AN EXHILARATING new hobby is taking the West Midlands by storm. It's the adrenaline, the buzz, the sheer satisfaction that makes The Black Knights Rocket Club take to the air strip to launch their home made rockets. Reporter, Lisa Heritage spoke to founder of the club, Spa resident Mark Perman to find out more about this breathtaking new craze...

BLACK Knights Rocket Club was founded in October 2000 when devoted couple Mark and Liz Perman of South Park Drive relocated to the area from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

Mark, a great lover of rockets and all space related topics started a new group in Droitwich with only six like-minded members. But word spread and now the group has around 35 dedicated members who meet on a monthly basis at launch sites in Tenbury Wells or Tamworth.

Mark was recently the first person in the UK to fly a Congreve reloadable rocket motor, whose propellants are the same as used in the space shuttle solid rocket boosters. The launch took place at the Milson airstrip on Sunday, July 6.

He said: " Anyone can make these rockets from fix kits available in Worcester and through specialist importers on the internet.

"We have put on school workshops in the past where youngsters have learnt how to build a rocket within a few hours and much to the delight of them and their parents they have been able to fly their home made rockets up to a thousand feet."

He added although the more experienced flyers had managed to launch rockets up to 24,000 feet, safety was of paramount importance.

All sites are tended by range safety officers, who have passed a UK Rocket Association (UKRA) flyers certification scheme. Their job is to look after the safety of club members as well and ensure no property is damaged in the launch of the rockets.

Mark, who has the full support of his wife Liz, said: "I have been interested in rockets since a youngster and have built many which are all around the house.

"Rockets come in all shapes and sizes from two inches long, with half an inch diameter to 20 feet long with a 12 to 13 inch diameter.

"When you launch a rocket it gives you such an adrenaline rush and anyone who has come along to a flying event has been extremely impressed. On a nice sunny day it is amazing."

The club, affiliated to the UK Rocket Association (UKRA) meet each month to fly Model & HPR rockets, socialise and purchase rocket related items.

Anyone interested is invited to pop along to one of the flying events or become a member of the Black Knights Rocket Club.

For details contact Mark Perman on 01905 773249. Alternatively click onto Black Knights