Northern UFO News - No 46

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 46
Date: March 1978
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Northern UFO News, the newsletter of the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), is dated March 1978 and edited by Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall. NUFON is described as a liaison system for independent UFO organizations and researchers in Northern Britain, serving as a coordination center for investigation, research, and general information.

Guest Editorial: A UFO Investigators' Resources Centre

D. Robert Morrell (NUFOIS) presents a compelling argument for the establishment of a central UFO resource center. He posits that ufology, after approximately thirty years of active research, has reached a point where such a facility is vital. Currently, there is no single place for serious ufologists to access a comprehensive collection of printed material. Morrell contrasts this with scientific disciplines, which have specialized libraries. He highlights the deficiency, noting that researchers may unknowingly publish data that has already appeared in print due to lack of access to literature. The proposed center would house main UFO journals, national and international sighting reports, and relevant background material like ball lightning. Ideally, it would be staffed by active ufologists, run by an elected committee, and possess charity status. Morrell stresses the need for support from serious ufologists, both financially and by contributing materials, to make this center a reality.

Centre to Support

David L Rees (MAPIT: Editor of Skywatch) expresses strong support for Morrell's proposal, calling it one of the most forward-looking ideas NUFON has been involved with. He notes that a similar successful UFO archive exists in Sweden and emphasizes the need for total cooperation. Rees points out the value of revitalizing old, dusty material and making it accessible. He uses the example of the Condon Report, which cost 70p when published but now commands £10.00, and early issues of FSR, which can cost £10.00 each. Rees mentions that MAPIT has made its reference library available since September 1975 and offers to photocopy material at a small cost. He reiterates his support, hoping the venture won't become another 'scrapheap' idea, highlighting NUFON's Nottingham HQ, existing facilities, extensive case files, and the support of FSR as key advantages.

Around the Groups

FAPURG: This section discusses Bryan Hartley, described as the central figure of FAPURG. Hartley, who has been involved in UFO interests since 1969, became active in 1975. Due to a serious motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down, he is unable to work and dedicates his time to ufology. He holds a degree in Electronics and operates a sophisticated short-wave monitor station for research into sunspots and outer space disturbances. His work has been published by Keele University, and he has done work for NASA. Hartley's interests range from Bigfoot to electromagnetic interference, and he is also a UFOIN investigator. He produces overseas supplements for NUFON and maintains a library of overseas reference material. His liaison system with overseas contacts and his distribution work for BUFORA are highlighted as valuable assets.

Further Excursions Up a Blind Alley

Peter Warrington (MUFORA) discusses the changing nature of the UFO subject in the UK, noting the increased prevalence of 'high strangeness' cases. He addresses the ethical responsibility of investigators towards witnesses, who are often apprehensive. Warrington questions the validity of using trained and experienced hypnotists, especially amateurs, to regress witnesses, suggesting it poses a grave danger of invalidating findings. He argues that in cases involving subjective experiences, objective investigation is difficult without training in psychology or sociology. Warrington suggests that exposing witnesses to a diverse group of workers with varied experience might offer a better appraisal of cases, rather than relying solely on a few investigators. He also touches upon the possibility that the phenomenon might be toying with investigators and ufoworkers, leading them down 'blind alleys'.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

This section urges readers to engage with the upcoming release of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in the UK. It encourages readers to promote the serious aspects of ufology by finding out when and where the film is showing, organizing displays, and holding lectures. The article notes the extensive media coverage the film has already received, including a series in The Sun and The Express. NUFON has produced a 16-page booklet titled 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE NORTHERN KIND' by Jenny Randles, available for purchase.

News Round-Up

Paul Whetnall reports on the recent NUFON meeting in Crewe, which was well-attended. He mentions talks by Peter Warrington on photographic and radar evidence, and Jenny Randles on 'Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind' and regression hypnosis. Upcoming events include the BUFORA conference in Nottingham and the SUFORS NUFON Summer conference in Scunthorpe. Whetnall also notes that Jenny Randles and he have been invited to a preview screening of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. MUFORA is planning a display and an afternoon lecture related to the phenomenon. Bryan Hartley's extensive work for NUFON is praised, with reports now reaching every continent and thirty countries. NUFON welcomes its first group from Scotland.

Investigations Section

This section details numerous UFO sighting reports from various locations in the UK, spanning from 1962 to 1978. Each report includes a date, location, classification (e.g., MED, LOW, CE1), and a description of the sighting. The reports describe a variety of objects, including discs, spheres, cigar-shaped craft, and lights, with details on their shape, color, behavior, and estimated size. Some reports mention associated phenomena like humming noises or unusual stillness in the area. Notable cases include:

• 6206 (1962): Five large, low-domed discs seen in formation.
• 77/234 (1977-01-16): A diamond-shaped object pulsating over rooftops.
• 77/235 (1977-05-11): A humming object circling an aircraft, described as silvery with red lights.
• 77/236 (1977-05-20): An object shaped like an elongated jellyfish, which vanished and reappeared.
• 77/237 (1977-06-21): A silver cigar-shaped object with a dome and portholes.
• 77/238 (1977-06-23): White lights moving in an unusual pattern.
• 77/239 (1977-08-14): A yellow-orange saucer-shaped object making a humming noise.
• 77/248 (1977-09-03): A bright object with accompanying ear ringing.
• 77/242 (1977-09-04): A strange white diffuse light moving NNW.
• 77/243 (1977-10-04): An oval, silvery object observed from a garden.
• 77/244 (1977-10-11): A circle of white light heard as an oppressive sound.
• 77/245 (1977-10-21): A domed disc with a rim and portholes, described as twice the diameter of the sun.
• 77/246 (1977-12-14): A brilliant blue light flashing at intervals.
• 77/247 (1977-12-27): A white light with a pinkish tinge moving south-north.
• BACK UP REPORT TO THE RAINFORD HUMANOID? (1978-01-01): A large sphere, red on top, with a metallic blue tinge, traveling slowly and silently.
• 7807 (1978-01-04): A flash of light streaking across the sky, likely a fireball.
• 7808 (1978-01-05): A strange white/orange light stationary in the sky.
• 7809 (1978-01-06): An oval object with fuzzy edges, principally red with white and purple lights.
• 7810 (1978-01-12): A white light moving across the sky, followed by another, then a red light forming a triangle.
• 7811 (1978-01-17): A large, golden-white star-like object moving at incredible speed.
• 7812 (1978-01-23): Bright white lights in a dumbbell shape, with a golden hue, maneuvering rapidly.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Continued)

This section previews upcoming reports on two CE3 cases from January 1978. Nigel Watson is investigating a report from Hull involving a round UFO landing on a school roof and disgorging three tiny figures. Paul Whetnall is following up a claim from Frodsham about a balloon-shaped object in the undergrowth from which three figures in 'spacesuits' emerged and took measurements of cows. The similarities in these cases (three entities) are noted as potentially significant.

Notes on the Classification of Reports

This section explains the coding system used for reports in Northern UFO News, including the NUFON file number, investigation level (A-E), and a subjective 'strangeness' value (S1-S9).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the need for organized ufological research infrastructure, exemplified by the proposal for a resource center. There is a strong emphasis on detailed case investigation and reporting, with a significant portion of the magazine dedicated to presenting numerous sighting reports from across the UK. The potential impact of popular culture, such as the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' on public perception and engagement with ufology is also a prominent theme. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, methodical investigation and information sharing within the UFO community, while also acknowledging the challenges and potential pitfalls of such research, particularly concerning witness testimony and investigative techniques.