A time capsule has been buried at the site of the council’s new flagship £21 million leisure centre in Morpeth. 
 

The capsule was put together by Morpeth Amateur Swimming Club and has been submerged below the new development.  

It includes team photos, club records, a club swimming hat, goggles, information about recent successes of the club at county, regional and national level and post COVID training information. 

Lesley Kennedy, chairperson of Morpeth Amateur Swimming Club said: 

“One of our committee members Fiona Blacklock came up with the idea and we are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to bury our very own time capsule to mark the construction of our new Sports Centre.  

“Just as sport and leisure facilities in the town are entering a new beginning – so too is life at Morpeth Swimming Club. After the Covid pandemic and the lockdowns, our club is seeing a real resurgence, with new members joining and a bright future ahead. I’d like to thank the swimmers, volunteers, families and Active Northumberland staff for their ongoing help, support and dedication, but especially over the challenges of the past eighteen months. 

“We look forward to hosting swimming galas at the new pool which will showcase everything this beautiful town has to offer to people from outside the area.”  

The capsule is made of tough, durable and watertight material so all items in it will remain in the condition they are today, many decades from now. 

A ceremony was held to mark the burial. At the event were Northumberland County Councillors, representatives from Morpeth Amateur Swimming Club, Active Northumberland and Willmott Dixon the contractors who are building the new centre. 

Northumberland County Councillor, local ward councillor and Mayor of Morpeth David Bawn said: 

“Time capsules really capture the imagination. I love the idea that future generations will have the opportunity to dig it up and get a fascinating snapshot of 21st century sporting life in Morpeth when it is unearthed by future generations.” 

“It’s a wonderful idea to preserve the best moments and causes for celebration that we have had in 2021 – a remarkably difficult year for many – for future generations to be able to reflect upon.” 

Once complete, the new county council funded leisure centre will be home to a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool, spa facilities, a four-court sports hall, a new 100 station fitness suite, a dedicated spinning studio, large fitness studios, a cafe area and soft play.   

It will also incorporate a new community services hub which will see the town’s library move back to its former home on Gas House Lane, a customer service centre and a new adult learning facility with classrooms for STEM learning and catering.