A rare and moving opportunity was had in the Hay Park on the weekend, when the Anglican Church time capsule was opened.

The excitement was palpable as people, not only locals, but others from as far away as Albury, Perth and even England, stood waiting for 25 years of history to be unsealed.

A few laughs were had as ‘25 years of dirt and must’ were unlocked by Mayor Carol Oataway, Rob Nisbet and the team at Hay Tourism and Information Centre.

For about 45 minutes, a group of hardworking volunteers sorted letters, hundreds of letters, into alphabetical order.

Then, when the word was given, people swarmed the different desks looking for their piece of history.

Amidst a perfect backdrop of great weather and live music, people began to open their envelopes.

It was a treat and an honour to stroll around and get a cheeky sneak peak and have a chat about what people uncovered.

Some people, of my generation, pulled out posters of Jonathon Taylor Thomas, and eagerly penned letters from a teenage self. Others pulled out photos, and carefully constructed letters, detailing what life was like. Some retrieved letters, lovingly penned by since passed spouses and in one case, a letter they’d written to their passed spouse. It makes me wonder where we will all be in 25 years’ time.

So much can change, but the love and connection we all share as a town and a community stays the same.

I for one fervently hope I will be on a picnic rug in the park, surrounded by my children and grandchildren, reading them a well meaning and heartfelt letter I will pen and place in an envelope, ready to be sealed and stored away in October, ready for 2050.

One can only hope.