This brings back many memories. I lived in Brighton Road but for some reason played in my first darts team for the Hampden Arms. Used to catch the bus from Bridge Street, which was the No.26 from Gibbon Road to South Heighton if I remember rightly. This was back in 1964-1966 and the landlord was Buck Charman, a very good darts player himself. Wish I could remember a few more members of the team but they escape me right now.

I played in that darts team.I remember Buck but I can't think of any names. I used to catch eels for Buck he used to pay two and six each for them and then make them into jellied eels. I think I can recall you Paul, weren't there some female members as well?

Buck Charman is my oldest friends Grandfather on her mother's side. Her Parents still live in the village. South Heighton football club also had an end of season football tournament in his honor called 'Buck Charmen Day' My Parents, uncle and auntie all work at the Hampden for Bob and Marilyn who had the pub for quite a while. My brother worked there too but for Marilyn's sister. I have worked there on and off for 10 years for various owners. It is now run by Dave and Michaela who have restored the pub back to the village pub it should be. As you walk down the cellar steps the names of previous owners are written above your head in chalk, including Buck's. There was also entrance to a tunnel in the men's toilets, which has since been blocked up.

Does anyone know if there is any truth in the rumour about the building next door once being a pub?

Regarding Terry's comment above about female members of the Hampden Dart Team, you are right Terry, the reason I played there (1964-1966) was that although I lived in Brighton Road a close friend of mine, Maurice Deakin played there and his Mum, Flo' who was herself a very good player was also in the team. She use to win more games than she lost, upset quite a few male members of the opposition ! There was also another lady in the team who's name escapes me. The 3 of us were there for a couple of years but then moved over to play at the "Bay" in Pelham Road in Seaford as Maurice's brother Brian played there. Haven't seen Maurice for over 25 years now but understand he did spend some time as 'landlord' at "The Ship" in Newhaven. Anybody know if that's right ?