Veurne, West Flanders, Belgium

Following War Historian interests of two of our Members and interest in een beer that has been voted the best in the wereld.

Talbot House in Poperinge, Belgium stands out amongst the brick built shops and dwellings. Although in a side street, the white, decorated front, three storey building holds a past which the visitor can feel, as well as experience. The metal ornate grills on the door used to welcome soldiers during World War 1 to rest and realign their being, away from the noise and battle front of a few miles away.

This museum however, still has the welcome experienced by the “Tommys” between 1915 and 1918. Starting with an area of personal artefacts from the past recipients of that welcome and a figure of the diminuative founder, one 'Tubby” Clayton, there are photos of scenes of the locality as it was all those years ago. This gives way to several rooms, left as they were with arm chairs and tables, furnishing and books. The worn carpets too add to the encompassing atmosphere. A dining room and kitchen, silent now, but it's easy to imagine the noise and bustle of eating and drinking and conversation of the past.

A staircase, not grand, leads to firstly a floor of bedrooms, then up again to an open area of bare boards with only curtains as decoration. A video plays, denoting the purpose of this room. A film of a concert entertainment. A lively mixture of song, dance (of sorts) and comedic clowning. There is simple music of piano and bango. Much make up disguises the all male actors who also play female parts. Any footsteps or movement of benches echo, but this would not be discernable, if a real performance was in progress with its ribald calling and cheers, that would have drowned any background movement.

Then up a set of steps, almost a ladder, to the apex of the house, where roof rafters show. The chapel, which on a Sunday would be packed with soldiers gaining spiritual support, but relieved to be away from the horrors of the trench, mud and the incessant pounding. With few adornments, save a cross, lectern and a few bibles, this peaceful place, has an atmosphere of its own. A place of reflection.

Finally, the garden. Simple planting and laid out with recesses with benches for contemplative thought.

This house still possesses the spirit of the past and a way to home in on the life experiences of those who passed that way.