A SCHOOL in the Czech Republic has been named after a veteran Canvey doctor.
Dr Karel Machacek, who worked at the Grafton Road Surgery for more than 30 years, was honoured in his home village of Vlkoš, a decade afte his death.
The Doctor Karel Machacek Primary School was officially opened by his grandson during a ceremony last week, two days before what would have been his 100th birthday.
Back in 2003, Mr Machacek received a knighthood from the Czech Republic and was made a Knight of Medicine in recognition of his work in the country during the Second World War.
Grandson Anton Machacek, 41, from Rayleigh, said he is proud of his grandfather's legacy.
He said: "He was such a great man and grandfather to me.
“The idea that a school has been named after my grandfather is absolutely wonderful.
“What I remember about my grandfather is his strong values about community life and work.
“I know that his values will be carried and kept alive by the school.
“The ceremony was lovely, there was music there was a big swing band, and we had speeches from the staff and children of the school.
“My grandfather would have loved all this, he was very fond of his community and where he grew up.”
Mr Machacek grew up in Vlkoš, and he attended school in the village as a young boy.
He moved to England in 1939 and worked as a GP for a time in Sheffield, before moving to Essex.
He practised at the Grafton Road Surgery, now in Long Road, Canvey from 1951 until his retirement in 1982.
The doctor was highly regarded by Canvey residents for his excellent relationships with patients and his role during the Canvey floods of 1953.
Mr Machacek would have turned 100 on Thursday. During the opening ceremony, his family presented the school with gifts from Essex, including a bronze sculpture of a dove, as a sign of European solidarity and peace.
Mr Machacek died in July 2005, aged 89.
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