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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33. A hero's homecoming recreated 25 years after scaling the peak
Lord and Lady Hunt ride through the countryside in a horse-drawn trap as villagers march alongside waving Union flags during a special Silver Jubilee re-enactment on June 20, 1978. Llanfair Waterdine was home to Sir John Hunt when he led the legendary 1953 Everest expedition, and to mark the 25th anniversary of the historic climb, the community turned out in force to re-create the jubilant welcome procession they originally threw for him a quarter-century earlier. Do you remember watching the grand re-enactment parade process from Lloyney to Llanfair Waterdine in the summer of 1978? | Shropshire Star archive
34. Planning the green vision for Telford Town Park
Keith Hadley (left), Director of Planning for the Telford Development Corporation, discusses an ambitious tree planting scheme with Dave Wassell, Principal Landscape Architect, on September 19, 1978. Standing near newly landscaped paths, young saplings, and distinctive domed park shelters, the pair were instrumental in shaping the vast green space into the beloved public park enjoyed by generations of residents today. Do you remember visiting Telford Town Park when its landscape and features were first being established in the late 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive
35. Bon voyage for a grand French adventure
Excitement fills the air as students and staff load up their luggage ahead of a six-day educational trip to Brittany, France, on June 30, 1978. Pictured before boarding the coach in Bridgnorth are (from left) 12-year-old Katheryn Davies, 13-year-old Adrian Morris, teacher Miss Alison Roose, and 14-year-old Simon Butler. The school group left the Shropshire summer behind for nearly a week of language practice, sightseeing, and cross-Channel culture. Did you ever go on an international school trip with Oldbury Wells, or do you remember this 1978 journey to Brittany? | Shropshire Star archive
36. A cheek kiss for a Guardsman at Telford Super Saturday
Eight-year-old Dawn Hinton plants a sweet and unexpected peck on the cheek of Drum Major Dixie Dean following a musical performance by the Band of the Grenadier Guards. The heartwarming moment was captured during the bustling Telford Super Saturday celebrations in August 1978. Dressed in full ceremonial uniform complete with his iconic bearskin cap, the drum major accepted the young spectator's affectionate gesture after the regiment entertained large crowds gathered for the town's festivities. Were you in the crowd for Telford's Super Saturday back in the summer of 1978 | Shropshire Star archive