Northern UFO News - No 18

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 18
Date: November 1975
Publisher: Northern UFO Network (NUFON)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Northern UFO News, the monthly publication of the Northern UFO Network, is dedicated to the 'Open Door Report' and features a special section on UFO sightings and investigations. NUFON is presented as a communications network for UFO investigation groups in Northern Britain, serving as an open forum for news, information, and ideas, while emphasizing that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the associated groups.

Editorial: 'An Integrated System of Ufology'

Jenny Randles, in her editorial, discusses the formation of NUFON eighteen months prior with the intention of fostering cooperation among UFO groups in the North. She highlights the development of new ideas and the upcoming important meeting in November. Randles stresses the essential nature of such a coordinated, non-official network for achieving an integrated and scientific system of Ufology, arguing that fragmented local groups (or 'clubs') hinder progress and respectability. She notes the growing interest in the NUFON idea, with counterparts in the South thinking in terms of a SUFON, and mentions that groups like SIGAP and WATSUP are in favour. In the Midlands, LAPRO, MURO, and the Nottingham UFO Society are working towards a similar aim. The viability of such a network is attributed to the geographical concentration of groups, allowing for profitable coordination. Bryan Jeffry of the Cambridge UFO Society is also contemplating a network in the East. Randles advocates for a joint policy between NUFON and national associations like BUFORA and CONTACT, suggesting a working committee formed by network representatives to meet periodically, potentially leading to jointly produced magazines. She emphasizes that NUFON's intention is to serve the interests of local UFO groups and that the first step is organizing a meeting between network representatives and national bodies.

Special Note on Format

A note explains that the format of NUFON News has been altered to produce the best possible newsletter on a low budget. The possibility of a more professionally printed magazine at quarterly intervals is mentioned, dependent on group and member uptake.

Group News

This section details the formation of a new organization, UFOSIS (UFO Studies Information Service), aimed at being an information service for Ufology, with its files being filled with material on groups and publications. UFOSIS has agreed to associate with NUFON, offering assistance. LAPRO, based in Leicester, organized a UFO hunt on October 24th, which yielded no immediate results but illustrated the value of group cooperation. A circular object with flashing lights was spotted, alerting NUFON, MUFORA, and WUFOS. LAPRO is also experimenting with a membership model that discards fees, relying on 'pure graft'. SUFORS, working on a documentary about British Ufology, plans to present more details at the November meeting and requests groups to submit photographs, clippings, and publications. Nigel Watson, SUFORS chairman, expresses a preference for writing his own press articles to retain control over publicity, believing that fairness from the press depends on the public's fairness towards them.

General News

The 'Open Door' TV show has generated significant interest, leading to contact from several new groups, including PULSE. New correspondents and independent researchers have emerged, particularly in Fylde and Morecambe. UFOSIS is noted as the only active group in the West Midlands. Efforts are being made to engage organizations in Scotland and North Ireland, and there's an appeal to help IDLN, a French organization, with important projects. BUFORA is working on a training scheme for investigators, potentially using a postal correspondence course. The next BUFORA AGM is scheduled for December 6th in London. The Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph published an article based on an interview with BUFORA's Tony Pace, discussing the Rainhill case. BUFORA Yorkshire has also been featured in local press regarding mystery helicopter reports.

Open Door - An Analysis and Appraisal

This section analyzes NUFON's ten-minute nationally networked TV feature for BBC2 on October 11th. The aims of the feature were to gain publicity for the subject and NUFON groups, attract sighting reports, demonstrate group cooperation, and present Ufology as a scientific subject using graphs. Post-mortems revealed criticisms of the feature being too 'dry' and technical, and amateurish due to time and resource pressures. Despite this, most comments were favourable, with no 'crank' letters received. The feature successfully presented Ufology in a straightforward manner. The BBC's attempt to 'instill life' into the piece, including panal swopping, did not align with NUFON's methodology. The program generated approximately 100 calls, many with sighting reports, and 130 letters, with about 40 reports distributed to local groups for investigation. Some letters proposed theories about UFOs, likening Earth to a living organism. The article concludes that the feature likely did some good for Ufology, and NUFON, with BUFORA, is working to convince the BBC that the response warrants further air time.

A Gamma and Beta Radiation Monitor

This technical article, designed by Dave Butterworth (NAPRA), presents a circuit diagram for a monitor capable of detecting residual radiations on alleged UFO landing sites. The design is described as complex but understandable to technical members. It is divided into four sections: Hartley Oscillator, Voltage Quadrupler, Geiger-Muller Tube & Audio Output, and Meter Output. The article provides a key for electrical parts and notes that the Hartley Oscillator is free-running and drives a small transformer. The Voltage Quadrupler can produce up to 1200 volts, with a warning about high tension. The audio output provides a click, and the meter reading can be calibrated. Contact information for Dave Butterworth is provided for those seeking more information or assistance.

Sighting Report Section

This section compiles UFO sighting reports, many of which were featured on the 'Open Door' TV program. Reports include:

• September 1, 1963, Broughton Fell, Cumb.: A whitish disc with two fuzzy gray discs, motionless for ten minutes, then moved out to sea.
• July 15, 1974, Whiston, Lanes.: A metallic cylinder reflecting the sun, hovering vertically, then separating into two pieces.
• July 23, 1975, Northampton: A witness heard a dull thud and rotary noise, seeing various shapes and golden lights.
• July/August 1975, Foston, Nr York: A gold ball moving slowly W-E, growing smaller and turning white.
• August 25, 1975, Middlesborough: A silver disc with a tail of light, seen silently.
• September 27, 1975, Smethwick, W.Midlands: An orange light moving low between clouds, appearing as an illuminated dome.
• October 11, 1975, Burnley: Three red and white lights in a box-like formation.
• October 17, 1975, Preston: Mr & Mrs Felton photographed a white streak of light, possibly a flare.
• July 11, 1975, Rochdale area: Bob Bland photographed a domed disc reflecting sunlight.

MUFORA REPORT

Two MUFORA reports are included:

• The Rochdale Photo - Preliminary Report: Analysis of a photo taken by Bob Bland shows a domed disc reflecting sunlight, which streaked across the view. Further analysis by Kodak Ltd. is pending.
• Flare-like UFO Photographed over Preston: Mr & Mrs Felton observed and photographed a white streak of light, possibly a flare, which moved in various directions and varied in length. The object was described as 'distinct' but not solid. Investigations noted that the Lancashire Evening Post reported a similar white flare seen by many on the west coast, which was 'explained' as a meteorite, but the object in this case was certainly not.

NUFON GROUP REPORTS

This section provides a series of brief sighting reports from various NUFON affiliated groups:

• Mid May 1973, Runcorn: A white star-like light seen stationary for 3 minutes, then descended and moved off slowly.
• June 22, 1974, Helsby: Two white balls, the size of sixpences, following each other very fast.
• June 16, 1975, Huyton: A white 'disc' moving N-W at slow speed, possibly Skylab.
• July 20, 1975, Runcorn: A white light moved W-E and vanished into cloud, followed by a second similar red flashing light.
• July 27, 1975, Runcorn: Two golden ovals appeared at about 15-20,000', moving slower than an aircraft.
• July 29, 1975, Huyton: A white star moving W-E, which shot upwards and vanished.
• August 3, 1975, Rainhill: Two white stars moving NW-SE and N-S, moving slowly.
• August 17, 1975, Crewe: A cloud glowing colours, followed by a bright yellow cross and a cigar-shaped object.
• September 28, 1975, Ashton-U-Lyne: A yellowish light moving slowly to the SW.
• October 7, 1975: Three reports: a light rising above the horizon at Normanby Park Steel Works, a flashing light moving SW-SE in Riddings, Scunthorpe, and a flashing white light moving E-S in Emley, Huddersfield.

The Mystery Copter

This brief note mentions that while most reports are not of great interest, NUFON policy is to publish all reported UFO activity. It highlights that the time of year (since 1973) sees the reappearance of mystery helicopters over the Pennines, with sightings concentrated on the Eastern side. BUFORA Yorkshire has been involved in investigations, noting a couple of 'puzzlers' among the reports.

A Moon Mirage?

This short piece references a previous MUFORA report of a yellow half moon and a similar case investigated by BUFORA Yorks, suggesting it might be a strange optical mirage.

Advertisements

This column is free to members of NUFON Associated Organisations and includes:

• Foreign Language Services: Translation work and requests for foreign language UFO material.
• Anti-Gravity Research: A researcher seeking suggestions and ideas on anti-gravity and gyroscopic equipment.
• Astrological Analysis: A qualified Astrologer offering personal analysis.
• UFO Information: UFOSIS offering assistance to genuine enquiries.
• Wanted!!: A request for old TVs, transistors, radios, tape recorders, coils, capacitors, valve plugs, sockets, electronic magazines, and anything electronic or optical.
• Writer Requires Info: A writer researching 'crank' or hoax investigations.

Meeting Dates

• November 14: DICAP & MUFORA - Joint Public Meeting, Manchester.
• November 15: NUFON Discussion/Meeting for representatives of Northern groups, Warrington.
• January 14: NAPRA & WUFOS - Talk to the Merseyside Paraphysical Society.

Coming Next Month!!!

• Review of the NUFON Discussion/Meeting.
• Two More Photographic Cases (From Tyldesley & Sheffield).
• LAPRO & MUFORA Experience Mini FIAP in Late October.
• Topical Reports, News and Articles.

Stop Press

See P.9. The location of the Jun 22 1974 sighting is DURHAM.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of inter-group cooperation and the establishment of a strong, coordinated network for UFO investigation (NUFON's primary goal). There is a strong emphasis on reporting and investigating UFO sightings, with detailed accounts and analysis. The magazine also highlights the role of media, such as the BBC's 'Open Door' program, in raising public awareness and generating reports. The editorial stance is one of promoting scientific inquiry into Ufology, encouraging collaboration among researchers and groups, and providing a platform for sharing information and findings, even if they are preliminary or require further investigation. The publication aims to be a comprehensive resource for UFO enthusiasts in Northern Britain.