Raymond Terrace and District Historical Society calling for COVID tales for time capsule

As the historical society looks to document the year that has been disruptive to 'normal' life, changed the way many people go about their daily activities and called unprecedented, it is calling on residents to put pen to paper and submit a letter for a time capsule.

"The society made plans at the beginning of the year to host an event called As Time Goes By, which was to be held in April 2020 during the Australian Heritage Festival season," society member Kaye Newton said. "Then COVID and the lockdown got in the way."

The event included the creation of a time capsule. While As Time Goes By, an all new historical event for Raymond Terrace, does not have a date yet, the society if forging ahead with the time capsule and making it specific to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It seems more relevant than ever," Ms Newton said. "Because of COVID we will have to hold off the actual planning of the day until we know what restrictions are in place. But we will still do this, even if we can't have it as an open day to the public."

The time capsule will be put together at Sketchley Cottage and Museum in Raymond Terrace on September 27. The society is asking residents to submit a maximum of 500 words for the time capsule outlining "what 2020 means to you".

"What has changed for your personally? What are you looking forward to? What changes would you like to see by 2025? This can relate to shopping, doing business, work, meetings, learning, celebrations, attending events, family visits. Your choice," Ms Newton said.

Submissions are to be made by September 17 and include the author's contact details (first and last name, suburb, phone number, email). The details will not be made public. It is for society members to get in touch with authors in five years.

Submissions can be handed in person at Sketchley Cottage on Thursdays from 9.30am or emailed to Pia Ryeland at ryelandb@bigpond.net.au.