The Padre's Room

Tubby's notice over his door saying "Abandon rank all ye who enter here" applied to the whole of Talbot House but especially to the Padre's Room.

Tubby Clayton had the gift of treating everybody around him with real dignity. Everyone was welcome, no matter what their background or army rank was.

His unique blend of laughter, compassion and respect for all made Talbot House a very special place. The Chaplain's room was a focal point. Here officers and ordinary soldiers met as equals to chat or discuss more serious issues and Tubby would always be on hand to offer a joke, advice or words of comfort as required.

It was this special atmosphere that made a huge impact on the soldiers who visited and helped give them the courage to face the danger and squalor of the trenches.