Councillors, schoolchildren and community groups came together for the burial in Claremont Park to celebrate 200 years of railways in the UK

Two hands holding open a metal container containing various local memorabilia — The inside of the capsule – (Credit – Brent Cross Town)

Councillors, schoolchildren and other local residents have come together to bury a time capsule in Brent Cross.

The time capsule was buried in Claremont Park on Friday, 21st November to celebrate the 200th anniversary of railways in the UK, with the area being chosen because Brent Cross West is rail company Thameslink’s newest station.

The councillors and residents were joined by representatives from Thameslink and property developer Related Argent, which is the council’s partner in the Brent Cross Town regeneration.

Contributions to the time capsule were requested from local schools and community groups as well as other agencies working in the area, and included a leaflet and badge from the Brent Cross West opening day in 2023, Thameslink campaign mementos, network maps and magazines, as well as badges from local scouts, handwritten letters and artwork from local schools.

Eduard, a Year 5 student at Claremont Primary School said: “Today was special for me because I have never seen a time capsule before and exciting because a kid of the future could read my letter when they find the capsule.”

Avery, a Year 6 student: “It was a really enjoyable morning. I loved being there because it was such an experience helping bury the capsule and knowing it is going to be there in a 100 years or so.”

Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change and a ward councillor for Cricklewood said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to host the Railway 200 time capsule at Brent Cross Town, home to London’s newest railway station Brent Cross West.

“As the area continues to develop it is a great opportunity to work alongside our local community to capture the past, present and future to be uncovered by generations to come.”

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