Dorchester students are celebrating the opening of a new local sports centre by burying a time capsule.
Students of Thomas Hardye School have been presented with the capsule, which they will bury at the opening ceremony of Dorchester Sports Centre on Coburg road in April.
Councillor Robert Gould of West Dorset District Council said: “This is an excellent idea that will allow local young people to take part in the opening of this fantastic new sports centre.
“A time capsule is a great way to give future generations a snapshot of life in 2012 – and the excitement surrounding the opening of this top-class sports facility for the local community.”
Grade nine students are now taking part in a competition held by the school’s history department to decide which items should be put inside the capsule.
Mike Foley, head teacher at Thomas Hardye, said: “The time capsule gives students an opportunity to consider what is important in their community and to leave a legacy for future generations.”
The time capsule, supplied by the construction company Leadbitter Group, will be buried under the paved area at the entrance of the sports centre.
Malcolm Jones, Leadbitter Group’s project manager for the Dorchester Sports Centre, said: “We hope that future generations who open the time capsule will see the excitement, anticipation and commitment that has surrounded this new facility.”
The new sports centre, developed by West Dorset District Council in partnership with Dorset County Council and Thomas Hardye School, cost a total of £8m. It will be open to the public.
