SIGAP News - No 7 1979 January

Magazine Overview

Title: SIGAP NEWS
Issue: 7
Date: January 1979
Price: 20p

This issue of SIGAP NEWS begins with a greeting to members for 1979 and an apology for a slight reduction in print quality, promising that the content will compensate. The publication aims to be more regular to keep members informed of UFO news and events. This issue covers the latest reports received in 1979 and promises a full list of reports investigated in 1978 for the next issue. SIGAP is also looking to update its list of investigators and invites interested individuals to fill out an enclosed form. The work involves visiting and interviewing witnesses, and the investigation procedure will be discussed at the next SIGAP meeting on February 15th at the 'Prospect Club'.

Cover Features

The cover highlights several upcoming articles:

• "THE NEW YEAR STARTS WITH A RUSH" (See new reports: inside pages)
• Jean Rook of the "Daily Express" tells SIGAP "TIME WILL PROVE US RIGHT" (page 5)
• NEWS REPORT FROM AUSTRALIA ON "THE NEW ZEALAND UFO" (page 6)
• "MEXICO SCENE" by Richard Colbourne (page 7)

Article: A 1937 UFO IN SURREY

This article details an interview conducted in August 1978 with Major F. Turner-Bridger, who recounts a UFO sighting from September or October 1937. While motoring back to Haslemere with his wife, they stopped on a side road near Northchapel upon seeing a mysterious object hovering over Blackdown Hill. The object was described as a flaming orange circle with a lump in the middle, surrounded by orange flame. Another car also stopped, and the object then flew back along the ridge out of sight, reappearing later at a distance. Major Turner-Bridger speculated it might be a new experimental aircraft from Farnborough, especially given the pre-war atmosphere. He noted that his previous service in the First World War and the Royal Flying Corps did not prepare him for such an event. The article mentions that a sketch and photograph related to the interview appear on the next page.

Article: IN THE SKY (Poetic Report)

This section features a short poem titled "IN THE SKY" by Mrs R. Cutler. The poem describes a vivid dream or experience at 2 a.m. where the narrator sees a brilliant, bright light in the sky, six inches long, that seems to be looking at them. The light dims and brightens again before vanishing, leaving the narrator relieved but questioning who might be out there.

Article: AS A MATTER OF INTEREST

This section lists UFO lectures given during 1978 to various organizations, including The "Ghost Club" in London, Ladies Circle in Fleet, Young Wives Assoc. in Frimley, Workers Educational Assoc. in Haslemere, Surrey Young Farmers in Guildford, Woking Science Fiction Club, Astronomical Society of Haringey, and The Vogue Society in Windsor. It also notes radio talks given to Radio Lion (Hospitals) and Radio 210.

Article: VIEW FROM THE PRESS

This section discusses the extensive publicity given to the New Zealand UFO reports and various explanations offered in the press, such as the planet Jupiter or reflections from fishing boats. It quotes Jean Rook of the Daily Express from January 3rd, 1979, expressing her unwavering belief in flying saucers regardless of explanations. The article includes a letter from Jean Rook to O F Fowler Esq MISM, thanking him for his letter and enclosures, and stating, "I am sure that time will prove us all right."

Application Form

A form is included for applications to assist with area investigations and interviews for SIGAP in 1979. It requests Name, Address, Telephone No., Any Transport, availability within 24/48 hrs, and previous interviewing experience. The form is to be returned to Omar F. Fowler at Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey.

Article: AIR FORCE PUT ON UFO ALERT (The Sun)

This article from "The Sun" newspaper reports that a strike squadron of the New Zealand Air Force was on standby due to UFO sightings over the country. Skyhawk fighter-bombers were to be deployed if radar at Wellington airport detected positive signals. This followed sightings of UFOs by planes and ground radar near the Kaikoura mountains. The article mentions an object filmed by a TV news crew and quotes Captain Vern Powell, who reported seeing white objects with a red tinge moving at tremendous speed. Wellington airport radar also picked up strong targets. Captain Bill Startup, a pilot, described an object that accelerated and fell back, performing maneuvers unknown to current aircraft. His wife, Ngaire Crockett, was frightened by the experience. The report also includes details from a TV reporter, Quentin Fogarty, and cameraman David Crockett.

Article: "MEXICO SCENE"

By Richard Colborne, this article discusses UFO sightings in Mexico City. Colborne was informed of an "OVNI" (UFO) sighting on December 3rd, 1978, involving a wing-shaped object with incandescent lights or flames. He later witnessed a strange spectacle himself: an aircraft advertising "Corona" flew overhead, illuminated by bulbs on the underside of the wing, creating a rippling light effect that could be mistaken for a UFO. Colborne notes that polluted atmosphere might contribute to an orange effect. He also mentions recent headlines about UFOs returning and a report of a landing in Spain 18 years prior where occupants were captured.

Article: 1978 UFO LIST & NEXT MEETING OF SIGAP

This section states that SIGAP received and investigated 87 UFO reports in 1978, with a full abbreviated list to be published in the next issue. The next SIGAP meeting is announced for February 15th at the "Prospect Club", Prospect Road, Ash Vale, at 8pm. The meeting will include a review of 1978 and a playback of a strange "UFO Noise" recorded by Stephen Osbiston at Aldershot on October 20th, 1978. A map showing the location of the meeting is provided.

UFO REPORTS 1979

This section lists several UFO reports from early January 1979:

• 901 (2/1/79): Oval object hovering over Ripley, Surrey, seen through binoculars (CE 1).
• 902 (9/1/79): Object with lights seen hovering over Epsom racecourse (CE 1), noted as known UFO activity in the area.
• 903 (9/1/97): Whizzing noises across a roof in early hours at Bookham Village, later identified as OWLS.
• 904 (11/1/79): Sphere-shaped object seen over Guildford in the early morning, under investigation.
• 905 (13/1/79): Large square-shaped object flew over a car and down the M3 near Camberley, with lights coloured, under investigation by witness and RAF Works LAP.

ITALIAN INCIDENTS (September 1978)

Extracts from "LA Nazione" dated 15.9.78 detail UFO incidents in Italy:

• Province of Versilia: An illuminated object was seen on 14/9/78, stopping twice and vanishing when still before relighting and flying off. It was described as having a blinding light and flying at "Aeroplane height", heading towards Pisa & Bologna. It was illuminated only when moving. This was the second such sighting in the summer.
• Other Provinces: Reports also came from Grosseto, Lucca, Arezzo, Carrara, La Spezia, and Valdivara.
• Valdivara: Three fishermen were frightened by a UFO emitting a green/bluish light towards the ground.
• Rome: An object described as a rugby ball, moving silently with a blinding light, emitted a luminous ring and moved away quickly.

The editor's note from "LA Nazione" acknowledges that while they usually don't report such incidents, the number of sightings by trustworthy people makes them noteworthy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and media coverage of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the introductory message and Jean Rook's quote, is one of firm belief in the reality of UFOs and a commitment to investigating and reporting on these events. The publication aims to be a regular source of information for its members, covering both recent sightings and historical cases. There is also an emphasis on the process of investigation and the importance of gathering detailed reports from witnesses.

This issue of UFO DATA, identified by volume S862 and issue number 10, was published on January 2, 1979. It is a UK publication in English, featuring reports on UFO sightings and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently displays 'CASE S.901.' and the date, along with accompanying diagrams.

Case S.901: UFO Sighting in Ripley, Surrey

The first major report details a sighting by Mr. J. Hodge of Ripley, Surrey, on January 2, 1979, at approximately 7:15 am. Mr. Hodge was awakened by what he initially thought was a low-flying aircraft with flashing lights. His attention was then drawn to a dull grey light higher in the sky, which he determined was not a star as it became brighter and took on a round disc shape. Using binoculars, he observed the object from his drive. After a cloud passed, the object became brighter, appearing silvery and very bright, with a slight bluish hue. It seemed to move towards him, then away, exhibiting a rocking motion. Later, it appeared to turn on its side, becoming a complete circle with visible pulsating discs around its edge. The underside was described as having broad bands of webbing, pitted with shiny studs or dots. Convinced it was a UFO, Mr. Hodge ran to a phone box to dial 999, at which point the object resumed its original position and flew off. The report includes three diagrams illustrating the object's perceived shape, motion, and details.

A note at the bottom of the page states that no confirmation of this sighting has been received, but it does show known characteristics of UFO 'behaviour'.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO AN U.N.O. (Unidentified Noise Object..)

This article, written by M. Prewett, investigates a strange rhythmic noise heard over Aldershot, Hants, on the night of October 20, 1978, between 2305 and 2320. This same noise had been previously heard in the North Lane and Tongham area. One witness located the sound in the North Lane area while driving. The droning was loud enough to be heard above traffic noise and attracted the attention of Mr. Osbiston, an 18-year-old student living in Cargate Avenue, Aldershot.

Stephen Osbiston recorded the noise from his bedroom window. The recording was featured on the local radio programme 'Radio 210' in its '60 minutes' segment. This incident was the culmination of weeks of reports of strange droning noises and mystery lights in the sky from the Aldershot and Farnborough area.

Subsequently, the tape recording was sent to the R.A.E. Farnborough for analysis. The findings indicated that the waveforms were sinusoidal, with an oscillating part showing a frequency variation between 915Hz and 1kHz, and a regular sweep rate of 0.23 seconds. This oscillation was simulated using a Frequency Sweep Generator, producing an almost exact copy.

Two possibilities were suggested for the sound:
(a) The noise is almost identical to the sound made by a British Rail 'Mainliner' track ballast and rail aligner, which includes the slow reciprocating sound of a diesel engine, the sound of gravel/ballast being sifted, and scraping metal. The early part of the tape also contains sounds resembling a normal diesel locomotive.
(b) The oscillating part could also be some type of experimental siren, though this does not fit precisely.

The article concludes by stating that the tape will be played for everyone to hear at the next SICAP meeting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO DATA focuses on detailed case reports of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and analysis, presenting witness accounts and scientific examination of evidence, such as audio recordings. The magazine aims to document and explore UFO sightings and other anomalous events, encouraging further discussion and investigation within its readership, as evidenced by the planned playback of the recorded noise at a SICAP meeting.