New SIGAP Bulletin - No 2 1977 September

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN
Issue: 2
Volume: 1977
Date: September 2, 1977
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of The New SIGAP Bulletin, published by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), focuses on the organization's future strategy, recent UFO activity, and an unusual incident involving a witness claiming a UFO encounter.

Strategy for the Next Ten Years

The editorial, likely written by Richard Beet, reflects on the challenges of ufology and the longevity of SIGAP, which was founded in 1967. It highlights that in ufology, many hypotheses and groups fail within a decade, but SIGAP has survived due to the loyalty of its members and the leadership, which has weathered public ridicule and internal struggles. The editorial emphasizes SIGAP's strength lies in its "flexibility of approach," avoiding rigid policies and cooperating with others. Its primary purpose remains the investigation of unusual aerial phenomena. The author expresses hope that ufologists will overcome their differences to advance their cause.

Richard Beet's contact details (0483 37322) are provided.

Next Meeting

SIGAP's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st, at 8:30 pm at the Prospect Country Club in Ash Vale, Surrey. The meeting's theme will be "Strategy for the next ten years," aligning with the editorial's topic. Members are encouraged to bring their ideas and proposals.

Membership

An appeal is made for members to re-apply for their membership, as the costs of producing and dispatching information are being borne by a few individuals.

Membership Invitation

A notice invites readers to join SIGAP, with an annual fee of £3. This fee, adjusted for inflation over five years, covers administrative, postage, and investigation costs. Applications, including payment by cheque, postal order, or money order, should be sent to Michael Prewett FBIS, 65 Cheyne Way, Farnborough, Hants.

UFO Activity in the Basingstoke Area

This section reports on recent UFO sightings, with the latest from Yateley on September 9th involving a golden disc with a flashing light, which is under investigation. The area around Reading and Basingstoke has seen increased UFO activity, including a disc-shaped object hovering near a school and a 'half-ball bearing' object seen shooting across the sky. Mr. Dooley reported seeing such an object zoom overhead while cycling home in Fleet.

A significant sighting occurred on August 27th when Mrs. Hilda Downes of Winklebury Estate, Basingstoke, observed a bright star-like object, described as six inches in diameter, split into two. One part moved rapidly towards the Lancing Bagnall factory. Mrs. Downes described the object as initially appearing like condensed smoke, then like a large dinner plate, with a silver color similar to "wartime Barrage balloons." This event lasted only a few seconds.

Mrs. Downes had previously seen a bright 'star' emitting a bluish-green light. Following her recent sighting, she sought help and was directed to SIGAP. The report also mentions a local farmer who claimed a very bright light followed his van on an old Roman road. SIGAP hopes to contact this farmer for further details.

Omar Fowler (0252 41012) is credited with this report.

What is the Moon?

This article presents a theory by Soviet scientists Michael Vasin and Alexander Shcherbakov, suggesting the moon is not a natural celestial body but an artificial satellite sent to orbit Earth by alien beings millions of years ago. The theory is based on differences in the age and composition of lunar rock samples compared to Earth rocks, as revealed by Apollo missions. The scientists propose the moon is a hollow sphere with a deep, soft outer shell and an impenetrable hull, with metals like chromium, titanium, and zirconium found in lunar rock possibly being remnants of its artificial skin.

Credit is given to 'Mysterious Spaceship Moon' by Donald K Wilson. Michael Mercer (04866 5234) is listed as a contact.

The Strange Case of the Motorway, the Wanderer and the UFO

This case began in late June when Omar Fowler was contacted by Ken Phillips of Bufora regarding a man found wandering on the M3 motorway between junctions 1 and 2 on June 23rd. The man claimed to have encountered beings from an unidentified flying object. The police, suspecting drug influence, took him to Ascot Police Station and then to Heatherwood Hospital, where drug tests were negative. Subsequent inquiries confirmed the man's presence on the motorway and his transfer to Heatherwood Hospital.

The witness was then moved to Fairmile Hospital, a mental institution in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. SIGAP, represented by Carol Godsell, wrote to the Medical Director on July 14th, requesting an interview with the man. They expressed anxiety to speak with him, acknowledging he might be undergoing treatment. They argued that a UFO claim should not automatically lead to psychiatric admission and should not interfere with his treatment.

On August 8th, Dr. J.R. Palmer, Consultant Psychiatrist at Fair Mile Hospital, replied. He stated that the man was suffering from a mental illness and that his UFO claim was a minor part of his symptomatology. Dr. Palmer denied permission for an interview, deeming it a "waste of time."

The article concludes with unanswered questions: whether the man escaped from the hospital, if his mental condition was caused by the UFO sighting or a pre-existing issue, and if there was a cover-up by authorities. SIGAP, through Richard Beet, expresses that "we will never know what really happened that June day."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently promotes the investigation of UFO/UAP phenomena with a pragmatic and flexible approach, as exemplified by SIGAP's organizational strategy. There's a clear emphasis on gathering evidence and reporting sightings, even when dealing with potentially unreliable witnesses or challenging circumstances, such as the motorway incident. The publication also engages with broader ufological theories, like the artificial moon hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent inquiry, advocating for the serious study of unexplained aerial phenomena while acknowledging the difficulties and skepticism often encountered. The organization's commitment to its cause is evident in its continued operation and the active pursuit of information, even when faced with institutional barriers or potential cover-ups.