Play your part in history

PUBLISHED: 08:01 19 May 2014 | UPDATED: 08:01 19 May 2014

At the top of the Road of Remembrance, Folkestone

Archant

The people of Folkestone are being invited to stake their claim to a place in history by contributing to a time capsule being organised by the Step Short educational charity

The time capsule will be buried close to the commemorative arch being unveiled in the presence of HRH Prince Harry on 4 August, 100 years on from the start of the First World War.

The plan is that the capsule will stay hidden for the next 100 years before being opened in 2114.What it will reveal when that happens is down to the people of Folkestone to decide.

Organiser Ann Berry from Step Short has written to 24 local schools inviting them to put forward items for inclusion, but other groups or individuals can also contribute.

Song lyrics, photographs, diary entries, poems, event programmes and stories about life in 2014 would all tell the people of 2114 a great deal about the world we live in today.

Small artefacts such as toys, key rings, jewellery and other items could also be placed in the time capsule, but the items must be wrapped carefully so that they do not deteriorate over the next century. They should also be clean and in good condition.

“We want everyone to get involved in submitting items and material for the time capsule,” said Ann. “Any written material needs to be no bigger than A4 and the other items should be small but interesting.”

The deadline for items to be submitted is Saturday 7 June. They should be sent to Ann at 35, Birkdale Drive, Folkestone CT19 5LP – or telephone 01303 278644 for more information.

The are lots of internet links about how to present and wrap material so that it will still look at its best in 100 years. One of the best places to look is the British Library site at www.bl.uk/blpac