A time capsule has been placed underneath the new nave flooring in Malvern Priory.
It contains 77 different items including a letter to the future from the vicar of Malvern, the Revd Rod Corke, the master plan for the development of the Priory, the musical traditions involving the choir, the handbell ringers and the music groups, a copy of the church magazine and many photographs and details of the day-to-day workings of the church.
The nave floor is currently undergoing major building works to make it level. For the last 150 years the aisle to the altar has been flanked by wooden platforms, creating a safety hazard for users and limiting use of the space for community activities. The entire floor has now been excavated and under floor heating installed. The new flooring has been put in place this week effectively burying the time capsule.
The capsule, which is made of stainless steel and is the size of a large vacuum flask, was laid by two of the Priory’s youngest members of the congregation, Iolo and Martha who are both three years old. Together with 92-year-old fellow worshipper, Edwina Hawker, they placed the stainless steel capsule between the joists of the new floor ably assisted by our vicar Rod.
The capsule was masterminded by Philippa Lowe, communications co-ordinator, who was given just two weeks to pull it together. “The idea came from our vicar, but we didn’t have much time because the team working on the floor have been brilliant and have got on so quickly with the work. We’ve highlighted many of our activities and explained how the congregation raised a substantial part of the £350,000 needed. We’ve had lots of social events. Our vicar’s wife Rita raised over £7,000 with a wing walk, members of the congregation took part in a variety show and we held an auction of promises. Everyone pulled together.”
The capsule has a silicone seal which will last for around 100 years. Details of its placement will be recorded in the archives and also in the vestry so that on 10 February in 2124 it will opened. “Who knows,” said Rod “with people living so much longer it may well be Iolo or Martha who open it.”
The plan to level the nave floor has been in the pipeline for many years. If all goes according to plan the Priory will re-open for all its services and events by Easter. Currently the Sunday morning service, which attracts around 250 people, is being held at Malvern College. Other, smaller services still take place in the church.
