By Rebecca Taylor

Last updated at 09:57, Saturday, 25 September 2010

A CARLISLE man has issued a plea to his local community to ensure history is not lost when the local school closes later this year.

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Kev Clapperton is appealing for locals to get involved with the ‘Together We Can’ time capsule project in Harraby to ensure memories are not lost.

The Harraby school, formerly known as North Cumbria Technology College (NCTC) and Harraby Secondary School when it opened in the mid-1950s, has been the main site for the Richard Rose Central Academy for the past three years.

But it will close in December when the new city centre school – being built on the former St Aidan’s site in Lismore Place – is completed.

Former pupil Mr Clapperton, 47, of Meadow View, said the school has long been the focal point of the estate and he fears community spirit could be lost.

He has therefore joined forces with the local empowerment program, Together We Can, to preserve its memories in a time capsule.

The group is calling for volunteers to help compile the time capsule and is asking locals to add their own stories and photographs.

They hope it can eventually be buried in the grounds of the school.

Mr Clapperton is also appealing for local bands to get involved and help send the school off in style. He is organising a music night to coincide with the closure of the site in December.

The time capsule will be in digital format and will include pictures, leaflets and memories.

Mr Clapperton said: “The school is such a huge part of the community that I think we should go out with a bang and not a whimper.”

Harraby councillor Cyril Weber is also involved with the project.

He said: “Big changes are taking place and the closure of the Richard Rose Academy will be significant within the community.

“The Together We Can project is looking for further uses of the site and the time capsule is the ideal way to keep a record of all those that contributed to the history of Harraby.”

If you would like to get involved you can email your pictures to harrabytogetherwecan@hotmail.co.uk or drop them in at Harraby Library where they will be scanned and returned.

The project is looking for old photographs, flyers or any other Harraby memorabilia.

There is also a Facebook page dedicated to the event where you can upload pictures or memories.

A send-off event featuring local bands is being planned for December 4 at Harraby Community Centre.

First published at 09:03, Saturday, 25 September 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk