NORTHERN UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 48
Date: May 1978
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, dated May 1978, focuses on the intersection of UFO research with media coverage, particularly a Granada TV documentary, and presents a collection of recent UFO sighting reports from across Britain.

Editorial: The Lessons of Television

The editorial recounts NUFON's experience with Granada TV, which proposed a 30-minute documentary about UFOs. Initially, the plan was to feature three evidential cases from NUFON files and a studio debate. Two cases were initially considered: the M62 motorway encounter of PCs Lowe and Roberts, and the Nelson car stop case. However, a new case involving six witnesses, associated effects, and movie film came to light via the Daily Express. Despite a Granada technicians' strike, the investigation proceeded, with Granada financing the research. The documentary, rescheduled for April 21, was to be built around this film, featuring the witnesses and other experts like astrophysicist Dr. Paul Davies and science journalist Ian Ridpath.

However, the situation escalated when Ian Ridpath leaked the story to BBC Radio 4 and the Daily Express, including a full-page feature with a still shot from the film, without witness permission. Granada TV fired Ridpath and, again without consent, gave the film to ITN for network news. The editorial criticizes this handling, stating that it trampled on those concerned and that efforts to keep the film untainted from 'UFO' connotations were undermined. The programme itself aired, but Dr. Davies was prevented from discussing his ideas, and Ridpath's 'ball lightning' hypothesis was presented. The editorial concludes with a strong warning: "NEVER trust the media. They are out to use you to produce good press or televsion." It emphasizes that if research cannot be conducted on their own terms, it is preferable not to participate, to avoid sacrificing scientific scruples.

THAT FILM

This section provides basic facts about the intriguing case featured in the documentary. Two families from mid Cheshire, while on holiday near Stonehenge, filmed 18 strange orange balls of light over three nights. These objects exhibited hovering, instant acceleration, and disappearance. One object hovered for 50 minutes. The film, shot on ordinary and low-light super 8 movie film, captured the events. A possible connection is noted between one of the witnesses, Terry, who was hospitalized with a mysterious skin disease shortly after the event. More immediately relevant is the observation that a portable TV and compass needles were severely affected by the presence of the objects. Official inquiries have ruled out explanations like flares, military exercises, ball lightning, and trick optical effects. FUFOR's assistance in the early stages of investigation is acknowledged.

AND SOME CE 3s

This section provides updates on three recent Close Encounter of the Third Kind (CE3) cases. The Anlaby School case involved four boys witnessing a round object that landed on a roof, with three golden-suited entities observed. Paul Whetnall is investigating the Frodsham CE3 case, where cows may have been abducted. The Risley case (mentioned in the previous month's NUN) is noted to have associated EM, physiological, and time-loss effects. Details of these cases are promised for future publication in FLYING SAUCER REVIEW.

THE MEDIA THIS MONTH

This section highlights media coverage of UFOs. Local series continue to appear in the press, with MUFORA receiving features in the Eccles Journal and Stretford & Urmston Journal. TV and radio publicity surrounded the Stonehenge film. The Daily Express continued its UFO theme with articles, including one on 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE NORTHERN KIND'. UFO magazines mentioned include IRISH UFO NEWS and UFO-INFO. CNK published a news-packed issue, and CONTACT UK featured an article on the Cheshire/Derbyshire mystery helicopter flap. BUFORA published proceedings from a 1976 conference. FSR is catching up on its issues, with reviews of NUFON cases like the Barnard Castle EM and the Irlam solid light. Upcoming FSR issues will feature more NUFON CE3s and the Stonehenge film.

NEWS ROUND-UP

Alan and Trisha Price have formed the Border UFO Research Group in Southern Scotland and Alan appeared on Border TV. PULSE and FUFOR are planning events around the release of 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS'. Derek James offers free photocopying of important investigation materials. NUFOIS notes that all NUFON files are stored at their HQ in Nottingham, offering accommodation for researchers. Jenny Randles is taking a full-time position within ufology but will remain involved with NUFON. Paul Whetnall is moving and provides his new address. The issue promotes NUFON's new 16-page booklet, 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE NORTHERN KIND', available for 40p.

Upcoming events include the UFO INFO conference in Frome (May 20/21), a FUFOR convention in Crewe (June 10), and a NUFON Conference staged by SUFORS (June 24), featuring a presentation on UFOs in movies by Philip Jenkinson.

A special campaign to press the government to research UFOs is proposed by Stephen Twine, who is hoping to initiate a new action group. Readers are invited to share their views and offer support.

AROUND THE GROUPS: 7) UAPROL

This section profiles Trevor Thornton, a NUFON member involved with UFO groups in Leicestershire since 1969. Initially skeptical, Thornton became convinced of UFO existence in May 1977 after investigating a report. He founded a new group with an open mind, focusing on projects like ley-lines and psychic phenomena. Thornton hopes for a British network of interconnected groups with a constant information flow. The article encourages other groups (CHRYSIS, DIGAP, BUFORA YORKSHIRE, FUFOR, HAPI, NUFOIS, PULSE, UFORA, UFORUM, UFOSIS) to submit their biographies.

SOME OF THE PRESS FEATURES OF THE RECENT PAST

This section includes a Daily Mirror article titled 'CLOSE ENCOUNTER' about a new NUFON booklet listing sightings in the North-west of England, mentioning a fireball over Oldham, a seven-foot alien seen at Kirkby, and 'cattle measurers' at Frodsham. Jenny Randles is quoted describing the Frodsham incident. The article notes that the reports are mostly from high, moorland areas. NUFORA is distributing 1,000 copies of its 40p booklet. A Daily Express feature on the Stonehenge Film is also mentioned.

INVESTIGATIONS

This section details several UFO sighting reports:

• Report 5406 HAPI (October/November 1954): Mrs. Cresswell of Leicester reported seeing a shaped object with protrusions and a 'man' in a black suit in a window. Her mother was also a witness.
• 27/262 (June 1977): Mr. Jebbett and his neighbor observed a reddish, bright light moving towards them, which stopped, grew larger, and then streaked upwards.
• 27/263 (July 5, 1977): Mr. Wallace observed two round yellow lights moving slowly, which then sped away, changing shape.
• 77/264 (October 12, 1977): A teenager in West Kirby saw a rocket-shaped object in a silver flash, described as a fireball meteor.
• 77/265 (November 4, 1977): Timothy Pearson and others witnessed a blue object near Sheffield and found flattened grass and a warm, sticky substance.
• 7828 (January 17, 1978): Two women in Eastham observed two white circles of light moving low.
• Report 7829 SUFORS (February 1, 1978): A letter describes a large silver disc landing, with two figures observed. The sender requests penfriends and photos.
• 7830 (February 19, 1978): An old age pensioner in Earlestown observed a bright light and a dark object.
• 7831 (February 23, 1978): An apprentice fitter in Hull observed a white haze falling.
• 7832 (February 24, 1978): A female witness in Stapleford observed a bell-shaped golden light that hovered and disappeared.
• SPINNING OVAL OVER HULL (March 12, 1978): Steven Wolton and his wife observed a large white oval object that spun, flashed, and accelerated vertically.
• 7834 (March 12, 1978): Mr. & Mrs. Bedford saw a pulsating red light that circled and appeared to land between buildings.
• 7835 (March 15, 1978): Three teenagers in Kidsgrove saw two round white lights that rose, hovered, and then a bright flash fell to earth.
• 7836 (March 17, 1978): A fireman in Ashton in Makerfield saw three yellow lights in a triangular formation that moved off silently.
• 2837 (March 19, 1978): Three schoolboys in St. Helens observed a silvery bell-shaped object moving slowly.
• 7838 (March 21, 1978): A white light was observed stationary over Grimsby, disappearing when stars did not.
• 7839 (March 26, 1978): A wife in Hinckley saw two royal blue lights fall rapidly.
• AA MEN SPOT UFO (March 30, 1978): A new patrolman saw a slender bow-shaped object, followed by a silver disc moving fast.
• 7841 (April 4, 1978): Mr. Scott observed an unidentified light moving from overhead.
• MYSTERY LIGHTS OVER STAFFORDSHIRE (April 5, 1978): Several reports of four strange lights seen low in the sky, described as two outer bright lights flashing and two inner steady lights.
• 7843 (April 6, 1978): Teenagers in Warton reported an upturned saucer with flashing lights.
• 7844 (April 6, 1978): A man in Waterfoot observed a bright white light that accelerated away.
• 7845 (April 14, 1978): Mrs. Pat Wheeldon described a huge spinning top with a silver base, red dome, and flashing lights, which Jenny Randles was unsure about.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of UFO research in the face of media sensationalism and the need for rigorous investigation. The editorial stance is one of caution and skepticism towards media portrayals, emphasizing the importance of protecting witness anonymity and maintaining scientific integrity. The magazine actively promotes its own research efforts and publications, such as the 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE NORTHERN KIND' booklet, and encourages reader participation in reporting and investigating sightings. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of independent research and a critical approach to external influences, particularly from the media.