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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25. Coffee, cakes, and smiles for a playgroup post-service treat
RAF Cosford Chaplain, the Rev Douglas Sirr, sits back to enjoy a biscuit and a chat with local children during a special coffee morning on February 23, 1978. Following a heartwarming children’s service hosted by The Hobbins playgroup in Bridgnorth, the reverend shared treats with (from left) Louise Penson, Marcus Willis, Michael Briggs, and Simon Bradshaw. Photographer Tony Adams captured the cosy moment, which made the pages of the Shropshire Star the next day. Do you remember attending playgroup at The Hobbins back in the late 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive
26. Soaking up the atmosphere at Telford Super Saturday
Families gather on the grassy bank to watch the arena entertainments on August 5, 1978. A staple of the local summer calendar from 1976 through to 1984 before being rebranded as the Telford Show, the popular event routinely drew thousands of spectators from across the district. This intimate snapshot captures young children nestled beside their parents amongst the sea of crowds enjoying the outdoor festivities. Do you remember attending the original Telford Super Saturday events at the Town Park in the late 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive
27. Sealing the bond with a touch of French flair
Mayor of Thiers Mr Maurice Adevah-Poeuf (left) and Bridgnorth Mayor Councillor Mike McCarthy proudly show off the framed official scrolls during a momentous twinning ceremony on October 1, 1978. A large crowd gathered along Bridgnorth's High Street to watch the civic leaders formalise the international friendship between the Shropshire market town and its new Auvergne counterpart. Were you in the High Street crowd to witness this historic town twinning back in autumn 1978? | Shropshire Star archive
28. Brisk bidding at the town store sheep sale
Auctioneers from Nock Deighton and Son call for bids from the elevated gantry as a flock of store sheep fills the ring at the old town livestock market site around August 1978. Handlers guide the stock around the floor while a keen audience of local farmers and buyers looks on from behind the rail. This picture is from the Geoff Charles Collection held at the National Library of Wales. Do you have memories of attending the Nock Deighton livestock auctions at the old market site in the late 1970s? | Picture: Geoff Charles Collection, National Library of Wales