By Christine Swan

2023 was generally an awful year. Grief is crushing and overwhelming. There have been times when I have stumbled but have been lifted up and given support by so many people, some of whom I hadn’t really known previously. I am very grateful to all of them. Life, like the show, must go on. Somebody said to me that we have to make the best of what we have, and they were right. The one true fact about death is that it makes you appreciate life more.

I’ve packed a lot into 2023. I’ve done some things that I really wanted to do. I have discovered a great deal about many of my ancestors. I have visited the streets where they lived and even stood on a stage where one had performed. I’ve cried over loss, celebrated their successes and feel that I know them, and myself, better for it.

Below are some memories of my favourite days. I hope that 2024 brings everyone some happiness. No matter how grey the skies, the sun always comes out eventually. So here’s a toast to friendship good times that lay ahead.

January – fragrant blue hyacinths, one of my favourite flowers

February – a visit to Old Clerkenwell

March – the starting point of this blog which were some handwritten notes from my grandfather

April – a visit to the historic Flower Pot Inn, Brick Lane

May – a visit to Dennis Severs’ House and the exhibition of Simon Pettit’s wonderful ceramics

June – a pyramidal orchid seen on my way to work along the Worcester to Birmingham canal

July – another companion on my walk in to work

August – Time to relax in beautiful St Tropez

September – a trip to Amsterdam

October – another visit to Dennis Severs’ House for the moving tale of Simon’s Story

November – autumn sunshine in Hyde Park in London to watch Rebecca

December – Worcester Guildhall dressed for Christmas

A very Happy New Year to all!