'Lost' images show Denbigh community from 19th century to today

More than 500 images will be on display dating back to 1897, depicting significant community events and groups over the years.

The exhibition was the brainchild of parishioner Iona Thomas, who was inspired by a discovery from a friend.

A selection of more than 500 photographs on display this weekend for St Thomas' Open Doors exhibition in Denbigh. (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest) "One day they handed me a photo album they had found that they had forgotten about," said Iona. "I spent hours flicking through it and laughing and I thought - how many people have take pictures at church events, pantos, shows and trips over the years only for them to lie forgotten in an attic or a drawer.

"So I came up with the idea of an exhibition to tie in with Open Doors and the Harvest Festival and put out an appeal for churchgoers to send me their images."

The response was phenomenal. As well as more than 500 photos capturing everything from mountain treks to talent shows, newspaper articles to birthday celebrations, Iona was also sent ticket stubs from pantomimes and shows and Denbigh Library even handed over some images from 1897 with an interesting detail.

"They kindly gave us some photographs from the Harvest Festival in 1897, before our organ was installed," said Iona. "Comparing it to the images of the organ, you can see that the specifically detailed wallpaper is covered up since the pipes are in place. 

"It turns out that wallpaper was never stripped before the installation and is still there today. There is a very narrow gap behind the organ and the 19th Century wallpaper has been preserved!

The church alcove with its distinctive wallpaper before the organ was installed in 1897... (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest) ...and after. The original wallpaper survives to this day behind the organ (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest) "I think it will be interesting because a lot of these pictures people may not know were taken - or at least may not remember. Perhaps they will find a photo of a family member they have never seen before. I hope it sparks conversations and laughter in others the way it did for me."

Shows, pantomimes, treks and more are all captured in the exhibition. (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

St Thomas' Church Hall on Post Office Lane in Denbigh will be open to visitors from 10am-4pm on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 for Open Doors - a Cadw initiative to encourage people to visit places of interest they don't normally or that are often closed to the public.