Lawn Turf & Top Soil Suppliers

Forget the Winter Olympics. 2026 was all about a sporting event much closer to home.

On Tuesday, 17^th February, the annual Olney Pancake Day Race returned to the historic market town. George Davies Turf & Stone were proud to be the headline sponsor, alongside main sponsor Bonne Maman, to support this epic community tradition. And the cherry on top of the pancake? Cheering on one of our own, Nicolle Murfitt!

Pancake Prep & Community Spirit

Preparations began days before, with a marquee set up in the heart of Olney to serve delicious, freshly-flipped pancakes to the crowds. George himself stepped behind the pans to try his hand at flipping, quickly handing them back over to the professionals!

The day began with a special pancake breakfast. George and our Marketing Assistant, Izzy, went along to meet the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell and Olney, James Lancater, along with other local MPs, Councillors and fellow business owners. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this well-loved local tradition together.

Sunshine, Smiles and Starting Lines 

With the sun shining and the rain holding off (a first for 2026!), there was an excitable buzz across the town. There were plenty of stalls and entertainment for everyone to enjoy before spectators lined the pavements ready for the pancake dash.

First, we gathered for the children’s pancake race. Boys and girls of all ages proudly donned their aprons and iconic gingham headscarves, frying pans at the ready, as George stepped up to announce the start of the race. The determination and pure elation on display were brilliant to see!

The Main Event

Next up was the main event – a 500-year-old race whose origin no one is entirely sure of. Legend has it that a housewife, busy cooking pancakes at home, heard the shriving bell ring. Not wanting to be late for Church, she ran, pan still in hand, to the Church’s front door. Today, that story lives on in the form of an annual 415-yard race from the Market Pace to St Peter and St Paul’s Church. Run by local women, competitors must wear traditional aprons and headscarves and run the entire race with a frying pan, successfully flipping the pancake at the start and finish lines.

As a keen sportswoman, Nicolle was eager to take part in this year’s event, and we were fully behind her. As the whistle blew, the crowds cheered, and the runners had a fabulous time sprinting through Olney to the finish line, with Nicolle securing second place! Huge congratulations to the podium finishers: Eloise Kramer, Nicolle Murfitt, and Sophie Reynolds, and everyone who was involved in a fantastic day.

More Than Just a Race

Of course, this event is not about positions or prizes. It focuses on tradition, community and uniting together for a joyful occasion – something that feels more important than ever. At George Davies Turf & Stone, supporting others is at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s helping customers transform their gardens or backing cherished local events, we’re proud and committed to investing in our community.