepticism about UFOs being evidence of alien visitation, questioning why contact would be made only with 'cranks and weirdos.' The author criticizes Hawking's apparent unfamiliarity with real ufology and the 'pathetic prejudice of too many scientists.'

Sue speaks out about aliens

Psychologist Dr. Sue Blackmore offers her views on alien abduction stories. She points out inconsistencies, such as aliens' supposed ability to travel through space and ceilings undetected, yet their ineptitude in memory blocking or genetic experimentation. Blackmore believes that while ridicule is easy, it doesn't answer the question, and that the idea of alien abduction, however strange, might be true. She also shares her own research, which found that a studied 'implant' was identical to a dental filling, and suggests that many abduction experiences may be related to sleep paralysis.

The sceptics come out in force

This section highlights the rise of skeptical publications in 1997. It mentions the start of 'NARO Minded' magazine, Paul Fuller's efforts with 'New UFOlogist,' and the launch of two new publications: 'Abduction Watch' by Kevin McClure, aimed at policing the alien abduction mystery, and 'The Armchair UFOlogist' by Andy Roberts, described as an irreverent and humorous magazine.

Booklists

Two new book catalogues are mentioned: one from Midnight Books offering UFO and paranormal titles, and another from ABC Books.

UPDATES: Get a GRIP!

This update discusses the GRIP insurance company, which offers insurance against alien kidnap. The article notes that thousands have paid premiums, but questions the company's alleged million-pound payout for a fabricated abduction claim, highlighting the gullibility of some people and newspapers.

Knighton Supported

This brief report mentions support for Carlisle United chairman Michael Knighton from a man in Halifax who claims to have seen the same UFO as Knighton, a cross-shaped object sighted in 1976.

Peak District Crash Update: Report of investigation by David Clarke

This detailed report by journalist David Clarke investigates the alleged UFO crash in the Peak District on March 24, 1997. It compiles witness accounts of a low-flying, glowing aircraft, police calls, and the involvement of rescue teams. A video film taken by two teenagers is discussed, which appears to show a light aircraft, but its timing conflicts with other reports. The police investigation concluded that the events were likely a series of unconnected incidents, possibly involving a bolide meteor and an ordinary light aircraft, potentially on a covert operation.

MAJOR ARTICLES

This section provides brief summaries of articles in other UFO publications:

• The New UFOlogist: Covers Roswell autopsy analysis, a 1964 ground trace case, and debates on the Belgian wave and Bonnybridge.
• UFO Times 44 With BUFORA Sub: Features articles on alien implants, a South African video case, and Israeli alien frog analysis.
• Sightings: Described as the best UK monthly, it includes articles on Dutch abduction research, the Allingham abduction story, BOLs, new US planes, RAF Machrihanish, Socorro, Tuplas, and Rendlesham.
• Magonia 60: Reviews conspiracy theories with perceptive articles.
• IUR (USA): Reports on the search for the Roswell archeologist and an analysis of the Manhattan Transfer case.
• MUFON Journal USA: Covers legal ramifications of capturing an alien and the Arizona mass sighting.
• Naro Minded (NARO): Features debates on MIB, the Abram UFO wave, and critical comments on conferences.
• OVNI (PRA): Discusses mediocrity in ufology and sightings from the East Midlands.
• The Grey Area (LUFOS): Reports on flying triangles, UK stealth aircraft, and other UFO topics.
• Strange Daze: Includes reflections on 50 years of ufology.

BOOKS OF THE MOMENT

• UFO 1947-1997: Edited by Hilary Evans and Dennis Stacy, this book is praised as the best UFO book of 1997 for its contribution to the subject, featuring articles from various international UFOlogists.
• The truth about alien abductions: By Peter Hough & Moyshe Kalman, this book is commended for its objective investigation of British abduction cases, presenting real-life stories without American bias and with proper objective investigation.
• The Uninvited: By Nick Pope, this book is described as aimed at the popular market, focusing on alien kidnappings, though the reviewer notes Pope's earlier MoD study was pathetic and that this book is better than his last.

Other Publications Reviewed

• IUFOPRA Journal Spring 1997: Described as Ireland's leading paranormal magazine.
• Dragon Watch: Mixes UFO articles with other topics, including Martian mysteries.
• Phenomenal News 5: Offers a rational view on Scottish UFO activity.
• Visitors 6: Reports on UFO activity and revisits the death of Zigmund Adamski.
• Just Cause (CAUS, USA): An update on the quest for UFO documents from the US government.
• The Ley Hunter (TLH) 128: Focuses on leys, stone circles, and earth mysteries, including updates on earthlights investigations.
• Third Stone Summer 1997: Covers legends, supernatural events, and earth mysteries, with sensible commentary on UFOs.
• Journal of Meteorolgy: Features new sightings and investigations into ball lightning.
• The Circular Spring 97 (CCCS): A glossy magazine on crop circles, balancing speculation and research.
• Dead of Night July 97: Merseyside's paranormal magazine with a UFO section.
• Anomaly 20 (ASSAP): Looks at ghosts, hauntings, and witness credibility.
• Fortean Times (FT): Highly recommended for its features on Kenneth Arnold, UFO photos, and earthlights, with a UFO column.
• Nexus: Covers new-age thinking and UFOs from an ET perspective.
• FATE: A long-running paranormal magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include investigative reporting on UFO incidents (particularly the Peak District crash), critical analysis of books and publications related to UFOlogy, and discussions on the nature of alien encounters and abduction phenomena. There is a notable engagement with skeptical viewpoints, particularly from figures like Sue Blackmore and in the mention of new skeptical publications. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jenny Randles, is one of providing informed commentary and encouraging readers to think critically, while also expressing concern about the commercial exploitation of UFO research and the potential for misrepresentation of the subject. The issue also touches upon the perceived 'threat' of aliens and the debate surrounding it, as exemplified by the 'UFO Concern' group and Stephen Hawking's comments.

Northern UFO News, Issue 11, presents a collection of UFO-related reports, investigations, and commentaries. The magazine features detailed case studies, book reviews, and news on UFO organizations and upcoming events. The primary focus is on unexplained aerial phenomena and encounters.

Investigations and Case Files

The Full Story of the Lewis Case: Big Bang Over Scottish Island

This section details the mysterious explosion that occurred on October 26, 1996, in the sky over western Scotland, near the Isle of Lewis. The event involved an object spiraling down and crashing into the sea, leading to a significant search operation involving coastguards, the RAF, and a helicopter. Despite an extensive search costing approximately £200,000, no known aircraft was reported missing, leaving authorities puzzled. Initial theories suggested a meteorite or space debris, but Nick Pope became involved, investigating the possibility of alien UFOs. The MoD's investigation, including checks with RAF Fylingdales, failed to track the object. Eyewitness accounts described an object lighting up brightly, spreading into a dark cloud, with two fragments falling into the sea. A large NATO exercise involving numerous ships, submarines, and military aircraft commenced shortly after the incident, raising speculation about a possible recovery operation for a downed secret aircraft. However, the US government denied any missing secret aircraft. The case remains intriguing, with suggestions that there could be more to it, including a communication referring to an object 'six feet long and three feet in diameter' found in the water. The author speculates about a military involvement, comparing it to the Llandrillo or Rendlesham incidents.

More Welsh Wonders: Investigations by Margaret Fry

This segment highlights UFO activity in North Wales, documented by Margaret Fry. Several cases are presented:

• Case 9544 (September 23, 1995, Prestatyn): A couple witnessed unusual lights at sea, described as a 'round yellow glowing object' and 'bright white stars' with accompanying 'tadpole shapes' and 'strange vehicles' (kite-shaped) with multiple colored lights. They watched for up to two hours before leaving in trepidation.
• Case 9545 (August 6, 1995, Trefnant, Vale of Clwyd): Two men observed a small, half-moon-shaped object, about a quarter the size of an aircraft's tail fin, circle a commercial jet, zig-zag away, and then perform a U-turn before flying away at speed. The object was silver in color.
• Case 95-16 (November 10, 1995, Little Orme, Llandudno): A man and his girlfriend saw a white light over the Irish Sea that hovered and then shot away. Later, a brilliant white light, described as brighter than Venus, was seen above Ross Point.

Investigations (Page 12)

• An Alien Love Song: Mr R of Nottingham recounts a complex tale beginning in 1955 when a woman with beautiful skin and blue eyes spoke to him on a train near Prague. They met again years later in Nottingham, where she proposed marriage before disappearing. Mr R later observed a zig-zagging light and was approached by two men who asked if he knew about a crashed UFO. He was told, 'we come to help you.' He was then serenaded by a 'beautiful chanting voice' from the two men.
• The Silver Man (Summer 1963, Gee Cross, Cheshire): Mrs A, as a schoolgirl, encountered a figure of normal or slightly below normal height, wearing an all-over silver suit, staring at her in a field. The figure then ducked behind a hedge and disappeared.
• Stone the Crows (Summer 1970, Millon, Cumbria): Mr B and his sister saw a gun metal grey saucer-like object, rotating and with a row of lights, land in 'forbidden woods.' The object was approximately 5 feet in diameter.

Investigations (Page 13)

• Case 7142 28 February 1971 Preston, Lanes: A 12-year-old boy spotted a green egg-shaped object with a large black picture window and a red glow on the underside, which drifted west. It was also seen by two other witnesses.
• Sky Crash Over Dee Estuary (Case 9330 April 1993 West Kirby, Wirral): Mr G witnessed an elongated object moving west towards Flintshire, which then plunged into the sea at a 40-degree angle without leaving a trail of smoke. He initially thought it was a plane crash, but no reports matched. The case is linked to Gaynor Sunderland's experiences and the general UFO activity in the North Wales coast.
• Hello Earth! (Case 9452 April 1994 Ecclesfield S Yorks): Mr A, inspired by CSETI methods, used a flashgun and spotlamp. Upon returning home, he saw a brilliant white light in the northwest sky, about 500 feet above ground, which moved in a slow arc and hovered, emitting flashes before disappearing quickly.
• Case 9547 29 December 1995 Fulwood, Lanes: Mr W observed a golden ball of light through his window, shaped like a lightbulb, drifting away towards the north.

Book Reviews

• UFOs: A report on Australian Encounters (254 pp paperback by Keith Baxter, Reed Books): This updated version of 'UFOs: The Image Hypothesis' (1981) is praised as a 'real treat.' The first half assesses questions surrounding UFOs, illustrated by Keith Basterfield's investigations in Australia over 20-30 years. The second half provides a catalogue of close encounter cases with maps and descriptions. The book is described as informative, readable, and a valuable source for research.

Competition Time

This section presents a quiz challenging readers to match ten UFO authors with specific facts about them. The authors listed include Jerome Clark, Budd Hopkins, Peter Hough, Allen Hynek, John Keel, Nick Pope, Jenny Randles, John Spencer, Brinsley Le Poer Trench, and Jacques Vallee.

Latest News and Coming Soon

• Latest News: Tim Matthews of LUFOS reports on initiatives to combine efforts with Lancashire groups for a joint magazine and a unified UFO sighting report form. There is also a campaign to persuade the new British administration to release UFO files.
• Coming Soon: Information on upcoming UK conferences, including a SUFOI conference in Copenhagen on November 1, 1997, and the first Irish UFO conference in Dublin on November 8, 1997, hosted by IUFOPRA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting witness accounts and investigative reports. There is a clear interest in cases involving potential crashes, close encounters, and mysterious lights. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore these phenomena, while also critically examining potential explanations, including military involvement and hoaxes. The magazine also promotes collaboration among UFO research groups and advocates for the release of government UFO files. The use of pseudonyms for witnesses and the withholding of information by authorities are recurring points of discussion and concern.