Northern UFO News - No 181

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 181
Date: New Year 1999

This issue of Northern UFO News, published by NUFON, offers a comprehensive look at UFOlogy in early 1999. It covers a range of topics from media portrayals of UFOs to in-depth investigations of specific cases and the ongoing debate about government transparency.

JR Comments: UFOs on British Television

The 'JR Comments' section, written by the editor Jenny Randles (implied by the byline and content), reflects on the increasing presence of UFOs in popular British television dramas. Two specific examples are highlighted: the BBC's 'Ballykissangel' and ITV's 'Heartbeat'.

In 'Ballykissangel', a fictional Irish village setting, a ufologist character is depicted as eccentric but ultimately vindicated when a UFO appears. The author laments the common trope of portraying UFO enthusiasts as socially awkward 'anoraks'. A personal anecdote connects the author to the show through actor James Ellis, who played the ufologist and with whom the author had previously shared a car journey in Ireland.

The 'Heartbeat' episode discussed is based on the real-life case of Yorkshire policeman Alan Godfrey and the tragic death of Zigmund Adamski. While the show treated the abduction story well, the author notes that a subsequent episode featured UFO sightings in the Pennines, including a swooping object and a mysterious burn mark on a found cyclist's body. The author points out that the show's explanation of the object as a 'gliding' cargo plane is a dramatization of a real-life case investigated by NARO (National Aviation Reporting Centre on Anomalous Phenomena), where a similar object was identified as a cargo flight breaking aviation regulations.

The author expresses frustration that Yorkshire TV did not credit NARO's work, attributing the story to the writer's location and their possible unawareness of the source. The piece concludes by lamenting the lack of recognition for serious UFO research, contrasting it with the media's tendency to portray ufologists as 'moronic clowns'.

NEWS

East Midlands group disbands

EMUFORA (East Midlands UFO Research Association) has decided to close down. Tony James, the driving force behind the group, stated that disbanding will allow him more time for personal research. He has promised to forward any interesting reports from the Nottingham area to Northern UFO News.

Project FT seeks data

Victor Kean is operating a computer database called 'Project FT' to collect data on sightings of flying triangles. He has amassed 7000 cases and is seeking more information to track these UFOs across Europe, specifically looking for 'FT entrance and exit windows'.

Hill Norton on the offensive

Lord Peter Hill Norton, former chief of staff of the MoD, has inquired about the number of UFO files held by the Ministry. He was informed that there are 76 files dating from 1985 to 1998, originating from Air Staff 2A. However, files from other departments, potentially involving covert departments known to study UFOs, could not be made publicly available due to a lack of funds for identification and cataloging.

1999 Coming attractions: Books & TV

This section previews upcoming books and television programs related to UFOlogy. Tim Matthews' book 'UFO Revelation' is due in February, followed by Nick Redfern's 'Cosmic Crashes' and Nick Pope's two-book saga 'Operation Thunderchild' in the autumn. Tim Good's new book about aliens on Earth and Georgina Brunni's 'full story' of the Rendlesham Forest case are also announced.

Peter Hough has secured a six-figure advance for a new book on abduction theories. The author also mentions their own upcoming book on abduction theories and a 'terrifying blitzkrieg' of a book triple-authored by Dr David Clarke, Andy Roberts, and themselves.

On the television front, Granada TV's 'Origin Unknown' is discussed. Initially titled 'Watch the skies', the series has been improved under exec producer Mark Gorton and offers a novel look at UFOlogy with a skeptical approach from some ufologists. Other TV ventures mentioned include Channel 5's 'The Great UFO Conspiracy' and Channel 4 documentaries, one of which covers secret aircraft projects.

New Products:

The Woolwich UFO Research Group has released 'UFO Files', a CD-ROM containing a vast amount of UFO material from the internet, including alleged MJ-12 files, real audio, and images.

Tim Matthews also has a new publication

Tim Matthews' new publication, 'Air Intelligence Digest', is a declassified report on American military flying disc developments, reprinted with a short piece contextualizing these 'black projects'. The 15-page report is available for £3.

Midnight Books catalogue

'Midnight Books' offers a wide range of UFO and paranormal titles, including William Corliss's 'sourcebook' project titles.

A UFO CENTRE FOR ROSSENDALE?

Councillor Billy Buchanan is spearheading an initiative to create a UFO theme park in Scotland, aiming to capitalize on the publicity surrounding the Bonnybridge area. The proposed 'Bacup UFO Centre' aims to integrate with mainstream science and the SETI program. Ideas include a Roswell-style museum, a UFO resource site for schools, and merchandising. The project is described as having 'taken on a life of its own' and is moving into the political arena.

Rendlesham Re-activated

This section revisits the Rendlesham Forest incident. Scottish UFOlogist James Easton has found original witness statements from key USAF personnel, including John Burroughs and Jim Penniston. Easton's thesis, 'Resolving Rendlesham', challenges previous interpretations, particularly concerning the consistency of witness statements and the presence of a craft. The author discusses the 'Oz Factor' descriptions of an energy field experienced by witnesses, which Easton dismisses as having 'little of substance'. The debate continues, with upcoming books by Colonel Halt and Georgina Brunni expected.

Au-topsy turvey madness

This article details the controversy surrounding the alien autopsy footage. The Mail on Sunday reported that the 'famous' alien film was made in Milton Keynes by producers Keith Bateman and Andy Price-Watts, who claim Ray Santilli asked them to 'clean up' footage of aliens he had bought. The producers created a hoax tent footage, which Santilli allegedly used as a distraction. Santilli maintains that the autopsy footage he purchased in the USA is genuine and not a hoax by the Milton Keynes group. The article also touches on BUFORA's involvement with a video called 'Penetrating the Web 2', suggesting a potential entanglement with the hoax.

Circles to nowhere

The author expresses frustration with the media's treatment of UFO books, citing the example of 'Something in the Air' not being reviewed by Fortean Times. The article then focuses on crop circles, highlighting the role of BUFORA in researching the phenomenon and predicting the rise of hoaxing. The piece criticizes the media, particularly The Mail, for presenting a simplified narrative of crop circles, focusing on hoaxers Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, while downplaying BUFORA's contributions and research into atmospheric vortices. The author notes that Bower himself claims to believe in UFOs and aliens, despite admitting to faking patterns.

MAJOR ARTICLES ELSEWHERE

This section provides a roundup of UFO-related articles and publications:

• Fortean Times: Mentions an amusing report on an American contactee conference and a piece debunking the Llandrillo case. Andy Roberts' reply to an article is also noted.
• Fortean Times (issue 119): Features a re-appraisal of the 1973 Pascagoula case.
• The X Factor: Lists articles on fatal encounters, contactees, the Billy Meier affair, Soviet UFO files, interviews, and foo fighters.
• BUFORA Bulletin: Praises Robert Moore's editorship and highlights an article by Philip Mantle on the tent footage hoax.
• Magonia 65: Features two articles assessing the credibility of the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) and the scientific study of UFO reports.
• Abduction Watch: Discusses Kevin McClure's decision not to cooperate with an abduction symposium and debates alien implants.
• Phenomenal News (SEMR): Includes articles on incubi, monsters, UFOs, and a carnivorous bird sighting.
• UFO Network News: Reports UFO activity near Menwith Hill.
• Wales Federation: Notes UFO activity over Anglesey.
• IUR (USA: CUFOS): Reviews the Sturrock report, the MoD's investigation methods, and interviews a reporter who coined the term 'flying saucer'.
• MUFON Journal (USA): Features articles on a Mexico City video hoax, crop circle authenticity, implant removal, and computer enhancement of the Ramey letter.
• UFO Historical Review Sep 98 (USA): Reports on a 1904 sighting from a US naval ship.
• Ohio Notebook 17 (USA): Mentions the US Department of Energy monitoring UFO groups and a woman emitting UV glow after an encounter.
• Haunted Scotland: Covers UFOs, hauntings, and a ghost case from Ticonderoga, New York, linked to a UFO sighting.
• UFO Afrinews (Zimbabwe): Features latest cases from Africa via Cynthia Hind.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently critiques the media's often sensationalized or dismissive portrayal of UFO phenomena and ufologists. There is a strong emphasis on rigorous research, with credit given to organizations like NARO and BUFORA for their dedicated work. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, evidence-based approach to UFOlogy, while acknowledging the public's fascination and the challenges of obtaining official transparency. The issue highlights the ongoing debate and research within the UFO community, encouraging critical thinking and productive discussion.

Title: The Ley Hunter
Issue: 180
Volume: Northern UFO News
Date: January 1999 (inferred from content)

This issue of The Ley Hunter, a publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, presents a mix of book reviews, detailed investigative reports of UFO sightings, and commentary on current issues within the ufology community.

Book Reviews

The Randle Report

Kevin Randle's 226-page softback, "The Randle Report," published by M Evans, New York, is reviewed as a surprising and excellent skeptical book, potentially one of the best general interest UFO titles from the USA since Allan Hendry's 1980 work. Randle, a former USAF intelligence officer and Sci-Fi author, is noted for his cautious approach, reviewing key UFO cases and debates of the 1990s, including Roswell, the autopsy film, Gulf Breeze, and others, with refreshing objectivity. The reviewer speculates about potential libel issues for Randle due to comments about possible hoaxes.

Destination Earth & The Alien Intent

Two books are reviewed: "Destination Earth" by Alan Baker (224pp, illustrated) and "The Alien Intent" by Ray Robinson (256pp, illustrated), both published by Cassell at £9.99.

"The Alien Intent" is described as "A dire warning," containing traces of discrimination and logic, and suggesting a saga of nine alien races visiting Earth. It mixes good thoughts on hypnosis and altered states with worrying impressions of figures like Billy Meir and the Gulf Breeze incident. The Rendlesham Forest incident is also mentioned as being 15 years out of date.

"Destination Earth" by Alan Baker is considered more promising, with a philosophy closer to Jacques Vallee but with gaps in UFO knowledge outside media-recycled information. It focuses less on cover-ups and conspiracy and more on whether an alien presence has existed on Earth for millennia, raising provoking ideas but not fully developing them. Baker is identified as an author to watch if he broadens his reading.

How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction

Ann Druffel's 242-page softback, "How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction," published by Piatkus at £8.99, is met with surprise. The reviewer notes that their own PR blurb for the book was cautious about its ethics. While respecting Druffel as a long-term MUFON investigator, the reviewer parts company with endorsements, particularly Philip Mantle's, regarding the offering of self-defense techniques against alien abduction. The book describes methods like using herbs, ESP, and physical assault. The reviewer expresses concern that such advice, while potentially placebo-effective, is based on contentious evidence and could lead people to seek explanations for minor events in their lives through alien abduction narratives.

Investigation: Latest UFO Sightings

This section details several UFO sightings reported across the UK:

• Case 80-107 (September 1980, Mollington, Cheshire): A 15-year-old boy saw a bright orange glow descend into a field, taking on a triangle shape with a greenish/purple hue. A hatch opened, and the object remained visible for 30 minutes.
• Cumbrian Car Stop (1 January 1993, Hethersgill, Cumbria): A taxi driver's car and CB radio failed. A small, brilliant ball of light appeared, hovered, and then shot away. The driver found she had been 'missing' for 30 minutes, though only five minutes had passed for her.
• Follow-up Incident (23 November 1996, Hallbankgate, UK): Related to the Cumbrian case, a taxi driver and passengers saw a green ball with a white aura descend into trees. Later, a 'tall figure' in a silver suit was observed.
• Case 9331 (16 May 1993, Carcoe, North Yorkshire): Witnesses observed two stationary lights and a large, cone-shaped object moving rapidly, which was photographed.
• Case 9548 (11 August 1995, Goosnargh, Lancashire): Multiple witnesses reported a dark triangle around midnight. The local airport confirmed 'aerial activity' that night.
• Case 9624 (25 June 1996, Tremerichon, Wales): Two women saw a craft with a black base, white 'headlamp', and 'car spoilers'. It hovered and then silently crossed above them, appearing oval.
• The Night of August 18 (1996): Multiple reports include a round ball with white lights seen over Barrow, a blinding white ball of fire in Bramhall, and a 'great humming top' object seen in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, which scared birds and was described as 'twisting'. Nearby, the K family saw a similar object described as a silver disk with a dark centre and spikes.
• Case 9626 (6 September 1996, Bradford, West Yorkshire): A fire engine crew encountered a tubular UFO that appeared to be spinning and vanished amidst sparks.
• Case 9627 (20 September 1996, Fortrose, Scotland): A disc-shaped craft with flashing lights was observed, described as black behind the lights.
• Case 9802 (May 1998, Somercotes, Derbyshire): A witness saw 'two triangles joined like a bow tie' that fluttered in the sky.
• Case 9803 (7 April 1998, Clifton, Notts): A solid gray craft with white light and three 'conical vents/exhausts' was seen over rooftops and vanished.
• Case 9805 (27 July 1998, Long Eaton, Notts): A high-flying, silvery grey 'boomerang' object with lights and dark portholes was observed.
• Case 9808 (30 October 1998, Belper, Derbyshire): Witnesses saw an elongated, cigar-shaped object with sparkling lights, described as a Vulcan shape.
• Case 9809 (16 November 1998, Ludlow, Shropshire): Three people saw a triangle with lights at each apex point that sank down and disappeared.
• Case 9810 (23 December 1998, Ripley, Derbyshire): A 'spotlamp' object was observed, which then changed shape to a triangle and glided out of view.
• Case 9811 (29 December 1998, Preston, Lancashire): A triangle with red lights at each apex and a white searchlight was seen.
• Case 9901 (13 January 1999, Belper, Derbyshire): Two women saw a bright star approach and resolve into a dark triangle with a large light at the front.

In the Party Spirit

This section details a case reported by Gloria Dixon, involving events in 'Calder', West Yorkshire, on 15 July 1995. During a barbecue, witnesses experienced a 'strange atmosphere' and objects vanishing. Mr H saw a grey, low-level object with flashing lights, which then seemed to be on top of him, with a black door and a beam of light. Mrs H saw a similar object with rotating red, white, green, and blue lights. The object ejected a beam of light towards a house and vanished, reappearing lower down the valley. The witnesses experienced a 70-minute time loss. Afterwards, the two women fell asleep, feeling tired, while Mr H was violently sick and developed a skin rash. Later, they saw two 'children' dressed in black appearing from trees. Upon returning home, a strong, sickly sweet smell was present for half an hour. The witnesses' memories of the missing 70 minutes were confused, described as fragmented and out of order. Paul Ascough, a paramedic, supported the view that this was an important close encounter, noting potential psychic phenomena in the recall but ruling out NDEs or epilepsy. The case is considered frightening, real, and inexplicable.

Nick Outed

This section critically discusses the Sunday Times report on Nick Pope's alleged 'alien contact' experience, referred to as the 'Peter and Jenny' case. The author notes that this was an open secret in ufology and criticizes Pope for not controlling the narrative himself. The main concern raised is that the incident described by Pope is considered trivial, and the author questions the appropriateness of him, as a revered figure in people's eyes, indirectly endorsing the value of hypnosis to seek out answers to minor events. The author draws a parallel to their own book, "Star Children," where hypnosis experiments were key reasons for advocating against its use in ufology, citing the problems observed.

Witness Dies on 18th Anniversary of Case

This brief report notes the death of Betty Cash on the 18th anniversary of her famous encounter at Huffman, Texas, in December 1980. Her death is reputedly a result of injuries sustained during the event, which also affected witnesses Vicki and Colby Landrum. Betty Cash, who was closest to the hovering UFO, suffered burns and radiation trauma. The case is highlighted as a tragic illustration of the difficulties in UFOlogy, where a visible object, possibly escorted by military helicopters, and with inescapable physical consequences, proved impossible to convince the world of its reality, despite years of effort and assistance from NASA engineer John Schuessler.

Northern UFO Network Groups in Region

A list of regional UFO network groups is provided, including SPI Scotland, SPI England, SEMR, SRUFO, NUFORI, Connect, NLUFOIG, LUFOS, LAPIS, MARA, PRA, SUFOG, Federation, and IUFOPRA, with their respective locations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings across the UK, book reviews offering critical perspectives on UFO literature, and a strong editorial stance against the uncritical use of hypnosis in UFO investigations. The publication emphasizes skepticism and rigorous analysis, particularly in the "Nick Outed" section, where the author expresses concern about the influence of public figures on how UFO phenomena are perceived and investigated. The magazine also highlights the challenges of establishing the reality of UFO encounters, as exemplified by the Betty Cash case.