Page 37 - Essex Mason Issue 85

Online Supplement

With many people entering the building for various reasons, security is a priority. Each tenant has a key fob to the front door, which
is kept locked at all times. A coded door entry system is fitted for carers and emergency services. Video cameras record everyone
entering and leaving the building and in all communal corridors, and there are monitors in the Scheme Managers office and flat.

One of the conditions of the housing loan was that the number of incoming tenants should be divided as near as possible equally
between those with a masonic connection and those without, but many other factors are taken into consideration when assessing
prospective tenants, but the need for a safe new home and companionship, comes first. No account is taken of financial status
except for tenants’ ability to pay the weekly rent, either with their own means or with assistance of housing benefit from local
government.

The current weekly rent for a single flat is from £133.00 and £143.00 for a double. This rent includes
water and sewerage charges, and the service charge which covers such things as full central heating
and hot water, the Warden’s services, maintenance, cleaning of communal areas and upkeep of
the garden. It also includes the fully equipped laundry and drying room. There is also a rolling
programme of maintenance and decoration throughout the building. All of which I think you will
agree is good value for money.

The House Committee which is responsible for the day to day running of the building is headed by
the chairman W. Bro. Bob Mathew, who is an elected Director on the Masonic Housing Association.
His duty is to ensure that the decisions and legal responsibilities of the M.H.A. are carried out in
the best possible way, with the safety and welfare of the tenants in mind. To enable him to do this
Bob Mathew he appoints suitably qualified people to fill other offices with specific responsibilities, such as an
Chairman accountant, secretary, surveyor, administrator etc.

The House Committee carries out official duties, as defined by the M.H.A. but it also carries out other duties under the heading
of Pastoral Care. To enable it to do this important work we ask Essex Masons, their Lodges and all the other Orders to become
members and contribute to “The Friends of Hamilton Court”, which is a registered charity. It provides many social events, coach
outings, theatre evenings, house parties, barbeques etc. and we help any tenant who may be experiencing difficulties. I must
stress, Brethren, that this fund is never used for assistance with the payment of rent, but only to enhance the quality of our tenants’
lives; thus making their quality of life better than would occur in other Housing schemes.

So Brethren this sort of work goes on all the time, and in 2003,
thanks to the generosity of Essex Masons of all orders; we
completed the building and furnishing of a large conservatory
and landscaping of the surrounding area, which enables tenants
to enjoy the benefits of a light airy room, with the added pleasure
of enjoying the gardens- whatever the weather. It was officially
opened by Sir Neil Thorne on 28th April 2003.

That Brethren is a brief description of the workings of’ “Hamilton Ian Eaton
Sarah Skinner Court Charitable Association”, but to enable this work to Treasurer
Scheme Manager continue we need two things- Now this is where you come in!!

“The Friends of Hamilton Court” relies entirely on regular donations, however small, from its members and Lodges etc.; if every
Lodge gave just £50.00 we would have enough money to do our job, but unfortunately not all of them do, so I ask you to please
keep this in mind when your Lodge is discussing Charity donations.
We are always looking for new tenants to occupy vacant flats, so if any of you know or hear of any person or couple who you think
would benefit from what Hamilton Court has to offer, please contact us as soon as possible. May I take this opportunity to thank
Almoners who have already contacted us.

Lorna Lovelock Mike Frost Ken Turner Terry Mynard
Housing Secretary Committee H & S Manager Committee

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