IRFF UK's Curious Charity Shop - Under New Management

www,irff-uk,org

Big changes at our curious charity shop If you’ve never heard of our Tricycle shop, you’re not alone. But

actors from Midsomer Murders have.

So has a London wardrobe designer who pops in for top hats and

fur coats. They all head straight to the back room – known locally

as the “weird and wonderful” cave – where vintage treasures and

theatrical oddities spill from every corner.

It’s not your average charity shop – and that’s just the

What most IRFF UK supporters may not know is that The Tricycle,

based in the historic market town of Alton, southwest of London, is

one of our most successful fundraising vehicles – supporting

humanitarian projects in Africa, alongside national and local

From left to right: Markus Thonett, incoming Manager Nicole Avery,

Tessa Thonett, and outgoing Manager Michelle Jackson.

Founded in 2012 by Tessa and Markus Thonett, the shop was

built on a simple but powerful idea: three wheels, three

charities, every month. That model – international, national, and

local – has supported everything from wheelchair-friendly home

upgrades to humanitarian projects in Africa.

Michelle guided The Tricycle with steady hands.

This August marked the shop’s 13th anniversary – and a major

changing of the guard. Michelle Jackson, the founding manager

and steady hand since day one, stepped down after years of

building not just a business, but a community. Known for her

warmth and fierce loyalty to her volunteers – many of whom live

with disabilities – Michelle helped shape The Tricycle into a place

where people felt valued.

Her farewell party was full of stories and laughter. She received a

crystal plaque, a photo album titled Memories of The Tricycle,

and – perhaps most memorably – a custom blue plaque to hang

outside her home: “Michelle Jackson, Manager of The Tricycle,

2012–2025, Lives Here.”

Move over, English Heritage.

Michelle (centre) with volunteers fundraising in front of The Tricycle

shop on Red Nose Day, a unique fundraising campaign that uses

comedy to solicit donations for great causes.

New Manager Nicole takes the handlebars at The Tricycle shop.

Stepping into Michelle’s shoes is Nicole Avery, athough she’s no

stranger to the shop. Years ago, fresh from a difficult divorce

and far from her native Australia, she found comfort in the

charity shop across the road from her flat and visited twice a

“It was the closest thing to family I had,” she told founder

Tessa Thonett.

Now, she’s back as the manager. And she’s bursting with ideas,

energy, and gratitude.

Stepping away a little is

Pauline Johnson, long-time

assistant manager and quiet

powerhouse. Her intelligence

and willingness to do all kinds

of extra things helps keep the

shop humming.

The Tricycle staff, volunteers and friends gather for a photograph at one

of the charity’s anniversary gatherings.

Today, The Tricycle is more than a place to find a vintage golf club

or a quirky lampshade. It’s a community hub. And with Nicky at the

helm, the next chapter looks just as wonderful and wildly

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