On one such day, a customer asked for “a five-metre high, Italian strung, theatre-type curtain”.

That may sound a challenge, but not for the Batemans, who immediately set to work and provided the necessary goods.

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That has been the aim throughout at Freelance Fabrics, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary in Kidlington shopping centre, off High Street.

It was one of about 30 outlets under the Fabric Warehouse name that opened in towns and cities throughout the country. The store in Kidlington is the only one that has survived.

It opened in 1996 and three years later, was taken over by David Cox who ran it until Mr and Mrs Bateman succeeded him on New Year’s Day 2022.

A recent article in a trade magazine gave them a glowing tribute: “Under them, it has maintained its reputation for good-value curtain and upholstery fabrics while expanding its quilting cottons, dressmaking fabrics, wool, sewing machines and overlockers. That growth reflects its customers’ habits.”

Mr Bateman served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and as a fire alarm salesman in his early career.

He admits he knew “absolutely nothing” about the fabrics trade when he and his wife moved into it.

He tells me: “We took over the shop just as Covid was ending, not knowing what was going to happen. Four and a half years later, we are still here and going strong.

“We have increased stock levels considerably, taken on sewing machine contracts and increased the range of fabrics and haberdashery.

“Fabrics, threads and wool are not easy to match online. Many customers still want to see and feel materials before buying. Equally important is the advice.

“While other stores around have unfortunately closed, we are setting up to be here for the future.”

Aldens, which has served Oxford and its surrounding counties for more than 235 years, has been awarded B Corp status – a mark awarded to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

The certification places Aldens among a global community of companies committed to balancing profit with purpose, and it is the highest-scoring business in its sector.

Matthew Alden, managing director and a member of the seventh generation of the Alden family, said: “For 235 years we believe that success isn’t simply measured by profit, but by the relationships we build, the trust we earn and the contribution we make to our community.

“We’re incredibly proud that these values have now been recognised through B Corp certification.

“Although our business has changed enormously since 1793, our principles remain exactly the same – to treat people fairly, support British farming, produce exceptional food, ensure people eat well and leave the business stronger for future generations.”

The company achieved an Overall B Impact Score of 156.6, placing it in the top one per cent of B Corp companies in the UK.

Mr Alden said: “That is an achievement of which everyone at Aldens can be immensely proud, particularly because it reflects our performance across the business – from our Team and governance to our community and environmental impact.”

The business supplies meat to restaurants, pubs, schools, colleges, universities, and hospitality businesses across the UK, and also serves residents through its Oxford retail outlets, Meatmaster and Fishmarket.

It has sustained its Oxford roots while investing in modern facilities, keeping skilled employment and long-term career opportunities in the city.

Aldens also works with charities, schools, colleges, and community groups, reflecting its belief that businesses should contribute meaningfully to society.

Mr Alden said: “Being part of Oxford isn’t simply where we’re based—it’s part of who we are.

“We have supplied generations of Oxford families, schools, colleges and businesses, and we’re incredibly proud of those relationships.

“As a family business, we’ve always believed that if you look after your customers, colleagues, suppliers and community, the business will look after itself.

“B Corp confirms that those values remain just as important today as they were over two centuries ago.”

Environmental improvements are a core focus for Aldens.

The business has introduced more sustainable packaging, reduced waste, improved transport efficiency and worked with customers and logistics partners to lower emissions throughout the supply chain.

Aldens continues to support responsibly reared UK livestock, building long-term relationships with farmers who share its standards of animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

The Barclays van outside Morrisons in Carterton is set to shut after a gradual drop in customer usage, the town council has announced.

The service is set to shut on Thursday, October 22.

The council said users of the van will still be able to pay cash and cheques into Barclays account at the nearby Post Office.

Instead customers will now have to travel six miles to the nearest Barclays branch in Witney.

The council said “please share this post with anyone who may be affected so they are aware of the upcoming change”.

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The former Chipping Norton Barclays branch (Image: Google maps)

A Barclays local van is a mobile, cashless banking vehicle that travels to community to provide face-to-face support where traditional branches have closed.

Its part of Barclays flexible banking network, which includes pods, vans, libraries, and town halls.

In February 2023, Barclays announced nearly 100 branch closures throughout 2024 and 2025, in addition to the 177 branches it closed in 2023.

This included the branch in Abingdon, which went on to close in February 2024.

Earlier this year bosses at Barclays announced plans to reopen more high-street branches, in a dramatic U-turn for the bank.

Over the past decade, thousands of high-street bank branches have shut their doors across the country, including those belonging to Barclays, leaving just 206 still operating throughout the UK.