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

Deanna Bogdanovic, Muswell Business
Deanna Bogdanovic, Muswell Business. - Credit: Deanna Bogdanovic
This year has been singular, a time of extremes.
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
You may also want to watch:
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.
Most Read
- 1 Camden residents offered symptom-free Covid testing
- 2 Women attacked by wrench-wielding man in Hampstead
- 3 Haverstock Hill cycle lanes order scrapped by Camden Council
- 4 Buyers claim luxury flats are 'nightmare' construction site
- 5 South Hampstead neighbours mourn tree felled by Storm Christoph
- 6 Crouch End's 'Paul the Paper' bids farewell to Broadway stall
- 7 'Big victory,' says man behind Haverstock Hill cycle lanes legal challenge
- 8 Every single critical care bed full at hospitals
- 9 Plans for council homes to replace Highgate car wash
- 10 Westminster Council shelves Paddington Rec cycling plans
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!
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.