Steve Derby, author of All Change For Upton Park

On the cover of the book, it says All Change For Upton Park is an “affectionate, reflective and humorous rummage” through childhood memories in the area.

Author Steve Derby does not disappoint with his recollections of people and events between 1943, when he was born, and 1959.

He was brought up in Walpole Road, in Upton Park between those 16 years and although he returned to the area, he now lives in Somerset.

Packed into the nearly 400 pages are the gems of childhood played out at Shaftesbury School, East Ham Grammar School for Boys, with amazing teachers, to high jinx with friends as well as shared moments with family members. There are Saturday morning pictures, trainspotting, the birth of rock ‘n’roll and of course, West Ham.

Asked why he wrote the book, Steve said: “It became clear that there were many people who had a profound effect on my life-parents, relatives, friends, school teachers, Sunday School teachers etc. It became something of a labour of love and a tribute to these people.

“My family had got fed up with me relating them to anyone who would listen so I thought if they were set out in a book, they could read about them without having to listen.”

The book is published by Mercury Print & Packaging Ltd and is priced £9.95.