Bangor based choir, Encôr, recently presented cheques to two local charities, after raising £1,400 for both Wales Air Ambulance and Gafael Llaw.
Led by Kiefer Jones, Encôr was established during the pandemic and have been able to hold regular rehearsals and perform in public with a can-do attitude, all in line with covid regulations.
The aim of Encôr is to create a welcoming environment and a safe place to sing together to improve wellbeing. Weekly rehearsals commenced outdoor at Nantporth stadium, but regulations now enable indoor rehearsals at Berea Newydd Chapel on a Wednesday evening between 7pm and 8pm, there is no audition and all are welcomed.
On Wednesday, 9 February, Encôr welcomed the charities Gafael Llaw and Wales Air Ambulance to their rehearsal to receive a donation from their activities over the year.
Alwyn Jones received the donation on behalf of Wales Air Ambulance and Dave Evans and Carina Roberts represented Gafael Llaw. Both charities shared the value of every penny received, outlining the excellent and essential work they do. The money raised by the choir was match funded by Santander with thanks to the staff of the Bangor branch for their support.
This year Encôr performed on Bangor’s Garth Pier twice and received a donation to the charities from the Friends of the Pier Garth Bangor. A singing workshop was held at Penrhyn Hall and a Christmas Concert with local artists held at the Our Lady and St. James Church. The choir is grateful to Father Adrian Morrin and Rachel Harris for their welcome to the church and support at the Christmas concert.
Encôr Choir member Ruth Wyn Williams said: “We hope that 2022 will be full of opportunities to perform and socialise as a choir and continue to collect donations for local charities.
“Encôr has recently received a grant from the Loneliness and Social Isolation Fund 2021-2022 (Mantell Gwynedd/ Gwynedd Council) which will support the choir to grow and invest in e.g. sound equipment, and further activities to enjoy singing together for our physical and mental wellbeing.
“Kiefer Jones is the choir leader and musical director who strives to reach the best possible musical standard through introducing a repertoire of ‘feel-good’ songs (Welsh and English) that are uplifting and boost the mood.
“However thanks goes to all the choristers for their resilience, perseverance and care of each other by following all reasonable measures in order to enable us to sing together. “
New choir members are welcome, however all need to register before attending a rehearsal by emailing: encor.wyn@gmail.com
