A HERITAGE group has launched a project to give future generations a snapshot of what life was like in Kidderminster during the coronavirus pandemic.

The town's Heritage Opportunities Group (HOGs) came up with the idea to bury a time capsule containing a treasure trove of items illustrating how Covid-19 has affected residents' lives.

Chairman Colin Hill said: “Such extraordinary changes to our lives need to be recorded for posterity and we think this is a great way of talking directly to people in the future.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Kidderminster sisters Imogen and Alexie Bayliss sang to their street in front of a hand-painted banner during a Clap For Carers tribute in AprilKidderminster sisters Imogen and Alexie Bayliss sang to their street in front of a hand-painted banner during a Clap For Carers tribute in April

“We are asking townsfolk to come up with as many ideas as possible to provide a glimpse of how the virus impacted on every aspect of our community.”

HOGs are appealing for any Covid-related memorabilia, particularly photos such as neighbours clapping for the NHS or showing food deliveries for the vulnerable and other acts of kindness.

Creative artwork such as rainbows for the NHS and signage will also be an important part of the capsule’s content.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Kidderminster postie Gareth Webster dressed in fancy dress to make his customers laugh during the pandemicKidderminster postie Gareth Webster dressed in fancy dress to make his customers laugh during the pandemic

This can include the imaginative way some people put over messages relating to mask wearing, social distancing and hand-washing. Or contributors may like to write articles outlining how the pandemic caused disruption to family events such as births, marriages and funerals or to exams, concerts, the arts and sport.

And from the workplace, employees and bosses may like to contribute general information about how their jobs or companies were affected.

Mr Hill added: “We want people of all ages to contribute anything that shows how their daily lives have been altered – it has been a unique year and there are many stories to be told.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: HOGs administrator Jo Bowkett outside the Kidderminster Museum of Carpet where time capsule donations can be depositedHOGs administrator Jo Bowkett outside the Kidderminster Museum of Carpet where time capsule donations can be deposited

Residents are being asked to take their contributions to the Museum of Carpet in Green Street from Saturday, December 5. It is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am until 1.30pm each day

It is hoped the capsule will then be buried in a suitable location within Kidderminster sometime next year.