Children studying with a home education group run by teacher and Kent Test specialist Sue Ellis have taken part in a time capsule burial at Culmer’s Allotments in Broadstairs.
The burial took place on Thursday 21st May by youngsters aged from 8 to 16 who had held several structured meetings to decide its contents, burial location, container type and the date of its unearthing.
They settled on several items including magazines and newspapers, coins, collectibles, diary entries and more, which they felt represented them as individuals, as a class and also captured modern Thanet from their generational perspective.
As the burial date coincided with class member Jamie’s 10th birthday, they decided as a group to meet again in 10 years, on Jamie’s 20th birthday, to unearth the time capsule and reflect how much they, their lives and the world around them will change in that time.
Jamie said: “I chose a coin because it has my date of birth and I hope it is more valuable in the future and I put a Pokemon (card) to represent me and to hope that someone in the future will be able to benefit from it and find joy in it. It is my birthday and I hope we will all be able to meet together in 10 years and be able to enjoy this again.”
Stan, aged 12, said: “What I brought was a drawing I made. The image includes famous things from this time period and myself, including shows and games people watch and grow up with… I hope to open this at 22 as right now I’m 12.
“Times will change, it’s inevitable and has never not happened. So it will happen, so enjoy life at its worst and best. So enjoy life”
Oliver, 14, added: “The first item I chose is a leaflet about Broadstairs Junior College. The information within the leaflet explains their Catering and Hospitality course. As a child I have always wanted to become a cook/chef and to travel the world.
“I now realise how precious time and experiences matter. I hope to see myself in 10 years as a cook/chef with a happy life.”
Graham Goldwater, Secretary of Culmer’s Allotment, was also at the burial to support the project.
He said: “Culmers Allotments has been growing produce for the people of Broadstairs and St Peters since 1485, burying a time capsule in the area is such an exciting idea. “Imagine what people will discover about us when it’s found many years from now?”
The class is part of a three day a week home education group for children aged 8 – 16 years old, run by Sue.
From September she is hoping that her group will work alongside Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory to learn about conservation and local wildlife. Wednesdays are run from Baypoint Leisure Centre where the children take part in a variety of sports activities and learn to be a good team player. Or they may go to other local areas to do fun activities, such as crabbing, pond dipping, den making or just making their own fun.
Thursdays are run from her studio at home and led by Joey Smithson, a former college lecturer. This practical day covers almost all subjects and really teaches the children about past and present life skills.
Even though the youngsters no longer attend mainstream school, Sue believes that it’s vitally important that they are still socialised and learn the art of great communication, which will set them up for life.
Good experience for these children and young adults, engaging with and understanding nature.