Our Community
In addition, we endeavor to commit on an ongoing basis to the following amazing charities and organisations:
Age UK Olney
“For years, Templecoombe has generously donated bags for us to use at the point of sale. As a charity shop we rely heavily on donations. Receiving such quality and variety of bags saved us significant costs in the past and more recently, with the bag charge, has helped us raise money. Templecoombe has always been very supportive and these bags have helped enormously.”
Debbie Howson; Age UK
Circus Starr
“Thank you to Templecoombe for their ongoing support for our Wolverton shows. None of this would be possible without the amazing support of businesses who continue to support us each year.”
Kelly Burndred; Fundraising Manager
Newport Pagnell & Olney Lions Club
“A massive ‘shout out’ to Templecoombe-who have kindly been sponsoring our charity town calendars for more than 15 years now. In that time we’ve raised around £30,000 from the proceeds, used for Christmas parcels distributed in the local area. Thank you Templecoombe.”
Trevor Aldred; Local Lion’s President
Milton Keynes Play Association
“A huge thank you for your continued support in supplying our Scrapstore with your end-of-line stock and surplus items. Your generosity makes a real difference and helps us provide valuable resources for schools, educators and crafters in our community. By donating, you are also directly supporting our ability to fund free access play sessions for children and families across Milton Keynes.”
Lisa Harrington; Scrapstore Co-Ordinator
Friends of Olney Infant Academy
Ukraine Support
“When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, I felt a deep need to show immediate solidarity. I bought a Ukrainian flag and raised it above our building on Olney’s High Street, a simple gesture that quickly sparked interest and action from others. I had no idea just how much that single flag would get ‘us’ involved.
There are so many incredible local groups and volunteers still supporting Ukraine. This is our story so far, highlighting the initiatives we’ve led and proudly supported.”
Alex Thomsen; Templecoombe Director
The story so far...
Olney Flag Campaign For Ukraine
Our Director, Alex Thomsen, is pictured here with the Ukrainian flag outside our office building. When the flag was first raised, it immediately drew the attention of local residents, businesses, and Ukrainian people who came in to ask for a flag or information. In response, Alex distributed letters and order forms to every home and business in the area. With invaluable support from Debbie in the local press office, the initiative grew until the entire High Street was proudly lined with flags. That original flag (though replaced a few times over the years) continues to fly today as a symbol of our ongoing solidarity.
Welcoming Ukraine Drinks Evenings
During the first six months, our office organised evening gatherings to bring the community together and welcome local Ukrainian refugees. It was inspiring to see how everyone pitched in, from local hosts opening their homes to volunteers offering English lessons, guided walks, clothing, and transportation. Long term Ukrainian residents also provided essential translation and support networks.
Grow the tallest Sunflower for Ukraine
Our “Grow the Tallest Sunflower for Ukraine” initiative was a team effort. The Olney Press Office printed our leaflets, the Sherrington Garden Centre supplied seeds, local shops sold the seed packs in our bags, and the Allotment Association judged the entries and presented the prizes.
Paintings of Sunflowers For Sale
On delivering a flag to local resident Barbara Middleton our Director Alex saw a beautiful painting of a sunflower in her window. Barbara was part of a local art group and soon the plan was hatched and the group started painting sunflowers in earnest to sell locally.
Paint A Sunflower For Ukraine – Cherry Fair & Olney Riverfest
The sunflower theme continued and we used it at the local summer fairs to get children involved and paint; to raise awareness and money.
Quiz Fundraiser
Our office hosted, organised and sponsored a quiz evening and raffle to raise vital funds for Ukraine. The night was highlighted by a touching talk from the husband of Tanya, a local Ukrainian business owner, sharing her tireless work both locally and abroad. Following Tanya’s tragic passing in Ukraine, we remain deeply inspired by her generous spirit.
Mission to Lviv with Driving Ukraine Convoy
Yardley Hastings village group, local to Olney, organises convoys to Lviv Ukraine, driving 4WD vehicles packed with supplies. They leave the vehicles there for use in Ukraine, taking supplies to and from the front line. Our director Christian Thomsen (pictured right) got involved, bought and drove one of these vehicles in a convoy of fifteen. The journey took three days with stops.
Spring Concerts For Ukraine
Director Alex joined forces with Joan and Will (local residents and members of the Musica Charity Choir) to organise the concept of the concert at Olney’s St Peter & St Paul Church in support of Ukraine. Thanks to incredible community support and joint help from Lynne, Kristina, Hanna and local councillor Debbie, local Ukrainian residents joined the choir on stage. The event broke records as Musica Choir’s highest fundraising single evening, a record nearly doubled during our 2026 Spring Concert.
Clifton Reynes Classic Car Day
We were thrilled to support the Clifton Reynes Classic Car Day after local resident Vivianne invited Alex to manage parking and run a fundraising stall for Ukraine. Thanks to the joint efforts of Director Chris, dedicated Olney volunteer Lynne, Help Ukraine BAMK CIC volunteers, and Yardley Hastings Driving Ukraine, the event successfully raised funds and awareness.
We sincerely hope for peace soon