THE SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA

Magazine Overview

This document is Bulletin No. 16 from The Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (S.I.G.A.P.), dated September 1, 1968. It details several UFO and aerial phenomena sightings reported by members and the public, along with organizational updates.

Reported Sightings

Farncombe Sighting (July 6)

A "radiant orange" star-shaped UFO was observed by Mr. Robert Harris and his wife Janice in Farncombe. Mr. Harris reported that at 8:15 p.m., his attention was drawn to what appeared to be a bright star low in the sky. Upon pointing it out to his wife, they realized it was descending vertically from a point above trees on a hill about half-a-mile away. The object took about 15-20 seconds to disappear behind the trees. It was described as having a radiant orange color with its light varying slightly. The object was located in the East, and the weather was dry and clear.

Simultaneously, Miss Phyllis Pease, driving along the Bramley-Alford road, saw a red ball of fire in the sky. It was visible for about half-a-minute before suddenly disappearing. Her passenger also saw the object, which was in the North-East.

Ash Hill Road Sightings (August 19 and late May)

On August 19, at 11 p.m., secretary Miss Pamela Jennings of Ash Hill Road, Ash, reported seeing a cluster of three "very large" stars that hovered for three to five minutes and made a droning noise. They then shot up into the air and disappeared.

In late May, Miss Jennings, while sitting in a car with R.A.E. engineer Mr. Anthony Frost at 2 a.m., saw another peculiar star-like object from Ash Hill Road.

Mr. Frost provided an account of this sighting, describing a streak of light in the south-easterly direction that slowed down, started hovering, made a droning noise, turned red, and disappeared in a flash of red.

Ash Vale Sighting (mid-May)

A brilliant white light was seen in the sky over Ash Vale in mid-May by Mrs. White, between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. She observed it from her house in Homely Crescent, Frimley Road. Mrs. White described it as a brilliant light in the West over the "George Inn", visible for only a few seconds. It was round and made no noise.

S.I.G.A.P. Chairman Omar Fowler investigated this sighting. In his report, he noted that Mrs. White also shared details about a peculiar dream she had after her husband's death, involving a saucer and the taking of her children, which led her to believe in the 'Lord' after seeing a triangular cloud. Regarding the sighting, Mrs. White emphasized its brightness and sudden disappearance.

Guildford Sighting (June)

An orange UFO shaped like a half-circle was seen over Guildford one night in June by Miss Dorothy Raggett. She was unable to provide the exact date but stated it was around the middle of the month. Miss Raggett observed the object from her house in Worplesdon Road, Guildford. She described it as a very bright orange object, initially mistaken for the moon but recognized as the wrong shape and color. It was moving very slowly from the Guildford direction towards Woking. The object was described as brilliant orange, approximately ten inches long along the top and five to six inches deep in the center. It vanished suddenly after about five minutes.

S.I.G.A.P. member Mrs. S. J. Holt investigated this sighting and found Miss Raggett to be a reliable and truthful person.

Biggin Hill Sighting (July 17)

A mysterious circular light passed over Biggin Hill, Kent, just after midnight on July 17, as seen by Mr. and Mrs. S. V. Russell. Mrs. Russell reported being awakened at 12:45 a.m. by an unusual stillness and smell. She then heard a short burst of a light aircraft engine, which was unusual as she did not hear it approach or recede. From her bed, she saw a large circular light travelling at excessive speed. She went to the window and called her husband. They watched it travelling in the direction of Surrey. They concluded it was not an aeroplane due to its speed and also not a meteorite because it maintained a regular height. The color of the light was described as apricot.

Ball Lightning in Normandy House (February 19, 1967)

By Dick Beet, this article details a rare atmospheric phenomenon. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston and their two children were in their bungalow when, after a period of rain, an explosion occurred. This was followed by a loud popping sound and a clap of thunder. At that instant, the telephone went dead, and from the telephone protector, a ball of fire appeared. The object was the size and shape of a narrow light bulb with a yellow-orange color and a "fuzzy blue edge". It traveled slowly, scorching Mrs. Johnston's neck and singeing her hair, later causing a headache. The fireball crossed the room silently towards the fire, then changed direction towards a power socket. It increased in size and changed shape to "more octagonal with jagged edges" before shrinking and disappearing at the socket. Investigations by a maintenance telephone engineer revealed that the telephone earth wire had become disconnected at some point.

Nonsense or Logic? (By Capt. S.R.B. Urry)

Captain Urry reflects on his past skepticism towards "flying-saucers." About seven years prior, he observed a very bright stationary light in the North West at an estimated 2,000 feet. After about 30 seconds, the light moved at terrific speed across the sky, disappearing in the North East. This observation led to discussions about atmosphere and visibility, concluding that something peculiar had been observed, prompting thoughts of flying-saucers. Drawing on his experience as a navigator, Captain Urry suggests that man's unique instinct for creating beauty indicates a higher origin, possibly from a civilized planet. He speculates that if humans originated from another dying planet, spaceships and their technology would have been forgotten, and the original craft would have disappeared. He notes that ancient vehicles were called chariots and suggests that fiery chariots mentioned in biblical references might allude to rocket-powered craft. He posits that visits from spaceships to check on humanity would be natural if humans were indeed sent from another planet. Captain Urry lives in Wimborne, Dorset.

Organizational Updates

S.I.G.A.P. is set to be listed in the next edition of the Guildford Telephone Directory under the "Research & Development Organisations" yellow pages section, as well as in the ordinary classified section.

Member Leslie Seymour has emigrated from Horsham to Montreal, Canada. The group hopes he will stay in touch regarding UFO activity in Canada.

S.I.G.A.P. currently has 66 members. A list of recent joiners includes Mr. Ian Mackinlay, Mr. Trevor Heath, Mr. Christopher Hopper, Mr. Edward Giles, Mr. Peter Hill, Miss Phyllis Pease, Miss Ellinor Austen, Mr. Roger Amos, Miss Marjorie Dalley, Mrs. Rosemary Hick, Mr. Richard Farrow, and Mr. Arthur Tuffill.

Articles for publication in the Bulletin are welcomed and should be sent to Ron Toft, S.I.G.A.P. Bulletin Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena, with a focus on detailed eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting observations and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing a platform for members and encouraging further investigation. The inclusion of Captain Urry's speculative piece suggests an interest in exploring theories beyond conventional explanations, particularly regarding human origins and extraterrestrial contact.