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From an email received 5 June 2026.
Memories of the Chatham Arms, Military Road, Chatham (c.1975–1977)
Thomas Beverley Anthony ("Bev") Buckley and his wife Lorna Buckley
took over the "Chatham Arms," Military Road, Chatham, around 1975.
Their names are recorded as licensees from 1975–1977.
The "Chatham Arms" was what Courage Eastern referred to as a "lock-up"
pub, meaning there was no living accommodation attached. Breweries
would sometimes retain such pubs in order to preserve a valuable
licence while deciding their long-term future. As a result, Bev and
Lorna, together with their two young children, had to live elsewhere
and commute to the pub each day, leaving the children with minders.
It was far from ideal for a young family.
The pub had a reputation as a "squaddies' pub" due to its proximity
to the military establishments and dockyard. Fights were not
uncommon, often involving Army and Navy personnel, or visiting
sailors when foreign ships were in port. The police station was
almost directly opposite the pub, and police call-outs were
frequent.
At the time, Lorna was the youngest landlady employed by Courage
Eastern. The brewery made it clear that if Bev and Lorna could turn
the "Chatham Arms" into a success, they would be considered for a
better house. Interestingly, the brewery's measure of success was
not primarily the amount of money being taken over the bar, but how
often the police were called to the premises.
The "Chatham Arms" was a transient pub with relatively few regular
customers. Much of the trade came and went, making it difficult to
establish the sort of stable customer base that helps keep order.
Bev and Lorna set about improving the pub's appearance and
atmosphere. Courage Eastern supported the effort by paying for
redecoration, including repainting, new curtains and new carpets.
As the improvements became noticeable, word began to spread that the
new management were making an effort to improve the pub. Gradually,
a core of regular customers developed. This proved invaluable, as
the regulars often stepped in to calm situations before they
escalated into serious trouble, helping to reduce the number of
police call-outs. Building that local support was one of the key
factors in changing the character of the pub.
Although the "Chatham Arms" became more settled and successful, the
lack of accommodation remained a significant problem for a family
with two young children. After proving themselves at the "Chatham
Arms," Bev and Lorna were offered a move by Courage Eastern. The
choice was between the "Boatswain and Call" and the "Sportsman" in Eastcourt Lane, Twydall.
The decision was straightforward. The "Boatswain and Call" stood on a
busy main road, whereas the "Sportsman" overlooked a green and offered
a more family-friendly environment. Bev and Lorna chose the
"Sportsman," where they moved around 1977 and began the next chapter
of their management career with Courage Eastern. |
