Northern UFO News - No 180

Magazine Overview

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated October 1998, is number 180. The cover features an illustration of cloaked figures and is designed by Roy Sandbach, with Jenny Randles as the editor. The main cover headline highlights the design and editorial team, and a note indicates that magazines can be exchanged at the editor's address. A subscription rate of £6 for six issues is offered, payable to 'NUFON'.

Contents Overview

The issue covers a wide range of topics within ufology, including advertising, hoaxes, historical sightings, abduction debates, UFO conferences, investigations, and book reviews. Specific articles mentioned are:

• Advertising our presence
• A Sheffield hoax that never was
• Foo Fighters at the PRO
• Hypnosis and abductions: the big debate
• A new style UFO conference
• News Reports: Comings and Goings, tribute to Ralph Noyes, defending against abduction, Nick Pope and the MoD, and his changing views.
• Major articles on Nazis in British UFOlogy, Roswell, and a piece by Pat Delgado for the Cropwatcher.
• Books of the Moment: Borderlands, UFOs: The Scottish Dimension, The Hynek UFO Report, and Flying Saucers: Secret History.
• Investigations: EM effects at Blackpool, New Clues on the Cosford, Staffs, UFO landing, and flying triangles in Manchester and Cheshire.
• Shock news on the Roswell Autopsy Footage, with Philip Mantle explaining his doubts.

JR Comments: The Ethics of Advertising and UFOlogy

Editor Jenny Randles begins with an apology for the delay, citing personal health issues. She then discusses the phenomenon of UFO experts appearing in advertisements. She recounts a call from a TV company seeking 'robust' witnesses for a program on abductions, where Nick Pope was to provide 'balance'. Randles expresses her disapproval of such 'farcical, fluffy chat shows' that exploit a serious issue. She contrasts this with her own experiences, including refusing to help an advertising agency stage an alien landing and declining an offer to appear in an advert for an insurance company promoting 'insure yourself against being abducted' policies.

Randles recalls Allen Hynek's refusal to endorse beer in an advert, fearing it would link UFOlogy with drunken behaviour. She notes that while she generally opposes such commercialization, she did agree to a US advert for the movie 'Fire in the Sky' which promoted a competition for a tour of UFO sites, seeing it as beneficial for BUFORA. She questions whether her stance against commercial sponsorship is outdated, considering UFOlogy could benefit from it.

When a Hoax is Not a Hoax: The Alex Birch Case

This section details the case of Alex Birch, who in 1962, at age 14, photographed what appeared to be five 'flying saucers' in Mosborough, Sheffield. The case gained celebrity status, with Birch's story backed by two other witnesses and reported in the media. Initially, BUFORA considered the objects to be 'transparent' and 'fairly normal Adamski type saucers'. However, in 1972, Alex Birch confessed on TV that the photo was a hoax, created by painting UFOs onto a sheet of glass. This confession led to the photo being widely used as an example of how easily UFO enthusiasts could be fooled.

However, the article reveals a sequel to the case. Alex Birch later contacted the magazine claiming the original photo was genuine, and the confession was a hoax to escape pressure from the Air Ministry and media attention. Birch sought copyright fees for the widespread use of his photograph. The author expresses confusion about the case's twists and turns, noting that the photo, once real, then hoaxed, is now claimed to be real again.

Pro Files on the Foo Fighters

This section, contributed by Nick Redfern, discusses the discovery of official records of UFO sightings dating back to 1943 at the Public Records Office (PRO). The records come from 'Bang On', the official newspaper of 115 Squadron RAF. During allied bombing raids in Germany, reports mention 'weird and wonderful apparitions'. One case from December 11, 1943, describes an unidentified object, the size of a Thunderbolt, flying beneath a formation near Emden, leaving a white vapour trail. Another case from Bremen mentions 'silver and red discs'. The article suggests these sightings might indicate an official investigation program by the Air Ministry, with file references AIR 14/2800 and DEFE 41/117 mentioned.

Under a Spell: The Debate on Regression Hypnosis

This lengthy article by Jenny Randles addresses the controversial use of regression hypnosis in UFO investigations, particularly concerning alien abduction cases. BUFORA, Britain's premier UFO group, operates a Code of Practice, established in 1982, which was tightened in 1988 to include mandatory adherence for all members. A key clause governs regression hypnosis, stipulating it must be conducted by a medically qualified practitioner. This was prompted by incidents where witnesses suffered adverse effects.

Randles explains that the voluntary moratorium on hypnosis, imposed by BUFORA in 1988, is now under threat, with some researchers pushing for its end. She argues that hypnosis does not create abduction experiences but confuses matters by imposing a 'second memory strand' that cannot be verified. She states that in experiments where hypnotic testimony can be checked, at least 50% is found to be false. She believes that hypnosis introduces non-real information, potentially creating or amplifying fear and confusion for the witness. She cites the 'false memory syndrome' in the USA, which has led to lawsuits, and warns of similar potential consequences in UFOlogy.

Randles advocates for alternative techniques like creative visualisation, which she finds less intrusive and more empowering for the witness. She firmly believes that UFOlogy should not place so much emphasis on hypnosis, as it does not aid the quest for truth and can have detrimental effects on witnesses' psychological health. She urges BUFORA to maintain the moratorium and encourage other UFO groups to reassess their use of hypnosis, perhaps by noting their disapproval on case files.

A New Style Conference

This section outlines plans for a new type of UFO conference in the UK, inspired by the MIT symposium on alien abductions held in Massachusetts in 1992. The proposed UK event would focus on the abduction mystery and explore scientific evidence for phenomena like earthlights, ball lightning, and electromagnetic pollution. The author expresses support for the venture, noting that past conferences have become stale and preach to the converted.

The conference is envisioned as a 'think tank' rather than a public event, with no pre-publicity or media presence. It aims to bring together Ufologists, witnesses, and professionals to conduct serious research and formulate strategies for future work. Participants will be required to submit an outline paper addressing specific issues, such as the use of hypnosis and methods for testing abduction theories. The goal is to foster original research and demonstrate a commitment to resolving the abduction mystery. The event is planned for late 1999, with a modest cost to participants to ensure it is a non-profit exercise.

NEWS

SPI Branches Out

Malcolm Robinson, a Scottish UFOlogist, has moved to London and launched SPI England, continuing the work of SPI Scotland, now run by Billy Devlin.

Comings...

Nottingham's EMUFORA (East Midlands UFO Research Association) is back in action after a year's absence.

...And Goings

Colonel Philip Corso, author of "The Day After Roswell," reportedly died in July. Philip Mantle, a BUFORA researcher, is retiring from the subject due to his wife's ill health. Dr Sue Blackmore, a psychologist known for debunking paranormal phenomena, has lost a grant for 'paranormal' research and is reportedly giving up psychic research. The editorship of 'The Skeptic' magazine is moving from Manchester to London.

Ralph Noyes: A tribute

This section pays tribute to Ralph Noyes, former head of the MoD department involved in UFO study, who passed away shortly before the issue went to print. Noyes was known for his integrity and his involvement in the Rendlesham case. He was not a believer in aliens but his novel, 'A Secret Property', on Rendlesham, ESP, earthlights, and UFOlogy, is predicted to be seen as prophetic.

BOOK LINES

Several books are reviewed or mentioned:

• 'Something in the Air' by Robert Hale, published in October, concerns mid-air encounters between aircraft and UFOs, with Ralph Noyes providing assistance.
• 'Electric UFOs' by Albert Budden, published by Cassell, expands on his electromagnetic pollution theory.
• 'UFO Revelation' by Tim Matthews, also from Cassell, deals with secret aircraft technology.
• 'How to defend yourself against alien abduction' by Ann Druffel, published by Piatkus, is noted for its controversial title and chapters on 'protective rage' and 'righteous anger'. The author expresses concern about its potential impact on the serious image of UFOlogy, humorously suggesting using the book as a weapon against aliens.

NICK ON NICK

This section discusses Nick Pope's involvement in writing an epic novel about aliens and the MoD's reaction, titled 'Operation Thunder Child'. Pope's views on MoD UFO involvement have reportedly changed, suggesting there might be more to it. He also mentioned the MoD's 'strange' cooperation with the BBC for the TV series 'Invasion Earth'.

MAJOR ARTICLES ELSEWHERE

This section reviews other publications:

• Fortean Times: Highlights include articles on microwave technology, synesthesia, Karl Pflock's demolition of the Roswell case, and a reassessment of the Aurora, Texas, spaceship crash. The author notes FT's hype of crash saucer reports while criticising his own book.
• The X Factor (Marshall Cavendish part work): Described as a typical but high-quality UFO, aliens, and conspiracies magazine, similar to Fortean Times. It features interviews with Jacques Vallee, Paul Devereux, Denis Stacy, Anthony North, and abductee Travis Walton.
• Magonia 63/64: Discusses links between crashed UFOs and Christian myth, psychopathology, and Nazi UFOs.
• ETH Bulletin: Covers the migraine/close encounter link, multi-witness cases, and the importance of the Levelland affair.
• Abduction Watch (ed. Kevin McClure): Praised for its serious research, this publication debates regression and critiques the 'Nazi UFOs' theme.
• UFO News (Lancs. UFO Society): A new joint venture featuring Tim Matthews on secret aircraft technology and Area 51.
• OVNI (PRA): Reports ongoing sightings, including a creature described as a cross between a locust and a bat.
• Strange Daze (ed. D Newton): Known for its hard-hitting articles, it features an piece on Nazi politics in UFOlogy and Albert Budden's EM theory applied to abductees' backgrounds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the ethics of research and media portrayal, and the ongoing debate surrounding alien abductions and the use of hypnosis. The editorial stance, particularly from Jenny Randles, is one of caution regarding sensationalism, media exploitation, and unverified research methods like hypnosis. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous, ethical research and a concern for the well-being of witnesses. The magazine also highlights the historical aspects of UFOlogy and the importance of official documentation.

This issue of Northern UFO News, primarily from pages 11-16, features a collection of reviews of various UFO and paranormal publications, alongside reports on specific sightings and investigations. The magazine maintains a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject matter, emphasizing the importance of rational explanations.

Publication Reviews

Strange Phenomena Scotland: Praised for its excellent team (Billy Devlin & Brian Allen) and comprehensive coverage of Scottish cases and status reports.

Phenomenal News (SEMR): Features an interesting report on a lecture by Scottish abductee Gary Wood and some Ball Lightning cases.

IUFOPRA August 98: Described as making the most sense coming out of Whitehall, reporting on UFOs, ghosts, and ESP.

Cropwatcher 31 (Summer 98): Notes the contribution of Pat Delgado and an article on lucid dreaming, alongside 'rumours', humour, and comment by Terence Meaden on a Romanian case.

The Voice: Characterized as 'seriously weird stuff', sent out by Barry King, hinting at conspiracies and the undercurrent of UFO secrecy.

MUFON Journal (May 98, USA): Under new editor Dwight Connelly, it features a 1998 interview with Socorro witness Lonnie Zamora.

UFO Historical Review (USA): Barry Greenwood's new venture, focusing on WW II UFO cases from America and reassessing early UFO evidence.

Dead of Night (May 98): Described as a magazine that HP Lovecraft might edit, filled with tales of monsters, gnostics, ghoulies, and Bidston Hill.

Folklore Frontiers 33 (editor P Screeton): Includes press clips and folk tales, notably the claim that dozens of steam trains are stored in a MoD tunnel as a nuclear war reserve.

Rattler's Tale (editor Anthony North): Features readers' fiction and faction, with the editor also having a new book on the paranormal.

IUR Summer 98 (USA): Re-examines the Roswell incident, suggesting the Mogul balloon may not be to blame, and includes a response to James Easton's 'demolition' of Rendlesham.

Borderlands (Mike Dash): A 516-page paperback recommended as a bargain, covering a wide range of peculiar topics from abductions to sightings of the zeugoldon. It's described as a personal position statement with sharp insight, offering good sense on UFOs.

UFOs: The Scottish Dimension (Ron Halliday): The first book devoted exclusively to Scotland's UFO heritage, including a map, chronology, and detailed reports on cases like Livingston and Blairgowrie.

The Hynek UFO Report (Dr J Allen Hynek): A 290-page softback by the 'father of modern UFOlogy', offering insight into Project Blue Book files and real UFO cases without abductions.

'Flying Saucers: Secret History!' (Tim Matthews): A monogram discussing the use of secret military aircraft for reconnaissance and psychological warfare purposes post-1945.

'The Uninvited' (Nick Pope): The paperback edition of Nick Pope's investigation into abduction cases.

Investigations and Sightings

New Clues From Cosford: Updates on a 1963 UFO landing at Cosford, including witness testimonies and details about the base's unusual features and subsequent clearing.

Blackpool Light Show: A report from Mr T of Poulton-Le-Fylde concerning a strange event involving a security light, a power cut, and a triangle of lights reported in the sky.

October 15 1996 23.20 Beswick, Manchester: A flying triangle sighting with 'a globe in the bottom of each corner' and 'silver studded lights inside'.

October 16 1996 21.10 Widnes, Cheshire: A sighting of a large, low, and strong 'white circle' / halo with a 'hollow centre' that was spinning. Investigation suggested a laser searchlight.

Hazel Grove, 22 Aug 1998 23.46, Cheshire: A sighting of a 'triangle with the ends taken off' with an amber glow on the underside, observed near Stockport.

The Roswell Autopsy Footage The reel starts to unwind?: A detailed discussion questioning the authenticity of the Roswell alien autopsy footage, its promotion by BUFORA, and the involvement of a Milton Keynes film studio.

Editorial Stance

The editorial section emphasizes the importance of finding rational explanations for UFO sightings, stating that "at least 95% of all sightings do have rational solutions." The magazine commits to continuing to report sightings and suggest reasonable theories, asserting that it does not demean witnesses to try and resolve encounters. It warns against UFOlogy becoming "superstitious clap trap."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes include the critical examination of UFO evidence, the history of UFO cases, and the role of various organizations in the field. The editorial stance is firmly rooted in a rationalist approach, advocating for scientific investigation and the pursuit of logical explanations for phenomena, while acknowledging the enduring mysteries and the personal experiences of witnesses. The magazine aims to provide a balanced perspective, distinguishing between credible evidence and unsubstantiated claims.