UFO Brigantia issue 16

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: 16
Date: February 1986
Publisher: West Yorkshire UFO Research Group
Focus: UFO research, sightings, and related phenomena.

Earthlights Over Yeadon?

This section features an extract from Clarke & Oldroyd's 'SPOOKLIGHTS', detailing a sighting from February 11th, 1905. The witness describes a brilliant light, tinted blue and green, about two feet broad, that appeared suddenly, travelled westward for 100 yards, and then burst, illuminating the night. The light lasted for one minute before vanishing without a trace. The text notes that 1905 was a year rife with paranormal, religious, and aerial phenomena.

The magazine also thanks Jenny Bandles for her support and mentions an excellent review of UFO Brigantia in NUFON News, which described it as one of the top UFO journals in Britain. A list of upcoming articles is provided, including 'The Saltfleet Incident....an update', 'Alien Friends by Nigel Watson', 'Culta & Contactees', 'UFO symbolism in media advertising', and 'UFO's & Fairy Lore in Yorkshire'.

Editor's Introduction

In the editor's introduction, Andy Roberts discusses the magazine's new, larger format (15 size), attributing it to a growing number of readers and subscribers and the desire for a more professional look. He expresses hope that readers will like the new style. The editor mentions that WYUFORG had no new cases in January 1986 but has an interesting one from December of the previous year. He also touches upon the 'ten year wave' theory, suggesting that 1986 and 1987 might see an increase in sightings building up to a potential 'bumper year'.

WYUFORG has been contacting local newspapers to obtain UFO clippings, aiming to simplify the process of checking old sightings and uncover overlooked cases. Surprisingly, only six out of about 20 newspapers in the region keep UFO clipping files. The Todmordon News, Brighouse Echo, Halifax Evening Courier, and Huddersfield Examiner were helpful, while The Telegraph & Argus and The Yorkshire Post were uncooperative, only allowing public viewing by appointment and not permitting copying of their files. The editor criticizes this attitude, deeming it contrary to the role of newspapers as information disseminators.

The Y.U.D.C. - A Preview To The System

This article by Nigel Mortimer introduces the Yorkshire UFO Data Centre (Y.U.D.C.), a project aimed at utilizing the vast amount of information gathered from UFO sighting reports through a computerised system. The Y.U.D.C., based in Addingham, uses a ZX Spectrum and various programs to allow for quick and effective information retrieval via a 'search' facility. The system originated some years ago, with practical implementation beginning in 1986. Membership details and information on how to contribute material are available from N. Mortimer.

The article also mentions that WYUFORG is preparing a slide and lecture presentation titled 'UFO's - A History', covering human involvement and interpretation of UFO phenomena from pre-history to the present day. They are seeking opportunities to present this show to interested groups.

Case History: UFO Landing at East Bierley, Bradford 1972

This section details an investigation by Nigel Mortimer into a sighting by Mrs B.J. Frater in late July 1977. While walking across a field, Mrs Frater saw an unusual object hovering just above the ground. She described it as a 'flying saucer', about 30ft in diameter, oval-shaped with a raised top half and portholes, made of dark metallic colour, and emitting a bright red flame jet from its base. The object made no sound. After hovering for about five seconds, it wobbled, rotated, and shot upwards. Mrs Frater believed the object had been on the ground before taking off. She also reported seeing a similar object the following night over Low Meor. Nigel Mortimer visited the site but found no conclusive ground traces due to the five-year gap since the event. The location is noted as being near the Judy Woods/Woodside area, known for UFO activity.

Update on the Alderson Sighting

This update refers to a previous issue's case history involving a witness seeing a huge glowing sphere with a bright green trail over Brighouse. Extensive searching of newspaper files had only yielded one witness account. However, through WYUFORG's acquisition of UFO clippings, a corroborating article from the Halifax Evening Courier was found. This article described a large orange coloured object seen over the Calder Valley on June 2nd, 1975, which tallied with the witness's account. The witness in the clipping mentioned a trail of smoke, though not its colour. Trevor Whitaker, active for BUFORA, was consulted and suggested it could have been a weather balloon, a theory discounted due to the object's behaviour and colour.

The Flatwoods Encounter: By Paul Bennett

This article recounts the famous Flatwoods Encounter of September 12th, 1952. Fred and Edward Hay, along with other children, reported seeing a 'flying saucer' descend onto a nearby hill. Gene Lemon, one of the children, spotted a strange object, described as a 'big ball of fire' or 'faintly glowing mace of red coals', approximately twenty-five feet across and six feet tall. A 'monster' was seen standing by the object, described as a tall, humanoid creature with a red, round head and a pointed hood, green-orange eyes, and a monk-like robe. It made a hissing sound and seemed to float. The encounter caused fear and shock among the witnesses. Searchers found parallel ground marks and a circular area of flattened grass, along with a white sticky substance sent for testing. Air Force investigators concluded the witnesses had misinterpreted a meteor and a nocturnal animal. Ivan Sanderson, however, believed controlled objects were involved.

The article also mentions that on the same night as the Flatwoods incident, five other low-flying objects were observed, appearing to land or crash. This date, September 12th, 1952, is noted as a significant UFO flap date.

Brief Reports: 1952, 1956, 1962

These are brief summaries of older reports received by WYUFORG:
1. November 1953: A torpedo-shaped object, 100 yards long, with green and red fire, was seen streaking across the sky near Laisterdyke.
2. 1956: Mr Garner of Wyke saw a saucer-shaped twinkling object, joined by another similar object, which flashed orange and yellow.
3. 1962: Mr Wood of Bradford saw a 'will chimney horizontal' object flying over Tong Fall, described as having a metallic surface.

Graphic Analysis of Data: Sightings '85

This section presents bar charts analyzing UFO sightings reported to WYUFORG in 1985. The charts show monthly distribution of total sightings, probable UFOs, and identified flying objects (IFOs). The data indicates that the first six months of '85 produced 1 CE1, 3 UAPs, 2 medium definition UFOs, and 1 LITS sighting. An offer to exchange data with YUFOS was declined.

Classification

• The classification of reports is detailed:
• UFO (Unidentified Flying Object): 6 Reports
• UAP (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena): 3 Reports
• IFO (Identified Flying Object): 9 Reports
• Insufficient Data on which to base a firm Evaluation: 3 Reports
• Cases still under Investigation: 2 Reports
• Hoax: 1 Report

A total of 24 UFO sightings were reported to WYUFORG in 1985.

Examining the Data

Two common factors are highlighted in the 1985 cases:
1. Red/White Lights: Several sightings involved red and white lights, often described as objects with windows or shapes like saucers, rectangles, or cigar shapes. Some were officially explained as aircraft, but WYUFORG is still investigating these.
2. Flashes of Light: The article references Paul Bennett's theory that flashes of lightning might herald a UFO flap. Several cases involved flashes of light, either preceding or accompanying the sighting of objects. This phenomenon is being monitored by WYUFORG.

Alien Friends (Part Two)

This is the second part of an article by Nigel Watson, detailing the 1976 contact case of Darren and Gaynor Sunderland. The account describes Gaynor's encounter with a non-human entity. She saw a person emerge from a craft, described as stiff, with sidesteps, short arms, four long fingers, and a silver suit with a clear helmet. The entity's face was pale, long, with small white teeth and no lips. Gaynor also saw a woman-like figure. The entity fired a gun that made a round mark in the ground. The craft was described as cigar-shaped with a ring, panels with flashing lights, and a low hum. The encounter lasted about 31 minutes. Gaynor has since had recurring mental images and dreams related to the entities. A hypnotic regression was conducted by the Liverpool Echo newspaper.

Reviews

• SPOOKLIGHTS by David Clarke & Granvill Oldroyd: Reviewed as a historical survey of phenomena like Jack 'o' Lantern and Will 'o' the Wisp, suggesting these lights behave similarly to UFOs. The book explores theories and possibilities, speculating that the lights may possess a basic intelligence.
• NUFON News no.117 (Jan-Feb 1986): This issue contains JR's 'final words' on the Rendlesham Forest/Sky Crash case, suggesting it was military in nature and the UFO landing was a cover-up. It also includes UFO news, reviews, and articles on northern investigations.
• FOLKLORE FRONTIERS No.1: The first issue of Paul Screeton's new venture, focusing on modern folktales, including an article on the folklore of the recent British miners' strike and tales from the drug subculture. UFOs are expected to be a regular topic.

Useful Addresses and Dates of Forthcoming Events

A list of UFO groups and their addresses is provided, along with dates for upcoming lectures and conferences in February, March, and April.

Calaxitive by Jain J

A comic strip featuring humorous dialogue about conquering the universe or enslaving the solar system, with a character deciding to go to the pictures instead. The strip ends with a note: "*Sh!. ITS W.Y.U.F.O.R.G. having another SKYWATCH!*"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, particularly those occurring in West Yorkshire, as evidenced by the WYUFORG Case Register and local newspaper clipping efforts. There is a strong emphasis on detailed case histories, including witness testimony and investigative findings, such as the Alderson and Frater sightings, and the historical Flatwoods Encounter. The publication also explores the intersection of folklore and UFO phenomena, as seen in the review of 'Spooklights' and the introduction of 'Folklore Frontiers'. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO reports, while also acknowledging the role of media and public perception. The introduction of the Y.U.D.C. highlights a forward-looking approach to data management within the ufology community.