Roger Jones, a local artist from Midsomer Norton, contacted us with this snowy scene after seeing ‘The Shambles’ article in last week’s Journal.

Roger based ‘The Lamplighter, Wells Hill, Radstock’, around the 1930’s, which is why we see the inclusion of the old Morris car and gas street lighting amongst the horse and carriage.

Lucy Tudor, Radstock Museum’s Head of Publicity, gave some background to the buildings Roger included in the painting: “In early 1868, canvassers went from house to house in the mining town of Radstock gathering subscriptions and memberships for a proposed new Co-operative Society. Enough money was raised for the Society to purchase its first items to sell.

“At this time, the population of Radstock was 2,500 and growing rapidly. By 1877, the Co-operative moved into a purpose built store located at 3 Wells Hill (left in the photograph) and is still standing today.

“In the foreground of the photo, Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee oak tree was planted. This was transplanted to the grounds of Writhlington School in the early 21st Century to make way for a new mini roundabout.”