Capsule telling story of Rowan

The flatters at Realpeople@Rowan in Taradale are rightly proud of the new cottage which is being built on the site, and are happy to tell people about it.

Even people who aren't walking the Earth yet.

They have decided to create a compact history lesson about Rowan, its people and the times they lived in.

"We've made a time capsule," manager Ross Boniface said.

The idea was sparked by one of the flatters, Andrew Hobson, who figured it would be a colourful and different way of telling future generations about the centre and its people.

The idea quickly spread and other flatters got involved.

"We came up with a lot of ideas about what to put in the capsule," Mr Boniface said.

At the top of the list was the history of Rowan, as laid out in booklets, newspaper articles and photographs.

Then came some brochures, real estate flyers and newspaper pages from 2012 to tell the business and economic story of the region.

"We dropped in some coins, pens and an old cellphone and other bits and pieces," he said.

Mr Boniface even dropped in one of his business cards, "although if someone finds it in 100 years time and tries to call me, then best of luck".

The "bits and pieces" were wrapped in plastic and stored in a sealed heavy-duty cardboard cylinder and placed inside the cottage's wall lining.

"Away from the light and all safe and secure," Mr Boniface said.