A ROMANTIC husband went beyond the usual flowers and perfume to give his wife a surprise she would never forget – a miniature chapel.
Mappleborough Green resident Jon Richards built the replica as a present for his partner of 45 years Muriel, who is an active member of the church.
The 69-year-old told his unsuspecting wife he was building a shed, but it was not until she saw the Gothic windows being installed she began to realise what he was up to.
The pair then began travelling the country and further afield to find reclaimed pieces, including the pews which can seat about bronze statue to form a crucifix.
Any items which were too big, Mr Richardson scaled down and re-used the pieces to create other items such as a cross and a stand for the visitors’ book.
The project took a total of two years and was officially named the Chapel of the Crosses in honour of the couples’ tradition of installing and lighting up Easter crosses on their hill.
It was officially blessed by Rev Richard Deimel who was from their parish church at the time and they regularly hold services and communions.
Mrs Richardson added she was completely shocked when she realised what her husband was building.
“I was amazed I think, it is an amazing thing to have done.”
Mr Richardson said because everything had come from a church, the chapel was extremely spiritual.
“Something happens when people come here. People just remember that first ten seconds of walking in here, you get a feeling.” he said.
“Tens of thousands of prayers would have been said on these pews over the years and that just adds to how spiritual it is.”
