Couple at town fabrics shop celebrate its 30th anniversary

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.”