UFONEWS UK Vol 1 no 3

Magazine Overview

UFONEWS UK, Volume 1, Issue 3, dated March 2009, is a magazine dedicated to UFOlogy and paranormal phenomena. The cover price was £3.50. The issue features a main cover headline about Hampshire UFO sightings and includes articles on various UFO encounters, time warps, and interviews.

Editors Corner

The editor reflects on the past three months, noting the passing of several British UFOlogy figures: Eric Morris (December 2008), David Kingston and Paul Vigay (on the same day), and Tony Dodd (March 2009). The editor also discusses the challenges faced by Russel Callaghan of UFOData magazine, who invested £10,000 to keep his publication alive, leading to a decrease in magazine reviews within UFONEWS UK. The editor contemplates the shift towards online downloadable versions of magazines, weighing the cost-effectiveness against the preference for a physical format. UFONEWS UK will continue to be published in print.

The editor mentions holding over an article on 'The Men in Black: The Early Days' by Brad Steiger due to space constraints. Contributors to this issue include Philip Mantle, Nick Pope, Margaret Fry, Dr. Peter McCue, and Paul Dale Roberts. The editor also notes the contrast between British and American television's willingness to feature UFO programs, mentioning shows like 'Monster Quest' and 'UFO Hunters' and his personal collection of UFO-related DVDs.

Contents

The magazine's contents include articles such as 'Hampshire - A year of questions but no answers' by Steven Gerrard, 'UFO's and Time Warps' by Margaret Fry, 'Various UFO / ET Encounters of J.S.', an interview with a former MIB by Paul Dale Roberts, and 'UFO's and Rock - An interview with Scottish rock band CEIV' by Philip Mantle. There are also parts 2 of 'Abductee... A Friend...' and 'When Policemen see UFO's'. The issue also features UK UFO News, National Newspaper Reviews, and World Reports.

Hampshire - A year of questions but no answers (By Steven Gerrard)

This article details UFO sightings in Hampshire during 2008, noting a slight decrease in reports compared to 2007. Two specific reports from late December 2008 are highlighted: one describing a bright orange light seen on Christmas Day evening, and another detailing two large, bright orange orbs observed over Southampton on December 27th, which exhibited synchronized movements.

The editor, Steven Gerrard, speculates that these sightings might be a prelude to increased UFO activity in 2009, referencing reports of UFOs attacking wind turbines. He then describes a sighting on January 9th, 2009, of a flashing light changing colours over the English Channel, which hovered and then moved away. Gerrard notes that the object was too high to be a helicopter or Coast Guard chopper.

UFOS AND TIME WARPS (By Margaret E. Fry)

Margaret E. Fry, a founder of Contact International UK and the Wales Fellowship of Independent Ufologists, shares an incredible UFO experience involving Mark Andrews, a retired Naval Officer. In 1964, while anchored off Jaffa, Israel, Andrews witnessed an oblong, silvery object with 'tentacles' that lifted a ship wreck and gently placed it alongside a jetty.

The article also touches upon Mark Andrews' retirement hobby of dousing ley lines and his search for a witness to a UFO landing in Pentre Halkyn in 1976. It recounts how Andrews, along with friends Ronnie Cady and Norman Hill, experienced a strange event near Blackhorse Lane, Anglesey, where a hamlet and hotel they remembered had vanished.

UK UFO NEWS

This section compiles recent UFO-related news from various UK newspapers:

• The Louth Leader (January 7, 2009): Reports of strange, tentacle-shaped lights seen above a wind farm in Conisholme prior to a 20m blade falling off an 89m turbine. John Harrison described a 'massive ball of light' with tentacles.
• Incidents of wind turbine damage: Several cases are listed, including a shattered blade in Berwickshire (April 2005), a ripped rotor blade in Germany (November 2006), a blade crashing through a roof in Belfast (January 2007), damage to a turbine between Sheffield and Rotherham (July 2008), and shards of ice catapulted from a turbine in Peterborough (December 2008).
• The Wakefield Express (January 9, 2009): A mysterious saucer-shaped object with no lights was spotted hovering over Kirkthorpe Common by James Ward.
• The Wimbledon Guardian (January 14, 2009): A 'pink jelly-fish' shaped object was sighted over Merton, sparking UFO speculation.
• The Londonist (January 22, 2009): A report from Islington about mysterious bright orange glowing objects seen on New Year's Eve, which the Royal Astronomical Society suggested might be pyrotechnics.
• The Louth Leader (February 9, 2009): An official report concluded that damage to a wind turbine in Conisholme was not caused by a UFO, attributing it to material fatigue in the securing bolts.

The Ipswich Evening Star (January 23, 2009) - Suffolk UFO Mysteries Deepen

UFO experts believe Suffolk is a 'portal' for alien craft. Brenda Butler, an expert on UFOs, states that Suffolk experiences constant UFO visits and has been doing so since the 1600s. She claims to have over 1,000 photos as evidence. The article mentions sightings of strange lights and orbs, and the possibility that some were Chinese lanterns. It also discusses the Rendlesham Forest incident, suggesting the truth has been covered up.

FastFacts: Suffolk's Roswell details the Rendlesham Forest incident of December 27, 1980, where American airmen reported strange lights. Indentations and marks were found, but the official explanation was the Orford lighthouse beam, which ufologists dispute. A three-mile UFO trail exists in the forest.

Rye and Battle Today (February 17, 2009) - Hastings UFO Researcher Off To USA To Speak At Conference

Malcolm Robinson, an advertising professional and UFO researcher from Hastings, was scheduled to speak at the International UFO Congress in Nevada. He planned to discuss three famous Scottish UFO incidents: the Livingston incident (Robert Taylor, 1979), the A70 UFO case (August 1992), and the Fife incident (September 1996). Robinson expressed his conviction that a non-human intelligence is involved.

The Western Daily Press (February 24, 2009) - Two Crop-Circle Experts Die Within Hours Of Each Other

David Kingston, a Dorset investigator and conference organiser, and Paul Vigay, a crop circle investigator from Hampshire, both died within hours of each other. Kingston had been battling cancer, while Vigay's body was found on the Hampshire coast. Both were prominent figures in the crop circle and UFO research fields.

The Western Daily Press (March 2, 2009) - UFO-Sighting Hotline Up And Running

A new hotline has been launched by Swindon UFO Research and Wiltshire Phenomena Research for people to report UFO sightings. Chris Williams of Swindon UFO Research stated that most sightings have logical explanations, but they aim to investigate the remaining one percent.

UK NATIONAL NEWSPAPER REVIEWS

This section provides a list of UFO-related news articles published in various UK newspapers between January and February 2009, covering topics such as UFOs hitting wind turbines, alleged alien visits, and leaked government files.

• 12th February 2009 - Tell Tom (BBC South Today): A segment about a prank in 1967 where students built plastic UFO models and transmitted beeping noises, which led to a Ministry of Defence investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include recent UFO sightings in the UK, particularly in Hampshire and Suffolk, and the ongoing debate about the cause of wind turbine damage, with speculation about UFO involvement. The magazine also highlights the passing of prominent UFO researchers, underscoring the dedication and contributions of individuals in the field. The editor's stance is clear: UFONEWS UK will continue to be a print publication, valuing the tangible magazine format over digital downloads, and is committed to investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena.

This issue of "Magazine Reviews" focuses on UFO and paranormal publications and events, with a cover date of January/February 2009. The publication itself is identified as "OVNI", the "JOURNAL OF THE PHENOMENON RESEARCH ASSOCIATION", priced at £2.50 in the UK.

Reviews of UFO Publications

OVNI Magazine (January/February 2009)

The review highlights OVNI magazine as one of the last remaining "GREAT British UFO Publications." It features UFO sightings and reports from the UK, including a "wind turbine incident," "huge flying triangle seen over Ohio," a UFO shooting down a "red beam of light at Dundry, near Bristol," a "mysterious force crushes the side of a woman's car (Northbrook, Illinois)," an "Eric Morris Obituary," a "Triangular UFO," a "shipwreck mystery in 1964," and "Martian News." The reviewer praises the magazine as a "great read" and suggests it contains a mix of news and information not just from the UK. The magazine is rated 9/10. For more information, contact Omar Fowler at 94 The Circle, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 9HR, or via email at [email protected].

UFO Criticism (15th issue, Vol. 9 No. 1 February 2009)

This review shifts focus to Japan, featuring content from Mr. Junji Numakawa. The issue includes an in-depth look at photographs taken by Carl Hart Jr. on August 31st, 1951, over Lubbock, Texas, depicting a 'V' shaped formation of objects. The case is noted as old and having been investigated by many researchers without proof of fakery. It also features photographs by Osamu Sato (President of the Sky People in Japan) of nine Saturn-shaped objects and a mother ship taken on August 26th, 2008. A strange buzzing noise heard at the 3rd Sky People Report Meeting is also mentioned. For more information, contact Junji Numakawa at 6-52-1, Shimouma, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 154-0002, Japan.

UFO Newsclipping Service (January 2009 - Number 474)

This review covers a research tool from America, described as essential for serious UFO researchers. It compiles newspaper articles and sightings from the US, UK, and elsewhere, with a "Fortean News" section. Articles include police officers seeing and chasing UFOs, UFO pranks, and sightings across the Americas. It references UFO articles about flying triangles from the Los Angeles Times in November 1950 and a saucer chased by the RAF during Operation Mainbrace from the Sunday Dispatch on September 21st, 1952. Sightings over London, Chester, and Burton are mentioned, along with articles on documents released by the MOD. The Fortean section covers Bigfoot and the "Ogopog" from British Columbia. For more details, contact Newsclipping Service, P.O. Box 1001, Edwardsville, IL 62025 USA.

In Memoriam: David Kingston & Paul Vigay

The article announces the passing of David Kingston (1938-2009) and Paul Vigay (1965-2009), described as two leading investigators in crop circle research and UFOlogy. The author expresses shock and devastation at their deaths, noting that their loss "rocks the foundations of British research."

David Kingston (1938-2009)

David Kingston researched UFO sightings since 1976 and later focused on crop circles. He ran the CPI (Crop Phenomena Investigations) and was the Dorset convenor for the C.C.C.s (Centre for Crop Circe Studies). The author knew David from the 1990s, attended his Dorchester conferences, and even gave a talk there in 1999. David allowed the Southampton UFO Group to have a table at his conference. The author appeared on Meridian TV and radio with David. David is remembered as a good friend, and the author expresses his condolences to his wife, Mary.

Paul Vigay (1965-2009)

Paul Vigay's body was recovered from the sea on February 20th. The author knew Paul since the early 1990s and exchanged publications with him. They met at crop circle conferences, and Paul gave a lecture to the Southampton UFO Group on November 2nd, 1997. The author reflects on the impact of losing two such significant figures in the field.

MOD Hands Over the UFO Hotline

Effective January 1st, 2009, UFO matters are handled by HQ Air Command at RAF High Wycombe. The new UFO Hotline number is 01494 496254. The postal address is: RAF Business Secretariat 13, Room 2E03, Spitfire Block, HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, HP14 4UE. The email address is [email protected]. This move is part of an internal reorganization within the Ministry of Defence, with no change to existing policy.

Various UFO / ET Encounters of J.S.

This section contains a lengthy personal account of unusual ET and UFO/RV experiences from the author, J.S., born in 1962. The experiences span from childhood to the present.

Early Experiences (1964-1977)

Experiences include disappearing and reappearing as a baby (1964), a near terminal storm on a ship (1966), encountering dwarf-like entities in his bedroom (1970), seeing a massive red flattened disc off the Dutch coast (1975), and developing precognition, de-ja-vue, and out-of-body experiences (1977).

Later Experiences (2000-Present)

In December 2000, the author and witnesses saw green orbs flying from clouds. In Summer 2003, he saw a brown cigar-shaped object with no wings or tail-plane. On February 28th, 2004, after a dog incident, he experienced paranormal events including scraping sounds, a "green holistic" entity, an FT (Fighter Technology) at dawn, and "fairy lights." During a holiday in Tunisia in February 2009, he saw grey apparitions and heard clattering sounds. He also reports police harassment, cosmetic damage to his car, and suspicious police vehicle activity.

Theories on ET/UFO Phenomenon

The author expresses skepticism about much of what is read but acknowledges genuine mysteries. He suggests that ETs might be future human evolutionary types or that the phenomenon involves time travel. He also considers the possibility of human consciousness and psyche playing a role, and that ETs might be able to materialize in our dimension. He notes that many people with heightened psychic abilities may be able to emit signals to cause multidimensional elements to appear.

Specific Encounters and Observations

He describes seeing a Mexican sombrero hat-shaped object descending at a 60-degree angle, which glowed pink and had a raised center. He also witnessed a small black orb descending towards his garden, followed by a fleshy brown entity with an elderly-looking head and childlike features, which then absorbed into the orb and ascended vertically.

Abductee.. A Friend... (Part 2)

This section continues the personal narrative, detailing the author's struggles with mental health, bullying at school, and subsequent outpatient treatment. He describes self-harming and a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Impact of "Abducted"

The author recounts finding the book "Abducted: The True Story of Alien Abduction in Rural England" by Ann Andrews and Jean Ritchie. He found the book deeply empathetic, focusing on the effects of abduction on the individual and family, which mirrored his own experiences. Reading and underlining the book provided a sense of relief and joy, marking a turning point in his emotional recovery.

Parental Acknowledgment and Seeking Help

He describes telling his father about his experiences, who responded with disbelief. However, after presenting his father with the "Abducted" book, his parents finally acknowledged his experiences as true, which he describes as the "most wonderful thing to ever happen to me."

Contacting UFO Researchers

Seeking to understand his experiences, he contacted Tony Dodd, an investigator for Quest. He then spoke with Graham Birdsall, owner of Quest Publications, who took his report seriously and requested a detailed letter. Birdsall's handling of the case led the author to believe his case might not have been a priority.

Finding Support Groups

Frustrated, he sought other avenues and, after hearing a radio talk show guest (possibly Nick Pope), inquired about finding UFO support groups in the UK. He was advised to look for local UFO groups. He found the Southampton UFO Group and was put in touch with Steve Gerrard, who then connected him with another abductee, Ernie Sears.

Meeting Ernie Sears

He met Ernie Sears and discussed their experiences for three hours. Ernie shared his involvement in the paranormal, including a spiritual healer experience where he felt himself drifting down a tunnel towards a light and figures. Ernie later told him that his friend had finished the session and the healer said, "Oh dear, it rather looks like you're going to become one of us, doesn't it?" The author believes this was a mental allegory for overcoming restraint. Ernie later told him that he was trying to help the author slip into working at something psychically.

Further Encounters and Psychic Development

He recounts another experience at Ernie's home where he felt strange, his speech slurred, and his eyes felt heavy. Ernie was talking to him about opening himself up. A mental image of fire doors formed, and he strained to push them open. He believes this was a mental allegory. He also mentions a triangular scar on his left thumb as a souvenir of an encounter from when he was four years old.

8th January 2009 - This Morning: UFO Crashes into Wind Turbine

This brief report mentions Nick Pope being interviewed about an alleged UFO crashing into a wind turbine at Louth, Lincolnshire. The incident was initially reported as flashing lights and a UFO sighting that destroyed a blade. However, it is later revealed that the cause was a bolt shearing off a blade, hitting other blades and ending up a few feet away. The British press sensationalized the event with headlines like "Alien Invasion" and "Farmaggedon."

Interview with Mr. Q. Former MIB (Men In Black)

This interview, conducted by Paul Dale Roberts (HPI Ghostwriter) on September 1st, 2008, features an individual identified as "Mr. Q," a former MIB (Men In Black).

Reasons for Disclosure

Mr. Q states he is tired of government lies and believes it's time for disclosure, asserting "We are not alone." He claims he was "fired" from the MIB program after falling in love, an emotion he believes aliens manipulate.

MIB Operations and Alien Involvement

Mr. Q explains that MIBs are an elite team trained by an American intelligence agency, with origins in the South Pacific. He states that military and a certain group of aliens work side-by-side at underground bases in the Pacific. There are two sets of MIBs: Alien MIBs and American Intelligence MIBs. He claims American Intelligence MIBs often have South Pacific origins, and when witnesses encounter them, they are described as having dark skin and slanted eyes, making it appear to be a foreign power's MIBs. Alien MIBs also participate in disinformation, using robotic MIBs in old Cadillacs to make witnesses sound like lunatics. He states that MIBs are used for disinformation and mind-deceptional techniques, with some aliens using mind-scrambling hypnotic devices.

Alien Races and Earth's Status

Mr. Q asserts that various alien races have watched over Earth since its birth and that Earth is now a territory broken up between these races. He claims the American military made an agreement with an alien race to allow "angel stops" for abduction of humans for DNA experimentation, in exchange for technical tidbits. He suggests another alien race may be preparing territory claims and that HAARP might be used in this conflict. He also mentions that Gene Roddenberry received information to enlighten the masses, preparing them for the future.

Military Cooperation with Grays

When asked if the Military is working with the Grays, Mr. Q confirms they are working with aliens that have territorial control of various sections of Earth.

Interview Conclusion

Mr. Q states his time is limited and offers further information at a later time. He advises Paul to watch his phone number and meet people in public places, suggesting he pay close attention to any strange events when heading to Skinwalker Ranch. He emphasizes that he must watch Paul leave before departing himself to avoid being followed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance towards UFO phenomena, reviewing various publications and personal accounts. There is a strong emphasis on investigative journalism and personal testimony, with a focus on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, abductions, and crop circles. The reviews of other magazines suggest a desire to cover a broad spectrum of information within the UFO field, both domestically and internationally. The inclusion of personal narratives, such as J.S.'s extensive account and the interview with "Mr. Q," indicates a willingness to explore deeply personal and sometimes controversial aspects of the phenomenon. The magazine also seems to acknowledge the role of government secrecy and disinformation in the UFO topic, as highlighted by the MIB interview. The overall tone suggests a commitment to exploring the unexplained, even when it challenges conventional understanding.

This issue of UFO DATA MAGAZINE, dated March 4, 2009, features a mix of interviews, book reviews, and news reports on UFO sightings. The magazine's editor, Russel Callaghan, announces the cessation of its print publication due to financial difficulties.

UFO's & Rock - An interview with Scottish rock band CEIV

Philip Mantle interviews Brian McMullen, the founder of the Scottish rock band CEIV. McMullen discusses his early interest in UFOs, sparked by 'Quatermass and the Pit' and astronomy. He recounts a significant UFO sighting in July 1985 in Glasgow, where he and two others witnessed a fuzzy amber ball transform into a saucer shape moving across the city. CEIV was formed in 1983/84, with their songs being heavily influenced by UFO incidents and witness testimonies, such as 'Warminster Night' and 'Without Consent'. McMullen mentions that while some in the music industry suggested they move away from UFO themes, they remain dedicated to the subject. He also highlights the band's efforts to promote Ufology through their music and live performances, with plans for new material and potential live shows in Spring 2009. The band's CDs, 'Abduction', 'Visions', and 'One Dream', are recommended.

UFO Wind Turbine crash'.... My Theory so far...

Mark Easen presents a theory regarding a 'UFO Wind Turbine crash' case. He divides the incident into two parts: the broken turbine blades and the witnessed 'strange lights'. Easen suggests that a 'secret unmanned stealth bomber' like the Taranis, possibly being test-flown in the Lincolnshire area near RAF Coningsby, could be responsible for the damage. He also draws parallels between the 'strange lights' and 'Foo-Fighters' reported by WWII pilots, suggesting these could be extraterrestrial craft observing human technology, particularly in relation to weapons development. Easen plans further investigation and skywatching in the area.

Steve Gerrard Meets (Part 2)...

This section features a series of photographs of UFOlogists that Steve Gerrard has met over the past 20 years, including images from conferences in Leeds and SUFOG.

Digital Journal.com - 14th March 2009...

This section reports on a UFO formation filmed by police in Witbank, South Africa, on March 6, 2009. Twenty-three lights were seen moving in formation, with similar sightings reported in Shropshire, UK. Police inspectors Chris Gatzonis and Awie Labuschagne captured poor-quality footage on their cellphones.

From Russel Callaghan... (UFOData Magazine)... 4th March 2009...

Editor Russel Callaghan announces that UFO Data Magazine will no longer be published in print. He cites the credit crunch, financial climate, and a general decline in interest in the subject online as reasons for the decision. Callaghan states that the magazine has cost him approximately £10,000 over 18 months. He thanks loyal subscribers and mentions that he will provide an electronic version of the magazine and a DVD from a 2008 conference to those who have renewed their subscriptions. He also expresses gratitude to Steve Johnson for his support.

UK NEWS HEADLINES... (15th December 2008 - 15th March 2009)

This section compiles a list of recent UFO-related news headlines from various UK newspapers, including reports from Littlehampton, Lancashire, Wrexham, Preston, Selkirk, Harlow, Stevenage, Harborough, Bradford, and Wiltshire.

Book Review: INTERDIMENSIONAL UNIVERSE: THE NEW SCIENCE OF UFOs, PARANORMAL PHENOMENA & OTHERDIMENSIONAL BEINGS by Phillip Imbrogno.

Dr. Peter A. McCue reviews Phillip Imbrogno's book. McCue notes that while the subtitle suggests a science book, it is more of a wide-ranging exploration of UFO events and anomalous phenomena. Imbrogno, who co-authored a book with J. Allen Hynek, believes in beings from 'other dimensions' interacting with humans. The review highlights Imbrogno's account of a bizarre sequence of events in 1979 involving a mother and daughter experiencing UFO and alien encounters, including a chilling recorded voice. McCue also discusses Imbrogno's references to the Bermuda Triangle and the Devil's Sea as potential 'interdimensional windows'. He points out that the book lacks extensive references to other researchers' work but finds it sufficiently interesting.

Southampton: UFO enthusiast is baffled by bright lights floating high above the skyline

This article from the Daily Echo reports on two new videos surfacing online showing unidentified objects hovering above the Southampton skyline. A UFO enthusiast from Hedge End, who wished to remain anonymous, described the objects as being in a fixed position before moving apart. The article also mentions that the government released 'x-files' noting 40 mysterious objects spotted in Hampshire over the last ten years.

Sky lights? (Andover Advertiser)

This brief report from the Andover Advertiser mentions that Derek Vine, a 73-year-old former Portals worker, saw two rugby ball-shaped objects with lights over Andover. Additionally, an anonymous party of four saw three bright ball-shaped objects on New Year's Eve.

Southampton Evening Echo - 28th January 2009.

This section includes a letter from Ernie Sears, who responds to a previous article on UFO sightings. Sears mentions his own UFO experiences and his involvement with the WSG (Witness Support Group) for 20 years. He also notes that phone networks in Netley, Southampton, went dead for a period, suggesting a possible connection to UFO activity.

UFO sightings: who is actually flying them? (Southampton Evening Echo)

Ernie Sears writes another letter, expressing interest in Maurice Young's letter and the question of who or what is flying the reported UFO craft. He references James Maden's recent article on local sightings and reiterates his own long-term involvement with UFO research.

By Nick Pope... Introduction...

Nick Pope discusses the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) policy on UFOs, particularly in relation to Project Condign. He explains that the MoD's stance on 'defence significance' has varied, with sceptics viewing UFOs as potential threats from foreign aircraft, while others see them as opportunities for technology acquisition. Pope highlights the MoD's sensitivity around the word 'investigation' and their tendency to 'examine' rather than 'investigate' UFO reports to avoid drawing unwanted attention. He references a parliamentary question about his role, which confirmed his involvement in investigating unidentified aerial phenomena for defence significance.

Saucers and Spooks

Pope details his close working relationship with the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) during his time on the UFO project. He mentions the occupations of his fellow team members, including an electronics expert who reportedly worked with captured German technology and died shortly after an operation. He also recounts an incident where a visitor from the National Security Agency allegedly warned a team member about losing his commercial pilot's license if he continued UFO investigations. Another team member, Carl, described a 'dream' involving a hooded figure and a beating heart, and subsequently died from heart failure. Pope notes that the book 'Interdimensional Universe' mentions the Roswell case, but with anonymity and lack of corroboration limiting its evidential value.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the intersection of UFO phenomena with music and culture, government involvement and secrecy regarding UFOs, and the personal experiences of researchers and witnesses. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the editor's final message, is one of continued dedication to the UFO subject despite the challenges of print publication, emphasizing the importance of sharing information and experiences within the UFO community.

Title: UFO DATA Magazine
Issue: Issue 12
Volume: Volume 2
Date: March 1999
Publisher: UFO DATA Magazine
Price: £2.50

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine delves into the complex history of UFO investigations within the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), focusing on the classified 'Project Condign'. It also compiles a wide array of UFO sightings reported by police officers and the public across the UK and internationally, alongside discussions on the scientific and cultural implications of the phenomenon.

Project Condign: A Ministry of Defence Investigation

The lead article details the internal workings and challenges of 'Project Condign', a MoD study into Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), formerly known as UFOs. The author, who was involved in the early stages, recounts the process of securing funding and approval for the study, highlighting the initial scepticism from some MoD departments, particularly the Head of Secretariat (Air Staff) and the Director of Air Defence. The shift from 'UFO' to 'UAP' is explained as a strategic move to adopt a more scientific terminology.

The narrative describes the bureaucratic hurdles, including the need for 'customers' to approve the study and the eventual decision to outsource the detailed analysis to a contractor to avoid exposing the project to too wide an audience. Internal emails reveal a 'dramatic tension' between the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) and Sec(AS) (likely Secretariat Air Staff), with Sec(AS) being described as 'leaky' and eventually excluded from further involvement. This exclusion is lamented as detrimental to the study's potential effectiveness, as departmental subject matter experts were sidelined.

The article also touches upon the political sensitivities surrounding UFO research, with one senior DIS officer noting that spending money on such an 'esoteric subject' was 'not good politically' in a climate of constraint. The project's resurrection in 1996 under the name 'Project Condign' is mentioned, followed by renewed concerns from Sec(AS) about its compatibility with the MoD's public stance of not investigating UFOs.

Police Encounters: A Chronicle of Sightings

The magazine presents a significant collection of UFO sightings reported by police officers across various regions and time periods. These accounts range from the late 1970s to the late 2000s, detailing encounters with objects described as discs, cigars, spheres, and other unusual shapes, often accompanied by flashing lights of various colours.

Notable reports include:

• Milton Keynes (1982): Two patrolling police officers and a milkman witnessed a yellow lozenge-shaped UFO humming and hovering, emitting red and blue lights.
• Monmouth, Gwent (1982): Two police officers reported an object whizzing about the sky, emitting blue and white light, with two red objects dropping from it before it vanished at speed.
• Hartcliffe, Bristol (1983): Two police officers followed a 'light' for two miles, which stopped and was joined by a second object. The following day, their police car's battery was dead.
• Willenhall, West Midlands (1988): Two police officers saw an object with red and green lights, while two other officers miles away reported a similar sighting.
• Somerset (1990): Police reported a strange object with blue and white lights, which also registered as a 'blip' on London air traffic control radar.
• Basingstoke (1996): A security officer and police estates manager watched a cigar-shaped object with lights drift across the sky.
• Norfolk (1996): Two police officers chased a speeding UFO for over 10 miles before losing it. Air traffic controllers at Norwich airport logged an official sighting.
• South Wales (2008): A police helicopter encountered a UFO over RAF St Athan, which hovered about to land before being chased.
• Texas (2009): Multiple witnesses, including police, reported sightings of red lights over Morris County, which officials suggested could be a hazard to aircraft.
• Abilene, Texas (2009): Witnesses reported seeing bright lights defying explanation, with one individual capturing video footage.

These police reports often emphasize the unusual nature of the objects, their non-conventional flight characteristics, and the lack of conventional explanations such as aircraft or weather phenomena.

World Reports and Scientific Perspectives

The magazine also includes a section on international UFO news and perspectives:

• Chicago Tribune (2009): A group urged President-elect Barack Obama to demand a full briefing on UFOs and acknowledge the extraterrestrial presence.
• The Vatican: The Vatican's chief astronomer, Rev. José Gabriel Funes, stated that extraterrestrial life is a distinct possibility and does not conflict with faith in God, suggesting that humans might be the 'lost sheep' of the universe.
• Australia: Reports include a 'muscle car' shaped UFO spotted over Darwin and the opening of Danish Air Force UFO archives.
• The Copenhagen Post (2009): The Danish Air Force opened its UFO archives, detailing over 15,000 reported sightings.
• Portsmouth News (2009): Tributes were paid to Paul Vigay, a leading crop circle and UFO researcher who passed away.

Other Features

• Weird '09 Conference: An announcement for a UFO and Paranormal Conference in Wiltshire, featuring various speakers and activities including sky watching.
• Sky TV Show: Mention of a new Sky TV show called 'Abduct Me'.
• UFOs Over Hampshire (Part 12): A continuation of a series featuring photographic evidence of UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified aerial phenomena, the challenges of official investigation and disclosure, and the public's enduring fascination with the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and reports from various sources, including official documents like those related to Project Condign, and personal accounts from witnesses, including police officers. There is an underlying suggestion that the phenomenon is real and significant, despite official reluctance to fully acknowledge or investigate it. The inclusion of scientific and religious perspectives, such as that from the Vatican, broadens the discussion beyond mere sightings to existential possibilities.

This document contains pages from UFO NEWS, Issue 4, dated April/June 2009. The magazine covers topics related to UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and related investigations and theories. It also includes advertisements and information about the magazine's operations.

Front Cover Content

The front cover poses the question "HAVE YOU BEEN ABDUCTED?" and asks if the reader has unexplained memories, feels alone, and needs to find the truth. It then introduces Master hypnotherapist Mark Davies, who specializes in trauma regression. Davies uses his skills to help individuals revisit abduction memories, safeguard them from associated emotions, unlock the truth, and find answers. Therapy aims for complete disassociation and anxiety removal in a safe, comfortable, private, and confidential environment, with sessions recorded on DVD for personal reference. Contact information for Mark Davies and MSD Hypnotherapy Ltd. in Portsmouth, UK, is provided, including phone numbers and a website.

Inside Content - Page 42

Page 42 features an advertisement section on the left side, offering advertising space for "ONLY £10.00 FOR 4 ISSUES (EQUIVILANT TO ONLY £2.50 PER ISSUE!!!)".

The right side of the page lists the contents for "ISSUE 4... April / June 2009". Featured articles include:

• "The men in Black: The Early Days" - By Brad Steiger.
• "Monster Quest & UFO Hunters" - A review.
• "The mystery UFO in the Manchester Skies" - Stephen Mera.
• "More SPI photographs."
• "Black helicopters are here to stay" - Paul Dale Roberts.
• "MoD X-Files" - Nick Pope.
• "Obituary - Tony Dodd."

It is noted that "There will be the usual mix of newspaper articles, reports, reviews and much more."

Below the content list are "Advertising Rates as of 2009/10", detailing prices for Quarter Page (£10.00), Half Page (£20.00), Three Quarter Page (£30.00), and Full Page (£40.00), all in full colour and covering 4 issues. Advertisers are encouraged to email their adverts to [email protected] or post them.

Editorial Stance and Disclaimers

At the bottom of page 42, a disclaimer states that articles, reports, and photographs printed in the publication may not represent the views of the editor, and are published for the reader to form their own opinion. Copyright of all content is held by the author, and expressed permission is required for reproduction. The magazine explicitly states that UFO reports are not investigated by the editor and are printed for the reader's judgment. Credit is given to individuals or groups investigating UFO sightings that are published.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, abduction experiences, and related topics such as the Men in Black and government secrecy (MoD X-Files). The editorial stance is one of presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, rather than actively investigating or verifying claims. The inclusion of hypnotherapy services for abduction memories suggests a focus on personal experiences and psychological aspects of alleged encounters. The magazine also actively seeks advertising revenue to support its publication, emphasizing its status as a "home grown UK based magazine."