Hundreds of drawings, photographs, poems, writing and artwork which reflect lockdown have been buried in a time capsule in St Paul’s church garden in West Bridgford. It was buried during an all-age service and will be unearthed in 25 years’ time to remind people of what life was like during the pandemic.
From left Penny Carrier, Revd Tim Fox, Chris Belton with the time capsule
The church, on Boundary Road, West Bridgford, has worked with pupils and staff from Jesse Grey School as well as their own congregation and young people, to fill the 18 inch cylinder. It also includes a video diary, a cross, prayers, knitted “cross” squares, a facemask and a photograph of a lateral flow test. Much of the work from Jesse Grey is contained on a memory stick.
More than 30 pupils and parents joined the congregation at the service which was led by vicar of St Paul’s Revd. Tim Fox, Leader of Children, Young Families and Youth Ministry Penny Carrier and member of the congregation Gill Parker.
Penny Carrier said: “The service had aspects of acknowledging that there has been great loss and a lot of sadness. The project has been a chance to reflect on our lockdown stories but also to look to the future with hope.”
“As a church we want to embrace people in the community and work together on projects like this, so we can become a real community hub, collaborating and working together,” she added.
During the service, several people shared their Lockdown stories and the congregation watched videos made by Jesse Grey School and Associate Priest Revd Mary Griffiths. Tim said: “This has been a difficult and important time and we have had a sense that we are living through history. We pray for all of our lockdown stories to be honoured by God. We have been delighted to do this project with Jesse Grey School and I want to thank you all so much for engaging in it.”
The hole for the capsule was dug by church members Ann and John Shepheard, the capsule was buried by Jesse Grey head teacher Chris Belton, and school children were helped to fill in the hole by Revd Mary Griffiths – one of the oldest members of the church.
Penny had the idea for the project whilst watching a film where a time capsule was buried. “I just thought what a great thing to do, especially at this time of the pandemic,” she said.
Revd Mary Griffiths filling in the hole