New SIGAP Bulletin - No 3 1977 November

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN
Issue: #3 NOVEMBER
Volume: 1966
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN, dated November 1966, highlights a significant increase in UFO sightings in and around Basingstoke, referred to as the 'Basingstoke Flap'. The publication is produced by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), an organization dedicated to investigating such reports.

Basingstoke Flap Continues

The lead article, "BASINGSTOKE FLAP CONTINUES," notes that interest in UFOs in the Basingstoke area is unusually high, resulting in numerous multi-witness reports. The article suggests that increased publicity, including interviews given by SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler on Thames Valley Radio and BBC television, as well as a series of articles in the 'Star' newspaper, may have contributed to the rise in reports. Despite the reasons for the flap being difficult to determine, the article emphasizes that UFOs continue to be observed by a diverse range of people under various circumstances. It posits that publicity often unearths previously unreported sightings, bringing researchers closer to understanding the phenomenon.

Activity Log - Basingstoke Area

A substantial portion of the bulletin is dedicated to an "ACTIVITY LOG - BASINGSTOKE AREA," detailing specific UFO sightings. The log provides dates, descriptions of events, locations of observation, and the witnesses involved.

Key incidents recorded include:

• 23/24 February: Twenty children at Worting School, Basingstoke, witnessed a disc-shaped object fly across the sky and later drew sketches of an orange object.
• 14 March (22:00 hours): Two men at Popley, Basingstoke, observed an orange-red disc flying overhead at night.
• April (22:00 hours): A bright star-like object emitting a beam of light was seen from Winklebury Estate, Basingstoke.
• 24 May (22:55 hours): Three independent reports were received concerning a whitish-silvery bright light, shaped like a half ball-bearing, that travelled across the Andover/Fleet/Aldershot area.
• 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 observed from Winklebury Estate, Basingstoke, split in two, with one section, described as shaped like a dustbin lid, flying over.
• 9 September (20:20 hours): Two independent reports from Yateley and Bracknell described a ball of fire flying across the sky from west to east. Witnesses were Mrs Routledge and Mr Tucker.
• 3 October: A white round object was observed from Odiham, Hants, by Mr Turner.
• 7 October (20:25 hours): White/red lights in a diamond shape were seen from Chinham Popley, Basingstoke, by Mrs Heggie & family.
• 11 October (18:20 hours): A flying 'dustbin lid' that was silver with a red glow was observed from Quantock Close, Basingstoke, by Miss A Brown (14).
• (OCT) 14 September (21:00 hours): An oval object with fins and changing colour was reported from Popley, Basingstoke, by MRS CABALLERO, M Trott (10), C Rafferty (11), and M Rafferty (10).
• 7 October (21:05 hours): Red and yellow flashing objects travelling fast, with four objects changing direction, were observed from Chinham, Popley, Basingstoke, by Mrs Dervin and the Heggie family.
• 12 October (18:30 hours): A 'column of light' towards the west was observed from Farnham, Surrey, by Miss Helyer + friend.
• 13 October (21:30 hours): A fast white light travelling towards the south west was observed from Stratton Park, Basingstoke, by Mr Bright (17), Mr Crabb, and Mr D Green.
• 29 October (17:45 hours): A white light and a red ball were seen from Overton, Hants. The white object changed to orange and began to pulsate with the red object, reported by Mrs JA Robson and Mr MW Robson.

Are we alone?

The article "Are we alone?" poses existential questions about life in the universe and the possibility of contact with other civilizations. It notes that many people believe Earth is already being visited by extraterrestrials, citing scientific theories about millions of inhabited planets. The article traces the history of UFO sightings, mentioning their appearance in ancient texts and a significant increase since the late 1940s. It highlights that UFOs have been encountered by military personnel during World War II and that several countries have accepted the phenomenon's reality, with some financing scientific investigations. The belief in intelligent extraterrestrial life has intensified controversy, leading to reports of close encounters that evoke fear, curiosity, and debate.

The article invites readers to join SIGAP's search for the unknown, offering membership benefits such as the newsletter 'Sigap News', access to a book and tape library, and details of regular meetings held in Guildford and Ash Vale. The membership fee is £3 for one year.

SIGAP's Investigation Process

The section detailing SIGAP's operational approach explains that the group was formed in early 1967 to investigate UFO phenomena locally, initially focusing on Surrey and surrounding counties. The SIGAP 'Hot-line' (Farnborough 41012) triggers an immediate response. Their preliminary enquiry procedure aims to eliminate obvious explanations, noting that over 80% of reports can be attributed to natural or man-made phenomena. If no immediate explanation is found, SIGAP investigators interview witnesses, visit observation sites, and consult their own experts. The group also liaises with similar organizations nationally and internationally. SIGAP forwards its most significant reports to the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, USA, run by Dr. J Allan Hynek, who was a consultant to the US Air Force on UFOs for 20 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent and widespread nature of UFO sightings, particularly the concentrated 'flap' in the Basingstoke area. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and scientific investigation, encouraging public participation and the systematic collection of data. SIGAP positions itself as a serious research organization aiming to understand the nature of the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the controversy but emphasizing the need for evidence-based conclusions. The publication serves as both a record of sightings and an invitation to join their ongoing efforts.