|
From an email received, 5 June 2026.
Memories of the Sportsman, Eastcourt Lane, Twydall (c.1977–1980)
Thomas Beverley Anthony ("Bev") Buckley and his wife Lorna Buckley
were transferred by Courage Eastern from the "Chatham Arms," Military
Road, Chatham, to the "Sportsman" in Eastcourt Lane, Twydall, around
1977. Bev was employed as a salaried manager by the brewery, while
Lorna received an honorarium. They remained at the "Sportsman" for
approximately three years.
At the time, the "Sportsman" was the subject of a major Courage
Eastern refurbishment. The pub originally consisted of a traditional
Public Bar and Saloon Bar. As part of the modernisation programme,
the Saloon Bar was converted into a Lounge Bar with a contemporary
late-1970s design. The refurbishment included extensive black wall
panelling, silver uplighters, numerous indoor plants and an open gas
fireplace.
One of the most memorable features was a huge hand-painted glass
panel, virtually wall-sized, displaying an abstract design in red
and black with many geometric triangular shapes. It formed a
striking focal point within the new lounge area and reflected the
fashionable interior design trends of the period.
The brewery invested heavily in the project but was less convinced
by another of the Buckleys' ideas: introducing food service. Courage
Eastern reportedly believed that serving food in an estate pub would
not be successful. However, the venture exceeded expectations and
proved extremely popular with customers.
The Buckleys also introduced regular live music, usually once a
week, which brought a fresh atmosphere to the pub and attracted new
customers. Combined with the refurbished Lounge Bar and food
offering, the entertainment helped transform the "Sportsman" into a
thriving community venue.
When the newly refurbished Lounge Bar opened, customers were
informed that work clothes would not be permitted in that part of
the pub. Rather than objecting, some local regulars arrived carrying
slippers so they could change their footwear and enjoy the new
surroundings. The story became a favourite example of the good
humour of the pub's customers.
Although some local residents were initially cautious about the new
management and the changes being introduced, attitudes soon changed.
As the improvements took hold and the pub flourished, local
customers became very supportive and protective of Bev and Lorna.
By the late 1970s, the "Sportsman" was one of the busiest pubs in the
area. On busy weekends, around ten members of staff were employed
across the two bars, and the pub was often packed with customers
enjoying the food, entertainment and lively atmosphere.
The Buckleys' time at the "Sportsman" appears to have marked a period
when the pub evolved from a traditional estate pub into a vibrant
social centre for the local community, combining food, live
entertainment and a modernised interior at a time when such changes
were still relatively unusual in many estate pubs.
Earlier tenancy: Prior to moving to the "Sportsman," Bev and Lorna
Buckley managed the "Chatham Arms," Military Road, Chatham, from
approximately 1975 to 1977. Their names are recorded history records
for that period. During their time at the "Sportsman," their daughter
Caroline was about 7–8 years old and their son Tom was about 2 years
old, both living with the family at the pub. |
