Lincoln Football Rugby Club (LFRC) are looking at a different type of cup this season…a coffee cup!

Local family business Stokes Tea & Coffee has created a new coffee blend to help Lincoln Football Rugby Club (LFRC) fund a special trip to France to commemorate the sacrifices of former members who died in WWI and WWII.

The average age of the group visiting France is 16 years old, which is similar to the age of many soldiers who died on the battlefields during WWI and WWII. These young people are about to embark on a journey that will allow them to learn about the sacrifices that were made by their predecessors, and to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. The team has been doing a lot of research ahead of the trip, and they have discovered deep connections between Stokes Tea & Coffee and LFRC.

Chris Briggs, Director of Youth Rugby at LFRC, said “We have been researching players from our club who died in the conflicts, and we found that one of the original supporters of Stokes Tea & Coffee was the founder, Robert William Stokes. But the link goes even further, because Robert Stokes’ son, Robert Donald Stokes, played in the first match in 1921 after our club reformed. He was the first honorary secretary, later vice-captain, then captain and a star player for the Club in their glory season.

“Tragically, on 13 August 1944, Major Robert Donald Stokes was killed in action on the final day as the enemy was driven from Conteville in Normandy along with several other men from the Army’s Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. Major Stokes is commemorated at Ranville War Cemetery IX.B.28. in France.

“This trip is important for our players and the next generation to commemorate Lincoln’s heroes with visits to significant sites of WWI and WWII. Our group will also attend receptions and memorial services and play in their honour. LFRC has a long history and was originally founded in 1882 but play stopped during the years of the great war.”

Nick Peel, MD of Stokes Tea & Coffee and the fourth generation to run the company, commented: “The club and its members have been an important part of our community for years, and it’s so encouraging to see the latest generation of members paying their respects to past players. My great uncle Robert was one of so many who fought and died for his country. When I heard about their plans, the least I could do was to follow my great grandfather’s lead and provide support.”

Chris added: “We owe a great debt to those who gave their lives in these conflicts, and this trip really brings this home. The team is working tirelessly to raise money to fund their visit, and we’re thrilled that Stokes has stepped in yet again to help. We love their coffee brand and serve it in our clubhouse, so having a special blend created for LFRC is amazing.”

The new coffee blend is called ‘Coffee Hero’ and is available now. A portion of the proceeds from each bag sold will go to help fund the LFRC trip to France.

To purchase a bag of Coffee Hero online visit: https://stokescoffee.com/collections/coffee/products/coffee-hero-lincoln-rfc