Northern UFO News - No 19

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 19
Date: December 1975
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Northern UFO News, the monthly newsletter of the Northern UFO Network, is dedicated to UFO research and reporting from across Britain. It features a range of articles, group news, and detailed incident reports, aiming to foster communication and collaboration among UFO organizations.

Editorial: To Research or Not to Research

The editorial, likely written by a representative of NUFON, delves into the fundamental purpose of UFO organizations. It posits that the primary objective should be the thorough investigation and collation of reports to ensure the quality of raw data, which is crucial for any subsequent research, statistical analysis, or theoretical development. The editorial highlights the importance of improving investigation standards, citing the work of Trevor Whitaker of BUFORA YORKS. It questions why more groups do not engage in developing projects like sociological analysis, exemplified by Mike Dean of WUFOS, and suggests that NUFON could serve as a platform for exchanging data and ideas on such work. The piece notes a perceived lack of willingness among 'ufologists' in the north to openly seek help and collaborate, referencing a BUFORA proposal to bring local groups closer for research work on data evaluation and physical trace recording. The editorial concludes by wishing readers a Happy Christmas and New Year.

Contents and Group News

The issue's contents are detailed, starting with the editorial, followed by local group news, general news including animal effects and media round-ups, and specific reports from BUFORA, MUFORA, and other affiliated groups. The newsletter also includes sections on investigations, brief reports, and upcoming events.

Group Updates:

• NUFON: The network is actively seeking to connect with other UFO groups, including those from Edinburgh University UFO Research Society and BUFORA Northern Ireland Branch. New groups like SPRING (Strange Phenomena Research & Investigation Notation Group) from the Midlands and NUFUIS from Nottingham have joined the network. NUFON is planning a joint meeting in the New Year with other proposed networks and BUFORA/CONTACT LAPRO to coordinate inter-group structure across Britain.
• MUFORA: MUFORA requests understanding regarding potential communication delays due to their Chairman, Peter Warrington, moving. They held a joint meeting with DIGAP in Manchester to promote UFO group collaboration. MUFORA is also noted for its decision to cease using the media for publicity after a negative experience with a factual report.
• SHEFFIELD, DINNINGTON & ROTHERHAM group: This group held a successful open meeting and is considering hosting the third NUFON convention in the spring.
• SUFORS: Chairman Nigel Watson is seeking ideas and visual material for their UFO documentary film.
• BUFORA: The BUFORA Journal's November/December issue features a summary of NUFON's 1970-74 report statistics and an article on Mars. BUFORA is also working on research grants, a competition, and reorganizing its filing systems. They are introducing postal ballots for major issues and elections. Richard Beet, BUFORA JOURNAL Editor, is giving a talk on UFOs and the Press, and a Research Evening is scheduled.

General News

General news includes details of the November NUFON group discussion meeting, which was well-attended and discussed projects like a Circular Letter System and new cassette circuits. Interesting data on animal disturbances is reported, including incidents in Tarbock, Nottinghamshire, and Berkshire. A tape of Big-Foot sounds from Fylde is mentioned. The media's coverage of UFOs is discussed, with particular reference to the Arizona Forestry Workers case and its potential similarities to a sighting at Cairo Mill, Oldham. MUFORA's decision to avoid media publicity is reiterated, while SPUR is noted for positive media coverage.

Contact Established: APEN

A significant portion of the newsletter details an encounter with an organization called APEN ('APEN Operatives'). The author, Peter Bottomley, describes being approached by two individuals claiming to be from a widespread organization with HQ in America, aiming to establish a coordinated research network. APEN prefers to operate undercover and sought a 'neutral' contact to act as an information collection center. Bottomley, after discussing the matter with others and reflecting on the 'childish' antics and potential harm to the credibility of UFO research, publicly dissociates himself and NUFON from APEN, stating that if APEN cannot trust NUFON with open information exchange, they are not interested.

Investigation Procedures: Discovering Reports

This section begins a series on investigation procedures, focusing on the crucial first step: discovering sighting reports. It emphasizes that even established groups do not receive reports passively. For independent researchers, it is more challenging. Suggestions include leveraging group membership for direct reports, spreading contacts widely, offering lectures to various societies (youth clubs, astronomical societies, women's associations), and providing printed materials with group details and contact information. Utilizing the media, particularly local press, is highlighted as a valuable method for generating reports, with advice on establishing rapport, impressing upon journalists the seriousness of the group's approach, and being cautious about media misrepresentation.

Investigations Section

• Soil Samples: Samples have been collected from a possible landing site in Rainhill, and groups with analysis facilities are invited to assist.
• Oct/Nov Flap Report: This period saw a significant number of UFO reports. Key dates and locations include:
• October 28th: A lady in Birmingham reported a silver/white sphere. MUFORA dealt with a white light sighting. A multi-witness case occurred in St Matthews estate, Leicester.
• October 30th: Children reported a flashing red light, which led to the observation of a red pulsing light.
• October 31st: A red flashing light was observed moving slowly and silently near Runcorn.
• November 1st: A witness in North Manchester reported an orange oval. In Ireland, objects were spotted in Lurgan and Larne, followed by a formation of five silvery ovals seen by twelve witnesses in Londonderry. Two yellow egg shapes were seen near Donaghadee.
• November 3rd: More reports from Northern Ireland, including two teenagers whose transistor stopped when three orange balls hovered nearby.
• November 6th: A dull white cigar-shaped object was reported near Runcorn. A red glow falling swiftly was seen near Oldham.
• November 17th: Two teenage girls in Fallowfield, Manchester, reported a flashing white light, which was later identified as a slow jet.

Northern Ireland Report

This section details sightings in Northern Ireland, including a formation of five silvery ovals and two yellow egg shapes seen by multiple witnesses. Investigations by the BUFORA N.I. branch are ongoing, with a possibility that the 'formation' might have been the Queens Air Squadron.

The Tyldsley Photo Case

MUFORA investigated a case involving three photographs taken by a witness in September 1974. The photos showed a round metallic object, later appearing oval, with two additional faint objects. However, detailed examination suggested these were out-of-focus specks of dust on the camera lens, indicating no actual motion of real objects.

Barton Case

On October 28th, three witnesses driving near Barton Airfield observed a hovering object that moved slowly NW-NE. Described as a smooth silver/white cylinder, it was compared to a Concorde but lacked wings. The object was visible for five minutes.

Yorkshire Flap

This section details two puzzling reports from the mid-late September period:

• September 18th: A girl and her boyfriend reported a red light underneath a distinct reddish oval shape near Holmfirth. A similar object was seen later. Witnesses observed stationary objects over Greenfield, Oldham, and Woodhead.
• September 22nd: A miner reported a brilliant blue/white light near the TV mast, which swooped down and illuminated the area before disappearing upwards.

Reports in Brief

This section lists several brief sighting reports from various dates and locations across the UK, including:

• January 28, 1975: Hebden Bridge - Amber fuzzy ball moving W, stopped, then moved off at 90 degrees to the N.
• April 21, 1975: Huddersfield - Brilliant white diamond shape moving SW, descending over the horizon.
• June 21, 1975: Wakefield/Batley - Bright light in the southern sky, hovered, then fell to the ground in sparks.
• September 19, 1975: Newcastle U-Lyme - Bright star-like object moving upwards, illuminated a cloud, then moved away SE as two long oval lights.
• October 8, 1975: Runcorn - Red light moving SE in a 'stepped' motion.
• October 17, 1975: Towyn, North Wales - Brilliant white light moving high NE, accelerated, and altered course.
• November 1, 1975: Crumpsall, Manchester - Fluorescent orange oval moving slowly NW-SE.
• November 6, 1975: Runcorn - Dull white cigar, high, disappearing into cloud.
• November 6, 1975: Oldham - Red glow falling swiftly and leaving a trail.

Associated Groups

A comprehensive list of associated UFO groups, their addresses, and contact details is provided, correct as of January 1976. This includes BUFORA, MUFORA, DIGAP, LAPRO, NAPRA, SUFORS, UFOSIS, WUFOS, and others, along with a list of consultants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practicalities of UFO investigation, the importance of accurate reporting, and the need for collaboration among UFO research groups. The editorial strongly advocates for a rigorous, data-driven approach to research, emphasizing that the credibility of the field relies on the quality of the evidence gathered. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the critique of APEN and MUFORA's decision to avoid media publicity. The newsletter promotes a structured, methodical approach to investigation, starting with effective report discovery and encouraging groups to share resources and findings. The overall editorial stance is one of serious, dedicated research aimed at understanding the UFO phenomenon through careful observation and analysis.