NORTHERN UFONEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFONEWS
Issue: 90
Date: November 1981
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of NORTHERN UFONEWS, published eight times a year by the NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON), delves into the critical state of UFO research, proposes new methodologies, and reports on recent sightings and organizational developments within the ufology community.

Editorial: "Separating Weetabix from Shreddies" (or How to Identify Time UFOs)

The editorial, penned by Jenny Randles (MUFORA), critiques the current state of UFO research, arguing that the vast majority of data consists of unidentified flying objects (IFOs) rather than genuine UFOs. Randles contends that lumping all data together into a single 'stew' prevents meaningful analysis. She proposes that research should focus on identifying and classifying specific sub-types of UFO phenomena, citing the orange/yellow/blue oval associated with power sources as an example of a distinct type. Randles believes that by isolating these specific phenomena, researchers can move away from circular arguments and find plausible explanations for individual cases, rather than seeking a single, overarching explanation for 'the UFO phenomenon,' which she suggests does not exist, but rather 'UFO Phenomena' do.

NUFON Publications in 1982

Important changes are announced for NUFON's publication schedule in 1982. NORTHERN UFO NEWS will continue to be published eight months a year at a new subscription rate of £2.80 per annum. Additionally, a new publication, 'NORTHERN UFOLOGY,' will be launched to provide more detailed case histories than the newsletter allows. A joint subscription for NORTHERN UFO NEWS and Issues 1 to 4 of 'CASE HISTORIES' will be offered for £4.20 per annum. Readers are also advised to subscribe to 'UFO RESEARCH REVIEW' for more in-depth coverage.

News and Updates

Several organizational updates are featured:

• PARASEARCH: The West Midlands group is back in operation with a new centre and address in Coventry, continuing to investigate UFO activity.
• UFOIN: Has gained Dr. A.M. Alnahhas as a consultant, specializing in Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, whose advice on physiological effects may be valuable.
• BUREAU FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF PARANORMAL PHOTOGRAPHS: Directed by Cyril Permutt, this group is interested in anomalous UFO photographs and has technical support and archives of images.
• Italian Ufologists: Inspired by a proposed 'Ufologists Condon Report,' a team of Italian ufologists plans to re-evaluate classic cases and publish a detailed report. They are seeking UK researchers to collaborate on UK cases.
• BUFORA BULLETIN (No. 2): Described as a better offering in a new, cheaper format with 24 pages of articles and reports.
• MAGIC SAUCER (17): This issue is noted for its eclectic content, including sightings, poetry, and various unusual topics.
• MERSEY NEWS (22): Features a survey on MIGAP members and a report on a CE3 case.
• GUERNSEY UFO RESEARCH GROUP Circular (11): Reviews latest news and includes the first Channel Island UFO reports.
• SIGAPS PEGASUS (Jul/Aug): Shows pictures from the BUFORA Congress and summarizes Bruce Maccabee's paper on the ETH.

Reviews

• NATURALLY SUPERNATURAL - THE SUPERNATURALIST Issue 1 (£1.50): This new magazine, edited by Andy Collins (UFOIN investigator), is described as a 'Parasearch Publication' targeting a broader audience. It is praised for its value, containing 64 pages with approximately 25,000 words and numerous photographs. The style is compared to 'STRANGE PHENOMENA,' with a mix of magic, mystery, and curious phenomena. It includes a review of earth mysteries, a survey of ghost theories, and detailed coverage of ufology, including the Aveley abduction case.

ASSAP - What is it about?

In June, a new national body called ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) was launched. The article clarifies that ASSAP is not exclusively a UFO group but aims to investigate and correlate scientific enigmas using rigorous methodology. It seeks to bring scientific investigation to subjects often considered taboo. The membership fee is £6 per annum. The article highlights ASSAP's potential role in ufology as a 'neutral outside force' or catalyst for reform, aiming to standardize the field and encourage self-action within the movement. A Code of Practice has been developed, and a meeting is scheduled for November 14 in Nottingham to discuss its implementation.

Investigations

This section details several specific UFO sightings and encounters:

• The November 1980 Wave: Between November 21 and 28, 1980, the north of the UK experienced eight cases, including CE3/4s, a police chase, TV disturbance, and animal interference. This wave is noted for its high calibre despite a general decrease in UFO sightings that year.
• Liverpool Yacht Incident (September 12, 1980): A yacht sank after striking a mysterious, heavy, metallic underwater object off the French coast.
• Prestatyn Sighting (September 20, 1980): A family reported a 40-foot long object landing on their lawn after a loud bang, which was later identified as an inflatable shark.
• Low Definition Activity: Several brief sightings are cataloged, including:
• A half-moon object over a factory in Brough, Humberside (Winter 1970-71).
• Large White Lights (LITS) seen moving in a zig-zag pattern near Stoke Golding, Leics (April 17, 1981).
• A White Oval LITS seen moving across the sky in Coventry (June 13, 1981).
• A large number of starlike lights exploding into the sky near Prescot, Merseyside (August 28, 1981).
• Numerous LITS moving fast over the hills near Bacup, Lancashire (October 15, 1981).
• Medium Definition Activity: More detailed reports include:
• An object described as manmade, covered in reflective tinfoil, rotating and coloured, seen in Hinckley, Leics (July 28, 1980).
• A star-like oval with square windows seen floating by a bedroom window in Burley-in-Wharfedale, W Yorks (November 23, 1980).
• Stationary White LITS over a rooftop in Openshawe, Manchester (October 14, 1981), which then shot off rapidly.
• Time Distortion on the Telford Road (July 16, 1981): A detailed report of three young women experiencing a time distortion and sighting a disc-shaped UFO with white and red lights. The incident involved a perceived discrepancy of up to 25 minutes between their car's time and the police log, leading to consideration of hypnosis for further investigation.
• Severe Disturbance After Encounter (October 9, 1981): Two women in Bradford witnessed a solid sphere object that vanished and reappeared, growing into a cigar/oval and plummeting downwards, causing significant distress.
• Apparition at the P.O.W. Camp (February 28, 1981): A report of an encounter with a glowing, pulsating figure near Market Drayton, Salop. The entity, described as three feet tall with a red head and luminous eyes, was observed by three men. The figure seemed intelligent and aware, and after being confronted, it faded away.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical need for methodological rigor in UFO research, the importance of classifying UFO reports into distinct categories, and the introduction of new organizations like ASSAP that aim to bring a more scientific approach to the study of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jenny Randles, is one of frustration with the current state of ufology and a strong call for a more disciplined and analytical approach to understanding UFO sightings and related phenomena. There is also a focus on reporting recent UFO activity and organizational news within the UK ufology community.