THE TEAM

The original team was James, Nigel, Adrian who emigrated, Roy, Pete Davy and Phil Charlesworth as well as O'Dell. James did the original and only design put forward and both Pete Davy, who was UKRA Safety Officer at that time and Starchaser with their team of experts examined it very carefully and after minor tweaking, approved it for build. As a learning exercise, a great deal of Research has gone in to not just the build, available materials but also the electronics and tracking. Phil did a Project Plan, Flight Profile, SWOT Analysis and Prospectus which we still have. The team changed over the years but James, Nigel, Roy and O'Dell remain. Adrian was to have built the Booster but this will now be built by Rob and Pete. James is building the Sustainer, Nigel continuing with the Electronics and Roy with Ground Support. Progress is being made but it has been decided to wait till after the launch to upload all the construction plans and details online.

SPEEDWELL

The name 'Mayflower Project ' was chosen to link the various team members at that time ( Boston, Lincolnshire; Plymouth & Dartmouth, Devon and Virginia, USA) but the name of the rocket 'Speedwell' was after the second ship that sailed with the Mayflower. It had already brought pilgrims over from Holland but on sailing for America, twice the two ships were forced to return to port for repairs after 'Speedwell' was found to be leaky and eventually, she was abandonned and sold off, the Mayflower making the perilous voyage alone on 6th September,1620. It was later alleged that 'Speedwell' was the victim of sabotage by crew-members who were discontent about the year-long commitment they had signed up for. Later the 'Speedwell' took a load of Quakers to Boston to settle and these were rejected and deported back to Britain. One might think the ship had a unfavourable history were it not for the fact that she was built to fight the Spanish Armada under the name 'Swiftsure' and was re-named following re-build after hostilities with Spain had ceased and she was de-commissioned.

She wasn't the only famous 'Speedwell'and again, this ship began life successfully under the command of George Shelvocke giving good account during the Napoleonic Wars. Following an end to hostilities, Shelvocke found himself very poor and took to the life of a privateer on 'Speedwell', ending up famously shipwrecked on Selkirk Island of 'Robinson Crusoe' fame. Furthermore, his account of the second mate killing a black albatross round Cape Horn inspired the famous Coleridge poem 'The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner'. Shelvocke was pardoned and ended life extremely wealthy.

HMS 'Speedwell' was also a minesweeper in the Second World War.

SETTING A TARGET DATE

Mayflower sailed September 6th, 1620 and because September is the best time of year for the farming community,the grass cut, the ground firm and often attracting settled weather, we would ideally like to launch in September with May second choice. We won't however launch until we are confident, ready and all the necessary tests are completed.

THE LAUNCHSITE

We are fortunate to have a launchsite with exceptional visibility in each direction when the weather is good and with a high altitude ceiling. Click HERE for photos.

HISTORY OF THE PROJECT SO FAR

Initially a paper analysis was done into the feasibility of such an enterprise, Phil examined the UKRA criteria for such a launch, drawing up a prospectus outlining our goals, assessing the variables within the project and charting a team plan whilst Felix consulted the Folly Gate community; the C.A.A ; local Airports and the local Police. Felix also started a Research drive ( aided by D.A.R.K) which culminated in a Links page for the benefit of all team members. James asked team members to submit designs but at the time limit, his was the only one put forward so it was accepted as the Project Design. Guidance and advice was provided by Starchaser and Pete Davy who was UKRA Safety Officer at that time and on the team in an advisory capacity. With minor tweaking the design was approved by both Pete and Starchaser for build. We didn't want to rush ahead though as the purpose of making the Project a team effort was to encourage members to develop individually through Research. Over the years, Nigel has taken it upon himself to put great effort into studying the field of Rocketry Electronics. Unfortunately for one reason or another,as often is the case with any team, the time never seemed right - ( Phil had correctly predicted 'slack' periods in progress but not quite to this degree) - sourcing materials wasn't easy - obstacles appeared and various changes - there were always distractions -people pulled out for one reason or another leaving gaps in the team and work commitments in particular made progress difficult. However, one of the initial thoughts behind the project has been a great success in that team members have had the opportunity to learn, grow and get a good basis for their own Level 3 goals.

LAUNCHING

Roy designed a mobile launch system on the back of a trailer which was both strong and easily transportable. He is also in charge of Ground Support for which we have club walkie-talkies and it is hoped that the people who volunteered to be Spotters will be able to on the actual launch date. In fact it would be great if all the people who contributed to the Speedwell were able to attend the actual launch once all the tests have been done. Nigel is responsible for Tracking and as said before, has been working hard on it.