Britain’s coal miners were on strike, plans for the M54 sparked protests, and communities across Shropshire were adapting to a changing world in 1972.
In this collection of archive pictures, we look back at a year of big events and everyday moments - from pupils rolling up their sleeves to clean their school swimming pool in Dawley, to the opening of new homes, a new police station and the first steps towards Telford’s developing town centre.
There were also plenty of reminders of daily life in the county, including a ‘paraffin perm’ in Kinnerley during a power cut, miners returning to work at Granville Colliery, and youngsters enjoying unusual opportunities at school and in their communities.
These photographs from the Shropshire Star archive capture the people, places and stories that shaped Shropshire in 1972. Do you remember any of these scenes, or can you spot someone you know? Tell us in the comments.
Did you see our gallery looking back at the 1990s? Take a look here.
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9. Eastern Mission, Chirk & St Martins, 1972
A group of young people from the Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton district of the Methodist Church took part in an Eastern Mission in Chirk and St Martins in March 1972. The team visited local groups, held children’s meetings and carried out youth work in the community. Do you remember taking part in church activities like these, or recognise anyone in the picture? | Shropshire Star archive
10. Brookside, Telford, 1972
A new chapter in Telford’s growth was taking shape at Brookside in July 1972, as crowds flocked to view the showhouse on the new housing estate. The development was part of the expanding new town, attracting families looking for modern homes. Do you remember visiting a showhome, moving to Brookside, or seeing the area change over the years? | Picture: John Rea Studios
11. Granville Colliery, 1972
After six weeks of national strike action, miners returned to work at Granville Colliery near St Georges on February 28, 1972. The mood among the workforce was described at the time as one of relief and happiness at being back on the job. Do you remember the impact of the strike on mining communities, or anyone who worked at Granville? | Shropshire Star archive
12. Moreton Farm, Prees, 1972
A glimpse of Shropshire’s search for new energy sources in November 1972, as drilling took place at Trend Exploration’s well at Moreton Farm, Prees. The project brought industry into the countryside as exploration work got under way. Do you remember seeing the drilling operation, or the interest it created locally? | Shropshire Star archive