Here is a picture of a carting boy from the Somerset Mines (specifically Braysdown Colliery near Peasedown) with a candlelight.
Ron Bull is the young carting boy miner on the left. He worked at Braysdown Colliery near Peasedown.
You can see the candle fixed to his hat, which was used to light the way underground. He’s wearing the guss and crook too; this was used to pull the putt, a small tub full of coal, from the face out to the trucks in the roadway.
Hard work in tough conditions, especially for someone so young.
Select a photo to see it full size.
Latest News & History
Read about where we appeared in the news, newspapers or other press content.
Annual Reunion
The 2026 Somerset Miners Reunion brought retired miners back together in September for lunch, a drink and the chance to catch up with old workmates.
September 2026
News from The Group
The Somerset Miners Welfare Trust unveiled another metal miner on 4 September 2026, this one at Somer Valley Care Home on Silver Street.
September 2026
News from The Group
Chairman Bryn Hawkins and Treasurer Mo Duery visited five more primary schools to deliver free three-foot metal miner silhouettes. Read more here.
June 2026
News from The Group
Selwyn Rees and Chairman Bryn Hawkins attended the unveiling of the first wall-mounted metal miner at the Jolly Collier pub in Bedminster, Bristol.
March 2026
Online Article
The Somerset Miners Welfare Trust offered free 3ft metal miners to 33 local schools to help teach children about the area's coal mining heritage.
March 2026
Past Event
The Retired Somerset Miners gathered for Christmas Lunch. Here are the photos from the Christmas Lunch at the Centurion Hotel in Westfield.
December 2025