THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN
Issue: #3
Volume: 1966
Date: November 1966
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the SIGAP Bulletin focuses on the ongoing "Basingstoke Flap," a period of heightened UFO activity and public interest in the Basingstoke area. The publication highlights the increased attention UFOs have received due to media coverage, including interviews by SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler on Thames Valley Radio and Southern News (BBC), as well as a series of articles in the 'Star' newspaper.

Basingstoke Flap Continues

The lead article, "BASINGSTOKE FLAP CONTINUES," notes that interest in the area is unusually high, resulting in several interesting multi-witness reports. It posits that UFO sightings often increase proportionally to media publicity. The article emphasizes that UFOs continue to be observed by diverse individuals in various circumstances, and that increased reporting brings the phenomenon closer to being understood. The conviction that intelligent life exists in outer space is gaining credence, leading to controversy and reports of close encounters.

Activity Log - Basingstoke Area

The "ACTIVITY LOG - BASINGSTOKE AREA" provides a detailed chronological record of reported sightings from February to October 1966:

• 23/24 February: Twenty children at Worting School, Basingstoke, saw a disc-shaped object fly across the sky and later drew sketches of an orange object. Witnesses included Elizabeth Olive (11), Margaret Lee (11), and Deborah Knight (10).
• 14 March (22:00 hours): Two men observed an orange-red disc flying overhead at night near Popley, Basingstoke. The witness was Mr R Sheldon.
• April (22:00 hours): A bright star-like object was seen with a beam of light from Winklebury Estate, Basingstoke. Witnesses were Mrs Downes and Mrs Neoll.
• 24 May (22:55 hours): A whitish-silvery bright light, shaped like a half ball-bearing, travelled across the Andover/Fleet/Aldershot area. Three independent reports were received from Andover, Aldershot, and Fleet. Witnesses included Mr RJ Vincent, Mr Dooley, and Mr Scott-Cree.
• 23 May (12:30 hours): Schoolboys in Wokingham, Berkshire, watched a flying "black blob" changing shape through binoculars. Witnesses included C Huggett, S Streak, M Simson, S Burke, G Cleaver, and N Groom.
• 27 August (22:58 hours): A large star-like object was observed near Winklebury Estate, Basingstoke, which split in two. One section, shaped like a dustbin lid, flew over. The witness was Mrs Downes.
• 9 September (20:20 hours): A ball of fire flew across the sky from west to east, with two independent reports received from Yateley and Bracknell. Witnesses were Mrs Routledge and Mr Tucker.
• 3 October: A white round object was observed from Odiham, Hants. The witness was Mr Turner.
• 7 October (20:25 hours): White/red lights in a diamond shape were observed from Chinham Popley, Basingstoke. Witnesses were Mrs Heggie & family.
• 11 October (18:20 hours): A flying "dustbin lid" with a silver appearance and red glow was observed from Quantock Close, Basingstoke. The witness was Miss A Brown (14).
• (OCT) 14 September (21:00 hours): An oval object with fins and changing colour was reported from Popley, Basingstoke. Witnesses included M Trott (10), C Rafferty (11), and M Rafferty (10). MRS CABALLERO is listed as a contact.
• 7 October (21:05 hours): A red and yellow flashing object travelling fast was observed from Chinham, Popley, Basingstoke. Four objects were seen, changing direction. Witnesses were Mrs Dervin + Heggie family.
• 12 October (18:30 hours): A "column of light" was observed travelling towards the west from Farnham, Surrey. The witness was Miss Helyer + friend.
• 13 October (21:30 hours): A fast white light travelling towards the south west was observed from Stratton Park, Basingstoke. Witnesses included Mr Bright (17), Mr Crabb, Mr D Green, and Mr S Green.
• 29 October (17:45 hours): A white light with a red ball was observed from Overton, Hants. The white object changed to orange and began to pulsate with the red object. Witnesses were Mrs JA Robson and Mr MW Robson.

Are We Alone?

The article "Are we alone?" explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life and human contact. It notes that many people believe Earth is already being visited by extraterrestrials and that millions of planets may be inhabited by intelligent life. The article mentions that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have been seen for thousands of years, with sightings increasing substantially since the late 1940s. It states that UFOs have been encountered by airmen during World War II and that several countries have accepted the reality of the phenomenon, with many governments filing authentic photographs and films. The growing belief in intelligent life in outer space has led to controversy and reports of close encounters.

The article invites readers to join SIGAP's search for the unknown, offering membership benefits such as the newsletter "Sigap News," access to a free book and tape library, and details of regular meetings in Guildford and Ash Vale.

SIGAP's Mission and Methods

The section "To investigate the UFO phenomenon locally" details the formation of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) in early 1967. SIGAP was founded to investigate reports primarily in Surrey and surrounding counties. Their "Hot-line" (Farnborough 41012) triggers an immediate investigation process designed to eliminate obvious explanations. The group estimates that over 80 percent of reports can be explained by natural or man-made phenomena. For unexplained cases, SIGAP investigators interview witnesses, visit sites, and consult experts. They also collaborate with similar organizations nationwide and share significant reports with the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA, which is run by Dr. J. Allan Hynek, a former consultant to the US Air Force on UFOs.

Membership Information

A membership form is included for individuals wishing to join SIGAP. The annual membership fee is £3, and interested parties are asked to provide their name, address, occupation, qualifications, and contact details. They can also indicate if they wish to investigate reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent and widespread nature of UFO sightings, the impact of media publicity on public awareness and reporting, and the systematic investigation of these phenomena by groups like SIGAP. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging public participation in understanding the UFO phenomenon, while also maintaining a rigorous approach to filtering out conventional explanations. The publication clearly aims to document and analyze UFO reports, contributing to the broader scientific and public discourse on the subject.