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.placeholder image
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

Flashback to 1983: 19 fantastic photos from across Shropshire

By Tania Taylor
Published 21st Apr 2026, 13:55 BST
Updated 22nd Apr 2026, 03:30 BST

These fantastic photos take us back to 1983.

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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Long-service awards are presented at F W McConnel Ltd in Temeside, Ludlow, in 1983, recognising decades of commitment from employees at the firm. Managing director Jim Barr is pictured with staff celebrating milestones ranging from five to 35 years’ service, highlighting the loyalty and experience within the workforce at the time.

17. Ludlow, 1983

Long-service awards are presented at F W McConnel Ltd in Temeside, Ludlow, in 1983, recognising decades of commitment from employees at the firm. Managing director Jim Barr is pictured with staff celebrating milestones ranging from five to 35 years’ service, highlighting the loyalty and experience within the workforce at the time. | Shropshire Star

Photo Sales
Staff at Oswestry’s Shropshire Orthopaedic Hospital are pictured in May 1983 during a packed meeting held to register strong opposition to proposals to close four wards. The potential closures of trauma and orthopaedic wards were linked to efforts to help fund Telford’s new district hospital, prompting concern among hospital staff at Gobowen.

18. Gobowen, 1983

Staff at Oswestry’s Shropshire Orthopaedic Hospital are pictured in May 1983 during a packed meeting held to register strong opposition to proposals to close four wards. The potential closures of trauma and orthopaedic wards were linked to efforts to help fund Telford’s new district hospital, prompting concern among hospital staff at Gobowen. | Shropshire Star

Photo Sales
Staff involved in the operator service are pictured at Oswestry’s new £2 million telephone exchange, which was officially opened in March 1983. The image shows Mrs Freda Hopes alongside colleagues who helped run the service at the modernised facility, marking a significant upgrade in local telecommunications for the town.

19. Oswestry, 1983

Staff involved in the operator service are pictured at Oswestry’s new £2 million telephone exchange, which was officially opened in March 1983. The image shows Mrs Freda Hopes alongside colleagues who helped run the service at the modernised facility, marking a significant upgrade in local telecommunications for the town. | Shropshire Star

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