Press Releases

October 09 2009

Local children bury time capsule under new high school

Children from primary schools across east Manchester helped Guy Hutchence, Principal Designate for the new East Manchester Academy, bury a time capsule under the new school building on Grey Mare Lane in Beswick on Friday 9 October (at 1.30pm). The group was also joined by local church leaders and primary school head teachers.

Contained in the time capsule, along with an ordinance survey map of the area, pictures of the recent 'topping-out' ceremony, children's art work and memories of their primary schools, were copies of the North and East Manchester Advertiser, Manchester Evening News, The Times and a memory stick containing a radio ad the children made at Key 103's studios

Guy Hutchence, Principal Designate of The East Manchester Academy said: "The time capsule is packed full of things that seem ordinary today but will be fascinating to the next generation when it's uncovered in 50 years time or more. We wanted to capture children's memories of their childhood so they, their children and grand-children can rediscover them in the future. This new school is making history for east Manchester and the time capsule is creating its own little bit of history for the generations who will be education here."

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member for Children's Services for Manchester City Council, says: "The time capsule is a wonderful way for students to create a lasting memory and capture a snapshot of their lives. The East Manchester Academy will be both a wonderful educational and community resource. It will ensure our children and young people - the employees of tomorrow - gain the skills and qualifications demanded by employers."

For more information about New East Manchester visit www.neweastmanchester.com or for information on the academy visit www.theeastmanchesteracademy.org.uk.

Ends

Notes to editors:

New East Manchester Ltd (NEM) is an Urban Regeneration Company - a partnership between Manchester City Council, the national housing and regeneration agency Homes & Communities Agency and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). It is NEM's role to turn the Regeneration Framework into action, secure the required public and private funding, lead on specific major development projects and co-ordinate regeneration and renewal initiatives in the area.