Shropshire Star

50 years of scrambling for Ludlow club

Half a century ago a group of motorcycle enthusiasts lined up for a photo at the first ever event of their newly formed club – and they will do so again 50 years later this weekend.

Published
Clee Hill riders at Rock Hill Farm early 1970s, including Roland Sherbourne, Bryan Powell, Mick Owen, Kevin MacDonald, Geoff Lewis, Anthony Owen, Doug Sherbourne, Harry Skidmore, Bob Ellis, Ken Myles, Dave Owen, George Dark, Bert and Mark Owen

The first motorbike scramble organised by Clee Hill Victor Motorcycle Club took place on June 4, 1967, at Rock Hill Farm in Greete, near Ludlow.

On Sunday – 50 years on to the day – members will be assembling once more at the same site to recreate the line up.

The club formed in 1966 when Ken Myles, Bob Hughes, Phil Bright, Roy Rogers, Harry Skidmore, Brian Pearce and Horace Bodenham wanted to race in local scrambles and decided to call the club Clee Hill Victors but it wasn't until 1967 that they held their first event.

Now current members are inviting anybody involved with the club during it’s five decades of organising events to come along, meet old friends, have a chat over refreshments and a walk around the old course.

Member Bryan Powell said back then the sport was still to develop into what is today known as motocross.

He said: "The course at Rock Hill Farm saw some exciting racing in the late 60s and early 70s and was a popular venue with riders and spectators alike.

"International events, with teams from across Europe, competed for the West European Championship and were memorable for the large crowds lining the hillside to watch the battle of the nations and support local riders taking part.

"There was even a bus service from Ludlow to bring spectators to the event such was the popularity of the venue.

"Over the 50 year history of the club, Clee Hill Victors has provided many riders with the opportunity to compete at club, national and international events and a few of the riders who competed in 1967 still ride to this day.

"Motocross is a family orientated sport where the whole family get involved in either supporting, organising or competing at local events throughout the West Midlands.

"If you were involved with the club as either a competitor, official or spectator come along on the afternoon and help the club celebrate.

"There will be lots of club memorabilia to look at and hopefully a lot of old faces to identify."

The venue will be signposted from Caynham and can be found at the post code SY8 3BT.

The club will also be holding a 50th anniversary motocross event at Cleeton St Mary on September 10 and hope to run a class for previous club members on either modern or classic bikes.