If you ask an outsider to describe Shropshire, they will probably conjure up a vision of a rural county.
Which is, of course, true, despite increasing and never-ending urbanisation. But like everything else, the landscape and agriculture evolve and change, and old ways fade and sometimes die out completely.
Join us on a trip down memory lane - a country lane in this case - as we take a look at some of the people and places of yesteryear who have been part of the tapestry of rural life over past decades.
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5. A demonstration of horse power
This was one of a number of glass plate negatives depicting scenes from the Shrewsbury area in the 1950s saved by Peter Shone. They were clearly professionally taken, and it looks like we are seeing a demonstration, or conceivably a competition, using traditional farming methods at an agricultural show. We don't know which one. Does it look like the West Mid to you? | Peter Shone Collection
6. Remembering Henry
Older members of the farming community may recognise this chap. This photo was used with a 1993 Star story which began: "A new event for the Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society looks set for success this week. ‘Livestock Mid-West’ has brought together two of the top regional shows and sales of sheep, plus a new show of black and whites and commercial beef. The event is to take place on Thursday at the West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury. According to Society Director Henry Yates, all the ingredients are now in place for a day devoted to the business of the livestock farmer…” Henry was known throughout Shropshire for his insight and knowledge of the agricultural scene. His tireless work promoting the region's farming put him at the forefront of rural communities up and down the region. | Shropshire Star archive
7. Starting early
Baby Peter Yeoward’s weekend outing with Shropshire’s United Pack probably qualified him for the title of Britain’s youngest huntsman. Peter was just eight weeks old when this photo was taken in January 1964. His father, 31-year-old farmer John Yeoward, was the country’s youngest Master of Foxhounds. | Shropshire Star archive
8. Look, no machinery
Harvesting at Wheathall Farm, Dorrington, in the 1920s. It looks a backbreaking, labour-intensive job, but then again large numbers of people worked as farm labourers so there was a big pool of agricultural workers. | Shropshire Star archive