UFO Brigantia issue 23

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 23
Date: November-December 1986
Publisher: The West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG)
Editor: Andy Roberts
Country: UK

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA presents a diverse range of ufological topics, including investigations into anomalous lights, mystery circles, and a review of a psychic conference. The magazine emphasizes evidence-based research and encourages communication among researchers.

Editorial

The editorial addresses the controversy surrounding the publication of new evidence for the 1981 Cracoe Fell photograph case. WYUFORG states their intention to publish evidence despite attempts to dissuade them by the main investigating body, the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS). The editorial criticizes the suppression of witness statements and the lack of open access to UFO reports, arguing that Ufology relies on the retrieval, recording, and communication of information, and that all evidence should be open to comment and scrutiny.

Current Investigations

Pink Light Seen At Wortley (Leeds)
This report details a sighting on February 8th, 1986, by a family of three who observed a hazy pink ball of light trailing grey smoke. The object traveled parallel to their car for about a minute before fading out. Investigations by WYUFORG ruled out aircraft and other common explanations, concluding the case had insufficient data for a definitive classification.

A 'Silent Vulcan' In Harrogate
On March 27th, 1985, a jeweller in Harrogate reported seeing a 'V' formation of white star-like lights, estimated to be 12,000 feet high, moving silently overhead. The object was visible for approximately 45 seconds. The witness contacted various media and authorities, eventually reaching WYUFORG. The case bears similarities to other 'Vulcan aircraft' type sightings.

The Earth Lights Theory: Update and Observations

By Paul Devereux

This article, the second part of a series, discusses new data and experiments related to the Earth Lights Theory. Paul McCartney and the author conducted experiments into rock crushing, observing various light phenomena. They also investigated triboluminescence and the effects of negative ion enriched atmospheres. The theory suggests that anomalous aerial luminescences are geological phenomena, possibly linked to tectonic strain and interacting with consciousness. The author notes that this theory does not preclude the possibility of extraterrestrial craft but focuses on terrestrial explanations.

Squaring Up To The Circles

By Paul Screeton

This article examines the phenomenon of mystery circles appearing in cereal fields, primarily in southern England. While the prevailing theory attributes them to stationary transient whirlwinds, the author expresses skepticism, suggesting a potential link to Ufological phenomena or earth energies. The article reviews various alternative explanations, including hoaxes, aircraft, and natural phenomena, and highlights the research of meteorologist Dr. Terence Meaden.

Psychic Questing Conference Review

Confessions of a sceptic by Andy Roberts

This review covers the first Psychic Questing Conference held in London. The author, initially skeptical, found the conference relevant to UFO studies due to the involvement of individuals from the UFO scene. The conference explored the discovery of physical artifacts through psychic means, psychic battles, and other phenomena, drawing parallels to the works of Dennis Wheatley. The review discusses the Sunderland family's experiences, which formed the basis of the book 'ALIEN CONTACT', and Andy Collins' lecture on a 'Black Alchemist' PQ project. The author concludes that while many claims are hard to accept, there might be something to psychic questing, suggesting it could be a manifestation of humanity's need for religious expression.

The Cracoe Fell Case

WYUFORG Research

This article provides an update on the Cracoe Fell case, following up on previous coverage. WYUFORG clarifies that while they were not involved in the main body of research, they are publishing a significant piece of evidence: the statement of a prime witness. The article briefly recounts the events of March 16th, 1981, where bright lights with a 'finned' structure were observed. It also presents the conclusions of analyses conducted by GSW and Klaus Webner, which found no evidence of objects in the air. WYUFORG suggests the location might be quartz-bearing sandstone crags rather than limestone and notes that YUFOS has not reached a firm conclusion on the nature of the object, describing it as a 'structured craft of unknown origin'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for open research, critical analysis, and the sharing of information within the ufology community. The editorial stance is one of evidence-oriented investigation, challenging established theories, and exploring unconventional explanations like Earth Lights and their potential connection to consciousness. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between belief and evidence, and a critique of information suppression within the field. The magazine also highlights the interconnectedness of UFO phenomena with other areas of study, such as geophysics and psychic research.

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, dated November/December 1986, features a prominent cover headline: "UFO RUBBISH!". The main article delves into the Cracoe Fell UFO sighting, presenting a local farmer's explanation that dismisses claims of alien visitors.

The Cracoe Fell Incident

The article begins by referencing a piece in the Craven Herald that offered an explanation for phenomena seen on Cracoe Fell. A local farmer, Mr. D. Carlisle from Hetton, stated that the phenomenon, which he described as a "shiny object," often occurred on dull days when the sun caught rocks on the fell. He characterized it as "quite spectacular" but nothing more. Mr. Carlisle recounted being present two years prior when two policemen photographed the shining fell, recognizing it as the same optical illusion he had seen before.

Last week, the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS) had hailed the photograph taken by the policemen as the "most conclusive evidence" they had of alien visitors to the country. The narrative then shifts to Nigel, who contacted the farmer by phone and obtained brief details. Nigel's subsequent investigation was cut short due to family reasons. This brings the saga up to early 1986.

Research and Obstacles

In early 1986, Andy Roberts was approached by Paul Devereux, editor of The Ley Hunter, to write an article on the Cracoe Fell phenomena for the "Earthlights" spot. Roberts agreed, provided the evidence supported the "EL theory," a concept he favored. Roberts wrote to YUFOS requesting a copy of the "Cracoe Package" to review the evidence. However, his request was denied with the reason given: "You would not agree with YUFOS' conclusions." Roberts found this puzzling, as he had not yet seen the evidence. Further requests for copies of slides of the Cracoe phenomena for use in WYUFORG lectures, with full credits offered to YUFOS, were also refused on similar grounds.

Considering these factors, Roberts concluded that a phenomenon lasting for an hour in one spot was unlikely to be an "EL" (Earthlight) and therefore did not write the article.

Nigel Mortimer's Investigation

In the late spring of 1986, Nigel Mortimer, having returned to active ufology and WYUFORG, decided to follow up on the farmer's lead. An article detailing his research and tentative thoughts on the phenomena was published in the June issue of UFO BRIGANTIA. Nigel also sought to obtain the Cracoe Package. As it had been denied to WYUFORG members, he had to find an unusual method. According to YUFOS advertising in QUEST, the package was available to anyone for £5. Nigel asked a relative to obtain it by post, which was successful. The article notes that these methods, while unconventional, were deemed expedient by BUFORA due to the circumstances. This action, along with Nigel's article, reportedly sparked an extensive exchange of letters between Andy Roberts and Philip Mantle (YUFOS), as well as many letters received by Nigel.

The Farmer's Testimony

WYUFORG members interviewed Mr. D. Carlisle again on September 28, 1986. The interview, conducted at his farm in Cracoe, lasted an hour. Key points were written down, and Mr. Carlisle was asked if he disagreed with anything or had anything to add. He did not and signed the statement. Mr. Carlisle later added that while he believed the phenomena seen on March 16, 1981, were a sunlight reflection, he, like many Cracoe villagers, thought "something" was going on. He also mentioned that a few weeks prior to the interview, bright lights had been seen at night high on Cracoe Fell.

Statement Concerning the Cracoe 'UFO'

Mr. Carlisle's statement detailed his observation outside the Cracoe police station on March 16, 1981. He observed the lights for no more than 15 minutes, located on Rylestone Fell. The weather was overcast with outbreaks of sun. He confirmed the lights were as portrayed in the photograph and in that location. He stated he had seen these lights before and after on many occasions, as had his wife and son. The lights appear when rocks are wet (specifically Yorkshire Gritstone) and the sun shines on them. This does not occur on bright sunny days, only on cloudy days with sun outbreaks. Mr. Carlisle's attitude towards the UFO phenomenon is one of an open mind, and he believes the lights were nothing other than the sun shining on the rocks. He noted that on that particular day, the lights were brighter than he had seen them before, and he did not notice any structure behind the rocks.

Mr. Carlisle's view of the Cracoe Phenomena is that it is the product of an uncommon sunlight reflection on damp quartz-bearing gritstone. He and others have seen this phenomenon three or four times a year when the weather is changeable and in the mornings. He, his wife, and son have seen it both before and since the March 1981 event. It is also noted that on the three occasions Mr. Carlisle has been contacted regarding the Cracoe Phenomenon (by the Craven Herald and WYUFORG), he had to be sought out, and his version of the event remains unchanged from a 1983 "UFO RUBBISH" article.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly leans towards a skeptical and investigative stance, prioritizing rational explanations for alleged UFO sightings. The primary theme is the debunking of a specific UFO case through the testimony of a local witness and the presentation of scientific reasoning (sunlight reflection on rocks). The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and evidence-based conclusions, as demonstrated by Andy Roberts' decision not to write his article and the detailed presentation of Mr. Carlisle's consistent explanation. The article also highlights the challenges researchers face in obtaining information from UFO organizations, suggesting potential gatekeeping or bias within the UFO community itself. The recurring theme is the importance of thorough investigation and the potential for misidentification of natural phenomena as UFOs.