Mum (below left) and Dad (above centre) Eastenders  enjoying a day out at Eastbourne with friends and family before World War ll broke out.

 It's  VE Day 2025 and had my parents been alive they would have been overjoyed to find London so celebratory. The Royal Balcony entourage would have made them proud to be who they were - survivors of a war that parted them for five years but eventually brought May and Bill Skeels through the conflict with flying colours. Dad joined the navy in 1939 and Mum began work at London's Food Office. They both saw a lot of action - more in five years than in 50! Britain fought off her enemies with 'ordinary' chaps like my dad who earned himself high honours and distinguished mention in despatches while on tour with HMS Sheffield and Mum survived a terrifying ordeal throughout the Blitz. Then they were plunged onto Civvy Street - a different world, a post apocalyptic world. But they used the same strengths in their marriage as they had done whilst apart and created a successful business between them. So today amidst all the splendour of a Royal Occasion, I salute two 'ordinary' people who turned out to be extra-ordinary. Sending all my love and thanks, Mum and Dad. XX