NORTHERN UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue Date: January 1977
Issue Number: 32
Publisher: NUFON (Northern UFO Network)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, dated January 1977, serves as a monthly forum for news, views, and ideas from independent UFO organizations and researchers in Northern Britain. The publication aims to foster a greater understanding of the UFO phenomenon and promote scientific respectability within the field.

Editorial and Publisher's Notes

The editorial, written by Kathryn Preston in the absence of the hospitalized editor Jenny Randles, expresses a strong feeling that 1977 will be a significant year for ufology, potentially bringing major breakthroughs. Preston notes several 'coincidences' and 'omens' related to the UFO phenomenon, including the BBC's involvement in a UFO documentary, a Christmas song with a UFO angle ('A Spaceman Came Travelling'), and the upcoming film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. She also mentions the US President having seen a UFO. Preston highlights her group PULSE's work on a terrestrial zodiac called the 'LEMANCHE ZODIAC' and a leyographis study of the Isle of Man, suggesting these could provide information about UFOs and challenge the notion of ley lines being mere coincidence.

Jenny Randles, in her contribution, wishes readers a happy and successful 1977, reflecting on the progress made in 1976. She emphasizes the importance of 'scientific respectability' and putting 'our own house in order'. Randles details NUFON's achievements, including the establishment of a two-tier system of association and affiliation, and a closer involvement with science through the BUDC scheme. She also mentions excellent reports from investigators and a significant link with 'Flying Saucer Review', which could lead to a revolution in UFO investigation through specialization and selectivity. A 'Northern England Catalogue' is planned for publication in 1977 or 1978.

The 'NEWS' section announces that the issue has been reduced to six pages due to the editor's hospitalization. It notes that FAPURG has joined the network, bringing the total to six associated groups. The next NUFON Representatives meeting is scheduled for February 12th, 1977, in Birmingham, featuring a potential lecture and discussion on the NUFON 1977 convention. An open meeting by MUFORA in Manchester is also announced. The editor thanks those who sent get-well cards.

Sighting Reports

The magazine features numerous UFO sighting reports from various locations across the UK, often categorized by classification (e.g., C3b, B4c) and value (indicating reliability or detail).

• Fylde Area (Report 5303): Two women in Blackburn reported a silvery, plate-shaped object on November 17th, 1953, hovering and then shooting away at high speed.
• Blackpool Area (Report 6714): On October 29th, 1967, multiple witnesses reported a cigar or cross-shaped object, described as white and zeppelin-like, moving southwest and then northwards at high speed, revealing a cross shape.
• Report 6715: On November 22nd, 1967, two men observed an object that initially appeared as a shooting star, then transformed into a saucer shape glowing bright yellow before dimming and fading.
• Fylde Area (Report 6909): Numerous reports described a bright green object with a trail of yellow sparks seen across the sky, identified as a large fireball.
• Fleetwood, Lancs (Report 7118, August 1971): A witness reported five oval, white objects appearing from a cloud bank, moving in a tight formation, and disappearing into another.
• Skegness, Lincs (Report 7697, August 16, 1976): Mandy Smith reported a pulsating white, mushroom-shaped light above trees and houses, accompanied by a generator-like noise, which then shot out to sea.
• Gateshead, Durham (Report 7698, August 22, 1976): A witness reported a black shape with a sucking noise and red trail, followed by a huge orange oval shape moving westwards.
• Stoke on Trent, Staffs (Report 76/100, October 4, 1976): Schoolboys reported various lights and a star that moved and followed an aircraft. Another report described a bright star that split into three pieces.
• Aldingham, Cumbria (Report 76/101, October 10, 1976): Four witnesses saw a circular orange light that reappeared and split into three parts, moving parallel to the road.
• Alstonefield, Derbyshire (Report 76/102, October 11, 1976): A family reported an object with a steady white light at the apex of a triangle and flashing blue lights below, which hovered and then moved away.
• Ebipley, West Yorkshire (Report 76/103, October 16, 1976): A witness claimed to see a black figure about two feet high, with no facial features, and later heard a voice in his head.
• Gateshead, Durham (Report 76/104, October 24, 1976): Two children reported seeing a silent object with a platform structure, dim yellow lights, and a central red light. Their drawings were recorded, and a battery tape recorder malfunctioned immediately after.
• St Helens, Merseyside (Report 76/106, November 16, 1976): Nine firemen reported a flashing blue/white light moving eastwards, then suddenly turning northwards and moving out of sight.
• Newcastle, Tyne & Wear (Report 76/107, November 25, 1976): A woman reported a brilliant white star moving slowly southwest and then disappearing.

Humanoid Encounters

The issue briefly mentions humanoid encounters, referencing a case in the south of England and a report from Fencehouses, Durham (Report 7699), where two women witnessed an oval object landing and two small occupants with claw-like hands emerging. This report was investigated by Bill Muir and was to be featured in the February issue.

The Derby Repeater Case

This section details an interesting case reported to BUFORA by a Mrs Thorpe, involving a series of UFO sightings that began in November 1958. Sightings included an orange oval shape and a white disc. Unusual events reported include an electric clock running backwards on two occasions and a vitamin bottle cap materializing and rolling across the floor. Mrs Thorpe believes these sightings preceded disasters, noting a connection to a major air crash on March 3rd, 1974, shortly after a sighting of a white light. The report suggests a possible link between UFO sightings and psychic phenomena.

Publications and Other News

Several publications are mentioned, including 'Flying Saucer Review' and 'BUFORA Journal'. The upcoming issue of 'Northern Ufology' is noted. A special issue of 'MUFORA LINK' on the 'Gary' case is also announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across the UK, the ongoing efforts to professionalize ufology through organizations like NUFON, and the exploration of potential connections between UFO phenomena, psychic abilities, and unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding the advancement of UFO research, emphasizing the need for scientific respectability and thorough investigation, while also acknowledging the public's growing interest fueled by media portrayals. The magazine encourages contributions and aims to provide a platform for sharing information and fostering cooperation among researchers.