Gloucestershire Echo

Downsizing plans will mean big changes for tourist attraction

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CHANGES are expected at a tourist attraction in the Cotswolds after its owner revealed plans to downsize.

Alain Rouveure, an enthusiast­ic charity supporter who has encouraged social work in poor rural communitie­s for nearly 40 years, has plans for The Galleries at Todenham.

At the moment, the business currently displays mainly indigenous Nepalese and Tibetan artefacts from his time overseas. Profits go towards The Alain Rouveure Nepal Fund, which provides health and education to vulnerable children.

The Galleries display products from craftsmen he sources himself including rugs, clothing and musical instrument­s, while visitors can enjoy refreshmen­ts at the attraction near Moreton-in-marsh.

Mr Rouveure has run the business since 1985, an applicatio­n to Costwold District Council says, which has just been granted approval for a change of direction.

As he wishes to spend more time doing charity work in Nepal, he has decided ‘a lower key focus on providing various therapies on an invitation basis’ would be preferable.

The site used to home a derelict railway property which he renovated and the wasteland was transforme­d into beautiful gardens.

“The intention is to move to a more community focused centre,” the planning statement says.

It adds: “The new use will be less intensive than the Galleries and thus will respect the character of the countrysid­e.

“It will provide a meeting space for clients in need of the sorts of therapy, which include yoga, tai chi, meditation, reiki and health seminars addressing stress and addiction issues.”

Refreshmen­t facilities will be scrapped for casual visitors and instead be offered to therapy clients.

Opening hours will remain the same 10am to 5pm, but the project will result in several fewer full-time roles.

The Alain Rouveure Nepal Fund is a UK registered charity.

A documentar­y about his work in Nepal featured on national TV and he was also presented with the World Aware Award For Fair Trade - Patron HM The Queen.

 ??  ?? Alain Rouveure from Todenham pictured in 2006 when he set up the rug shop and gallery to support Tibetan Refugees who make them
Alain Rouveure from Todenham pictured in 2006 when he set up the rug shop and gallery to support Tibetan Refugees who make them

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