UFO Lokal Information - 1986 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'LOKAL INFORMATION.' (No. 2, 1986) is an information bulletin published by the Enköpings UFO-förening for UFO-Sverige. The cover features a hand-drawn map and the issue details.

Main Content

Letter from the Local Groups (HEJSAN ALLA LOKALGRUPPER)

The editor welcomes readers and discusses the summer activities. A key topic is the 'Budkavlen' (message stick/relay), a project started in Malmö in January 1986, which was intended to circulate among local groups. The editor expresses concern that it has not moved as quickly as hoped and urges groups to pass it on, even without financial contributions. The bulletin notes the addition of new local groups, including 'Siljansringens UFO-förening' with 22 members, and AFU in Norrköping joining UFO-Sverige. A request for statistics on group membership and board members from the previous issue yielded a surprisingly low response, with only five local groups submitting data, contrasting with claims of 20 in Sala.

Distribution and Contributions

Arnold, from Enköping, explains that Enköping is now responsible for distributing the magazine. They offer additional copies for 10 SEK per issue, with two more issues planned for the year. Contributions for the next issue are due by September 1st. He encourages local groups to send in short updates.

Stockholm UFO Association (IDEELL FÖRENING FÖR SAMVERKAN I UFO-FRÅGOR)

Göran Norlén, chairman of the Stockholm association, addresses the lack of responses to a 'larmkedjan' (alarm chain) project. He plans to re-evaluate it over the summer and will include a mandatory questionnaire in the next issue. If fewer than 15 interested responses are received, the project will be abandoned. He also mentions an ambitious project to build a 'vortex machine' inspired by Viktor Schauberger, seeking skilled individuals for metalwork, casting, and fine mechanics, with the ultimate goal of flying to Mars.

Retroactive from Norrbotten

This section focuses on following up on older UFO sightings. A detailed account is given of an incident from December 1970, described by Bernt Ölmeborg, a teacher at Kiruna Flight School. While flying near Kiruna, Ölmeborg and another pilot independently observed two green, cigar-shaped objects with sharp contours. The objects moved at high speed from east to west, stopped and hovered for about two minutes, then resumed their course and disappeared. The objects were estimated to be at an altitude of 3500 meters and maintained their orientation throughout the sighting. The location was estimated to be over Kajtum, between Kiruna and Gällivare.

Follow-up on the Kiruna Sighting

Simultaneously, a SAS regular evening flight was approaching Kiruna from the south. The SAS pilot contacted Ölmeborg via radio, inquiring if he had seen anything unusual. The pilot reported observing two cigar-shaped objects near the Natta-vaara beacon, approximately thirteen miles from Kiruna. Ölmeborg confirmed his own observation. They could not find a reasonable explanation. Ölmeborg notes that while mirages can sometimes create the appearance of objects, the weather conditions at the time did not support this explanation. He concludes that there might be phenomena not yet understood.

Activity Report for UFO-Z Östersund 1985

The board of UFO-Z Östersund presents its activity report for 1985. The board members are listed, including Peder Berglund (Chairman) and May-Britt Pellving (Secretary). The organization held 16 meetings, broadcast programs on local radio, and participated in 'Projekt Hessdalen' in Norway. They also attended planning conferences and the UFO-Sverige national meeting. Activities included displaying UFO-Sverige's slide show, selling goods at a market, and running a study circle on 'Technology in Antiquity'. Observation nights and a trip to Hessdalen were also held. The report notes a quiet year for reported cases, with membership at 22 at year's end.

Budkavlen Chart

A chart titled 'BUDKAVLE 1986' tracks the progress of the relay project, starting from Malmö on January 20th, 1986.

AFU: A Brief History

This section chronicles the history of AFU (Arkivet för UFO-forskning). It details its origins in 1973 as an working group, the publication of 'Ufologen', the start of the AFU library in 1974, and its evolution into a foundation in 1980. Key milestones include the compilation of 'ghost rocket' material in 1977, the publication of the 'Svensk UFO-bibliografi' in 1978, statistical studies of UFO cases, and the expansion of the archive. By 1985, the archive contained 1,163 titles, and a new classification system, Ufocode, was developed. A copier was acquired, and plans were made for a personal computer.

From Enköping UFO Association

This report from the Enköping UFO Association details their activities. They are working on an ambulatory exhibition for UFO-Sverige, which was delayed. They held a spring closing event with a flea market and a lecture by Håkan Blomkvist from AFU. Plans are underway for a summer jubilee party in August and a study trip to AFU in September. The association received six UFO reports in a week in March, two of which were dismissed. They are considering producing their own film about local UFO events for schools. In March, they hosted a UFO-Sverige planning conference. They conclude by wishing readers a pleasant summer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the activities and organization of UFO research and reporting in Sweden. There is a strong emphasis on the work of AFU as a central archive and research body, and the importance of local UFO groups in collecting and disseminating information. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement in UFO research, encouraging participation, and documenting both historical and contemporary sightings. There is a clear effort to connect different UFO organizations and share information across the country.

This document is a protocol from UFO-Sverige, dated March 17, 1986. It details discussions from a meeting and a planning conference concerning the organization's operations, finances, publications, and projects.

Meeting Discussions

Acquisition of Equipment

UFO-Sverige has received an offer to purchase a used stamping machine for 250 SEK, with a new price range of 20,000 to 40,000 SEK. This machine is intended for stamping UFO reports to be entered into the URD database.

Magazine ('Tidningen')

There was a consensus that the magazine should feature more UFO articles, as the previous issue contained too much physics and science content. Suggestions were made to sell the magazine in kiosks and shops. While distribution via Presam was deemed too expensive, local groups were encouraged to distribute the magazine within their areas. The proposed price per issue is 25 SEK, with 5 SEK going to the kiosk owner and the rest to UFO-Sverige. This distribution method is already in use in some kiosks in Stockholm, Sala, and Kiruna. The discussion also touched upon printing a general-purpose flyer ('löpsedel') that could be used for each issue.

Economy

Several proposals were discussed to improve the organization's financial situation. The Malmö UFO-Jour has initiated a 'budkavel' (passing collection) system, where each local group donates money to UFO-Sverige when they receive it. A receipt for the payment is then placed on the 'budkavel' and passed to the next group. The possibility of starting a national lottery was also raised. The idea of seeking sponsors for UFO-Sverige was put forward, though the difficulties and the risk of commercializing the organization's image were acknowledged.

Merchandise

There is a need for new stickers, as many previously printed ones are sold out. The printing of tote bags for fairs and events was also proposed, with mixed opinions on whether the cost would be justified. Price quotes were to be obtained.

Direct Marketing Test

The Stockholm UFO association plans to conduct a direct mailing campaign to 6,000 households to assess its impact on membership numbers. UFO-Sverige may benefit from the results for future initiatives.

Field Research Course ('Fältforskarkursen')

Criticism was leveled against the field research course, with suggestions for stricter management and the appointment of a responsible person to delegate tasks. There was also a hope for better adherence to the schedule in the future.

Planning Conference

Details

A planning conference was held on March 17, 1986, starting at 10:00 AM in Enköping. Representatives from 8 local groups attended. Christer Nordin was elected chairman, and Ulf Ekstedt was elected secretary.

Projects within UFO-Sverige

• Exhibitions: The central group reported on UFO-Sverige's participation in the Borlänge Air Show (November 14-17, 1985), which garnered significant attention. They have also been invited to a consumer fair in Mora (April 23-27, 1986). The Köping UFO association will host an exhibition in Köping (May-August 1986), with the municipality covering the professional setup costs (100,000 SEK), while UFO-Sverige provides the content. Enköping UFO association, along with Stockholm UFO association, Malmö UFO-Jour, and Gävleborg UFO association, are developing a new traveling exhibition for rental. Enköping UFO association also plans an exhibition during a carnival in Enköping on May 31, which is expected to attract around 40,000 people.
• Film Project: There is a desire to accelerate work on a new still film. Enköping UFO association has allocated 2,500 SEK for this purpose. Karlskoga UFO-Center is planned to produce the film, which is intended to be about 25 minutes long, modern, and informative, improving upon the current film. The main challenge appears to be scriptwriting.
• Hessdalen Workshop: The workshop planned for Oslo (April 12-13) was canceled due to insufficient interest, with only 8 registrations received despite invitations sent to ufologists globally.
• URD Project: Results from data processing have been sent to approximately 15 researchers. Efforts are underway to contact them for comments and potential support. However, none of the seven researchers contacted so far are prepared to offer official support, although some are willing to provide informal advice. Several researchers have suggested seeking help from professional statisticians for data interpretation.

Board Election Process

It was proposed that 40% or 60% of the central group members should be directly elected by the national assembly. Currently, the central group itself selects its members. A change would require a motion to amend the statutes at the national assembly.

Stickers

The planning conference withdrew its recommendation from a previous protocol to print stickers for placement in the subway system.

Correspondence

Regarding UFO-Sverige's 'Budkavel'

A response from Göteborgs UFO-Förening expressed that while they support fundraising ideas, they doubt the feasibility of becoming the world's best in UFO research within two years solely through small donations. They suggest that the national organization should pressure the government for state funding and recognition for UFO research, similar to efforts in the USA.

Direct Response

In response to the 'budkavel' discussion, it was clarified that the idea originated from Malmö UFO-jour as a private initiative. Enköping found it to be a good idea, especially for funding a new information film and an exhibition, both of which are needed and will benefit local groups. The funds collected through the 'budkavel' will be transferred to the account for the film. While acknowledging that the amounts are small, they are considered necessary until more substantial funding is secured. The response also noted that the 2,500 SEK mentioned previously is available for the film. The goal of being the best in the world is seen as positive, and the group encourages everyone to live up to it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the operational and financial challenges faced by UFO-Sverige and its local chapters. There is a clear emphasis on improving the organization's financial stability through various fundraising and sales initiatives, including magazine distribution, merchandise, and potentially a lottery. The need for better organization and management within projects, such as the field research course, is also highlighted. The document reflects a proactive approach to problem-solving and a desire to advance UFO research and public awareness, albeit with differing opinions on the best strategies and the role of external funding. The editorial stance appears to be one of pragmatic problem-solving, encouraging local initiatives while also seeking broader organizational improvements and external support.