Community campaigner Maria Ford loves to get people talking . . . .
So Bo’ness Community Council knew the very thing to honour her – a “chatty” bench.
The new seat has been placed in the garden area of St. Mary’s Church in Bo’ness. A plaque encourages people to “sit doon and have a chat”.
The bench was unveiled at a ceremony at the church on Wednesday night.
Maria was joined by her friends and family – as well as representatives from the many groups she’s helped over the years. Maria is a former chair of The Friends of Kinneil charity and ex-secretary of Bo’net, the Bo’ness Networking Group.
Madelene Hunt, the chair of the Community Council rhymed off some of the organisations Maria has supported, including:
- Bo’ness Fair
- Bo’ness Town Trust
- Bo’ness Community Hospital
- Bo’ness Tenants’ and Residents Association
- Bo’ness Car 4U
- The Bo’ness 50 Plus Group
- Cycling Without Age and
- Bo’ness Community Council
“She works tirelessly to promote Bo’ness and keep it on the map,” said Madelene.
She revealed that Maria was born in Edinburgh and spent her first few years in Linlithgow, before moving to Bo’ness. Maria now lives with husband Jim in Craigallan Park in the town.
Maria started volunteering through her church. She’s an active member of St. Mary’s and continues to help a number of groups in the town.
However, she has also had setbacks. She had to take early retirement from Falkirk Council due to health problems. Last year, she was registered blind and now uses new technology to do her community work.
But she says she has no regrets. Her mantra is “live life” and “enjoy life”.
She added that she was honoured to be recognised by the Community Council.
The inscription on the bench reads: “Presented by Bo’ness Community Council, 17th June 2026. To Maira Ford. Thank you for your community spirit and love for Bo’ness. Sit doon and have a chat.”
Words and pictures by Adrian Mahoney
