There was great excitement in Radstock on Tuesday afternoon, with a special visit from Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex marking both the 150th Anniversary of the Radstock Co-operative Society and the 20th Anniversary of Radstock Museum being established in the former Victorian Market Hall.

Whilst the Museum is used to welcoming visitors from across the country, this was a very special moment for the dedicated team of volunteers, who work so hard to keep the attraction running – a valuable resource to local people, collecting and displaying treasures from our heritage, and running special events for residents and visitors to enjoy. It also gave the Co-operative Society the opportunity to reflect on its roots within the town, and its 150-year history with Radstock, sharing its vision with the Countess for the future.

Her Royal Highness toured the Museum, accompanied by Don Morris, CEO of the Radstock Co-operative Society, and Dr Nick Hall, Chair of Trustees at Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum. There, she met local schoolchildren, volunteers and dignitaries, before unveiling a plaque and signing the Visitors’ Book.

All photographs with thanks to Will Nicol.