YUFOS Journal vol 1 no 6

Magazine Overview

Title: YUFOS JOURNAL
Issue: Vol.1 No.6
Date: January 1983
Publisher: Yorkshire UFO Society

This issue of the YUFOS JOURNAL, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, offers a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena through various articles, personal accounts, and reports. It serves as a platform for members to share their experiences, opinions, and research related to UFOs.

Editorial and Society Information

The editorial address is provided as 15, Northbrook Street, Leeds LS7 400, West Yorkshire. The journal is a publication of the Yorkshire UFO Society, which is the official branch of Contact International, described as the world's largest UFO study movement. The publication emphasizes that opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or Contact International staff. The copyright for all material is held by Contact International.

The Directory lists key personnel: G.W. Birdsall as Co-ordinator, M.I. Birdsall as Treasurer/Membership Secretary, and N. Morris as Journal Editor. Several Hon. Committee Members are also listed.

The editorial section, written by the Editor (presumably Nick Morris), reflects on the start of 1983, expressing hope for answers to UFO-related questions. It thanks contributors and highlights the deadline for the next issue as March 1st. The editor notes that 1982 was not a strong year for UFO sightings globally but mentions some interesting events in the Yorkshire area, particularly around Skinton. Future plans for the Yorkshire UFO Society (Y.U.F.O.S.) include an AGM trip, more skywatches, and increased member participation.

Personal Viewpoint: Part 2

Graham Townsend shares his personal perspective on UFO sightings. He recounts how a friend's mention of a UFO sighting in Bradford, coupled with another friend's sighting of a yellow light over Five Lane Ends, reinforced his interest. He visited the Bradford Telegraph & Argus and found numerous UFO newsclippings describing similar phenomena. Townsend contacted Leeds & Bradford Airport, where the control tower was unaware of any radar anomalies but showed interest in his report. He was invited to attend a YUFOS meeting after an article by Graham Birdsall provided a contact number. Townsend expresses his enjoyment of the discussions within Contact/YUFOS and emphasizes the need for large sample sizes to draw statistically significant conclusions about UFO sightings. He also mentions ongoing activity in the Skipton area and suggests potential collaboration with Tony Dodds.

Townsend further delves into his opinions on ufology, questioning the nature of UFOs and proposing theories related to anti-magnetic or anti-gravity concepts for interstellar travel. He describes a 'wobbling' effect often associated with UFOs and suggests 'unidentified moving sky object' as a more accurate term. He ponders the origins of potential craft and the possibility of extraterrestrial life exploring the universe. He also touches upon philosophical questions regarding the ultimate development of intelligence and its potential connection to life forms.

The UFO Challenge: A Harsh Look at the Facts

Graham Birdsall critically examines the state of UFO research. He argues that despite the 1977 flap, little real progress has been made in understanding UFOs. Birdsall points to the lack of concrete evidence provided by ufologists, contrasting it with the decades since Kenneth Arnold's sighting. He criticizes the security services, particularly in the United States, for alleged cover-ups, suggesting that without such secrecy, many ufologists might have abandoned their interest. Birdsall calls for a more aggressive approach from UFO organizations, advocating for recruitment of individuals in key positions like pilots and air traffic controllers. He suggests that journalists have 'inside men' and questions why UFO information, if not a threat to national security, cannot be shared. Birdsall proposes forming tentative relationships with individuals who possess information but cannot disclose it publicly, emphasizing the need for new methods to uncover the truth.

Skywatch Reports

Detailed reports from two skywatches held on May 30th and August 28th, 1982, near Skinton, are presented. These logs document numerous sightings, including:

• May 30th-31st: Observations of small white lights, satellite movements, white/red/green lights, a bright orange flash (possibly a meteorite), and unidentified white lights descending.
• August 28th: Reports of red/green/white lights, satellite movements, meteorites, and unidentified white lights descending.

Graham Townsend concludes his skywatch report, describing his experience as most interesting.

Book Review: The World's Greatest U.F.O. Mysteries

Perry Green reviews a new book titled "The World's Greatest U.F.O. Mysteries," published by Octopus Books Ltd, priced at £1.99. He highlights the inclusion of a statement by Graham Birdsall as a positive indicator of the book's quality. Green notes that the authors, Nigel Blundell and Roger Boar, cover a wide range of sightings and conjectures. He specifically mentions that page 50 discusses the Adamski Case and the coalyard in Todmorden. The final chapter reportedly delves into the 'Who-Why-and Where' of UFOs, featuring insights from eminent thinkers. Green recommends the book for enthusiasts' libraries.

Letters to the Editor

YUFOS Library: Frank Gibson writes about his and Pat's new role managing the society's library. They intend to create a comprehensive list of books and lent items, aiming to build a valuable resource for members. They are also seeking second-hand books of interest.

U.F.O.S. Fact or Fiction: T. Dodd responds to previous comments about critics and sceptics. He stresses the importance of high-quality, objective reports and criticizes those who dismiss UFOs without personal investigation. Dodd suggests that the only way to see a UFO is to actively seek one out. He quotes Ronald F. Story, editor of 'The Encyclopedia of UFOs,' cautioning against altering data to fit conventional frameworks and emphasizing the need for genuine investigation rather than dismissing reports.

Letters cont.: M.I. Birdsall comments on the YUFOS Journal's production and sales. He notes improvements in the magazine's content but expresses concern over low sales, with only seven subscriptions and limited sales at meetings. He questions whether increased sales would incentivize members to contribute more quality articles. Birdsall suggests that wider distribution and potential advertising from small businesses could be beneficial, but ultimately emphasizes the need for membership support.

Case Investigations: The journal announces that future editions will feature cases investigated by YUFOS members. The first case detailed is "Strange Phenomenon On Railway Line" (Case no.5), involving a railway worker in the Kirkstall area of Leeds. The letter from "Mr.A." describes an incident on February 12, 1979, where he encountered a bright green glow near a railway track that lifted him off the ground. An interview with Mr. A. by Graham Birdsall is mentioned, with Mr. A. appearing nervous. The incident remains unexplained.

Another Sighting near Skinton: A sighting from December 1982 is reported, where a man in Earby saw a brilliant white light that moved rapidly across the sky. Barnoldswick police are reportedly treating the sighting seriously. The article notes the high number of sightings in the general Skipton and West Craven area, suggesting it is a region of significant UFO activity. Tony Dodd is mentioned as investigating this particular case.

Nick Morris concludes by posing the question of why this area has so much "action" and invites members with ideas or theories to share them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal UFO experiences, the challenges of UFO research, the need for objective investigation, and the role of organizations like the Yorkshire UFO Society. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to share their accounts while also critically examining the evidence and the broader implications of the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of data collection and rigorous investigation, balanced with a recognition of the difficulties in obtaining definitive answers. The journal also highlights the society's efforts to build a community and a valuable resource for its members through its library and publications.