From Customer Services to the Starting Line

The countdown is officially on to the UK’s oldest and most famous pancake race and this year, here at George Davies Turf & Stone, we have more reason than ever to cheer from the sidelines.

One of our very own team members, Nicolle Murfitt, will be stepping up to the start line to represent the business in the 2026 Olney Pancake Race, an iconic Shrove Tuesday tradition that has brought crowds, community spirit and plenty of pancake-flipping excitement to Olney for more than 550 years.

A local tradition and a personal challenge

When volunteers were invited to represent the business in the 2026 race, Nicolle didn’t hesitate to put her hand up.

“It just felt like such a great thing to be part of,” she said. “The Pancake Race is so well known locally and since George Davies Turf & Stone is sponsoring it this year, I thought it would make it extra special to represent the company.”

While excitement is definitely building, Nicolle admits there are a few nerves too, especially after seeing how fast past winners have completed the course.

“Some of the times previous winners have achieved are seriously impressive,” she laughed. “I’m nervous but I’m excited as well. I’ll give it my best and hopefully make everyone proud.”

Eligible to take part because she works for a business based in Olney, Nicolle is looking forward to experiencing the race from the inside, rather than from on the sidelines for the first time.

Family, football and finding time to train

Away from work, life is busy for Nicolle in the best possible way. Aged 36, she lives in nearby Marston Moretaine with her husband and their two boys, aged eight and two.

Much of her free time is spent with her family, including spending more than her fair share of hours on the football sidelines cheering on her eldest son’s team.
Sport has always been part of Nicolle’s life. She’s a lifelong Arsenal fan and has been going to matches with her dad since she was just five years old, a tradition she still enjoys today.

When she finds time for herself, she heads to the gym and enjoys all things fitness related. She regularly takes part in HYROX fitness events, most recently competing in mixed doubles races alongside her husband.

More than just a race

Taking place on Tuesday 17th February, the Olney Pancake Race will once again see local women race 415 yards along Olney High Street, frying pan in hand, flipping pancakes in front of packed crowds.

The origins of the race remain something of a mystery. One story tells of a hurried housewife racing to church clutching her frying pan after hearing the shriving bell. Another suggests pancakes were once used as a playful bribe to encourage the bell ringer to start the day’s festivities early.

Tradition declares the first race took place in 1445. While it lapsed at times over the centuries, it was revived in 1948 and has been run every year since (apart from 2021) becoming one of the most distinctive fixtures in the British calendar.

Our owner and director George Davies said: “As a local business, it means a great deal to us to support something so historic and so loved by the town. The Pancake Race is part of Olney’s identity and we’re proud to play a role in keeping it going. Having one of our own taking part just adds to the excitement.”

Cheering Nicolle on

For everyone at George Davies Turf & Stone, Nicolle taking part in the race is about far more than race times or competition.

It’s about celebrating community, supporting local traditions and recognising the people who make the business what it is. From helping customers every day to stepping out of her comfort zone to represent the company, Nicolle really does reflect the wonderful teamwork that sits at the heart of our business.

As the countdown to race day continues, one thing is for sure, Nicolle definitely won’t be short of encouragement when she sets off down Olney High Street. And whether it’s from the sidelines or the finish line, the whole team will be cheering her on.