A newly formed North Wales choir has chosen the Wales Air Ambulance as its national charity of the year for 2021/22.

Encôr rehearsed for the first time, under coronavirus restrictions, in December 2020 outdoors in the football stand at Nantporth, Bangor.

Choir Leader Kiefer Jones arranges the repertoire of Welsh and English songs that are uplifting, with the aim that singing together is good for soul and well-being.

Some of the reasons the Wales Air Ambulance was chosen as its charity of the year includes the fact members knew people that needed to use the service. As well as the lifesaving charity being such an important part of our community.

Encôr choir recently held its first charity event for the Wales Air Ambulance and local charity Gafael Llaw, which supports Gwynedd and Anglesey children with cancer.

The choir’s first big gig was a huge success and was held on a sunny afternoon at Bangor Pier on 4 September. The money raised on the day is still being counted.

Encôr spokesperson Ruth Williams, said: “We sang in glorious sunshine on our first afternoon gig on Bangor Pier, it was an amazing outdoor venue and the choristers enjoyed performing to an appreciative audience who enjoyed the repertoire of feel-good songs.” 

Encôr rehearse every Wednesday evening, and numbers attending rehearsals have been dependent on the government restrictions.

Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care. 

Alwyn Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s North Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “Many thanks to Encôr for your valued support. We’re delighted that Encôr has chosen the Wales Air Ambulance as its charity of the year during our 20th anniversary year. Your support is much appreciated and will help us to save lives across Wales. Diolch yn fawr.”

The choir welcomes new members aged 18+ who have a passion for singing. If you’d like to join the choir email [email protected]

Wales Air Ambulance has four aircraft based across Wales, in Dafen, Caernarfon, Welshpool and Cardiff. 

Now operational 24/7, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year to keep the helicopters flying.  

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.