Lifelong Salvation Army member reconnects with her past

A LIFELONG member of the Salvation Army has reconnected with her past after moving into a Hartlepool care home.

Margaret Midgley, 84, was born into the charitable organisation, as the fifth generation of her family to become a member.

Her great great grandparent’s birth certificate even bears the signature of General William Booth, who founded the Salvation Army in 1865.

Following many years of active service, it became impossible for Margaret to participate, due to her progressing dementia.

After she moved into Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road, in December 2015, she attended a social event at the Salvation Army church, on Park Road, Hartlepool.

When care staff took her to the event, she recognised the building immediately, and began telling them about her life as a member.

She has since had visits from old friends as well as Major Julie Bearcroft, from the Hartlepool church.

Margaret said: “I was happy to meet up with my old friends.”

Born in Hartlepool in 1934, Margaret attended Lynnfield School, before winning a scholarship for high school. She also regularly attended the Salvation Army Sunday School, previously at their Stockton Street church, before moving to Park Road.

Margaret married devoted Salvation Army member Jack Midgley on March 20^th, 1965, at St Georges Church. The pair shared a love of music, Jack playing trumpet and Margaret on piano.

Despite no longer being able to play piano, Margaret brought the instrument with her to Queens Meadow Care Home, as it brings back happy memories.

Julie Armstrong, home manager at Queens Meadow Care Home, said: “After realising Margaret’s history with the Salvation Army, we decided to find out more.

“We contacted her nephew, who is also linked to the Salvation Army, in Liverpool, to help fill in the missing links so we can help Margaret recall her past.

“It has had a really happy ending for Margaret, as she has had visits from old friends, as well as the Major from the Hartlepool church. It is lovely to think that from a chat Margaret is now linking back into her old life.”