Muswell Hill celebrates its unsung heroes

Jon King

Published: 8:08 AM June 29, 2017 Updated: 1:53 PM October 14, 2020

Local Gems march with the North London Brass band, Catherine West MP and MidSummer Muswell organisers Mel Pretorius and Peter Thompson. Picture: Ali Schilling - Credit: Archant

A community has saluted its unsung heroes in a special awards ceremony.

Local Gems winners with Catherine West MP and MidSummer Muswell organisers Mel Pretorius and Peter Thompson. Picture: Ali Schilling - Credit: Archant

Five winners were hailed “Local Gems” in Saturday’s Midsummer Muswell celebration.

After marching from Fortis Green Road to St James Square the winners were presented with trophies by actor Nitin Ganatra who played Masood Ahmed in Eastenders.

The “Gems” this year are: chair of the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green association John Hajdu; Big Issue seller Rose Fu and her partner Jon Gregg; Muswell Hill Methodist Church’s guitar-playing grannie Gill Simpson and Ben Wilson who turns chewing gum stuck on pavements into works of art.

The Clissold Arms’ George Karageorgis was recognised with a posthumous award.

Midsummer Muswell organiser Mel Pretorius (L) with winners Rose Fu, Jon Gregg and Gill Simpson from Muswell Hill Methodist Church standing next to Hornsey and Wood Green MP Catherine West. Picture: Ali Schilling - Credit: Archant

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Winner Gill Simpson said: “Thank you so much for the opportunity to take part. This is probably the first and last time I’m involved in a parade with a marching band!”