Signs have appeared outside a shop unit in Bath Street to inform customers that Brown’s butcher’s shop will be opening soon.

It is understood the shop will open in the next few weeks and it will be the first traditional butcher’s shop since Hedges closed its branch in 2022.

READ MORE: Historic listed pub reopens after makeover

Abbey Fresh Food, a short-lived grocery store in High Street, included a meat counter when the shop was open in 2024.

The Bath Street shop unit next to Tiffins indian restaurant, where Brown’s will be based, was previously home to a catering and sandwich business.

Recent social media updates from the business say it will continue to operate from the address, from a dedicated kitchen space within part of the building.

One of the business owners told the public: “Hello everyone – I’m blown away with all the positivity you have all shown.

“Myself and my husband are super excited to welcome you all into the shop.

“Everything in the shop is going to be coming in in carcass form and butchered traditionally.

“Nothing is bought in boxed or vacuum packed. The meat in our shop will not be halal – this is our preference.

“All of the meat will be produced in Oxfordshire by local farms and will be traditional breeds, not hybrids bred for a quick turnaround.

“We will be making our own handmade sausages and dry cured bacon. Also a hog roast for hire for any special occasions. Keep an eye out for the grand opening.”

One shopper replied: “This is just what we need, I’m vegetarian but I buy good quality, ethically dispatched meat for my family, look forward to doing business with you.”

The opening of the butcher’s shop is a boost for Bath Street.

In February, The Blue Boar pub reopened following refurbishment.

The Punch Taverns-owned pub now operates under the Unity Social brand and has new TV screens showing sports including football.

Organisations and individuals across Witney and beyond have expressed their sadness at the death of Jeanne Chattoe, the founder of Witney in Pink day.

The annual event has raised more than £300,000 over the past 25 years for Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer and sees the town turned pink with biodegradable pink balloons, a pink car parade and pink-themed shop windows.

READ MORE: Witney transformed into parade of pink for charity day

After the 25th event last year, Ms Chattoe announced she was stepping down as chair of the organising committee and was named as honorary president .

Against Breast Cancer – Witney Action Group said on social media yesterday (Monday, May 11): “There’s deep sadness tonight for Jeanne’s loyal Witney in Pink team, but determination to keep her vision alive by taking this amazing community fundraiser for Against Breast Cancer forwards in her memory.

Witney in Pink Day founder Jeanne Chattoe with Alan and Gerald, of Clarkson’s Farm (Image: Rachel Lane)

“Our thoughts are with Mark and all of Jeanne’s family at this sad time.”

Others also paid tribute on social media.

A spokesperson for Witney-based The Shake & Sweet Shop said: “We share with you the very sad news of Jeanne Chattoe’s passing.

“We join, with Against Breast Cancer – Witney Action Group and our whole community in sending our love and heartfelt condolences to Jeanne’s family.

“Jeanne was the founder, and inspiration behind Witney in Pink, fundraising, in memory of her own sister and so many more, raising awareness and helping research to find a cure.

Pink Day team, from left Sandy Bradshaw, Sue Mulliss, Laura Hounam, Denise Barkley, Jeanne Chattoe (Image: Supplied)

“We feel extremely lucky that we were able to be part of this wonderful lady’s story.”

Councillor Ruth Smith, the leader of Witney Town Council, said: “Such a loss. She started something amazing in the town that will live on.”

This year Witney in Pink will be held on Saturday, September 26 and only a month ago Ms Chattoe said: “Witney loves Pink Day.

“It always creates a big, uplifting buzz in the town centre with its pink balloons and decorated shop windows, fabulous street entertainment, stalls and car parade.

Witney in Pink Day 2025 was celebrated by hundreds across the town (Image: Against Breast Cancer – Witney Action Group)

“I’ve loved being at the helm for the past 25 years, but it’s the right time for me to stand down and I know Pink Day is in brilliant hands.”

READ MORE: Witney in Pink founder stepping down after 25 years

Mrs Chattoe’s fundraising efforts began after her younger sister, Delia Winkler, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982 aged 30.

Unfortunately, the cancer returned seven years later and she sadly passed away aged 41.

Mrs Chattoe described feeling ‘helpless’ and turned to supporting research as a way to make a difference.

In 2023 she was named in the King’s Birthday Honours and presented with the British Empire Medal for her fundraising achievements.

Anneliese Dodds MP has refused to comment on whether she is standing by the Prime Minister amid reports that over 80 of Labour’s MPs have demanded his departure.

Asked if she will back Sir Keir to continue his premiership at this time, call for his resignation or a timetable for departure, she chose not to share a statement at this time.

Anneliese Dodds (Image: Other)

This comes after the resignation of three ministers from the government, Alex Davies-Jones, Jess Phillips and Miatta Fahnbulleh.

Stepping down as victims minister, Alex Davies-Jones, criticised Sir Keir for a lack of “bold, radical action” as she urged him to quit.

Ms Dodds is also a former minister, having resigned as international development minister and minister for women and equalities in February 2025, in protest of aid cuts.

Resignations from the government have led to a promotion for another Oxfordshire MP, Sean Woodcock.

Sean Woodcock. (Image: Contributed)

The Banbury MP has been made a parliamentary private secretary (PPS), after Joe Morris, a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Tom Rutland, a PPS to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, Cabinet Office aide Naushabah Khan and Melanie Ward, a PPS to Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, all quit on Monday evening, May 11.

Department for Work and Pensions aide Gordon McKee and Ms Mahmood’s PPS Sally Jameson also left their posts, having expressed a loss of confidence in the Prime Minister. 

Asked about his appointment and whether he would back Sir Keir to continue in his premiership, he said: “I am proud to have been asked to serve.

 “It is a real honour both for me and the people of Banbury who put their faith in me at the 2024 general election.

 “I will take the issues that are important to Banbury to the heart of government and ensure that they remain my focus.”

He has not explicitly lent his support to the Prime Minister in this statement.

The MP had also been asked to confirm if he is backing Sir Keir, calling for his resignation or a timetable for departure.

The Prime Minister is understood to have defied calls for him to vacate Downing Street, telling his Cabinet the country “expects us to get on with governing” and “that is what I am doing”.

A statement understood to have been signed by more than 100 Labour MPs backing Sir Keir Starmer urges colleagues to start “working together”.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook warned against a “descent into chaos” by triggering a formal challenge.