SIGAP Newsletter No 17 1968-10

Magazine Overview

The SIGAP Bulletin, October 1968, No. 17, is presented by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena. This issue marks a significant shift towards a more professional, magazine-like appearance with a new printed heading. The editorial, written by RON TOFT, expresses the aim to provide a 'neater and more official appearance' and to expand the bulletin's reach beyond local SIGAP members and friends to ufologists nationwide. The price of the bulletin is introduced at one shilling per issue to cover production costs, a move deemed reasonable compared to other UFO publications. SIGAP members continue to receive it as part of their subscription.

Content and Future Plans

The bulletin outlines its future content, promising UFO news from Surrey and around the world, letters from foreign UFO societies, updates on astronomy and astronautics, progress in exobiology, and details about SIGAP's projects and members. The editor appeals for contributions, including articles on ufology, extracts from UFO books and magazines, and personal views on the phenomenon. Newspaper clippings are particularly encouraged, with the promise to return originals by photostating them. The current circulation is around 80, with aspirations to grow substantially, potentially leading to a quarto duplicated magazine with a glossy cover, and eventually a fully printed magazine.

Local Sightings and Reports

Several local UFO sightings are detailed:

• Earlswood Lakes, Redhill (August 11): A luminous cigar-shaped UFO was observed by several people, including Mr. James Winze and Miss Hilary Parker. It was described as a 'luminous sausage' and bore no resemblance to an aircraft. An airline navigation officer at Gatwick Airport suggested it could have been a weather balloon.
• Hooley (near Redhill): Residents reported seeing a similar spindle-like UFO with a disc structure, possibly revolving underneath. The Meteorological Office stated it was not a weather balloon, and the Ministry of Defence took details.
• Guildford (September 11): Members of an archery club at Friary Sportsground observed a 'very bright light' resembling a large star with smaller lights. The lights appeared stationary, then split and moved, gradually fading higher until they vanished over approximately ten minutes.
• Guildford (August 5): Margaret Francis reported seeing five white lights high in the sky while driving out of Guildford. The lights vanished when obstructed by trees. She was certain they were not from an aeroplane or helicopter.
• Cranleigh (August 24): A spherical object 'enveloped in an orange glow' was seen by a local woman.
• Midhurst, Sussex (July 15): Mrs. G. C. Richardson reported a brilliant glowing object, approximately the size of the moon, cruising steadily below the tree line. It was described as like car headlights in brilliance, soundless, and possibly a reconnaissance craft. A faint grey vapour was noted, and the object dimmed as it disappeared.
• Guildford and Worplesdon (September 1): SIGAP member Roger Thackray reported a bright star-like UFO exhibiting unusual movements. It moved east to west and back, stopping for brief periods, and occasionally flickered. The object appeared to move up and down slightly when stationary. Later, it reappeared larger and brighter, with a vague shape materialising.

Roger Thackray's account continues, describing the object appearing star-shaped and flickering as it disappeared. He notes the total observation time was about 40 minutes, from midnight until 1.10 a.m. The object was estimated to be moving between Camberley and Chertsey.

International Reports

• Chile: A 'giant birdman' creature, described as nearly 10 ft. tall with wings and an albino head and body, is reportedly terrorising people in the Chillan area.
• Madrid: A mysterious pyramid-shaped object with three bright knobs hovered for over an hour. A Spanish Air Force jet attempted a chase but had to return due to fuel shortage.
• Argentina: A 'UFO wave' is reported, with incidents including humanoid beings paralysing casino workers and making inscriptions, saucers hovering over the sea, alleged collisions between cars and saucers, and sightings of tall, hairless, earless creatures.

Research and Collaboration

A research centre is planned for Columbia, New Jersey, by the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained to study UFOs and other phenomena defying scientific explanation.

West Australian publican John Stevens reported being followed by a 'saucer' for 20 miles, illuminated by a peculiar V-shaped light with a central spotlight.

London Airport received numerous calls after flashing lights were seen over London and the Home Counties, attributed by the Ministry of Defence to aircraft calibration tests.

Philip Klass, editor of an aviation magazine, suggests UFOs are plasmas or molecular balls of fire associated with atmospheric phenomena. However, the editor notes this theory doesn't explain many facets of the UFO mystery, such as landings and contact.

An alternative theory by Italian aeronautical engineer Vesco proposes that flying saucers are experimental craft designed by British scientists and flown from secret bases in Canada.

SIGAP Activities and Correspondence

SIGAP's list of members is growing, with Mrs. J. Hodgins of Guildford being the latest addition.

An interesting request for information on SIGAP and its bulletin came from Mr. Michael McNamara of Brighton, Victoria, Australia.

Congratulations are extended to SIGAP Photographic Analyst Norman Wynn and Ivy Price on their marriage on August 24.

The Editor apologises to Norman Wynn for omitting the mention of his marriage in the previous month's bulletin.

SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler gave a talk on UFOs to the Emmanuel Church Young Wives' Group in Guildford on September 11.

Keith Burnett, SIGAP Foreign Correspondent, has been exchanging sighting details and publications with other UFO societies. Replies were received from:

• SIUFO (Students Investigation on UFOs), Oklahoma City: A youth organization (ages 12-17) focused on serious UFO study and science projects. They are interested in exchanging information, particularly on UFO explosions.
• EPIC (Extraterrestrial Phenomena Investigating Committee), Schenectady, New York: Expresses willingness to co-operate, join the publication exchange list, and is working on a book about ancient sightings. Jennifer Stevens, Director, also works with APRO, conducts a radio program, lectures, and writes on UFOs.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

SIGAP is resuming its meetings after the holiday period, with an impressive program scheduled. Meetings are held at 8 p.m. in the canteen of the Plastic Coatings Factory, Guildford.

• October 15, 1968: Talk on 'Leys and Orthoteny' by Jimmy Goddard.
• November 12, 1968: Showing of 30 colour slides of SIGAP member Dan Butcher's UFO paintings.
• December 10, 1968: 'A Film Evening' featuring two space films: 'Doorway to Tomorrow' (documentary on the John F. Kennedy Space Centre) and 'The Clouds of Venus' (documentary on the Mariner II Venus probe). A small charge will be made for hiring the films (1s Od for members, 1s 9d for non-members).
• February 11, 1969: Talk on UFOs by a BUFORA representative.
• April 8, 1969: 'UFORUM' - a discussion on the feasibility of alien craft visiting Earth.
• June 10, 1969: SIGAP's annual meeting.

Fact or Folklore?

Dan Butcher contributes an article titled 'Fact or Folklore?', examining a 'UFO wave' that occurred in Mexico prior to the Spanish conquest in March 1519. This period was marked by sinister auguries, inextinguishable fires, and comets. The article recounts two reports from this era: one about an enchanted 'crane' bearing a mirror reflecting a starry sky, and another about a shepherd kidnapped by an 'eagle' and taken to a grotto where he met a personage of great significance. The author references Laurette Sejourne's 'Burning Water: Thought and Religion in Ancient Mexico'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SIGAP Bulletin positions itself as a serious investigative publication, aiming to broaden its scope from local Surrey sightings to global UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific inquiry, with mentions of exobiology, astronomy, and collaboration with other research groups. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging various theories from conventional explanations (weather balloons, aircraft calibration) to more speculative ones (plasmatic phenomena, secret experimental craft). The publication encourages active participation from its readership through contributions and attendance at meetings. The transition to a magazine format signifies a commitment to professionalism and wider dissemination of information within the ufology community.