A time capsule has been buried in Malvern Park as part of celebrations marking the beloved green space’s 100th anniversary.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Sardul Marwa MBE JP, was joined by senior councillors and Gail Horton, the great-granddaughter of Councillor W. T. Horton, who played a key role in securing the parkland for public use back in 1924. Together, they placed the capsule in the ground, filled with photographs and items reflecting present day life in Solihull.
Among the contents were Polaroid pictures of the local area and of guests who came to the event, alongside contributions from local organisations and businesses. A poem about Malvern Park, written by a Solihull School student, was read aloud by council leader Councillor Karen Grinsell before being added to the capsule.
Speaking about the significance of the occasion, the Mayor said:
“In Solihull we are incredibly fortunate and proud to have green spaces like Malvern Park, which are treasured by those across Solihull. As we mark this centenary, it is fitting that we leave a legacy. This capsule captures a snapshot of our community today, our lives, our achievements, our hopes and our aspirations. It is a message from us to future generations, giving them an insight into what life was like in 2026 and how much we value this special place.”
Once the capsule had been buried, the Mayor and council leader planted a pink magnolia tree, adding to the council’s Planting Our Future campaign, which aims to see 250,000 trees planted across Solihull by 2030.
The land itself has a long history. It once formed part of the private parkland attached to the Malvern Hall estate, held by the Greswold(e) family between 1680 and 1896 before being bought by Horace Joyner Brueton in 1923. By October 1924, local papers were reporting that the park faced the threat of being built on. It was then that Councillor Horton, in his role as Chairman of the Recreation Grounds Committee, worked alongside fellow councillors and community figures to ensure the land was kept for public use instead.
Gail Horton reflected on what it meant to be present for the centenary:
“It feels so special to be here today. The fact that my great-grandfather helped in preserving the park for the community, and that I’m here today in the same spot he once stood, it’s really a full-circle moment. My dad, my aunt and the rest of the family would be really proud of the preservation of Malvern and how treasured it still is by the community.”
The anniversary event also drew local dignitaries, care-experienced young people and members of the wider Solihull community.
