A NEW therapy centre at Elton Corner was opened by Baroness Jan Royall on International Women’s Day last week and aims to offer healing and coaching in beautiful surroundings.

Cosmic Teapot is the brainchild of Cheryl Barnes, who set the business up after she was made redundant and said: “After a record number of people visiting the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean last year, 2017 is the year to take advantage of that and show people what a beautiful part of the world we live in.

“International Women’s Day was the perfect day to launch Cosmic Teapot as I’ll be collaborating with other local businesses and operating an equal opportunities policy. I am already working with a number of women in a similar position to myself who have a lot to offer yet are unable to find part-time work in corporate organisations.

“I’m already partnering with a number of local accommodation and activities providers in order to offer private tailored retreat packages for solo travellers, couples and groups – including hens and stags, family and friend reunions and for corporate team building events. Collaboration with other local businesses is an important part of the strategy to really put the Forest of Dean on the map as a destination for tourists.”