Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Fiona Reid
Fiona joined Ascroft Whiteside in September 1994 as an office junior following completion of her A-Levels. In June 2001 she became a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and qualified as a Solicitor in September 2005, after she received a distinction on the Legal Practice Course. On 1st April 2006, became the first female Partner at Ascroft Whiteside and on 1st April 2010 became a Director with Lester Samuels. Fiona was educated at Arnold School Blackpool, Blackpool and Fylde College and UCLAN.
Fiona has a bizarre memory of a client throwing themselves on to the floor of her office when asked to describe how they sustained the injuries for which they were hoping to claim compensation!
During her spare time, Fiona enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter as well as taking part in numerous gym classes and reading. Her favourite holiday destination was St. Maarten in the Caribbean where she enjoyed relaxing on a catamaran
Fiona's favourite quote is "If you love what you do you will never work another day in your life" by Mark Twain
Pauline Macpherson
Pauline was educated at Burnley Girls High School. She joined Ascroft Whiteside in 1993 as a Probate Clerk. Pauline is married to Alan MacPherson and has one son.
Pauline enjoys reading, playing scrabble, cooking, walking, watching television and current affairs. Her favourite destination is rural France and her favourite book is Silas Marner by George Elliott as it shows how circumstances can change a person causing extreme sadness.
Pauline's favourite quote is, "I used to be Snow White but I drifted!" by Mae West
Graeme Booth
Graeme was educated at Scarisbrick Hall School near Ormskirk and Winstanley College near Wigan. He obtained his law degree from the University of Hull and completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of Central Lancashire.
Graeme joined Ascroft Whiteside in August 2005 as a trainee solicitor and qualified as a solicitor in September 2007. Graeme specialises in residential property, employment law and licensing but is also able to advise on commercial property and intellectual property.
During his spare time Graeme enjoys owning and restoring two classic Volkswagens, camping in his classic Eriba Puck caravan and DIY-ing. When not busy with any of these interests, Graeme can usually be found reading historical fiction.
Graeme is married to Kelly, a solicitor in the Pendle area.
Lester Samuels
Lester was educated at King Edward School, Lytham St Annes and Liverpool Law School and qualified as a Solicitor in 1970. In 1973, he started his own practice and following successful growth and mergers, Lawson Samuels Capaldi became one of the largest practices on the Fylde coast. In November 2005, Lester joined Ascroft Whiteside as a Consultant and was followed by most of his personal clients from his former practice. In April 2010, Lester became a Director of Ascroft Whiteside with Fiona Reid.
Lester is a keen golfer and enjoys skiing and pottering around his allotment. Lester is married with two children. Lester enjoys the peace of Tuscany.
Helen Springthorpe
Helen was educated at Maple Hall High School, Manchester University and UCLAN. Helen began her Training Contract at Ascroft Whiteside on 1st September 2008. Helen qualified as a Solicitor on the 1st September 2010 and enjoys carrying out probate, Wills and family work. She is now studying for her STEP qualifications.
Helen is married with three children. She enjoys swimming, reading and spending time with her family. Her favourite holiday destination is the Seychelles and describes it as paradise on earth. Helen's favourite read is the Twilight Trilogy.
Alan MacPherson
Alan became a Solicitor in 1968 and became a Partner in the firm. He qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and became Proprietor of Ascroft Whiteside in 1988. He has also been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners since 1995 and held the position of President of the Blackpool and Fylde District Law Society. Alan retired as a Partner in April 2010 but continues with Ascroft Whiteside as a Consultant.
Alan is a member of the Solicitors Benevolent Association, Solicitors for the Elderly, the Solicitors Assistance Scheme and the LSC Review Panel.
Alan is married to Pauline MacPherson and has three children. Alan enjoys walking, reading and is interested in motor vehicle registration plates. His favourite poem is "If" and his favourite holiday destination is France and Llandudno.