Ilkeston and District Local History Society launched a new book at their monthly meeting on 1st September. Called “Up Town”, it features old pictures of Ilkeston’s main streets from the 1870s to the 1980s with colour pictures from this year, showing the many changes to our town since the originals were taken.
Society Chairman Paul Miller said “It’s amazing the changes which have happened since we first did a book like this nearly 20 years ago now. The new book will make a great read for anyone interested in the history of Ilkeston”.
And Grant Shaw, Vice Chairman of the Society – who edited the book – added “Changes happen slowly and you don’t realise how much is different until you see the past and present together.” He added “This book has been a big collective effort, with several members taking the ‘now’ images, which are right up to date, having been taken in July this year”.
2026 marks the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Ilkeston & District Local History Society, which has over 100 members both locally and across the Country.
‘Top of Town’ costs £10 (plus P&P) and has a total of 48 pages. The book can be purchased direct from the History Society at any of their monthly meetings – first Tuesday of the month at the Cantelupe Centre on the Market Place at 7.15pm – or by post by emailing secretary@ilkestonhistory.org.uk.
