Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, paid a Royal visit to Harry Specters and the Viva Theatre in East Cambridgeshire. He was given a tour of the factory at Harry Specters. A chocolate firm situated in Ely that provides work opportunities for young people with autism.
Since its inception in November 2012, the social enterprise has assisted over 300 autistic people as well as 155 careers and parents.
He attended a ceremony to officially launch the new Viva Theatre in Soham, which is now the permanent home of Viva Arts and its operations.
Prince Edward sat down with the Pakistani-born founders to learn more about their journey to the UK. And community work, and their famous chocolate, remarking, “It’s so nice to hear a good story.”
The Duke of Edinburgh was then given a tour around Harry Spectors. The name of the enterprise inspired by Mona and Shaz’s autistic son Ash, ready to get stuck into some treats.
He visited the new Viva Theatre in Soham. Which is now the permanent home to Viva Arts and its activities, to officially open the theatre at a ceremony.
The Viva Theatre was previously a mill. And in 2018, Viva purchased the property and secured more than £3 million in funds. To properly rehabilitate the disused mill and bring it back to life for the community.
The Viva Theatre, which opened in early 2022, is now a vibrant theater, arts center, and community amenity.
Dan Schumann, founder of Viva Arts and Community Group, stated, “It was a huge honour for Viva to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to our theatre, and we were so excited to finally officially open our wonderful new theatre, which is already making a huge contribution to the community.”