Northern UFO News - No 81

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 81
Volume/Date: February 1981
Publisher: Northern UFO Network (NUFON)
Cover Headline: NUFON

This issue of Northern UFO News, published monthly by the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), focuses on ufological ethics, recent sighting reports, and a comprehensive directory of UFO groups.

Editorial: Who said that ... Not Me!

Jenny Randles, the editor, addresses a controversy stemming from an interview she gave to the Liverpool Echo regarding an article in the MIGAP house journal 'Mersey News'. Randles clarifies her stance on ufology, emphasizing the need for it to be a science based on empirical evidence rather than a cult or belief. She expresses frustration with media misinterpretations of her statements, particularly concerning the idea that 'most sightings are rubbish'. Randles defends her position that while sincere witnesses exist, many reports are indeed misidentifications of conventional objects like aircraft or stars. She argues for the importance of psychological and sociological analysis in understanding UFO reports, suggesting that focusing on these aspects could lead to new scientific insights. She questions the priorities in ufological research, implying that a significant portion of reports (90%) are not genuine UFOs, and suggests that the existing data might be sufficient if analyzed effectively. Randles concludes by reaffirming her passion for finding the truth, which she believes requires honesty.

John Hind's Reply: AN OPEN LETTER TO J.R.

John Hind responds to Jenny Randles' editorial, suggesting her surprise at media misrepresentation is somewhat naive. He argues that the media's role is to inform and entertain, and UFO programs will naturally reflect establishment scientific views or sensationalism. Hind praises the TV program 'Mysterious World' for its balanced presentation and Arthur Clarke's healthy skepticism, particularly highlighting the Tunguska program. He defends Arthur Clarke against perceived criticism, praising his vision for the future and his ability to communicate complex ideas. Hind offers three suggestions to Randles: read Arthur C. Clarke's 'Imperial Earth', view American TV UFO programs, and be more cautious when approached by the media ('one bitten twice shy').

News Items

• Birmingham Sunday Mercury: Featured three double-page spreads on the UFO phenomenon, including cases, theories, and personalities, with UFCCIS and SKYSCAN being highlighted.
• NUFON Meeting: The next meeting/conference is planned for April in Manchester, likely focusing on 'Physical UFO phenomena: their causes and effects'. MIGAP has also offered to host a conference in Liverpool in the Autumn.
• Northern UFology Theme: The April theme is 'Window Areas and Ufocals'. Contributions are requested.
• Editor's Absence: Jenny Randles will be out of contact in hospital from February 20 for a couple of weeks, potentially delaying the March newsletter. Urgent issues should be directed to Peter Warrington or Syd Henley.
• Publications:
• Bob Morrell has published the 1980 UFO abstracts, which includes an editorial critical of NUFON and its editor.
• UFOSIS has issued a news-sheet for January with sightings and news.
• FUFOR's 'UFO INSIGHT' (January 1981) includes an update on the international working party, which recently held its second meeting in Denmark.

UFOLOGIST IN THE HOUSE (Jenny Randles)

Jenny Randles recounts her experience speaking to the all-party UFO study group at the House of Lords in January 1979. Initially viewing the institution with outsider skepticism, she was surprised by the respect and dynamic nature of the debates. She describes the event, including the presence of various individuals, and her talk which aimed to be an unemotive and unbiased discussion of ufology's pros and cons. She notes the positive reactions from some Lords, including the Earl of Ilchester and Admiral Hill-Norton, who was convinced of a major cover-up. Randles reflects on the significance of having such discussions in a place of power and expresses hope that the study group will gain recognition for the UFO mystery.

THE SECRET OF HANGAR 18

The author reviews the film 'Hangar 18', dismissing the media's claims of it being 'the truth' or an exposé of a UFO cover-up as a marketing ploy. While acknowledging the film's entertainment value as 'mildly diverting' and 'OK', the reviewer finds it a 'none starter' in terms of ufology. Criticisms include the unconvincing UFO effects, the aliens looking like actors, and a plot that borrows heavily from 'Capricorn One'. The reviewer notes the film's attempt to suggest a government cover-up but ultimately dismisses its UFO content as unconvincing.

INVESTIGATIONS.... LOW DEFINITION

This section lists several UFO sightings from July to September 1980, categorized by definition level. Each entry includes a case number, date, time, location, witness details, a description of the object and its behavior, and an evaluation.

• Case 8049 (July 10): Atherstone - Man saw a white LITS circling a field. Evaluation: Insufficient data.
• Case 8051 (July 23): Hinckley - White LITS seen on a straight trajectory. Evaluation: Aircraft.
• Case 8050 (July 13): Twycross - Two witnesses saw a bright cigar with flashing lights and heard buzzing. Evaluation: Aircraft.
• Case 8052 (July 28): Hinckley - Graham Hall saw a kite-like object revolving with red and green colors, making a droning noise. Evaluation: Insufficient data.
• Case 8053 (July 28): Groby - Golden sphere seen over hospital, rotating and changing color. Evaluation: UNKNOWN.
• Case 8054 (August 5): Loughborough - Yellow object seen briefly, evaporated. Evaluation: Moon.
• Case 8056 (September 13): Hull - Blue oval and pink light reported. Evaluation: Insufficient.
• Case 8057 (November 2): Ashby-de-la-zouch - Five children witnessed a red cigar object with flashing lights, remaining for 15 minutes. Evaluation: Aircraft.

MULTI-WITNESS PHENOMENON OVER DERBYSHIRE (Case 8055, August 31 1980)

This summary is based on a 75-page report detailing a sighting on August 31, 1980, between 00:30 and 00:50. Multiple witnesses observed a large dark oval object, described as like a hovercraft or giant airship, moving SE-NW at a low altitude. It was surrounded by red, green, white, and blue lights. The presence of blue lights is noted as unusual for aircraft. The sighting lasted about 10 minutes and was located on a direct flightpath into Manchester Airport. MUFORA suggests the object might have been a quiet jet, though this is difficult to prove.

TIN-HAT UFO IN LIVERPOOL (Case 8048, June 23 1980)

This report, prepared by John Morris, details a sighting by two witnesses (Rosalind and Wayne) who saw an object like two tin plates stuck together with lights and windows. It hovered for two minutes before rising slowly. The 47-page report includes full witness transcripts and investigation details.

NORTHERN UFO GROUPS DIRECTORY (Correct to February 1 1981)

This section provides a comprehensive list of UFO groups affiliated with NUFON across Scotland, Ireland, and England, along with their contact details, founding dates, membership status, and areas of interest. Notable groups include:

• Scotland: Scottish UFO Network (SCUFON)
• Ireland: IURC (Irish UFO Research Centre)
• England:
• Borders: CHRYSIS (Redcar), NLUFOIG (Morecambe)
• Central: SUFORS (Scunthorpe), DIGAP (Manchester), MUFORA (Manchester), MIGAP (Merseyside), FUFOR (Crewe), MAPIT (Stockport)
• Midlands: LEMR (Boston), NUFOIS (Nottingham), UAPROL (Leicester), PARASEARCH (Stone), UFOSIS (Birmingham)

Each entry provides contact information and a brief description of the group's activities and focus, such as investigations, research into leys and folklore, or publishing magazines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization of ufology, the challenges of media representation, and the importance of rigorous investigation. Jenny Randles' editorial sets a tone of advocating for ufology as a serious scientific pursuit, emphasizing empirical evidence and critical analysis. The inclusion of numerous detailed sighting reports, categorized by definition, highlights the ongoing efforts of NUFON and its affiliated groups to collect and analyze UFO data. The extensive directory underscores the network's collaborative approach and the widespread interest in UFO phenomena across the UK. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a more scientific and less cult-like approach to ufology, while acknowledging the passion and dedication of investigators.