WYUFORG News - No 6 - 1985

Magazine Overview

This issue of the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG) News, dated April 1985, is the sixth in their series. The cover features a graphic contrasting the 1890s with the 1980s, hinting at historical and contemporary UFO phenomena. The magazine is priced at 50 pence.

Editorial and Staff

The Editor is Faulus Bennetticus, with HQ managed by Martin Daglass. Other investigators include Steve Hart, Iain Johnston, Darren and Ann Chanter, and Brian Hughes. The publication aims to cover UFO sightings and related mysteries.

Contents and Articles

The 'Fudge Creatures' and Other Oddities

The newsletter opens with a whimsical explanation for strange 'creatures' appearing in the magazine, attributing them to seasonal migration flights from Ilkley Moor due to a lack of fudge, and their subsequent 'frobbling' through pages. This lighthearted piece serves as a contrast to the more serious UFO reports.

June 30, 1908 - The Light Show from the Moorlands

This article details a significant atmospheric phenomenon observed on the night of June 30, 1908, across England, particularly noted in West Yorkshire. Described by astronomer S.R. Illingworth, the event involved a beautiful, coloured light band seen in the north-west, appearing as a bright, whitish band near Saltaire and Hope Hill, gradually shifting to pale green and then golden yellow. The light was strong enough to illuminate the landscape and cast a well-defined shadow. Illingworth initially considered aurora borealis but dismissed it. He later proposed a theory of an 'afterglow caused by refraction of the sun's light,' possibly due to a large amount of meteoric dust passing through the atmosphere, linking it to a fragmented piece of a comet, and referencing the event as 'Tunguska: Cauldron of Hell.'

Spherical UFO Over Rombald's Moor

Darren P. Chanter reports on a bright spherical UFO sighted over Rombald's Moor near Skipton in April 1970. Mrs. M. Watson reported a 'high-pitched whining sound' and then saw a 'very bright ball of light' hovering at an estimated height of two hundred feet and a distance of 12 to 2 miles. The object remained stationary for about half an hour before rising slightly and disappearing exceptionally quickly within three to four seconds. The case is considered unusual due to the duration, the noise, and the speed of disappearance, ruling out conventional explanations.

Reports from the Fifties in Scotland

Iain Johnston contributes a section on historical reports from Scotland:

• 'The Man with the Iron Teeth!' (Summer, 1955): Children in Glasgow reported seeing a strange, menacing entity dressed in black with metal teeth, described as having a 'frightening aspect,' and sometimes pursuing them with large leaps.
• Bearsden, near Glasgow (Autumn, 1953): A 'saucer-shaped vehicle' reportedly landed in open fields, causing consternation, but no entities were reported.
• Partickhill, Glasgow (November, 1956): Iain Johnston and Jamie Henderson witnessed a loud hissing noise and observed a white glaring object with a luminous tail, described as a 'mini-comet,' which exploded with a 'phut' noise.

Ufology and the Lunar Function

This article explores a potential correlation between UFO flaps and the phases of the Moon. The author notes that several significant UFO events in the Bradford area, including a large flap on July 23, 1984, and another on September 7, 1977, occurred when the Moon was in its last quarter. Further investigation into UFO accounts from December 31, 1980, and August 25-27, 1981, also revealed a pattern of the Moon being in its last quarter. The author also notes instances where UFO activity coincided with the New Moon phase, such as on October 29, 1981, and March 10, 1978. The article concludes that while the connection is not fully understood, it suggests a possible cyclical relationship.

Studies in Cyclic Occurrences

This section briefly touches upon the study of cyclic occurrences in nature and their potential link to earth energies and UFO manifestations. It mentions works like 'Super Nature' and 'The Cosmic Clocks' and suggests that 'orgone' energy, related to lunar phases and astronomical bodies, might play a role. The author emphasizes the importance of localized studies over national ones due to variations in environmental factors.

Calling Pagan Ufologists Everywhere - A New Magazine

A new magazine titled 'Earth' is announced, which will focus on earth magick and related mystical matters. It is intended for readers with a basic understanding of works by figures like Crowley and Jung. The magazine will cover topics such as ceremonial magick, astral projection, and Aquarianism, and is expected to cost around 30-40 pence.

The Grafton Street Freak Strikes Again!

Geoff Tolley comments on a previous article about a strange entity, mentioning that his father recalled a similar report from Morley Street, Bradford, in 1938, involving a human-like figure on rooftops.

A Personal UFO Encounter

Brian Hughes recounts his own UFO sighting on July 29, 1976, at 5:15 am. He observed a large UFO, described as a bright yellow glow surrounding an egg-shaped object, moving from the direction of Undercliffe towards Manchester Road in Bradford. The object stopped for about two minutes before moving towards Leeds (later corrected to Holme Wood). Brian noted a possible time displacement and a strange lack of noise. He later saw a similar object. The sighting occurred during a period of increased UFO activity in the Bradford area.

Prelude to the 23 July, 1984 - A Close Encounter of the Third Kind in Calverley Woods

This article details a significant encounter reported by Mr. Paul Corrigan and his fiancée, Christine Gillick, in July 1984. They witnessed a bright white ball of light hovering in the woods, which they later identified as a 'spaceship.' They observed strange creatures, described as greyish-brown and large, exiting the craft and interacting with objects on the ground. The event lasted for nearly two hours. The article includes drawings by Christine of the grounded object and Paul's diagram of an entity in a doorway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and unexplained events, with a particular emphasis on local reports from the West Yorkshire area. There is a strong interest in historical accounts and the potential for cyclical patterns, such as the 'UFO flap-lunar phase connection.' The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of these phenomena, encouraging reader contributions and exploring various theories, from atmospheric events to extraterrestrial encounters and earth energies.

This issue of West Yorks UFO Research Group's publication, dated May 1985, presents a detailed account of a significant UFO sighting and an in-depth historical exploration of early airship phenomena. It also covers the proceedings of the Yorkshire UFO Society's 1985 conference and includes a book review section.

UFO Sighting Report: Paul and Christine's Encounter

The issue begins with a compelling report of a UFO sighting experienced by witnesses Paul and Christine. Approximately ten minutes into their observation, Paul handed binoculars to Christine, who described the object as looking "a bit like a spaceship" with "little ET's coming out of it." The object itself was described as being on at least four legs, with a silvery color that might have been due to its intense brightness. The overall color was a brilliant intense white, decreasing in brightness towards the bottom. The top of the object appeared to be the primary source of light, illuminating the surrounding area. Christine speculated that the metallic structure of the UFO itself seemed to be glowing from within.

The height of the object was estimated to be about eight or nine feet, though this was qualified by the witnesses observing from a distance of approximately 1.5km (0.92 miles).

A ramp protruded from the UFO and extended onto the Earth. At the top of the ramp, a doorway was guarded by a smallish humanoid-type figure, visible only as a silhouette due to the intense light emanating from behind. This entity reportedly stood at the entrance throughout the sighting. Paul and Christine stated that the creatures were about four feet in height and did not appear to be wearing clothing, though they had a belt or dividing line between their torso and legs. Their skin was described as "very scaly...just like a crocodile." No discernible human-style fingers or toes were noted, and no sex organs were visible. The heads of the beings were flattened, with what appeared to be normal human facial characteristics: eyes, a nose, and a mouth.

When shown diagrams of various humanoid types, both witnesses independently pointed to the Hopkinsville goblin, while also noting differences from what they had seen. They also affirmed that the entities resembled fetuses.

According to the witnesses, the creatures were engaged in a sample-taking exercise non-stop for approximately two hours. They moved in a peculiar, swaying manner, described as "a bit like a penguin," bending their bodies over to pick up material from the ground. After straightening up, they would waddle back towards the UFO and place the samples near its base, on the blind side to the witnesses. Paul suggested they might have been robots due to the repetitive nature of their actions. He also believed the taller entity at the doorway was a "controller."

The entire spectacle lasted for about two hours. The witnesses initially watched for twenty minutes through binoculars, then periodically checked. The UFO remained stationary throughout. The couple retired to bed around 4:45 am, but Paul later observed the activity was still ongoing. A final check fifteen minutes later was obscured by mistfall.

The article notes that a follow-up investigation by the author and Martin to the reported location in Calverley Woods was planned, with results to be published in Part II of the article in the May 1985 edition. The author poses a question regarding how RPV explanations account for this "obviously inexplicable third type encounter."

Historical Exploration: The Aeronauts of Victoriana

Authored by Iain Johnston, this section explores mysterious airship sightings in the 1890s, referred to as 'Scareships.' Johnston draws a parallel between these reports and the opening chapter of Jules Verne's 'Robur le Conquerant' (published 1886, English version titled 'The Clipper of the Clouds' in 1887). He notes that Mr. Gooch's book 'Creatures from Inner Space' quotes verbatim from Verne's work when describing an epidemic of sightings beginning in 1886, with reports of an "ariel trumpet" heard in Canada and similar occurrences globally.

Johnston posits two possibilities: either Jules Verne was inspired by reports of mysterious aerial phenomena, or life imitated science fiction. He also highlights the prevalence of aerial warfare and revolutionary airship stories in popular fiction during the 1880s and 1890s, citing works by L.J. Beeston, George Griffith, E.D. Fawcett, and H.G. Wells, and suggests similarities with Albert Robida's drawings from the 1880s.

The author speculates that early powered flight experiments were likely conducted in secrecy by private individuals rather than governments. He quotes H.G. Wells on the ease of hiding airships and flying machines. Johnston describes primitive equipment, such as silk and basket work, crude propellers, and simple steering mechanisms. He mentions the mysterious "Wilson" whose airship appeared in America in the 1890s as a potential example of such a private inventor.

Johnston discusses the challenges faced by early aeronauts, including low temperatures at high altitudes and the potential for accidents. He draws a parallel to the Lethbridge case of May 1909, referencing Bowen's "The Humanoids." He suggests that early experimental airships were small, carrying crews of two to five, and made of light wood and metal, with gas bags of silk filled with helium. He notes that airship crews sometimes experienced a sensation similar to Diver's Bends after extended periods aloft.

Johnston concludes by suggesting that these "Scareships" might have been secret novel devices developed by inventors engaged in a power struggle between nations like France, Germany, America, and Britain. He references the opening of Wells' "The War in the Air," which describes spying and secret work in the late nineteenth century, and the resulting casualties and lost craft, attributing the Scareship flaps to these secret inventors.

The Yorkshire UFO Society Conference, 1985

This section reports on the Yorkshire UFO Society conference held on Saturday, March 23, 1985, in Leeds. Graham Birdsall, the president, introduced the speakers and mentioned events related to the MOD cover-up. Reports of letters being opened and resealed, and mail never reaching its destination, were discussed. Birdsall also spoke about alleged phone-tapping, where tape recordings of callers' voices were apparently played back. The author notes that these phenomena were also experienced by him and reported by John Keel and others.

Timothy Good gave a talk on the history of ufology, including foo-fighters and Scandinavian ghost rockets, and presented slides of documents related to the US Cover Up. His presentation was considered a highlight.

Mark Birdsall discussed local research matters, including the Addingham UFO photo and slides from Ground Saucer Watch, noting a correlation between the UFO's flight path and a major fault line.

Phillip Mantle spoke about YUFOS's overseas work and relations with UFO Norge and CENAP, presenting slides of UFOs, including the Hessledon photos. He commented on the lack of positive results from Earth light investigations.

Graham Birdsall spoke on RPVs (remotely piloted vehicles) and their relevance to UFO studies. Miss Randles discussed the Renalesham Forest incident, expressing concern that the press was not interested, speculating this was due to instructions to leave the work alone.

The author praises the conference organization but notes that the material might not appeal to all ufologists. He also mentions the availability of interesting books for sale, which he could not afford.

New Investigators and Contact Information

The magazine lists several new investigators and their contact details in the Bradford area. Readers are urged to contact the organization with any information about UFO encounters, ghosts, poltergeists, or paranormal incidents, with all information treated confidentially.

Editor's Notes and Back Issues

The editor apologizes for the delay in publishing articles on the bedroom encounter, ley research, and ghost report. The ley research will appear in "Earth" magazine, the bedroom encounter in the next month's issue, and the ghost material is not related to the editor. Back issues of WYUFORG Mag are available, except for the first two copies.

Book Reviews

A section lists recommended books with a classification system indicating their quality: no asterisks for "good, or interesting," one asterisk for "very good and somewhat important," and two asterisks for "final comment." Titles include works on haunting, horror, psychic sense, Jung's psychology, mythology, and H.G. Wells' "A Short History of the World."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, historical anomalies, and investigative journalism within the ufology field. There is a clear interest in exploring unexplained phenomena, drawing connections between historical accounts and contemporary events, and questioning official narratives (e.g., the MOD cover-up). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and presenting diverse perspectives, while also maintaining a critical eye towards explanations and methodologies. The historical articles suggest a fascination with the origins of aerial phenomena and their representation in popular culture and speculative fiction.