West Oxfordshire Priest blesses pub opening after three year closure

Father Clive Dytor, parish priest for Chipping Norton and Charlbury, visited The Fox Inn in Middle Barton, which is set to reopen on Saturday, July 18.

The pub, which was closed in 2023, has been taken over by businessman Tony O’Sullivan after a community campaign to ensure its reopening.

The Fox Inn, a building of historical significance, has been part of the village since at least 1809.

A spokesperson for the pub said on social media: “Tony was honoured to welcome Father Clive to The Fox today for a special blessing of the pub.

“As a proud Catholic, Tony was keen to have The Fox blessed as we continue its restoration and prepare to welcome the community through its doors once again.

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A campaign to save The Fox in Middle Barton found this old photo of the building (Image: Bartons Community Benefit Society Ltd)

“The blessing marks an important milestone in our journey, and we hope it brings prosperity, good fortune, and happiness to everyone who visits.

“We are grateful to Father Clive for taking the time to visit and share this special moment with us.”

Father Clive was awarded the Military Cross in the Falklands War after leading his Royal Marines unit in an assault on an Argentine machine gun position.

He became an Anglican priest and a public school headmaster before converting to Catholicism.