What is in the new time capsule planted outside the North Devon Homes HQ?

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, North Devon Homes has buried a time capsule and planted a silver birch tree at its head office in Barnstaple.

The event at the Westacott Road HQ brought together staff, customers and members of the executive team to reflect on the organisation’s journey since its formation in 2000 and to celebrate the people and communities that have shaped NDH over the past 25 years.

The time capsule, which will be opened in 2050, contains a range of carefully selected items that capture life in 2025 and the spirit of NDH today. 

READ NEXT: First new affordable homes handed over at North Devon housing development

This includes information detailing the cost of living in 2025, a copy of ‘Living the FACTS’, outlining the organisation’s values, pictures of the team and staff at their Customer Summer Fayre, a timeline of NDH’s key milestones, a summary of major news events from 2025 and a copy of The Times newspaper for that day.

A collection of NDH-branded memorabilia was also included, providing a snapshot of the organisation’s identity and culture for future generations.

Above: The plaque to mark the 25th anniversary of North Devon Homes and the planting of a time capsule. Credit: NDH

Chief executive Martyn Gimber said, “As we celebrate 25 years of providing homes and supporting communities across North Devon, we wanted to create something lasting to mark the occasion.

“The time capsule and silver birch tree symbolise both our heritage and our growth, a reminder of how far we’ve come and a promise to continue nurturing our communities for years to come.”

In February 2000, North Devon Council transferred its social housing stock to the newly created NDH.

Since then, the organisation has grown into a registered charity managing more than 3,300 homes and supporting more than 10,000 customers, representing more than one in 10 people in North Devon.

Over the past 25 years, NDH has re-let its homes approximately 6,000 times, ensuring the vast majority go to local families in genuine housing need.

The organisation says it has also invested heavily in improving its housing stock, demolishing 200 outdated properties and building 600 new, modern and energy-efficient homes.

In 2024, NDH received the highest possible rating from the Regulator of Social Housing, placing it among the top-performing landlords in the country for service quality and customer care.

Above: The North Devon Homes executive team at the planting of a silver birch tree and time capsule to mark the housing association’s 25th anniversary. Credit: NDH

Mr Gimber added: “Our vision for the next 25 years is to continue to build on the positive impact we’ve had as a housing provider and community landlord and to keep expanding opportunities for local people to live safely and comfortably in homes they can afford.

“We’re committed to creating communities where people want to live and we will continue to do.”

READ NEXT: Where could houses go? Councils want to hear suggestions for new local plan