BUFORA Bulletin, May 1987, No. 25

The May 1987 issue of the BUFORA Bulletin (No. 25) serves as a comprehensive overview of the British UFO Research Association's activities, research, and editorial stance during that period. The bulletin is heavily focused on promoting a scientific, objective approach to the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). Editorially, the publication addresses internal controversies, such as the 'Cracoe Fell' case, where BUFORA concluded that photographs of alleged UFOs were actually light reflections, criticizing the emotional and unprofessional nature of the dispute between different research groups. A significant portion of the bulletin is dedicated to the 'Mystery of the Circles' (crop circles), with detailed reports by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles on the investigation of these formations in Southern England. The authors maintain a skeptical, evidence-based stance, noting that while the formations are complex, they are likely not of extraterrestrial origin. The bulletin also explores the concept of 'Vehicle Interference' (the EM effect), with an article by Manfred Cassirer tracing the history of such reports from pre-modern witchcraft legends to contemporary accounts of car engine failures during UFO sightings. Furthermore, the bulletin features a detailed, high-strangeness case report by Albert Budden titled 'Terror in the House of Dolls,' which describes an alleged abduction experience in the Gateshead area in 1979. The publication also provides extensive coverage of the upcoming 'Congress '87,' an international UFO conference organized by BUFORA, outlining the planned presentations on topics such as the extra-terrestrial hypothesis, abduction research, and the use of computer databases for UFO case analysis. Throughout the issue, there is a recurring theme of the 'UFO recession' and the impact of sensationalist media, particularly in the United States, on the public perception of UFOs. The contributors express a desire to distance serious ufology from the 'pulp' literature and sensationalism surrounding books like Whitley Streiber's 'Communion,' advocating instead for rigorous, data-driven research. The bulletin concludes with news of the association, including the passing of long-time member Pam Kennedy, and provides references for further reading on the topics discussed.