Gt-grandpa's true story wins history prizeBy Clare Kelly A WOMAN'S story of how her great-grandfather made the news won her a prize in a national competition. Audrey Jones, 71, of Coates Lane, High Wycombe, won a digital camera as a runner-up in the "a small piece of history" competition, organised by The History Channel and English Heritage. She revealed Wilfred Abel Ryder went to prison to protect his child from what he believed to be a dangerous vaccination. After his first two children died following compulsory smallpox vaccinations he refused the vaccination for his third child. He was then arrested and sent to jail. His friends went to London to see their MP, which led to a Parlimentary debate. As a result the law was changed so parents could refuse vaccination. Abel was pardoned and the town band met him as he left the jail. He was then carried shoulder high in a victory parade through Banbury and was presented with an inscribed silver biscuit barrel. Mrs Jones, who still has the barrel, said: "I heard about this story from my grandmother, Abel Ryder's daughter. He was an extrovert who I think would have liked this story to be told about this. "But he was definitely not a fuddy-duddy against progress or change. He was a man who stood up for his beliefs for the sake of his children's lives." The judges said the entry was "a moving story, which has great relevance today". A small piece of history attracted thousands of entries from around the country when it was launched last March. Entrants were given until the end of September to submit their personal stories. 18:33 Wednesday 22nd January 2003
More Stories By This Author |
Printer Friendly
Format
Send This Page To
A Friend
