A nostalgic look back to Newport in 1961, when the Women’s Institute ran a market stall in the town’s Indoor Market. Now known as Newport Country Market, the stall has since marked over 50 years in the community. Seen here from left are Mrs Lea (assistant controller), Mrs Williamson (secretary), Mrs Miller (controller), Mrs Rugman (treasurer) and Mrs Vallings (committee member), proudly representing the Newport WI. The stall carried the sign “Shropshire Women’s Institute Markets Ltd”, reflecting a long-standing tradition of local produce and community enterprise.placeholder image
A nostalgic look back to Newport in 1961, when the Women’s Institute ran a market stall in the town’s Indoor Market. Now known as Newport Country Market, the stall has since marked over 50 years in the community. Seen here from left are Mrs Lea (assistant controller), Mrs Williamson (secretary), Mrs Miller (controller), Mrs Rugman (treasurer) and Mrs Vallings (committee member), proudly representing the Newport WI. The stall carried the sign “Shropshire Women’s Institute Markets Ltd”, reflecting a long-standing tradition of local produce and community enterprise. | Shropshire Star

Take a look at 19 retro photos of people and places in Shropshire, 1961

By Tania Taylor
Published 29th Apr 2026, 09:22 BST
Updated 29th Apr 2026, 10:00 BST

A look back through the archives, 65 years on.

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.

  • You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here.
A rear-engined double-decker bus being trialled by Wolverhampton Corporation as a possible replacement for the town’s trolley vehicles, seen here on route 17 to Bridgnorth — a familiar sight on the roads back in the day.

17. Bridgnorth, 1961

A rear-engined double-decker bus being trialled by Wolverhampton Corporation as a possible replacement for the town’s trolley vehicles, seen here on route 17 to Bridgnorth — a familiar sight on the roads back in the day. | Shropshire Star

Photo Sales
November 13, 1961, inside the new headquarters of the Royal Observer Corps in Shrewsbury. The image captures a scene of quiet concentration at what was described as the nerve centre of the West Midlands Nuclear Warning and Monitoring Organisation. Members shown are part of the 600-strong Number 16 Group of the Royal Observer Corps, an organisation once referred to as the “trigger” of the RAF V bomber force and the nation’s “fall-out eyes” in the event of nuclear war.

18. Shrewsbury, 1961

November 13, 1961, inside the new headquarters of the Royal Observer Corps in Shrewsbury. The image captures a scene of quiet concentration at what was described as the nerve centre of the West Midlands Nuclear Warning and Monitoring Organisation. Members shown are part of the 600-strong Number 16 Group of the Royal Observer Corps, an organisation once referred to as the “trigger” of the RAF V bomber force and the nation’s “fall-out eyes” in the event of nuclear war. | Shropshire Star

Photo Sales
A distinctive round house at Aston-on-Clun, photographed in March 1961, with its unusual “no corners here” design standing out in this charming Shropshire village scene.

19. Aston-on-Clun, 1961

A distinctive round house at Aston-on-Clun, photographed in March 1961, with its unusual “no corners here” design standing out in this charming Shropshire village scene. | Shropshire Star

Photo Sales
Previous
5 / 5
Next Page
Related topics:Photo memories
Local news you can trust
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice