As a newcomer and the first time entering, I didn`t expect to win, so many thanks to everyone who voted, appreciate it.
In case anyone`s interested, I have quickly prepared a 1280x1024 wallpaper sized version from the original high-res photo which can be downloaded here:
http://bulbmuseum.net/soxsnowbackground.jpg (556KB file).
Two of those Beta Twos at the very end of the road were installed only about five years ago but goodness only knows how long they`ll all remain. We have been invaded by two Iridiums (Iridii?) already - one column in this road that got crashed into, and one just up the hill at the end there that didn`t look all that bad and still worked, but got replaced anyway. Might have been corroded at the base of the column. I, for one, will miss them when they go. If they are going to replace them for one reason or another, I`d much prefer the use of PL-L fluorescent lanterns like the Altra or Residium rather than anything using SON if we can`t have SOX or mercury any more. Traveled to Newcastle last week for a training course and saw some of those lanterns off in the distance illuminating residential streets and paths, and thought they did a great job. The larger lamps and neutral moonlight-white light colour is softer on the eye, ideal for residential streets. Can`t get on with the harsh glare of SON myself, and the full cut-off distribution of the SGS252s installed here does not illuminate the road nearly as well as the semi-cut-off Beta Two/Z9532/MI26 lanterns do.
Unfortunately, no sign of anything other than SON replacing Newport`s side road lanterns for the time being. There are some Cosmo / CMH lights in the town center but nowhere else. Hope the little SOXes hang on a while longer.