Leigh-on-Sea ministers set to represent The Salvation Army at national Festival of Remembrance

Majors David and Margaret House, leaders of Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army, will be representing the national Salvation Army at the Royal British Legion’s annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on 12 November.

Major Margaret said: “I’ve always watched the festival on the television since I was a little girl so it’s an absolute honour to be invited to represent The Salvation Army.

“Remembrance Day means a lot to our family. Our son is in the Royal Navy, having served in the Middle East, our parents served in the war and my great-great grandfather Alfred Ablett was awarded the Victoria Cross for his efforts in the Crimea War – a shell fell in the trench he was in and he threw it away, saving the lives of his comrades.”

James House, son of Major David and Major Margaret House

Every year The Salvation Army is involved in Remembrance Day services across the country in recognition of the church and charity’s relief efforts during the world wars as well as the support given to those in armed conflicts today which includes the work of military chaplains.

In addition to their Remembrance Sunday service at 10am at their church on Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army members and band, together with friends from Southend Citadel Salvation Army, will be supporting the civic service at the cenotaph on Sunday morning and St Clements Church’s Remembrance Sunday service at 3pm on Leigh Hill.

Major David and Major Margaret House with family

Major Margaret continued: “At this time of remembrance, David and I will be praying not only for those we know and have known personally but we will also pray for those people we will never know.

“It’s so important to remember those who have fought and continue to fight for peace, world leaders who make important decisions, as well as the families and communities affected by war.”

For more information about your local Salvation Army as well as The Salvation Army’s work during the world wars, please visit salvationarmy.org.uk.