Residents At Newcastle Care Homes Plant Time Capsules Be Opened In 2051
Residents at four Newcastle care homes have quite literally buried a piece of history by planting specially prepared time capsules that capture life in 2026, ready to be opened in 25 years’ time.
The capsules, which have been planted at Craigielea in Gateshead and Ashton court, Kenton Manor and Kenton Hall in Newcastle, have been carefully documented and recorded, ready to be unearthed in 2051. Residents, staff and families gathered in the homes’ garden to mark the occasion, reflecting on how quickly the world is changing and imagining what life might look like for future generations.
The project brought everyone together to decide what best represents daily life at the home and in Newcastle and Gateshead today. Items placed inside the capsule include photographs, resident notes and poems, “day in the life” reflections, predictions for 2051, maps and a history of the local area, local newspapers, sporting match programmes, shop receipts and price lists, bus tickets, menus, trinkets and even a USB containing voice recordings from residents, staff and relatives.
Local schools and sporting clubs also contributed items, ensuring the capsule reflects not only life inside the home, but the wider Eston community in 2026.
Steve Massey, operations manager at Solehawk, said:
“When you stop and think about it, the pace of change is extraordinary. Just 25 years ago, smartphones didn’t exist in the way they do today, and social media was in its infancy. It’s fascinating, and quite emotional, to imagine what life might be like in 2051.
“We’ve included everyday items like receipts, bus tickets and newspapers because they tell such a powerful story about ordinary life. Sometimes it’s the small details that show the biggest changes over time.
“Our residents have loved sharing their memories, writing poems and recording messages for the future. It’s been a wonderful way to reflect on today while looking ahead with hope and curiosity as to what life will be like for the next generation.”
Among the most treasured items are handwritten notes and future predictions from residents, offering insight into their hopes for technology, healthcare, sport and community life in 2051. The inclusion of voice recordings adds a deeply personal dimension, allowing future listeners to hear directly from those who helped create the capsule.
“Steve added: This project perfectly captures the spirit of our homes, celebrating history, embracing the present and looking forward to the future. It has been inspiring to see residents, families, staff, schools and local clubs all contribute.
“In 2051, when the capsule is opened, it won’t just be a collection of objects. It will be a snapshot of real lives, real voices and a community coming together. That’s something truly special.”
The time capsules have now been securely planted in the homes’ grounds, with clear records kept to ensure they can be rediscovered in 2051. For residents, the project has sparked lively conversations about how much has already changed within their lifetimes and how much more may change in the decades ahead.
As one resident remarked:
“We’ve seen so much already but who knows what the next 25 years will bring?”
