THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW SIGAP BULLETIN
Issue: #3 NOVEMBER
Volume: 1966
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena
Date: November 1966

This issue of THE NEW 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 efforts of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) in collecting and investigating these reports.

Basingstoke Flap Continues

The lead article, "BASINGSTOKE FLAP CONTINUES," notes that UFO sightings in and around Basingstoke have increased, leading to unusually high public interest. The article posits that publicity, whether positive or negative, often unearths previously unreported sightings. SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler has been instrumental in raising awareness through two Thames Valley Radio interviews and a spot on Southern News (BBC) television. Additionally, a series of UFO articles in the new 'Star' newspaper has further contributed to the influx of reports. The article emphasizes that UFOs are being observed by diverse individuals in various circumstances, and that accumulating more reports is crucial for understanding the nature of the phenomenon.

Activity Log - Basingstoke Area

The "ACTIVITY LOG - BASINGSTOKE AREA" provides a detailed chronological record of reported UFO sightings from February to October 1966. Each entry includes the date, a description of the event, the location from which it was observed, and the primary witnesses.

Key entries include:

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

Are we alone?

The article "Are we alone?" explores the profound question of whether humanity is alone in the universe or on the verge of contact with another civilization. It notes the widespread belief that Earth is already being visited by extraterrestrials, citing scientific declarations about the potential for millions of inhabited planets and advanced civilizations. The article traces the history of UFO sightings, mentioning their presence in ancient texts and the significant increase in reports since the late 1940s. It highlights that UFOs have been encountered by military personnel during World War II and that numerous countries have acknowledged the phenomenon, with many conducting scientific investigations. The article suggests that authentic UFO photographs and films may be held by government defense departments. It also addresses the growing belief in intelligent extraterrestrial life, which has led to controversy and reports of close encounters, evoking both fear and curiosity.

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

SIGAP's Investigation Process

This section details SIGAP's methodology for investigating UFO phenomena. Formed in early 1967, the group initially focused on Surrey and surrounding counties. Their "Hot-line" (Farnborough 41012) triggers an immediate response to investigate sightings. The preliminary inquiry procedure aims to eliminate obvious explanations, noting that over 80% of reports can be attributed to natural or man-made phenomena. If an explanation isn't found, SIGAP investigators interview witnesses, visit the observation site, and consult internal experts. The group also collaborates with similar organizations nationwide and shares its most significant reports with the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA, run by Dr. J Allan Hynek, who was a consultant to the US Air Force on UFOs for 20 years.

Membership Information

A section provides details for joining SIGAP, including the address for the Executive Secretary and a membership fee of £3 for one year, which includes the "Sigap News" newsletter. A form is provided for new members to fill in their name, address, occupation, qualifications, and interest in investigating reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly the "Basingstoke Flap," and the systematic investigation of these phenomena by SIGAP. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging public participation and scientific investigation into UFOs, with a clear objective of understanding the nature of the phenomenon. The publication emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing witness reports to advance knowledge in the field.