Hamilton Court is a Masonic Housing Association development of 43 Warden-controlled flats at South Woodham Ferrers, which was opened in November 1983 and is one of six such schemes, located across the country from Cornwall to Staffordshire.

Unlike an R.M.B.I. Residential and Nursing Home, Hamilton Court offers sheltered accommodation for eleven elderly married couples and thirty-two single persons in self contained unfurnished flats, each with a bedroom, a lounge, a bathroom and a fitted kitchen. These specially designed homes are ideal for active retired persons who wish to retain their total independence, do their own shopping, cook their own meals and have their own front door, but who find the presence of a warden and stable housing costs, of reassurance and comfort.

In addition, the building has a Common Room, used regularly for coffee mornings, bingo evenings and other regular events, equipped with colour TV. VCR; music centre and library. There is also a guest room for overnight visits by tenant’s relatives; a free laundry room; a disabled shower room, and attractive gardens with ornamental fishpond.

The day-to-day running of Hamilton Court, beyond the normal duties of the Warden is entrusted to a House Committee of volunteer Essex Masons. The Chairman appointed by the Provincial Grand Master, who with his committee bring a variety of skills and professions to the administration of the complex, and whose principal aim is to ensure that a community spirit prevails to make the tenants’ lives as comfortable as possible.

A fund has been established to provide for the entertainment and additional comforts that make Masonic sheltered accommodation unique. This is a registered charity called Hamilton Court Charitable Association No. 294862, and relies upon donations from Lodges, Chapters and other orders within the Province, as well as from individuals.

As every lodge will have elderly brethren and widows who find house maintenance becoming more difficult and costly, it is the duty of every Lodge Almoner, Secretary and Master to become familiar with this alternative housing option, so that timely advice may be given.