A TIME capsule preserving the early days of Rugby’s newest neighbourhood has been buried by the community.
Houlton residents and pupils from the development’s St Gabriel’s CofE Academy primary school were joined by Mark Pawsey MP, local historian Malcolm Hancock and staff from master developer Urban&Civic to bury the capsule.
It contains a series of letters from the Residents’ Association, Urban&Civic, Malcolm Hancock, and residents from Houlton, USA, as well as heritage books, Lego houses, housebuilder brochures, a hard hat and a high vis jacket, a calculator and current maps of the site – formerly home to the landmark radio masts.
Children from St Gabriel’s also created a unique wreath representing their vision for the future which was included in the capsule, along with letters, toys and a school uniform.
Pupils from St Gabriel’s CofE Academy primary school contributed items to the capsule.
A USB stick with videos and photos of the site’s key milestones was also included, including the opening of St Gabriel’s, the development’s adventure play park, and the Tuning Fork restaurant.
The capsule, which was buried at Dollman Common next to the pond at the entrance of Houlton, will be opened in 2069 by the Houlton community.
Malcolm Hancock said: “It’s hard to believe that it’s now 12 years since the last four 820ft masts were demolished. The young children from St Gabriel’s School made the day and although none of them remember the masts still standing, some of them may well be around when the capsule is opened in 50 years’ time.
Local historian Malcolm Hancock included a copy of his book The History of Rugby Radio Station.
“The houses at Houlton are not just built on foundations of hardcore and concrete, but also on the history of the site. I was pleased to place a copy of my book The History of Rugby Radio Station into the capsule, thus keeping the history of the site alive for generations to come.”
Mr Pawsey included a letter offering his best wishes to Houlton’s future residents, and a copy of Hansard – the official record of Parliamentary debates – from a dramatic week in Westminster.
He said: “One of the things which is most remarkable about Houlton is how it is not only looking to the future, but also drawing on the history of the site to create a great community spirit.
“I was very pleased to be able to contribute a copy of Hansard from last week, which is particularly relevant for Houlton as I was able to speak about the important work taking place here in delivering new homes during Prime Minister’s Questions.
“I was really pleased the Prime Minister was so positive about what is happening here in Rugby and I hope that this will be an inspiration to the residents of Houlton in 2069.”
Urban&Civic development manager Mike Van Den Berg said: “The event was a great celebration of where we’ve got to on our 15 year journey to creating Houlton.
“There is a lot to preserve from the site’s past as the world’s most powerful radio station right through to how our first families are settling in this new place.
“The time capsule will offer future generations a glimpse at what life is like at Houlton in 2019 and show how the community has flourished over fifty years.”
