10C, my group is a great source of information with contributions from the local police, council, newspapers.
I've had a lot of help from people I had never met - before lockdown I was in a real jam and needed a hand lifting a very heavy item and getting it upstairs. Three chaps came that day and got it sorted, no charge.
Also warnings about scammers going door to door, rogue tradesmen. Road closures, events, council meetings, planning applications, petitions for and against...
Sadly no juicy gossip about the neighbours - yet - although there is an invitation to the local swingers' club.