Northern UFO News - No 37

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue Date: June 1977
Issue Number: 37
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, published by the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), delves into the controversial BBC documentary 'Out of this World' and presents a comprehensive collection of UFO sighting reports from across the UK. It also addresses the internal dynamics and challenges faced by UFO organizations.

Editorial: "Out of this world - or out of his depth?"

The editorial section directly addresses Mr. Hugh Burnett of BBC's Documentary Features regarding the program 'Out of this World'. The author expresses skepticism about the BBC's intentions, suggesting a potential government policy to control public attitudes towards the UFO phenomenon by influencing television. The editorial details the author's prior interactions with Burnett, initially finding him sincere and dedicated to producing a straightforward film. However, concerns arose regarding Burnett's insistence on 'Contact' reports due to a lack of UK material and his exclusion of key figures and experts like Msr Robert Galley, Ted Bloecher, and Allan Hynek. The author notes that Hynek filmed an item for 'Film Night' to be released with 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. Despite Burnett's personal focus on Biblical connections, the team was initially willing to cooperate. However, the program's length was increased, and elements like the 'lunatic element' and 'disciples praying to a box of wires' were seemingly added late, leading to suspicions that 'Dud and Pete' might have been actors. The editorial concludes that the BBC was 'out of their depth' regarding the UFO phenomenon, despite the program stimulating public interest.

UFOs in the News

This section reports on the media's reaction to the BBC program, noting that previews appeared in national dailies. The Daily Mail's description of ufologists as 'monsters, affable, intelligent, deeply informed and daft as brushes' is highlighted, along with Charles Bowen's likely displeasure. The Mail's subsequent review is noted for seeing through the 'sniggers' to the 'extraordinary stories'. The ongoing publicity for the 'South Wales flap' is mentioned, with Randall Jones*Pugh gaining prominence. Captain Woods' 'Trident Radar/Visual case' also received media attention, despite a subsequent retraction. The section points out that Captain Woods had previously appeared on ITV with Charles Bowen, indicating media latching onto 'over-rated' cases. Several individuals, including Peter Warrington and Gordon Creighton, provided opinions on radio programs.

Another, People, Communication & Names

Nigel Watson reflects on his previous article and the evolution of NUFON. He notes that NUFON, initially independent, became a legitimate organization with local groups joining. While cooperation with BUFORA and CONTACT was established, Watson expresses 'anarchistic feelings' at times. He observes the emergence of two new organizations, the secretive BUDC and UFOIN, questioning if there are enough interested people to support five national organizations. Watson criticizes BUFORA as a 'lame duck', BUDC as Alan Fossey's brainchild, and NUFON as a 'rudderless ship'. He advocates for NUFON to focus on investigation, research, and publication, emphasizing the importance of making 'raw' UFO report details available, citing Jenny Randles' commitment to loaning or photocopying files. Watson bases his views on negative comments from a NUFON meeting and acknowledges that while the NUN does an excellent job, raw data is essential for research.

A comment from the editor acknowledges NUFON's identity issues but stresses its respect both domestically and abroad. The editor agrees with Nigel's comments about BUFORA and suggests a chance to re-assert NUFON's identity. The editor does not fully accept BUDC is non-productive, noting their booklets have provided research articles. The editor believes there is no overlap between BUDC, UFOIN, and NUFON, with the central problem lying in the NUFON/BUFORA/CONTACT situation. Regarding the files, the editor states they are now housed by NUFOIS in Nottingham, making them more accessible.

BUFORA - A Sad Appraisal

This section details a conflict between NUFON and BUFORA. Lionel Beer, BUFORA Chairman, has accused NUFON representatives, including the author and Peter Warrington, of misconduct and demanded their resignation from the BUFORA Council. The author states that these accusations stem from his outspoken criticism of BUFORA and suggestions for improvement. He notes that BUFORA has severed all links with NUFON, with Lionel Beer stating that NUFON 'IS JENNY RANDLES. Full stop.' The author expresses disappointment that BUFORA seems to equate NUFON with a single individual, disregarding the contributions of other members and groups. He sees this as an opportunity for NUFON to re-emphasize its identity and act as a community, free from BUFORA's perceived arrogance and contempt.

The author proposes a conference of various ufological groups to rationalize their efforts and combat growing fragmentation. He emphasizes that NUFON's direction is determined by its members.

Current Reports

This section details numerous UFO sighting reports from various locations in the UK, each with a report number, date, location, and a 'Reliability Factor' (Level A-E) indicating the level of investigation.

• REPORT 6102 (1961, Swinton, Gtr M/Cr): A man and his mother saw a stationary red ball of light that changed to blue/green and accelerated into the sky.
• REPORT 6205 (1962, Langley, Gtr M/Cr): A woman reported a brilliant white ball of light that materialized, reappeared, and vanished multiple times.
• REPORT 6304 (August 1963, Crewe, Cheshire): A railway clerk saw a shiny metallic disc-shaped object with a cupola hover, then flip and shoot upwards.
• ENTITY IN HULL STREET? (Autumn 1968/69, Hull): A story of a strange, tall figure in a boiler suit who vanished without a trace.
• REPORT 7467 (1974, Halifax, W. Yorks): Two stars appeared to move in formation and then one climbed upwards, suggesting perceptual alignment or induced cause.
• REPORT 75/147 (May 1 1975, Llawryd Wells, Powys): A family saw two orange/white lights form a triangle with a third object, which then faded and reappeared.
• REPORT 7757 (March 4 1977, Sheffield, S. Yorks): A white light, bright and large, was seen moving towards a jet's vapour trail, then vanished.
• REPORT 7758 (March 6 1977, Crewe, Cheshire): A brilliant ball of red light was seen heading towards a garden, followed by a white trail, and vanished suddenly.
• REPORT 7759 (March 7 1977, Fearnhead, Cheshire): A student reported a white oval object moving slowly across the sky, which was not seen again.
• REPORT 7760 (March 11 1977, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear): Three young women saw a brilliant white object surrounded by pale green mist, travel fast, and then shoot upwards.
• REPORT 7761 (April 14 1977, Chester, Cheshire): An orange-white ball was seen stationary and fading, possibly an optical reflection.
• REPORT 7762 (April 24 1977, Sheffield, S. Yorks): A cigar-shaped object was seen moving silently and fast, with a second sighting later.
• REPORT 7763 (April 26 1977, Sheffield, S. Yorks): An oval object was seen moving sideways and slowly.
• REPORT 7765 (May 1 1977, Bridlington, N. Humberside): A bright yellow ball of light was seen moving fast towards the coast.
• REPORT 7766 (May 5 1977, Sheffield, S. Yorks): Two witnesses saw an oval object surrounded by a fuzzy red glow, which vanished when they attempted to get closer.
• REPORT 7767 (May 14 1977, Sheffield, S. Yorks): A blue triangular object was seen hovering and descending smoothly.

What happened on the night of April 28th?

This section details multiple sightings on April 28th, 1977:

• Reports 7764 (April 28th 1977): Multiple sightings of a light in the sky, initially classified as meteors but questioned due to later occurrences. One report describes a long, shiny cigar-shaped object. Another details a bright white light seen by a police constable, with no radar traces or aircraft in the vicinity. This light was later replaced by flashing red lights. A 'cloud cigar' type phenomenon was also reported.
• REPORT 7768 (May 17 1977, Horbury, W. Yorks): A white object was seen from a slip road, about 4' in diameter, flying over a car and landing in the grass.
• REPORT 7769 (May 18 1977, Sheffield, W. Yorks): Two reports of white lights seen moving very fast, likely meteors.

The section also notes that group leaders are reporting sightings, including Peter Warrington's personal sighting and a sighting near the editor's home. Philip Rogers of UFOSIS reports a flap of LITS sightings in Birmingham.

A Reliability Factor for UFO Reports

This new addition to the reports explains the 'Reliability Factor' system, developed in discussion with Bernard Delair of CONTACT UK. The codes are:

• Level A: On-site investigation by experienced investigators.
• Level B: Interview with the witness by experienced investigator.
• Level C: No interview, but witness fills out a special UFO report form.
• Level D: Letter or written account from witness, but no special follow-up.
• Level E: Unconfirmed report (e.g., newspaper cutting, verbal account only).

The publication urges all UFO journals to adopt these codes to improve research data.

UFOIN REPORT

This report details the UFO Investigators Network (UFOIN), which has 26 investigators and has launched on-site investigations into cases, including South Wales CE-3 cases and a landing with traces. Detailed reports will be featured in 'Flying Saucer Review' (FSR), the network's sponsor. FSR is described as the premier UFO publication globally.

THE CHAIRMAN RESIGNS

Trevor Whitaker, Chairman of NUFON since 1975, has resigned due to pressure from business, family, and church responsibilities. He will continue to organize BUFORA Yorkshire and represent them in the network. The decision not to appoint a successor immediately is in line with NUFON's policy of less formal meetings. Whitaker expresses his wish for the network's success.

NEWS

This section highlights positive developments within the network. Susan Law of UFORUM and Steven Cleaver and Nigel Brown of FUFOR are commended for their contributions. The Crewe exhibition on May 28th was a success, with over 500 attendees, featuring talks by Peter Warrington and Tony Pace. Paul Whetnall has formed a Chester branch of WUFOS. The BBC documentary reportedly reached 6.5 million viewers, generating significant interest and inquiries for FSR. Gene Modgling from the USA is seeking correspondents. Current magazines received include 'PULSE' and 'SKYWATCH'. The editor thanks readers for get-well cards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of media portrayals of UFO phenomena, the internal politics and organizational challenges within the ufological community, and the meticulous reporting and investigation of UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a strong emphasis on rigorous investigation and the dissemination of accurate, raw data. There is a clear desire for cooperation and a unified approach within the UFO community, contrasted with perceived fragmentation and internal conflicts, particularly between NUFON and BUFORA. The magazine champions the importance of independent research and witness testimony while advocating for standardized reporting methods like the 'Reliability Factor'.