WYUFORG News - No 4 - 1985

Magazine Overview

This issue of W.Y.U.F.O.RG. NEWS, dated February 1985, is produced by the West Yorkshire UFO Research group. It serves as a newsletter for enthusiasts, featuring a mix of historical UFO reports, analysis of UFO-related phenomena, and practical information for investigators.

Contents and Articles

Editorial and Group Information

The newsletter begins with editorial notes from Paulus Bennetticus, introducing the issue and providing contact details for the group's HQ and investigators. It also lists various materials available for purchase by investigators, such as updated addresses, procedural documents, and maps, with prices indicated.

UFO Report at Burnsall in 1887

This section details a historical UFO sighting that occurred in the early to middle autumn of 1887 near Burnsall. A farmer and his brothers, working in their barn on a clear night, witnessed a brilliant white sphere of dazzling brightness moving slowly above the barn. The light was so intense it filled the building and was painful to look at. The object moved slowly and silently, appearing to be only a few feet above the barn before disappearing into the distance.

Story Time for Ufologists!

This is an open invitation for readers to share their personal UFO encounter stories. The editor encourages submissions, stating that any inexplicable experiences would be valuable for discussion within the group.

Peter Bennett's Personal UFO Sighting

Peter Bennett recounts a personal UFO sighting from mid-December 1983. While on a hill overlooking the Aire Valley, he observed a very strange-looking object falling rapidly downwards over the trees at Northcliffe. The object was described as having an unstable, wobbling mass, resembling marshmallow, with a luminous white coloration. It was estimated to be as large as two double-decker buses and disappeared quickly.

Leys and UFOs: An Analysis and a Critical Case

This extensive article critically examines the purported connection between UFO sightings and ley lines. The author begins by discussing ancient sites like stone circles and monoliths, referencing the work of Alexander Thom and John Michell. The article then critiques a specific UFO magazine article by Graham Townsend, which claimed to identify numerous ley lines based on UFO sightings. The author argues that Townsend's methodology is flawed, relying on inaccurate plotting and a misunderstanding of what constitutes a ley line. The article highlights several examples from Townsend's work, demonstrating how the claimed ley lines do not align with ancient sites or geographical reality, often missing known locations or being diagrammatically impossible. The author also mentions contacting Mr. Townsend and the magazine's editor about these errors, with no satisfactory resolution.

Abstract of UFO Reports

This section presents several UFO sighting reports:

• Peter Marsden's Cases: Two incidents are described. The first, in 1952, involved three huge cigar-shaped objects flying slowly and silently across the horizon near Shipley. The second, around 1980, involved a bright light in the sky that moved, stopped, dropped lower, and then doubled back on itself before vanishing.
• Michael Brett's Sighting (January 12, 1983): A stunning, oval-shaped object with an orange aura, later turning red, was seen moving towards Wyke. The object appeared close, was silent, and its edges changed shape before it flew out of sight.
• Dorothy Kaye's Sighting (June 10 or 11, 1980): Near Todmorden, Dorothy Kaye and her husband heard a loud noise and then saw a huge green and red mass of glowing energy on their rooftop. The object rose slowly and silently into the air, casting a red light.
• David Hopkins' Sighting (Early June 1980): In Shipley, David Hopkins observed a curious triangular or pyramid-shaped object reflecting sunlight. It fell slowly, swayed, and then sped off westwards at a terrific speed.
• Lorna Mandell's Sighting (March 2, 1980): Mrs. Mandell and her children in Cottingley witnessed an unusual, almost spherical object with shimmering red spectral edges descend and merge into the earth in the woods. The region has a history of folklore, including faeries and a creature known as the Bhargiest.

More Tales and Lore of Appletreewick

This section delves into local folklore, specifically the tale of the black dog, the Bhargiest, dating back to 927 AD in Appletreewick. The story describes a terrifying encounter with a huge black creature with burning red eyes. It also recounts the disappearance of a local man who ventured into Troller's Ghyll after dark in 1881, with his body later found bearing a burn-like mark.

Upcoming Articles

The newsletter previews future content, including an article on a strange entity that terrified parts of Bradford, another historical UFO account, recent encounter events, and a CE3 case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings, the critical analysis of UFO phenomena, and the exploration of local folklore and ancient sites. The editorial stance is skeptical of unsubstantiated claims, particularly regarding the connection between UFOs and ley lines, emphasizing the need for rigorous research and evidence-based analysis. The publication encourages reader participation and aims to foster a community of critical UFO researchers.