SIGAP Newsletter No 19 1968-12

Magazine Overview

The SIGAP Bulletin, published by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, is a monthly publication. This issue, dated December 1968, is No. 19 and costs 1/-. The editor is Ron Toft, the chairman is Omar Fowler, and the secretary is Richard Beet.

Key Articles and Reports

"Saucer" Seen Near Henley

This article details a classic 'saucer' shaped U.F.O. sighting that occurred near Henley-on-Thames on November 4th. The object was observed by Mr. Richard Froud, an employee of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority at Culham, Berkshire. Mr. Froud saw the U.F.O. at 7:25 a.m. while driving from Wargrave to Henley-on-Thames. He described the object as hovering and glowing like a fluorescent strip-light. He initially thought it was a reflection on his windscreen but realized it was outside. The object disappeared behind trees and he could not see it on the other side. Mr. Froud, who has kept an open mind about flying saucers for years, stated he is now certain they are here. A sketch of the object, described as similar to the 'Adamski' type but slightly more elongated, is included.

Thousands See "Balls of Fire" in Sky

This report by Ron Toft covers the widespread sightings of 'balls of fire' across the UK on November 20th, shortly after 7 p.m. Initially thought to be a new UFO wave, it was later confirmed that these were the remnants of a Russian rocket burning up in the atmosphere. World-famous satellite expert Mr. Desmond King-Hele from the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, explained that the object was a booster from the satellite Cosmos 253, launched on November 13th. The booster section was approximately 20 feet long and weighed 1.5 tons. Mr. King-Hele noted that while pieces could have reached the ground, accurate reports were scarce, and he sought precise compass positions and elevations of sightings. SIGAP also received numerous reports, with Chairman Omar Fowler receiving eight calls and Secretary Dick Beet three. Dorking police even requested assistance from Area Investigator Dick Munford due to the volume of calls. Mrs. Pamela Green of Woking reported seeing 30-50 separate pieces, mainly white with red and orange, moving at a consistent speed, with occasional variations, likening it to a much wider and longer Guy Fawkes rocket. The speed was estimated at around 500 m.p.h. at 2,000 feet. The article also mentions that recent UFO reports in the Surbiton area turned out to be searchlights used in the filming of "The Battle of Britain".

Glowing Object Hovers Over School

This section reports on a sighting on July 24th by six Chertsey schoolchildren. At about 9:30 p.m., Lesley Otley and Marlene Bremner saw a 'round yellow glowing object' hovering in the sky at Meads Secondary School, Addlestone. They alerted other pupils, including Burt Scuffham, Michael Wardley, and Douglas Antill, who all witnessed the object accelerate rapidly and disappear. Stephen Williams also saw the object later that night. Lesley Otley described it as large, bright yellow, and moving considerably faster than a plane. It appeared stationary, then moved quickly, reappeared, and moved away, seeming to descend. Burt Scuffham expressed his shock at seeing what he believes might be from another galaxy or something tangible. Mr. John Read and his wife Veronica, from Meadowlands Caravan Site, also reported seeing 'The Thing', describing it as coming from the Shepperton direction, hovering, growing bright, and then fading away rapidly. They, along with David Byrne, agreed it moved faster than any plane. A sketch by Burt Scuffham depicts 'spherical globes' with a 'white, yellow glow'.

British U.F.O. Research Association's Annual Meeting

This report by Group Secretary Dick Beet summarizes the British U.F.O. Research Association's Annual Meeting held on November 23, 1968. Key discussions included the role of UFO researchers, with Stephen Smith suggesting a focus on investigation rather than challenging authorities, noting 200 investigators nationwide. Dr. John Cleary-Baker proposed concentrating research on landings or near-landings, though all phenomena should be probed. Lionel Beer suggested recording all reports, regardless of significance. Anthony Durham of Cambridge University discussed advances in UFO data collection for computer analysis, with SIGAP aiming to incorporate machine-readable data on their new report forms. Richard Farrow suggested better coordination between member societies. Dr. Cleary-Baker also proposed training for investigators. Edgar Hatvany inquired about using computers to predict sighting probabilities, with Anthony Durham estimating the cost for data handling equipment and a year's operation at around £2,000. The meeting concluded with a mention of the work by Roger Stanway and Anthony Pace on "The Flying Saucer Report" and their new "Manual for U.F.O. Investigators and Researchers", proposed as the standard BUFORA Manual.

SIGAP and BUFORA News and Meetings

SIGAP has been listed in the Guildford telephone directory under "Research and Development Organisations". Consultant John Adams gave a talk on spectroscopy, and a spectroscope is available commercially or potentially at a reduced price for interested members. Mrs. Jean Fowler, wife of SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler, will audit BUFORA's accounts. A letter from Aleksandr Kazantsev in Russia indicated that the USSR Academy of Sciences plans to publish "THE INHABITED UNIVERSE" in 1969, which may contain answers to UFO questions. The next SIGAP meeting is scheduled for December 17, 1968, featuring two space films: "Doorway to Tomorrow" and "Legacy of Gemini". Upcoming BUFORA meetings include a Brains Trust on January 4, 1969, and a talk on "UFO Occupants - Methods and Motives" by Gordon Creighton on February 1, 1969.

Other Sightings

Approximately 15 luminous UFOs, described as 'roughly triangular', were seen over Algiers on November 14th, flying at high speed in a northerly direction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, providing detailed accounts from witnesses and analysis from experts. There is a strong emphasis on the methodical investigation of phenomena, data collection, and the development of standardized procedures for researchers. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating news and updates from affiliated organizations like SIGAP and BUFORA, including meeting announcements and research developments. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging members to report sightings and contribute to the collective understanding of UFO phenomena, while also grounding reports in scientific explanation where possible (e.g., the Russian rocket incident).