In days gone by people had little choice in where they would live or what kind of residence they would occupy. Very often accommodation went with a job. Some, like farm workers, were put into a tithe cottage and had no rent to pay. With the low rate of pay they received they wouldn’t have been able to anyway. The same thing applied to industrial areas where accommodation went with the job. These were mostly terraced, two up and two down with a small yard at the back and the front door opening directly onto the pavement.

Large concerns such as the mines, steelworks or shipyards might have rows and rows of these houses forming complete Communities with their own schools, shops, pubs and clubs. Although they were all small and short of space they still managed to house large families who, as soon as they were old enough, were usually employed by the same company.

For many, the work they did was dangerous and accidents were frequent. That alone was enough to bond the men folk firmly together while the women were left on their own at home. Having to depend on the companionship and help of those in the same circumstances who lived nearby, they often became very close to them.

Wages for all were low but after a hard days work most of them managed to find enough for a visit to the pub and perhaps a regular night out at the Club. These families, like many others all over the country, had very little help from outside their circle of friends and neighbours. They supported each other in every way. Particularly when a wife was confined to her bed during and after childbirth. If no female member of the family was old enough to cope with the household chores, those living around them would attend to the cooking, washing and anything else that needed doing. It was a similar pattern for the men. If one of them was ill or injured his mates would be there to dig his allotment, chop the sticks for the fire and help in any way they could.

That has all changed now. Although most of us still have neighbours we now have the NHS, Social Services and many other people to call on if we have a problem. Many look on their neighbours as just being people who live nearby: — That is how it is defined in the dictionary. However, if you look up ‘neighbourly’ it says: – like or becoming a neighbour: – friendly: – social: — So it seems anyone can become a neighbour!

With all the help that is available nowadays we still need friends to talk to and confide in and what could be better than having such a person next door or at least near at hand.

When we start to consider the cost and liability of buying a home wouldn’t it be wise to give some attention to who will be living close by. Do they have children? What are their ages? How many pets do they keep in the house or garden? This is probably not possible on new estates but is quite feasible if it is an older dwelling and you meet the vendor when you view the property. Having these facts before you purchase is even more essential if it is a terraced or semi-detached residence. When you have moved in it might be too late to do anything about it and even if you are able to move again it can turn out to be both a costly and traumatic exercise.

Everyone needs good neighbours. Not so they can pop in for a cup of sugar or an egg when they run out but so they can call round for a chat and perhaps a cup of tea or coffee. Those who have such friends and companions know the value of having someone you can call on or who can call on you at any time for help and advice or just to listen to or discuss your concerns.

Neighbours and friends don’t have to live next door but it is an added bonus if they happen to. No matter where they reside the essential thing is that they are there when you want them.

valley lad – [SIXTYSEVEN]