Palmer Court is a sheltered housing scheme for those still able to live independent lives. It was founded by RWBro Peter Palmer in 1984 and is registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefits Society Act 2014. It is located in the Hatton Park area of Wellingborough.

Palmer Court

The scheme provides residential accommodation for both Masons and non-Masons aged 60-years or over, or for those 55-years and over who are registered as disabled.

The scheme is managed by an on-site manager and deputy-manager. It is supported by a voluntary committee of local Masons (the House Committee), who bring expertise from many specialities including accountancy, engineering and surveying, and help provide the highest standard of voluntary care for the scheme's community.

Palmer Court has 35 apartments comprising:

• 14 flats, which are well suited to individual occupancy
• 21 apartments, which are better suited for couples

A twin-bedded guest room is available to help relatives and friends visit residents

Although Palmer Court is a lovely building with a recent extension opened in 2014. the original building is aging and in need of continual refurbishment.

The communal lounge has recently been renovated with a new lighting scheme, carpets and additional furniture. The garden and patio areas have also been improved by providing more useful space for the residents to sit and enjoy a very pleasant atmosphere on warm sunny afternoons.

Social events are organised by a separate sub-committee consisting of various House Committee members assisted by volunteer residents. This energetic group organises frequent events throughout the year although the weekly bingo sessions and fish and chip suppers are particularly popular.

Last summer's garden party was very well attended by residents and visited by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, together with his immediate predecessor, RWBro Barrie Hall.

From left, RWBro Barrie Hall PPGM, RWBro Max Bayes PGM and WBro John Rivett PAGDC
(click here for the relevant news article)

In October, the committee organised an excellent Halloween fancy-dress party, which attracted virtually all of the residents. In December, the traditional Christmas at Home event was held with mince pies, sherry, and some wonderful musical entertainment. Residents received a very special Christmas present.

The scheme continues to be very fortunate by receiving donations from the Provincial Grand Charity, lodges throughout the Province, and charitable trusts.

Such donations are essential to Palmer Court being able to provide the improvements and social events already mentioned, which are typically over and above those that can be provided by non-Masonic housing schemes.

The House Committee are very aware that lodges are drawn in many directions when considering their charitable donations and would like to bring Palmer Court to the attention of brethren from across the Province so that it doesn't go unnoticed.

The scheme has been described as "The Jewel in the Province's Crown", but without regular donations, they simply cannot provide residents with the standard of living they deserve.

For more details, please contact the Scheme Manager, Jill Lett, on 01933-273140 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Masons can also find additional information in the Provincial Yearbook.

Any financial assistance will be thankfully received and faithfully applied!