BUFORA Journal Vol 8 No 1

This document is the January/February 1979 issue (Volume 8, Number 1) of the BUFORA Journal, published by the British UFO Research Association. The journal serves as a compilation of UFO-related news, research reports, and administrative updates for the association. The editorial, written by Norman Oliver, addresses the question of belief in UFOs, arguing that the association's role is to research the phenomenon rather than to hold a collective 'belief' in extraterrestrial visitation. The issue features a 'Report-Extra' section detailing historical and contemporary sightings, including the 1951 'Kojak-headed entities' case in Brighton, the 1956 'Frogmen' sighting in Aveley, and the 1975 'Jellentities' case in Machynlleth. It also covers the 1978 Valentich disappearance in Australia and a debate in the House of Lords regarding the need for an official governmental study on UFOs. The journal includes extensive sighting summaries, lists of lecture recordings available for purchase, and announcements regarding the First London International UFO Congress. Administrative details, such as the council members for 1978/9 and branch contacts, are provided. The publication emphasizes a scientific approach to ufology, with contributors critiquing sensationalist interpretations of sightings and advocating for rigorous investigation.