The Association (MHA) provides good quality, rented accommodation for those over 55 years of age living an independent lifestyle. It provides a ready-made community of like-minded residents, together with the assistance of a scheme manager and safeguard of an emergency call system. It is an ideal option for Freemasons and widows wishing to move on from the burden and cost of house maintenance. As such, it is an excellent idea for key Lodge officers to be aware of the Association, allowing timely advice to be given to members and their families.
Originally formed under the Housing Act 1974, the Association has the objective of building and managing housing schemes and took advantage of government grants to do so. As a consequence, admission is not restricted to Freemasons alone, demonstrating a charitable, practical and tangible outreach by the Craft into the wider community. The Association is registered under the Cooperative and Community Benefits Societies Act 2015 and Homes England.
MHA has 189 flats spread throughout England in five schemes at:
MHA is controlled by a voluntary Board of Management under the chairmanship of Oliver Lodge, with Geoffrey Dearing as president. Operational management is delegated to a local House Committee for each scheme, appointed by the respective Provincial Grand Master. Each scheme employs a full-time scheme manager, assisting with facilities management and common areas, plus helping with communal activities and residents’ queries and issues.
Each scheme receives generous and valued support from its respective Province and its Lodges. This allows for the provision of various additional facilities and social activities for residents that make a positive point of difference to similar housing schemes. Much evidence exists of residents communicating this to friends and families, enhancing the image of Freemasonry within the wider community.
All schemes have self-contained, one or two-person flats. Every flat has a living room, kitchen and bathroom. Each has its own front door, making for a distinct, personal living space for each resident. There is a residents' lounge and adjoining kitchen, used extensively by the tenants and the local house committees for social functions. There is well equipped communal laundry and a guest room where relatives can stay overnight for a very nominal charge. Some have a hobbies room and other facilities.
The MHA Board treats personal safety and security as being of paramount importance. Accommodation is under one roof, with one protected main entrance door for security, supplemented by CCTV in many of the walkways and common areas. Each scheme has a dedicated manager and emergency call system.
Each scheme operates its own waiting list, and prospective tenants should contact the individual scheme manager for further information, or to arrange a visit.
43 x One Bedroom Flats
Nelson Place
South Woodham Ferrers
Essex CM3 5FJ
Scheme Manager- Sarah Skinner - 01245 323743
[email protected]
35 x One Bedroom Flats
Hatton Avenue
Wellingborough
Northants NN8 5UZ
Scheme Manager - Chris Rayatt - 01933 273140
[email protected]
29 x One Bedroom Flats & 2 x Two Bedroom Flats
Castle Street
Aylesbury
Bucks HP20 2RY
Scheme Manager- Beverley Mills - 01296 433511
[email protected]
45 x One Bedroom Flats
Tiddington Road
Stratford upon Avon
Warwickshire CV37 7SA
Scheme Manager – Rachel Keenan - 01789 297301
[email protected]
34 x One Bedroom Flats
Deanery Close
Rugeley
Staffs WS 15 3JX
Scheme Manager - Tracy Slater - 01889 576544
[email protected]
The Association is keen to expand its activities and would be interested in discussing a joint development with any Province which would welcome a housing scheme in their area or management of an existing one.
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