New neighbours

Thank you for all your different responses.

We have only moved about 8 miles,but we were pretty isolated before and we knew all our neighbours and trusted them because in times of flood or iced roads we depended on each other.

Here it is slightly more "suburban" although I am sure many of you would regard it as very rural indeed!

There are 3 bungalows on the original large field and we are the middle one - the rest of the field is directly behind us and leads down to a wood and is owned by the right side neighbour. Our septic tank is on that field as he developed these 3 bungalows and originally lived in ours many years ago, so the septic tank was on his own land. We are sheltered from the neighbours on either side by hedges/fences, and the drives/frontages are not visible on either side, so the chances of bumping into them by chance is small.

However, the other day when we were all in the garden, the man next door was in his field behind us and came to the gate there to say hello - he is very nice indeed. I said that I had thought of knocking on the door to introduce ourselves and he said "Oh you should have done."

I like to know that there are good neighbours around me and could not imagine not talking to anyone for decades! That is not to say that I have ever been in a situation where neighbours live in each others' pockets - but always on happy speaking terms.

We had neighbours for over 30 years and used to play badminton over the hedge. When hedge grew we had a "gossiping hole" otherwise had to stand on tree seats to see each other.
When they moved a couple of years ago a young couple moved in with little baby and new born. Her parents (who we already know as he is local v good carpenter/handyman) live up the road so they're in and out next door a lot now. Next door to them another new young couple moved in again with little boy and new baby. Both lovely couples, we look after each other's gardens when on holiday.
When one couple arrived, they were dressed up ready to go to a wedding when DH fell in garden and dislocated his elbow (ouch!). I was still at work then. DH knew he was going to pass out and made his way to front of house and waved at couple getting into car. Later they said they thought we don't have time for a chat now-but they saw DH go down and immediately came round round and got help.
You never know when you need help. . . .

We moved in here five days before Christmas after leaving a place many miles away with lovely people and we didn't know what to expect especially as our removal van with two elderly chaps couldn't get up the hill and my son and three large grandsons had to carry the stuff up. What a performance - it must have been an entertainment to watch.
Gradually over the next few days Christmas cards from the neighbours dropped through the door, welcoming us to the village, sorry for us probably. We put some through their doors and began our friendly lives with these nice neighbours and now, years later, still friends with all of them. Perhaps it was that special time of year or they were sorry for our unfortunate start.
Since then we've been with them through weddings, funerals and marital breakups and all the other things that happen in any community. You have to give friendship in order to get it back.