THE SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA (S.I.G.A.P.)
Issue: Newsletter No. 13
Date: June 1, 1968.

This newsletter from the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (S.I.G.A.P.) is affiliated with the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (B.U.F.O.R.A.) and aims to promote unbiased investigation into Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena.

Recent Sighting: Star-shaped UFO over Woking

The newsletter leads with an interesting report of a white star-shaped UFO observed over Woking in November of the previous year. The sighting was made by Mr. B.R. Lee, a T.V. and radio engineer, who was initially skeptical but was persuaded to observe the object. He described it as moving in an erratic zig-zag manner at a very high speed, with its brightness varying. The object was observed for approximately ten minutes by Mr. Lee and his friends, and for about fifteen minutes by his friends prior to his arrival. Mr. Lee noted that the object did not explode, change shape, emit smoke or vapour, or make any noise. He also stated that he had no optical equipment and could not accurately estimate the size, speed, or height, but that the sky was clear at the time.

Sightings From The Past

The newsletter includes several historical UFO reports:

• November 17, 1882: Astronomer James Maunder observed a huge green cigar-shaped UFO with dark markings down the middle, described as 'definite in form with a mottled appearance and shaped like a torpedo'. It was estimated to be between 40 and 200 miles high and moving too fast to be a cloud. Scientists debated whether it was an auroral phenomenon or a material object.
• May 25, 1960: A grey elliptical-shaped UFO hovered over Broadwater, a lake near Godalming. Mrs. Vera Bowden, her son Nigel, and friend Paul Foster saw it while picknicking on Chinthurst Hill. The object was visible for about a quarter of an hour before moving west. Mrs. Bowden described it as being just above the treetops, very clear, and unlike anything she had seen before.
• Early 1950s: S.I.G.A.P. member Dan Butcher reported two possible UFO sightings from the past. The first involved his mother observing a 'peculiar' rosy red light in the distance behind trees near Inwood Barn, which she was sure was not a bonfire. She and neighbours watched it for about twenty minutes, and she continued to observe it from her bedroom window for about an hour. The weather was clear and settled.
• 1920s: An old man, now deceased, who lived at Ash Vale, reported seeing a fireball travelling slowly along the Hog's Back. This account was shared by Mr. Lee in response to a question about fireballs.

Editor's Note on Fireballs

The editor clarifies that fireballs are larger and brighter than shooting stars, generally 1-10 cm in size. They become incandescent as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere, typically glowing from about 65 miles and burning out at 50 miles. Larger ones that reach the Earth's surface are termed meteorites. The editor suggests that the object described by Dan Butcher might not have been a true fireball, especially if it was moving slowly on a horizontal plane, and could have been a globular UFO.

S.I.G.A.P. Activities and Meetings

• Second Annual Meeting: Approximately 25 people attended S.I.G.A.P.'s second annual meeting on May 7 at the Plastic Coatings factory in Guildford. Secretary Dick Beet reported excellent progress, a doubling of membership since the first meeting, and 92 UFO reports investigated. The following officers were elected: Chairman - Omar Fowler; Secretary - Dick Beet; Treasurer - Graham Raine; Newsletter Editor - Ron Toft; Librarian - Mrs. A. Pearce; Photographic Analyst - Norman Wynn; and Foreign Correspondent - Keith Burnett.
• Guest Speaker: Mr. Ken Miles, who recently visited Valensole in the French Alps, spoke about a claimed UFO encounter there. He described how lavender farmer M. Maurice Masse saw an oval-shaped machine on six legs with two small beings. Masse was transfixed by one of the beings pointing something at him. After the creatures left, it was noted that no lavender had grown in the spot where the craft landed, which was about 15-20 ft in diameter.
• Next Meeting: The next S.I.G.A.P. meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, at the Plastic Coatings factory, focusing on finalizing arrangements for the group's participation in the National Sky Watch on Saturday, June 15.
• UFO Dreams Project: Dan Butcher is interested in correlating UFO dreams with actual sightings and is requesting details from anyone who has experienced such dreams or knows of others who have. Submissions are to be sent to Dan at "The Ridge", Green Lane East, Ash Green, and will be treated confidentially.

Letters to S.I.G.A.P.

• Jimmy Goddard (Secretary of "Contact"): Goddard responded to an article on ley-phenomena, noting that Whitmoor Common, where a "creature" was seen, is on a ley that connects several UFO sighting locations. He detailed a ley passing through Finchley, Hendon (where he saw an orange hovering object on February 18, 1967), Hounslow, Sunbury Cross, Whitmoor Common, the Hog's Back, and further south through Elstead, Hankley Common, Green Cross, Palmer's Farm, and potentially Godshill on the Isle of Wight, suggesting a connection to legends of supernatural beings and possibly extraterrestrial involvement in building ancient structures.
• Anonymous "A Fool": A letter from an anonymous individual, identifying themselves as "A Fool", expressed strong skepticism about UFOs. The writer questioned the existence of UFOs, suggesting that those who see them are in a "sorry state of health" and that non-drinkers like themselves could never see one. They raised points about why UFOs are not seen by more than one person at a time, their supposed origin from outer space requiring thousands of years of travel, the need for occupants to breed, and issues of food and waste disposal. The writer concluded that UFOs do not exist and therefore cannot land, sarcastically referencing the non-existent "Surrey Puma" and encouraging the group to continue their "good work" which provides "fools lots of laughs". Ron Toft, the Newsletter Editor, responded critically to this letter, questioning the writer's logic, facts, and grammar.

New Members and Donations

• Donation: Pirbright member Robert Skinner donated a copy of "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy" by Donald Keyhoe to the group.
• New Members: Three new members joined S.I.G.A.P.: Mr. Derek Toombs (Abertillery, Wales), Mr. Ronald Snow (Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey), and Mr. George Newman (Guildford, Surrey).
• Media Interest: The "Sun" newspaper expressed interest in receiving a copy of the newsletter each month.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena with an emphasis on unbiased research, as stated in its aims. It presents a mix of recent sightings, historical accounts, and reports from members, alongside discussions of related topics like ley lines. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, as evidenced by the encouragement of member contributions and the detailed reporting of various cases. The response to the skeptical letter indicates a willingness to engage with criticism while maintaining the group's focus on UFO research. The inclusion of historical sightings and the discussion of ley lines suggest an interest in patterns and connections within the UFO field over time and geography.