Electric Umbrella closes second-hand musical instrument shop

The store was opened by Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, in 2022

A second-hand instrument shop, run by a charity which creates musical experiences for people with learning difficulties, will close.

Electric Umbrella, based in Watford, helps its members to make music, work in groups and perform.

The charity said it would close the Electric Umbrella Emporium in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, at the end of March to focus on other services.

Chief executive officer, Mel Boda, thanked those who supported the store.

She said: "It's been the most brilliant way to raise funds, raise our profile and provide amazing opportunities for our members."

Electric Umbrella became a registered charity in 2016

Ms Boda thanked those who provided donations of unwanted instruments, volunteers who supported in-store workshops and those who bought or repaired previously owned instruments.

She added: "We have had thousands of instruments donated, and been able to offer incredible opportunities for our learning disabled members to work shoulder to shoulder with luthiers, woodwind and string specialists, artists and makers."

Speaking about the closure, Ms Boda explained that it was important to consider "where our impact is the greatest".

The charity boss said: "We must focus on other aspects of our service including our hugely popular music sessions for our members and our rapidly expanding education programme.

"Our education programme reaches 40,000 children each year and importantly supports our mission to change the way people think about learning disabled people."

Electric Umbrella has also released albums, hosted live shows and their choir has performed at festivals.

Electric Umbrella became a registered charity in 2016 after being founded by Ms Boda alongside musician Tom Billington.

Musical instruments will be sold at the Electric Umbrella Emporium at a reduced price until the store closes on 28 March.

The charity said shoppers could still visit and test the stores adapted instruments until the retail operation ceased.