UFO Lokal Information - 1987 1

Magazine Overview

Title: LOKAL INFORMATION
Issue: Nr. 1
Year: 1987
Publisher: Enköpings UFO-förening

This issue of 'Lokal Information' serves as a newsletter for UFO enthusiasts in Sweden, primarily distributed by the Enköpings UFO-förening. It aims to provide a platform for members to share information and discuss UFO-related topics. The magazine covers a range of content, including UFO sighting reports, organizational news, and critical analyses of the UFO-Sverige organization's operations and finances.

Editorial and Letters

The issue opens with a greeting to local UFO groups, acknowledging the slow submission of material but noting that enough has come in for the publication. The editor, Arnold, reflects on the past winter and the general state of the UFO movement in Sweden, expressing concern about negative voices regarding finances. He emphasizes the need for constructive ideas to overcome challenges and recalls the early days of building the UFO movement in Sweden with limited resources. The editor highlights the importance of the magazine as the movement's 'backbone' and suggests that the current publication may have 'injuries' that need to be addressed. He stresses that the focus should remain on UFO phenomena and related research, urging members to contribute ideas for the upcoming national meeting and planning conference.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailing UFO sightings reported in 1986. The Stockholms UFO-förening reports on a total of 20 cases from the Stockholm region. Among these, five are explained as rocket launches from the Soviet Union, and one as a model airplane prank. The remaining cases are classified as unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Detailed accounts include:

• January 14: Two women in Åkersberga observed a balloon-like object with peculiar movements and illumination in Lofsdalen, Jämtland. The investigation suggested a weather balloon, but the movement pattern was considered strange.
• August 22: A fiery, round object was seen over Östermalm, moving from the north and disappearing towards Gärdet. The investigation suggested an illegal, dangerous night flight with a hot-air balloon, possibly related to airshow events.
• August 28: Flashing lights were observed moving upwards from the ground near Danderyd hospital by nurses. Possible explanations included welding work or electrical discharges from trains.
• September 1: A strong light was seen from Tjockö, near Norrtälje, appearing from behind trees and moving slowly northwards. Investigations with military and civil aviation authorities yielded no results, but theories included a private aircraft or helicopter.
• September 6: An oval, almost white object was observed high in the sky over Täby, moving in a straight line and disappearing suddenly. A bolide or meteor was suggested, but the distinct oval shape was noted as contradictory.
• September 12: In Norsborg, Botkyrka, a woman heard a loud humming sound, observed stars seemingly disappear, and then saw a yellow glowing sphere that moved towards Mälaren, leaving a red tail. Similar objects were reportedly seen in Eskilstuna and Malung later that night. This case is considered to have no reasonable explanation.
• September 25: Two airplane-like objects, silver and wingless, were observed near Värmdö. The case remains unexplained.
• September 28: A formation of light points was seen over Östermalm, disappearing quickly. No reasonable explanation was found.
• November 2: Two red, oval lights were observed flying rapidly in formation over Norr Mälarstrand. Investigations with the Swedish Air Force and flying units did not identify them as Swedish military aircraft.
• December 1: Two women observed a large, white-yellowish, clock-igloo-shaped object with a stick on top from Hagaparken, moving over the bay towards Frescati. It disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

Of the 1986 reports, four are classified as qualified UFO cases.

UFO-Sverige Economy and Organization

A critical article delves into the economic challenges faced by UFO-Sverige. It notes that financial problems seem to be a long-standing issue, with a lack of detailed financial reporting in past publications like 'UFO-Aktuellt' and 'UFO-Information'. The author argues that UFO-Sverige's board must establish a budget and manage finances effectively, emphasizing that all work within the organization should be voluntary. The article points to 'UFO-Aktuellt' as a major expense, estimating its cost at 95 SEK per subscriber with around 2,100 subscribers, totaling approximately 200,000 SEK annually. The author questions the magazine's content, suggesting it strays too far from UFO phenomena into areas like parapsychology and nuclear weapons, and that its reporting on international UFO events is poor.

The article proposes that UFO-Sverige's budget should also cover essential functions such as a report center, field investigations, support for local chapters, special projects (like Hessdalen), and the publication of white papers. It suggests that 20-30% of the annual budget (over 200,000 SEK) should be allocated to these areas, leaving ample funds for the magazine. A specific proposal is made to allocate 5% of the turnover (10,000 SEK/year) to a fund for field investigation follow-ups, enabling more in-depth study of interesting cases, including potential costs for travel, hypnosis, or lab analysis. The author also advocates for supporting local chapters and projects like the Hessdalen investigation, questioning the significant investment in Hessdalen without a clear analysis of its results.

Verksamhetsberättelse 1986 (Activity Report 1986)

The Stockholms UFO-förening presents its annual report for 1986. The board consisted of Göran Norlén (Chairman), Heikki Virtanen (Vice Chairman), Christer Lindh (Treasurer), and Zoltan Serafin Jr (Secretary), with three board members. The report details various meetings and activities, including board meetings, member meetings, study visits, and the annual meeting. The organization participated in the UFO-Sverige national meeting in Östersund and planning conferences in Enköping and Rättvik.

Membership numbers at the end of 1986 were 57 paying members, with 11 members under 25 years old. The association's economy showed a small surplus, attributed to extraordinary income and a change in how membership fees are registered. The report notes that applications for donations were unsuccessful, often due to not aligning with the specific purposes of the funds.

The Stockholms region received an unusually high number of UFO reports in the latter half of 1986, with at least four qualified UFO cases identified. The association's informative activities included films and lectures on topics ranging from quantum physics to UFOs and parapsychology. The financial situation is described as 'almost dire,' with support from members helping to alleviate the pressure.

Planning Conference Announcement

Details are provided for the UFO-Sverige planning conference scheduled for March 21-22, 1987, hosted by Enköpings UFO-förening. The conference would open on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Overnight accommodation was available in the club premises, with participants asked to bring sleeping bags and mats. Coffee and lunch would be served. Those unable to attend were encouraged to send written suggestions. Key discussion points included the new statutes, UFO-Sverige's economy, and district divisions. Attendees were asked to register in advance to help with purchasing supplies.

Nyköpingsföreningen Utmanar (Nyköping Association Challenges)

This section presents a word game challenge where participants are asked to write a text using only words starting with the letter 'P', or a text focusing solely on UFO phenomena using a single starting letter. The goal is to create the longest or most creative text, with UFO books offered as prizes. The challenge is open to all members, with submissions to be sent to Arnold Idebring.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong emphasis on the practical and investigative aspects of UFO research, coupled with a critical stance on organizational management and financial transparency within UFO-Sverige. There is a clear call for the organization to remain focused on UFO phenomena and to improve its reporting and financial accountability. The magazine serves as a platform for members to voice concerns and contribute to the direction of the UFO movement in Sweden. The editorial tone is concerned yet hopeful, urging collective action and constructive solutions to the challenges faced by the organization and the field of UFO research.

This issue of UFO-Sverige, identified as Volume II, Issue 10, with a cover date suggesting late May 1986 (indicated by 'Forts. sid 11.' and the cover headline 'Glöm inte att skicka oss material till nästanr senast 23 Maj.'), focuses on the organization's economic struggles and calls for action. The magazine is published by UFO-Sverige in Sweden and is written in Swedish.

Editorial Content

"Förlustelsefull final" by Carl-Anton Mattsson

This section, presented as a fictional narrative, uses alliteration extensively to describe a character named Frans Fredrik Fredheim, a lieutenant who brings 'five hundred and fifty charmingly refined French ladies' from Franceville to Falsterbo. The story, filled with wordplay, touches upon themes of romance, procreation, and societal reactions, culminating in a somewhat absurd and humorous conclusion.

Enköpings UFO-förening News

The Enköping UFO association reports on its recent activities. Their last study circle meeting was held, with the final one scheduled for May 9th, marking the end of the spring season. Plans include a trip to their 'blood circle' in Teda, followed by an afternoon of activities and an evening lecture by Anders Palm titled "Negotiations are underway." The group is preparing a mini-exhibition for schools and youth centers, to be accompanied by a new UFO-Sverige film. They are also compiling statistics from 40 years of UFO reports for Bertil Kulemen to present at a symposium in the USA. The association held its annual meeting, re-electing A. Idebring as chairman for another two-year term. Irene Åkersén was appointed as the new secretary, and Ann Christine Torsen and Inga-Lill Johansson took on the role of 'Hustomte.' The association reported 66 paying members.

UFO-Sveriges ekonomi

This section directly addresses the critical financial state of UFO-Sverige. It states that the organization is cutting costs on virtually everything, but the only way to significantly improve the economy is to increase the number of subscribers. The plea is directed at local groups to motivate their members to subscribe to UFO-aktuellt, emphasizing that saving money is futile if subscribers are lost. The message urges everyone to contribute to the organization's survival.

UFO-fall from Enköping

Eight UFO cases were reported, with four being dismissed as IFO (Identified Flying Object). One case from February 19th in Tortuna described a light ramp from which a red orb detached and rose straight up. This sighting was also reported by air traffic control in Västerås and from Heby. The red orb remains a puzzling aspect of the investigation.

Cover Story: "Glöm inte att skicka oss material till nästanr senast 23 Maj."

This prominent cover headline serves as a deadline for submitting material, likely for future issues. It is accompanied by a visual element that appears to be a stylized depiction of a figure in a hooded robe, possibly a representation of an alien or a researcher.

"Vad gör vi när märsmänniskorna kommer?"

This article discusses the potential implications of alien landings. It poses questions about how to handle such events, including the need for quarantine. A concerned citizen wrote to the Swedish Board of Agriculture. State epizootologist Martin Wisrup acknowledges the seriousness of the problem but notes the lack of experience in handling such scenarios. He suggests that extraterrestrials should be quarantined and subjected to various tests to determine if they carry contagions. The Swedish Board of Agriculture admits it has not focused on this issue and lacks a contingency plan. The Siljansringens UFO-ring has requested permission to communicate with extraterrestrials in case of contact. The Board of Agriculture advises contacting the county veterinarian or the UFO ring immediately if such an event occurs.

"Låg beredskap mot marsianer"

This section, accompanied by a graphic, highlights the low state of preparedness for Martian or alien encounters. It questions how to react if a spaceship lands and brings small green-shoed Martians.

Emblems for Local Groups

Arnold Idebring offers UFO-Sverige emblems for local groups to display in their club rooms or at exhibitions. These emblems, or custom-made ones, cost 175 SEK, with 25 SEK going to a film fund. The emblems are 50 cm and three-dimensional. Contact information for Arnold Idebring is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the financial precariousness of UFO-Sverige and the urgent need for increased membership and subscriptions. There is also a focus on UFO sightings and investigations, as well as a speculative and somewhat cautious approach to the possibility of alien contact and its implications. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for the organization's survival and a call to action for its members and local groups. The inclusion of a fictional, alliterative story suggests a willingness to engage readers through creative writing alongside factual reporting and organizational matters.