We are the Bartons Community Benefit Society Ltd, a co-operative society set up for the benefit of the community. We are a group of concerned and committed community members who want to ensure that our traditional village pub doesn’t go the same way as many others, a business run into the ground and then sold off for residential use. Because our model puts people before profit, we aim to make the pub work for the community.

Richard Brown MBE (Chair) has lived in Middle Barton since 2013, after retiring from a successful career in Local Government. He was awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to Disability and his Local Community. He is an experienced leader of organisations large and small, a prolific fundraiser and volunteer.

Clare Bramley is an international broadcast media communications advisor who has lived in Middle Barton for 15 years. In her previous life she trained as a chef and has managed a pub and outdoor pursuits centre in Wales.

Helen Christie is a Maths teacher with experience as a charitable trustee. She has managed and fundraised for several projects for the local PTA including an outdoor classroom and a running track. As a keen musician, she is also involved with organising local music events.

Andy Clarke and family have lived in the village since 1995 (apart from a 2 year period between properties), the decision to move to Middle Barton being made over lunch in The Fox Inn! They have family connections to an operator of 3 successful pubs.

Jed Dale has been an enthusiastic user of the pubs of Oxfordshire for as long as he can remember and has worked with trees and wood for over 25 years as an ecologist, forester, miller and joiner. He has experience as a director and founder of a number of successful partnerships & co-operatives and as a manager of charitable projects and community festivals.

Steve Ferrelly has lived in Middle Barton since 1986 and is currently chair of Westcote Barton Parish Meeting. Now retired, Steve was a Director of Whitbread PLC, one of the UK’s leading hospitality businesses, for 10 years and was subsequently a Consultant working with a range of SME’s.

Jill Kavanagh is a finance lawyer with experience working for non-profit organizations. She has lived in Middle Barton since 2021 and has a longstanding connection to the area, having studied in Oxford years ago too.

John Madden (Vice-Chair) has lived in the Bartons for over 40 years and has in the past been Chair of the School Governors and of the Bartons History Group. He brings the experience of running a successful SME to the OurFox project.

Sue West (Treasurer) moved to the area in 2005 and is now retired, after spending many years as a Chartered Management Accountant, working in industry and commerce. She is a keen musician, and currently studying for an open degree in computing and law.