All aboard for Littlehampton's 6.18 to the 19th hole

The 6.18 Club was founded 40 years ago by commuters on the rail service which left London Victoria for Arundel at 6.18pm.

It quickly gained a membership in excess of 30, and also attracted widespread attention from local and national newspapers, and even a West German television channel, which made a film about the quirky English golf club.

Firm friendships had already been established among the commuters even before a friendly challenge between two of them resulted in the first informal golf match being played.

A history of the club written for its 10th anniversary recalls: "the nightly journeys of this happy little band . . . were characterised by cintillating conversation, the occasional hand of solo, frequent glasses of refreshment in the train buffet car and the common bond which drew them all together '” an expensive British Rail season ticket."

Last week nine members celebrated the 40th anniversary by playing a round on the pitch and putt course at Norfolk Gardens, Littlehampton, where it all began back in the 1960s.

Still flourishing

Sadly, there are no commuters among the present-day membership, and the 6.18 service has long disappeared from the timetable, but the club continues to flourish and an anniversary dinner at Littlehampton Golf Club, following last week's match, was attended by 35 members, spouses and partners.

"We're a jolly crowd, mostly retirement age, but not all," said treasurer George Kahan, from Rustington. He took up golf after retiring as a bank manager and moving to the south coast from London.

Today's 23-strong membership also includes a doctor, solicitor, optician, builder, aircraft engineer, civil servant and Fleet Street worker, and most of them live in the Littlehampton area.

Norfolk Gardens is their winter "home", while in summer months they travel to different courses including Avisford Park, Burgess Hill and Slinfold.

United by fellowship

Last week's anniversary round, which was followed by refreshments in the nearby New Inn, was won by John Tickner, with a net score of 56, four better than the 60 carded by Richard Dew, at 85 the oldest regular player.

The high spirits in the pub after the match were evidence that the founding friendship from 40 years ago lives on among the 6.18ers. "Fellowship unites us," said George. "We love playing the game."

He added, with a grin: "The original idea was to improve people's short game '” and we are still trying!"

* The club, which plays two Tuesdays out of three in the winder, and alternate Tuesdays in the summer, has room for new members '” for more information telephone secretary Clive Richardson on 01903 241105.

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