WYUFORG News - No 1 - 1983

Magazine Overview

This document is the "Introduction Copy Edition No.1" of the "WEST YORKSHIRE UFO SOCIETY NEWSLETTER", dated October, 1983. It is a free publication of WYUFOS, a local organization that is part of UFO RESEARCH NORTH. The newsletter aims to serve the West Yorkshire region by informing the public about UFO activity, news, and meetings, and by providing a platform for discussion.

Editorial Introduction

The editor, Nigel Mortimer, welcomes readers to the first issue, acknowledging that while many are aware of the UFO scene in the UK, fewer may be aware of the situation in West Yorkshire. He states the newsletter's goals: to connect people in the area with UFO activity, share information on what, where, and when UFOs are seen, and to provide news and views. He emphasizes that the newsletter is open for readers to express their own opinions and that its success depends on the effort of interested individuals.

Mortimer expresses his personal commitment to furthering Ufology locally and providing a comprehensive picture of aerial phenomena. He also intends to recommend books and resources for beginners interested in UFOs. He notes that UFO sightings are not unique to West Yorkshire and suggests subscribing to other publications for a broader view of activity in the North of the country.

About the Editor

Nigel Mortimer recounts his personal involvement with UFO investigations, which began after a UFO sighting in Otley, West Yorkshire, in 1980. This experience sparked his curiosity, leading him to join NUFON (Northern UFO Network) and later become a member of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association), where he is now an Accredited Investigator. He has published articles in the Northern UFO News and contributed to Jenny Randles' book, 'The Pennine UFO Mystery'. His contact details for WYUFOS are provided: 33, Green Lane, Addingham, Ilkley, W.Yorkshire, LS29 0JH, Tel: 831264.

News and Views

This section covers several recent UFO-related events and news items:

• UFO Lands in Surrey: The newsletter references a 'News Of The World' exclusive about an alleged UFO landing in woodlands near an American base in Surrey two years prior. It notes that leading UFO investigators are working to uncover the truth about the event.
• Pennine Radio Talk: Nigel Mortimer gave a talk about UFO sightings in West Yorkshire on Pennine Radio (Bradford) in October. The radio producer was supportive and offered to help broadcast calls for witnesses if future sightings occur in the Bradford area.
• Meteor Shower vs. UFOs: Recent reports of strange 'blobs of light' seen all over Yorkshire are attributed to the meteor shower that began on August 11th. However, one incident is mentioned where a Halifax woman reported being 'paralysed' by a bright blob of light that came within two feet of her bedroom window.
• Scientific Theory: A Mr. Smith from Shipley, Bradford, claims to have developed the science behind UFO behavior and has blueprints ready for his book, 'Architects Of The Universe'.
• WYUFOS Meeting: The first meeting of the WYUFOS was held in Addingham and was deemed a success. Cassette recordings of meetings will be available for 20p each, and the next meeting is scheduled for a month later.

Recommended Reading

• The Pennine UFO Mystery by Jenny Randles (£1.50 paperback): This book is highly recommended for its coverage of sightings and encounters in the Pennine region. It includes a detailed look at the Alan Godfrey CE3 case in Todmorden in 1980, where a policeman allegedly encountered a UFO.
• Flying Saucer Review (FSR): Single copies are £1.50, and six issues cost £7.50. FSR is described as an international, bi-monthly magazine established in 1955, aiming to objectively study the UFO phenomenon and keep readers updated on the international scene. Remittances should be made payable to The Editor, FSR Publications Ltd., West Malling, Maidstone, Kent.

Current UFO Sightings in W. Yorkshire

This section details specific sightings reported in various areas:

• Wakefield Area (August/September 1983):
• August 14th: Three people saw a bright, star-like object darting around the sky, followed by a trail of light, which descended into nearby woods. One witness estimated it was about 10ft above rooftops.
• August 15th/16th: A bright, round, orange-yellow object was sighted over the city.
• Huddersfield: A man watched a silver bell-shaped UFO for two minutes as it drifted northwards over the town, emitting a brilliant flash of light but making no sound. It was estimated to be about 300ft high, though the possibility of it being a balloon was mentioned.
• Leeds Area (October 15th, 1983): A Mrs. R from Oakwood saw a very bright white object moving across the sky from the Wetherby direction. It hung stationary above houses at an estimated height of 500ft, appearing about the size of a 2p coin. An aeroplane was seen higher than the object later.
• Keighley Area (October 1983): Three children reported seeing a domed object, described as long as three houses, which was stationary before taking off. One witness said it curled up like a 'hedgehog' and rose into the sky. It was plain white, like a bowl with a triangle cut out and a spire, and had a red glowing square on it.
• Appertrewick (North Yorks) (May 30th, 1983): A photograph taken of 'Floral Dancers' developed to reveal a strange oval orange-brown object in the sky behind tree branches. Investigations are ongoing to rule out photographic defects.

Investigators - Important News

It was agreed at the first WYUFOS meeting in Addingham (Sunday, October 2nd) that a local team of UFO Investigators should be formed. These investigators will study and work on UFO sightings reports, which will be collated at WYUFOS headquarters and sent to BUFORA and UFO RESEARCH NORTH. The delegated investigators for different areas of West Yorkshire are:

• South Bradford, Halifax, Brighouse, etc.: Andy & Helen Roberts, 84, Elland Rd, Brighouse, W. Yorkshire. HD6 2QR.
• Mr. Robert Stammers: 9, Burnley Hill Terrace, Stone Chair, Shelf, Halifax.
• Bradford (central), Leeds, Huddersfield & Wakefield areas: Nigel Mortimer, WYUFOS Headquarters, Addingham.
• Mr. Paul Bennett: Flat 2a, 8, Selbourne Grove, Heaton, Bradford 9.
• Mr. Steven Hart: 9, Nansen Street, Bramley, Leeds. LS13 3HW.
• All Outlying Areas: Mr. Stuart Boardman, 12 Hillside Avenue, Oakworth, Keighley, BD2 27Q.

Advice for investigators includes taking responsibility for actions and adhering to a National Code Of Practice for UFO Investigators. Membership in The Northern UFO Network (NUFON) is also recommended for a broader insight into the UFO phenomenon. NUFON's address is Jenny Randles, 9, Crossfield Rd, Sommerville, Wallasey, Wirral. L44 9EH. Subscription: £4.20.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings specifically within the West Yorkshire region, the establishment and organization of local UFO research groups (WYUFOS, NUFON), and the dissemination of information through publications like this newsletter and recommended books/magazines. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and a serious, yet accessible, approach to Ufology. There is a clear emphasis on local activity while also acknowledging the broader national and international UFO scene.