Kit PetersKING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS: The Swansea Bay and Carmarthenshire names on this year’s list
A poignant MBE for a man who gave Swansea more than four decades leads the local names in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours — alongside a hospice nurse, a suicide prevention pioneer, half a century of jazz, and the founder of Llandeilo’s festival of music.
The late Robert Francis-Davies — the long-serving Swansea councillor and cabinet member known across the city as RFD — is awarded the MBE for public service, dated days before his death in May.
His family told Swansea Bay News the letter confirming the honour reached him before he passed away — though honours confidentiality meant he could tell no one — and said they are “all immensely proud that his service has been recognised in this way”. Read the full story of RFD’s MBE here.
He is among 84 people from Wales recognised in this year’s list — 1,182 across the UK, with a particular focus on community change-makers — including more than a dozen from across Swansea Bay, Carmarthenshire and the wider region.
OBE
Professor Ann John of Swansea University Medical School receives an OBE for services to suicide prevention and digital innovation. A former GP, she directs the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research, which advises the Welsh Government, and her work has shaped national policy and the responsible portrayal of suicide — including advising EastEnders, Coronation Street and the BBC’s This Is Going to Hurt.
“I am deeply honoured and delighted to receive this award,” she said. “It reflects the importance of suicide prevention and the power of digital innovation, research and collaboration to make a real difference to people’s lives. I share this honour with everyone who has contributed to that work over many years.”
MBE
Karen Jones DL, the former chief executive of Neath Port Talbot Council who is now leading the £20m Pride in Place regeneration drive in the Afan Valley, is awarded the MBE for public service.
“The award of an MBE is an incredible honour,” she said. “I have really enjoyed working in the public service and have met many inspirational people from all different backgrounds throughout my career.
“I have always had fantastic support too from my family — I know they are very proud of what I have been able to achieve and it is wonderful to share this award with them. Now I have retired, I am looking forward to continuing to make a difference as a volunteer.”
Kiera Louise Jones, lead nurse at Skanda Vale Hospice in Carmarthen, receives hers for services to nursing — recognition for the RCN Wales award winner who has raised more than £13,000 for the nurse-led charity hospice, helped rebuild its services after the pandemic, and champions open conversations about death and dying through her “Elephant in the Room” events and work as a volunteer Soul Midwife.
Dr Martin Rolles, clinical oncologist at Swansea Bay University Health Board, is recognised for services to healthcare science and cancer — while Karen Jayne Andrew JP, a magistrate on the West Glamorgan bench and Independent Monitoring Board member at HM Prison Swansea, receives the MBE for services to prisoners, the administration of justice and the Swansea community.
Colin Paul Everett, of Swansea, is also awarded the MBE for public service.
BEM
Dave Cottle, artistic director of Swansea Jazz Club, receives the British Empire Medal for services to jazz music — recognising a central figure in the city’s live jazz scene since the 1970s, who has organised the club’s weekly programme since the 1990s as it celebrates its 76th year. “It has been a labour of love for me for so many years,” he said.
Julia Jones, founder and director of the Llandeilo Fawr Festival of Music, is recognised for services to music — while Helen Hopkins of Carmarthen receives the BEM for services to music and music education.
Anita Pugh is honoured for services to armed forces veterans and the community in St Thomas, Swansea — and Carole Stevens, team leader at RSPCA Llys Nini, for services to animal welfare and the Swansea community.
Ian Stroud, chair of the Porthcawl Lifeboat Management Group, receives the BEM for services to Porthcawl Lifeboat Station.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the list recognised people who are “quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities”.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Congratulations to the list of incredible people from right across Wales who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
“They have been commended for their contributions to their communities, to sport, to charity, the arts and to improving the lives of others — often giving their time and effort for free. The work of these inspirational individuals has a huge impact across Wales and I thank each and every one of them for their valuable contributions to Welsh society.”
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour — details are at gov.uk/honours.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
HONOURS: The MBE Swansea legend RFD knew about — but couldn’t tell anyone — before he died
The full story behind the most poignant award on tonight’s list.
PRIDE IN PLACE: Former council chief to lead Afan Valley’s £20m regeneration drive
Karen Jones MBE’s next chapter — the £20m drive in the Afan Valley.
MORRISTON: The scrub nurse who has served the NHS for 52 years — and was handed her qualification by the future King
Another remarkable record of service with a royal connection.
