Black Country Bugle

History repeats itself as Tom takes inspiratio­n from his ancestors

Tom follows in footsteps of forebears he has only recently discovered

- By GAVIN JONES gjones@blackcount­rybugle.co.uk

LOCKDOWN may have been an almighty inconvenie­nce, but we’re nothing if not a resourcefu­l bunch in this neck of the woods, and many of us seized this unforeseen opportunit­y to do something we wouldn’t have got around to in more normal times.

Challenge

Thomas Price certainly did – in March 2020 he realised that he had the perfect chance to begin researchin­g his family tree, and his discoverie­s have led him to taking on a challenge he had never thought of beforehand.

Thomas, born and raised in Halesowen, told us, “During lockdown I started researchin­g my family tree and descovered that my three-times great-grandfathe­r

Joseph Price establishe­d a nail works in 1875, which was later called Joseph Price and Sons, of Halesowen.

“The company is still going today, and owned by the Price family – these days it is called B.B. Price.”

Thomas contacted his lost relatives, and what they told him became the inspiratio­n for a new venture.

“I learned that Joseph Price had employed wounded Great War soldiers at his factory, at a time when many were being turned away from work on their return from the front.

“His story of helping those in need has been an inspiratio­n for me and my family. So this year I’m taking on the Yorkshire 3 Peak Challenge for Combat Stress.

“The total raised so far is £650, and the family business kindly sponsored me to the tune of £265.”

Of course, Thomas would dearly love to increase his total, so if you’d like to read more about his efforts and perhaps make a donation, type Combat Stress Leaderboar­d 2022 into a search engine, then search under Individual­s.

“I’m currently ranked 56,” says Thomas. “If you click on the photo of me, Thomas Price, you can donate from there. Thank you so much.”

 ?? ?? Joseph Price began his business in a forge at the back of his family home
Joseph Price began his business in a forge at the back of his family home
 ?? ?? Thomas’s ancestor Joseph Price, who establishe­d a nail works in 1875
Thomas’s ancestor Joseph Price, who establishe­d a nail works in 1875
 ?? ?? Thomas Price at the grave of his ancestors
Thomas Price at the grave of his ancestors

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom