NORTHERN UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, dated October 1976, is issue number 29. It is published monthly by NUFON, serving as a forum for news, views, and ideas from independent UFO organizations and researchers in northern Britain. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the network as a whole. The editor is Jenny Randles.

Editorial: 'First you collect your reports, then you...?'

The editorial questions the fundamental purpose of ufology, pondering if it has become solely about collecting reports like stamps or cigarette cards, and suggests that much of what is collected may not even be UFOs. It acknowledges a growing sentiment that progress requires tangible scientific and technical approaches to what is assumed to be a physical phenomenon, citing Professor J. Allen Hynek's view that there are enough reports to work on. However, the editorial argues against the idea that the day of the technician has arrived and the non-technical ufologist is past. It stresses that unless the approach to ufology is altered, it will soon become obsolete. The editorial announces the editor's intention to lead a group discussion at the BUFORA conference on November 5-7th, focusing on Recording, Cataloguing, and Case Documenting, aiming to develop ideas to overcome the 'dilemma of superabundancy' of reports. The importance of logical and retrievable data storage is highlighted, noting that simple chronological filing is insufficient for large collections. The need for a fully pre-meditated system for cataloguing is emphasized, with a review of existing systems like NUFON's 'punch card' sorting and BUFORA's new system. Bernard Delair of CONTACT will assist with the group discussion on cataloguing. The editorial also mentions the value of comprehensive regional catalogues and refers readers to Bernard's thesis in the NUFON proceedings. A more selective approach to investigations is also proposed, suggesting a twice-yearly consortium of UK investigators to review cases for intensive study, with a dozen cases chosen annually for full dossiers compiled using available expertise. The original investigators would be responsible for publishing the findings, with the backing of other organizations. This selective and intensive methodology is seen as the way to appeal to science.

News and Notices

The 'NEWS' section begins with an apology from the editor for the reduced size of the current issue, attributing it to time pressure due to commencing a BA degree course and the need to avoid delaying publication. A significant event mentioned is the publication of NUFON's new publication, provisionally titled 'NORTHERN UFOLOGY', scheduled for October 23rd. This journal aims to provide more serious research articles, book reviews, and detailed case histories, published quarterly. It will be available on subscription, with a reduction for NUN subscribers. The first issue, edited by Ken Green of WUFOS, will feature a report on the Mrs Hamilton contact case, articles by Nigel Watson and the editor, and a piece by Bernard Delair on UFO theory. Copies can be reserved for 30p.

NUFON has received several publications from the USA, thanks to Gary Lanham of UFOSIS. These will form part of a foreign resources library being set up by Bryan Hartley. Publications mentioned include 'UFOLOGY' (obtainable by subscription) and 'UFO REPORT', which features articles by well-known writers and an interview with Prof. J. Allen Hynek. 'COSMIC FRONTIERS' is also mentioned but deemed a cheap imitation. The August 1976 issue of UFO REPORT is noted, and the November 1976 issue of Northern UFO News is expected in November.

Under 'GROUP NEWS', it is reported that RIGAP may not dissolve, with a possibility of a new group forming in Nottinghamshire called POLYUFO. UFOSIS plans a major exhibition in Birmingham next spring, and an event is planned for Tyneside to publicize library research archives. The goal for 1977 is to further develop the regional staging of serious UFO functions.

A detailed programme for the BUFORA conference at the Centre Hotel, Birmingham on November 5-7th is available. Registration costs £6 for non-members and £5 for BUFORA members. Papers include 'Occupant analysis' by Ted Bloecher, 'statistical prediction of UFO waves' by Bernard Delair, 'INTCAT- international cataloging of type I reports' by Peter Rogerson, and 'ufo photo analysis' by Bob Digby. Prof. J. Allen Hynek will pre-record a paper. Group discussion projects are also scheduled.

A reminder is given for the NUFON associates meeting on October 23rd at UMIST, Manchester, featuring a Raymond Drake lecture and a NUFON meeting with several items of interest. Full details are available from MUFORA.

Current Sighting Reports

The issue includes a series of detailed UFO sighting reports investigated by various organizations:

• Report 75/106 (Crossland Moor, W. Yorks, Nov 1975): Investigated by BUFORA YORKS. An earlier report suggested a natural explanation, likely maintenance work on a BBC transmitter, despite witnesses seeing a dark shape illuminated by flashes.
• Report 75/139 (Gateshead, Durham, Dec 1975): Investigated by Ian Cresswell. A witness observed a stationary object with a blue glow and flashing blue lights, which changed colour and disappeared instantly. The witness requested anonymity.
• Report 7672 (Bare, Morecambe, May 1976): Investigated by Ian Cresswell. Two witnesses saw a yellow globe of light, the size of a ten pence piece at arm's length, moving fast across the sky from south to north, descending and disappearing.
• Report 7644 (Arnold, Notts, June 1976): Investigated by SPRING. Witnesses saw an orange light shaped like an elongated cone, rotating clockwise, which moved slowly and disappeared behind cloud cover. Classified as unidentified.
• FLAP OF LITS REPORTS FROM LINCS (July 25, 1976): Reports 7673a and b from Gainsborough, Lincs, investigated by SUFORS, are explained as likely satellites or stars. Two independant witnesses reported white lights zig-zagging and a star floating across the sky. Another report from August 4th describes four lights moving erratically, also identified as satellites.
• Report 7676 (Oxton, Notts, Aug 21, 1976): Investigated by SPRING. Three witnesses observed a white flash followed by dimmer yellow flashes moving south-eastwards with a looping motion.
• Report 7675 (Alsager, Staffs, Aug 21, 1976): Investigated by UFORA Staffs. Mr and Mrs Vardy saw a steady red light followed by flashing white lights, which moved eastwards and descended before stopping and disappearing.
• Report 7677 (Newcastele, Staffs, Aug 22, 1976): Investigated by UFORA Staffs. Multiple witnesses saw a pale golden ball, the size of a penny at arm's length, which remained stationary and then disappeared suddenly. Players from a local cricket match also witnessed the object.
• Report 7678 (Trentham, Staffs, Aug 22, 1976): Investigated by UFORA Staffs. Three witnesses observed an object that formed into three triangular balls, which faded from view. This case is compared to a previous report from Rainhill, Merseyside.
• Report 7679 (Congleton, Cheshire, Aug 25, 1976): Investigated by UFORA Staffs. A single witness reported a red light, the size of a halfpenny at arm's length, which remained stationary and then blinked out. The witness insisted it was not an aircraft.
• Report 7680 (Chadderton, Oldham, Late Aug 1976): Investigated by MUFORA. A housewife saw an object shaped like a large balloon, dull in appearance with a smooth surface, which remained stationary before disappearing. This is considered likely to be a balloon.
• Report 7681 (Tyldesley, Grt Manchester, Sept 2, 1976): Investigated by MUFORA. Mr and Mrs Heaton saw a yellow globe of light, the size of a ten pence piece at arm's length, moving from south to north and then east-west, disappearing after about seven seconds. They also reported seeing the same object again on September 21st.
• Report 7682 (Bolton area, Sept 23, 1976): Investigated by MUFORA & DIGAP. A large series of observations of a big globe of light with a yellow rim, emitting sparks, moving silently across the Astley Bridge area. Multiple witnesses were interviewed, and numerous calls were received from others who had seen the same thing. The report is ongoing.
• Report 7683 (Latchford, Cheshire, Sept 27, 1976): Investigated by MUFORA. Two observations were made: two white lights joined by a bridge of light, which moved slowly and vanished; and a single white light moving north-south, hovering, and then descending out of sight.

Late News

• The B.U.D.C.: The organization thanks donors and announces the upcoming publication of their first bulletin. Alan Fossey will present a review of latest developments on October 23rd, anticipating exciting information.
• A.P.E.N.: The newsletter addresses concerns about a 'pseudo organisation' called APEN, which has refused to divulge addresses. It refers readers to a previous article in the Summer issue of MUFOB for background. A request has been made to reveal APEN's printers' address, London office location, and associated names. While some information has been discovered, the editor feels it is not right to publically reveal it, especially given APEN's alleged policy of unfairly implicating people and groups. NUFON associates are aware of this 'information', and those wishing to know more may contact the editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state of ufology, the methodology of research, and the reporting of UFO sightings. The editorial strongly advocates for a more scientific and selective approach to UFO investigation, emphasizing the need for better data management and analysis. There is a clear stance that while collecting reports is a starting point, it is insufficient for advancing the field. The importance of collaboration between different UFO organizations is highlighted through the mention of the BUFORA conference and the proposed UK-wide consortium. The newsletter also serves as a platform for disseminating news about NUFON's activities and promoting regional UFO events. The editorial stance is one of critical evaluation of current practices within ufology and a call for a more rigorous and organized approach to gain scientific credibility.