Leeds school's time capsule opened after 20-years

The ex-Colton Primary School year six pupils were aged ten and 11 in 2000 when they wrote letters to be placed in the time capsule, not to be opened until February 2020.

They wrote their predictions of what jobs they would have as adults and what the world would be like in 2020.

Former teachers joined around six of the class of 30 to see the opening of the capsule at a special assembly today. (Feb 3)

The ex-pupils read their letters out to current pupils at special assembly.

Stephanie Wright nee Kinghorn, wrote in her letter aged ten: "If I don't get to be a teacher or a nursery nurse I would like to be in a pop group.

"I would also like to be an ice cream taster because I think that would be a great job.

"I would like to be on television for a while because I think that would be really exciting being in Coronation Street or Eastenders."

The young Stephanie added in the letter: "I think in the year 2020 everybody will have a mobile phone or more than one.

"I also think lots of things will be done by computer and robots will be making your meals.

"I also think that the children in all schools will be allowed to take mobile phones and pagers into school."

And former pupils met up with their former year six teacher Peter Harrison, who had the idea for the time capsule.

Mother -of-one Mrs Wright, of Cross Gates, who works as a facilities manager for Leeds Rhinos at Emersal Headingley Stadium, said: "I remembered the part about wanting to be a teacher, but I couldn't remember anything else.

"It was really lovely to meet up with everybody and chat about what we are up to now. And it was lovely to see Mr Harrison. Everybody remembers him as a great teacher."

Retired teacher Mr Harrison, 76, of Garforth, said: the time capsule has been in the school library for 20 years.

He said: "It was brilliant. About six of my ex-pupils came. It was an enjoyable experience going back to meet my old class."

School head Carloline Johnson, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet former pupils and listen to their ideas and hopes about the future.

"Our children thought predictions about ‘watches with a television screen on them’ were quite accurate.

"We are planning to make another time capsule this year and the children are already thinking about what they would like to put inside.

"I would like to extend my thanks to former members of staff and pupils who gave up their time to return to Colton and share this special occasion with us.”