Take a look back at Shropshire in the 1960s, a decade of change, memorable moments and everyday life across the county.
From the transformation of towns and major roadworks to traditional country shows and life in rural communities, these photographs capture a county balancing its past with an increasingly modern world.
The collection features some fascinating moments from the decade, including Queen Elizabeth II arriving by Royal Train, a star-studded cabaret night with Diana Dors, celebrations marking the Salopia coach company's jubilee and local characters taking on daring transatlantic challenges. There are also quieter glimpses of life in Shropshire, from walks across the Stiperstones to gatherings in busy parish halls.
Together, these archive photographs offer a snapshot of the people, places and events that made Shropshire in the 1960s such a memorable time.
Do you recognise any of the places or people? Share your memories in the comments.
- You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here
- For anyone curious about where their own family story leads, MyHeritage DNA kits are currently £19.90, excluding shipping. The test can help explore genetic origins and identify DNA matches who may share branches of your family tree. This is an affiliate link. We may earn a small commission on items purchased, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
21. Civic gathering convenes at Wellington Police Station
Dressed smartly in suits and overcoats, an attentive audience gathers inside Wellington Police Station for a civic meeting believed to date from the early 1960s. Seated on the far right is Wellington councillor Ernie Griffiths, smiling alongside fellow local dignitaries and community members seated in rows across the hall. Do you recognise any of the other familiar local faces attending this gathering at the police station? | Shropshire Star archive
22. Devoted goose joins the morning school run in Whitchurch
Dressed in his school uniform and satchel, 13-year-old Gwilwyn Stacey glances back at his loyal seven-week-old Canadian goose, Candy, as the pair head off down a country lane in August 1965. Having rescued four eggs found beneath a dead mother near his Whitchurch home, Gwilwyn ingeniously incubated them in a cardboard box atop the family living room stove, successfully hatching Candy while the remaining three eggs ended up accidentally cooked. Do you remember spotting Gwilwyn and his inseparable feathered follower on their way to school? | ©PA
23. Coronation Street royalty crowns twisting champions in Oswestry
Draped with glamour in a luxurious fur stole, television icon Pat Phoenix, famous to millions across Britain as Elsie Tanner on Coronation Street, brings star power to a packed dance at the Garrison Theatre in October 1964. The soap star presented top honours to 17-year-old Ann Storer of Oswestry and her 23-year-old dance partner Geoffrey Burden from Myddle, after the talented Shropshire duo out-twisted the competition on the dance floor. Were you on the dance floor at the Garrison Theatre that night or lucky enough to meet the famous Elsie Tanner in person? | Shropshire Star archive
24. Timeless sandstone beauty at Ryton Parish Church
Framed by leafy summer branches, the distinctive red sandstone facade and crenellated tower of Ryton Parish Church bask in the quiet sunshine of August 1961. Dedicated to St Andrew and serving its close-knit rural parish near Shifnal, the charming village church stands as a tranquil, enduring monument to centuries of Shropshire faith and craftsmanship. Do you have fond memories of attending services, weddings, or quiet Sunday strolls around this idyllic village church? | Shropshire Star archive