Born in Montgomery, I grew up in Newtown. I attended Liverpool College of Law and did 5 years in Articles to my father, Edward Tomley of Williams Gittins & Tomley at 31 Market Street, Newtown. I qualified in November, 1972.
At that time the firm had offices in Montgomery, Llanidloes and Bishop’s Castle. I ran the Bishop’s Castle office three days a week whilst in Articles
Both Grandfathers were solicitors. J. E. Tomley CBE of Montgomery and F. H. Jessop of Aberystwyth, who was still in practice. He was President of The Law Society in 1953.
After qualifying, I was taken into partnership by my Father and Mr Gentle. They retired in due course and I then practised on my own account.
Robert Hanratty told me I had been qualified long enough to take an Articled Clerk and he became my first.
He later became a partner before leaving to set up his own practice.
Two cousins were also solicitors, one in Shrewsbury, the other in Chester.
I held various public offices in the past, Clerk to Commissioners of Taxes, Llanidloes and also Assistant Deputy Coroner for Powys on two occasions. Also Chairman of the Newtown CAB, which then became Powys CAB. I was also governor of various primary and secondary schools and a member of Powys Local Access Forum.
My areas of work were agriculture, business matters, partnerships, company formations, charity advice and formations, commercial and residential property, and wills, LPAs and probate. I also advised several Community Councils and Village Hall Committees who built or improved their community facilities. Health & Safety was another area of interest through motor sport and recovery.
Thought I had retired in 2013.
I am a trustee, board or committee member of several local charities and charitable organisations.
Became a member of the Rotary Club of Newtown in 1973, was President in 1981/2 and was elected again in 2020/1.
This year I have decided to return to practice to look after my old clients.