Northern UFO News - No 84

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 84
Volume: MAY 1981
Publisher: Northern UFO Network (NUFON)
Country: UK
Price: £3.60 for 12 issues

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, dated May 1981, is primarily characterized by a significant editorial debate concerning the direction of ufology, specifically the balance between scientific investigation and paranormal interpretations. The cover features a stylized map of Great Britain with the prominent text 'NUFON', suggesting a focus on the organization and its activities.

Guest Editorial: "Methinks the lady doth protest too much" by Dr Robert Morrell

Dr. Robert Morrell, in a strongly worded guest editorial, criticizes NUFON and its editor, Jenny Randles, for what he perceives as a drift towards 'anti-scientific paranormalism'. He argues that while organizations and individuals are free to pursue their beliefs, NUFON, as a network of groups, should maintain a scientific rigor. Morrell specifically points to the 1980 Birmingham conference as a failure due to its lack of balance, excluding crucial aspects of dream psychology and regression hypnosis. He also criticizes several issues of NUFON's journals for overstressing paranormal concepts, and singles out the June 1980 issue of Northern Ufology as an 'almost unqualified apology for paranormalism'. Morrell questions Randles' role as editor, given her self-description as a 'paranormal researcher', suggesting her personal interest may have overridden the need for balance. He expresses concern that if NUFON's current committee-led approach in 1981 fails to curb extremes, the organization may disintegrate.

Editor's Response (Comment by J.R.)

Jenny Randles, the editor, responds to Dr. Morrell's points, acknowledging the importance of balance and encouraging readers to voice their opinions if they perceive a lack of it. She defends the 1980 conference, stating its purpose was to bring ufologists together to discuss their latest work on CE4 experiences, and that the scope was limited for a one-day seminar. She also questions the availability of psychologists for such events.

Randles further defends the editorial stance of Northern Ufology, stating that its themes are varied and that reader contributions are welcomed. She explains that Bob's (Morrell's) extensive article could have filled an entire issue and that she offered to serialize it or publish it in a companion magazine. She reiterates that she is a paranormal researcher but also a ufologist with an open mind about correlations between UFOs and the paranormal, viewing it as a subject for debate. She denies any responsibility for a lack of balance, attributing the controversial theme to her choice.

News Round-Up

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related activities and groups:

• SSPR (Sheffield Society for Paranormal Research): A new group in the network, with a secretary holding a degree in biology and a PhD in plant breeding.
• Ernst Berger (Dr Alexander Keul): An Austrian ufologist visiting the UK in September, known for work on psychology and personality testing of UFO witnesses.
• Mark Brown: Interested in the application of biorhythms to close encounter witnesses.
• North Devon Group (MAUFOG): Suggested a national 'UFO action' week to raise public awareness and funds.
• PROBE (MAUFOG): Reported that early UFO records from 1951-1955, expected to be released in 1981, were found to be grouped together and delayed until 1985.
• J. Leslie Otley: The death of the founder of TUFOS and editor of ORBIT is announced.
• BUFORA Congress: Reminder about the upcoming congress at the Mount Royal Hotel, London, on May 24/25.
• MUFORA Seminar: Announcement of a one-day seminar on June 6 in Manchester, focusing on UFO hypotheses (ETH, paranormal, psychological, and 'others').

Elsewhere This Month

Brief mentions of other publications and articles:

• FSR Vol 26 No 6: Features an article on 'repeater witnesses' and a review of Derbyshire sightings.
• FORTEAN TIMES 34: Contains articles on synchronicity and modern dinosaurs.
• MAGIC SAUCER Mar/Apr: Includes cartoons, sightings, and stories.
• IRISH UFO NEWS No 8: Covers Irish UFOs and a review of an Irish radar case.
• NUFORO Bulletin: A new duplicated news-sheet from ex-BUFORA NIC Nigel Stephenson.
• SEARCH WEST: Publishes news from the US, including how to build a UFO camera.

Review: "Are we being watched?" by Janet & Colin Bord

This review discusses a book of UFO sightings exclusively involving children. While acknowledging the book's lively and concise presentation, the reviewer expresses reservations. They note the absence of any mention of NUFON or UFOIN, despite the authors' relationship with these groups. More significantly, the reviewer is critical of the scene reconstructions, feeling they involve too much artistic license and may not accurately reflect the witness accounts. The reviewer concludes that while the book is well-produced, it is disappointing due to these issues.

Developing a UFO Code of Practice

This section details a meeting held on March 28 between members of NUFON, MAUFOG, CONTACT, and BUFORA to establish a code of ethics for UFO investigators. The aim is to create a list of 'accredited investigators' once agreement is reached. The proposed code is presented, divided into three main areas:

• A: Responsibility to the witness: Emphasizes confidentiality of identity, prior appointment for interviews, recording interviews (with consent), conducting interviews in pairs (with preference for female investigators with women/children), respecting private property, making good any damage caused, notifying authorities in dangerous situations, and prohibiting hypnosis without written consent and qualified practitioners.
• B: Responsibility to the public: Outlines cooperation with police and official bodies, and restrictions on releasing information to the media without group agreement.
• C: Responsibility to ufology: Stresses the free flow of information for non-personal gain, confidentiality of certain information, and the duty to make all possible data available while avoiding speculation and bias.

Readers are urged to consider the proposed code and submit written comments.

Status Report from Oakenholt

This report follows up on the UFOIN investigation into the Sunderland family CE4 at Oakenholt. It mentions a book titled 'ALIEN CONTACT' by Jenny Randles & Paul Whetnall, due for publication. Recent events include Darren seeing a 'flying cube' in broad daylight, a tiny red ball appearing, and a 'jetplane' dematerializing. His mother continues to see lightballs, and the family reports communication from entities.

UFO Sightings Reports (Cataloged)

This section lists numerous UFO sightings with details such as date, location, witnesses, object description, and investigator notes. Notable entries include:

• LOW 8107 (February): Four security officers saw an object moving E-W at 500 ft.
• MED 77-328 (July): A man, his friend, and son saw an oval shape approaching over the sea.
• MED 8066 (January 13): A couple saw an or/red ball moving slowly.
• MED 8106 (January 10): Two witnesses saw a cigar with lights.
• MED 8108 (February 11): Three men saw a 'headlight' approach over the River Ouse, described as a yellowy cone.
• INST/P 79-149 (December 31, 1979): A chartered surveyor saw bright white lights (LITS) moving across the sky.
• THE CALL OF THE UFO (Case 7345): Ian Campbell reported seeing three yellow/orange spheres over Loch Ryan in June 1973.
• NO MILK TODAY (Case 78-270): Tommy Gibson saw two silver/grey ovals near Drummore.

Psychic Contact Reported with Entity (Case 77-329)

This report details an investigation into a claim by a witness named Malcolm, who reported a telepathic contact with a seven-foot-tall entity with dark sea-green skin. Malcolm, who claims to be psychic, described the entity as originating from 'space' and having intentions to help mankind. The investigators note the similarity to other 'bedroom visitor' CE4 contact cases and suggest a possible link to schizophrenia, though they found Malcolm to be sincere. The report includes a comparison with a 'Pluto' contact case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the fundamental debate in ufology: the tension between rigorous scientific investigation and the acceptance of paranormal or less conventional explanations. Dr. Morrell champions a strict, evidence-based scientific approach, while Jenny Randles, as editor, appears more open to exploring a wider range of phenomena, including psychic and paranormal aspects, while still advocating for balance. The proposed code of ethics for investigators underscores the importance of responsible and systematic research. The issue also highlights the ongoing nature of UFO sightings and investigations across the UK, with numerous case reports and updates on various UFO organizations.