Northern UFO News - No 34

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 34
Date: March 1977

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, dated March 1977, is Issue 34 and provides a comprehensive overview of UFO sightings and related activities within the United Kingdom. It features a guest editorial, numerous case reports from various regions, and updates on ufology organizations.

Guest Editorial: 'A United England'

Gary Lanham (UOSIS Canada) contributes a guest editorial titled 'A United England,' which draws a parallel between the historical expression and the current state of British ufology. Lanham acknowledges criticisms that MUFON has lost its way and become mired in administration, but argues that sound administration is essential for the study of ufology to progress methodologically. He stresses the need for learning to walk before running, advocating for conferences to discuss investigations but not at the expense of administrative tasks. He cites the Winchester CE-III case as an example of poor administration leading to a fiasco. While disagreeing that British ufology is a 'disorganised rabble,' Lanham admits that many groups fit this description due to the lack of time and resources available to amateur investigators. He highlights the difficulty of studying a complex subject without established textbooks, requiring students to rely on experience and author findings. Lanham calls for greater cooperation and genuine interest, suggesting that the small area of England should be utilized more effectively for information exchange. He notes that MUFON has evolved beyond a simple communication medium, attempting to foster close cooperation among groups. He emphasizes that 'ufologists as amateur individuals' should not be seen as a reflection of their work, as 'amateur' simply means unpaid. Lanham concludes by stating that the solution lies in ufologists joining hands, and that Nigel Watson will provide further thoughts in the next issue.

Contents

The table of contents outlines the articles and reports featured in this issue:

• P.1 Guest editorial 'A United England' by Gary Lanham (UOSIS)
• P.2 REPORTS: Close encounter at Hanley, Staffs, Scotland.
• P.3 UFO effects digital watch?, Worcestershire, Gtr. /Cr
• P.4 Staffs, Gtr. Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire.
• P.5 ANOTHER FLAP IN STAFFORDSHIRE.
• P.6 A FLAP IN LANCASHIRE: Reports: Cumbria, Scotland.
• P.7-8 UFOs on film: Northern Ireland, Staffs, Cheshire photo cases
• P.8-9 ON MEETING REPORT
• P.9 NEWS: MUFON NUTING DATE, MEETINGS, PUBLICATIONS

Reports

Close Encounter alleged at Hanley (Report 5001)

This report details a sighting from the early 1950s in Hanley, Staffordshire. The witness, an artist, described an object seen just before dawn on a clear, moonlit night. Initially perceived as a star, the object descended and hovered close to the ground. It was described as a 'cunmetal grey cylinder with low domed top and bottom,' featuring windows emitting golden light and 'S' like symbols reminiscent of an American dollar sign. The top was silver and semi-transparent. The object was silent, but a noise like an old-fashioned pump was heard. A line of orange light appeared, turning redder, and flames emerged from underneath. The object then moved off slowly in a series of jerky motions, described as similar to a falling leaf in reverse. The witness's bedroom windows vibrated when the rotation began. The total duration of the sighting was 15 minutes.

Report 5912: Newcastle, Staffs

An incident from between December 1958 and March 1959 in Newcastle, Staffordshire, involves a post office engineer who saw an orange, balloon-shaped object. Its apparent size was that of a pea at arm's length. The object descended steeply to the east, making no sound. It was still visible when the witness reached his home. It then began to spiral as if out of control and descended into a strange, dark cloud, which was the only cloud in the sky. The object did not reappear after several minutes of observation. The total duration was about 9 minutes.

Report 6405: Aberdeen, Scotland

From research into old newspaper files, Ian Cresswell presents a case from November 1st, 1964, in Aberdeen, Scotland. At least three couples witnessed a peculiar object described as a 'purely a gyroscope with some means to propel it in any given direction and speed.' It was black, with a central sphere and a rotating flange, emitting a high-pitched hum or purr. The object descended to about 50 feet, maneuvering over the beach before being lost to sight. It was visible for approximately 45 minutes. The report notes the motion as 'descending, side-slipping and then going back up again,' which is described as a familiar ufological movement.

Report 75/144: Salford, Ctr L'anchester

A housewife in Salford reported seeing a glowing white object on a clear summer morning in June 1975. The object, depicted in a drawing, was hovering over rooftops. It moved slowly to the east and disappeared over a park. Possible explanations include a bright reflection off a bird, such as a seagull.

Report 76/125: Salford, Ctr Panchester

This report from April 29th, 1976, in Salford, concerns a woman who saw a golden white light moving slowly across the sky from west to south through her bedroom window. It was visible for ten minutes. The report notes that numerous bright satellites were around at the time, suggesting this was likely what was observed.

Report 76/126: Dudley, Worcestershire

On October 12th, 1976, at about 9:10 p.m. in Dudley, Worcestershire, Mr. Hughes, a school caretaker, and his wife witnessed a dazzling white object shining through their window. They went outside and observed the object, which was initially in the north-northwest. It accelerated rapidly, stopped in a new position to the north, and then moved up and down several times. Two football players joined them. The object maneuvered in complex zig-zag motions across the sky, rising diagonally and moving back. It finally disappeared in the east, described as if a light were switched off. Mr. Hughes felt it grew smaller, as if moving away very fast. The witnesses contacted the police, who logged the call at 9:15 p.m. and reported it to the local airport. A few days later, an Air Force officer visited the school but did not return. The investigator noted that the object was low and close, appearing as a large white oval shape, estimated to be as low as 60 feet above the ground. Significantly, Mr. Hughes's quartz digital watch (now sold) malfunctioned during the incident, working normally only when removed from his arm. The report queries if there's a connection between the watch's behavior and the UFO event.

Report 76/127: Draycott, Staffs

On November 1st, 1976, in Draycott, Staffordshire, Mr. Durgess, a post office engineer, observed a strange light low on the horizon, described as elongated like a cigar, half white and half red. He initially thought there were two lights, but realized a tree was splitting a single light source. The light remained stationary in the northwest for twenty seconds before going out suddenly. A ground light is suggested as a potential explanation.

Report 76/123: Heywood, Lanc's

This report, brought to attention through the Junior Astronomical Society, concerns an 8-year-old boy, Mark Billington, and his mother who saw a 'bright light' close to Jupiter on November 30th, 1976. Observed through binoculars, the object was allegedly crimson. While there are minor additions to the drawing on the report form, considerable exaggeration is likely. Mrs. Billington only saw a bright white light with the naked eye. The object, crew in size to a golf ball at arm's length, moved eastwards and accelerated out of view behind some flats after four minutes. An aircraft with landing lights on is suggested as a possible explanation.

Report 76/120: Prenton, Merseyside

On December 3rd, 1976, in Prenton, Merseyside, Mr. Longstaff, a warehouseman, saw a silvery blob of light making zig-zag motions in a small area of sky in the southeast. The object vanished after three minutes. Autokinesis is suggested as a possible astronomical explanation for the induced movements.

Report 76/130: Salford, Gtr Manchester

A single elderly witness in Salford reported seeing a white light moving over the houses on December 7th, 1976. It made a noise like an aircraft. As it passed overhead, it turned into two lights, one red and one green, at either end of an undefined object. It moved eastwards and was visible for 7 minutes. The report suggests this was likely an aircraft, despite potential overestimation of the duration.

Report 76/131: Pury, Gtr Manchester

On December 8th, 1975, in Pury, Greater Manchester, Mr. Herd, a newspaper camera operator, observed a brilliant white light in the northwest at about 3:30 a.m. He was certain it was not an aircraft. The object performed strange motions for about a minute, climbing, descending, hovering twice, and streaking away at high speed before remaining stationary and dimming out. The weather was misty. The sighting occurred in the area of the Winter Hill transmitter.

Report 76/132: Cheadle, Staffs

On December 31st, 1976, in Cheadle, Staffordshire, a retired gentleman observed an object with a rectangular shape and a dark body, surrounded by an incandescent glow. It had a row of white lights on the bottom and a single white light on top, with four 'legs' hanging from the bottom. After remaining stationary for about two minutes, it suddenly accelerated out of sight.

Lancashire Flap Reports (January-February 1977)

• Report 7702 (January 30th, 1977, Whitworth, Lancs): A white light associated with a red flashing light was seen twice around 23:00 hours. Initially seen over the hills, it later appeared to be on the hill, possibly shining a searchlight. Tony Grimshaw investigated and found it was a light from a farmhouse.
• Report 7710 (February 11th, 1977, Farnworth, Lancs): Two middle-aged sisters reported seeing a crimson sphere of light hanging in the sky, giving off sparks. It was large, estimated to be similar to the sun's disc or larger, and descended slowly out of view. Three unknown girls ran by, apparently upset after seeing the object. The object pulsated.
• Report 7711 (February 16th, 1977, Winter Hill, Nr Bolton, Lancs): This case is under investigation. A red, oval object was seen at 10 p.m., which became 'banana shaped' when viewed through binoculars. The witness tried to call the police, but her telephone was dead for ten minutes. The object was then reported.
• Report 7712 (Mid-February 1977, Haslingden, Lancs): Three witnesses reported an orange cigar shape hovering, which changed shape to round, color to green, and then reverted to its original shape and color before suddenly vanishing.
• Report 7713 (February 1977, Blackburn, Lancs): The licensee of a local public house saw a white disc descend very fast at 1:10 a.m., visible for 35 seconds.
• Report 7708 (February 3rd, 1977, Possilpark, Glasgow): A silver cigar-like object was seen moving through cloud layers for 10-15 seconds. Its size was described as two ton pieces on top of one another. The witness felt it was too large for an aircraft and appeared at a great height, leaving no trail.
• Report 7709 (February 6th, 1977, Keswick, Cumbria): An entertainer saw an orange oval light on the side of a mountain, which appeared to be above the mountain's peak. It was visible for 15 minutes before going behind the mountain, with no trace found on the other side. A pale orange glow surrounded it.

Further Activity in Staffordshire (January 1977)

• Report 7703 (January 9th, 1977, Tuntington, Nr Cannock): Dugone Kelly reported seeing a deep red oval-shaped object, the size of a grapefruit, appear from a cloud. It moved south-east and then reversed instantaneously without banking, disappearing back into the clouds.

Other Reports

• Report 7704 (January 26th, 1977, Belper, Derbyshire): A lorry driver saw a silver bullet-shaped object streak between clouds, leaving a vapour trail. It was visible for ten seconds and described as like an aircraft but faster. Wind conditions might have exaggerated the perceived motion.
• Report 7705 (February 5th, 1977, Bradwell, Newcastle -U - Lyme): A group of schoolboys reported a flattened cigar-shaped object, grey in color, surrounded by mist or vapour. It moved slowly, appearing to descend and ascend, becoming thinner. It reflected sunlight and changed color. This sighting is noted in connection with the CE-III case with occupants seen the day before in Pembrokeshire.
• Report 7707 (February 9th, 1977, Penkhull, Stoke): An elderly lady reported a white ball of light stationary in the sky for an hour, remaining visible, though less bright, until 4 a.m. This is suggested to be the planet Venus.

Allcock Sighting (February 12th, 1977)

This report details an incident on February 12th, 1977, near Sandbach. Mr. and Mrs. Allcock observed two bright lights and a dark smudge of light in the sky. Mr. Allcock, who has a degree and is a construction engineer, took a photograph with a Practika Super TL camera and a 200mm telephoto lens. The objects had risen into dark clouds and disappeared. The 'smudge' was photographed with the horizon for scale. The objects reappeared and then disappeared again. The smudge narrowed and elongated, becoming a 'wisp' before disappearing as dark clouds covered the area.

UFOs on film: Some current photographic cases

Early July 1976: Naas, Northern Ireland

The Irish UFO Research Centre has notified the publication of an intriguing case. Two 15-year-olds were taking pictures in a field when an object hovering low down over the fields appeared. They took ten black and white pictures using a Kodak Instamatic camera. The object is described as an upside-down spinning top, ellipsoid in shape, with a thin white band and rotating spokes. The witnesses claim they could look up into the hollow object. A thin vapour trail was also noted and is shown in at least one photograph.

Report 76/133: Abbotsbromley, Staffs

On July 22nd, 1976, Mr. F, an audio-visual technician, and his wife observed a brilliant white tungsten-like light near Plithfield Reservoir. It was moving parallel to an aircraft at a considerable height (estimated at 40,000 feet) but without a vapour trail. The light was the size of a pinhead and stopped as the aircraft veered off. Two photographs were taken using a Leitz 50mm Sumacron lens, but the film was damaged by processors. Negatives have been secured for analysis. Another witness from Oldham was present.

Report 76/134: Sandbach, Cheshire

On August 4th, 1976, Mrs. Watkins, a teacher, saw two bright lights in the western sky near Sandbach Heath. The lights appeared stationary and below the sun. She later saw a second object. The objects were obscured by a dark cloud.

JUFON Meeting February 12th 1977

This section reports on a significant JUFON meeting where several key decisions were made. The primary focus was on rationalizing the area covered by associates and affiliates to create a unified system across the MUFON region. Maps are to be distributed to geographically linked groups of four or five, who will mark their preferred coverage areas. This will help identify gaps and facilitate contact with local media to fill them. Joint investigation teams and regional coordinators will be established to improve communication and prevent overlap. A central UFO phone number and regional numbers will be agreed upon.

The Skywatch Programme was also discussed, with a coordinated skywatch planned for August, September, and October to catch potential flaps and test coordination exercises. DICAP and UTOSIS are coordinating this.

The 1977 Conference is scheduled for September 10th, 1977, in C (staged by CSIS), with a provisional date. It will include a 'ufologists' session and a 'public' session.

MUFON Rutinc Cont....

This section continues the report on the MUFON meeting, discussing investigation reports and convention costs. Each group will be asked to sell tickets in advance to ensure the convention is financially viable. Suggestions for topics and speakers can be sent to Bob Morrell.

UK INVESTIGATOR'S AGENCY

The concept of a loose-knit agency of experienced investigators for high-grade cases was discussed. The aim is to set a standard, provide a consulting agency for groups, and publish detailed scientific reports. Discussions with 'S' had already taken place.

LATEST NEWS

• DIGAP has changed its status from affiliate to associate, bringing the total to 7 associates (UTORA Yorks, DICAP, WAPURG, UTORA, MUFOIS, UFOSIS, UFOS).
• RIGAP, the Rossendale group, is still active with a new address provided.
• UFCRUP has been added as an affiliate group, interested in Biblical and psychic relations with UFO reports.
• The new UTORA Staffs address is provided for Derek Jancs.
• UFOSIS now has a telephone number for Philip Rogers.
• A new reference data sheet will be published in the next issue.
• The Irish UFO Research Centre has published a report on the Belfast Contactee case, available for purchase or loan.
• MMOIS is selling contamination meters (No2) and can charge up decimeters. They will be at Woodstock Camp Site, Warminster, from June 4th.

MEETINGS

• The next UTORA meeting will be at the Patton Arms Hotel, Warwick on May 14th, 1977, from 2-6 p.m.
• UTOSIS will hold an exhibition on April 16th at Doctor Johnston House, Birmingham, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., including a lecture.

PUBLICATIONS

• Issue 2 of JORTURE UTOLOGY is available from Philip Rogers of UOSIS.
• Articles for issue 3 are required.
• The format of 'UFOLOGY' has changed, with plans for a full-scale publication alternating with a newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings across the UK, with a particular focus on Lancashire and Staffordshire. There is a strong emphasis on the need for better organization and administration within the ufology community, as highlighted in the editorial and the report on the JUFON meeting. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating news about ufology groups, their activities, and changes in their status. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, methodical investigation while acknowledging the challenges faced by amateur researchers.