NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This document is the July 1974 issue (No. 38) of the "NEWSLETTER" published by the UNION OF NORTHERN OBSERVERS. It serves as a communication channel for individuals and groups interested in the UFO subject, primarily within the Northwest of England.

Content and Articles

Editorial and Membership

The newsletter begins with a message from the editor, noting the growing presence of the organization throughout the Northwest and plans to improve the newsletter's layout and distribution, aiming for the 10th of each month. It highlights the success of the newsletter in reaching over 200 readers and announces that membership cards will soon be issued. Members are encouraged to contribute comments on UFO events, send in local UFO sightings (including back records for a proposed 1974 dossier), and submit articles on various related topics such as geology, astronomy, weather, aircraft, and psychic phenomena. The newsletter is available via annual subscription for £1.00.

Local Groups and Contacts

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to listing various UFO groups across the Northwest, providing their contact details. These include WEST PENNING RESEARCH GROUP, N.A.P.R.A., BYUFIS, WIRRAL U.F.O.SOCIETY, and SCUNTHORPE U.F.O.RESEARCH SOCIETY. The newsletter also provides contact information for the Honorary Secretary, Miss D. Higson, for general inquiries, and D.L. Rees for UFO reports and investigations.

"Operation Earth" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

This section features an article titled "OPERATION EARTH" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench, a former editor of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW and author of "THE FLYING SAUCER STORY" and "THE SKY PEOPLE". The article presents the viewpoint of an imaginary observer from outer space living on Earth, who describes humanity as "mad" and "insane," driven by emotions and brainwashed by societal systems. Trench criticizes the educational system, religious institutions, and the competitive nature of human society, advocating for a revolution to encourage latent possibilities and foster creative, harmonious lives. He also points out the global disparity between luxury and poverty.

UFO Sightings Reports

The newsletter includes several UFO sighting reports:

• June 20th, 1974: A bright light, described as a star, was seen moving slowly in the sky near Shaw and High Crompton. It traveled away and vanished, making no sound.
• June 21st, 1974 (11:15 p.m.): A bright glowing object, the size of a lp coin, was observed traveling parallel over rooftops near High Crompton. It was visible as it passed and disappeared over rooftops.
• June 21st, 1974 (11:55 p.m.): A bright light, resembling a large bright star, was seen flying from the Bolton side over Middleton. It made a right-hand curve or arc in the sky and lasted for approximately 10 minutes. This report was from a former policeman.

Additional reports held over for later issues include three bright lights near Castleton, a UFO sighting over Oldham Edge, and a glowing object seen in central Rochdale.

Letters to the Editor

Two letters are included:

• M.D.B. from Saddleworth expresses interest in UFOs and their esoteric implications, requesting details about West Pennine Groups.
• D.. Heywood from Middleton shares thoughts on a UFO discussion, finding the esoteric theory of UFO existence unclear but admitting to being "fed up" with the competitive nature of society. He posits that UFO occupants have developed advanced brains capable of thoughtwave transmission and that "oneness" is a state of mind evolved from environmental conditions.

Classified Advertisements and Book Listings

The newsletter features a "CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS" section with rates for ads and box numbers. It also lists "UFO HARDBACK BOOKS WANTED," including titles like "They live in the Sky," "Flying Saucers and the Straight Line Mystery," and "The Intelligent Man's Guide to Flying Saucers," with prices offered. Additionally, it lists "U.F.O.NEWS," a publication from British Youngsters, and mentions "FORSIGHT" magazine, which covers mysticism, philosophy, and UFOs. Other advertisements include offers for microscopes, binoculars, and second-hand science fiction books.

Subscription Information

Subscription details for the "UNION OF NORTHERN OBSERVERS" are provided, with options for 12 months (£1.00), 6 months (50p), and a 3-month trial subscription (25p). Members are reminded to make checks payable to the organization and to send articles, letters, and sightings early for the next edition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, UFO research, and the exploration of esoteric or philosophical interpretations of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation from members, fostering a sense of community among UFO enthusiasts, and promoting a broad-minded approach to the subject. The inclusion of Brinsley Le Poer Trench's critical article suggests an openness to unconventional perspectives on humanity and its place in the universe, possibly hinting at a broader interest in consciousness and societal critique beyond mere sightings.