Do you know the folks next door? In a survey carried out by Centra to mark the launch of Street Feast 2013, less than half of those surveyed, just 47%, said they “knew their neighbours to say hello to but that was it”. Remarkably almost a quarter of people said they didn’t know their neighbours at all.
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From the results of this latest survey, it seems that we really do need to get out and show a bit of community spirit. When asked when the last time they had spoken to their neighbours – 30% said they hadn’t spoken to their neighbours in the past six months, with 8% saying they had never spoken to their neighbours at all. 64% of people said they wouldn’t bother to go and welcome a new neighbour into their neighbourhood, though almost the same percentage of people (62%) said that they would like to be welcomed if they moved into a new area. A staggering 72% of people said they have no involvement in their local residents association or group. When it comes to what celebrity neighbours they would like to live beside, Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman are clearly the nations favourite claiming 34% of the poll – with Bono surprisingly one of the lesser chosen favourites at just 7%.
Lonesome Bono? No one wants to be his neighbour…
Back in 2010 Street Feast was started by a group of volunteers who were passionate about bringing people together through food, to rediscover neighbourliness as the launch pad for lasting improvements within communities. Almost 200 Street Feasts have been held across the country to date and this year Street Feast, with a lending hand from Centra, are planning to substantially increase the number of events held on Sunday 23rd June. Organisers say there are lots of good reasons to have a Street Feast, but it’s really just a great excuse to eat good food, celebrate your local community and meet new people who live in your neighbourhood. It can even be as simple as gathering a few neighbours for a picnic in the area.
Hosting a Street feast couldn’t be easier. People can register their Street Feast online at www.streetfeast.ie or www.centra.ie where you’ll receive a free party pack which will be posted direct to your home. This pack provides a handy guide to help make your feast a success, as well as posters, invitations, balloons, party hats and bunting to get the party started!
