About the Hub
The Henderson Hub is in the heart of Abbots Langley. It is a space where anyone can come along and take part in a range of arts activities.
What you will find here:
- Art classes, live music, comedy, cinema, theatre and family entertainment
- Elvira's Coffee Shop, for refreshments, a sit down and events
- Gallery space for visual arts
- A space to hire for events, parties and meetings
- Free internet access
Refurbishments
In May 2015, the Henderson Hub took over the running of the hall. With the support of a range of donors and supporters, we have created a new space for everyone to enjoy and to take part in the Arts in whatever way they wish.
History
Elvira de Orihuela was born in New York on 23rd September 1870, the only daughter of Aline Lefebvre and Tomas de Orihuela, a Spanish tutor. Tomas died in 1875. Aline later married Joseph Todd, a merchant banker who became chairman of the Cuban Central Railway Company and later the Central Argentine Railway Company. The family moved from New York to London, where Aline and Joseph married at St George's, Hanover Square, in 1879 and settled in Belgravia.
On 14th June 1890, Elvira married Henry William Henderson. Henry was the brother of Alexander Henderson (the first Lord Faringdon) and ran a stockbroking business specialising in railway finance in Cuba and Argentina.
The couple lived at 9 Princes Gardens, Kensington, with their four children and a substantial household staff. They also rented a country estate at Serge Hill in Bedmond, and took an active part in village life in Bedmond and Abbots Langley.
In December 1901, at just 31, Elvira died in childbirth with her fifth child at their Kensington home. Her funeral was held at Abbots Langley Church, filled with relatives and friends.
In her memory, Henry funded the building of a church room on Abbots Langley High Street, completed in December 1902. Known today as the Henderson Hall, it bears a brass plaque dedicated to Elvira and remains in use for the church and village. A photograph of Elvira with her children is displayed inside the Hall.
Meet the team
- Lisa Morelli, Henderson Hub Manager. Lisa looks after the day-to-day running of the Henderson Hub, including bookings, events and venue hire. She works closely with our hirers, community groups, volunteers and visitors to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.
- Eileen Sexton-Adams, Elvira's Coffee Hub Manager. Eileen manages Elvira's Coffee Hub and helps create the friendly, welcoming atmosphere our customers know and love. As well as overseeing the cafe's day-to-day service, homemade food and refreshments, she helps organise Elvira's regular events and supports the team of volunteers who make the cafe possible.
- Emily Clews, Elvira's Coffee Hub Manager. Emily works alongside Eileen managing Elvira's Coffee Hub. She helps oversee the daily running of the cafe, supports the planning and delivery of Elvira's events, and works closely with the volunteer team so that visitors get a warm welcome.
Portrait of Henry William Henderson by John Singer-Sergeant