These photographs from the Shropshire Star archives capture life across the county in 1978, from royal visits and famous faces to community events, local industry and historic moments.
Prince Charles flew into Shrewsbury to open the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, while Richard Burton and Billy Connolly brought film-set excitement to Ellesmere College. Elsewhere, villagers recreated the Silver Jubilee in Llanfair Waterdine, young riders competed at Wistanswick gymkhana, and miners fought to save Granville Colliery.
What are your memories of 1978? Did you see Prince Charles arrive by helicopter, work on Stanmore Industrial Estate, or take part in any of the events featured? We'd love to hear your memories, so share your stories in the comments below.
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37. Recognising the rising sporting stars of the district
Proud young athletes line up with their branded kit bags at Malinslee House, the council headquarters in Telford town centre, on September 14, 1978. Council chairman Councillor Joe Gittens (far left) presented the honours for the Wrekin District Council Sports Scholarship Scheme. The talented lineup of recipients included skiers Dennis Edwards and Robert Kean, canoeists Gavin McKinnell and Michael Druce, swimmers Jane and Ruth Walmsley alongside Russell Knott, badminton players Karen and Janet Beattie and Timothy Charnley, orienteer Jennifer Pearson, golfer Paul Flockhart, and athlete Linda Burnett. Do you recognise any of these local sports scholars or remember receiving an award at Malinslee House? | Shropshire Star archive
38. Serving up pint-sized nostalgia at a classic country local
Captured in the summer sunshine on June 21, 1978, the Drum and Monkey free house stands as a classic slice of rural Shropshire life. Featuring its rustic stone facade and prominent Mitchells & Butlers "Brew XI" signage, this beloved pub served as the warm, welcoming heart of the village for generations of locals and passing travellers alike. Do you have fond memories of popping into the Drum and Monkey for a pint back in the late 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive
39. Ear defenders for a music-loving basset hound
Fifteen-year-old Sharon Hick, of Leonard Close in Donnington, gently fits a bulky pair of headphones onto her Basset Hound, Dougal, on October 26, 1978. Staged alongside an RSPCA campaign warning pet owners about the distress caused by loud Bonfire Night fireworks, the novel solution aimed to muffle loud bangs with tunes from the Singer radio-gramophone behind them. While Dougal seemed to enjoy the music, the oversized headphones clearly took a bit of getting used to. How do you protect your pets from the loud bangs during Bonfire Night celebrations? | Shropshire Star archive
40. A booming hub of local trade and manufacturing
Captured on July 10, 1978, this general view shows Stanmore Industrial Estate with its prominent signposts and site directory. Built on the grounds of the former RAF Bridgnorth, the thriving business park was home to numerous local firms, including Peak Products Ltd, Zapp Tools, Bridgnorth Engineering Ltd, and Decca Ltd - which occupied six separate units. Did you or a family member work at any of the manufacturing firms based on the estate during the late 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive