YUFOS Journal vol 1 no 5

Magazine Overview

Title: YUFOS JOURNAL
Issue: Vol.1 No.5
Date: November 1982
Publisher: Yorkshire UFO Society
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 30p

This issue of the YUFOS JOURNAL, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, is the fifth in its first volume and was released in November 1982. It serves as the official publication for the Yorkshire branch of Contact UK, the world's largest UFO study movement. The journal's editorial stance is that opinions expressed within its pages do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the society itself. The issue features a personal account of a UFO sighting, a discussion on the implications of new regulations regarding aerial advertising, book reviews, and commentary on historical UFO incidents.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by N. Morris, reflects on the ongoing lack of definitive answers regarding the UFO problem, while noting progress within the Yorkshire UFO Society. A UFO sighting card index has been initiated, and members are actively unearthing past reports from newspaper archives. The editor expresses a need for more material from members for future editions and concludes by wishing readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, marking the final journal of 1982.

Articles and Features

Aerial Advertising: "COMMERCIAL BREAK IN THE CLOUD"

This section discusses a significant shift in UK law allowing aerial advertising via captive balloons and aircraft banner-streamers. Previously restricted, the government, influenced by the aviation industry's need for business during a recession, has decided to relax these regulations. Norman Tebbit, then Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department of Trade, played a role in this review. The article highlights concerns from critics, including David Holbrook, who fears the skies could become cluttered, and Lord Ashby, who worries about dangerously low flying heights. A Department of Trade spokesman assures that safety risks are minimal and aircraft must conform to Civil Aviation Authority standards. The General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association (GAMTA) is developing a code of conduct to ensure responsible advertising. The industry views this as a potential lifeline, while critics like Lord Ashby feel it privatizes common sky space.

UFO Sighting: A Personal Viewpoint by Graham Townsend

Graham Townsend recounts a UFO sighting on Wednesday, April 15, 1981, at 9:40 p.m. in Idle, Bradford. While walking near the cricket field, he and his companions observed a bright red oblong spark of light that evolved into a pale yellow ball with points of white light. The object, estimated to be about one thousand feet in altitude and a quarter mile away, displayed precise, silent movements, including hovering and rapid directional changes. Townsend describes the experience as awe-inspiring and unlike anything man-made. He notes the object moved silently towards them and then away at an estimated 50 mph. The sighting lasted approximately five minutes. He later contacted Radio Fennine and the local newspaper, and a follow-up article revealed another couple had witnessed a similar phenomenon.

What Do You Think?

This section features reflections by Perry Green on the 1947 "Roswell Incident." Green discusses a book that suggested the incident was a hoax, questioning why no further evidence has emerged since the removal of the "Flying Disc." He speculates that the US government might be keeping the object and its secrets under tight wraps. The piece then shifts to the topic of UFO photographs, noting that new computer evaluation techniques are being used to determine their authenticity. A specific photograph from Oregon, USA, taken in May 1950, is cited as having been analyzed with astonishing results, confirming it as a genuine sighting. Green concludes by hoping that such methods will help remove the ridicule associated with UFO research.

DC9 Disaster Commentary by Derek Mansell and Graham W. Birdsall

Derek Mansell provides comments on an article by Graham Birdsall in a previous issue concerning the "terrible D.C.9 disaster over the infamous 'Triangle of the Damned.'" Mansell disagrees with some facts presented, particularly regarding the range of the Flogger (Mig 23) and Foxbat aircraft, suggesting the Mirage might have been the likely aircraft involved. He also discusses the possibility of accidental missile firings and notes that Libyan-used Foxbats are typically for photo reconnaissance and training. Mansell believes Libya was not involved, suggesting it was an easy excuse for another party's error. Graham W. Birdsall replies, acknowledging Mansell's expertise as a former member of the New Zealand Air Force. While agreeing with much of Mansell's points, Birdsall differs on the emphasis on aircraft range, citing the Falklands War and the possibility of Libyan refueling efforts to achieve similar objectives.

Book Review: MISSION by Patrick Tilley

Nick Morris reviews Patrick Tilley's novel "Mission." He describes it as a compelling fiction story about a man who appears in a Manhattan alleyway with stab wounds, later revealed to be Jesus Christ, who has traveled forward in time. The book explores themes of alien races, good versus evil, Earth's history, and provides an explanation for UFO sightings. Morris notes that the book might challenge strong religious beliefs due to its unconventional biblical interpretations. He finds the book thought-provoking, even if he doesn't agree with all its assertions about time, space, and UFO origins. Morris also briefly recommends Tilley's other novel, "Fade Out," which deals with modern man's reaction to an alien craft that disrupts global communications and electrical currents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing mystery of UFO phenomena, the challenges of investigating sightings, and the importance of rigorous analysis. There's a clear editorial stance of encouraging member participation and the submission of material. The journal also addresses contemporary issues like the impact of government regulations on public perception and industry, as seen in the aerial advertising debate. The society aligns itself with Contact UK, adhering to its constitution and aims, while maintaining editorial independence regarding the opinions published. The issue highlights the society's efforts to document and research UFO reports, both historical and contemporary.

Title: UFO REPORT
Issue: 103
Date: Friday 15th October 1982

This document contains witness reports and commentary on UFO sightings, primarily focusing on events in the Skipton, Yorkshire area.

Witness Report: Glenn Edward Wallace

Glenn Edward Wallace, a mechanic born on 16.11.58, provides a detailed statement regarding UFO sightings on the night of October 14th-15th, 1982. He and three close friends, described as rational people, departed from Bradford University heading towards Skipton via Keighley, arriving around 00:12 am on October 15th. Their purpose was to observe the sky in the Skipton region, known for frequent UFO sightings.

While driving the vehicle on the Skipton to Grassington road at approximately 25mph, Wallace observed a small, star-sized object shoot across from the right of the windscreen towards the left, about 30 feet above the ground. The object appeared red and travelled in a straight line at phenomenal speed, visible for about 4 seconds. His friend Mark, in the passenger seat, also saw the object. The two ladies in the back did not see it. The initial description considered was 'shooting star', but Wallace found it unusual.

Later, after finding a lay-by and turning the car around to face back towards Skipton, the group exited the vehicle to watch the sky. The visibility was clear with some thin cloud. They observed several shooting stars and one satellite, as well as five aircraft, one of which passed directly overhead with visible features and sound. After about an hour, they returned to the car for refreshments.

Mark then went outside again and shortly after shouted for the others, exclaiming "Look at this, quick." Wallace observed what he described as a 'blob' of cream light to the right of the car. There was no noise. The object was estimated to be about the size of a pea at arms length, approximately two to four miles away, and around 2,000 feet above the ground. It was travelling at an estimated speed of 100-150mph, similar to the light of fluorescent lighting, and gave the impression of slight rotation. There was no trail from the object, which appeared to be powered and under control. It was visible for approximately 30-40 seconds, maintaining a constant height and speed, though it appeared to stagger its trajectory once and rise slightly. Wallace concluded that this was not an aircraft, shooting star, or satellite, based on his previous observations of such phenomena, including planes near Leeds airport.

Two drawings made by the witnesses accompany the report but are not included in this document, though they are available for viewing by members upon request.

Commentary

The commentary section discusses the significance of the sighting, noting that it occurred in an area of high UFO activity. However, the author expresses reluctance to classify the sighting into a CEI (Close Encounter of the First Kind) category, suggesting that all evidence points to a 'nocturnal light.' The author mentions that his brother Mark provided a verbal description, which would have been more detailed if written down, similar to Graham Townsend's report. It is stated that most UFO organizations would show little interest in such a report.

The commentary also references Geoff Ambler's study in 'Awareness' regarding how aircraft lights can cause confusion, advising investigators to study the technical data. It highlights the potential for confusion with aircraft using strobe lights, recalling an experience where a formation of aircraft took ten minutes to appear and disappear.

The author deliberately used the word 'object' instead of 'UFO' in their report to emphasize that FAS (presumably the organization publishing the report) aims to maintain a balanced view and that witnesses should not automatically assume every light or object seen is a UFO.

The commentator acknowledges the high level of activity in the area but cautions against getting overly excited, stressing the importance of remaining impartial and sifting through reports carefully to avoid letting emotions override reason. The commentator believes that while his brother remains convinced it was a UFO, the report might not stand up to scrutiny from sceptics and critics.

Contact International Conference '83

An announcement for the Contact International Conference '83, to be held on Saturday, March 5th, at the Aylesbury Civic Centre, Bucks. The conference is located in the 'Aston Room' within the main conference hall complex, approximately 15 miles northeast of Oxford.

Yorkshire UFO Society

The Yorkshire UFO Society is exploring the possibility of hiring a coach to the '83 conference but requires more support. They plan to be represented at Aylesbury and may hire a mini-bus for 12-18 people. Those interested are urged to contact the society, especially if they are confident of travelling, to help with arrangements and cost determination. Costs will be kept to a minimum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed in the commentary, emphasizes a cautious and balanced approach, urging investigators to remain impartial, avoid jumping to conclusions, and differentiate between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentified conventional objects like aircraft or natural lights. There is a clear directive to not automatically label all observed aerial phenomena as UFOs, advocating for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The publication also serves as a platform for announcing related events and encouraging participation in the UFO community.