OUR PATRON

Robert Voss CBE CStJ
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

It is a huge honour to have been invited to become the Patron of Electric Umbrella. Having attended a number of events and sessions with these wonderful people I had absolutely no hesitation in accepting Mel’s offer and I get immense pleasure from not only watching but even joining in the fun. The pleasure that every member of EU gets from their participation is obvious for all to see as is the enthusiasm of audiences lucky enough to be present at any of the shows. Whilst agreeing that there is “No such thing as Normal”, there is no need to “Try Smiling”- I can’t help it whenever I hear the wonderful Electric Umbrella.

OUR TRUSTEES

TONY BERNSTEIN (CHAIRMAN)

It is an absolute privilege to act as the Chairman of the Trustees of Electric Umbrella. I had been told about the joy that Electric Umbrella creates and when I saw it with my own eyes at one of the concerts I knew that I wanted to play a part. I am excited about helping Electric Umbrella to achieve its enormous potential. 

I have a background in Consulting as a former Ernst and Young Consulting Partner. I am also the Chairman of another charity and a Trustee of a third charity. I act now as an interim manager and business consultant and I have been involved in business for more than 25 years. 

LYLE AITKEN (TREASURER)

Lyle is a retired chartered accountant. Following a career in financial management in physical commodity trades and international finance, for several years he was financial controller of Africa Ahead, a UK charity promoting personal health and sanitation practice in rural communities in Sub-Saharan and Southern Africa.

KATE HOLLAND-HIBBERT

I am a family girl at heart with four grown up children. I started married life as a Montessori teacher in London and then moved to Munden on the outskirts of Watford in Hertfordshire where I now co-manage a diverse rural agricultural and property business with my husband, Henry.


I have been involved in the VCSE sector for as long as I have lived in Hertfordshire starting with the NSPCC. I was an original team member for the Keech Braveherts appeal and am now an ambassador to Keech Hospice Care and an ambassador for the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH). I was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire in 2019.


If music is the spice of life, then Electric Umbrella is good for the soul. I am thrilled to have been asked to join the party. Becoming a trustee to such an inspirational charity will certainly spice up my life and will be a new string to my bow…. bring it on!


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SARAH THOMPSON

I have followed Electric Umbrella on social media since it started and have always been struck by its significant impact and the great sense of joy it delivers for so many. 


I have worked in the hospice sector in Hertfordshire, East London and Essex for around 15 years in senior fundraising and marketing roles and have been CEO of St Clare Hospice in Essex for the last 4 years. 


I am really interested in how charities shape services and social support models through their beneficiaries, and in the subjects of empowerment and inclusion.  I am also drawn to the roles of leadership and good charity governance in enabling charities to become effective and remain focused on their mission. 



I am so excited to be part of the Electric Umbrella story and supporting the team to the best of my abilities to reach more people who have yet to be touched by the magic of this incredible organisation.


Chris Luff MBE

Most of my working career and life has been spent challenging the norm, so I love the mission of challenging perceptions and there is no better way than by using music, song and dance to do so! 


For the last 38 years I have worked predominantly in business development and investment, building teams, business plans and value propositions for sometimes very complex technologies. 


My approach to anything is the same: keep it simple to understand and prove its value in whatever you are doing. 


Before that I was a heating engineer and plumber ... but I found it too draining! 


Now more than ever do the words 'THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS NORMAL' make so much sense.

SUZANNE LANGRIDGE

The first time I saw Electric Umbrella perform on stage in 2016, I felt an enormous pull to get involved in some way. Ever since, Electric Umbrella has been the chosen Charity for our Childcare Business, with termly fund raising ideas that come from the children, who actively work to raise money and in turn gain a sense of awareness and pride. Over the years I have got to know many members of Electric Umbrella and their families, through their annual visits to our Setting and both my son and I participating in the Big Yellow Choir.
I am proud to be involved on a personal level as a Trustee, and I look forward to an exciting future for Electric Umbrella as we enter a new chapter together.

MEENA HANSEN

Our family was first introduced to Electric Umbrella during lockdown cyber sessions and the impact and joy it brings to our son Christian has been life changing for him and to the family as a whole. Electric Umbrella has provided Chris with uplifting music, lifelong friendships, a caring and nurturing

environment that fosters personal growth and self esteem. We are so delighted to witness his development that has been a direct result of these enriching experiences and are forever grateful to be a part of this wonderful charity.

Previously, I have worked in the aviation industry, enhancing customer relations and revenue management. Our professional life then saw our family being transferred to various locations across Asia and the Middle East, bringing with it many opportunities to immerse ourselves in different cultures but also the many challenges of constantly being uprooted, especially with a child with

special educational needs. This has certainly opened my eyes to the various challenges our special children face and the advocacy required to support their learning and their life experiences.

I am delighted to bring my prior experiences and learning into supporting a charity like Electric Umbrella who keep their special members at the very core of all their endeavours and I look forward to being a part of such a dynamic and impactful team.

DAVE CAREY

Dave studied Performing Arts in London (Middlesex University) and USA (William Patterson College). As a creative leader within the Chickenshed Theatre Company he has been instrumental in many of the company's most successful productions, writing scripts and music. He has worked on many occasions in China developing shows for children in Suzhou, Shijiazhuang, Xiamen and Changsha. In 2019 he created a musical version of A Midsummer Night's Dream for young people in Shanghai. 


Dave says: "It’s a joy to be part of Electric Umbrella as a trustee and see how making music inspires their members, families and wider community."

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