New year message: 2020 was a singular year, and it took one of our own

Ringing in the new year is a cause for celebration, for spending time with friends and family though we might not be able to do that as we used to, and for looking back.

Nobody could have predicted 2020 to be the year that it has turned out to be.

It began with hopes of a renaissance of the roaring 20s, of optimistic experimentation and of a new decade heralding change.

What we did not expect was that that global change was going to be enforced by a global pandemic.

READ MORE: Take a walk on the art side around Muswell Hill and East Finchley

For many, this year was like living in limbo and our lives have seen drastic and far-reaching changes.

Despite this, our community and traders continued to support us and each other in our pursuit of solutions for social distancing living and working.

The Covid period has given many of us a pause for thought: It is hard to know where to start, and how to adjust.

Offering support and information to our traders and residents in these challenging times was essential, and Haringey Council officers Ian Cruise and Keith Trotter have been amazing.

Muswell Hill residents provided a wide range of support to each other during lockdown, going above and beyond.

We raised each other’s morale through humour, creativity and acts of kindness and solidarity.

Peter Thompson kept us all entertained during lockdown with his competitions for children of all ages while Carmen Harris kept large stock of sweets in front of her house for passers-by.

We shopped for our neighbours who self-isolated, sang on our doorsteps, baked and cheered each other on. We were more creative than ever this year!

At the fish and chip shop's reopening, George Georgiou's son Christopher (left), his wife Giga (centre) and his brother Costas hold up a photo of the Toff's owner which will be hung inside the restaurant in his memory. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Polly Hancock)

Coronavirus took one of our own, our dear George Georgiou of Toff’s. He loved this time of the year. Managing our fundraiser and securing a Christmas tree this year was done with George in my heart, and I like to think he was with me on the square during virtual lighting ceremony.

As glasses are raised and fireworks explode into the sky, it’s important to recognize the special symbolism this holiday brings with it.

New beginnings and fresh starts also bring a time of reflection. Whether your resolutions consist of keeping your hands out of the biscuit jar or committing to relationships with loved ones, it can take work.

Arm yourself with hope, determination and love. Onwards, see you on the other side!

• Deanna Bogdanovic represents Muswell Business.