Northern UFO News - No 50

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 50
Date: JULY 1978
Publisher: NUFON

This issue marks the 50th publication of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, a newsletter from NUFON (National UFO Organisation), published in July 1978. The cover features a "Happy Birthday" message celebrating the 50th issue, with an illustration of a flying saucer. The editorial and content focus on the history, purpose, and ongoing activities of NUFON and its network of associated groups.

NUFON - From Small Beginnings

The newsletter traces the origins of NUFON back to the summer of 1973, stemming from a failed UFO organization called FSIT (Flying Saucer Investigation Team). Despite FSIT's collapse, two branches, FSIT Manchester (later MAPIT) and FSIT Nottingham (later NUFOIS), continued. Their subsequent venture, PROBE, also failed but its ideals were incorporated into the embryonic NUFON by Christmas 1973. MAPIT and NUFOIS temporarily separated, with MAPIT expanding its publication SKYWATCH and NUFOIS developing UFO RESEARCH REVIEW. MAPIT forged links with other groups, leading to a moderated unification plan for the creation of UNO (Union of Northern Observors).

Initially aiming to be a super-group, the ideals moderated to foster gentle progression and wider involvement. Jenny Randles and David Rees are noted as still being involved from the original committee. The early issues of UNO NEWS were a mix of letters and adverts, with the first reported sighting being a white diamond over Lostock Gralam, Cheshire. Jenny Randles took over the magazine with issue 5, and the research included topics like the "wave phenomenon" and UFO detectors.

A crisis in the winter of 1974-75 led to a revamp, with the adoption of the names NUFON and NORTHERN UFO NEWS on January 30, 1975. This also involved direct liaison with BUFORA and support from the Yorkshire branch, alleviating fears of a BUFORA takeover.

1975 was a significant year with the publication of special issues and the staging of a conference. A major breakthrough came when the BBC invited NUFON to prepare a slot for their "OPEN DOOR" programme, featuring Peter Warrington, Jenny Randles, Ken Green, and Mike Dean. This led to instant recognition, and associated groups doubled in number in 1976. This year also saw the initiation of 'Detailed Sighting Supplements' and a popular series on investigation techniques.

Editorial: Looking Towards the Hundredth

The editorial notes the coincidence of NUFON's 50th issue with MUFOB's 10th anniversary. It acknowledges that while other publications like FSR and UFO RESEARCH REVIEW are more substantial, NORTHERN UFO NEWS serves as a repository for the future. The editorial looks ahead to the 100th issue in September 1982, emphasizing NUFON's core principle of fostering cooperation without rigid rules or committees, which can consume time better spent on investigation.

NUFON aims to accommodate various UFO groups and ufologists, provided their work is logical and not pseudo-religious. It serves as a central coordination point, preserving data from groups that have disappeared. The Nottingham repository now holds general NUFON data and UFOIN high strangeness data. NUFON conferences have expanded geographically and in number, producing valuable papers.

The newsletter's function is to keep readers informed and provide a record of UFO activity in the north and midlands. It recognizes its limitations and does not aim to compete with publications like FSR. The subscription fee is framed as supporting a network of importance for the future.

NUFON Publications List

The issue includes a list of NUFON publications, including UFO Booklists, Lincolnshire reports, sociological analyses, conference proceedings, and various numbered 'Northern Ufology' issues. Some are available from Bryan Hartley or Jenny Randles, while others are unavailable.

The NUFON Team

The editorial emphasizes that the NUFON team is comprised of its readers and associated groups. Specific individuals are highlighted for their contributions: Peter Warrington (Finance Supervisor), Bryan Hartley (liaison and distribution), John Cree and his NUFOIS team (file maintenance and queries), Ken Green (tape library), David Rees (early work), Trevor Whitaker (meeting chair), Jeff Porter (behind-the-scenes work), Paul Whetnall, and Jenny Randles.

High Strangeness Encounters Investigated by NUFON... Published in FSR

A list of NUFON-investigated high strangeness encounters is provided, referencing their publication in FSR (Flying Saucer Review) with case references, dates, locations, and associated groups (MUFORA, DIGAP, IURC, BUFORA, UFORA Staffs, NUFOIS, SUFORS, FAPURG, CHRYSIS, MAPIT). These span from 1964 to 1978 and cover various types of sightings.

News Round-Up

Paul Whetnall is thanked for editing the news column for the past year; he will continue to co-edit the newsletter with Jenny Randles. David Rees of MAPIT will fill Paul's role in coding reports for the American UFOCAT computer. David Rees, a founder of NUFON, is noted for his magazine SKYWATCH.

BUFORG is mentioned for its television appearance on "Northern Life." HAPI announces an internal change with Pat Berry stepping down as Secretary, replaced by Mrs Jean Mayne.

UAPROL is planning a merger with investigative functions in the Leicestershire region. MUFORA's Peter Warrington has moved, and his new Manchester address is provided. NUFOIS is modernizing its HQ and revamping its filing system.

Dates to note include a UFO stand at Roundhey Park, Leeds, and a lecture by Jenny Randles at the Odeon in Preston.

No Comment

This section includes a lengthy and critical quote from Alan West (editor of BUDC Bulletin), expressing frustration with amateur ufologists and the handling of UFO evidence, particularly in relation to a Granada TV documentary. The quote is highly critical of those who sensationalize or misrepresent UFO phenomena.

News from Leicester

UAPROL is launching a new telephone information service and a taped message service. Jenny Randles' number is also provided for Northern Britain. Plans for a Leicester Conference on September 23 at the Posthouse are announced, with speakers including Peter Warrington and Charles Bowen.

Investigations Section: Another Two Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Two reports are detailed:

1. Mr W (1901): An 85-year-old man recalled a remarkable encounter in Summer 1901 where two small men of humanoid appearance emerged from a peculiar greeny-blue box-like structure.
2. Lynn (1954): A housewife recalled seeing a silver 'aircraft' with portholes and two figures, one a woman, who smiled at her.

Both witnesses requested anonymity, and the similarities of the 1901 encounter to 19th-century airship stories are noted.

UFOs Take to the Roads

This section presents two cases related to road encounters:

1. Mr and Mrs B (Coldstream, Roxburgh): While driving, they encountered an oblong 'box' glowing white with square windows, which hovered and then vanished.
2. Engaged Couple (Grasby Bottoms, Sth Humberside): While driving, their car was filled with pulsating orange light, and later they saw a small orange globe behind them.

Case Reports (Numbered 6506 onwards)

A series of numbered case reports are presented, detailing various UFO sightings and encounters across the UK, with dates, locations, witness descriptions, and investigator assessments (e.g., MED, LOW, INST/P, CE1-CE4). These include:

• A conical object over Cleethorpes (1965).
• A bright cherry red object observed by a family in Eccles (1965).
• A yellowish ellipse moving fast over Cleethorpes (1970).
• A large round silvery object observed through binoculars in Hinckley (1971).
• A close encounter at Partington involving a strange orange oval (1976).
• Frightening encounters reported by workers in Denby (1977) and a group in Nottingham (1977).
• A bright white circle of light observed in Earl Shilton (1977).
• A round red object falling silently over Eastham (1977), likely a fireball.
• A frightening encounter with a glowing object outside a chip shop in Coldstream (1977).
• Encounters involving policemen and a domed disc near Paxton (1978).
• A CE3 sighting with 'little green men' near Coldstream (1978).
• A bright orange cigar-shaped object splitting in two over Draycott (1978).
• A white light observed by teenage girls in Hinckley (1978).
• A "Close Encounter of the First Kind" near Oaken, Staffordshire/Shropshire border, involving a metallic grey object resembling a fir tree (1978).

Mystery Object Over the Shell Plant

This report details a sighting on November 14, 1977, near Partington, involving two bright lights that transformed into a huge oblong object. The object, described as immense with a blunt front and a red light at the apex, passed overhead silently. Police and Manchester Airport were contacted, but the object was not detected on radar.

An Encounter Down on the Farm

This report from Tittensor, Staffs, describes farmer Arthur Johnson's encounter in December 1977 with two bright white lights that resolved into a metallic grey, cigar-shaped object with a dome. The object hovered, banked, and disappeared without sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation and investigation of UFO sightings, the history and development of UFO organizations like NUFON, and the importance of a network for sharing information. NUFON's editorial stance is clearly one of promoting logical, non-religious investigation and fostering cooperation among diverse groups. The newsletter acts as a repository for UFO data, aiming to preserve information for future research. There is a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of investigation and the challenges posed by sensationalism and unverified claims, as highlighted in the "No Comment" section.

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue Date: May 1978 (Cover date May 25, 1978)
Publisher: NUFON (National UFO Network)
Country of Publication: UK
Language: English
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Sightings and Reports

Worsley, Greater Manchester (May 25, 1978)

A report from Worsley details an object observed by Mr. Lancaster at 04:30. Moving from northwest to south, the object was described as a small white ball, the size of a pea at arm's length, with a long tail trailing sparks of blue and red. It moved very slowly and was visible for about two minutes. The object was seen against trees, with its glow shining through the leaves. Mr. Lancaster, unfamiliar with astronomical phenomena, initially thought it might be a comet but was informed by Jodrell Bank that comets do not move like that nor appear so bright. Jodrell Bank suggested it was a UFO.

Anglesey and Gwynedd, North Wales (May 24/25, 1978)

Simultaneously, North Wales experienced several sightings. At Moelfre, a single witness observed a white cigar-shaped object moving from the southwest at 19:00. Later, around midnight, a large ball of green fire was seen by residents at Wylfa, appearing to move out to the west towards the Isle of Man in a streaking arc. On the morning of May 25th, several pupils at Rhiwlas school reported seeing a sausage-shaped object with a dome on top, colored silver, red, and white. It was in view for several minutes, moving slowly, before disappearing into a clear sky. It then reappeared with two flashing lights before moving out of sight behind buildings.

Elsewhere This Month

Irish UFO News (April 1978)

This publication is noted for containing items about the film "Close Encounters" and a report on the Newbridge Saturn-like UFO observation.

UFO Research Review (Spring 1978)

Published by NUFOIS (Nottingham NG2 3GB), this review includes an article titled "Another glance at Von Daniken" by Bob Morrell. It also features a transcript of Jenny Randles' UFO abduction paper, 'Come Fly With Me,' presented at the NUFON convention in Crewe. Additionally, it mentions a story on page 14 about a UFO landing that resulted in the witness kicking the craft, picking it up, and taking it to the police station.

MUFOBS Anniversary Issue

This issue contains an article on future research patterns and an analysis of historical UFO research by Nigel Watson. It is recommended for serious UFO researchers.

FORTEAN TIMES

This publication is described as essential for ufologists, covering a wide range of phenomena including fables, falls, and freaks, suggesting that UFOs are just one part of a larger spectrum of unexplained events.

FSR (Flying Saucer Review)

The next issue of FSR is set to feature a CE4 (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) and an electromagnetic encounter in North Yorkshire, along with the conclusion of the Aveley abduction case and other international reports.

BUFORA Journal (May/June 1978)

This journal includes reports and an article about the IURC (and its Irish branch) and their expedition to consult a psychic, which yielded startling results.

NUFON Addresses and Contacts

Contact information is provided for various NUFON functions:

• Reports/Newsletter: Jenny Randles, 23 Sunningdale Drive, Irlam, Salford M30 6NJ.
• Group News/Information: David Rees, 92 Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport SK2 5SE.
• Files/Research Data: HQ, 443 Meadow Lane, Nottingham NG2 3GB.
• Overseas Contacts/Data Library: Bryan Hartley, 23 Hastings Road, Thornton-Le-Fylde, Lancs.
• Cassette Tape Lecture Library: Ken Green, 21 Cunningham Drive, Bromborough, Merseyside.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine focuses on reporting recent UFO sightings and related research from various organizations like NUFON, MUFORA, and BUFORA. It highlights the importance of detailed reporting and encourages engagement with UFO research through its recommended publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting sightings and research findings without overt skepticism, and encouraging readers to stay informed and contribute their own observations. The inclusion of contact information for reporting and accessing resources underscores a commitment to community involvement in UFO research.