Police Constable Roy Duncalfe on patrol on his bicycle, September 14, 1965. He joined the police in 1946 and served in Market Drayton and Hodnet. In about 1968 he moved to North Road, Wellington, and was based at Wellington police station. He was said to be Shropshire's first dog handler and his dog Sultan was well known. PC Duncalfe retired in March 1974. placeholder image
Police Constable Roy Duncalfe on patrol on his bicycle, September 14, 1965. He joined the police in 1946 and served in Market Drayton and Hodnet. In about 1968 he moved to North Road, Wellington, and was based at Wellington police station. He was said to be Shropshire's first dog handler and his dog Sultan was well known. PC Duncalfe retired in March 1974. | Shropshire Star

17 uplifting and quirky glimpses from Shropshire’s past

In this gallery, we take a look at some of the more uplifting and unusually quirky pictures from the Star’s archives over the years.

By Tania Taylor
Published 31st Mar 2026, 06:00 BST

From a smoking dummy at a school in the 1970s to a demonstration of a whipping post in the 1960s, these images are sure to raise a smile—and occasionally prompt a double take.

Don’t forget to share your favourites with us in the comments.

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The original caption reads: 'Beauty queen Helen Butler seems happy enough in the arms of her fiercesome friend. The monkey business was all in a good cause - to publicise Shrewsbury's jubilee celebrations. Helen (16), of Conway Drive, Shrewsbury, will ride in style as Shrewsbury carnival queen on Tuesday in a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow...' Unfortunately the rest of the caption is missing. June 2, 1977.

17. Shrewsbury 1977

The original caption reads: 'Beauty queen Helen Butler seems happy enough in the arms of her fiercesome friend. The monkey business was all in a good cause - to publicise Shrewsbury's jubilee celebrations. Helen (16), of Conway Drive, Shrewsbury, will ride in style as Shrewsbury carnival queen on Tuesday in a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow...' Unfortunately the rest of the caption is missing. June 2, 1977. | Shropshire Star

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