Christmas has always been a time to celebrate coming together with friends, family and neighbours. There is something special about the way the festive season ignites neighbourly connections and community spirit - whether it’s attending a local carol service, enjoying your nearest Christmas market or popping to a neighbour’s house for mulled wine and a mince pie.
With many people cutting back and staying home this year, due to the cost of living crisis, a sense of community will be more important than ever before!
Community spirit shines bright at The Lock at Greenford Quay, with plenty of opportunities to build connections with neighbours across ample communal spaces and within the wider hospitality and leisure offerings right on your doorstep.
This Christmas period, here are our top tips to connect with your local community:
Find events in your local community
The best way to meet neighbours you may not have connected with before is to attend events in your local area. There are so many things going on that there will likely be something to suit your interests and hobbies, helping you to meet people with similar tastes!
This festive season, Greenford Quay will be hosting a Street Food Christmas and Gift Market on 10th December from 11am - 5pm. Come along to listen to Ealing’s steel band and taste delicious dishes from local vendors. Plus, get all your Christmas shopping done with a range of artisan gifting stalls.
With heated chalets to sit back after a busy day of shopping, you’ll be able to chat with neighbours over hot chocolate and get to know the local community better.
Make the most of communal spaces in your neighbourhood
If you’re not feeling brave enough to knock on next-door, you’ll be able to meet neighbours within the communal spaces at The Lock at Greenford Quay.
Between the two towers of The Lock is an innovative sculptural seating area that doubles as a play area for children. Plus, there is a further play area outside of Cobalt House - the perfect place for families in the development to meet. The Lock also offers a gym and flexible co-working space so there are opportunities to interact with neighbours both throughout and at the start and end of the workday.
The Lock team hosts events throughout the year in the co-working space and concierge to bring people across the development together. Over the festive period, it has been the site for a gift-wrapping workshop whilst it will also host a carolling service around the Christmas tree on the 17th December from 11am-4pm.
There is also plenty to explore in the local area when meeting up with and getting to know your new neighbours. Why not join a running club, like the Sudbury Court Running Club, to find likeminded people to explore the beautiful Horsenden Hill with, and take in city views from the top?
Give this Christmas
The Christmas association of coming together, is often linked to the giving aspect of togetherness at this time of year.
Is there anyone in the community who might appreciate some company this festive season? Why not make their Christmas by inviting them over to join in with the festivities. Or, build a new connection by sharing festive bakes with your neighbours.
The festive feeling really is enhanced by the sense of coming together. Help us to make this year truly merry and make the most of all that the Greenford Quay community has to offer, and join our Food Christmas Market on Saturday 10th December.
Find out more about this year’s Christmas market here.