Hamilton Court and The Masonic Housing Association celebrate 50 years

A heartwarming account of Hamilton Court by Ken Turner describing the residence as ‘A Home and a Sanctuary’

Written in his own words by Ken Turner, Secretary of the Hamilton Court Charitable Association

“Well, 50 years ago in June, I married my lovely wife Sue, so if anyone knows what 50 years feels like, I do. Coincidentally, the Masonic Housing Association was formed in the same year and they set out on their journey just as Sue and I did, although their mission was a little different to ours.

The Masonic Housing Association (MHA) was formed in 1975 as an exempt charity to take advantage of the financial provisions made available to registered Housing Associations by the Housing Act 1974, and its objective was to build and manage sheltered housing schemes for the elderly.

Government grants formed part of the funding to build suitable housing and due to this, some lettings were assigned for non-Masonic residents and therefore Hamilton Court and other MHA schemes, do not restrict occupancy solely to residents with Masonic connections. At Hamilton Court (and other MHA schemes) we endeavour to maintain an equal balance between Freemasons, Masonic dependants and others in need of a home and a safe place to live, for those over 55 years of age. The MHA’s network of homes, over the next decade grew with five schemes now providing affordable, quality, safe housing. Other MHA housing schemes are located in Wellingborough, Aylesbury, Stratford-upon-Avon and Rugeley. We are therefore, very lucky to have this resource here in Essex.                                                            

Hamilton Court provides assisted living accommodation, which comprises of 43 one-bedroom, self-contained flats, 12 of which are suitable for couples, and it is situated in the heart of South Woodham Ferrers. The scheme is run on a hands-on basis by a committee of volunteers on behalf of the MHA, each member bringing a different skill set to the team. In addition to making sure the building runs safely and efficiently; the committee also supports and organises some of the social activities at Hamilton Court in addition to those that the residents themselves arrange. Our social events are focused around our large common room and conservatory. During the year, BBQs in the garden are organised with entertainment, social afternoons in the common room and the well-attended Christmas party. In addition, once or twice a year we will organise short day trips by coach to a local place of interest and on the odd occasion we frequent Saxon Hall for a Sunday lunch, which is very popular with the residents. To keep costs in check, the Committee Members will often use their own cars to transport residents, particularly those who find it difficult to get on and off coaches. Through these and other activities, our aim, in conjunction with the MHA, is to create an environment which keeps our residents both entertained and stimulated through communal engagement.  

Our residents cannot really be profiled and their reasons for living in Hamilton Court are as varied as the residents themselves. Some do clearly have financial need, and our resident Scheme Manager can often be seen assisting residents to navigate around benefit claim forms and the bureaucracy which surrounds the benefit system. Something which many find daunting. Others, having satisfied the financial need criteria, seek out the sanctuary that Hamilton Court provides, perhaps due to loneliness, perhaps having lost a spouse and feeling isolated and alone in the absence of family. Some seek out the security that our scheme delivers and others the knowledge that there is always someone on hand to share their feelings with and life’s concerns. Some, through no fault of their own, find themselves in circumstance of, ‘unforeseen calamity and distress’, which I am sure we can all acknowledge. All these things and more are taken into consideration when potential residents are interviewed as we endeavour to use our limited and valuable resource to best effect.

During the course of the week, our resident Scheme Manager is on hand at Hamilton Court to lend support and at weekends a Committee Member is always available and on call, to step in should a problem arise. Therefore, Hamilton Court is about more than just providing a roof over someone’s head. It’s about bringing compassion, friendship, sharing, consolation and concern, to the lives of our residents and making them feel safe.

Therefore, what started out as an idea fifty years ago, the MHA have now developed into a system of sheltered housing which, over five decades, has given support and sanctuary to countless people and long may it continue to do so.”

Photos

Top: Hamilton Court

Middle: Entrance and scenic gardens

Bottom: Residents celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III