Members of Shrewsbury's “It’s a Knockout” team examining their winners’ trophy following their success in the European Jeux Sans Frontières competition. The team represented Great Britain in the final held at Blackpool on September 3, 1969, and went on to share the title with Wolfsburg, Germany. This image, taken on October 8, 1969, captures a civic reception at Shrewsbury Castle, where the team was celebrated for their achievement. Their journey began earlier that year with a qualifying heat at the Quarry in Shrewsbury on May 18, 1969.placeholder image
Members of Shrewsbury's “It’s a Knockout” team examining their winners’ trophy following their success in the European Jeux Sans Frontières competition. The team represented Great Britain in the final held at Blackpool on September 3, 1969, and went on to share the title with Wolfsburg, Germany. This image, taken on October 8, 1969, captures a civic reception at Shrewsbury Castle, where the team was celebrated for their achievement. Their journey began earlier that year with a qualifying heat at the Quarry in Shrewsbury on May 18, 1969. | Shropshire Star

Shropshire retro: 17 nostalgic pictures that take you back to life across the county in 1969

This collection of photos offers a snapshot of our county more than half a century ago.

By Tania Taylor
Published 7th Apr 2026, 11:37 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2026, 06:00 BST

From an Oswestry butcher whose pork pies—made with “secret” ingredients—gained international attention, to vandals in Albrighton causing damage to greenhouses, join us as we look back at these memorable scenes from the Shropshire Star picture archive—moments from the past we hope you’ll enjoy.

Don’t forget to share your memories with us in the comments.

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February 24, 1969: Mr Hubert Veale inspecting damaged panes of glass in one of his greenhouses near the drive to the village’s new children’s play area. Vandals had smashed more than 30 panes, prompting condemnation from the parish council chairman, Mr K Worthington. Mr Veale, a retired market gardener of Glebe House, High Street, Albrighton, kept the three greenhouses as a hobby following his retirement. A 6ft wall had been built to help protect the site, though repairs to the damage were expected to cost around £20.

9. Albrighton, 1969

February 24, 1969: Mr Hubert Veale inspecting damaged panes of glass in one of his greenhouses near the drive to the village’s new children’s play area. Vandals had smashed more than 30 panes, prompting condemnation from the parish council chairman, Mr K Worthington. Mr Veale, a retired market gardener of Glebe House, High Street, Albrighton, kept the three greenhouses as a hobby following his retirement. A 6ft wall had been built to help protect the site, though repairs to the damage were expected to cost around £20. | Shropshire Star

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This picture from July 24, 1969, captures a light-hearted summer scene at the Shirehall ornamental pool. As temperatures rose, three teenagers—Jo Showell, Denise Waddington and Bridget Cooper—found themselves drawn to the water after watching others take a swim. A diverted fountain suddenly drenched them, prompting the trio to jump in themselves before heading home soaking wet.

10. Shrewsbury, 1969

This picture from July 24, 1969, captures a light-hearted summer scene at the Shirehall ornamental pool. As temperatures rose, three teenagers—Jo Showell, Denise Waddington and Bridget Cooper—found themselves drawn to the water after watching others take a swim. A diverted fountain suddenly drenched them, prompting the trio to jump in themselves before heading home soaking wet. | Shropshire Star

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Old Hall School, Wellington, pictured on January 22, 1969, on the corner of Limekiln Lane, Wellington.

11. Wellington, 1969

Old Hall School, Wellington, pictured on January 22, 1969, on the corner of Limekiln Lane, Wellington. | Shropshire Star

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This picture from March 14, 1969, shows Olympic gold medallist Staff Sergeant Ben Jones collecting the keys to a new car, a gift from his father in recognition of his success at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, where he was part of the British equestrian team. The original caption notes that the keys were presented by Miss P Warrender of Hogben’s, Newport.

12. Newport, 1969

This picture from March 14, 1969, shows Olympic gold medallist Staff Sergeant Ben Jones collecting the keys to a new car, a gift from his father in recognition of his success at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, where he was part of the British equestrian team. The original caption notes that the keys were presented by Miss P Warrender of Hogben’s, Newport. | Shropshire Star

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