The New SIGAP Bulletin No 1 1977-07

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN
Issue: NUMBER 1
Date: JULY 1977
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Location: Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom

This document is the first in a new series of bulletins from the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), a non-profit-making voluntary organisation founded in 1967 dedicated to the study of unidentified flying object phenomena. The bulletin signals a renewed activity for the group, prompted by a significant increase in interest in UFOs.

Content Summary

Introduction and Renewed Activity

The bulletin opens with a welcome to its readers, announcing the commencement of a new series of bulletins. It references the group's previous publication, the 'Esher May Fair' edition of 'Pegasus', a journal that has been associated with SIGAP since 1969. The editors note a recent surge in interest in the subject of UFOs, which has led them to believe that demand is sufficient for the group to become more active.

Key Investigations

SIGAP has been involved in several investigations. Apart from a steady stream of local reports, the group has been particularly focused on two significant cases:

1. British Airways Trident Sighting: The group was alerted to a sighting of UFOs by the pilot, crew, and passengers of a British Airways Trident aircraft. This report came to their attention a year prior to the bulletin's publication, and it was only recently that the pilot brought the case to public notice in an effort to find an explanation.
2. Objects over Portugal: The bulletin mentions widely reported incidents where pilots observed objects over Portugal. While the official explanation for these sightings was balloons, SIGAP notes that there are still a number of anomalies associated with these events that the group is continuing to investigate.

Membership Information

The bulletin includes a draft leaflet explaining the aims of SIGAP, intended to inform interested individuals and encourage them to join. Potential members are invited to apply for membership by replying to the group's address. An annual fee of £3 is required, which is designated to cover administrative costs, postage, and investigation expenses.

Upcoming Meetings

Details are provided for the next SIGAP meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 19th, at 9:15 pm in the saloon bar of the Wooden Bridge Hotel on the Bypass in Guildford. This meeting will be an informal gathering and will follow a regular broadcast on the hospital radio service, Radio Lion. The new season of regular meetings is set to recommence on Tuesday, September 6th. A program for the upcoming season is being prepared, and details will be circulated to members.

Bulletin Format

The format of this interim bulletin is described as temporary, with photocopies of existing investigations attached for the information of members and interested parties. The bulletin concludes by reiterating that SIGAP is a non-profit-making voluntary organisation founded in 1967 dedicated to the study of unidentified flying object phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this bulletin is the re-energization of SIGAP and its commitment to investigating UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, focusing on gathering reports, investigating anomalies, and disseminating information to a growing interested public. The group appears to be methodical, as evidenced by their continued investigation of anomalies even after official explanations have been offered. The emphasis on membership and regular meetings suggests a desire to build a community around the study of UFOs and to ensure the group's continued operation and funding.