A NEW book written by residents of Pillowell and co-edited by a local historian and former GP records more than 100 year in the life of the former mining village.

The book, Postcards from Pillowell, is printed by community publishers Yorkley A&E and the editors are historian Clare Ham and former Yorkley GP Chris Nancollas.

It tells a fascinating story of a tight-knit community that once boasted three working pits, a well-attended chapel, three pubs and a whole host of shops and small businesses selling everything from groceries to ladies’ wear – not to mention a silver band which is still going strong to this day.

Although times were often hard for the people of Pillowell, especially before the days of modern health and social care, the book also vividly records the trips, treats and regular social occasions that brightened the lives of the miners and their families.

Clare Ham said: “Pillowell is a small village but it has a strong community spirit and a remarkable history, and we’ve tried to celebrate both of those in our book.”

The 104-page book is now on sale and contains many photos that have never been seen in print before.