Pocklington lightening the load
A rugby club with heart at the heart of their community
Pocklington Rugby Club’s charity, Pocklington Rugby In The Community has developed strong partnerships within the town and throughout the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Support has included Christmas meal deliveries, with more than150 hot meals delivered last Christmas to elderly and vulnerable people, as well as 60 people being hosted at the clubhouse for a fantastic lunchtime party. This was followed by an Easter Egg and card delivery to the same group, with both events fully funded by the charity.
Alongside Pocklington Town Council and other partners, Pocklington Rugby In The Community has put on an annual fun day, End of Pockdown, at the rugby club for the whole community. This was a free event enjoyed by more than 1,500 people, with stalls, games, activities and food and drink at the club’s town centre venue.
Administering grants
To recognise all the local volunteers for their hard work, the club is hosting the second Annual Volunteer Awards on 9th September at Pocklington Arts Centre. The charity was also recently selected by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to hold and administer a grant funding pot of money and, over the year, has given out grants of over £17,000 to 20 organisations ranging from The Heritage Group to Greener Pocklington and Pocklington RUFC, with an aim of stimulating growth.
The charity’s partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and The HEYSmile Foundation allowed them to bid for an 18-month contract to develop the volunteer network and offering within the town. They were competing with other regional charities and operators and were delighted to be chosen and to appoint a Volunteer Coordinator in May this year.
Working in partnership
Said Andy Bowden, Chair of Trustees: “This was fantastic recognition for the charity and the work of its 12 Trustees. We see partnership working as the way to develop the community and bring the rugby club to the heart of the flourishing town of Pocklington.”
Pocklington Rugby In The Community continues to work in its own right, hosting monthly meetings of the elderly and vulnerable at the rugby club, with 40 regularly enjoying activities from quizzes, to pottery and a day out at nearby Burnby Hall (pictured).
To ensure the events are fully inclusive they have established, each Monday at the town leisure centre, an all-inclusive activity hour, open to all everyone throughout the area. They have also supported Pocklington Tennis Club with similar sessions, enhancing their profile.
Supporting Ukrainian refugees & hosts
In June the charity hosted around 80 Ukrainians and their host families at a Family Fun Day – giving them a chance to meet other displaced individuals from across Ukraine. This was followed by a day trip to the seaside at Bridlington.
The charity also funded the development of the office area above the club’s changing rooms and facilitated the permanent housing of a food bank, the People's Pantry, while also funding a local Yoga group and a community hub which worked to provide services throughout the pandemic and lockdowns.
Said Bowden: “The trustees are rightly proud of what has been achieved from small beginnings but also the impact the charity is having for the rugby club within the town, with a fantastic working partnership between the club and the charity.”
Pocklington RUFC has three senior teams and a Colts team with the 1st team playing in Regional 2 North East (Level 6). Their age grade section has 170 boys and girls, with strong representation in the Yorkshire County Developing Player Pathway for season 2022-23.
To find out more about Pocklington RFC's teams, events and memberships visit their website pocklingtonrufc.rfu.club and to find out more about what the club are doing for the local community visit www.pockritc.com
