BUFORA BULLETIN No. 7, DECEMBER 1998

This document is the December 1998 issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, the bi-monthly journal of the British UFO Research Association. The editorial, written by Robert Moore, critiques the state of contemporary British Ufology, arguing that it suffers from stagnation, a lack of critical standards, and an over-dependence on American UFO culture. Moore calls for more rigorous, academic research and a move away from the 'armchair sceptic' versus 'believer' dichotomy. The bulletin contains several detailed reports on specific UFO incidents. One such report is an obituary for Ron West, a founder of the Essex UFO Research Group, which includes a detailed account of a 1988 incident in Godmanchester where a 14-year-old girl observed a small, square, jet-black object that caused her radio to blank out and emitted a foul odor. Another major feature is an analysis of the 1957 'West Freugh' incident by John P. Heptonstall, who challenges previous interpretations and suggests that the radar returns might be explained by the Lockheed U2 spyplane, which was undergoing secret trials at the time. The bulletin also covers the 'Arizona Lights' (Phoenix Lights) of 1997, detailing the involvement of Phoenix city councilwoman Frances Emma Barwood, who attempted to investigate the military's role in the event. Andy Roberts provides a critical review of a Carlton TV debate on UFOs, highlighting the unproductive nature of such media appearances. A significant portion of the bulletin is dedicated to the 'Howden Moors Incident' of March 1997, with David Clarke and Robert Moore examining the reports of sonic booms and triangular UFO sightings in the Sheffield area. They investigate potential explanations, including military exercises, drug smuggling, aircraft malfunctions, and bolide meteors, ultimately suggesting that a bolide or a military aircraft malfunction are the most plausible causes. The bulletin also includes a 'Foo Fighter Picture Mystery' article by Robert Bull, which investigates the origins of a famous photograph, concluding that it likely depicts a Japanese Tachikawa Ki-36 aircraft rather than a German Luftwaffe plane. The issue concludes with a book list from Spacelink Books and an events calendar for upcoming BUFORA lectures and conferences.