Funeral arranger creates time capsule
A Hereford funeral arranger has created a time capsule to contain memories of modern day Hereford and its recent past.
The time capsule has been handed over to the town’s Light Infantry Museum, where it will be held until the 150th anniversary of the armistice in 2068. Jacqui Williams of Abbotsfield Funeral Directors in Hereford, collected memorabilia from local organisations, businesses, schools and care homes.
Williams said: “Because 2018’s Remembrance Sunday was such a significant one, and because of Hereford’s long connections with the military, I wanted to do something to remember those who died serving their country.
“The community’s response has been amazing. I wanted contributors to add poignant reminders of present-day Hereford and its history as well as writing pieces of advice and memories. I have received so many fascinating documents and items.”
The funeral director presented the time capsule to Andy Taylor, Rifles County Colonel of Herefordshire and curator of the Light Infantry Museum on Harold Street. The handover was attended by Herefordshire councillor Chris Chappell, and Liberal Democrat Lucy Hurds. The items are stored in a special casket decorated with images of Hereford provided by Funeral Partners’ supplier JC Atkinson.
Col Taylor said the museum would take care of the time capsule for 50 years, with it due to be re-opened to mark the 150th anniversary of the armistice, helping people to remember the First World War and other conflicts.
Items stored in the capsule have been displayed at Abbotsfield’s funeral home in Monkmoor Street and include:
- Copies of the Hereford Times and Ross Gazette including Remembrance coverage;
- BBC Hereford and Worcester’s 100th anniversary of Armistice day breakfast show, containing interviews from Herefordshire people
- Pictures of Holmer School’s poppy cascade
- Memorabilia from Hereford Football Club marking their historic 1972 FA Cup third round victory over Newcastle United
- A book about St Michael’s Hospice
- A range of military memorabilia
- Information from the mayor Sue Boulter and about the Town Hall
- Painted stones and reflections from children at Hereford Cathedral School
- Words of wisdom from local care home residents
