THESE fabulous photographs take us back to a bygone era in a rural community.

They were discovered in the Black Dog at Broadmayne and have been restored at the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester.

With several other images of years gone by, they will be on show to the public at the Black Dog St George’s Day Fete on Saturday, April 24.

The photographs depict various scenes of Broadmayne life in the first three decades of the 20th century, including a number of images of soldiers in the First World War, local businesses, and notable events.

There is a village wedding, with the flower-garlanded guests decked out in the best clothes, haymaking in the meadows and an unusual picture of an up-ended biplane on top of the Ridgeway.

There is also a poignant image of three soldiers, either off to war or returning from conflict, accompanied by a small girl.

Dr Mark Forrest of Dorset History centre, said: “The collection was found upstairs in the pub and it is lovely because normally when you get these sort of photos they are of a family with their pets taken year after year in different places in the garden.

“But these are aspects of everyday life. The crashed plane for example – what was going on there? I hope that these photos will job someone’s memory because there has to be a date and story to every one of them.”

He added: “They give a real flavour of life as it was. But we do not know who the people are and it would be great to have those details and the stories behind them.”

Black Dog landlord Richard Harris said: “When we moved into the pub last October we were clearing a load of stuff out of the attic and we found the photographs stuck on boards that some boxes were standing on. I love old photographs and the history of the area and was amazed by what we found.

“But now we want to know more about the people in the photographs. The soldiers outside the pub, –were they local or passing through? And the crashed biplane – there was an airfield near Crossways so was it there? It is all speculation.”

The photographs will be on display from noon onwards.

The event, which is raising funds for Help For Heroes will include stalls by local groups, bouncy castle and face painting and a visit by a Second World War jeep.

The evening’s entertainment will include live music and karaoke.

For further details, call the pub of 01305 852360.

If you know anything about the photographs, please call Looking Back on 01305 830973.