Michael Cooper, a senior conveyancer, recently retired from Wards Solicitors after 28 years’ loyal service with the firm.  Michael joined the Weston-super-Mare office of Wards in 1978 and has handled all types of residential conveyancing work since that time.

He later moved to the firm’s offices at Worle, where he more recently worked alongside conveyancers Barbara Rex and Claire Bettesworth.  At a party to mark his retirement, which was attended by many clients and members of staff, Wards’ Senior Partner, John Brentnall, presented Michael with a gift of crystal whisky tumblers and a selection of single malt whiskies on behalf of the partners.

Outside work, Michael is a chess enthusiast and, in the past, has captained the Somerset County Team in winning the South Western Counties Chess Cup.

Michael said: “I can’t believe it’s been 28 years! When I joined Wards, it was a small firm with many fewer offices. Now it has grown to 10 offices and 17 partners but it’s still a friendly place to work. I’ll miss my colleagues and clients but am looking forward to an active retirement that involves more gardening and chess competitions, among other things.”