Memories of her Czech step-father and VE day celebrations

By John Cheves

The photographs below were kindly given to us to share by Estelle Simmonds in Newhaven. She brought in images of her step-father Tibor Parkany, who had been a soldier in the Czech Army in the 1930's before escaping to Britain, where he met Estelle's mother. Her mother renamed him Trevor, and with his experience as a chemist, he joined the British Army as a dispenser. Tibor spoke six languages and before it was invaded, he would enjoy taking trips to France, from where he would bring home gifts of perfume and chocolate.