When I decided to move down to London, my family and friends, all staunch Northerners, were worried that I’d struggle to settle in such a vast city. Besides, they told me, Londoners aren’t exactly friendly.
I’ve heard it many times. Never speak unless you’re spoken to. Never make eye contact with anyone on the Tube. Don’t answer your front door after dark. It might be warmer down South, only not when it comes to people’s temperaments.
But I think everyone, including me, was wrong.
This week, the residents of my apartment block have all got together to create a communal area painting. They decided that lock-down has left us far too isolated, and that this is a way we can all feel more a part of the community.
Organizers posted fliers a few days before; the landlords weren’t interested in funding a communal area painting but agreed that if we raised the funds we could create the mural. In our large entrance area, where many people collect their post, there’s now a beautiful mural.
In order to create the communal area painting we had to stick to social distancing rules, wear masks, and stay in our assigned area. We all got the chance to paint a part of the mural, to put our stamp on it. A few people declined to get involved but overall, over fifty people took part.
These days, with all our divisions, distancing and lock-downs, it needed nothing more than a communal area painting by communal painters and decorators to make us all feel that little bit more connected again.
How Painting a Mural in My London Apartment Block Created a Sense of Community
Moving to London from the North of England was a big change for me, and I was nervous about fitting in. My family and friends warned me that Londoners were unfriendly, but I soon discovered that this was not the case.
Recently, the residents in my apartment block came together to create a communal area painting. The idea was born out of a desire to combat the isolation and loneliness that many people have felt during lockdown. The organizers distributed flyers a few days before, and despite some initial hesitation, over fifty people participated in the project.
To create the mural, we had to follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks, and stay within our assigned area. Despite these challenges, everyone got the opportunity to paint a part of the mural and leave their mark.
The project was not funded by the landlords, but they agreed to allow us to create the mural if we raised the funds ourselves. In the end, we were able to come together and create a beautiful piece of artwork in the entrance area of our building.
The communal area painting has had a positive impact on the community, bringing people together during a time of division and separation. It is a reminder that even in the midst of a pandemic, we can still come together and create something beautiful.
In conclusion, contrary to popular belief, Londoners are not unfriendly. This project has shown me that there are many kind and caring people in this city who are willing to come together to make a difference. I am grateful to have been a part of this project and look forward to seeing what else we can achieve as a community.
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