Little bit of community spirit a pretty cool thing

The idea of ice cream vans regaining their popularity grabbed me by the heart strings, or possibly arteries, and gave me a feeling as warm as an August afternoon. Some BBC business analysis came at the perfect moment to grab my attention. I have an ice cream stain on my shirt right now, although it came from a chocolate lolly thing from a supermarket, not a van.

By coincidence, it’s only a few days since the arrival of a van near my house sent me and my children running delightedly into the street, like the opening moments of a 1970s road safety message.

We survived the crossing, pooled our cash in amusement at having to use cash, and left with cones and smiles. I had pralines and cream.

Dietary restrictions mean I’m not supposed to eat it, but I love ice cream.

It’s more than just nostalgia, although that’s some of it, especially in the rain.

Ice cream is the perfect food to make you feel good: cream, sugar and a bit of creativity, all served cold and summery.

That news analysis didn’t convince me that ice cream vans are making a comeback, but did show there are entrepreneurs full of vim and ideas, ready to get touring with frozen sunshine in a cone.

I’ll buy it. I live in a modern, frankly boring place where there’s not much more than houses. Various booms created such tidy estates across the developed world and, while I’m happy my kids have a safe place to grow up, I wish there was a bit more going on.

A single ice cream van was enough to get me excited. I blurted out – in person and on social media – invitations to return, thinking of how vibrant communities can be, with the right attractions and a bit of life.

And then I realised people bring the life, and nobody can make a change for you. So I’ve started saying hello to the neighbours a bit more, and meeting my step goal around the nearby streets.

Community starts at home. Ice cream just makes it better.