Fred Tucker, a well-known and respected solicitor in the Swindon area, has retired after more than 30 years practising family, criminal and civil law.
Fred, pictured, 64, has been working with North Wiltshire law firm Bevirs for the past four years as well as running his own locum firm FT Legal Services. 
He is now planning to spend more time with his grandchildren and enjoying his hobbies, such as learning Italian. But he is also planning to continue volunteering to support families at the Swindon Family Contact Centre, where separated parents can visit their children in a safe setting.
Born in London, Fred moved with his family to Toronto, Canada, at the age of six. He returned to London aged 19 to study law and then joined Swindon law firm Morrison & Masters in 1978 as a general solicitor.
Over his long career he has prosecuted and defended criminal cases from theft to murder and developed a specialism in health and safety at work. He was also a duty and police station solicitor for many years.
Fred was also respected as a leading mediator with the Family Mediation Association (FMA) and a member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.
Over the decades, Fred rose from associate solicitor, partner and director in Morrison & Masters until he cut down on his working hours four years ago. At this point he was asked to join Bevirs Solicitors.
He said: “It’s been marvellous. Bevirs is a friendly general practice, a really nice bunch of people. A sound provincial legal practice with a sound client base and I’ve enjoyed being part of this team.”
Fred recently celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife Anne, a retired teacher originally from Wales. They met at university and have three grown up children, a 17-month-old granddaughter and a second grandchild on the way. Fred describes himself as a hands-on grandfather.
“It’s wonderful – puts a whole fresh complexion on life,” he said.
Fred is also is a keen gardener and rambler with a love of history, travel and tai chi.
Bevirs, which has been been practising for more than 130 years, has offices in Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett and Calne.
