YOUNGSTERS in Studley have made their mark on the history of the village by hiding a time capsule and signing their names on a site set to be developed into retirement homes.

Children visited the former site of Studley’s historic needle factory in the village’s high street to write messages on a wall and place a box filled with present-day objects to be discovered in the future.

The site is being developed by McCarthy and Stone into a 45-unit block of retirement homes, which is expected to be completed in November.

The signing and time capsule is part of the ‘Our Studley Story’ project, which aims to connect Studley’s young and old residents through history workshops and activities.

It was overseen by Studley-based theatre company Aunty Jen Productions with support from Shakespeare’s England.

Andy Feeney, site manager at McCarthy and Stone, said: “There are old walls here with loads of cavities, and I thought it’d be a great idea to invite the young people to come and sign some of the walls and bury a time capsule filled with objects into one of them.

“It was brilliant to have them here and make their mark on Studley’s history – they were so excited. And in 30, 40 years’ time, they may one day return and tell people that their name and secret items are hidden here.”

Jennifer Rigby from Aunty Jen Productions added: “The whole idea of ‘Our Studley Story’ is to connect generations in Studley. And while the project has mainly focused on children and young adults speaking to older people, this helps the current young generation connect with future Studley residents.”

“The kids absolutely loved leaving their messages and burying the time capsule, and I’m glad Andy was inspired by the project to make the suggestion in the first place.”