Pupils from schools across Trowbridge have helped create a lasting legacy at the site of the town’s new leisure centre by burying a time capsule packed with memories of life in 2026.
The special event took place on 9 June at the Bythesea Road site, where the new Trowbridge Leisure Centre is currently under construction.
Children from local primary and secondary schools joined representatives from Wiltshire Council and construction partner Pellikaan to mark the milestone, placing a collection of creative work, reflections and memorabilia into a sealed capsule that will remain buried until at least 2056.
Schools taking part included Bellefield CE Primary School, Castlemead Primary School, Newtown Community Primary School, St John’s Catholic Primary School, The Mead Primary School, Holbrook School, Staverton CE VC Primary School, Westwood with Iford School, St Augustine’s Catholic College, John of Gaunt School and Silverwood School’s Trowbridge campus.
The capsule contains letters, drawings, graphs, photo montages and photographs created by pupils, providing a snapshot of life in Trowbridge in 2026. A memorial book produced by St Augustine’s Catholic College following the death of Queen Elizabeth II has also been included, alongside construction materials supplied by Pellikaan to show how the leisure centre was built.
As part of the day, pupils were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the construction site, including the developing swimming pool areas, helping them understand how the new facility is taking shape.
Mrs Saunders, Head of Westwood with Iford School, said, “We are incredibly excited to be part of the time capsule event at Trowbridge Leisure Centre and to see the development of this fantastic new facility.
“As a small school with a big heart, where every child is truly seen and known, our pupils – from our youngest to our oldest – learn, play and grow together. This photograph captures that spirit of togetherness.
“We are especially proud that Sophie, one of our Year 6 pupils, was able to represent our school at the event, contributing to something that celebrates both our present and our shared future.”
Mrs Kim O’Rourke, from St John’s Catholic Primary School, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be part of the time capsule initiative to celebrate ‘Life in Trowbridge in 2026’.
“The children at St John’s Catholic Primary School are incredibly proud of their town and so excited about the opening of the new sports centre in Trowbridge. There was a huge number of entries from our school for the time capsule competition but we believe Dougie has created a wonderful summary of life in Trowbridge which will provide a wonderful insight into our world today.”
Cllr Mel Jacob, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services, said, “This was a really special moment, bringing together young people from across Trowbridge to create something that will be discovered and enjoyed by future generations.
“The time capsule captures a snapshot of life today – from what matters to our communities to the creativity of our young people. By the time it is opened in 2056, the pupils involved today will be adults, and it’s wonderful to think their contributions will still be part of this site’s story.”
The new Trowbridge Leisure Centre is due to open later this year and will feature swimming pools, a gym, fitness studios, adventure play facilities for younger people and flexible community spaces.
When the capsule is eventually uncovered, it will offer future residents a unique glimpse into life in Trowbridge in 2026 and the community spirit that helped shape one of the town’s most significant new developments.
