BUFORA Bulletin - October 2001

The October 2001 issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, the journal of the British UFO Research Association, serves as a record of the association's activities, research, and obituaries during a period of significant global tension following the September 11 terrorist attacks. The editorial by Brian P. James reflects on the surreal nature of the attacks and their impact on the ufological community, emphasizing the association's commitment to maintaining a 'broad church' policy that allows for diverse viewpoints despite external pressures to censor certain topics. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the memory of Bertil Kuhlemann, a long-time BUFORA supporter and researcher from Sweden who passed away in September 2001. Tributes from John Spencer, Bob Digby, Steve Gamble, and Roy Rowlands highlight his contributions to Project URD, his work with PICUR, and his character as a gentle, logical, and enthusiastic researcher. The issue also features an essay by Mark Aquil exploring the historical veneration of meteorites in ancient cultures, drawing parallels between 'meteorite cults' and modern religious traditions, and suggesting that these stones were often viewed as transmitters or receivers of divine information. Brian P. James contributes an article on 'Aerial Intrusions,' questioning the defense significance of UFO reports in the context of post-9/11 aviation security and historical Cold War encounters. A detailed account of 'Entity Contact Experiences' is provided by Norman Oliver, who details the experiences of his friend, Larry Dale, involving mental projections of an entity referred to as 'MI.' This account includes complex mathematical and geometric diagrams that Dale claims were communicated by the entity. The issue also contains an 'Investigations Diary' by Gloria Heather Dixon, which discusses the importance of the Postal Training Course and provides updates on various cases, including a 1995 incident in West Yorkshire involving missing time and physiological effects. The journal concludes with a forum section featuring letters from members, including Geoff Falla, who discusses links between UFO reports and paranormal phenomena, and a section on the chances of astronomical events involving Mars. Throughout the issue, there is a strong emphasis on the critical evaluation of evidence, the dangers of regression hypnosis in creating false memories, and the need for a scientific, logical approach to ufology.