Toc H – where WWI meets 2006
01/10/2006
Toc H was born in the terrible strife of World War 1, in a house in a Belgian town named Poperinge, a few miles behind the front-line trenches. The house was called Talbot House - whose initials, in army telephone jargon, give Toc H its distinctive name – a name today renowned for its community work.
In Talbot House all those decades ago, a young Army chaplain, the Rev. 'Tubby' Clayton, set up a rest centre for soldiers. It was open to all ranks, and all were equal under that roof - which was very unusual. Many who visited gained a deeper understanding of others, and of their own Faith.
After the War the men who had survived returned to civilian life, often broken and shell-shocked, to find their communities shattered. So they decided to try to recreate the Talbot House ‘experience’ in peacetime, where divisions of rank or class did not matter. To begin with, they set up residential houses like Talbot House, and later started forming local branches which met weekly - and very soon women became fully involved.
Today, Toc H continues that tradition; a community-based charity which strives to promote the importance of bringing all sectors of society together, regardless of culture, religion or race. It encourages acceptance and the removal of judgement.
Innovative nationwide local project work includes mentoring schemes and various courses for all ages aimed at bringing support and relief to groups throughout the community.
‘Tubby’ Clayton died just after his 87th birthday, in December 1972, leaving a rich legacy for thousands.
For more information on Toc H call 01296 642020 or visit the website link below.