Burton Green Primary School Children Create Time Capsule For York’s Newest Care Home

Pupils from Burton Green Primary School in York have been busy creating posters and adding sentimental personal items to a time capsule that they will bury in the grounds of Handley House – a brand new £10million care home which recently opened on the site of the former Handley Page RAF repair station on Green Lane in Clifton.

Registered home manager, Rachel McNally and general manager, Michael Gledhill, wanted to commemorate the completion of the home’s build and so invited the local school children to be part of a project which they hope will have a lasting legacy for years to come.

Head teacher, Mrs Atherton, and Miss Tutill, years four and five primary school teachers, brought 30 youngsters to visit Handley House, which is owned by Leeds-based Ideal Carehomes and was built by sister-company LNT Construction.

They were given a special tour of the home and brought along their chosen items to be sealed in a capsule which will be unearthed in 50 years’ time.

Rachel said, “We are so pleased that Burton Green Primary School was keen to be involved with the time capsule – it is a really exciting project and I am sure it will be a great talking point at the home for many years to come. I am extremely passionate about Handley House being part of the local community for many reasons, but most importantly to maintain fundamental links for our future residents. We look forward to continuing our great relationship with the school.”

Pupils enjoyed talking about life in a care home and were so impressed with its luxury facilities that they described it as a “five-star hotel”. They also marvelled at the ‘Sky’ bar and showed great delight at the “cool” cinema room in which they were treated to a snippet of the latest Mary Poppins film.

Mrs Atherton commented: “The time capsule idea really captured the imaginations of our pupils and got us all thinking about life today and how things might have changed in 50 years’ time. We are excited to integrate the children with the new residents of Handley House in the future.”

The Burton Green youngsters will visit the home again soon for the ceremonial burying of the time capsule where they will also get to meet its very first residents.