Hello everyone
Strickies is now in full Christmas-display mode. Ali has created some beautiful round decorations to show off our baubles, and the fairy lights make the view down the shop feel truly magical. We have gifts, candles, decorations, toys, books and games galore, and we’ve just received our bespoke and delicious jams, chutneys and marmalade — perfect for hampers. You’ll also find local gin, beers, biscuits and chocolates, all made here in Yorkshire.
The Gift Department is full of lovely products. We buy as much as we can from the UK and Europe - there are so many talented companies producing unusual and beautifully designed products and it is so important we keep them all in business. Our scallop shells from Aislaby, Grandma Wilde, biscuits and cakes made in Keigthley, Coffee from Rounton, St. Eval’s Bay Rosemary from Cornwall, Arran Aromatics from Arran, charity cards and Christmas cards from all over the UK, some with special British humour, chocolates and sweeties, candles and diffusers.
We market our hampers as “Made in Yorkshire” — and here’s why:
The story goes that Cleveland County was originally sold to the Town Council as a new county with a city at its heart. It was intended to be an exciting new University City built on steel, ICI, and a mix of existing and incoming industries. Both the Parish Council and the people of Yarm agreed to join the new county of Cleveland. Unfortunately, the dream was never fully realised and, when the idea collapsed, Yarm ended up under Stockton’s control. As I understand it, Yarm is officially in the North Riding of Yorkshire — and this can only be changed by an Act of Parliament. So we proudly use “Yorkshire” in our marketing, and we simply wish we were still officially Yorkshire as Yarm no longer appears in many books or maps on the County. Enough of my little grouse.
Our bakers are working hard on our famous Christmas cakes, packed with top-quality dried fruits and finished with a splash of brandy. We have various sizes and slices, plus little tasters for you to try. And remember — everything is made in our bakery.
Our much-loved scones now come in six flavours: the classic cheese and fruit are baked daily, and each day of the week has a special extra flavour too. The kitchen team also prepares delicious lunches, along with our famous soups, toasties and other comforting dishes — perfect on cold days. We take pride in making as much as possible in-house, using local ingredients wherever we can. Don’t forget to visit our Designer Makers section as well, where you’ll find wonderful pieces by local artists and artisans.
We’re lucky to have such hardworking and friendly staff, and we do hope you’ll come and see us in Yarm. The Leader of Stockton Council has kindly agreed to offer one hour of free parking from 24th November, so you can pop in for cards, gifts, prescriptions, sandwiches and other small purchases. We hope this helps both you, us and other small local shops. Parking charges on small purchases can make it difficult for people to drop in. We understand the fees help with the upkeep of the High Street and the turnover of spaces, but it’s important that you can visit for those quick, everyday needs. Parking charges for 3 hours will be £1.50 and we hope you will stay longer and enjoy the Town.
I really hope Rachel Reeves will be kind to small businesses in her Budget and help us continue into our 172nd year in Yarm. I remain optimistic, and I want to thank you all for your wonderful support.
As before, you may already be following the other companies are with us in the building with Strickland & Holt. Above our neighbours Boots, we have Mary from Inspire Beauty, Charlotte our resident Psychologist, Sorrel from Affinity Clinics Osteopathy and Rachel from Annileen Florence
Above the shop, we have Alex running the lovely wine bar and Deli, Fourteen Drops and Antonia with her cosy Interiors shop, Cinnamon Bay . Our lift and balcony is nearly there, so we're pushing on to try and get this open as soon as possible - please bear with us!
Warmest wishes
Stephanie (Holt) Richardson
