Notes: Ilkeston is a traditional former mining town with no airs and graces - the people and the town are friendly and solid, just like its town centre and pubs.
The locals of this ex-mining town are very proud of their local dialect - they call their town "Ilson", by the way - but they will soon share the lingo with you, because that's the kind of place it is.
There are a few trendy bars, mainly aimed at the youngsters, alongside lots of workmen's pubs where the quality and the price of ale are more important than large screens and cocktails.
Ilkeston is Derbyshire's third biggest town, with more than 37,000 residents, although it's actually closer to Nottingham than Derby.
Ilkeston has thriving industries which have replaced the mines, including engineering, hosiery, lace and fabrics, electronics, plastic and food distribution.
It also boasts a big pedestrian shopping centre and lively nightlife and, while it might retain its industrial appearance in parts, it's also packed with parks, trees and flower beds.
And it's rich in history. Its October street fair has been running for more than 750 years, making it one of the oldest in the world, and several dukes of Rutland used to play cricket here.
Trains: Ilkeston's three stations have now gone. The nearest are at Derby or Nottingham.
Buses: There are good services from several companies, including buses to Nottingham every 12 minutes and to Derby every half hour.
Shopping: This is still mostly traditional, but all the national chains are here. The Co-op is still a big player, with Ilkeston Co-op Travel a national name in travel. Tesco has a big store on the Cotmanhay side of town.
The main shopping centre, covering Bath Street and neighbouring streets, is totally pedestrianised, giving shoppers plenty of room to wander. Markets are held on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Eating and drinking: There are plenty of places to eat, mostly traditional grub in the pubs, but some good Chinese, Italian and Indian restaurants, and plenty of takeaways.
The Shah Jehan restaurant in Awsworth Road has a mention in the Good Curry Guide.
Pubs are both trendy and traditional, from the modern Mail House in South Street to the lively St John Warren. The town centre has a buzzing atmosphere most nights.
Sports and Leisure: Sports clubs include Ilkeston Football Club (aka the Robins), Ilkeston Rugby Club at the Stute, Ilkeston girls' football club and a running club.
Victoria Park Leisure Centre has recently reopened and has several pools, flumes, and a range of water-based classes and activities for a variety of ages and abilities.
Albion Leisure Centre has facilities for sports including five-a-side football, netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, keep fit and dance classes.
Rutland Sports Park is a new leisure complex which has a wellness centre and indoor tennis centre, and outdoors facilities include athletics track, a nine-hole golf course, Astroturf pitch, bowling green and cricket pitch.
Entertainment: Entertainment revolves mainly around the lively pubs, and there is a nightclub. There is also a Scala Cinema, a Ritz Bingo Hall, 10-pin bowling alley, folk club at the Stute every Wednesday, and an arts club.
Open Spaces: Victoria Park in Manners Road provides eight acres of greenery. Granby Park, Cotmanhay Road, is an open expanse of grassland on the former site of Granby Colliery. It has a few play facilities for children.
