For 44 years this pond has captivated the hearts and minds of generations of local children as they have pond dipped for tadpoles, newts, frogs, water boatmen, snails and other pond wildlife.

Over the last few years. The pond has silted up, the water has become foul, and the pond is leaking. Why we make have helped the Willsbridge community trust to bring the pond and its surrounding landscape back to its former glory.

Refurbishment

The project of making the parvise of Crowland Abbey into a chapel furnished in the Orthodox tradition of Christianity came about as a result of this room being the place which houses the skull of Theodore, the abbot of Crowland who was killed by the Vikings. As the Orthodox regard Theodore as a saint and martyr, they venerate this skull whenever they visit the Abbey. Orthodox Christians visit the Abbey to conduct their liturgy once a year, and individual Orthodox visit at other times to venerate the skull.

The aim of the project is to fully furnish the parvise into a chapel according to the orthodox tradition. In doing so it will become a fitting place of pilgrimage for orthodox Christians. In addition it would also be a place for private prayer for anyone that visits the Abbey. Whilst also highlight and celebrating yet another piece of history associated with the Abbey through the education of the Orthodox and story of Theodore. The Parvise itself currently is an unutilized space within the Abbey offering a unique perspective sitting above the central naïve. Its refurbishment will gives significance to this space and awareness creating an asset for the Abbey to use.

Overall the project is made up of four elements a reliquary, Iconostasis, prayer stand and alter. Each item has been designed in a holistic manner so the overall project will sit seamlessly together. Important design aspirations where set at the beginning of the process to create objects that sit subservient to the historic fabric of the Abbey in a temporary light touch manner. For ease of construction and simplicity one section size of timber is used through all elements, this allows for the creation of crafted considered objects. Particular care has been given in the design of the Iconostasis to create a partition that feels light weight allowing light to filter through to the alter. Its height has been considered as to not obstruct views to the stone vaulting. Four picture frame boxes are placed on each opening to allow for the additions of icons in the future as and when they are collected.

Extension project to provide enhanced living and additional bedroom spaces