NORTHERN UFOLOGY

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFOLOGY
Issue: 59
Date: April 1979
Publisher: Northern UFO Network (NUFON)
Country: UK
Focus: Quarterly magazine in series with Northern UFO News, this issue delves into UFO Abductions.

Editorial: "Too many cooks at the UFO beanfeast"

Editor Jenny Randles addresses a common problem in ufology: the 'UFO beanfeast'. This occurs when a 'classic' case gains publicity, leading to numerous investigators descending on the witness, often overwhelming them and discouraging future reports. Randles emphasizes the need for coordination among UFO groups, noting that while multiple viewpoints are valuable, isolated investigations are problematic. NUFON itself is presented as an attempt to overcome these issues through a liaison network. The editorial also touches upon the creation of UFOIN, a free-flow network linking BUFORA and CONTACT RICs, aiming to create an informal team. However, it notes that BUFORA and CONTACT have not officially supported UFOIN, leaving participating RICs without full backing. The editorial concludes by stressing the importance of 'IDEAS - CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM - NEW IDEAS' for the concept to function effectively.

Contact in Crewe: The NUFON Meeting, February 24, 1979

The NUFON meeting hosted by FUFOR saw representation from 11 out of 19 associated groups, with over 40 attendees. Discussions included the moves by UAPROL to establish a 'Midlands Network', with the consensus that while internal networks are encouraged, participation in NUFON is essential. Problems with facilities at the Nottingham HQ were raised, and efforts to improve indexing and research facilities were highlighted, with a priority on purchasing a plain paper copier. Liaison with BUFORA and CONTACT was also discussed. A lecture by Stephen Cleaver of FUFOR sparked a debate about the Llanerchymedd CE3 case, with Cleaver arguing that NUFON had exaggerated its significance. A need for standard UFO terminology was raised, leading to a NUFON suggestion for a joint working committee with BUFORA and CONTACT. Jenny Randles presented research on 'repeater witnesses', indicating patterns in close encounter cases related to deep sleep stages and suggesting a possible psychological basis. Peter Warrington gave a talk on perception in relation to UFO witnesses, emphasizing the complexity of the UFO event-reporting cycle. Notably, FUFOR decided unanimously to withdraw its involvement with NUFON, citing 'worrying factors' without specifying reasons.

UFO Abductions - What Are They?

This section features multiple articles exploring the nature of UFO abductions.

The Contact Concept (by Andy Collins, UFOIN)

Andy Collins discusses UFO contacts, distinguishing between those with direct recall and 'Unknowing Contacts' who are influenced without awareness. He argues that research should focus more on the people involved in abduction cases rather than just the sightings. Collins identifies several symptoms of contactees, including being highly strung, having changeable moods, experiencing paranormal abilities like telepathy and premonitions, and having vivid dreams. He also notes unusual visual spectrum characteristics and potential warning mechanisms like odd noises or apparitions. The article suggests that strange figures, noises, poltergeist phenomena, cold spots, and unusual smells can be associated with contacts. Collins concludes that the study of contacts and potential abductions is complex and requires thorough investigation of witnesses' backgrounds.

Operation Smokescreen (by Jenny Randles, MUFORA & UFOIN)

Jenny Randles defines CE4s (Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind) as UFO experiences with deep psychological or psychic elements, aligning with her previous work distinguishing UFO abductions from normal UFO experiences. She argues that abductions involve time-breaks and distortions, are specific to certain witness types, and often have intensive symbolism. Randles suspects that abductions may be only peripherally related to 'real' UFO experiences, suggesting that the intense subjectivity of abduction stories raises doubts. She notes that abduction stories are not mutually consistent, but share common structural elements like 'outer space' origins and silver suits. Randles explores the possibility of an intelligence behind abductions creating a 'smokescreen' to reinforce acceptable beliefs, or alternatively, that abduction narratives are a psychological function of the human mind, influenced by cultural stereotypes. She expresses caution regarding 'regression hypnosis' and the potential for investigators to subtly influence witness accounts.

Not What - But Whom? (by John Watson, CHRYSIS & UFOIN)

John Watson shifts the focus from 'what' is abducting to 'who' is abducting. He questions the reliability of regression hypnosis and posits that if even a fraction of abduction claims are true, the origin of the craft and occupants must be determined. Watson reviews various theories, including hollow earth civilizations, lost civilizations, and extraterrestrial origin, ultimately favoring the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) as the most plausible, while acknowledging it's a personal viewpoint based on a small percentage of credible witnesses.

Bert and a Blunt Razor (by Nigel Watson, SUFORS & UFOIN)

Nigel Watson presents a satirical and humorous take on UFO abductions, personifying the abductors as 'Bert' and his 'stupid spaceman' friends. This narrative suggests that 'Bert' abducts humans as a form of humor, creating 'psychotic disturbances' in witnesses with his jokes. The article humorously links historical events and figures (Newton, Napoleon, Moses) to Bert's antics. It concludes that the fantasies believed by many about UFOs are based on simplistic notions, implying that if such beings as 'Bert' don't exist, they should be invented for the benefit of ufologists.

Investigations

This section details various UFO sightings and encounters:

• Cosmos 1068 Object: Reports from December 31st, 1978, of a metallic cigar-shaped object with a tail, seen across the NUFON region. While officially explained as a rocket re-entry, NLUFOIG's extensive file suggests consistent features not aligning with a fast-moving fireball.
• Low Definition Activity: Several reports from January 1979, including a flashing object in Haydock and lights in Sutton Coldfield.
• Medium Definition Activity: Reports from August 1977 to February 1979, detailing sightings of cigar-shaped objects, a 'Manta Ray' shape, a 'Venus' sighting, and a 'Gas cloud'.
• Mr Gerrard's Sighting (December 19, 1973): An analytical chemist assistant reported a solid-looking blue sphere, estimated at 60-ft diameter, dropping from a steep bank and streaking away south along the electric rail line. The investigator suspects a rare electrical effect rather than ball lightning.
• West Midlands/Staffs Sighting (January 9, 1979): A mother and daughter spotted a cigar-coloured orange object with hazy ends, rotating and flashing white, moving slightly W and hovering.
• MED DEF (Various dates and locations): Reports of domed discs, orange oval shapes, and similar objects seen in various locations across the UK, with some speculation about vapor trails or gas clouds.
• Hough, Cheshire (September 21, 1977): A photograph of white blobs was presented, but analysis revealed no significant factors and discrepancies in testimony, suggesting a possible hoax.
• The Lullington Woods Encounters (December 1977): Two reports of objects seen in close proximity. The first involved an orange oval shape descending and blinking out. The second described an object like two saucers rim to rim, with lights and landing legs, hovering and then ascending rapidly.

Elsewhere This Month

This section provides brief summaries of other UFO publications:

• BUFORA JOURNAL (Jan/Feb 1979): Many UK sighting reports.
• IRISH UFO NEWS (Jan 1979): Features a 1909 Airship article, UFOs & the paranormal, and latest space news.
• CUFORO Newsletter (Winter 78-79): Case reports from CUFORO and HAPI.
• SKYWATCH (Feb/Mar 1979): Covers Siberian events and amazing autumn skies.
• CHRYSIS 79 (Jan 1979): Explores Leylines & UFOs, scientific analysis of UFOs, and news.
• SIGAP NEWS (Jan 1979): Reports from Mexico, New Zealand, and Surrey.
• PEGASUS (Mar 1979): Cases and statistics from Surrey.

Addresses and subscription details for these publications are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature and investigation of UFO abductions, the challenges faced by ufologists in coordinating efforts and maintaining objectivity, and the potential psychological underpinnings of abduction experiences. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jenny Randles, is one of advocating for constructive criticism, standardized terminology, and collaborative investigation. There's a clear emphasis on critical thinking and avoiding unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the face of complex phenomena like abductions. The humorous piece by Nigel Watson, while lighthearted, subtly underscores the idea that some UFO narratives might be products of imagination or simplistic interpretations, serving the needs of the UFO community itself.

Title: NORTHERN UFOLOGY
Issue Date: April 1979
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Northern UFology features a detailed report on a UFO landing and entity encounter case in Clwyd, Wales, from July 1976. It also includes a brief mention of a case in Lullington Woods and discusses organizational matters within the ufology community.

LANDING WITH ENTITIES IN CLWYD

The main article details an incident that occurred on Saturday, July 24, 1976, in Oakenholt, Clwyd. The case was initially investigated by WUFOS and later pursued by Paul Whetnall and Jenny Randles of WUFOBA, with Martin Keatman of UFORA undertaking a detailed site analysis for UFOIN. The incident involved a 9-year-old girl named Gaynor Sunderland, who was riding her bike when she saw a metallic object over a hedge in a field.

The Object and Entities

The object is described as a silvery dome with a rim around the bottom, approximately 10 feet high and 35 feet wide. It featured a row of four square windows of different yellow shades. A dark shape was seen passing across one window. A figure emerged from the craft, described as male ('He'), dressed in a one-piece silver suit with a balaclava-type helmet and thick-soled boots. He was about 5'5" tall, with an angular body, and had only four fingers (three pointed and a thumb) on each hand, a pale thin face, and large white eyes with tiny pink pupils. He carried an L-shaped cream 'gun' that fired a red ray to the ground, making a series of 5-6 little holes in the grass, which he then bent down to feel.

The Encounter and Departure

After a few minutes, the male entity returned to the craft, and a ramp descended. He seemingly communicated with a 'hand' that emerged from the craft before going back inside. Shortly after, a female entity emerged. She was similar to the male but about 4 inches shorter and carried a long, jagged dagger, which she used to examine the holes. She then returned to the craft after hearing a whimpering noise from it. Gaynor felt that both entities detected her presence, causing her physiological sensations of dizziness and nausea. Rooted to the spot, she fled when the woman went back inside, gashing her leg on the hedge. She observed the UFO take off at an angle into a single cloud, emitting a hum, a smell of burning, and causing the leaves on adjacent trees to tremble.

Post-Incident Investigation and Findings

The following day, Gaynor returned to the field with her brother and found a circular area of silver-tinted grass. The holes had been filled in, but the grass around them was noticeably greener. Gaynor was recently regressively hypnotized, adding a few more details to her testimony, which was described as complex. The hypnotist was positive that she was relating a genuine experience.

Case Statistics

The report notes a total of 15 cases, with 5 classified as 'unknown', equating to 33%.

LULLINGTON WOODS Case (Continuation)

A brief continuation of a case from Lullington Woods is mentioned. The story was reported to the police, who found no reason to disbelieve it. While investigators found some evidence of exaggeration, they felt the basic encounter was genuine. One of the girls involved suffered a severe post-reaction, becoming ill and psychosomatically affected the next day.

Organizational Matters

Further to a note on page 2, it is stated that FUFOR and MAPIT have written in almost precisely word-for-word terms to withdraw from NUFON. While acknowledging NUFON as a good idea, they have not explained their reasons. The publication notes that recent comments have indicated strong support from NUFON associates for their present format and calls for groups to come forward with any comments or ideas on their present status and methods, whether to endorse or criticize.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue focuses heavily on a detailed case study of a UFO landing and entity encounter, emphasizing witness testimony, physical evidence, and investigative procedures including hypnotic regression. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, with a commitment to detailed reporting. The publication also engages with the broader ufology community, addressing organizational dynamics and seeking feedback from its readership.