CAMBRIDGE: Ridgeons went back to the future recently, with the burial of a time capsule at the soon to be opened ‘Ridgeons Pocket Park’, a public park created by the merchant in the heart of Cambridge City centre.
Landscaping works by Wates to the ‘Ridgeons Pocket Park’ are well under way in preparation for its opening later on this year. Once complete, the park will feature a number of Ridgeons’ orientated public art commissions including a bench and bike rack showcasing Ridgeons’ hundred year history, and some specially designed curved kerbing.
The time capsule, buried to mark the conclusion of the Group’s 100 year anniversary, contains a copy of the Ridgeons 2011 celebrations DVD, a book of the 100 year Ridgeons’ journey, a copy of the Cambridge News dated 17 July 2012, and a number of other items including an introductory note from Ridgeons’ director, Gordon Ridgeon.
Commenting on the burial of the capsule, Gordon Ridgeon said: “We wanted to mark the end of our centenary celebrations by giving something back to the local community and creating an outdoor area that people could enjoy for many years to come. When a pocket of land just off Tenison Road, the site where Cyril Ridgeon, our great grandfather, first started the business back in 1911, came to our attention, we felt it would provide the perfect location for such a place.
“Once we found the ideal location we asked our employees for ideas on how we could commemorate our bygone years, as well as providing a space that people would like to visit. We thought the burying of a time capsule along with a commemorative roundel marking the spot, would be a fitting reminder and of interest to future generations.”
The location of the Ridgeons time capsule is also being entered onto the International Time Capsule Society register, to make sure its exact location is logged for future reference.
