A Mortal Mansion For Masons

Ed: There may come a time in life when older Masons may benefit from sheltered but independent community living. The Masonic Housing Association provides such accommodation in a number of locations and the nearest residence to Middlesex is Prebendal Close in Aylesbury, Bucks. W. Bro Geoff Cullingham PAGSwdB PPrSGW of Alert Lodge No 5861 invites Middlesex Masons to support the Association through their Lodge Charity and if in case of difficult circumstances consider making an application to become a resident. A thanks to Geoff for bringing this worthy cause to our attention.

Prebendal Close in Aylesbury offers sheltered accommodation to those who are in their later years. Featuring some 29 one-bedroom flats, 2 two-bedroom flats and 2 studio flats, the site is run by the Masonic Housing Association. In general, single people and couples aged 60 and over can apply, but in some cases applicants as young as 55 will be considered. The guiding principle is that residents must be capable of independent living and ideally – but not essentially have a masonic connection. The Masonic Housing Association does not provide care services. It does, however, have a full-time scheme manager who lives on site to oversee the running and maintenance of the properties. Typically, the cost is between £600 and £900 per month depending on the size of the flat. There is no means testing as such. The Association is looking to support masons, or their families, who are experiencing tough times and may be struggling financially.

The accommodations are located in the oldest part of Aylesbury. Prebendal Close is close to a church, a doctors surgery, several supermarkets, and Aylesbury town centre. These are all are within a 10-minute walk.

Life is made as easy as possible for residents and the building has a mix of stairs and small lifts to get around. While each resident has their own front door, they can nevertheless use any of the many communal facilities including a lounge,

conservatory, laundry room, patios, and garden areas. Cared for by a gardener and residents, Prebendal Close and a resident recently won an award from Aylesbury in Bloom. For residents with visiting guests Prebendal Close has two rooms that can be rented when needed.

In terms of security, there is CCTV on all entrances and exits along with a gated onsite car park. And for resident’s safety, each flat and most of the communal areas have alarm pull cords that are linked to a control centre that is constantly manned. But there’s more to living at Prebendal Close than just the physical structure as social events and day trips are provided for residents through the generosity of a number of masonic lodges.

Looking at last year alone, events included a fish and chips lunch, in-house quiz nights, the screening of the King’s coronation, cheese and wine nights with a singer, and several barbecues. A big band swing night put on by local masons was a big a hit as were the many events over Christmas and New Year.

To find out more about the facilities visit the Masonic Housing Association’s website at https://masonichousing.co.uk/properties/prebendal-close/.

And to apply for a flat or to arrange a visit, contact site manager Beverley Mills on 01296 433511 or via e-mail – manager@prebendalclose.org.uk.

The events and the upkeep of Prebendal Close rely on not only tenants paying rent but importantly, the generosity of freemasons.

If your lodge would like to donate, contact Alan Marriot on 07969 281174 or via e-mail alan-marriott@btconnect.com.

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