Shropshire Star

Close

Pictures from the Past - April 1

Welcome to this week's collection of nostalgia photos from the pages of the Shropshire Star.

Published Apr 7, 2017

Almost 60 years ago, this mysterious witch on her broomstick was seen soaring over the world famous Iron Bridge at Ironbridge. We think the date was 1959, and that it was a special flight to mark the 180th anniversary of the bridge and the 250th anniversary of the Coalbrookdale Company. Now, we know what you're thinking. You think this is an April Fool's spoof. And you know what - you're wrong. It actually happened. It was a prank using a dummy witch suspended by a crane. Behind the wheeze were Jack Gears of Dawley and Ironbridge coracle man Harry Rogers.

Similar stories

Ironbridge car park fountain "is like an undiscovered Banksy"

Nostalgia|3 hours ago

Telford schoolchildren join service to remember the 'Nine Men of Madeley' who died in mining disaster

Shropshire boatyard among 13 historic West Midlands sites now considered 'at risk'

Flashback to 2002: Support for football club and firefighters go on strike

Nostalgia|Nov 12

Flashback to 2003: A presidential visit and victory for England at the Rugby World Cup Final

Nostalgia|Nov 11

Most popular