UFO Reporter - Vol 7 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Reporter, Volume 7 Number 1, dated April 2002, is published by UFO Research (NSW). The cover story, 'Quirindi the full story,' details a significant UFO sighting that occurred on August 10, 1998. The magazine also includes an editorial discussing the revival of the publication, articles on 'Angels' hair,' a field trip to Barraba, details about the Australian National Seminar in Sydney, an obituary for Andrew Paul Tomas, and an article on Edgar Ronald Jarrold.

Quirindi, the full story

The main article recounts a sighting by Eunice and Noelene Stansfield at their home in Quirindi, Australia, on August 10, 1998. Around 1 p.m., while relaxing in the garden, they observed a silvery ball moving quickly across the sky. They followed the object, joined by Eunice's husband, Mario, a retired combat pilot. They witnessed a cluster of metal spheres, with one larger sphere appearing to be two connected spheres forming a 'dumbbell' shape. These objects exhibited complex aerial maneuvers, including hovering, stopping, starting, and making right-angle turns at speed. Mario estimated the objects were about 10,000 feet high. During the maneuvering, a light, whitish material streamed from the objects, falling earthwards and described as 'angels' hair.' This material was collected and later sent for analysis. The display lasted about 1.5 hours and involved up to 20 objects. The article also notes that the objects seemed to induce electrical energy, causing Mario's electric saw to turn on by itself.

Silver dumbbells

Further details describe the dumbbell-shaped objects. One larger sphere appeared to be two spheres connected by a horizontal rod, with a smaller cylindrical section in the middle. Vertical vanes or struts ran from the outer spheres to the central cylinder. Barry Taylor, a ufologist from Grafton, suggested that these might be three separate objects. Another dumbbell took up a parallel position behind the first. These dumbbells hovered more than the smaller spheres.

Complex movements

Eunice and Mario observed the spheres maneuvering rapidly, stopping, starting, and moving up and down. They covered a large area of the sky, making it difficult to follow all movements. The objects performed complex maneuvers, including veering off, approaching each other closely, making right-angle turns at speed, and traveling side-by-side. Some spheres stacked up, while others leapfrogged each other. Mario also observed a smaller sphere fly up into a dumbbell and vanish, and a dumbbell heading towards another as if to collide.

Looking into the sun

Eunice noticed an unusual phenomenon while looking towards the sun: a white and yellow 'lace-like' pattern surrounding it, which she described as 'very beautiful.' She realized she could look directly into the sun without pain, an effect not reported by other witnesses. The article suggests this might be a three-dimensional 'Moire' pattern caused by powerful, fluctuating magnetic fields from the objects.

Angels' hair

The 'angels' hair' phenomenon is described in detail. The material is light, whitish, and fibrous, similar to cotton wool, and dissolves into the atmosphere. It is believed to be a polymer made of air and water vapor, created by high-frequency electromagnetic and plasma effects from UFOs. Reports of angels' hair are common from the 1950s and 1960s. Noelene collected a sample, which was sent to Sydney for analysis. Bill Chalker examined it under a microscope and found it similar to spiderweb, leading to inconclusive results.

The objects vanish

Mario reported that the objects were 'jumping from side to side,' fading in and out of view before disappearing. One dumbbell took up a position overhead and then flew directly upwards to an estimated height of 15-19 km before returning overhead and vanishing.

Orange ball of light

Later that day, at around 7:30 p.m., Mario observed a bright reddish-orange ball of fire, smaller than the moon, pass overhead slowly from the east, appearing covered with flames. It disappeared behind a hill.

Media interest

Brief news of the Quirindi incident was carried on radio networks, and some radio stations broadcast excerpts of interviews with Eunice. Journalists contacted Moira McGhee of INUFOR for comment. Greg Ver's initial news release, which misspelled the Stansfields' name, led to some initial difficulties in obtaining details.

Editorial

Reviving the UFO Reporter

Bryan Dickeson's editorial apologizes for delays in publishing this issue, which was updated after checking details of the Quirindi case on April 12, 2002. He discusses the decision to revive the UFO Reporter quarterly magazine after a five-year hiatus, during which the focus shifted to organizing public seminars. The previous arrangement of providing the Ufologist magazine from Brisbane to members was not economically viable. The new, less glossy UFO Reporter aims to cut costs and provide members with a publication that feels like 'their magazine,' containing input from UFOR(NSW) members. Dickeson appeals for member support by submitting articles, news clippings, and other relevant material.

UFO Reporter Contact Information

Details are provided for UFO Reporter, published by UFO Research (NSW), including P.O. Box, telephone number, email address, and website. Deadlines for submissions are also listed.

Field trip to Barraba

This section announces an upcoming four-day field trip to Barraba, Australia, from April 12-15, 2002. Barraba is described as a region with diverse landscapes and geological faulting, known for its wool and diatomaceous earth deposits. The area is noted as a major focus for UFO/unusual activity, with reports of dome-shaped UFOs, black helicopters, and unusual humming noises. A previous trip in 2001 was successful. The 2002 trip was expected to be eventful, with a detailed report to follow in the next issue. Special thanks are extended to individuals who organized and supported the trip.

Australian National Seminar August 2002

UFOR(NSW) is hosting an Australian ufology seminar in Sydney from August 3-5, 2002. Friday and Saturday sessions will be held at the YWCA, and Sunday will focus on UFO Abduction phenomena. The seminar is calling for speakers and presenters to share their findings and expertise. Potential workshops are also being arranged. The seminar's theme is 'Close Encounters in the 21st Century: the Next 50 Years of Civilian UFO Investigations,' marking the 50th anniversary of the 1952 White House flying saucer sightings. A list of probable presenters is included, and attendees are advised that travel costs may only be partially reimbursed.

Obituary: Andrew Paul Tomas

This obituary details the life of Andrew Paul Tomas (1906-2001), an influential figure in Australian ufology during the 1950s and 60s, who later became a successful international author of occult and UFO-related books. Born in St Petersburg, Tomas had a diverse life, including living in Vladivostok, Shanghai, and eventually emigrating to Australia in 1948. He was well-read and interested in ancient history, archaeology, astronomy, and esoteric philosophies. He self-published a book on 'planet-to-planet communication' in 1935. Tomas saw his first UFO in 1954 and became involved with the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau (AFSB), later helping to lead the UFO Investigation Centre (UFOIC). He edited UFO periodicals and was interested in the esoteric aspects of the subject, believing in reconciliation with extraterrestrial civilizations. After 1965, he pursued his interests and traveled extensively, writing several best-selling books. He met his wife Heather Hill at an Ancient Astronaut conference and was a charter member of von Daniken's Ancient Astronaut Society. He settled in Chico, California, in 1977.

So where and who is Edgar Ronald Jarrold

This article discusses Edgar Ronald Jarrold, also known as Roy Peter Simpson, a pioneer in Australian UFO investigation. Jarrold founded Australia's first open civilian UFO investigation group, the AFSB, in Bankstown, Sydney, following the 1952 Washington UFO flaps. The article notes that Andrew Tomas reluctantly took over the AFSB from Jarrold in April 1955 when Jarrold left for 'personal reasons,' which remain unclear. Jarrold's activities were often mysterious, involving nocturnal phone calls and visits from men in suits, elements that became associated with the 'Men in Black' phenomenon. After leaving the AFSB, Jarrold worked as an 'assistant storeman' and then disappeared from sight. Researchers believe he may have one or two sons in Queensland, but no record of his death has been found, leading to speculation that he could still be alive or may have changed his name. The article also mentions archival records related to Edgar Ronald Jarrold and Roy Peter Simpson, including a musical work and correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the history of ufology in Australia. There is a strong emphasis on detailed case studies, such as the Quirindi sighting, and on the contributions of individuals who have been involved in the field. The editorial stance, as expressed by Bryan Dickeson, is to revive and maintain a publication that serves the UFOR(NSW) membership, encouraging active participation and the submission of material. The publication also highlights upcoming events like seminars and field trips, and includes obituaries of significant figures in the UFO community. The articles often explore both the observational aspects of sightings and the more esoteric or theoretical interpretations of UFO phenomena, as seen in the discussion of Andrew Tomas' interests and the 'angels' hair' phenomenon.

Title: UFO Reporter
Issue: April 2002
Date: April 2002
Publisher: UFO Reporter
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of UFO Reporter focuses on UFO incidents that occurred around Collaroy, Sydney, during 2001, highlighting several significant sightings and events that prompted investigations.

North Collaroy Beach/South Narrabeen, 23 February 2001

This section, authored by Moira McGhee, details a major incident on the evening of February 23, 2001. At approximately 10:45 p.m., a large object described as having a glowing red hemispherical base and a 'dark, unlit, castle-like upper section' was observed passing from west to east over Collaroy and out to sea. Witnesses, including a retired army officer and his wife, reported a loud noise, likened to 'a hundred motorbikes,' and a 'definite draft of air' accompanying the object's movement. The object was visible for several minutes and was heard to stop and then restart its noise. It passed north of Stuart Street, originating from over Narrabeen Lagoon and Kuring-gai Chase National Park, moving above the northern escarpment of the Wheeler Heights/Collaroy Heights plateau at an estimated altitude of 35 meters. The following Saturday morning, February 24, several aircraft, including an Australian Air Force Hercules and a black and orange Naval Recovery helicopter, were seen overflying the Collaroy area, seemingly 'looking for something.'

Darwin Incident, 23 February 2001

An unconfirmed report from Darwin on the same Friday, February 23, is also presented as of particular interest. An Australian Air Force source reported that four identical UFOs were seen near Darwin earlier that evening. These objects reportedly out-maneuvered Australian Air Force jets that gave chase. At one point, the objects disappeared and reappeared behind the jets. The UFOs were described as having turrets on top that swiveled towards the planes, unsettling the pilots. Missiles or weapons fired at one object were said to have 'bounced off.' The pursuit continued across country, involving refueling stops at Pine Gap and Richmond AFBs. The group of UFOs split up inland, with one being pursued as far as Mount Gambier, South Australia, before disappearing.

Collaroy Revisited: 27 June 2001

This account, by Attila Kaldy and Trevor Foster of the UFO Society of Western Sydney (UFOSWS), details events on Wednesday, June 27, 2001. The observers were skywatching at Long Reef Point when, around 8 p.m., they noticed a faint orange globe of light appear on the northeastern horizon. The object glided southwest, towards the shore, and hovered about 1 km out from Bilgola Head for about a minute. They observed the orange light reflecting off the water as it descended. The object then appeared to 'collapse within itself into a small point of light' and disappeared near the water.

Shortly after, around 8:30 p.m., a similar spherical object appeared from the same starting position and moved southwest. Attila Kaldy managed to take photographs of this object using a Pentax SP 500 camera attached to his telescope. This second object also hovered over the ocean for nearly two minutes before descending and merging with its reflection on the water, eventually submerging and disappearing from sight.

Orange Tri-Winged Craft, 27 June 2001

Around 9 p.m. on the same evening, the observers spotted another, larger, and brighter orange object approaching from the eastern horizon. Attila Kaldy focused his telescope on this object, describing it as a three-winged, triangular craft with a central dome. Each wing tip was upturned, and thin outer strip lights were visible on the wings. The object was significantly larger than a helicopter. It hovered motionless just above the ocean's surface, approximately 8±2km east of Long Reef Point. It displayed seven lights: four bright outer lights and three fainter central lights. The bright outer lights cast reflections on the water and appeared to be wavering and shimmering, possibly due to heat or air turbulence.

Within minutes, three unmarked black helicopters appeared, seemingly from various directions inland. A commercial airliner also circled the craft. Soon after, commercial flights appeared to divert around the area. The object remained visible for over three hours. During this time, it moved erratically, 'scintillating' and jumping up and down above the water. Bright beams of white light were seen to leave or 'hit' the object at a 45° angle. By midnight, the area became calm, and the observers decided to go home. The object was still visible out to sea when they left.

Addendum: Elanora Heights Phenomena

The position where the object vanished on Friday night (February 23) is noted as a favored location for unusual phenomena. During the mid-1990s, residents of Elanora Heights reported seeing bright star-like objects that sped off. On two occasions, an 'explosion of light' was seen, followed by a rapidly expanding ring of cloud. These residents also experienced a disorienting 'wave' where the ground seemed to ripple, and they felt temporarily projected forward, with a distant muffled explosion heard afterward.

UFO Groups in New South Wales

The issue includes a directory of UFO groups in New South Wales, providing their names, postal addresses, contact persons, and email addresses. These include UFO Research (NSW), Australian-Hungarian Centre for UFO Studies and Friendship, Blue Mountains UFO Research, Independent Network of UFO Researchers (INUFOR), INFODIG Central Coast, UFO Experience Support Association (UFOESA), UFO Investigation Centre (UFOIC), UFO Society of Western Sydney, and UFO Society Riverina. The Australian UFO Research Network Hotline number (1800 772 288) is also listed.

UFOR (NSW) 2002 Program

A program of events for UFOR (NSW) in 2002 is provided, including general meetings, field trips, and a national UFO conference. Dates, times, locations, and entry fees are listed for various events throughout the year, such as meetings in The Entrance, Surry Hills, South Coast, Penrith, Riverwood, and a NEXUS Conference in Potts Point.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed UFO/UAP sightings, witness testimonies, and the investigations undertaken by various UFO research organizations in Australia. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting and documenting these phenomena, encouraging further investigation, and providing a platform for sharing information among UFO enthusiasts. The inclusion of a directory of UFO groups and a program of events suggests an aim to foster community and collaboration within the UFO research field in New South Wales.