IN the past seven years, David and Margaret House have seen the Colchester branch of the Salvation Army grow from strength to strength under their leadership.

They have welcomed new members and overseen a huge refurbishment of their Butt Road site.

But now they are preparing to say goodbye as they move on to new challenges.

But Margaret is sure the organisation will continue to grow in the town.

She said: “We’ve seen the congregation grow dramatically.

“The Salvation Army has got an important role to play in society.

“We’ve had a really happy time and we’ve loved living in the town.

“We love the friendliness and the openness of people.”

One of their main achievements has been overseeing a huge refurbishment at Butt Road three years ago.

The old building, built in 1972, was desperately in need of the refurbishment. Margaret said: “It had become very dated and not really fit for purpose.

“The refurbishment made the whole centre more user-friendly.

We’ve got a lot more groups using the building.”

David has become well-known in the town centre because he sells the Salvation Army’s newspaper, the War Cry, every Thursday outside Danny’s Bakery in Lion Walk.

The Salvation Army, part of the mainstream Christian church, was set up 150 years ago by Catherine and William Booth to bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry.

David and Margaret are Salvation Army Majors, roles similar to church ministers, holding services, weddings, funerals and dedications.

But their citadels have a large focus on the social side, with community events playing a key role. The citadels run a variety of clubs including toddler groups, Sunday school, friendship clubs, carpet bowls teams and music sessions.

The couple graduated from the Salvation Army College in 1993 and have had a number of different placements.

They have been assigned to a citadel in Leigh-on-Sea, as part of the organisation’s routine reshuffles.

Margaret said: “We’ve enjoyed the last seven years. We’ve found the people really friendly.

“They have made us feel welcome and at home.

“We’re sad to be leaving the congregation we’ve come to know and love.

“We’ve travelled through life situations with a lot of people, but we are looking forward to the new challenge. We will miss everybody.”

The couple’s last service will be on Sunday. Alan and Carol Frederickson are due to take over at the Colchester citadel.