The only sounds coming from Coombes Rocks in Charlesworth these days are the cries of the crows and curlew and the noise of aircraft on the approach to Manchester Airport.
But on a wet and windy September Sunday in 1950, it was the noise of motorbikes and the cheers of spectators as the village held its latest ‘scramble’.
Now called Motocross, scrambling was a popular way for young lads with motorbikes to test their machines and their skills by racing around the countryside.
The races usually attracted just a handful of riders and fans, but this one brought several older and more experienced competitors from Manchester - and a large crowd to see the action.
The Chronicle reported riders sprawling in the mud as conditions got steadily worse.
The course was testing with long stretches, sharp corners and in one part, an almost sheer eight-foot drop.
But every fallen rider got up, wiped the mud from their goggles and carried on, and the fans just loved it.
Army call up
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From the Reporter files - Thursday 25th September 2025
From the Chronicle files - Thursday 25 September 2025
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