Charity shop's quest to find owners of photographs

Rod Bailey, manager of Cancer Research UK in Western Road, said the selection of black and white photographs were found among a lot of other belongings donated a few weeks ago.

The family photographs, some of which were framed, were in a maroon leatherette folder.

Rod said: "We think the photographs were sent by error. We've been hoping that someone would come and claim them as they are such a unique find."

There is some information on the photographs, which are dated between 1899-1938, as to the identity of the owner. Some of the photographs have names written on the back and it appears that the majority of the shots could be of mother and daughter Annie and Joan Birch.

Written on the back of one photograph is:

"Mother - Annie Mary Birch married Walter Hugh Bertram Carbery esq in the Pro Cathedral Bristol."

Followed by: " Miss Joan M.J. Carbery their daughter."

Another picture has the name Nellie Birch written on the back, whilst another un-dated shot shows a dashing young Harry Birch smartly dressed in an Irish Constabulary uniform.

Some family group shots appear to have been taken in India, in what was then Ceylon.

The family may have travelled around a lot, or owned property in various locations, as some of the photographs contain photography studio stamps which include Brighton, Bournemouth, Walthamstow, and Hyde Park.

Rod said he would be delighted to return the photographs to their rightful owner.

If anyone thinks they may be the owners either pop into the shop or call (01424) 732375.