This Is Tees Valley - Issue 3 | Page 43

LIFESTYLE

Adopted Teessiders on why they made the Tees region their home

Thinking of relocating to the Tees Valley ? Read the views of four people who came here from far and wide – and have stayed to make it their home .

Bernie Slaven

Former professional footballer From : Glasgow Lives : Ingleby Greenhow

I came here in 1985 to sign for Middlesbrough and I ’ m forever grateful to the area and everyone involved for giving me that opportunity . I knew nothing about the place and knew no one here , so I took time to settle but I grew to love the place .

As a working class lad , the thing about Teesside that I love is the people . They are tough , grounded grafters who roll their sleeves up , they ’ ve got character .

I used to despise the way the national TV cameras would focus on the local smog and industry because the countryside and coastland around us is magnificent , stunning . I ’ ve been here nearly 40 years now and I can ’ t see myself ever leaving .

Yasmin Khan

Founder / director of Middlesbrough-based charity , the Halo Project

From : London Lives : Acklam , Middlesbrough

I was born in London , which provided great opportunities to work and live in a fast-paced city which had everything you could ever want - except space .

Moving to Teesside presented me with a great sense of repurposing what was important and what I thought at the time were limited opportunities in a small town . The commercial sectors I worked in weren ’ t available but so much more was available .

All who visit me from outside the area see the Teesside I have made my home . I relish the chance of being among the beauty of the beaches and green landscapes . I really enjoy the space we have here - not just the physical space but the time we have to travel from work and back to enjoy evenings at home .

I don ’ t promote Teesside enough but my visitors see how connected we all are and the spirit of local businesses , the customer service and how , compared to London , services here do work , calls do get answered and progress over the years in our transport infrastructure and leisure facilities is evident .

The great thing is they spread the word of Teessiders and Teesside , they tell their friends and families of a place not too far away that has all that you need for a prosperous , healthy future and where available work and industry innovation is happening .

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