On Tuesday, a time capsule - full of Norwegian and East Yorkshire memorabilia - was buried on the site of Easington's old village hall to mark the construction start of a new Community Hall, funded by Hydro and the Langeled partners.
To mark the occasion, local MP Graham Stuart helped Langeled Project Asset Manager Anne Lycke to lower the time capsule into the foundations of the new £650,000 Community Hall.
The time capsule, specially built for the occasion, reads: "This time capsule was buried in 2005 by Hydro on behalf of the Langeled Project." A plaque will also be placed in the entrance of the new community hall highlighting the whereabouts of the time capsule.
Hundreds of years from today Easington residents will unearth a time capsule full of information about the year 2005 and the Langeled Project – what was then the world’s longest gas pipeline.
Featuring press cuttings, photographs, leaflets and videos about the project the time capsule will also reveal what Norwegian schoolchildren thought about their new neighbours in Easington, as it includes letters and drawings from children at the other end of the pipeline in Aukra Norway.
The time capsule and all its contents have also been registered with the International Time Capsule Society in Atlanta, USA, who will record its details for historians for years to come.
Demolition work began on Easington Church Hall in August and this week work will begin on the erection of the new community hall.
The Community Hall Committee, comprised of members of the Parish Council and representatives from village organisations, have worked closely with Beverley-based Salt Architects and the Langeled partners, to devise and deliver the proposed plans for the new community hall.
Completion in December
The new community hall is expected to be completed mid December. Hydro has purchased the current Village Hall from All Saints Church and will give the new Community Hall back to the village on completion of the building work.
Graham Stuart commented: "Hydro and the Langeled Partners have done a wonderful job at engaging with the residents and business across the East Riding during the construction of the world’s longest sub sea pipeline. The plans for the new community hall are a major boost for local residents and the venue will be suitable for people of all ages. I am delighted to be involved on this landmark occasion."
Anne Lycke, Asset Manager for the Langeled Project, explained: "We have been able to forge close links with the Easington community and we wanted to create something that they and future generations will be able to enjoy – a venue that will bring the Parish and residents together. I am pleased that the new building is about to take shape and am excited that we are burying a time capsule in its foundations. Who knows what year it will be uncovered, but hopefully the new community hall will provide Easington residents with many years of enjoyment."
Since the construction phase of the Langeled Project began last year, Hydro and partners have been involved in a number of initiatives across the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Alongside providing funding for a new community hall, donating £20,000 to the Humber Lifeboat Station, they have also been involved in highway safety measures including Trucksafe and cycling safety courses – road safety initiatives in collaboration with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.