Talbot House, Poperinge

Talbot House, Poperinge
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Our next stop is in a town called Poperinge. Talbot House was an everyman club for soldiers, offering a little rest bite from the horror of the Western Front. It was set up by a couple of army chaplains as a more wholesome source of relaxation and entertainment than currently available. From Officers to Privates, everyone was welcome. The town was considered a relatively safe place and was in fact only occupied once for a single day. When it happened Talbot House was stripped bare by the army and everything disappeared into the surrounding town. The next day, everything miraculously appeared again and it looked as though nothing had ever happened.

The building today forms part of a Museum, but is still run by the organisation that originated here, Toc’H. They still offer companionate support for British soldiers. In fact it is still possible to stay in the house and you don’t have to be in the army. Whilst I was looking around a young female motorcyclist flopped down in on a chair in the hallway. She looked absolutely shattered and the staff took her under their wing. They asked her to come and join them in the kitchen for a cup of tea.

At the very top of the House was a small chapel built into the attic.

At the very top of the House was a small chapel built into the attic. This was used for services and to put on small concert parties. Eventually they managed to convert a larger barn into a proper theatre. It is still there today and they show a wonderful film of a reconstructed performance. For the first time today, we are reminded of the lighter side of life and I thoroughly enjoy the show. I also love the beautiful, peaceful garden. It is the quintessential English country garden, transported to this corner of Belgium.

When we leave, we pass the local cemetery. In addition to the usual graves, there is a small Commonwealth War Grave. Tragically it contains 17 British soldiers who were shot and killed by their own comrades. They had all be found guilty of desertion and cowardice. Of course today we know that these brave young boys, who had often fought in the most appalling circumstances were really suffering from shell shock. Their families are still fighting to clear their names. Previously I had believed that we shouldn’t try to change or clean up the past. We cannot judge events of yesterday with today’s socially acceptable ideals. However today has taught me that if it was my ancestor, my relative, I would fight tooth and nail to right a terrible wrong.