Take a trip back more than 60 years to the Shropshire of the 1960s, when everyday life looked very different to today.
From bustling workplaces, school classrooms, and parish gatherings to changing landmarks, visiting stars, and quiet countryside moments, these archive pictures capture the people and places that shaped our county's heritage. Presented in no particular order, the gallery features long-lost buildings, early New Town developments, proud local traditions, and plenty of snapshots that are sure to spark fond memories.
Whether you remember these days first-hand or are simply curious to see how Shropshire looked during a decade of dramatic change, take a look through our gallery and see how many of the people, places, and scenes you recognise.
What aspect of 1960s Shropshire life do you miss the most, or is there a particular local event from that era you still remember clearly? Share your memories in the comments.
- In case you missed it: 27 rare photos revealing life inside one of Shropshire's most secret establishments. View them here.
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65. The end of an era as Bishop's Castle marches to church
Led by drummers and local dignitaries, a civic parade winds through the streets of Bishop's Castle during a historic church procession in March 1967. The photograph by Ludlow photographer Peter Bartlett captures the final official church march by the Mayor and Corporation before the ancient borough council was merged with Clun Rural District Council the following month. Bystanders and children lined the road to watch the ceremonial parade, marking a major turning point in South Shropshire's local government history. Do you remember watching the final Mayor's parade in Bishop's Castle before the council amalgamation in April 1967? | Picture courtesy of Peter Bartlett
66. Final lessons for the twelve pupils of Harley School
It is heads down at classic wooden desks for the entire student body of Harley Church of England Primary School on 28 June 1961. With a total attendance of just 12 children, the tiny village school near Much Wenlock was captured in its final days before closing its doors and transferring pupils to a new village school in nearby Cressage. The scene offers a poignant glimpse into rural Shropshire education at a time when small village schools were merging into modern facilities across the county. Were you or any of your family members among the 12 pupils studying at Harley C of E Primary before it closed in 1961? | Shropshire Star archive
67. Striking the right note with Donnington Wood Male Voice Choir
Dressed in smart suits and bow ties, members of the Donnington Wood Male Voice Choir pose for a formal group portrait alongside their silverware trophy circa October 1961. Sent in by former local Harry Bouckley, whose father William (Bill) Bouckley sang tenor with the ensemble, the image captures a dedicated group of singers who regularly rehearsed at the nearby Wrockwardine Wood Girls School. After working through their musical repertoire, choir members would famously pop across the road to quench their thirst at the Fountain pub. The photograph is a wonderful slice of local musical tradition. Do you remember hearing the Donnington Wood Male Voice Choir perform in the early 1960s, or can you spot any familiar faces among the singers? | Shropshire Star archive
68. Cutting down the cold war jets in RAF Shawbury's graveyard
Sparks fly as a workman uses a cutting torch to break up a retired de Havilland Vampire jet at the RAF Shawbury aircraft graveyard in February 1961. The dramatic image captures the end of an era for early British military jet aircraft. In the background, retired Percival Piston Provost trainers line the airfield, waiting their turn. RAF Shawbury served as a vital maintenance and storage unit during this era, systematically scrapping obsolete military airframes to make room for newer generations of aircraft. Do you remember seeing the lines of old military aircraft awaiting their fate at RAF Shawbury in the 1960s? | Shropshire Star archive