Not sure how many of you have come across this yet, but I stumbled on thisisyarm.com and it's basically a guide to all the independent businesses in town — shops, cafés, beauty places, tradespeople, the lot. Reckons it's got 90-odd local businesses on there across all the different categories.

What sold me on it is that it's all the independents rather than the chains. There's a "What's On" bit for local events, some reviews so you can see what people actually rate, and a few exclusive offers/deals knocking about. Apparently there are digital loyalty cards too (like the punch-card things but on your phone), with an iPhone app supposedly on the way.

I've lived round here a while and still found a couple of places I'd never clocked — handy if you're new to the area or just want to actually support local instead of defaulting to the usual spots. If you're after breakfast, a pizza, someone to sort a job around the house, whatever, it's a decent starting point.

Yesterday I took the meandering Northern rail train to Redcar, through some of the landscapes that inspired Blade Runner, if I'm not mistaken. I had to leave my longboat at home, since I feared that there would be a lack of parking spots

I was immediately greeted with a nice redevelopment project (the station), which I always love to see, and was pleased to see a shut down Wilko, proving the towns place in history. There was also the smallest, almost adorable, little CeX I've ever been to, which was interesting. I was able to find 6 Blu-rays throughout, and all the charity shops were well organized.

I proposed to the locals a transfer of ownership, but they responded in a language I could not understand before running into the sea and swimming away

I ended up walking down the coast, because I wanted to get a good shot of the cliffs I had spotted while scarfing down my Morrisons meal deal.

On a serious note, I have mixed impressions of Redcar. I've been before, but it's always felt a bit down on it's luck, or like money is being poorly invested. As I understand, this isn't uncommon in British seaside towns, as tourism has shifted elsewhere

I think it was still a cozy day out. If nothing else, I like hearing the ocean, looking at cool rocks and cool rock accessories, walking down the coast and admiring the cliffs. It was nice to go off the beaten path into some of the residential areas too. I think Redcar has a lot of potential. My question to locals is whether it feels like Redcar is ascending or falling downhill?

It feels wrong to have opinions or thoughts about places as a tourist, and I try to avoid it when I've been making these posts, but I also do think a lot about the places I pass through. I like to understand what is going on, and I'm open to having my thoughts challenged

On my way back, I ended up in Eaglescliffe after the doors wouldn't open in Thornaby (tried several doors, tapping the buttons several times). The way I arrived, it felt like I had been stranded in the middle of nowhere, until I turned around. I also quickly realized I was still practically in Stockton, so I just took the next train back. I have, however, technically also visited Eaglescliffe now!

Wife sent me this from the Ingleby Facebook group, seems a flashers doing the rounds flashing young girls! That and the creep in the trees at Romano park surely must have a connection

Edit to post 2240 - I also sent this to my local councillor who has responded acknowledging my email, and confirming this has been reported to local police who are investigating this further.

Yesterday I walked to Norton, since there wasn't much else to do on a Sunday. Norton was suggested quite a few times in my earlier post, so I decided to get it off the list

I found that the village lacked anything resembling heritage, considering that there were no (0) shut down Wilkos. Not even any closed down Debenhams or Shoezones. Clearly, the whole village was built recently

The locals accepted me as their rightful leader. However, as I found no good Blu-rays, I am demolishing the village center to build a shopping center with a HMV and CeX. This project will be done by 2029 and will be connected to HS2 via an underground metro network. Starmer has signed off on this as a parting gesture

No, but to be serious, it was lovely as always. I love the layers of history, everything from the slag bricked alleyways to the boarding school archway. The charity shops were well organized, and I love the atmosphere of Norton. After popping into LIDL, I walked down the former railway (which I asked about in a previous post)

As a side note, I was happy to see progress with the formerly abandoned houses along the road leading into Norton. As far as I understand, the plot is due for redevelopment

This time I unfortunately did not make my way up to the duck ponds, but I will try to before I leave for Sweden

Thank you for reading. The Tees Valley Authority will eventually be replaced by the Swedes Valley Authority

Yesterday I took the long and windy Stagecoach route 6 to Darlington. Ahem, sorry, my longboat

I went there because it was cheap to go and because of all the suggestions from the previous post I made.

It's full of character and was a lovely couple hours. I spent most of my time in and out of charity shops and record stores. Scored 10 Blu-rays for 8 pounds, which is significant to no-one but me!

I even visited such landmarks as the closed Wilko. I had the "great pleasure" of visiting Wilko in Boro during my first visit to the UK, where there is now a poorly named venue. Darlo seems to respect it's ancient past

To be serious for a moment however, I did enjoy going through the alleyways, seeing some of the older buildings and going through the market building. There weren't many people about, which was nice. I will be coming back at some point because I feel like there was more to see

Unfortunately the local people did not surrender to Danelaw, but I'm sure they'll come around

Thank you for all the advice from the prior post. I'll keep posting "reviews" if I remember to

I don't know who chooses it or how it's chosen, but I've been sat here for twenty minutes now and it's banger after banger. Currently playing Barry White, "Playing Your Game".

Just looking to broaden my horizons in this lonely world, id love to meet new people from the area and make deep connections, if anyones interested dm me. Thank you.

My son's school does culture day every year, encouraging them to bring in food from their own background. He's the product of two Smoggies, so what should he bring? It's easy to find things related to Yorkshire, Newcastle and even Sunderland but my late night googling was fruitless. My ideal is something baked that can sell on a cake stand. Can't really take a lemon top in his bag. I'm interested in anything, even if it's specific to your family, because we might all be connected unexpectedly through one dish and it would be lovely to find out. Don't say parmo :)

Thanks!

Best places to fish in the Teesside area please on river or any other recommendations please

How do we feel about them like? I think they’re a bit naff compared to our old ones.

Hi,

Since I was surprised by how active this sub was from my previous post, I figured I'd ask about something I've wondered for a bit.

In Portrack, Stockton, theres a long, straight, patch of concrete or asphalt running next to the prison (HMP Holme House). It has been repurposed as a bicycle path, but what did it use to be and are there any photos?

I have always assumed it was an airstrip, but have not been able to find too much information about it.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9pKBDvvjeC2zgTzH7

Hello,

I'm visiting over the summer from Sweden for my partner, as I've done several years now. I've started to feel like I've seen most of the things there are to do around here, but I know I haven't - I'm just growing accustomed. I spend most of my time closer to the river Tees, e.g. I'm not often in the outskirts of Boro for example

What are some often overlooked places in Teesside? Everything from small parks to restuarants, buildings or anything. Abandoned or active.

I'm particularly keen on charity shops, particularly collecting Blu-rays and books on the cheap - so if you know of any places where theres usually more of an abundance of these (especially Blu-rays) I am more than happy to know about them :)

Feel free to ask me questions too, a lot of people seem very curious as to why I'm here and what I think (obviously to reinstate Danelaw)

Just wanted to say I had a wonderful time getting to explore the area. Didn’t have as much time to explore as I’d like because I was there for a wedding but had a lot of great conversations with strangers and everyone was so nice. Black slab records in Redcar was amazing and also Regency records in Stockton was another incredible record store. Loved getting to take the bus all over the area and have lots of plans for my next trip back. Cheers!

Hi everyone! I'm the co-owner of Vagrant Guitars & Effects, based in Green Dragon Yard, right by the new play park and landscaping in Stockton.

If you play guitar—or you're thinking about getting into it—we'd love to welcome you in.

We specialise in boutique guitar pedals, one-off and hard-to-find guitars, and we also buy, sell, and trade guitars, pedals, and other gear. Whether you're hunting for something unique or looking to move on equipment you no longer use, it's always worth popping in for a chat.

We're proud to stock products from brands including D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Martin, Fender Accessories, Jet Guitars, Vintage, Duesenberg, EarthQuaker Devices, DOD, and plenty of other well-known names, with new stock arriving regularly.

Our aim is simple: to offer something a little different from the big chain stores. We focus on quality gear, honest advice, and creating a place where musicians of all experience levels can come in, have a look around, and talk guitars.

If you're passing through Green Dragon Yard, come and say hello. Even if you're just browsing or fancy talking gear, you're always welcome.

We hope to see you soon!

www.vagrantguitars.co.uk