weather, weather, weather,
Its a good starter because its not personal at all and very few people will disagree with you!
I've moved and this is one of my 'one act play' small talk conversations (note takes place at school gate or in playground so obviuosly directed at people with kids)
"Brrr, it chilly today"
"yes it is isn't it"
"wonder where all that sunshine we had over the bank holiday went"
"oh they're saying that was our summer heatwave"
laughs "great british summer - one week in May"
laugh "oh yes"
"I suppouse I'll have to plan for raincoats and indoor things again this summer holidays, it can be difficult keeping DS amused when the weather is bad"
"oh we do lots of craft"
"Hmm, Ds loves craft but we're in rented accomodation at the moment so I do have to be careful about paint - are there any good soft play places here?"
...... worked up to a 30 minute chat developing into discussion of all sorts of things! However if the person doesn't want to chat/ be friendly they or you can simply stop at around 5 or 6. Its still polite but you don't have to keep going if it turns out you have nothing in common!
For people without kids the weather can lead to... holidays whether in the UK or abroad, gardening (watch your age group) summer weddings/events, what clothing you are wearing (ie you came out in a summer dress and its pouring down), local roads, food (I do enjoy summer salads/winter hot chocolate)
On the other hand you can do what DH does which is to ignore all clues, talk about work and flatly contradict people!