The Masonic Housing Association (MHA) celebrates a major milestone this year—its 50th anniversary.
Founded in 1975, the MHA was established as an exempt charity following the introduction of the Housing Act of 1974. Its mission has remained consistent for five decades: to provide affordable, sheltered housing for elderly individuals who are able to live independently but benefit from being part of a supportive community.
The Association opened its first scheme at Prebendal Close in 1980 and now manages 189 flats across five properties throughout the UK, with Prebendal Close remaining a flagship location. Prebendal Close is a Sheltered Housing Scheme in Aylesbury that has accommodated many Masons and their families over the last 45 years, and is run behind Bev by a string of committed volunteer Bucks Masons, and long may it continue.
The golden anniversary celebration at Prebendal Close included a Meet & Greet followed by speeches from key figures including MHA Chairman Geoffrey Dearing, Timothy Anders, Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire Freemasonry and The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. This was followed by a celebratory buffet and entertainment for all the residents.
As MHA marks half a century of service, the occasion stands as a testament to the vital role housing associations play in supporting independent living and fostering community for older residents.
Local dignitaries included:
The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
Roger Jefcoate CBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
Pippa Kirkbride, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire
Cllr Nidhi Mehta, Mayor of Aylesbury
Cllr Sherrilyn Bateman, Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury
The event provided an excellent opportunity to introduce our honoured guests to Prebendal Close and the wider mission of MHA. There was a notable level of interest and enthusiasm from newly appointed officials, including the Mayor of Aylesbury.
Guest Feedback:
"It was such a pleasure to visit the gem that Prebendal Close is on Wednesday afternoon and to be welcomed so generously by you, the Masons, and the residents. The Lord-Lieutenant and I were so delighted to be part of your 50th anniversary celebrations which were joyful, relaxed, and fun. I enjoyed talking to several of the residents, and it is clear that you have achieved the perfect formula for enabling independent living in a safe and supported environment."
"What a lovely day it was at the MHA 50th Anniversary. The whole occasion was so well organised and the welcome so fulsome that Sally and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. To have persuaded the Lord-Lieutenant and her Deputies, as well as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury, to attend was something of a coup. It demonstrates the strong ties you have cultivated with the wider, non-masonic community."
Photo's taken by
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join?
Founded in 1975, the MHA was established as an exempt charity following the introduction of the Housing Act of 1974. Its mission has remained consistent for five decades: to provide affordable, sheltered housing for elderly individuals who are able to live independently but benefit from being part of a supportive community.
The Association opened its first scheme at Prebendal Close in 1980 and now manages 189 flats across five properties throughout the UK, with Prebendal Close remaining a flagship location. Prebendal Close is a Sheltered Housing Scheme in Aylesbury that has accommodated many Masons and their families over the last 45 years, and is run behind Bev by a string of committed volunteer Bucks Masons, and long may it continue.
The golden anniversary celebration at Prebendal Close included a Meet & Greet followed by speeches from key figures including MHA Chairman Geoffrey Dearing, Timothy Anders, Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire Freemasonry and The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. This was followed by a celebratory buffet and entertainment for all the residents.
As MHA marks half a century of service, the occasion stands as a testament to the vital role housing associations play in supporting independent living and fostering community for older residents.
Local dignitaries included:
The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
Roger Jefcoate CBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
Pippa Kirkbride, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire
Cllr Nidhi Mehta, Mayor of Aylesbury
Cllr Sherrilyn Bateman, Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury
The event provided an excellent opportunity to introduce our honoured guests to Prebendal Close and the wider mission of MHA. There was a notable level of interest and enthusiasm from newly appointed officials, including the Mayor of Aylesbury.
Guest Feedback:
"It was such a pleasure to visit the gem that Prebendal Close is on Wednesday afternoon and to be welcomed so generously by you, the Masons, and the residents. The Lord-Lieutenant and I were so delighted to be part of your 50th anniversary celebrations which were joyful, relaxed, and fun. I enjoyed talking to several of the residents, and it is clear that you have achieved the perfect formula for enabling independent living in a safe and supported environment."
"What a lovely day it was at the MHA 50th Anniversary. The whole occasion was so well organised and the welcome so fulsome that Sally and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. To have persuaded the Lord-Lieutenant and her Deputies, as well as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury, to attend was something of a coup. It demonstrates the strong ties you have cultivated with the wider, non-masonic community."
Photo's taken by
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join?