The Papanui Toc H Athletic Club Inc was established in 1982 through the amalgamation of the Papanui Redwood Athletic Club and the Toc H Track and Field Club, both of which had a strong history in athletics. The Toc H Harrier Club joined forces with us in 1987, further strengthening our foundation.
Today, Papanui Toc H continues to be a significant presence in athletics, achieving success across all levels of the sport. Over the years, our athletes have proudly represented at the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, as well as in national and local competitions. Our club currently boasts a membership of over 300, including 220 junior athletes aged 4 to 18 years, and 61 senior, U20, and masters athletes.
The Birth of Toc H
The essence of Toc H was born in Bethlehem, but it took physical form in Flanders, where the poppies grow—a symbol of remembrance. During the Great War of 1914-1918, the Ypres Salient was among the most dangerous areas along the Western Front. Ypres itself was a city the Germans continually tried to capture, but despite its destruction, it never fell. The Salient saw relentless battles, with soldiers from across the British Empire enduring unimaginable hardships to defend or advance the lines. The name "Ypres" came to symbolize unyielding resistance and heroism, and it holds a special place in history, not only for the Allies but for the Germans as well.
The Old House in Poperinghe
Just behind the Ypres Salient, in the small village of Poperinghe, soldiers could find a brief respite from the war. Here, in late 1915, three chaplains—Neville Talbot, Harold Bates, and Philip Clayton ("Tubby")—established a soldiers’ club called Talbot House, in memory of Neville Talbot’s brother, Gilbert, who had died in combat. The soldiers affectionately referred to it as Toc H, using the military phonetic alphabet. In November 1915, the club moved to a tall white house rented from a Belgian owner, officially opening its doors on December 11th. This house, known as the "Old House," became a sanctuary for soldiers weary from the front lines until it was temporarily closed in May 1918 due to the war. It reopened in October 1918 and remained a place of solace until the end of the war.
A Place of Fellowship and Peace
Toc H was more than just a hostel; it was a haven of fellowship and refreshment. Its motto was inclusive: “Everyman’s Club.” The house was unmilitary, fostering a sense of equality and community rare in the disciplined world of the army. Officers and enlisted men alike were welcome, shedding rank and enjoying a sense of normalcy. This ethos was reflected in the welcoming signs and notices throughout the house, such as, “All rank abandon, Ye who enter here,” making it a revolutionary space for its time.
The Heart of Toc H
The "Old House" catered to soldiers' needs on multiple levels. The ground floor provided entertainment, reading materials, and a canteen. A library occupied the next floor, with bedrooms above. The house also featured a chapel, known as the Upper Room, and a garden that invited soldiers to "forget about the War." The messages found around the house, like “Pessimists, Way Out” or “This is a library, not a dormitory,” captured the unique spirit of Toc H. It was a place where soldiers could momentarily escape the horrors of war, find peace, and feel at home—even in the midst of conflict.
Life Members: Mrs J. Brown, S Brown, K Samuel, A Hall, M Tayler, N Dimmock, M Kilden, M Lyons Mr PF Tayler, CR Hicks, SA McLean, WE Hastings, PC Findlay, CM Brown, LG Jones, G Vivian, G Christey, KG Simpson, B Allison, P Brown, RJ McKee, G Ell, M Mene, W Boyd, T Spittle, R Morrison, O Powell, J Wilcock, Ian Graham, T Turner, D Neale.