This gallery revisits the stories making the news across the county in 1961.
Drawn from the Shropshire Star archive, these photographs capture familiar faces, everyday moments and remarkable curiosities steeped in local history — from a village doorstop said to be a brick from the Great Wall of China, to hospital patients being wheeled outside to enjoy a sports day. Together, they are sure to spark a wave of nostalgia.
Don’t forget to share your own memories with us in the comments.
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9. Oswestry, 1961
Oswestry 1961: This picture was captured at the Orthopaedic Hospital’s sports day by student nurse Miss Dorothy Franklin, later Mrs Dorothy Roberts. Having arrived from Rushden, Northamptonshire, aged just 17, she was training at the hospital when this moment was recorded. The image also offers a poignant detail of the time, with patients watching from their beds as the event unfolded outside. | Picture courtesy of Dorothy Franklin
10. Bridgnorth, 1961
February 1961 at Lower Faintree Farm near Bridgnorth, where a tractor had overturned in a dingle, trapping Miss Helen Marsh. She was rescued by Mr Eric Preece (right), while efforts were later made to recover the machine. This image shows the recovery attempt a few days afterwards, with another tractor, ridden by Tom Benson, joined in the effort (centre), as it proved unable to pull the vehicle free on its own. | Shropshire Star
11. Shrewsbury, 1961
June 1961 at the West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury, where a Young Farmers rally featured a sheep shearing contest. The caption on the reverse describes five-year-old Edward Foster, from Bridgnorth, watching with interest as Gordon Morgan, from Ludlow, demonstrated his skills in the competition, finishing third. | Shropshire Star
12. Donnington, 1961
Donnington Wood Male Voice Choir pictured in October 1961, as remembered by Harry Bouckley, who recalls the group rehearsing at Wrockwardine Wood Girls School and then crossing the road to the Fountain pub afterwards. He notes his father, William (Bill) Bouckley, sang tenor in the choir, which was very much part of local life and community spirit at the time. | Shropshire Star