1979 was an unforgettable year for Shrewsbury, with Shrewsbury Town FC enjoying a remarkable FA Cup run before making history by winning the Third Division title. The team captured the imagination of supporters with their famous 2-0 victory over Manchester City, followed by a thrilling run to the quarter-finals, before securing promotion in front of a huge crowd at Gay Meadow.
But there was much more happening around the town beyond the footballing triumphs. From a bitter winter freeze that brought snow and brought communities together, to the opening of the Frankwell footbridge, these archive pictures capture a year of change, celebration and everyday life.
There are also glimpses of local people at work and play, from students learning new skills to police officers out on their beat, alongside the community's efforts to support a major cancer appeal.
Take a trip back to 1979 and see what life in Shrewsbury looked like nearly 50 years ago, and share your memories in the comments.
- See 27 archive pictures of Shropshire in 1985 and revisit a year gone by
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17. Civic pride and tradition inside Shrewsbury Castle
Councillor Bernard Lingen bows his head to receive the mayoral chain of office on May 18, 1979, officially installed as the new mayor of Shrewsbury and Atcham by retiring mayor Councillor George Marston and chief executive Leslie Beesley during a historic ceremony inside the castle walls. Do you remember supporting the landmark Cobalt Unit Fund spearheaded by Councillor Lingen to bring vital medical equipment to Shropshire? Did you ever attend an official civic event or mayor-making ceremony inside Shrewsbury Castle during those years? | Shropshire Star archive
18. First steps across the new Frankwell footbridge
Wearing his chain of office, Shrewsbury and Atcham mayor Councillor Bernard Lingen and the mayoress lead civic guests across the newly completed Frankwell footbridge on July 6, 1979, following the formal opening ceremony over the River Severn. Do you remember when the footbridge first opened and how much easier it made walking into town from Frankwell? How many times have you strolled across that very bridge over the years? | Shropshire Star archive
19. Pedal power returns to the beat across town
Shrewsbury police officers take to two wheels in June 1979 in an initiative designed to beat rising fuel costs and bring local bobbies closer to the neighbourhoods they serve, with woman police constable Gillian Wynn patrolling the town centre while fellow constables cover beats from Harlescott to Belle Vue and Sundorne. Did you ever stop to chat with your local beat officer as they pedalled through your neighbourhood on patrol? Do you remember seeing the officers riding their bicycles through the town centre back in the summer of 1979? | Shropshire Star archive
20. Radbrook College students gather for a group snapshot
A large group of students from Radbrook College assemble outside during the 1977 to 1979 era, featuring Tina Hughes, Kevin Skeet, Colin Pound, Sue Holloway, Sue Kelly, and Julie Upton across the front, with Jeremy Blakely standing just behind Sue Holloway. Do you recognise yourself or any old friends standing in this Radbrook College class photo from the late '70s? What do you remember most about student life, lessons, and college trips during your time in Shrewsbury back then? | Picture courtesy of Colin Pound