A time capsule for the future
What a year of celebration it has been. There couldn’t have been a better way to mark the end of our 25th anniversary year than by gathering at Alderman Kneeshaw Park in Hull to plant a time capsule for future generations.
Filled with contributions from community groups and organisations across Hull and East Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire, the capsule captures a snapshot of our region today. It’s packed with stories, memories and special items that celebrate the people, projects and partnerships helping communities thrive, ready to be opened in 2050.
Beneath the park’s poplar trees, we celebrated not only what we’ve achieved as a Foundation over the past 25 years, but also the people who have made it possible. Every volunteer, donor, supporter, partner, community organisation and resident has played a part in building stronger, kinder communities across our region.
Celia captured the spirit of the day:
“One thing that hasn’t changed over the last 25 years is our instinct to come together and build community. Strong communities are not a luxury – they are the very foundation of human flourishing. Whatever the needs and challenges ahead, people in communities will rise and organise to meet them. If the last 25 years have taught us anything, it is that when people come together in love and solidarity, we can do extraordinary things.”
Our anniversary year
Throughout the year, we’ve celebrated our shared story in many different ways.
We launched our official Two Ridings film, highlighting the people and communities at the heart of everything we do. In October, we welcomed friends and supporters to York Art Gallery to reflect on our journey, and we began 2026 with an uplifting barn dance fundraiser full of community spirit.
We also reached a remarkable milestone, distributing more than £25 million to support communities across North and East Yorkshire over the past 25 years.
Planting the time capsule
The time capsule is more than a collection of items buried beneath the park. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved when people work together, and we hope that when it’s opened in 2050, it tells a story of connection, resilience and hope.
This project was only possible thanks to the generosity of so many people.
First, a huge thank you to Debbie and everyone at Alderman Kneeshaw Park, who made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. The Friends of Alderman Kneeshaw Park were fantastic hosts, providing a lovely buffet that gave everyone the chance to chat, reflect and celebrate together. We’d also like to thank the park’s brilliant gardeners, who worked so hard to prepare the site and dig the home for our time capsule. It was a true community effort, and we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome.
Our sincere thanks go to MKM and EnviroAggs for providing the stone that now marks the site of the capsule.
A very special thank you also goes to James and Fiona at Bespoke Memorials. From the moment we shared the idea, James believed in the project, generously giving his time, expertise and craftsmanship to create a lasting marker that will stand for generations. Above all, his passion for Hull and the local community shines through everything he does.
As our 25th anniversary year comes to a close, we look back with pride and ahead with optimism. The time capsule marks the end of a memorable year of celebrations, but also the beginning of our next chapter. Our vision is simple: communities where everyone can flourish- today and for generations to come.
To everyone who has joined us today, or has been part of our story over the past 25 years, thank you. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, partnered with us, shared your story or supported your local community, you’ve helped create something that leaves a lasting legacy.