26 retro photos from 1989 across Shropshire and Mid Wales – see what sparks memories!
Take a trip back to 1989 with 26 unforgettable photos from the Shropshire Star archives, showcasing Shropshire and Mid Wales as you may remember them - or have maybe forgotten!
These photos showcase the people and moments that made headlines across our pages — from Shropshire’s very own Miss United Kingdom, to schoolchildren donning their thinking caps for a local competition, to a sea of hot air balloons drifting across the county’s skies. Let’s take a look…
The official opening concert of the newly installed WurliTzer organ at the Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, given by Phil Kelsall, resident organist at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, in January 1989. 'A lot of the members weren't too happy about the flashing lights and the smoke. It was not their scene,' said Tony Byrne, chairman of the trustees of Shropshire Theatre Organ Trust
March 1989: The accompanying story read: 'A group of youngsters put their thinking caps on when they entered a contest to find a name for a new housing estate in Presteigne. Six schoolchildren aged from seven to 16 were chosen as finalists after each picking their own title for the development site off Slough Road. But it was Rebecca Price who won the competition with her name of Caenbrook Meadow. All six youngsters were on hand to take part in the christening ceremony. Pictured are: Shaun Price (7), of The Warren; Matthew Ball (8), of Dolau; Diccon Rhodes (10), of The Old Forge; Hayle Price (10), of Byton; Rebecca, of Sawmills; and Jose Morris (16), of Bucknell.' Picture: Bright's Studios, Knighton
David Davies, Robert Nash, Andrew Moreton, Wayne Handley, and David Rees, as seen in a picture published in the Shropshire Star on March 20, 1989, with the general caption: 'Celebrations were in order for the 300th anniversary of the raising of the 23rd Regiment of The Royal Welch Fusiliers at Ludlow last week.' 'Royal Welch Fusiliers, Ludlow' is written on the back of this print and 'Army cadets' so no doubt it was Ludlow Army Cadets playing the part
The face of ITV's local news, Bob Warman, presenting The Price Is Right in 1989
Bob Warman, presenting The Price Is Right in 1989
The Queen meets crowds in Welshpool on April 21, 1989, which was her 63rd birthday. She arrived at Welshpool station and went to Powis Castle for celebrations marking the 300th anniversary of the Royal Welch Fusiliers of which she is Colonel-in-Chief
The Queen meets crowds in Welshpool on April 21, 1989
'Shropshire's own Miss United Kingdom, Suzanne Younger from St Martins, was a guest at Oswestry Borough Council's civil dinner on Saturday (April 24, 1989). Chief guest at the dinner was MP Denis Howell, left, who together with the Mayor Councillor Trevor Davies congratulated Suzanne on winning her United Kingdom title.'
Hot air balloons taking off in Telford town park on May 6, 1989. The caption reads: 'It was up, up and away in Telford today when around 40 massive hot air balloons reached for the skies. Early morning motorists in the area were greeted by a host of colourful balloons taking part in the balloon fiesta - part of tomorrow's Telford International Day
The Pengwern rowing team take to the water at Shrewsbury regatta in May 1989. This caption reads: 'Pengwern take to the water. From left, John Shaddock, Tony Patheyjohns, Danny Croft, Chris Jarrett, Graham Evans, Mal Eade, Mark Beedles, Steve Waterhouse, and John Beedles (cox). On the back of the print is written 'scull' so this would be a sculls crew
May 1989: 'For sale - one windmill (in need of restoration). The old windmill at Weston under Redcastle has been put on the market and could be converted into an unusual two-storey des res. The original main drive machinery is complete, so although the sails and floors have rotted away, it could be restored back to a working mill. But if this were not to happen, it is a condition of sale that the new owners must keep the machinery. The mill was originally used for oil crushing by the Hawkstone Estate. And the price? Offers over £350,000 are being sought.'
The demolition of Walkers engineering works, Donnington, pictured in June or July 1989. C & W Walker Engineering, formerly the Midland Ironworks
Let us know in the comments below if you spot anyone you know.
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