News

Milford Haven: Camp Valour director quits veterans’ project

Published

7 years ago

February 22, 2019

MAJOR Fabian Sean Lucien Faversham-Pullen retired from the armed forces after 25 years’ service.

So states a prospectus prepared by Camp Valour CIC, the organisation behind the ambitious project to convert the semi-derelict Palmerston Fort Hubberstone in Milford Haven into accommodation for former services personnel.

DATES CONFUSION EXPLAINED

As local Cllr Mike Stoddart points out on his Old Grumpy Blog: ‘A more worthy cause it is difficult to imagine.’

However, he also raises an issue in respect of the text of the brochure produced by Camp Valour.

Directly quoting from the booklet produced by Camp Valour CIC, Cllr Stoddart repeats the following words: “The Director, Fabian Faversham-Pullen, served in the armed forces for a period of 25 years, serving in various conflicts around the world.
“Upon leaving the military with the rank of Major, Fabian completed a law degree at Liverpool University.
“Along with his business partner he THEN (Mike Stoddart’s emphasis) helped to form a charity and became a trustee of D-DAY REVISITED, the charity’s aim was to assist Veterans of the Normandy campaign to return to the battlefields to take part in the annual commemorations.”
According to the Community Interest Company’s registry entry at Companies’ House, Major Faversham-Pullen was born in August 1974.

The same date of birth appears on the Charity Commission website for D-Day revisited, of which Major Faversham-Pullen is also a trustee.

The problem with those dates is that if it was AFTER leaving the military at Liverpool University and THEN founding D-Day Revisited in 2008-2009, the twenty-five years of service claimed are chronologically impossible.

The earliest date the Major could have entered the forces was after August 1990. For twenty-five years’ service to accrue, the date he ceased service would have been in 2015.

As Cllr Stoddart notes, an error in expression could be an innocent explanation for any confusion.

In order to clarify the situation, we approached Camp Valour CIC to resolve the point.

Nicola Wilcox, Chief Operations Officer for the Company told us: “Fabian’s 25-year service was earned during time served in both the regulars and reserves. If you would like to investigate further any serviceman or woman can be employed or study whilst being a member of the reserves unless they are on deployment.”

The original brochure produced by the CIC does not make clear that the Major’s 25-years’ service included a period as a reservist. The clarification now obtained by The Herald seems to tally with a possible chronology that Major Faversham-Pullen left the regular forces in or around 2005, completed a law degree and THEN founded the charity D-Day Revisited.

A SERIES OF COINCIDENCES

Jac o’the North, whose blog often examines the housing issues affecting Wales, drew attention to an unusual coincidence in the address of Camp Valour CIC and a dissolved company called Baron Security (UK) Ltd.

The sole director of Baron Security (UK) Ltd is shown as Sean Keven Patrick Pullen.

Sean Keven Patrick Pullen’s date of birth is shown as August 1974 in the information filed at Companies’ House.

The address of Baron Security (UK) Ltd is the same as that for Camp Valour CIC.

We put the coincidence to Camp Valour CIC.

Nicola Wilcox told us: “Sean Pullen and Fabian Faversham-Pullen are twin brothers evidence of this can be provided. They have both been supporters of the RBL both in the UK and overseas. Sean did indeed own a security company; however, this company failed. After retiring from the RBL in January, he lives and manages a company in Gibraltar.

Sometime ago Fabian took over some of Sean’s duties whilst Sean pursued other interests. This includes Sean’s place as treasurer of the D-DayRevisited charity. The charity is due to close this year due to the ageing population of Veterans.
“Sean has no connection to Camp Valour and Fabian had no connection to Baron Security.”

Ms Wilcox also confirmed that Major Faversham-Pullen served in the forces using his mother’s maiden name.

The clarification that Sean Keven Patrick Pullen and Fabian Sean Lucien Faversham-Pullen are twin brothers with a forename in common, both former service personnel active in the Royal British Legion, and both connected to bodies using the same registered office addresses the issue of identity raised by Jac o’ the North.

After expressing concern that the CIC had been “subjected to a witch hunt that is making us question if Camp Valour has made a wise decision in choosing to restore Fort Hubberstone”, Nicola Wilcox also told The Herald: ‘Camp Valour C.I.C will be making an official complaint to Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the behaviour of Cllr Mike Stoddart, and his abuse of position in his seat of authority.
‘We are furthermore undertaking legal advice to ascertain what can be done about the lies and mistruths initiated by Royston Jones (Jack o the North) and Cllr Stoddart.’

CAMP VALOUR THANKS THE HERALD

Local councillors had raised concerns about the accommodation available to house servicemen in need and the pressure on local services that would come with such a large influx of people into one Council ward.

Mike Stoddart pointed out at the public meeting that the fact that the Fort was designed to accommodate 250 people in the nineteenth century, does not mean it meets the standards for accommodating that number in the twenty-first.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett enquired about the impact on local health and welfare services but was told medical care would be delivered by specialists ‘in-house’ at the Fort.

Nicola Wilcox said to us that the organisation was concerned about negative attitudes towards its project and could reconsider the scheme.

However, in spite of BBC reports, a spokesperson calling herself ‘Nicola’ and asking for her surname to be omitted from publication issued a statement to another newspaper confirming Camp Valour’s commitment and complaining “[W[e have been under constant attack from a local paper where they are putting two and two together and making nine.”

We do not know which local newspaper that could possibly be.

In an email to this writer, Camp Valour’s Chief Operations Officer, Nicola Wilcox, said: “I am happy that you have at least allowed Camp Valour the opportunity to respond to these ludicrous insinuations from various parties.”

We reassured Ms Wilcox that this article relates solely to ‘questions which you have answered and raised points which you have clarified.’

Business

Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth

Published

15 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.

Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.

The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.

Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.

They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.

“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”

The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.

They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.

“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.

The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.

The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.

Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.

News

Sea Sunday service at St Davids honours those with lives shaped by the sea

Published

34 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SEAFARERS, lifeboat crews and all those whose lives and livelihoods depend upon the sea were remembered during a special service at St Davids Cathedral on Sunday (July 12).

The annual Sea Sunday service, known in Welsh as Sul y Môr, brought worshippers and representatives of the wider community together to recognise the contribution made by seafarers and to pray for their safety and wellbeing.

The service was held at 11am and sung by St Davids Cathedral Choir, with the sermon delivered by the Revd Dr Jonathon Wright, Priest-in-Charge within the Greater Dewisland Ministry Area.

Among those attending were the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, the Dean of St Davids, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Deputy Lieutenant Roger Smith and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Andrew Phillips.

Sea Sunday is marked by churches and maritime communities around the world each July. It provides an opportunity to remember the people who work at sea, often spending long periods away from their homes and families while facing isolation, dangerous conditions and unpredictable weather.

It also recognises the vital role played by those working in merchant shipping, fishing, rescue services and ports.

The Mission to Seafarers has chosen “Harbours of Hope: The Church Alongside Seafarers” as its theme for Sea Sunday 2026, highlighting the practical and pastoral support offered to crews in ports around the world.

More than 90 per cent of the goods used in everyday life are transported by sea, making the work of seafarers essential to communities and economies across the globe.

That connection has particular meaning in Pembrokeshire, where the sea remains central to the county’s identity.

The coastline supports commercial shipping, fishing, tourism and watersports, while RNLI volunteers and other emergency services regularly respond when people get into difficulty around the coast.

St Davids RNLI had encouraged members of the community to attend Sunday’s Cathedral service, which offered a moment to give thanks for all those who work on or beside the water.

Bishop joins the dancing

Following the service, the occasion took a more light-hearted turn when Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan joined visiting members of Whitchurch Morris outside the Cathedral.

The Diocese of St Davids jokingly described the moment as “dance-bombing”, as the Bishop and Canon enthusiastically waved handkerchiefs and attempted the traditional steps alongside the dancers.

A video of the performance quickly attracted a warm response online.

Margaret Nock commented: “Not all bishops would do that! Da iawn.”

Helen McDermott added: “Fantastic! Aren’t we a lucky Diocese.”

Others praised the Bishop’s dancing, while several people said they wished they had been at the Cathedral to see the performance.

Whitchurch Morris were visiting Pembrokeshire as part of a planned weekend of traditional dancing with Wessex Morris Men and Treacle Eater Clog.

Their appearance provided a colourful conclusion to a service which combined prayer, music and reflection with a celebration of the communities whose lives remain closely connected to the sea.

WATCH Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan join the Morris dancers in the video below.

Business

Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen

Published

41 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.

The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.

Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.

The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.

The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.

Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.

The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.

Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.