President’s charity day brings top-class food to rugby club
Fine food and fund-raising is on the menu at a sell-out event at Driffield Rugby Club.
The game against Cleckheaton tomorrow is the first president’s charity day, where around 160 guests will enjoy a meal cooked by award-winning chef James Mackenzie from the Pipe and Glass at South Dalton.
The money raised at the event on Saturday, 11th October will be given to the Jack Stabler Memorial Trust, which supports local sporting projects in and around Driffield.
Simon Hornby, Driffield RUFC chairman, said: “We are extremely grateful to James, and all at the Pipe and Glass for their support over the last five years.
“Being able to host this unique offering at Driffield Rugby Club was initially devised to help the club fill tables in the early season games, when we are historically quiet due to a large proportion of our members being farmers and still being busy at work.
“However, as the event’s reputation has grown, it has now become our first Saturday to sell out and the one we receive the most enquiries about throughout the season.
“Due to it popularity, we are now able to offer the day to support our president’s charity for the season, and I cannot think of a more fitting local charity than the Jack Stabler Foundation.
“We look forward to welcoming James and his team, along with Jack’s family and hope the day will raise much needed funds to support the foundation.”
The Pipe and Glass is a Michelin-starred pub which has a reputation for being one of the best dining experiences in Yorkshire.
Owner James said: “It has been a pleasure over the years for The Pipe and Glass to be involved with Driffield Rugby Club helping raise money for local charities.
“It’s great to cook at the rugby club each year for our charity lunch for around 160 guests, for them to enjoy a taste of my seasonal dishes that I cook on our menus at The Pipe and Glass daily, just in a different setting.
“Always a great day of great people, great food, great Yorkshire hospitality, great rugby and, of course, the odd drink or two enjoyed along the way.”
Driffield RUFC have started the season with two wins out of three, while visitors Cleckheaton are bottom of the table after three successive defeats.
A big crowd is expected at Kelleythorpe and all of the tables for dining experience have sold out.
Club president for 2025-26, Adrian Harrison, said: Each year, the club president has the privilege of nominating a charity which we will support by raising funds at the games and events we hold during the season.
“Here at Driffield, we are a true community club, and gain a great deal of support from many local businesses and townsfolk.
“I therefore wished to appoint a locally-based charity this year.
“The town is also very well blessed with a range of sporting facilities and clubs, many of whom have strong ties with DRUFC, and I am keen to do anything which might assist in providing sport for all – whatever the code.
The money raised at the event on Saturday, 11th October will be given to the Jack Stabler Memorial Trust, which supports local sporting projects in and around Driffield.
“Many of you reading this will be aware of this Trust, indeed possibly touched in some way by the tragic death of local lad Jack Stabler in a motor accident in the summer of 2022.
“Jack was a keen and accomplished footballer. His family have set up the Trust in his memory which has the purpose of ‘the advancement of the amateur sport of football and other sports in the East Riding of Yorkshire by the provision of facilities for participation in those sports’.
“Funds we are able to provide will therefore be used to the advantage of local sports clubs and organisations, with the result that hopefully many and more local people can enjoy their sport, which can play such an important part in an individual’s overall physical and character development, and mental health.
“Hopefully, you will be able to see your way to support any fundraising we undertake throughout the season – it will, of course, be very much appreciated.”
