South West celebrates local contributors in King’s New Year Honours
Ronald Homer from Yeovil receives recognition for his dedication to visually impaired sport
The South West region is celebrating 97 individuals who have been recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List 2026 for their services to the community and country.
Among them is 73-year-old Ronald Gordon Homer from Yeovil, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding contribution to visually impaired sport and his support for blind and partially sighted people in Somerset.
Homer became severely sight impaired in 1994, losing his job and the ability to drive, which completely changed his life. After joining a visually impaired bowls club in Yeovil at the recommendation of a social worker, Homer discovered a talent for the game and began playing alongside sighted players in friendly and league matches.
His skills led him to compete on local, national, and international stages, culminating in representing England at the 2023 International Blind Bowls Association World Championships in Australia where he returned with a medal, despite facing the sudden loss of his long-term partner during the competition.
Ronald Homer has worked tirelessly for over 30 years at the Yeovil Visually Impaired Bowls Club, attending every Tuesday to help others learn the game and serving as treasurer on the club committee for 25 years. His passion has also extended to raising the profile of disabled sports in Somerset and beyond, including his contributions to Visually Impaired Bowls England (VIBE). He regularly gives talks for Somerset Sight to advocate the benefits of bowls for the visually impaired community.
Speaking about his recognition, Homer said: “Well, shocked and greatly humbled really. Didn’t expect that one.”
He continued: “I’ve been involved with visually impaired bowls for the last 30 years, and I’ve got quite passionate about it because when you can no longer drive and lose your job, the whole world falls apart. It gave me a lifeline, and I always encourage other people not to sit at home and to find something they can enjoy.”
In total, 1,157 individuals received honours this year, with 8 percent of recipients coming from the South West. Other regional honourees include Christopher Cuff, who has volunteered at The Lizard Lifeboat Station for over three decades, and Louise Fetigan, a British Army veteran who founded the charity Little Troopers to support children with parents serving in the UK Armed Forces.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the honourees, saying: “This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be.”
With plans to continue advocating for visually impaired sport, Homer is now preparing for a trial to represent England in the Commonwealth Games. He urged others to take part in activities for the visually impaired and added: “I just found bowls and got the bug, really, and now I live life to the fullest.”