Northern UFO News - No 41

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 41
Volume: OCTOBER 1977
Date: October 1977
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Northern UFO News, published by the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), features a collection of UFO sighting reports, investigative findings, and discussions within the ufology community. The cover prominently displays the magazine's title with a line drawing of a flying saucer. The editorial team consists of Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall.

Editorial: 'A WEEKEND IN NOTTINGHAM'

The editorial reflects on NUFON's fourth annual conference, held in Nottingham on September 10/11. The author, Paul Whetnall, provides a personal view of the event, which was ambitious and well-organized by NUFOIS. He notes the dual approach of having sessions for the public and for ufologists, suggesting that separating these in the future might be more effective. The morning sessions are described as less successful than the afternoon, with unforeseen issues like the illness of a speaker (Barry King) and the premature showing of a documentary film by Nigel Watson of SUFORS. Despite these challenges, the afternoon sessions, including talks by Bernard Delair on cloud formations and Charles Bowen, editor of FSR, were considered an improvement. The editorial also touches on the growing interest in hosting such conferences, with two groups already wanting to stage events in 1978.

NUFON Skywatch Programme

Ian Sanderson, the Programme Coordinator, reports on the NUFON Skywatch Programme. Half of the scheduled watches have concluded, with preliminary results from August 20th and September 17th indicating no significant unknowns, except for one possible satellite sighting. The report makes a plea for more participation in upcoming watches on October 15th and November 19th, emphasizing that it is a national event open to all. Instructions are provided on how to participate, including ringing a control phone number. Contact details for obtaining log sheets and further information are also given.

UFOLOGY IS THE CURSE OF PUNK ROCK

Nigel Watson of SUFORS writes about the formation of the Scunthorpe UFO Research Society (SUFORS), which now has around 20 members. He describes their unconventional methods to keep the group alive and encourage new members, including drinking competitions and arm wrestling. Watson humorously contrasts these activities with the perceived 'madness' of ufology and mentions a recent incident involving 'teddy boys' chanting anti-UFO slogans. The article also touches on the challenges faced by the group, including losing members to punk rock and dealing with police and army attention.

WHICH REALITY?

This article by Miles Johnston and John Hind (IURC) proposes a rethinking of attitudes towards ufology. They argue that existing theories (ETH or EDH) are incomplete and that the phenomenon may have multiple, combined solutions. The authors suggest that current interpretations of UFOs are influenced by the prevailing social and cultural context of the time, comparing early 20th-century airship sightings to modern Martian narratives. They emphasize the need to discard misconceptions and examine all available data, including 'psychic contactee' (CE-4) reports. The article posits that witness accounts can be distorted by psychological factors and the mood of the times, leading to a confused picture. It concludes that there is a wider, deeper, and more important social and psychological aspect to UFOs that needs to be understood to construct the true reality of the situation.

Investigation Reports

The magazine features a detailed section of investigation reports, cataloging numerous UFO sightings and encounters from various locations across the UK:

• Report 6614 (September 1966, Cholmondeston, Cheshire): A young man and his girlfriend witnessed a dull silver egg-shaped object merge with a smaller object, which then shimmered and moved away westwards.
• Report 7124 (October 1971, Bardon Mill, Northumberland): Two men saw a triangular cluster of orange and white lights that alternated colours, which then dropped behind trees.
• Report 7227 (October 1972, Haslington, Cheshire): A couple saw a shimmering, silvery mass hovering about one foot off the ground that passed over their car without sound.
• Report 7228 (Oct/Nov 1972, Birmingham, West Midlands): A family saw an intensely brilliant pale blue light travelling very fast across the sky.
• Report 7339 (November 5 1973, Newcastle, Tyneside): A bus driver saw a stationary golden ball of light with rims, which faded as daylight came. The report notes this might have been a bright star.
• Report 75/150 (July 10 1975, Ewloe, Clwyd): A couple reported a sighting that matched a description of a silver-suited entity, though no UFO object was seen. This report is of interest due to its potential connection to a previous entity encounter.
• Entity Encounter on North Wales Road (Cont.): This section continues the report from Ewloe, Clwyd, detailing the appearance of a tall, silver-suited figure with a mask-like face. The figure was observed by a couple and appeared to be retrieving an object from the ground.
• Report 77/142 (April 3 1977, Rutherglen, Scotland): A witness saw a triangular shaped object with a blue glow that accelerated and vanished.
• Report 77/143 (April 17 1977, Lanark, Scotland): A diamond-shaped object appeared, changed colours, split into two, and reformed into a cigar shape.
• Report 77/144 (May 16 1977, Auchinairn, Scotland): A couple observed a very bright light moving very fast to the south east.
• Report 77/145 (May 1977, Warrington, Cheshire): A young man and a policeman observed a silver star-like object moving slowly before speeding away and disappearing.
• Report 7783 (May 22 1977, Upermill, Greater Manchester): A white pendant-shaped object was seen hovering, growing smaller and dimmer, and reappearing later.
• Report 77/146 (June 5 1977, Windermere, Cumbria): A witness saw an intense white light that disappeared after about forty seconds.
• Close Encounter and EM effects in Durham: This case involves a motorcyclist experiencing power drain and heat from an unidentified object, with a car driver experiencing similar issues, suggesting a potential electromagnetic effect.
• Report 77/147 (June 19 1977, Blackpool, Lancs): Two teenage couples saw an orange/red oblong shape on the pleasure beach.
• Report 77/148 (July 1977, Valley, Anglesey): A couple observed a white oval object with a coloured band.
• Report 77/149 (July 14 1977, Dalmellington, Scotland): Two women saw a silvery ball of light that shot away at high speed towards Glasgow.
• Report 77/150 (August 3 1977, Sheffield, S. Yorkshire): A couple saw a brilliant light with tiny blue and red flecks, which faded and reappeared.
• Report 77/151 (August 9 1977, Lowton, Cheshire): Teenage boys reported a cigar-shaped object with flashing lights landing in a field. Investigators noted a death on a nearby farm occurred the same night.
• Report 77/152 (August 10 1977, Hull, N.Humberside): A policeman encountered three 'goulash dancers' on playing fields.
• Report 77/153 (August 24 1977, Nantwich, Cheshire): A woman and her family saw a huge oval object over bungalows, which then accelerated away at tremendous speed.
• The Cumbria Flap Continues (Report 77/154, August 28 1977): Reports from the Lake District describe a vast array of witnesses seeing a diagonal series of white lights attached to a larger object, moving slowly then accelerating. Two policemen in Windermere and a couple in Silverdale also witnessed similar phenomena.
• Report 77/155 (September 5 1977, Uttoxeter, Staffs): Two teenage boys observed a cigar-shaped object with lights.
• Report 77/156 (September 9 1977, Nantwich, Cheshire): Four witnesses observed a white light that changed colour and moved in zig-zag motions. A similar object appeared later and shot a light beam.
• Report 77/157 (September 12 1977, Redcar, Cleveland): Malcolm Leech, an astronomer, saw seven lights flying in different directions, disappearing within seconds.
• Report 77/158 (September 13 1977, North Ormesby, Cleveland): A steelworker saw a silent blue/grey object with curved wings that disappeared after six seconds.
• Report 77/159 (September 16 1977, Warrington, Cheshire): Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall witnessed a brilliant white light that grew in size and brilliance before fading away.
• Report 77/160 (September 22 1977, Redcar, Cleveland): A boy heard a whirring sound and saw a flashing object described as hexagonal in shape.
• Report 77/161 (September 22 1977, Linthorpe, Cleveland): Dennis and John Proudler saw a luminous reddish object that oscillated and disappeared.

News Round-Up

Paul Whetnall (WUFOS) provides an update on various UFO-related news and publications. Bryan Hartley has produced issue 3 of 'NORTHERN UFOLOGY', featuring articles by Jenny Randles and Stephen Davies. FUFOR is experiencing a 'flap' over Crewe, with numerous reports being investigated and shared with the local press. The article mentions contributions to MAPIT magazine and SKYWATCH. There is a request for NUFON to include cases prior to 1970. The IURC discusses a radio programme featuring Desmond Leslie and Terrance Murtagh. PULSE has a new contact address for UFO data and is splitting into UFO and leyography sections. Derek James of UFORA STAFFS comments on the reporting practices of smaller groups, emphasizing the importance of seeking help from more experienced organizations.

Subscriptions to Northern UFO News

Information is provided regarding subscription renewals for NUN, with an increase in price due to inflation. A bi-monthly supplement on overseas cases edited by Bryan Hartley is included free. A special offer is available for those who can find someone to take out a second subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed reporting of UFO sightings across the UK, with a focus on specific dates and locations. The magazine emphasizes the importance of investigation and data collection, as highlighted by the NUFON Skywatch Programme and the detailed 'Investigation Reports'. There is a strong focus on the practical aspects of ufology, including the challenges of witness cooperation and the need for experienced researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging a critical yet comprehensive approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, as suggested by the 'WHICH REALITY?' article's call to rethink existing theories and consider psychological and social factors.

This document is a segment from a UFO research publication, likely a magazine or newsletter, titled 'NEWS ROUND UP Cont...'. It appears to be part of a larger issue, possibly from the 1970s, given the dates associated with the NUFON group data. The content focuses on updates from UFO research groups, reflections on a recent conference, and a survey of member beliefs.

News Round Up

Derek James is offering to supply 'R1 and R2 forms' for case investigations to any group that covers the postage. He also shares an anecdote about the 'Evening Sentinel' printing a photographic case upside down, with the negative lost, suggesting a common lack of experience in handling such materials, not unique to any single group. James encourages seeking help and using available phone numbers to improve the standards of UFO work. The 'SUFON' network, described as the southern network, is now operational and requests any southern cases to be sent to their address: 1 Bladon Close, Denvilles, Havant, Hants.

Editorial: Reminiscences and Conference Reflections

The editorial section, continuing from page 1, offers a 'cuff series of reminiscences about his early days with the magazine and his favourite cases.' John Hind of the IURC presented on the sociological and psychological aspects of UFO reports, extending the ideas of 'Invisible College' and suggesting research avenues. Bob Morrell presented a more materialistic viewpoint, arguing against the ideas of John and Peter Warrington, particularly concerning the 'Gary Report.' The debate was lively.

Ian Sanderson discussed the results of the NUFON skywatch program and initiated a discussion on skywatches in general. The event, a 'UFOIN get together,' was attended by about a dozen people overnight. The author feels that the most important aspect of the weekend was the opportunity for a more social evening, allowing for continued debates and a more leisurely pace on Sunday to discuss current 'high strangeness' cases and plan methodology. This aspect, the author believes, should be maintained in future events. The organization of the event was generally good, and the printed program was excellent. NUFOIS plans to publish the proceedings, which will be valuable for attendees and non-attendees alike.

The author notes that problems stemmed from trying to cram too much into the schedule, a common issue with conferences. More time for each paper and a less congested timetable would be beneficial. However, he suspects many attendees enjoyed the wide range of topics. He suggests that perhaps all papers should be vetted before the timetable is planned. Despite these minor quibbles, the author enjoyed the conference and felt that the approximately 80 attendees received good value for their money (50p).

NUFON Group Data

This section provides a directory of NUFON groups across the UK, along with their contact persons and addresses. The groups listed are:

• The North West: Ian Cresswell, 12 Newlands Rd, Morecambe, Lancashire.
• The North East: CHRYSIS, 7 Cotswold Drive, Reecar, Cleveland (1974).
• West Lancs: FAPURG, 23 Hastings Rd, Thornton Le Fylde, Lancs (1975).
• Central Lancs: PULSE, 95 Ripon Street, Preston, Lancs (1975).
• West Yorks: BUFORA, 8 Central Park, Wellhead, Halifax, HX1 2BT (1963).
• South Yorks: UFORUM, 40 Badger Rd, Woodhouse, Sheffield (1976).
• Merseyside: WUFOS, 760 New Chester Rd, Bromborough, Wirral, L62 HD (1973).
• South Lancs: DIGAP, 24 Bent Fold Drive, Unsworth Bury, BL8 9NG (1959).
• Gtr Manchester: MUFORA, 125 Beresford Street, Manchester, M14 4RY (1963).
• Cheshire (West): FUFOR, 2 Acer Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire (1976).
• Cheshire (East): MAPIT, 92 Hillcrest Rd, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5SE (1973).
• Staffs: UFORA, 10 Bullockshouse Rd, Harriseahead, Stoke (1972).
• Notts/Derby: NUFOIS, 443 Meadow Lane, Nottingham, NG2 3GB (1973).
• Lincolnshire: SUFORS, 1 Angerstein Rd, Scunthorpe, Sth Humberside (1972).
• West Midlands: UFOSIS, 136 Cleveland Tower, Holloway Circus, Birmingham (1975).
• Northern Ireland: ÍURC, 19 Cairnshill Avenue, Belfast, BT8 4NR (1975).

Questionnaire

A questionnaire is presented with the instruction to 'Test this on your members and send us the results.' The questions are:

1. UFOs are real physically
2. UFOs are from space
3. Some people have seen entities
4. Contactees have had real experiences
5. UFOs are related to psychic phenomena

Each question has three response options: AGREE, NOT CERTAIN, and DISAGREE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are UFO investigation methodology, the organization and networking of UFO research groups, and the exploration of the sociological and psychological dimensions of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting higher standards in UFO research, encouraging collaboration, and valuing both scientific investigation and open discussion of various aspects of the phenomenon, including 'high strangeness' and potential psychic connections. There is an emphasis on practical investigation (forms, skywatches) alongside theoretical discussion.