As the New Year starts, calendars are renewed, resolutions are made and reality sets back in.  During this time people tend to look forward to the year ahead, however I have decided to reflect on the year just passed.   

2016 was a year that brought joy and sadness to the nation.  Political votes split countries and celebrity deaths caused drastic shock, not to mention the amazing success Great Britain had at the 2016 Olympic Games hosted in Rio De Janeiro.

2016 didn’t get off to the best start as we tragically saw the loss of two 69 year old stars, David Bowie and Alan Rickman.  As well as this, January saw the heart breaking death of the face of Children In Need, Sir Terry Wogan.

As winter turned to spring, the world famous pop star Prince died at the age of just 57 in April.

June was a much anticipated month in the UK as the decision on whether to leave or remain in the EU was made on the 23rd.  The results came in and the leave side triumphed with 52% of votes.  If this news was a shock, so was the tragic passing of boxing superstar, Muhammed Ali.

Great Britain triumphed at the Olympics in August, earning a staggering 67 medals.  They exceeded their London 2012 tally of 65 medals, becoming the first nation to earn more medals at the Olympics immediately following one that it had hosted.

On November 8th 2016 the news turned to America to await the winner of the election.  The Republican Donald Trump defeated Democrat Hilary Clinton after gaining key states such as Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

As the New Year was just days away, singer and former band member George Michael sadly died aged 53.  Carrie Fisher, famous for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, died in hospital aged 60 and just a day after, her mother, Debbie Reynolds also passed away.

2016 will be a year that is never forgotten, what will make 2017 one to remember?

Libby Cheeseman, Langley Park School For Girls