A time capsule has been placed in Malvern Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the much-loved park.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Sardul Marwa MBE JP, senior Councillors, and the great-granddaughter of Councillor Horton, who in 1924, helped to secure the parkland for public use, placed the time capsule with photos and items encapsulating life in Solihull today.
The time capsule contained several photos, as well as items from local organisations and businesses. Polaroids of the local area and of those who attended the event were taken and placed in the time capsule, as well as a poem about Malvern Park written by a student from Solihull School, read out by the leader of the council, Councillor Karen Grinsell.
The Mayor of Solihull spoke about how he hopes future generations will view the time capsule:
“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.”
After the burial of the time capsule, the Mayor and the Leader planted a pink Magnolia tree together, contributing towards the Council’s Planting Our Future campaign – a promise to plant 250,000 trees in Solihull by 2030.
The site was previously part of private parkland belonging to the Malvern Hall estate, owned by the Greswold(e) family from 1680-1896 and purchased in 1923 by Horace Joyner Brueton. In October 1924, local newspapers reported that Malvern Park was in danger of being developed for building purposes. Councillor W. T. Horton, Chairman of the Recreation Grounds Committee, with other local councillors and community figures, came together to secure the parkland for the use of the community.
Gail Horton, the great-granddaughter of Councillor Horton, spoke about how special it was to attend the 100-year anniversary:
“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 event was also attended by local dignitaries, care-experienced young people, and members of the Solihull community.