A time capsule has been updated with memories of the coronavirus pandemic at a new extra care development in Penrith.
Housing 21 is behind the Newton House development, on the site of the towns former maternity hospital.
When demolition began on it last year by Atkinson Building Contractors, workers found a time capsule from 1945.
Housing 21 has now added to the capsule and reburied it on the site.
It added the 160th anniversary supplement from the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald, a face mask and a poem about what it has been like to work in the care industry during the pandemic – penned by one of Housing 21’s assistant care managers.
Also included were two mobile phones, a flyer from a Wetheriggs United Football Club match and a memory stick with all the drawings from the current scheme.
The original contents from 1945 were a hand-written note detailing those involved with the building of the 12-bed maternity home and a letter from Kenneth Fraser, the county medical officer at the time.
Newton House is being developed in partnership with Cumbria County Council and Eden District Council, will provide 54 one and two bedroom apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership for over-55s.
It will include a 24-hour on-site care team for those who need it, a café/bistro, hair salon and communal lounge, which is also available to the local community.
Just off Newton Road, it is set to be completed in the spring.
Judith Derbyshire, Eden district councillor for Dacre ward and housing and health portfolio holder said: “This is a fantastic facility and Eden District Council were delighted to be able to contribute from our affordable housing fund, to help make this happen.
“We look forward to seeing Newton House up and running next year with its first occupants calling Newton Road home.
“The time capsule is part of a legacy, both from the past and from the parties involved with the new development. Creating history! Well done everyone.”
Donna Holmes, head of extra care at Housing 21 said: “We are pleased to be able to capture some of the moments from the past year in the time capsule at Newton House.
“During the pandemic, our extra care schemes have proven to be a safe haven compared to other forms of housing and care for older people.
“Our staff really have risen to the challenge by ensuring residents are safe and well at all times.”
“We noticed that residents at other Housing 21 schemes really valued the outdoor communal space and many were able to maintain their social lives by having socially distanced chats with neighbours.
“In our new schemes, we are providing tablets in each apartment which allow residents to video call each other, which is great for wellbeing in these very unusual times!”
