Schools in East Huntspill and Hewish create T-pylon time capsules

14 schools in the local area created time capsules containing predictions, messages and present-day memorabilia for the future, to be placed inside the Hinkley Connection Project’s new T-pylons.

All 116 T-pylons were completed in April, with the 14 capsules placed inside the T-structures, and participating schools entered into a prize draw which was won by East Huntspill Primary Academy and St Anne’s Church Academy, Hewish.

National Grid representatives visited pupils and staff at the two schools to present them each with a giant cheque.

East Huntspill’s time capsule was commended for its predictions about the year 2091, when the time capsule will be opened.

St Anne’s capsule includes a letter to pupils of the future, a local newspaper, a school teddy bear mascot, as well as photos of all the different classes.

The new design of the T-pylons, unlike traditional lattice pylons, feature a hollow stem and presented a unique opportunity for the capsules to be placed safely inside.

Before creating their capsule, each participating school was offered special ‘Energy and You’ sessions led by engineers from the Hinkley Connection Project.

Ms Hunt, Year 3 teacher at St Anne’s Church Academy, said: “We loved taking part in T-Time.

"It was a great way to get the children excited about electricity, how it’s made and how it gets to homes through a big project right on their doorstep.

"The children talk about ‘their’ T-pylon – the one that contains their capsule – a lot.

"The fact that one of our visitors was a female engineer also got some of our girls talking about jobs in the industry, which was brilliant to hear.”

Mrs Skinner, class teacher at East Huntspill Primary Academy, said: “What a wonderful way to end the term! Thank you National Grid.

"It’s been a great initiative to be part of and really got the children’s imagination and creativity going when they thought about who might open the capsules in 90 years’ time.

"We’re excited to come back in September and decide with the children what kind of STEM activity they would like to spend the prize money on.”

Steve Haskayne, project director from National Grid, added: “T-time gave pupils a fantastic opportunity to think about how we all use energy now and in the future, and learn more about the critical infrastructure National Grid is building right here in Somerset.

“We’ve worked alongside communities here for a number of years, so we also wanted local schools to feel part of the project and perhaps even inspire some engineers of tomorrow.

"We’ve really enjoyed seeing what the schools have put inside their capsules – thank you to all the schools  who took part for their enthusiasm and creativity.”