Wessex UFO Record - No 01 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: WESSEX UFO RECORD
Issue: No.1
Date: Autumn 1975

This is the inaugural issue of the Wessex UFO Record, a periodical dedicated to the investigation, recording, and commentary on UFO manifestations within the Wessex region of Southern England, specifically Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset. The publication aims to provide a more localized and critical perspective on UFO sightings.

Editorial Stance and Approach

The editorial emphasizes a balanced and rational approach to UFO research. It criticizes the prevalent tendency among some researchers to uncritically accept reports from remote locations while dismissing similar accounts from closer to home. The publication intends to reverse this trend by focusing on local sightings and applying critical analysis. The editor states a commitment to debunking spurious sightings, faked photographs, and unsubstantiated claims, while cherishing no preconceptions about the nature or origin of UFOs. Hypotheses are considered numerous but currently lack sufficient evidence for firm conclusions.

Warminster as a 'Ufocal' Area

The editorial highlights Warminster, Wiltshire, as a significant 'ufocal' or 'window area' where UFO phenomena are notably more numerous and persistent. While acknowledging its importance, the publication pledges to critically examine the events occurring there, distinguishing between genuine sightings and potential exaggeration or fabrication. The editor, J.Cleary-Baker, asserts his authorship of the constitutions for BUFORA and Contact International, emphasizing their design to ensure autonomy for member groups and prevent dictatorial control.

Nocturnal Lights at Warminster (June-July 1975)

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a detailed account of nocturnal light phenomena observed in Warminster between June 17th and July 4th, 1975. The author, Neil Pike, reports on 29 distinct objects observed primarily from Starr Hill and his home. These objects were described as having a white light source, appearing slightly larger than Venus, with a spherical nucleus and a blurred outer perimeter. They consistently moved from West to East, were visible for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, and merged into the Eastern horizon. The speed was perceived as leisurely, but its true measure was difficult to ascertain due to unknown altitude. The objects did not arc over the Earth but appeared to travel horizontally. The sightings ceased abruptly around July 4th, with no further observations reported despite attempts at skywatching on subsequent dates.

Key Witnesses and Data

The report includes a table detailing the location, number of objects, date and time, and witnesses for each sighting. Notable witnesses include M. Robinson and Miss B. Shergold, who are described as having no prior interest in UFOs and were therefore genuinely perplexed by what they observed. Other witnesses included self and wife, members of the Royal Observer Corps, and approximately 30 other watchers.

Publication Details and Subscriptions

The Wessex UFO Record is to be published quarterly at a cost of £1-50 for an annual subscription of four issues. Subscriptions and general correspondence related to the Wessex area UFO reports are to be sent to Neil Pike at a specified address in Warminster. Items and articles for publication should be directed to the Editor, J.Cleary-Baker, at an address in Winchester. All unsigned items are attributed to the Editor.

Advisory Panel

An advisory panel is listed, comprising Dr. G.G. Doel, Captain L.I.A. Mackay, Hon. Frinsley Le roer Trench, Norman Oliver, and A. West.

Call for Unity in UFO Research

An article titled 'LET US ALL GET TOGETHER ON UFO RESEARCH' advocates for greater unity among the numerous small UFO study organizations. While not envisioning a single monolithic society, the author suggests the establishment of a central exchange bureau for UFO information. The article proposes that smaller societies could potentially merge with larger groups like BUFORA or CONACT U.K., emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation over suspicion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical investigation of UFO phenomena, the focus on local sightings within the Wessex region, and the importance of rational analysis over uncritical acceptance. The editorial stance is one of open-minded skepticism, aiming to present factual accounts while actively debunking unsubstantiated claims. The publication also touches upon the need for collaboration and unity within the broader UFO research community.