Do you remember our towns and villages back then? It’s 43 years ago now, yet for many it still feels like yesterday.
Don’t forget to share your memories with us in the comments.
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1. Wem, 1983
Wem Town Hall in 1983, with caretaker Michael Maddocks pictured alongside the historic clock that had kept time for the town since 1911. After years of repairs, the ageing timepiece was finally deemed too inaccurate and put up for sale as a collector’s item — marking the end of an era for local residents. | Shropshire Star
2. Shrewsbury, 1983
Taken in November 1983 by Shrewsbury historian David Trumper, this image shows a false Regency-style frontage being added to Gordon Manser’s antique emporium at the bottom of Wyle Cop, known locally as “under the Wyle”. The building has a rich history — once a Salvation Hall and later the 7 Club in the 1960s, where bands including The Who and the Yardbirds performed — before becoming Manser’s antiques shop, which has since moved to Coleham Head. | Credit: David Trumper
3. Wellington, 1983
Wellington’s Clifton Cinema on its final day in April 1983, as morning staff gather in the foyer with manager Duncan Willmott for one last chat before the doors closed. The closure came despite an estimated 30,000-strong petition to save the town’s only purpose-built cinema, which had been sold to a supermarket firm. The final programme included comedies Hot Bubblegum and Going Steady, with Tootsie narrowly missing out as the closing film. The cinema later reopened in altered form before closing again in years that followed. | Shropshire Star
4. Telford, aerial, 1983
Telford’s Racquet Centre is captured in this aerial view from 1983, showing the newly developed West Midlands Tennis and Racquet Centre at Telford Centre. Hollinswood housing estate can be seen at the top of the image, offering a glimpse of the surrounding town landscape at the time. | Shropshire Star