Electric Umbrella among recipients of Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The award for Hertfordshire-based Electric Umbrella is the highest honour a charity can receive in the UK. Since it began in 2013, the charity has engaged more than 300 volunteers in its programmes.

Electric Umbrella chief executive Mel Boda said: “We are honoured to have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“We are supported by so many amazing volunteers across an array of roles, both musical and non-musical, and this award recognises their contribution.”

One of Electric Umbrella’s most famous supporters is musician Tony Hadley, who said: “I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work Electric Umbrella do for people in the learning disabled community and the difference they make.

“This award, on the year of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, feels extra special and is testament to all involved at EU, the hard-working staff, the super members and, of course, the selfless volunteers.”

Electric Umbrella celebrations at Micklefield Hall

Electric Umbrella, which recently set up a store – The Electric Umbrella Emporium in Hemel Hempstead – also delivers The Big Yellow Choir, face-to-face sessions, choirs, workshops in schools and music releases.

The charity relies on 220 hours of volunteer support per week to operate its programmes.

Five more “wonderful” organisations in Hertfordshire have also received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This includes the Watford Social Centre for the Blind, which has been going for 70 years and provides volunteer support and help for visually impaired members of the community as well as activities to help mental and physical wellbeing.

Watford Social Centre for the Blind taking part in a bowls game

Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline, which provides a free confidential advice line for members of the public and professionals to discuss domestic abuse and provides a signposting service to a range of other services, has also been recognised.

There is also an honour for Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers - Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, which provides transport of blood, samples and other materials for the NHS on a voluntary basis, free of charge 24/7, 365 days per year.

Recognition has also been given to Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association, which is an innovative scheme that aims to assist, educate and encourage women from BAME backgrounds to gain confidence and liberate themselves from societal and mentally limiting constraints.

An honour has also been given to the de Havilland Aircraft Museum Trust, which preserves and exhibits the de Havilland aircraft history and memorabilia for the nation by providing access to a museum near London Colney of historic aircraft.

De Havilland aircraft museum

Representatives of the Hertfordshire six groups will receive the award, crystal and certificate from Robert Voss CBE - Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire - later this summer.

Furthermore, two volunteers from each group will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023.

Mr Voss said: “I am delighted that these six organisations have been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is known as the MBE for volunteers and it is the volunteers who have been recognised by Her Majesty in this way.

“There are so many wonderful voluntary organisations in Hertfordshire all doing great work and the recipients represent the creme de la crème of the voluntary sector in the county. If one positive thing has come out of the pandemic it is the community and volunteering spirit and that is evident throughout Hertfordshire.

“My thanks to all volunteers and voluntary organisations and special congratulations to the six being honoured and I look forward to presenting your awards later in the year.”