The Electric Umbrella Emporium is open!
We are so excited to have opened the Electric Umbrella Emporium at The Marlowes Shopping centre in Hemel Hempstead. The Emporium is an eclectic mix of musical instruments for sale, reimagined instruments to interact with and a workshop to fix, re-imagine and service donated musical instruments.
It was amazing to see so many of our members joined by members of the public at the launch of the Emporium, which was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, on Saturday, May 14.
We are so happy to now have the space to give our members the opportunity to develop skills, get involved in the repair and restoration of instruments - and gain work experience. We can't wait to welcome members of the local community to the Emporium to engage in interactive experiences with our members, and check out what our store has to offer!
The Emporium also encompasses a studio, where members can get involved with all aspects of live performance and create new and exciting
music together.
Following the cutting of the yellow ribbon,
Electric Umbrella member
Rob was ecstatic to get the opportunity to experience the Emporium for the first time.
Rob said: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful, [the Emporium] has got everything that people could hope for, it’s really fun and it will draw lots of people in.
“I’m looking forward to working with the guys and having some time to take in what is here.
“[The Emporium] creates a lot of exciting things, lots of opportunities - to sing, to talk to people…it’s really good.
“I will learn how things run with all the great people that are here and learn different skills, stuff that I didn’t know before and I think I’ll get fun out of it as well!”
Electric Umbrella co-founder and CEO, Mel Boda, said: “The opening of our Electric Umbrella Emporium is a dream come true, beautifully realised by our amazing team for the benefit of the whole community.
“Electric Umbrella is all about putting our learning disabled members centre stage, providing them with a purpose by creating meaningful opportunities.
“It's really important our Emporium is located in The Marlowes, in the heart of the town centre, so the public can see the outstanding contribution our members make to the wider community.”
Helen Gray,
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) director, said: “Improving lives in Hertfordshire is at the core of Hertfordshire Community Foundation’s work.
“Our grants are funded by local philanthropists who want to support local charities.
“We are delighted to have been able to provide a grant towards making this initiative a reality and supporting Electric Umbrella in enriching local lives.”
Can't make it to visit our Emporium? Don't worry,
visit our
online store!
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