UFO Brigantia issue 22

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 22
Date: September-October 1986
Publisher: The West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG)
Editor: Andy Roberts
Co-ordinator: Martin Dagless
Price: 70p (single copy)

This issue of UFO Brigantia, the journal of the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group, presents a blend of UFO sighting reports, theoretical discussions on the nature of UFO phenomena, and explorations of 'haunted' or anomalous locations. The publication emphasizes an evidence-oriented research approach, aiming to investigate UFO-related phenomena from both subjective and objective facets.

Editorial

The editorial highlights two major articles in this issue: David Clarke's 'Haunted Hills and Spooky Spots,' which examines geophysical causes for phenomena in the Pendle Hill area, and Paul Devereux's 'The Earthlights Theory,' a two-part article updating the theory and forming the basis for a BUFORA paper. The editorial criticizes the dismissive attitude of some groups towards the Earthlights theory, advocating for rigorous testing. It also announces the commencement of WYUFORG's BOL/Earthlight project, involving a survey in Derbyshire and Rossendale. The editorial also touches upon the recent 'stealth bomber' reports in the Guardian newspaper, suggesting that such classified aircraft might explain some UFO sightings and 'crashed saucer' legends.

Brief Reports

This section details several recent UFO sightings investigated by WYUFORG:

• Ilkley, West Yorkshire (19/07/86): A witness observed a white flickering light moving towards Addingham Moorside. Initial evaluation suggests a bright star or planet, but investigation is ongoing.
• Cottingham, Hull (29/07/86): Three witnesses reported a 'long tube like object with a bright light at the back, moving across the sky' like a rocket. Awaiting further forms, possibly a meteor shower.
• Keighley, West Yorkshire (19/08/86): Two pensioners heard a buzzing sound and saw a black oval object with a silver rim flying towards them from the moors. It disappeared towards Keighley town centre. Under investigation.
• Holbeck, Leeds (Summer 1981/82): A writer observed an unusual cloud shaped like the British Isles, from which an object resembling an upright cigar emerged and then disappeared into another cloud. Under investigation.
• Beeston, Leeds (Feb 1979): A witness saw a 'helicopter' with four lights at the front and one at the back, moving noiselessly and floating at a steady pace. It disappeared behind houses. Evaluation: Under Investigation (MUFORA).

The Earthlights Theory: Update and Observations

By Paul Devereux

Devereux traces the modern UFO phenomenon back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, discussing how 'flying saucer' became the dominant explanation, overshadowing older terrestrial phenomena. He links this to the post-WWII cultural context of apprehension about nuclear power and the Cold War. The article posits that the Earthlights theory offers a testable explanation for UFOs, suggesting a connection to geological factors. Devereux describes his involvement in the 'EARTHLIGHTS' book and the BOL/Earthlight project, which aims to correlate UFO reports with geological data. He mentions Dr. Brian Brady's work on 'earthquake lights' (EQLs) and 'mountain peak discharge' (MPD), scientifically accepted phenomena that manifest as various light forms. Devereux defends his analytical approach to UFO cases, comparing it to Dr. Hynek's, and asserts that he has personally witnessed undoubted UFOs.

WYUFORG Investigation: More Strange Lights at Ilkley

Report by N. Mortimer

This report details an unusual sighting by Dawn Whitaker of Ilkley on November 19th, 1985. She observed a massive column of light rising into the sky with a spinning effect, which then disappeared and reappeared, followed by two intense white lights. The lights were stationary and flashed on and off for about an hour. The investigator visited the site but found no definitive evidence, though ruling out searchlights, helicopters, moorland fires, or car headlights. The case remains open.

Pudsey: A UFO Hotspot in the Making?

By Martin Dagless

This article examines Pudsey, a suburb of Leeds, as a potential UFO hotspot, citing several past sightings. These include a shiny metallic sphere in 1972, a cluster of oblong white lights in 1982, a 'crucifix' formation of bright white lights, a fuzzy oval white object, and a pink fuzzy ball with a smoke trail in 1986. The author notes that all these sightings, except one, were light forms and occurred within a two-mile radius. He suggests a possible 'Earthlight' explanation due to a large fault line running through the area.

Haunted Hills and Spooky Spots

By David Clarke

Clarke explores the concept of 'window areas' – locations with a history of paranormal phenomena, strange lights, and mysterious disappearances. He links these areas to geological faults and magnetic anomalies, proposing that interactions between solar/lunar movements and the Earth's magnetic field, amplified by geological activity, could create 'cosmic triggers' for these events. The article focuses on Pendle Hill in Lancashire, known for its association with witchcraft and paranormal activity, and Meon Hill in Warwickshire, also linked to folklore, witchcraft, and a notorious murder. Clarke suggests that the interpretation of these phenomena shifts with cultural context (e.g., 'Zepplin,' 'UFO,' 'witchcraft'). He concludes that the underlying phenomenon remains constant, while human perception and explanation evolve.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the 'Earthlights' theory, advocating for its scientific investigation and challenging skeptical viewpoints. There is a strong emphasis on correlating UFO sightings with geological factors and natural phenomena. The magazine also highlights the importance of local UFO research groups like WYUFORG in collecting and analyzing data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, prioritizing evidence-based research over preconceived notions, while acknowledging the potential for misinterpretation of phenomena within contemporary cultural frameworks.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: SEPT/OCT '86
Volume: 86
Date: September/October 1986

This issue of UFO Brigantia explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, focusing on geographical 'window areas,' the concept of coincidence in investigations, and unique case studies. It also touches upon the growing suspicion of government involvement in UFO research and promotes upcoming events and publications within the UFO community.

Articles and Features

Burton Dassett and Pendle Hill: Ancient Sites and UFOs

The article begins by examining Burton Dassett, a location whose name suggests a connection to 'wild beasts' and which features ancient earthworks and a nearby church adorned with carvings of dragons and serpents. It posits that this ancient reputation might be reflected in modern UFO activity. The text then discusses how ancient communication systems, like signal fires on hilltops, might have pre-empted modern UFO sightings. Pendle Hill in Lancashire is highlighted as another such site, known for its historical significance and reported aerial phenomena. The article notes that these 'window areas' often feature Iron Age hillforts and are associated with hauntings and spectral sightings. A specific incident at Beacon Hill in Leicestershire in 1979, where eight witnesses saw brilliant red lights, is mentioned. The piece suggests that these locations act as magnets for people sensitive to 'hidden frequencies,' attracting those who experience mystical illumination, drawing a parallel to George Fox's experience atop Pendle Hill.

John Keel is quoted from 1970, stating that UFOs seem to congregate above areas of magnetic deviation and 'window areas,' radiating outward. The article notes a growing trend of researchers from different disciplines collaborating to understand these phenomena, with Hilary Evans' concept of 'geophysical artefacts' being introduced as an alternative to alien visitor theories. David Clarke contributes notes on Pendle Hill, mentioning an 1869 aerial phenomenon described as a 'fiery, flying goose,' and the hill's use for pre-historic burials. George Fox's religious experience there was reportedly accompanied by a 'great storm.'

Nigel's News No. 2: Coincidences and Connections

This section presents a series of interesting coincidences that sparked the author's curiosity, involving three UFO investigators: Robert Stammers, Paul Bennett, and Nigel Mortimer himself. The article recounts Robert Stammers' sighting of an unusual aerial light near Scammenden Dam in 1981, detailed in Jenny Randles' book 'THE PENNINE UFO MYSTERY.' The author suggests that the paths of these three investigators converged on a similar theory concerning UFOs and mind-projections. The article questions whether these occurrences are pure coincidence or if witnesses become more aware of connections after initial UFO experiences.

Jenny Randles' article 'THE MYSTERY OF APEN' is cited as another example, where a supposed UFO landing site became a focal point for several investigators, including Paul Devereux, Janet and Colin Bord, and Jenny herself. It's noted that Jenny had visited Paul Whetnall's caravan, located near the alleged landing site, without prior knowledge of the incident, leading to the conclusion that they 'coincidentally' converged on the same remote location.

A personal sighting by the author and his wife in 1982 in Ilkley, Yorkshire, of a star-like light behaving unusually, is also mentioned. Coincidentally, half an hour earlier, his wife had shown him a newspaper report of a UFO sighted over a factory in York. The author ponders whether they were conditioned to observe the UFO or if it was pure coincidence that they read about it and then saw something unusual.

'Ere, Mate, You Goin' To Venus? A Phantom Hitch Hiker Variant

This article explores a unique variant of the 'Phantom Hitch Hiker' (PHH) tale, incorporating UFO elements. The story, originating from Argentina in 1972, involves a mechanic named Eduardo Dedeu who gives a lift to a hitch hiker whose face is obscured. The hitch hiker's destination is unintelligible, and the journey is marked by the car's lights failing. Dedeu then encounters a large object with lights, described as a 'bus overturned on the road,' which emits an intense flash and heat. After the object moves away, Dedeu finds the hitch hiker has vanished, leaving the car door open. The police and a doctor interviewed Dedeu, finding his account coherent.

The article analyzes this case as a potential synthesis of PHH and UFO lore, suggesting the hitch hiker might be an alien returning via UFO. It discusses the possibility of a hallucinatory state induced by travelling alone, noting that the vanishing of the hitch hiker coincides with the UFO's departure and the car lights returning to normal. Dedeu is identified as a 'repeater' witness, which, according to the article, can be susceptible to paranormal experiences. The author considers the possibility of a hoax but also acknowledges the case as an example of 'participative folklore' stemming from paranormal experiences. The article questions why this particular variant is not more widely circulated and speculates that its bizarre nature or the unusualness of UFOs in everyday life might contribute to its limited circulation.

Mysterious Shapes in the Sky

Martin Dagless recounts a sighting by his father and two friends in Malaysia in 1953. While sunbathing on a hilltop, they observed three equidistant, hovering cigar-shaped objects. One object disappeared at high speed, then returned to its original position. The three objects then closed together before flying away one by one. The objects' silvery surfaces did not reflect sunlight, and no noise was reported. Local newspapers carried a story about 'Mysterious Shapes In The Sky' the following day, confirming the sighting and suggesting it was not an isolated event. The article dismisses military vehicles as a cause due to the dense jungle and considers atmospheric phenomena as a possibility.

Three on Line: Coincidence and Investigation

Nigel Mortimer details a series of peculiar happenings involving himself, Paul Bennett, and Robert Stammers in late 1981 and early 1982, particularly in West Yorkshire during the Bradford (Woodside) UFO flap. The three investigators found themselves drawn to similar cases and theories. Robert Stammers noticed that their homes were situated along a straight line, a discovery that prompted them to investigate further. Stammers also noted that his first UFO sighting occurred on this same line.

Mortimer and Bennett conducted several visits to Wyke woods (Woodside) to research UFO sightings, experiencing further 'coincidences' that seemed to guide them. In April 1982, Mortimer and Stammers conducted a remote viewing experiment. Stammers reported receiving a clear description of Mortimer's room, including a single bed, a narrow window, and a bedside lamp, which accurately matched Mortimer's mother's house where he had been at the time. This led Stammers to believe a 'line' existed between the three of them and that 'something' was anticipated.

The article concludes by stating that Nigel Mortimer will continue exploring UFO 'coincidences' from the early 1980s in a future installment.

Paranoia Corner: Government Interference and Lost Mail

This section addresses the growing concern among ufologists about government interference and the disappearance of mail sent to UFO groups. The author dismisses the idea that all lost mail is due to government action, citing the VYUFORG issue that was lost in the post as an example. A letter from 'Martin' to 'Dear Martin' (presumably the editor) is reproduced, detailing instances of opened and resealed mail, including a missing document from a cooperative in Sweden. The letter mentions a meeting between Y.U.F.O.S. and the Post Office in September 1985, which failed to resolve the issue of mail tampering. The writer asserts that most UFO groups are aware of government involvement in a cover-up and challenges the recipient's skepticism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of UFO sightings with specific geographical locations (often ancient sites), the pervasive role of 'coincidence' in UFO investigations, and the exploration of unique case studies that blend folklore with paranormal phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting various theories and personal experiences while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. There's a clear emphasis on the idea that UFO phenomena may be more complex than simple alien visitations, potentially involving psychological, geographical, or even 'geophysical' factors. The editorial stance also acknowledges the growing community of researchers and the importance of shared information, while simultaneously addressing anxieties about potential suppression of information by external forces.

Competition Result

The response to the previous issue's competition was poor, with only one entry. The answer to the competition question was 'Sheep abduction in Cumbria.' The mystery prize remains unclaimed.

Regional UFO Groups

A directory of regional UFO research groups across the UK is provided, including contact details for groups in Scotland, North East England, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, South Lancashire, South Yorkshire, East Midlands, and West Yorkshire.

Publications Reviewed

Brief reviews are given for:

• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Covers the 'Uninvited saga,' 'The Green Stone,' and 'The Eye Of Fire,' as well as a 'North Wales flap' and a case of long-term contact with aliens.
• FOLKLORE FRONTIERS: This magazine is noted for its relevance to Ufology, covering folktales and rumors, including articles on 'Canine Junkies,' 'Ray Zapped Peace Women,' a 'Phantom Hitch-Hiker/UFO related event,' and 'the curse of the 'Crying' (presumably a ghost story).

Books Advertised

Several books are advertised, including:

• 'Skycrash' by Jenny Randles, Brenda Butler & Dot Street
• 'George Adamski: Untold Story' by Tim Good & Lou Zinsstaag
• 'Four Major Mysteries Of Mainland China' by Paul Dong
• 'Alien Contact' by Jenny Randles
• 'We Discover Alien Bases On The Moon' by Fred Steckling
• 'The Awesome Lifeforce' by Joseph Cater
• 'Yould You Believe?' by Armand Laprade
• 'The Mystery Clouds are Coming' by Dr. D.P. Coverdell
• 'Riddle Of Hanger 18' by Timothy Beckley
• 'UFOs a History: Vol 1 July 1947-December 1948' by Loren Gross
• 'UFOs a History: Vol 2 1949' by Loren Gross
• 'UFOs African Encounter' by Cynthia Hind

Events

THE PSYCHIC QUESTING CONFERENCE: Scheduled for Saturday, November 1st, at the Polytechnic of London. The conference will feature speakers like Marion & Gaynor Sunderland, Andrew Collins, and Graham Phillips, discussing the 'Green Stone' and 'Eye Of Fire' psychic quests. Jenny Randles will also be speaking.

Other Mentions

• MYSTERY OF THE CIRCLES: A booklet by Paul Fuller is reviewed, discussing theories about corn field circles.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Mentioned as a publication featuring international Forteana and articles on lake monsters.
• UFO Brigantia also exchanges with European journals.