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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9. Putting Oswestry markets under the spotlight
Business studies students from Oswestry College of Further Education pose on February 23, 1978, after wrapping up an ambitious study into the town's famous markets. Armed with tape recorders and over 1,000 questionnaires, the group surveyed local shoppers to examine how the markets drove trade and prosperity across Oswestry. Pictured in the foreground holding the cassette recorder is Wendy Farthing, with (from left) Jane Valentine, Barbara Gardner, Joy Morris, Mrs Rosa Murgatroyd, and Stephen Egerton behind her. Were you interviewed by these Oswestry College students in 1978, or do you remember the bustling market stalls of the period? | Shropshire Star archive
10. Framing a forgotten piece of local heritage
Framed by a mature tree and a broken wrought-iron gate, the Old Dawley Vicarage stands quiet and overgrown on June 13, 1978. This moody shot of the grand, historic property with its tall brick chimneys, classic sash windows, and neglected grounds, the imposing building holds decades of local history within its weathered walls. Do you remember the Old Dawley Vicarage in this state back in the late 1970s, or know how the grounds look today? | Shropshire Star archive
11. Feathered champions take the spotlight at a local exhibition
Members and visitors gather around the Wem Homing Society display table during an exhibition event around 1978. Showcasing prize-winning birds in stacked cages, shining silver trophies, and specialized timing clocks, the enthusiast group proudly promoted the popular pastime of pigeon racing to the community. Saved from being discarded thanks to sharp-eyed local resident Janet Randall, this archive photograph offers a fascinating look back at the town's vibrant club scene. Do you recognise any of the pigeon fanciers pictured here, or do you remember the Wem Homing Society's displays? | Shropshire Star archive
12. Standing down after providing emergency cover during a national strike
Soldiers assigned to Green Goddess fire engines enjoy a well-earned moment of relaxation inside Parsons Barracks at Donnington, Telford, in January 1978. Pictured from left are Private Alan Harrison, Private Terry Viney, Private Parsley-Parsons, Private Oscar Singh, Private John Simpson, Sergeant Trevor Bozie, and Private John Overall. The troops were standing down following the end of the nine-week national firefighters' strike on January 16, during which military personnel operated emergency vintage engines to maintain fire cover across Shropshire and the rest of the country. Do you remember seeing the Green Goddess engines deployed across Shropshire during the 1977-78 firefighters' strike? | Shropshire Star archive