SIGAP Newsletter No 11 1968-04

Magazine Overview

Title: The Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (S.I.G.A.P.) Newsletter
Issue: No. 11
Date: April 1, 1968

This issue of the S.I.G.A.P. Newsletter focuses on two primary themes: the potential connection between a reported spectral sighting and ancient ley lines, and a comprehensive review of the first decade of space exploration.

The Spectre of Winterfold as a Ley-Phenomenon

Authored by Dan Butcher, this article explores the sighting of a 'spectre' at Winterfold on the night of November 12/13, 1967, by two young people from Woking. Butcher suggests that such phenomena, often attributed to ghosts, ghouls, or other folklore, might be linked to Britain's ancient roads and pathways, known as 'leys'. He notes that many haunted localities are situated on these former highways. The article posits that 'ley-phenomena' could explain some seemingly genuine experiences with inexplicable features.

While unable to conduct a full field investigation due to physical disability, Butcher identifies clues on a three-inch ordnance map suggesting a ley in the vicinity of the Winterfold sighting. He traces a potential ley line originating from Coneyhurst Hill, passing through locations like Colmans Farm, Alderbrook Park, and Smithwood Common, and mentions local place names and geographical features (e.g., 'hurst' for trees, 'Colman' for travellers, 'Smithwood') that could support the ley theory. The article references Charles Bowen's previous article on the Winterfold spectre in 'Flying Saucer Review'.

Butcher encourages ufologists to investigate 'creature' reports and their potential connection to ancient pathways, noting that spectral, humanoid, and animal forms have been associated with UFO sightings. He also references Aime Michel's suggestion that UFOs appear in straight lines and that many sightings occur on roadways.

Editor's Note: Warminster Vibrations

The editor includes a note about visiting Warminster in Wiltshire during the summer of 1965, a period when the town was reportedly experiencing frequent sightings of luminous balls of fire and other aerial oddities. The editor interviewed local scientist Mr. David Holton, who concluded these phenomena were definitely extraterrestrial. Holton also reported that Warminster and its surrounding villages had been repeatedly subjected to mysterious 'vibrations'. These vibrations were described as having two types: a rumbling/roaring sound and a high-pitched whining sound, the latter causing 'damage'. Birds flying into the vibration field reportedly dropped dead, cats refused food, and humans experienced dizziness and instability. Holton believed these vibrations were similar to terrestrial echo-sounding devices used by aliens to determine atmospheric depth and nature. Notably, these vibrations followed definite lines over Warminster, a town rich in ancient pathways, tumuli, and prehistoric settlements. The editor also suggests checking the Whitmoor Common creature report for similar ley connections.

The First Ten Years in Space

Written by Ron Toft, this extensive article chronicles the pioneering achievements in space exploration from 1957 to 1967. It begins with the momentous launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, marking the dawn of the Space Age and humanity's first successful overcoming of gravity.

The article details the subsequent space race, including the launch of Sputnik 2 with the dog Laika, and America's initial struggles and eventual success with Explorer 1 in February 1958. It highlights the rapid advancements, acknowledging early failures but emphasizing the learning process and the millions of components involved in giant rockets.

Key Soviet achievements mentioned include the crash landing of a spacecraft on the Moon's Sea of Serenity in September 1959 and the Lunik 3 probe providing the first images of the Moon's hidden side in October 1959. The article notes the success of these missions in demonstrating long-distance communication with spacecraft.

American efforts are also detailed, with Pioneer 1 and Pioneer 3 reaching significant distances before communication was lost. Pioneer 5, launched in March 1960, achieved orbit around the sun and was tracked by the Jodrell Bank radio telescope. America's first weather satellite, Tiros 1, launched in April 1960, sent back thousands of cloud cover pictures. The communication satellite 'Score', which relayed a message from President Eisenhower, is also cited as a success.

The article covers further Soviet endeavors, including the first unmanned probe to Venus in February 1961, despite communication loss. It also recounts the historic first manned spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin in April 1961, piloting the Vostok spacecraft around the Earth.

Subsequent developments include Valentina Tereshkova becoming the first spacewoman in June 1963 and Alexei Leonov the first space-walker in March 1965. America's Gemini program, with ten successful two-man spacecraft flights, is also mentioned.

Unmanned vehicles are highlighted as particularly spectacular, with a spacecraft launched in November 1964 from Cape Kennedy later taking the first close-up pictures of Mars. The Russians achieved a crash landing on Venus in March 1966 and a successful soft landing in October 1966. Luna 9 achieved a soft landing on the Moon in February 1966, followed by the American Surveyor 1, which sent thousands of high-quality pictures and analyzed lunar soil.

The article touches upon the tragedies of the space program, including the deaths of American astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee in a spacecraft fire in January 1967, and the death of Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov when his Soyuz spacecraft's parachute failed.

Looking ahead, Toft predicts manned orbiting space stations, permanent Moon bases, and more reconnaissance flights to planets, noting that American space expenditure is being cut due to the Vietnam War. He anticipates the Russians building a space station, practicing 'docking' maneuvers, and possibly attempting a manned circumnavigation of the Moon, while the Americans focus on the Apollo program to land men on the Moon before 1970. The article concludes by emphasizing the immense progress made in reaching for the stars in just ten years.

Late News Item

An announcement for the Annual General Meeting of S.I.G.A.P. to be held on Tuesday, May 7th, at the canteen of Plastic Coatings Ltd on the By-Pass Trading Estate, Guildford, commencing at 8 pm. The meeting will feature an analysis of the first year's investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes unbiased investigation and research into aerial phenomena. The articles suggest a willingness to explore unconventional theories, such as the connection between spectral sightings and ley lines, while also providing factual accounts of scientific advancements like space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging the consideration of all possibilities ('think of everything') without necessarily accepting them uncritically ('and to believe nothing'), as quoted from Aime Michel. There is a clear interest in historical accounts of unusual phenomena alongside contemporary scientific and technological developments.