Being Neighbourly Seems to Have Died a Death.
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As a young mum I knew my neighbours either side and several others in the street. Ok most didn't work full time back then but when housework was done we would often pop in each other's houses for tea or coffee, natter over back fence taking turns to make the drink. We could borrow the proverbial cup of sugar, mind each other's kids and fetch shopping when needed.
I have lived in my present home for 10 years and the first Xmas here i bought a tub of chocs and card for 3 neighbours (6 in total) either side. Expected nothing back as it was a random gesture, but even 10 years on I only know 3 by name, have never set foot in their houses and the most chat is a nod and mumbled hello if we happen to be outside at the same time. Garden fences are now 6' rather than 3' and I may as well live in the middle of a field.
It is sad isn't it. My mum was the same when I was little. She knew all the neighbours. They put on their own firework display together each year. They bought eachother presents and went round for tea. Where I live now I know two of my neighbours well but we've never been to eachothers houses or anything. Although I think village life can still be quite friendly.
Yes it is sad Tash, I am by no means infirm or doddery, still work full time, but I do feel that if I ever needed help of any kind I would feel like a nuisance to ask. I love kids and work with kids in care so am CRB checked and all that so would be a handy neighbour to get to know for babysitting, cake making etc. I love baking but don't see the point just for myself. I am not pushy and if people reject my overtures of friendship and invites for a coffee I let it go. Still I am very lucky to have two loving sons, wonderful daughters in law and 3 lovely grandchildren so I consider my self blessed as we get together often.
deepcore not 100% sure I have a feeling may be 2. Starting new job with the kids soon so will see what they request. Oh yes, I have always had an open door come share with me policy but as has been said people are more insular these days 
Yes, it takes time and effort to physically make contact and to share with neighbours, colleagues etc. So much easier to communicate via social media where no effort is required. People are losing the ability to make physical contact with anyone other than close family.
haha this is so true. Last year I said Merry Christmas to my neighbour while she was leaving her door and Iwas entering...He just said "thank you"...... So even if i try to be nice maybe everyone is suspicious nowadays?
To get a good community spirit going can take a bit of effort. Try inviting the neighbours around to a 'pot luck' party (where everyone brings a dish and a bottle - it can be whatever they like). Give them at least two weeks notice....and a reminder! Then get the neighbour you are most friendly with to organise the next one, and so on.
People these days are a bit lazy (and a little scared of parties costing too much). Getting everyone to chip in, ensures a fun time, at low cost.
I'd suggest you say 'sorry no kids' as they distract Mum & Dad from having a good time and from talking to other people.
All it takes is an organiser!
Had a party every year for first 4 years but only 1 neighbour came once, work colleagues and family made up the numbers. Gave up!
lynnibis I bet it wasn't a pot luck. It's really important to take the 'work' and 'cost' out of the party, and make it really easy for the next host to do exactly the same. Get paper plates and plastic cups from Poundland....Ask the people you're inviting if you can borrow a chair or two...get them involved...explain why you're doing it..."we don't know each other - that's nuts!"
Johnny August bank holiday so we could use garden too. I think I have exhausted my goodwill in trying to get my neighbours involved so have given up. My son and his wife have a good set of friends from grandson's school and they socialise a lot, with and without the kids. I must admit that was the friendliest time of my life, with youngsters at school.
I get on really well with a few of my neighbours, just taken a delivery for them next door and she has just popped by to collect and had a cuppa and chat whilst she was here. I know three neighbours really well and we do get together every so often for drinks and nibbles or BBQ in the summer. Its a shame that its not like the older days i do remember my mom knowing the neighbours really well and exchanging Christmas and birthday presents. It does take effort and i havent given up on a few of my neighbours, still send christmas cards and always smile and say hello. During the winter months i try and make sure especially in the snow if the elderly neighbours have supplies and offer to pick things up for them should they need it.
That's good to hear Sarah. I guess geography has a lot to do with it too. Some areas are naturally more friendly. We do take in parcels for each other but when you collect it's almost like 'yeh, here it is, bye' and door shuts! One of the little girls a couple of doors away would always come over when I pulled on the drive and show me a toy, ask where I had been, did I like her dress etc. Now she's a teen she acts as if she doesn't even know me! But I guess that's some teens for you.
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