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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5. Navigating a mammoth delivery for the museum collection
A 100ft-long Comet airliner makes a painstaking journey by road from RAF Shawbury to its new home at RAF Cosford in September 1978. Moving the historic aircraft required three giant Pickfords transporters and some clever manoeuvring round tight right-angled corners on camp, even needing part of the perimeter fence dismantled to squeeze it through. Freshly repainted in BOAC livery, the 1951-built plane, once flown by Air France, was delivered to go on permanent display at the aerospace museum. Do you remember seeing this iconic airliner being transported along local roads or visiting it after it arrived at the museum? | Shropshire Star archive
6. A changing streetscape in a historic Telford community
A quiet stretch of New Road in Wrockwardine Wood captured by photographer Michael Hunt on February 27, 1978. Showcasing a mixture of traditional nineteenth-century brick terraces, a local hair salon sign further down the pavement, and newer residential developments emerging on the right, the street highlights the evolving character of the area during the late 1970s. A classic saloon car parked along the kerb adds to the distinct atmosphere of the time. Do you remember New Road in Wrockwardine Wood as it looked back in 1978, or do you know the story behind the 'Beehive' reference on the reverse of the print? | Shropshire Star archive
7. Putting his feet up after decades of drilling
Shrewsbury dentist Mr David Pocock kicks back in the treatment chair on March 21, 1978, taking a well-earned rest ahead of his retirement. The senior partner of the St John's Hill practice, who lived at Pulley House in Bayston Hill, called time on a long and distinguished career spanning 41 years as a dental surgeon - including 32 years treating generations of local patients right in the heart of Shrewsbury. Were you ever treated by Mr Pocock at his St John's Hill dental practice? | Shropshire Star archive
8. Hollywood star power and Scottish wit on location
Acting legend Richard Burton (left) shares a moment on set with comedian Billy Connolly during filming in May 1978. Dressed in a priest’s cassock, Burton starred alongside Connolly for the thriller Absolution, with the grand Gothic architecture of Ellesmere College providing the ideal backdrop for the production. The movie brought a real touch of silver-screen glamour to the quiet Shropshire countryside as cast and crew descended on the school grounds. Do you remember the excitement when Richard Burton and Billy Connolly arrived in the area to shoot the film? | Shropshire Star archive