21 hours ago
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- South Wales Argus
Newport's Norm Parselle honoured by the King for sport and service
A former player and lifelong supporter of the club, Parselle has led County in the Community since its launch in 2013, growing it into a major force for good across Newport and beyond. The organisation now reaches over 7,000 children each year, delivering school and community programmes that span from early childhood to older adult participation, including walking football.
Under his leadership, the foundation has championed accessibility, inclusion and youth development. 'I didn't want anyone else making a pig's ear of it,' Parselle once said of taking on the CEO role. 'I wanted to make it something that really matters to Newport.'
(left to right) Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince Louis, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, to view the flypast following, the Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London, as King Charles III celebrates his official birthday. Picture date: Saturday June 14, 2025. (Image: Aaron Chown) Born and raised in Pill, Parselle's deep ties to the city and the club are central to his mission: to inspire the next generation to support and represent their local team. He has also represented Wales in baseball and Great Britain through the Post Office football team.
He joins a number of other Gwent residents recognised in this year's honours for contributions across sport, public service, healthcare, research and community engagement.
Gwent recipients in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours:
Christopher Norman Davies (Newport) – MBE for services to running and to health and wellbeing
Sarah Elizabeth Ann Lowe (Abertillery) – MBE for services to data research
Dr Modupeola Obilanade (Newport) – MBE for services to the community in Newport
Annette Ware (Newport) – MBE for services to the Samaritans
Sabrina Cresswell (Cwmbran) – BEM for services to the community through Tasty Not Wasty
Julian Simon Davenne (Cwmbran) – BEM for services to young people
Margaret Anne Fuller (Chepstow) – BEM for services to the Royal Society of St George and local community
Tara Rees (Caerphilly) – BEM for services to nursing
Fiona Mairi Wilton (Chepstow) – BEM for services to tourism in Wales
Mohammed Umar Hussain (Newport) – OBE for services to policing
Lynne Mills (Newport) – OBE for public service in the courts
Dr Alastair John Roeves (Dinas Powys) – OBE for services to healthcare
Ruth Elizabeth Taylor (Cowbridge) – OBE for work with victims and survivors of domestic abuse
The full list highlights the breadth of service and dedication found across Gwent.
'It's about giving back. It's always been about Newport", said Norman.
