Bufora Journal Vol 7 No 3 Sept/October 1978

This document is the September/October 1978 issue (Volume 7, Number 3) of the Bufora Journal, published by the British UFO Research Association. The journal serves as a central repository for UFO-related news, research, and investigative reports within the United Kingdom. A significant portion of this issue is dedicated to the 'Bufora Ball Lightning Project,' which was launched in July 1977 to collect and evaluate first-hand accounts of ball lightning. Mark Stenhoff provides a detailed review of four specific cases, noting that while some may be explained by conventional atmospheric phenomena or electrical effects, others remain intriguing. The journal also features a section titled 'Report-Extra!' presented by Norman Oliver, which details a multi-witness sighting in the Windermere area of Cumbria on August 28, 1977. This incident involved numerous police officers and civilians observing a large, silent object with multiple lights, which some witnesses described as resembling a 'catamaran' or 'stingray fish.' The issue includes a variety of other reports, such as the 'Tottenham Torch' sighting, a 'Luminous Fir Tree' object in Wolverhampton, and a 'Skateboard UFO' in Basingstoke. Additionally, the journal contains book reviews, including critiques of works by Donald Menzel, Stuart Holroyd, and Brad Steiger, reflecting the association's engagement with contemporary ufological literature. A recurring theme throughout the journal is the intersection of UFO phenomena with psychic or paranormal experiences, particularly in the context of the Warminster area, as discussed by Paul Devos. The journal also provides administrative updates, including information on Bufora branches, membership, and upcoming lectures, such as a presentation on 'UFOs—The Psychic Connection' by Sir John Whitmore. The publication emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the need for members to report sightings through official channels, such as the National Investigations Co-ordinator (NIC), Larry Dale. The journal concludes with a 'Sighting Summaries' table, documenting various reports from 1975 to 1978, and announcements regarding future conferences and the restarting of a book lending library.