Catherine Shovlin looks back at scrambling's heyday A superbly-illustrated new book examines a dynamic period when motor-cycling was king in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire just after World War 2

THE county's sporting heroes who made the 1940s and '50s a dynamic period in the history of motorcycling are the subject of a new book.

Busy summer scramble seasons, hard-fought grass tracks and highly competitive winter trials are what made Herefordshire a national attraction for all two-wheeled enthusiasts.

'First Rich Mixture' brings the past to life with a combination of text by Bob Light, including interviews with the riders, and stunning photographs by Bill Cole that capture the mood.

Its memories of motorcycle sport in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and the surrounding area recall a time when thousands of spectators would fill the fields for the full calendar of events.

Herefordshire's hills played host to champions of World, European and British competitions and other skilled riders who never made the headlines, giving the area a reputation 'second to none'.

This informal look back to the thriving days is the first time that a book has concentrated on the sport in just one area of England.

Bill Cole's photographs are thought to be the only collection from this era in the country, and remained unpublished until specialist motorcycling writer Bob Light contacted him.

Bill, who lives at Staunton, near Ledbury, has been a keen motorcyclist for 70 years. He bought an old belt-drive 350 Douglas for half a crown in 1930.

He started photography with a Kodak Bantam. He printed his own images using an enlarger powered by his motorbike battery and made from tin cans, Meccano, string, and a lens.

Striking

The photographs in this 160-page book were chosen from a collection of 4,000 and were taken on a Leica camera, which he bought in 1947 with three months' wages.

'First Rich Mixture' is only available by mail order. Each copy costs £14.85 plus £2.10 post and packing. Cheques payable to Ariel Publishing should be sent to Ariel Publishing, The Swan, St Harmon, Powys LD6 5NG. Credit card payments can be made by phoning 0159 787 0350.