About the Hub
The Henderson Hub is based in the heart of Abbots Langley and offers a space where anyone can access a range of arts activities including;
- Art Classes, Live music, Comedy, Cinema, Theatre, and family entertainment.
- Elvira's Coffee Shop to relax and enjoy a range of refreshments 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, and with the support of a range of donors and supporters has created a new space for everyone to enjoy and partake 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, and 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, marrying at St George's, Hanover Square, in 1879 and settling in Belgravia.
Elvira married Henry William Henderson on 14th June 1890. Henry, brother of Alexander Henderson (the first Lord Faringdon), 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, while also renting a country estate at Serge Hill in Bedmond, where they took an active part in village life in Bedmond and Abbots Langley.
At just 31, Elvira died in childbirth with her fifth child at their Kensington home in December 1901. 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 oversees 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 make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Eileen Sexton-Adams – Elvira’s Coffee Hub Manager
Eileen manages Elvira’s Coffee Hub and helps create the friendly and welcoming atmosphere our customers know and love. Alongside overseeing the café’s day-to-day service, homemade food and refreshments, she helps organise Elvira’s regular events and supports the wonderful team of volunteers who help make the café 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 café, supports the planning and delivery of Elvira’s events, and works closely with the volunteer team to ensure visitors receive a warm welcome.
Portrait of Henry William Henderson by John Singer-Sergeant