It’s almost time! Half a century ago, in 1973, the Orange Lions Club gave the people of Orange the chance to send a message or trinket to their future selves or loved ones in a time capsule buried in Robertson Park.

On June 29, the capsule will be unearthed and envelopes delivered — if you’ve got the card to claim it.

The project was conceived as a way the Lion’s Club could raise funds for a ladies' rest centre and bus shelter, with the public paying one dollar for an envelope to be placed in the time capsule.

Purchasers were given a card and told to place it in their wills, or a secure place that could be located in 2023. The card gives authority to the holder to receive the envelope. 

Items placed in the envelope included photographs, stamps, coins, letters, trinkets or anything else that would be of sentimental value to a next of kin.

The time capsule is located under a rock on the eastern side of Robertson Park, marked by a single brass plaque and Orange City Council and the Lion’s Club are working hard to unearth the capsule on Thursday, June 29 as initially planned. 

“The council will have an area fenced off on the day, but the public will be invited to come and look,” local Lions Club member, Shane Reddan said of the unearthing event. 

Members of the Orange Lions Club are now urging cardholders to contact them by emailing olc.timecapsule@gmail.com stating the name on the card; claimant's name, claimant's email and phone number. Alternatively, the information can be returned to “Orange Lions Club Time Capsule” PO Box 499 Orange 2800. On receipt of your information, the club will send you details on how to collect the envelope, which can be done from July 1. 

Orange Lions Club member Debbie Butwell says it’s important that they get the message out in time, especially as many families may have moved away, and cards may have been forgotten.

“We want to jog people’s memories,” she said.

Heather Moxon and Jenny Ostini, whose parents left something in the time capsule for them to one day have, are excited to see what will be dug up. 

“They never said what was in it, but Mum used to write poems so we’re thinking maybe something like that – it’ll be interesting to see,” Heather said.

For more information on the time capsule contact Shane Reddan on 0413 163 721