SIGAP Bulletin No 17 - 1968-10

Magazine Overview

The October 1968 issue of the SIGAP Bulletin marks a significant transformation for the publication, adopting a new, printed heading and a more official magazine-like appearance. The editorial states that this change is a step towards a 'proper magazine' and aims to broaden its appeal beyond SIGAP members and their immediate circle to ufologists across the country. This expansion necessitates a change in pricing, with the bulletin now costing one shilling per issue, a move justified by the rising costs of printing and duplication, and presented as reasonable compared to other UFO publications. SIGAP members, however, will continue to receive the bulletin as part of their subscription.

Forthcoming Content

• The "new look" bulletin promises a diverse range of content, including:
• UFO news from Surrey and all parts of the world.
• Letters from foreign UFO societies.
• Updates on advances in astronomy and astronautics.
• Progress in the new science of exobiology.
• Details of SIGAP projects and miscellaneous information about the group and its members.

The editor reiterates a long-standing appeal for contributions, requesting articles and interesting UFO 'titbits' such as features on ufology, extracts from UFO books and magazines, and personal views on the UFO phenomenon. Newspaper clippings are particularly welcomed, with an offer to photostat them if they are needed back. The current circulation is around 80, with aspirations to move to a quarto duplicated magazine with a glossy cover if circulation increases substantially, with the ultimate goal of a printed magazine.

Local UFO Sightings

• The bulletin features several reports of UFO sightings in the Surrey area:
• Earlswood Lakes, Redhill (August 11): A luminous cigar-shaped UFO was observed by several people, including Mr. James Winze and Miss Hilary Parker. It was described as like a luminous sausage and bore no resemblance to an aircraft. An airline navigation officer at Gatwick Airport suggested it could have been a weather balloon.
• Hooley (near Redhill): Residents reported seeing a similar UFO multiple times. Mrs. R. A. Bathmaker described it as spindle-like with a revolving disc structure underneath. The Meteorological Office stated it was not a weather balloon, and the Ministry of Defence took details but could not provide an explanation.
• Guildford (September 11): Mr. J. A. Plowman reported a 'very bright light' seen over Friary Sportsground by members of an archery club. Initially appearing stationary like a large star, it was joined by two or three smaller lights. The main light then seemed to split, and three other lights moved around before all gradually faded.
• Guildford (August 5): Margaret Francis reported seeing five white lights in the sky while driving out of Guildford. The lights vanished when obstructed by trees, and she was certain they were not from an aeroplane or helicopter.
• Cranleigh (August 24): A spherical object 'enveloped in an orange glow' was seen by a local woman.

International UFO Reports

• Beyond local sightings, the bulletin includes reports from abroad:
• Midhurst, Sussex (July 15): Mrs. G. C. Richardson reported a brilliant glowing object, approximately the size of the moon, seen over Midhurst. She described it as like car headlights in brilliance, soundless, and cruising peacefully, possibly a reconnaissance. She noted a faint grey vapour underneath and to the left of the object.
• Guildford and Worplesdon (September 1): SIGAP member Roger Thackray reported a bright star-like UFO exhibiting unusual behaviour. It moved east to west and back, stopping for about two seconds at each extremity, and appeared to move up and down slightly. The light would occasionally flicker and dim. The object was later seen again, appearing larger and brighter, with a vague shape materialising.
• Chile: A giant 'birdman' creature, described as nearly 10 ft. tall with wings and an albino head and body, is reportedly terrorising people in the Chillan area.
• Madrid: A mysterious pyramid-shaped object with three bright knobs hovered for over an hour. A Spanish Air Force jet attempted to chase it to 50,000 feet but had to return due to fuel shortage.
• Argentina: A UFO wave is reported across Argentina, with incidents including humanoid beings paralyzing casino workers and making inscriptions on cars, saucers hovering over the sea, alleged collisions between cars and saucers, and sightings of tall, hairless creatures.

International Correspondence and Group Activities

• The bulletin also highlights correspondence with other UFO investigation groups:
• Students Investigation on UFOs (SIUFO), Oklahoma City, USA: This youth organisation (ages 12-17) is interested in a serious study of UFOs and uniting efforts for science projects. They are keen to exchange information, particularly on UFO explosions.
• Extraterrestrial Phenomena Investigating Committee (EPIC), Schenectady, New York, USA: EPIC is willing to cooperate and be added to the publication exchange list. Jennifer Stevens, Director, is working on a book about ancient sightings and is seeking information with bibliographies. She also works with APRO, conducts a radio program, lectures, and has appeared on network radio and TV.

SIGAP News and Meetings

• SIGAP's membership is growing, with Mrs. J. Hodgins of Guildford being the latest addition. The group is resuming its meetings in the canteen of the Plastic Coatings Factory in Guildford. An impressive programme has been drawn up, with scheduled meetings including:
• October 15, 1968: "Leys and Orthoteny" talk by Jimmy Goddard.
• November 12, 1968: Showing of SIGAP member Dan Butcher's UFO paintings (30 colour slides).
• December 10, 1968: "A Film Evening" featuring two space films: "Doorway to Tomorrow" (on the John F. Kennedy Space Centre) and "The Clouds of Venus" (on the Mariner II probe). A small charge will be made for hiring these films.
• February 11, 1969: Talk on UFOs by a BUFORA representative.
• April 8, 1969: "UFORUM" discussion on the feasibility of alien craft visiting Earth.
• June 10, 1969: SIGAP's annual meeting.

Miscellaneous Items

• A request for information on SIGAP and its bulletin was received from Mr. Michael McNamara of Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
• Congratulations are extended to SIGAP Photographic Analyst Norman Wynn and Ivy Price on their marriage on August 24.
• The Editor apologises for omitting the mention of Norman Wynn's marriage in the previous month's bulletin.
• SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler gave a talk on UFOs to 30 members of Emmanuel Church Young Wives' Group in Guildford on September 11.

Fact or Folklore?

Dan Butcher contributes an article titled "Fact or Folklore?" which examines a historical event preceding the Spanish conquest of Mexico in March 1519. This period was marked by a 'UFO wave' characterized by inextinguishable fires and comets. The article recounts how astrologers failed to interpret these phenomena, leading to panic and a loss of morale among the Aztecs. Two specific reports from this era are detailed: one about an enchanted 'crane' with a mirror reflecting a starry sky, and another about a shepherd kidnapped by an 'eagle' and taken to a shining grotto.

UFOs Round the World

• This section provides brief reports from various global locations:
• Chile: A giant 'birdman' creature is reported in the Chillan area.
• Madrid: A pyramid-shaped object with three bright knobs hovered for over an hour.
• Argentina: A UFO wave is described with multiple incidents, including humanoid beings, hovering saucers, and alleged alien captures.
• Columbia, New Jersey: A research centre is to be built by the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained to study UFOs and other unexplained phenomena.
• Fremantle, Australia: John Stevens believes he was followed by a 'saucer' for 20 miles, which emitted a peculiar V-shaped light.
• London: Approximately 400 people phoned London Airport after seeing flashing lights, which the Ministry of Defence and British Airports Authority attributed to aircraft calibration tests.

Explanations and Theories

• Two alternative explanations for UFO sightings are presented:
• Philip Klass: Editor of an aviation magazine, Klass suggests UFOs are plasmas – molecular balls of fire often associated with power cables and lightning. He argues these are not alien spacecraft but freak atmospheric phenomena.
• Vesco: An Italian aeronautical engineer proposes that flying saucers are experimental craft designed and built by British scientists and flown from secret bases in Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of the SIGAP Bulletin are the expansion of ufological research beyond local boundaries, the increasing professionalization of UFO investigation groups (as evidenced by SIGAP's new magazine format and correspondence with other organisations), and the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and dissemination of UFO reports and related scientific advancements. There is a clear desire to legitimize the study of UFOs, moving it from a niche interest to a broader scientific and public concern. The inclusion of historical accounts and diverse explanations, from atmospheric phenomena to advanced experimental craft, reflects an attempt to cover the spectrum of possibilities within the UFO enigma.