Time capsule buried to mark the end of East Northants Council

A time capsule has been buried in the gardens at East Northamptonshire Council to commemorate the end of the authority on March 31, 2021.

Cllr Helen Howell, ENC’s final chairman, alongside ENC’s chief executive David Oliver officially buried the capsule during a ceremony on March 17.

Staff at ENC were invited to suggest items that should be included, and the buried capsule contains important documents that showcase the work of the council including a letter from the chairman and leader, the constitution, guides to the district, a map of East Northants, a council tax bill, results from residents surveys, media coverage and the last edition of ENCircle and Nene Valley News when it was owned by ENC.

The capsule also contains some historical artefacts about the council buildings including photos, floor plans of the old infirmary and a booklet on the Thrapston Union Workhouse which was housed in the oldest part of the building.

Other items of interest include a ‘Times best place to work’ award which the council achieved and details of the twinning arrangement that East Northants has enjoyed for many years with the Loreley region in Germany.

Cllr Helen Howell said: “It is sad that ENC is coming to an end on 31 March, but across its 47-year history so much has been achieved and the contents of the capsule really reflect this.

“I feel honoured to have played a part in commemorating the history of ENC and it will be great for future generations to learn about all the brilliant projects and work completed across the district.”

All councillors met for a final, civic full Council on Monday (March 22) before ENC ceases to exist on March 31 and is replaced by the new North Northamptonshire Council on April 1.

To read more about the final meeting, click here.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you