A dedicated volunteer from Torfaen has been recognised in the 2026 King's New Year Honours List for his outstanding commitment to improving the local environment. Ron Ford, a community champion from Griffithstown, Pontypool, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for more than a decade of tireless work.
From Sebastopol to Community Champion
Ron, who was raised by a proud single mother as one of nine children in Sebastopol, Pontypool, credits his strong community values to his upbringing. After retiring from a 39-year career with SSE's Metering Section, he was determined to stay active and give back. "I've always loved being active," Ron said, reflecting on a time when "everyone looked after their area."
Building a Lifeline Through Litter Picking
In 2018, Ron co-founded the Torfaen Litter Champions with fellow volunteer Jenny Simons. What started as a local initiative became a personal "lifeline" during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a safe way to stay active outdoors. The group now collects a staggering 2,000 bags of litter each year from public spaces across Torfaen.
Ron has volunteered with the charity Keep Wales Tidy for 11 years. While he enjoys the physical benefits of getting outdoors, he says the greatest reward is the friendships formed along the way. Some of the team's large-scale cleanups have seen them collect up to 120 bags in a single session, though Ron is pleased to note these 'big picks' are becoming less frequent.
A Well-Deserved Honour and a Call to Action
Ron's nomination for the British Empire Medal came from his friend and co-founder, Jenny, a moment he describes as his most memorable volunteering experience. Thom Board, Keep Wales Tidy's project officer for Torfaen, praised Ron's impact: "Ron's passion and commitment over the past 11 years have made a huge difference. This honour is thoroughly well deserved. He is a brilliant ambassador for volunteering."
Ron encourages others to get involved: "If you can join an established team or community group, do it. There are Litter Picking Hubs around with plenty of equipment available." He directs people to the Keep Wales Tidy website and community Facebook Group for more information and opportunities.
