The Close that got closer

When you move to a new area it’s easy to assume that people know each other or that community spirit just wakes up one morning and says’ hi everyone’.

When Kate moved into a Close in Longlevens, having previously lived in Kingsholm where there was a willing and growing community spirit, she made a brave move to step out, take a risk and ask about the community connections where she had just moved into.

Two and a half  years later there is now a thriving Facebook community page for the residents of the Close; 70+ members with new members regularly added as the new-build houses are finished and moved into. 

A dedicated group of neighbours who all have a space to meet and get to know each other ‘virtually’, have gone beyond themselves during the Covid season and people are now not scared to say ‘ hi ‘or ‘how are you?’ as they pass each other on the school run or walking the dog, or give a friendly wave when taking out the bins.

The very simple act of creating an online group has really brought the residents together, uniting the original and new parts of the Close, and opening up a space to communicate with each other. People use it to ask for recommendations for tradesmen, ask to borrow a pint of milk, share the excess crops from their allotments or items from a garage clearance etc. Buts it’s also a place to welcome new neighbours, chat with existing ones and talk about community plans when Covid restrictions are eased.

“People have been so kind to each other and are so keen to create a close community amongst all the neighbours,” says Kate.

Kate’s story gives us that encouragement that people do show kindness towards each other and people want to share more with others when we get to know them better…   But It starts with YOU and me!

The next thing planned is a Christmas advent window where Kate asked for volunteers to decorate their house on a certain day in Dec ( 1st -24th). 

Kate put out the word in the Close and within 24hrs all the days where full! 

A crib scene is being constructed for residents to contribute nativity objects and offerings to the local foodbank, another couple offering refreshments and carols one Christmas evening, and even the local developer decorating the sales office window to join in with the advent scheme and giving some gifts towards the event.

Fenster Advent windows, Some examples for inspiration

Kate Shared,  “I can see lots of lovely things happening in the future for the residents, summer parties on the green, seasonal fun and games like pumpkin trails and Easter egg hunts. 

Everyone will have something to contribute towards making the close a wonderful place to live.  The online group has been a great start to making a real difference and forming the community.”

The GloucesterCan message is definitely echoing in Kate’s Close because Kate and a few others were willing to say “ We Can”.