Northern Ufology No 1

Magazine Overview

'Northern UFOLOGY' is the inaugural issue of a journal published by the Northern Unidentified Flying Objects Network (NUFON), a communications and liaison medium for UFO organizations and researchers in northern Britain. This issue, dated October 1976, aims to provide a platform for detailed views, reviews, research reports, and sighting reports, with the understanding that opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the network's stance. The editor is Ken Green, and NUFON's address is provided through Miss Jenny Randles. The issue also thanks Jenny Randles and Nick Simon for their assistance.

Contents

The issue features a "Book Review" of Jacques Vallee's 'The Invisible College,' an article titled 'Looking Back - To Look Ahead' by Jenny Randles, 'Wider Horizons' by Nigel Watson, 'Ufonauts: Who and What Are They?' by J. B. Delair, a section on 'Newsletters, Magazines and Journals,' and a 'Sighting Investigation' of 'The Mrs. Hamilton Case.'

Book Review: The Invisible College by Jacques Vallee

This review, written by Peter Warrington of MUFORA, praises Jacques Vallee's 'The Invisible College' for moving beyond mere statistics in UFO research. Vallee hypothesizes that the UFO phenomenon might function as a control system, stabilizing the relationship between human needs and the world's complexities, akin to a thermostat. The review notes that the book discusses the Uri Geller case, examining motives and consequences rather than Geller's abilities. Vallee identifies four key elements driving changes in UFO thinking: patterns of belief among those claiming contact with non-human intelligences, and the growth of organizations like UMMO and APEN. Warrington considers the book a bold step forward, supporting its contribution to understanding the phenomenon, despite potential personal viewpoints. The book is published by E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc., New York, with a UK price of approximately £5.80.

Looking Back - To Look Ahead by Jenny Randles

Jenny Randles reflects on her nine years of involvement in ufology, dating back to 1967 when she subscribed to 'Flying Saucer Review.' She emphasizes the importance of publications like FSR and the paperback market as breeding grounds for 'active' ufologists, suggesting a need for a system that cultivates this engagement without sensationalism. Randles recounts her early involvement with BUFORA, initially as a passive member and later seeking to become an investigator. Dissatisfied with BUFORA's local effectiveness, she joined the Flying Saucer Investigation Team (FSIT) in 1973, which eventually led to the formation of Probe and later the Union of Northern Observers (UNO), which evolved into NUFON. Randles outlines five key needs for UFO research in the UK: cultivating passive ufologists, providing avenues for their development, proliferating local investigation groups, enabling active researchers to develop ideas, and creating a bridgehead to science. She believes NUFON is instrumental in addressing the need for local groups and regional networks, while BUFORA caters to passive members. The article also mentions ongoing research projects like the Northern England Historical Catalogue, the BUFORA R&I's work on the Vehicle Interference Project, and planned conferences.

Wider Horizons by Nigel Watson

Nigel Watson challenges the overwhelming focus on the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs. He argues that while the logic of advanced beings visiting Earth is plausible, the lack of concrete evidence for spacecraft, photographs, or artifacts is problematic. Watson suggests shifting research perspectives to examine the UFO mystery alongside other unknown or paranormal phenomena, including ghosts, phantoms, and folklore. He points to correlations between paranormal and UFO literature, citing Jacques Vallee's work and publications like the 'Metempiral UFO-Bulletin' and 'Flying Saucer Review.' Watson encourages researchers to explore local folklore, history, and contemporary strange phenomena, utilizing resources like local libraries, museums, and specialist organizations such as the Society for Psychical Research and the Folklore Society. He also highlights the work of Charles Fort and the 'Fortean Times' for documenting inexplicable phenomena. Watson stresses the importance of interviewing UFO witnesses about any paranormal events in their area, believing that a broader understanding of local phenomena enhances an investigator's capability.

Ufonauts: Who and What Are They? by J. B. Delair

J. B. Delair addresses the often-neglected question of the identity and nature of UFO occupants, or 'ufonauts.' He questions the common assumption that ufonauts are simply the alien owners and operators of UFOs. Delair proposes that the apparent gulf between human intellectual levels and that of ufonauts, coupled with their advanced technology, suggests their actions are rational within their own context, even if seemingly irrational to humans. He notes incongruities in the UFO record, where advanced technology is juxtaposed with seemingly childish ufonaut behavior. Delair explores three alternatives for understanding ufonauts: multiple alien races, subservient creatures or robots, or projections of an intelligence lacking physical form. He discusses various reported ufonaut types, including hairy dwarfs, 'normals,' and 'giants,' and the classifications proposed by Webb and Bloecher. Delair highlights the diversity of reported forms and suggests that some may be robotic or subservient, while others might use holographic methods. He also touches upon the possibility of programmed birds and 'Mothman' sightings coinciding with UFO activity, suggesting a connection to reconnaissance or camouflage. Delair posits that ufonaut activities on Earth, such as collecting soil, water, and biological samples, might indicate a large-scale program related to life, its propagation, or even the development of new life forms, potentially involving extraterrestrial collaboration or even the original seeding of life on Earth.

Newsletters, Magazines and Journals

This section briefly mentions the existence of various publications and organizations relevant to UFO research, including 'Flying Saucer Review,' 'Metempiral UFO-Bulletin,' 'INFO Journal,' and the 'Fortean Times.' It also notes the work of the 'Society for Psychical Research,' the 'Folklore Society,' and the 'Parapsychical Laboratory.'

Sighting Investigation: The Mrs. Hamilton Case

This section is not detailed in the provided text, but its inclusion in the contents suggests a specific case study was presented.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue's recurring themes revolve around the critical examination of UFO research methodologies, the exploration of the nature and origins of UFO occupants ('ufonauts'), and the potential connections between UFO phenomena and broader paranormal or folkloric traditions. There is a clear editorial stance favoring a more rigorous, open-minded, and multidisciplinary approach to ufology, moving beyond simplistic explanations and encouraging deeper investigation into the complexities of the phenomenon. The journal positions itself as a platform for detailed research and diverse viewpoints within the UFO community in Britain.

Title: NORTHERN UFOLOGY
Issue: Number 1
Date: October, 1976
Publisher: NUFON
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of NORTHERN UFOLOGY, published in October 1976, focuses on reviewing UFO-related publications and presenting a detailed case study. The publication aims to cover newsletters, magazines, and journals produced by UFO groups and national organizations.

Reviews of UFO Publications

The issue begins with a review of various UFO publications, including national magazines and group journals. The reviews assess the content, quality, and availability of each publication.

• FLYING SAUCER REVIEW (Independent): Described as an excellent, fully printed international journal of about 32 pages, concentrating on detailed sighting reports, opinionated articles, and UFO news from around the world. Despite past publication date issues, it is noted as being back on schedule and the best UFO journal encountered.
• BUFORA JOURNAL (British UFO Research Association): This journal has been reduced in size and paper quality to save money for other publications. It is now sixteen pages long but maintains a high quality and professional appearance. It focuses on group news and events but also includes interesting articles and sighting summaries. It is available only to members, making the £5 subscription for six issues expensive.
• AWARENESS (Contact U.K.): This journal minimizes group news to maximize space for interesting articles. Sightings are not included, but there are excellent items on specific cases. The print quality is noted as being poor, but the content quality compensates for this.
• IRISH UFO NEWS (BUFORA Northern Ireland): A twice-yearly magazine established in January 1976, providing a readable resume of the current Irish UFO scene. It is well-produced and includes sighting summaries and general articles. The July 1976 issue introduced supplements of photocopied newspaper articles and interview transcripts. It is available to NUFON associates for 50 pence per annum.
• MUFORA LINK (Manchester UFO Research Association): This publication, first issued in March 1976, is printed on A4 paper and intended mainly for group members but of interest to most ufologists. It aims to "fill a gap...between Flying Saucer Review and NUFON News" by producing a high-content quality magazine at a low price. It contains no sighting reports or group news but features comments, findings, and general articles, primarily from group members. Circulation is strictly limited, and no subscription exists.
• PROTEUS (UFÓ Studies Information Service): Only one issue had been produced at the time of review. It was an expensively photocopied production, primarily of interest to UFOSIS members, with plans to include more general interest content, such as a survey of Canadian ufology.
• SDRUFORA MAGAZINE (Sheffield UFO Research Association): The first copy reviewed showed promise, with a cover drawing and inside illustration. It is a group publication focusing on group information and local sightings, with a 'chatty' format.
• SKYLINK (Wirral UFO Society): This bi-monthly publication has been produced since January 1973. It caters to group members, providing space for opinions and updates on world UFO news, book reviews, and local sighting summaries. It is considered successful in keeping WUFOS members informed.
• SPUR (Space, Phenomena and Ufology Research Group): This publication deals with both ufology and space travel/research. Despite its small A5 size, it is available on the open market. The print quality is noted as poor in places, but the content is well laid out and the overall impression is good.
• UFO RESEARCH REVIEW (Nottingham UFO Investigation Society): This quarterly medium is noted for its scientifically experienced personnel, providing articles of unusual scientific standing. It is aimed at the scientific ufologist and is considered a success in reaching its market, crossing the boundary of a local publication.

Publications were reviewed by Jenny Randles (MUFORA) and Ken Green (WUFOS).

BUFORA National UFO Research Conference Announcement

BUFORA announced a National UFO Research Conference to be held at the Centre Hotel, New Street, Birmingham on November 5, 6 & 7, 1976. Speakers included Ted Bloecher, J. B. Delair, and P. Rogerson. Tickets were £6 (£5 for BUFORA members) and available from Miss Jenny Randles.

The Belfast Psychic Contactee Case

This section details an investigation by M. Johnston and J. Hind of BUFORA (N. Ireland) into a psychic contactee case in Belfast.

• Introduction: The witness is a married woman with three children living in a modern semi-detached house in the Andersonstown district of Belfast. She contacted Miles Johnston after a television appearance. Preliminary interviews were held on November 8th and a second, taped interview on April 28th, 1976.
• The Interviews: The witness spoke with conviction, and the investigators felt she was describing a psychic experience rather than a real physical one. She claims to have been aboard alien spacecraft multiple times, with her first experience occurring in 1969 or 1970. She described the interior of the craft as like a large house with spacious, white, circular rooms. She reported seeing 'dials and instruments' and a kitchen, and a 'porthole' that gave the impression of moving past objects and buildings.
• The Contactee Aspect: The entities were described as 'perfect human beings' dressed in casual, bright clothes, with shoulder-length hair of varying colors. They are said to originate from different planets and speak 'unaccented English'. Their message involves predictions for the future (e.g., Canada joining the EEC in 1977/78, Princess Anne having twins) and personal revelations. Their message is quasi-religious, stating that "We progress by death through many 'worlds' each becoming....more perfect until we reach perfection." Earth is populated by "'rejects' from the higher worlds." God is a concept, the devil does not exist, and the bible should not be taken literally. The aliens work to help humanity by mingling with earthmen and working through selected individuals.
• Their Message: The aliens have proposed a solution for the ending of bloodshed in Northern Ireland and want the witness to write a book about it, but she is reluctant due to fear of reprisals. She claims to be protected by the aliens.
• Technical Information: The aliens reportedly do not come from other stars but from planets not yet discovered. They do not require spacesuits on the moon, as they would make one "fit to live there." They tried to contact an astronaut orbiting the moon, but the astronauts were too wrapped up in their technology.
• Psychologist's Report: The psychologist found the witness was not puzzled by her experiences and was very certain. Her message was enthusiastic and convinced her of its truth. When asked for hard data, she became evasive and aggressive. The conclusion was that the witness believes her story, but it may have been built up herself, possibly from genuine UFO sightings. The psychologist was of the opinion that "she is not a bona fide contactee."
• Evaluation: The investigators concluded that there was no physical reality to the contact, with unsatisfactory answers to questions seeking physical criteria. They considered the possibility of psychic contact with intelligent non-earth entities. Inconsistencies in the technical data were noted, particularly regarding living on the moon without life support. Jenny Randles' theory suggests that intelligences may not be telling a consistent or truthful story to contactees. The investigators considered the most likely possibility to be that the witness, probably unknown to herself, was not telling the truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a strong interest in the ufological community's publications and the detailed investigation of specific cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, as evidenced by the psychologist's report and the investigators' evaluation of the Belfast Contactee Case, which leans towards skepticism regarding the literal truth of the claims while acknowledging the possibility of psychic contact. There is a clear effort to provide thorough reviews of publications and in-depth reporting on significant cases within the ufology field.