A Glimpse into Bude’s Heart: Time Capsule Buried at Storm Tower
On a day marked by the brisk chill and spirited winds characteristic of a Cornish winter, Bude wrote a new chapter in its storied history. The 22nd of February 2024 will be remembered as the day when the heart of Bude was encapsulated, quite literally, within the foundations of the newly restored Storm Tower at Compass Point. This occasion was not just about preserving a building; it was about anchoring the soul of our community for the future to discover.
The journey to this moment began in August of the previous year, when Bude-Stratton Town Council cast a wide net, inviting everyone in the vicinity—from local businesses to community groups and individual residents—to contribute ideas and items for a time capsule. The project’s aim? To capture the essence of Bude in tangible form. The response was nothing short of overwhelming, a testament to the vibrant spirit and strong sense of community that thrives in our town.
The capsule itself has become a treasure chest of Bude’s identity. It houses contributions from cornerstone organisations like the Bude Surf Life Saving Club, Friends of Bude Sea Pool, and the 3rd Bude Rowans Scout Group. Artistic expressions from the Storm Tower Art Competition, a painting by local artist Sue Read, and a reflective poem by Pat Jackson also found their way into the capsule. Adding to this rich tapestry are memorabilia from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and items marking the accession of King Charles III, capturing a pivotal moment in our national story.
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Yet, these items are merely the tip of the iceberg, representing a broader collective effort that speaks to the depth of engagement from our community. The time capsule also serves as a historical archive, containing detailed records of the tower’s relocation in 1881 and an exhaustive account of the recent efforts in 2023 to preserve this iconic landmark. From planning documents to fundraising activities, and a host of multimedia materials, every piece contributes to the narrative of resilience and dedication that defines Bude.
The act of embedding the capsule was met with the challenges of our local weather, but true to the Cornish spirit, it was met with pragmatism and determination. Transported (somewhat unceremoniously) in a wheelbarrow and laid into the ground amidst rain and wind, the capsule now rests under the foundation of the Storm Tower, a sentinel over our shared memories and aspirations, secured to be rediscovered in 100 years.
Bude-Stratton Town Council looks forward to the day when this capsule will be unearthed, offering future generations a window into the rich culture, unwavering dedication, and communal efforts that have shaped our beloved town. It’s a hope that by then, the essence of Bude, as captured today, will inspire those who come after us, reminding them of the enduring spirit of their forebears and the importance of safeguarding our natural and cultural heritage.
As we continue to write our stories and live out our days in this beautiful corner of the world, let’s remember that we are all part of something much larger than ourselves—a community bound by history, nature, and a collective will to preserve the beauty and essence of Bude for generations to come.
