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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5. A century-old chaff cutter still doing its job
This iron chaff cutter, more than 100 years old, was still proving its worth when this photograph was taken on September 22, 1962. Paul and Roger France, of Coalford, Jackfield, near Ironbridge, are pictured demonstrating the machine as it chopped up straw. The sturdy old piece of farm equipment had clearly stood the test of time, offering a glimpse of traditional farming methods that were still in use in Shropshire in the 1960s. Do you remember old farm machinery like this? Did anyone in your family still use traditional equipment on the farm? | Shropshire Star archive
6. Stepping out for safety on Church Road in Wrockwardine Wood
Lollipop warden held high, mothers and children safely cross the busy road outside Wrockwardine Wood County Infants' School in January 1969. The photograph accompanied a campaign led by local mother Liz Butler of Trench, who voiced fierce concerns over road safety for young pupils. The picture captures a classic late-1960s scene of headscarves, warm winter coats, and community determination as local parents fought to protect their little ones on the daily school run. Do you remember the road safety campaign at Wrockwardine Wood Infants' in 1969, or can you spot yourself wrapped up warm for the school run? | Shropshire Star archive
7. Levelling the land for the Shropshire Star at Ketley
Heavy earthmoving machinery works atop the mound at Ketley in the early 1960s, clearing the landscape to make way for the construction of the Shropshire Star office and printworks. Shared by Mr John Whittingham, whose parents Alf and Sally Whittingham ran the local newsagents on Station Road, the photograph was likely taken from near their shop. It records a crucial moment of change as traditional industrial ground was transformed for the arrival of modern newspaper production. Do you remember the old mound at Ketley before work began, or do you recall buying your papers from Whittingham's newsagents back then? | Picture courtesy of John Whittingham
8. Tim Brookshaw gets back in the saddle
Just eight months after breaking his back in a disastrous accident at Aintree, Tim Brookshaw was determined to get back on a horse. This photograph, taken at Tern Hill in August 1964, shows him using a rope to hoist himself from his wheelchair into the saddle. Tim went on to ride regularly again, often travelling around his farm on a pony. The photograph, taken by John Rea, captures an extraordinary moment of determination and courage. Do you remember Tim Brookshaw or his farm at Tern Hill? Do you remember hearing about his remarkable return to riding? | Shropshire Star archive