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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33. Hinstock, 1972
A busy day at the King Cup mushroom farm in Hinstock in November 1972, where workers helped supply mushrooms enjoyed across Shropshire. Pictured from left are Mrs Edna Brookes, Mrs Grace Bailey, Miss Stephanie Daniels and Mrs Sheila Bayley. Do you remember this farm, or did you ever work in the local food and farming industry? | Shropshire Star archive
34. Wenlock Abbey, 1972
Skilled craftsmanship at work at Much Wenlock Abbey in February 1972, as stonemasons Jim Medlicott and Ken Milner carried out restoration work on the ancient building’s south transept walls. The photograph captures a moment from the ongoing care needed to preserve one of Shropshire’s historic landmarks. Do you remember seeing restoration work taking place at the abbey, or have you visited over the years? | Shropshire Star archive
35. Chapel Lane, Aqueduct, 1972
Cottages in Chapel Lane, Aqueduct, received a Ministry award for their appearance, captured in November 1972. The picture offers a glimpse of the homes and streets that helped shape the character of the local area. Do you remember these cottages, or how this part of Aqueduct looked more than 50 years ago? | Shropshire Star archive
36. Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award winners, 1972
A proud moment for Shropshire’s young people in 1972, as winners of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award attended a special reception at Buckingham Palace. The event celebrated those who had achieved the highest level of the award scheme. Do you recognise anyone pictured, or were you involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as a young person? | Shropshire Star archive