Northern UFO News - No 47

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 47
Date: April 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 April 1978. It is edited by Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall, and published from 23 Sunningdale Drive, Irlam, Lancashire. 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 information.

Editorial: 'The Spacemen have landed: At your local cinema NOW'

The editorial, penned by Paul Whetnall, addresses the significant impact of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (CE3) on public awareness of UFOs. Whetnall notes that the film, released hot on the heels of "Star Wars," attracts a similar audience but offers a profound human drama and a cosmic experience that transcends the cinema. He acknowledges the film's critical acclaim and its potential to become a cult classic, but crucially emphasizes that it is fiction, exaggerated for commercial purposes, and should not be mistaken for factual truth about UFOs.

The primary concern for Whetnall is the associated media frenzy. He states that ufology has suddenly emerged from obscurity, with the media overplaying the subject. He predicts that for the next six months, UFOs will be a constant topic of conversation, though many will lack a true understanding. Whetnall believes that the film's portrayal of 'friendly spacemen' and UFOs as spaceships is a deliberate manipulation by those profiting from the phenomenon. He laments that this surge in interest comes just as ufologists are beginning to grasp the complexities of the mystery.

The editorial places a significant burden on ufologists to correct misconceptions and present the public with the reality behind the Hollywood gloss. To aid this effort, NUFON has prepared a publication titled "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE NORTHERN KIND." Whetnall urges readers to leverage this wave of public interest by exhibiting at cinemas, appearing on radio and TV, and holding local lectures, as this attention is likely to be fleeting. He recounts an anecdote where a child asked, "Daddy - What's a close encounter?", highlighting the public's superficial engagement with the topic.

NUFON has published a 16-page review of ufology in the region, "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE NORTHERN KIND," available for 40p from the editor. Additional copies can be obtained for 20p each, with remaining profits going to the groups.

Contents

• The contents page lists several sections:
• P.2 NEWS ROUND UP: by Paul Whetnall, and Up & Coming Events.
• P.3 Media News: and Around the Groups (CUFORT).
• P.4 - 8 Investigations: covering reports from Cumbria, Clwyd, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Durham, N.Humberside, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Merseyside, Gt Manchester, Northumbria, Warwicks, W.Yorkshire, and Scotland.

News Round-Up

Paul Whetnall reports on the growing ufology scene in Scotland, with support from Alan and Trisha Price, and Paul Murray. He notes positive developments with the BUFORA Yorkshire team, now more active after Trevor Whitaker's work commitments ended. HAPI reports good publicity in a local magazine. MUFORA has been featured in the New Manchester Review, discussing Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington's classification system. Kathy Preston of PULSE is promoting the publication, with 2500 copies printed, available for resale at 5p discount.

Sadly, UFOSIS, a West Midlands group, has been affected by the demise of Gary Lanham and the departure of Philip Rogers due to work pressures and lack of interest. Margaret and Geoff Westwood continue the group, with a new address provided. Brian Fishwick's new address is also noted. Whetnall himself is moving back closer to the heart of WUFOS at Wallasey.

He thanks Bryan Hartley for a comprehensive list of countries receiving the NUFON newsletter, totaling 13 from Europe, 5 from South America, 2 from North America, 5 from Asia, 3 from Australasia, 2 from South Africa, the USSR, and 20 US states.

Approaching its 50th issue in July 1978, NUFON celebrates its longevity, attributing it to its readership. Ideas for a special celebration, such as a dinner or special features, are solicited.

September marks the 5-year anniversary of MAPIT, which was the starting point for NUFON, and David Rees continues to organize it as an active participant of the Network.

Up and Coming Events

• April 15 & 16: UFO Conference by BUFORA at the George Hotel, Nottingham, featuring Dr. Richard Haines. Cost £6.75 for the weekend.
• May 6: Grand opening of SHEFFIELD SPACE CENTRE at 485 London Rd, Sheffield, with artist David Hardy. The center will sell UFO-related materials.
• May 20 & 21: 'First' (SIC) British UFO Conference by UFO INFO at the Portway Hotel, Frome, Somerset. Fee £7.50 or £24 with accommodation.
• June 24: NUFON Conference "UFOS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS" in Scunthorpe, featuring talks and a lecture by Philip Jenkinson of BBC TV. Fee approx. £1.

Media News

The media has shown a sudden interest in UFOs, spurred by the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." BBC TV featured two CE3s and an interview with Charles Bowen of FSR. On March 17, a rehash of old UFO films was presented. Geoff Westwood of UFOSIS shared a personal sighting, and Randall Jones*Pugh commented. A more substantial program on March 3 featured Randall Jones, offering a credible account with witness interviews and critiquing Patrick Moore's stance on UFOs.

Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington are collaborating with Granada TV on a 30-minute documentary for April 14, highlighting recent NUFON evidence. The press has been active, with the Express series generating significant interest and hundreds of cases being distributed. The Sun series also promoted NUFON, bringing in about 300 letters. This increased activity has generated considerable work for NUFON.

Writer Ian Ridpath's article in the Sunday Times accused ufologists of covering up a lack of evidence, though it was noted for its constructive criticism. The Daily Mirror interviewed Jenny Randles and reviewed "Close Encounters of the Northern Kind," referencing a CE3 case involving cows. Local newspapers, including the Warrington Guardian, have featured articles on UFOs, mentioning John Longhorn of CONTACT, TRACE, Jenny Randles, and Ron Sergeant.

Around the Groups: CUFORT

The Congleton UFO Research Team (CUFORT) began in August 1977 with David Berisford and Michael Cottrell, and has since grown to five members. CUFORT aims to investigate UFOs with open minds and promote public interest. They are undertaking a continuous program of objective research and are developing a liaison program with other local groups. Their meetings are held on Thursdays at 7 pm at 8 Barton Rd, Congleton. They also seek biographies for their UAPROLS section.

Investigations Section

This section details numerous UFO sightings and encounters:

• UFO TURNS TRANSPARENT (SUFORS: 6305): Humber Estuary, Summer 1963. Edward Watson observed a circular object with a dome and windows, approximately 40 feet in circumference, which accelerated and turned transparent.
• Unknown 1970 (Hull Bridge): A female witness reported a whitish star appearing as a domed disc with four portholes, observed for 45 minutes.
• CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH SPINNING TOP UFO (WUFOS: 7125): Wigan, September 1971. Mrs Rigby witnessed a round, silvery metal ball with square lights, rotating and changing color, hovering for 20 minutes.
• ENTITY SIGHTING FROM REDDISH VALE (MAPIT: 76/150): Reddish, August 1976. Three children reported seeing a figure in a silver suit with slanted eyes and yellow hair, which floated and vanished.
• 77/249: Crewe, October 3, 1977. A brilliant yellowish light appeared, hovered, and faded.
• 77/250: Balterley Heath, October 4, 1977. An orange ball surrounded by haze was seen accelerating rapidly.
• 77/251: Sydney, November 8, 1977. Six witnesses saw a white light with red and green lights, performing erratic motions.
• 77/252: Bangor y-Coed, November 16, 1977. A white rugby ball-shaped object was seen moving and then vanishing.
• 77/253: Cottingley, June 9, 1977. Mr. Goodinson saw a fuzzy white ball move steadily and vanish.
• UFO OVER POWER STATION (UFOIN: 77/254): Newbiggin by Sea, July 1977. A grey object like two saucers stuck together with a dome and portholes was observed approaching and retreating.
• FLYING SEA-SHELL OVER IRLAM (MUFORA: 77355): Irlam, November 1977. Colin Brewer observed an orange sea shell-shaped object with a corona glow, which turned and descended.
• 77/256: Pewfall, October 19, 1977. A brilliant magnesium white glow from a triangular object hovered, then accelerated away.
• AUTUMN FLAP NORTH OF THE BORDER: Researched by Ian Cresswell. Reports from NW England and Scotland in October 1977, including a silver white light over Lanarkshire and a white bell-shaped light over Glasgow/Cumbernauld. An orange ball of fire was seen over Comrie, and an object described as a walking stick was sighted at Port Ellen.
• 77/261: Warrington, December 10, 1977. A gigantic rugby ball-shaped object glowing brilliant white was observed, emitting a whining noise and accelerating away.
• 7814: St Helens, Mid-January 1978. A red ball with fuzzy edges elongated into an oval with an orange centre and white flames, moving silently.
• 7815: Lancaster, January 17, 1978. A series of flashing red/green and blue lights were observed stationary at rooftop height.
• 7816: Hinckley, January 14, 1978. Three people saw three lights in triangular formation, one orange and others green/red, hovering and then moving off.
• 7817: Higham, January 19, 1978. Three teenage boys reported a blue triangle shimmering with heat, which shot away west.
• MULTI WITNESS EVENT FROM EICESTERSHIRE (HAPI: 7818): January 24, 1978. Numerous reports of a lighted object, described as a red flare, a black rectangle with lights, or a mass of red lights in a circle, maneuvering over Burbage Common.
• 7819: Kirkby Lonsdale, January 30, 1977. A big blue star flashed red and green alternately, remaining silent.
• ATTEMPTED PHOTOGRAPHS OF CLOUD-LIKE UFOS (WUFOS: 7820/7821): Upton by Chester, January 31, 1978. Two elliptical objects were seen moving with clouds, with two photos taken that failed to show anything of value.
• 7822: Weaverham, February 23, 1978. A brilliant white ball of light moved gracefully, reversed tracks, and traveled out of sight, making no sound.
• 7823: Wishaw, March 17, 1978. Seven witnesses reported an object with reddish lights, described as two golden ovals. Three girls had a closer encounter with a huge dark object surrounded by flashing lights.
• 7824: Derwent, March 17, 1978. Two men observed a strange pulsating light hovering over a reservoir, which disgorged a smaller light.
• 7826: Buxton, March 18, 1978. A couple observed a strange ball of golden light moving slowly west, then dropping behind hillsides.
• 7827: Heaton Mersey, March 18, 1978. A yellowish light was seen moving slowly and vanishing.
• ANOTHER ENTITY SIGHTING IN THE MERSEY VALLEY (7825): Risley, March 17, 1978. Ken Edwards reported an entity in a silvery suit walking through a fence, with beams of light from its eyes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive influence of popular culture (specifically the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind") on public perception of UFOs, the media's role in amplifying interest, and the ongoing efforts of NUFON and affiliated groups to conduct rigorous investigations and disseminate factual information. The editorial stance is one of cautious engagement, acknowledging the increased public interest while emphasizing the need for accuracy and the correction of misinformation. There is a clear call to action for ufologists to utilize this period of heightened awareness for educational purposes.