Time Capsule buried by local school pupil at Dovecote Gardens in Norwich

A time capsule has been buried by a local primary school pupil at our brand-new flagship development Dovecote Gardens, in Norwich.

Ahead of the burial, we organised a competition for primary school children in the local area, which asked them to draw a picture and write a newspaper report or poem about what they think life will be like in 100 years’ time.

The winning entry was from Chloe Reeve, a pupil at Woodland View Junior School in Spixworth.  Her vision of the future included unlimited food, a robot to help with jobs around the house, floating cars, and no bad weather. But most importantly and hopefully, no war, violence, or pollution.

Chloe had her handprints placed in cement above the time capsule’s location and a commemorative plaque was placed at the site, with instructions to open the time capsule in 100 years.

Heallen Payne, Head of School at Woodland View Junior School in Spixworth, said: “Our pupils were inspired by the theme of the Orbit Homes competition and imaginations really went into overdrive considering what the future may look like in 2122! We are very proud of Chloe's imaginative ideas – and she will now have the opportunity to leave an amazing legacy for pupils at Woodland View.

 “It was such a lovely surprise to discover she had won £500 for the school, and we have started to work through Chloe's list of suggestions for how we spend the donation, which include, a mindfulness area, pets for the classes, a sensory fish tank and allotments for growing fruit.”

Andy Georgiou, Sales and Marketing Director at Orbit Homes, added: “We wanted to encourage local school children to be a part of history at Dovecote Gardens, which is why we launched the time capsule competition in collaboration with our Thriving Communities team. We received over 90 entries, which gave the children a unique opportunity to showcase their vision of what 2122 might hold.

“We are delighted to award Woodland View with £500, for Chloe’s winning entry. We loved Chloe’s imaginative ideas for the future, and we share her hope of no war, violence or pollution in the coming years. The entry was beautifully illustrated using lots of lovely colours – a very deserving winner. Well done!”

Alongside Chloe’s winning entry, other items placed in the time capsule included a smart phone, face mask to represent the coronavirus pandemic, a newspaper covering the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, a site plan of Dovecote Gardens and a press cutting of former local resident Joan Myhill, who was a key figure in establishing the village hall and social club.

We have also paid tribute to Joan Myhill by naming a street ‘Myhill Drive’ at Dovecote Gardens. Joan’s daughter, Jo Ann Wale, attended the burying of the time capsule at the development and had her handprints placed in cement alongside Chloe’s.

Jo Ann commented: “To learn that a road is being named after our mum, Joan Myhill, in recognition of the work, care and love that she put into the village hall and the community of Spixworth, has given my brother and sister and I, a feeling of immense pride and love. We feel very humbled by this and want to also acknowledge our dad, Victor, who was originally one of the founding members of the village hall and social club. Thank you, Orbit Homes.”

Dovecote Gardens is an exciting development of 225 brand-new properties in the village of Old Catton, Norwich. The site will include a collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes, which can be bought at market sale or through the shared ownership scheme, plus one, two and three-bedroom homes which are available through affordable rent.  A collection of two-bedroom apartments will also be on offer and to be purchased through market sale or shared ownership.

To book an appointment to visit the sales office, or to register  interest in the development, visit www.orbithomes.org.uk/dovecote-gardens or email sales.dovecotegardens@orbit.org.uk

Picture caption 1: Chloe and Jo Ann’s handprints placed in cement above the time capsule’s location.

Picture caption 2: (L-R) Kate Reeve, Chloe Reeve, Sarah Price Regional Marketing Manager at Orbit Homes, Jo Ann Wale daughter of Joan Myhill, William Noble and Heallen Payne from Woodland View Junior School in Spixworth, Malcolm Wale and Andy Georgiou Sales and Marketing Director at Orbit Homes.