The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Veronica Afrin and distinguished guests at the Guild Capsule ceremony.

At 11.50am on Saturday 24th August, the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Veronica Afrin, was in attendance at the Harris Flights to officially present the Guild prototype Time Capsule to the people of Preston congregated in the Market Square. She announced that the Harris Museum & Art Gallery would be hosting the prototype, and that Prestonians would be asked to submit various small items to be displayed at the Harris to be subsequently judged and the winning entries to be placed within the capsule along with other artefacts, records and mementos of the Preston Guild 2012.

The prototype Guild Time Capsule to commemorate Preston Guild 2012

Professor Rod Dubrow-Marshal, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire told us that the Time Capsule would be buried within close proximity to the War Memorial, which is currently undergoing restoration, and that it would remain there until 2032 and at that time will be dug up at a special ceremony to the mark the beginning of the Preston Guild 2032.

The Prototype Guild Time Capsule seen at the summit of the Harris Flights

The capsule on display is a full size prototype of the time capsule (approximately 4 feet long by 1 foot wide) and was designed by 2nd year Product Design student, Mark Newton at the University of Central Lancashire. It is said that the design has been inspired by the iconic bus station in Preston, which explains the fins which run on both sides of the capsule.

Let us know, in the comments section, if you would like to contribute to the contents of the Time Capsule and what would your choice be?

Paul D. Swarbrick & Gillian A. Lawson