One of the pleasures of getting older is casual acquaintances; it just took me an hour getting back from the shops - a 5 minute walk away - due to stopping and chatting with 7 neighbours!
London is like a collection of villages. Remember - I've lived in my house for almost 45 years. You get to meet a lot of people over that time; only superficial "good morning" chats, a smile and a nod.
The lady walking her dog who was a bit lame (10 minutes of stroking and gossip); the porter from flats opposite about the health of another porter; friend who works in a bank...
When I suddenly became the focus of media and police attention 10 years ago, they were fantastic. So supportive and kind and concerned; several wrote to me inside; nothing but friendly attention.
The only newsworthy negative when I was released 6 years ago turned out to be a banner created, composed, filmed (and later collected and removed) by a TV station.

never really thought it would happen and then suddenly it has.

The best thing is not really giving a flying f**k about most things...not that I ever did but being in the final lap it doesn't seem to matter anymore.

as for neighbours..I still avoid them like the plague but I'm fond of the Chinese couple down stairs who don't speak English and giggle evertime I see them.

What did the banner say ??

Here you go Veritas

www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-1754...n-king-walks-free.do

I remember seeing that banner on the evening news. I've been tempted to ask you here if you 'still' had trouble from them but thought it might be a bit too personal.

Why do the press like the phrase 'convicted paedophile' so much? You never hear them say 'convicted mugger', or even 'convicted rapist' or 'convicted murderer'.

Not only no trouble but the manager, who didn't recognize me when I went shopping a few days later, told me the TV company had created the banner, given it to them to hold up, and collected it after use.