SUFOG Newsletter No 085-86

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOG NEWSLETTER
Issue: NUMBER 85 AND 86
Date: NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1997
Publisher: SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP

This issue of the SUFOG Newsletter provides a comprehensive look at UFO-related news and discussions, with a strong emphasis on media coverage from April 1996. The cover features a festive 'Merry Christmas' theme with a cartoon rocket ship.

What the Press Had to Say in April 1996

The bulk of the newsletter is dedicated to a detailed listing of newspaper articles from April 1996 concerning UFOs. This section, spanning pages 2 through 4, includes entries from a wide array of national and local publications across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The reports cover a diverse range of topics, from alleged alien encounters and sightings of unidentified flying objects to official explanations and skepticism. Examples include:

• Scottish Sun: 'I met alien 'NUN' in 50's.'
• The Standard: 'UFO zooms in for oil check.'
• Liverpool Daily Post: 'Desert UFO.'
• Burton Trader: 'The truth is out there...'
• Eastern Evening News: 'Experts probe possible UFO link.'
• Wolverhampton Express & Star: 'Robot theory on forestry worker's UFO attack claim.'
• The Scotsman: 'Military accused of deliberate hoaxes over UFO sightings.'
• Daily Mail: 'UFOs are just a flight of fancy, says the MoD.'
• The Guardian: 'Thrill to the magic of television.'
• Daily Mirror: 'I was abducted by aliens on the A1092 in Suffolk.'
• **Eyemouth fishermen sight UFO above vessel.'
• 'A Danish fighter has reported seeing a formation of flying saucers.'

This extensive list highlights the significant media attention UFO phenomena received during that period.

Local Articles

Page 4 also features a section on 'Local Articles,' specifically focusing on reports from the Southampton Evening Echo and Portsmouth News, indicating regional interest and coverage of UFO events.

Crop Circle Articles

A brief mention of 'Crop Circle Articles' is made, with a single entry from the Daily Star titled 'Half-baked.'

Newspaper Unknown

Two entries are listed under 'Newspaper Unknown': 'Eyemouth fishermen sight UFO above vessel' and 'The West Malling Incident.'

National Newspaper Articles

This section on page 4 provides further examples of national media coverage, including reports from The Independent, Daily Telegraph, The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Times, and Daily Mirror, touching upon topics like UFOs near oil refineries, alien threats, and alleged abductions.

Magazine Articles

Pages 5 and 8 list several 'Magazine Articles' and 'Television and Radio Reviews,' respectively. These include:

• Woman: 'No Headline.'
• Quick Tv: 'The truth is out there Jenny.'
• Time Out: 'X appeal.'
• RAF News: 'UFO reports shot down.'
• The Economist: 'The truth is out there.'
• Television and Radio Reviews by Steve Gerrard: Covering programs like 'Live Tv,' 'Sky One,' 'EarthScan,' 'The Why Files,' 'Ricki Lake Show,' and 'Sightings Abduction Special' from October to December 1997.

The Origin of the British Flying Saucer Bureau

Page 5 features a historical article titled 'The Origin of the British Flying Saucer Bureau.' It details the establishment of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) in 1952 by Albert K. Bender in the United States, following Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. A British branch was formed in 1952, which later merged with the Flying Saucer Club (FSC) and continued to publish 'Flying Saucer News.' The article notes the bureau's aims, its non-political and non-sectarian nature, and its conclusion that 'we are not alone in the Cosmos.' It mentions key figures like Captain E. L. Plunkett, Graham Knewstub, Harold Cobley, Clifford Taylor, Richard Hughes, and Derek Dempster.

SUFOG Group News and Events

Page 6 outlines the 'SUFOG Group News and Events,' including a schedule of group meeting dates for 1998. A notable event is the meeting on March 8th, featuring UFO investigator Mr. Matthew Williams, an expert on government and secret underground facilities. The page also includes a 'Letter to the Editor' from Lionel Beer, who commends the newsletter's balanced and newsy content and reciprocates with a copy of the latest TEMS NEWS.

Newsletter Subscription Details and Contact Information

Page 7 provides subscription details for the SUFOG Newsletter, costing £5 per year. It also lists contact information for BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) for subscriptions and weekly news updates. Additionally, it includes details for 'Southampton's First Internet Cafe' and a list of 'Group Contact Numbers' for various UFO research groups across the UK and Ireland, along with contact details for BUFORA Weekly News Update and Malcolm Robinson.

Pilot Sightings

Page 9, titled 'WHEN PILOTS SEE UFO'S......', focuses on the reliability of pilot reports. It contrasts pilot sightings with those of police officers, questioning why pilot reports are often dismissed. The article references historical cases like Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and the tragic case of Thomas Mantel. It also details a specific incident where a commercial pilot and radio officer reported seeing a long, cigar-like object without wings landing at London airport. The article also mentions a Danish fighter pilot reporting a formation of flying saucers sighted on radar.

Page 10 continues this theme with 'RAF Jets 'Chase Mushroom in sky'.' It describes a 13-year-old boy's claim of seeing two RAF lightning jet fighters chasing a mushroom-shaped object. The Ministry of Defense denied any Lightnings were in the area, but the boy insisted. The page also discusses the 'fiery crosses' sightings and the Ministry's explanation, along with the mysterious disappearance of pilot Fred Valentich in 1978 after reporting a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the prevalence of UFO sightings reported in the media, particularly in local and national newspapers. It emphasizes the importance of investigating these phenomena and questions official explanations when they seem inadequate. There is a clear stance that UFOs are a genuine subject worthy of serious study, often contrasting the skepticism of authorities with the experiences of witnesses, including pilots and ordinary citizens. The historical context provided by the articles on organizations like the IFSB and BFSB underscores a long-standing interest and research into the UFO phenomenon. The newsletter also serves as a hub for connecting UFO enthusiasts, providing contact information for various groups and announcing local meetings and events.

Title: SUFOG NEWSLETTER
Issue: Page 11
Publisher: SUFOG
Country: UK
Date: November 1997 (estimated)

This issue of the SUFOG NEWSLETTER delves into a variety of UFO sightings and incidents, primarily from the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting reports from pilots and passengers, and touching upon investigations and alleged cover-ups.

Key Articles and Reports

Pilot and Passenger Encounters

The issue leads with the question, "Where is Valentich...?" and references a 1987 Daily Telegraph report about unidentified flying objects over Alaska being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. A specific incident on November 17th involved a Japanese Air Lines Boeing 747 cargo plane crew reporting mysterious lights after an unexplained radar blip at Elmendorf, Alaska. Despite initial dismissal by Air Force officials as "random clutter," FAA investigators are examining it as a "violation of airspace."

The newsletter emphasizes the increasing number of sightings by civilian pilots, commercial pilots, and flying instructors during the 1980s and 1990s, often involving passenger jets and near disasters. One such incident detailed is the "Sun newspaper (23.3.89)" and "The Sunday Express (26.3.89)" report of a British Island Airways Tristar carrying 140 passengers that plunged thousands of feet after a close encounter with a UFO. Captain Bob Taylor described the event as terrifying, spotting a bright, glistening, multicolored object that left a trail of smoke. Despite experiencing severe turbulence and passengers praying, he regained control. A British Island Airways spokesman downplayed the event as "some bright lights in the sky, then we experienced some turbulence," stating it was "blown out of all proportion."

Another report from "The Independent of the 12th June" describes a close encounter of the unknown kind at 9,000ft over Hertfordshire involving a passenger jet, believed to be an Irish carrier Aer Lingus. Both pilots reported seeing a red, blue, and white striped aircraft pass close by. Extensive inquiries by an aircraft proximity team found no trace of another plane, concluding the incident was a "confliction between the BAe 146 and an unknown object."

International Incidents and Allegations

The newsletter also touches upon an alleged incident where "Soviet fighter planes shot down a UFO" over the Caucasus mountains in March 1983. It claims that secret police hid the incident, and a recently-leaked picture of the wreckage suggested the KGB was involved in hiding something "sensational."

Further encounters in the 1990s include a report from "The Sun newspaper of 28th April 1992" about a British Airways Boeing 737 encountering a UFO on approach to Gatwick airport. The object was described as a "black lozenge-shape" and was pinpointed by radar, being reported as a near miss.

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears provides a section reviewing various UFO-related publications:

• SKYLINK: Described as a good, well-printed magazine, featuring articles on "Pyramid power," healing, and abduction experiences. It notes the lack of subscription details.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS / NUFON's magazine: Edited by Jenny Randles, it's noted for its tiny print but is otherwise praised for its content, including sighting reports and investigations.
• MALTA UFO RESEARCH magazine: This September issue covers Foo Fighters, Mars Pathfinder, and a UFO sighting over New York in September 1997.
• UFOMEK (UFO Monitors East Kent): Issue 20 is noted for its coverage of the GCHQ expose, "replies" from the MoD, and discussions on alien technology and "EBE's." It features an article by Alan Tickhill and mentions contact with a Mexican contactee.
• INTELLIGENCE: Eric Morris's quarterly magazine is highlighted for its content on UFOs and ghosts.

Newspaper Review by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears also reviews newspaper articles related to UFOs:

• Woman's Own (September 22nd): Featured an article on UFO sightings with input from an "aviation authority" contact, and another lady's belief in God over "little green men."
• The TIMES (September 20th): Carried a sinister-looking grey cover with an article on aliens and "novelty knickknacks."
• The Daily Mail (September 26th): Included a TV Critic's scathing opinion of a new series, 'The Uninvited,' and its coverage of UFO possibilities.
• The Telegraph (September 27th): Reported a "Jet in near-miss with UFO over New York," which authorities attributed to a "weather balloon," though pilots described it as "elongated and white without wings."
• The Daily Mail ('Night and Day' Sunday Review, September 21st): Dedicated 21 pages to the paranormal, including articles on "The Unbelievable Truth," "The Real X-Files," and "The Chic Space Pilot."
• News of the World (September 28th): Showcased a KGB archive UFO photo and discussed the "alien threat."

UFO REALITY

This publication from Glastonbury is noted as potentially being the last issue available in shops. It's described as a glossy, thick magazine with 72 articles, including a 50-page manual on 14 types of UFOs and information on UFOs in the fifties.

SKYWATCHERS

The Cornwall UFO Research group's (CUFORG) bi-monthly magazine covers strange phenomena, including a strange murder in Puerto Rico, daylight UFO footage from Mexico City, and US radio broadcasts. It emphasizes changing opinions and the need to be "accepted."

THE CALLER

Jersey's UFO Research Team's magazine is described as thin but interesting, with a nice cover and glossy photos.

SOUTHEND UFO GROUP (S Files)

This publication features Mayan pyramids with UFOs, coverage of a 1997 convention, an American crop circle article, and information on the CSETI organization and its methods for "attracting" UFOs.

"A COVERT AGENDA" Book Review

Nicholas Redfern's 354-page hardback is reviewed. The book is praised for its detailed and undeniable official documents, suggesting that "structured craft" have been invading airspace for years. Standout items include a 1956 sighting off the Isle of Wight involving RAF Tornadoes, and filmed/photographed craft during a 1952 NATO exercise.

Live TV Interview

Ernie Sears recounts being contacted by "The Y-Files" (Cable TV) for a segment on Ghost/UFO stories. He was interviewed alongside Ernie Sears, discussing their involvement in UFOlogy and personal sightings. The filming took place in a local country park.

Transcript of Radio Conversation

A transcript of a radio conversation between Derek Jameson and Philip Mantle on the BUFORA Hotline (8.5.89) is included. They discuss the lack of a set pattern in UFO sightings, the concept of a "flap," and the ability to distinguish genuine sightings from misidentifications like airplanes or astronomical objects. Mantle notes that the hotline has received over three hundred calls in two years from people across the country.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG NEWSLETTER consistently focuses on UFO sightings, encounters, and investigations, with a strong emphasis on reports from pilots and the public. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and an underlying suggestion of government secrecy or cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena. The reviews of other publications and newspapers indicate a broad interest in the paranormal and unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to share their experiences and supporting organizations dedicated to UFO research. The newsletter also highlights the importance of credible reporting and investigation, as seen in the reviews of various UFO magazines and books.

This document comprises pages 21 and 22 of the SUFOG Newsletter, a publication focused on UFO and paranormal phenomena. The content includes reports of sightings, discussions on UFO research, and group activities. The tone ranges from serious investigation to light-hearted commentary, acknowledging the presence of both genuine researchers and 'cranks' in the field.

Normington Sighting

Page 21 details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Normington, West Yorkshire. A middle-aged lady and her five children, in broad daylight, witnessed a dome-shaped object land in a field adjacent to their home. Three very tall men, described as wearing white baggy suits, emerged from the object. The landing and takeoff were completely silent. The lady, a local collier's wife, wished to remain anonymous and was described as being of sound mind.

UFO Information and Public Records

The newsletter features a dialogue between 'DJ' and 'PM' (Philip), a representative of the UFO Research Association. They discuss the availability of UFO information on public records. PM confirms that SUFOG has recently obtained documents from the public records office, surfacing under the thirty years rule. These documents include correspondence from Prime Minister Winston Churchill, reports of sightings by RAF personnel, and radar tracking data of unknown objects.

PM clarifies that the 'little green men' scenario is a romanticized theory often found in newspapers, but emphasizes that there are many other theories to explain UFO phenomena, all of which could be true. He expresses willingness to receive phone calls from individuals who have witnessed unexplained phenomena, providing the phone number 0924 444049 for the Batley area.

PM states his personal belief is not one of faith, but rather an acknowledgment that a phenomenon exists which is worthy of further study. He stresses that the subject is taken very seriously by the UFO Research Association, despite the presence of some individuals who treat it as a 'lark' or are 'cranks'.

Group Meeting Report (Sunday 23rd November 1997)

Page 22 reports on a SUFOG group meeting held on Sunday, November 23rd, 1997. The turnout was exceptionally low, with only three people attending, which is noted as the worst attendance since the meetings began over a year ago. Due to the small number, the meeting concluded early at 8 p.m. and continued at PM's home with a discussion on UFOlogy and ghosts.

The report highlights that the group is losing money from meetings, and if this continues, their funds will be depleted by 1998, potentially preventing future public or group meetings.

Future Group Activities and Initiatives

On November 26th, the group discussed several ideas. These include:

• The Post Xmas Draw: A planned event.
• Car Boot Sale in 1998: The group plans to participate in a car boot sale to raise funds. They are seeking donations of items to sell and volunteers to help.
• New Shop Promotion: A new shop called 'The Forbidden Planet' has opened in Southampton, selling items like Star Trek memorabilia and UFO models. The group hopes to approach them for promotion or advertising before Christmas. The shop is located in the East Street Shopping Center, opposite Tandy's.

Group Resources

The group has acquired its own video recorder, thanks to a contribution from Bill Smith, for a moderate price of £30.00. This will enable the showing of video footage at future meetings and lectures.

Update on UFO Sightings Reported to SUFOG (Cont. from Page 16)

This section addresses a 'Mod Letter' which stated it would be inappropriate to use defense resources to investigate certain UFO sightings.

Regarding specific observations from the Hampshire region for July 8th, 9th, and 10th, 1997, the MoD did not receive any 'UFO' reports. For the July 8th sighting, it is suggested that a Police Spotter plane, which was in the air at the time, might have been the cause, as the descriptions fit. Therefore, this report is considered closed.

However, the sightings on July 9th and 10th remain unexplained and are classified as 'Unidentified Flying Objects'.

Magazine Reviews

The newsletter includes a brief mention of magazine reviews continuing from page 13. One review touches upon 'ET craft' and interacting with signals. Another mentions the Southend UFO Group's skywatch at Rendlesham Forest, where an 'unidentified' object was seen. It also references 'Essex Sightings' and the controversial 1997 US 'Project Pounce', which allegedly claimed to 'shoot down a UFO once every day', particularly 'unfriendly ones'. The review questions the practicality of such a program, suggesting it would result in a large amount of UFO scrap metal, and speculates about Area 51 and UFOs visiting for 'spare parts'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOG Newsletter consistently adopts a serious approach to UFO research, distinguishing itself from sensationalized media portrayals. It emphasizes the importance of gathering and analyzing evidence, including public records and witness testimonies. The publication also aims to foster community among researchers and support group activities, despite financial and attendance challenges. The editorial stance acknowledges the complexity of the subject, the existence of unexplained phenomena, and the need for continued investigation, while also being aware of the potential for misidentification and the presence of individuals who may not contribute seriously to the field.