Future generations will be able to remember the sacrifices of those who died in the conflicts of the 20th century, thanks to a time capsule established to mark the Centenary of the Armistice.
The idea came from Funeral Arranger Jacqui Williams of Abbotsfield Funeral Directors in Hereford, who also wants to allow the next generation to learn from the wisdom of the current one.
Jacqui initially invited residents of local care homes to share memories and words of wisdom using old-fashioned luggage labels and placing them into an old suitcase.
She is planning to add cuttings from the Hereford Times about the Centenary of the Armistice, coins, a memorial poppy pin badge, other memorabilia and reflections from schoolchildren in Hereford. All the items will be added to a wooden casket which will be housed in the Herefordshire Light Infantry Museum, to be re-opened in 50 years.
Jacqui explained: “Because this year’s Remembrance Sunday is such a significant one, and because of Hereford’s long connections with the military, I wanted to do something different.
“The messages on the labels are being written with thought and love. As well as memories of those who have died, I have asked contributors to write a piece of advice they’d like to have given themselves at the start of their life. We will add other poignant reminders of 2018.”
Rifles County Colonel of Herefordshire and curator of the Light Infantry Museum Andy Taylor OBE DL will take care of the time capsule. He said: “Initially, we will put the casket on display, with an explanation that it has been deposited for 50 years, and document that it will be opened on the 150th anniversary of the Armistice. It will help people to again remember the First World War on that anniversary.”
Anyone from Herefordshire who would like to contribute a memory or a special item to the time capsule is invited to pop into Abbotsfield Funeral Directors in Monkmoor Street, or contact 01432 356445, email: abbotsfield.hereford@funeralpartners.co.uk
