Genealogy Chat

Here's something for all you lovely people out there... my mother and I are planning a visit to our local records office in June, for the first time. What is there to look at? Will eagerly check back in 10 minutes for your replies!! Carole x

Hi, please dont think you are ignorant. There,s parish records , cemetery plans , local history books. A lot of records are held on micro-filch. Don,t do what I did and get the reel all tangled up though! Happy hunting

Some people on here do visist the offices ....but my Auntie went in 2003 to get her mums birth certificate and it took ages to do just that ....she was asked to wear gloves and it took ages to get the volumes out and sort what she needed!!!! I spoke to Southport about 3weeks ago and they said they are trying to discourage people coz of the damage!!!! Would love to hear from others who have had successful visits as I,d like to go to Sharleen

Have you checked out the website for the records office you are planning to visit? You might find you need to have a CARN ticket and you would have to take some ID with you to obtain one. (CARN - County Archives Records Network - the card can then be used at any records office that is part of the scheme) Most record offices only allow pencils. As already said not an ignorant question you simply do not know the answer. Enjoy the visit Maureen

Hi, I have been to Durham records office a few times and found it very usefull. I book in advance because its always full. I was only allowd to take pencils and loose paper in with me but lockers were available so kept any info I had in a locker and just went and looked now and then. You will be all day at it once you get into it. Durham has a canteen and coffee machine but take sandwiches just incase. I am fairly new to this but find most people on GR are happy to help so don,t be afraid to ask, how do you know otherwise.The only thing people on GR ask inreturn is a thank you when they have helped you, not to much to ask for. Good hunting Jack

thank you everyone, We've found the website for Durham Record office and we're going to download all the information leaflets. Just got to decide what we need to look for!! Carole x

Also useful to keep a note of the records you do check during your visit so if you go again then you do not waste time going over the same records. Do not forget reading glasses if you need them. Some record offices are very hot and some are cold. Maureen

I went for the first time a month ago to find my great grandfathers military records with information i had been given.we are talking WW1 ,which is like looking for a needle in a haystack as most were burnt in WW2. After about half hour searching i plucked up the courage to ask the staff for help and low and behold we found the record.Not only had he been in the army for 16 years but it gave me information on when and whetre he got married ,his 2 childrens dob's his brothers and parents information .Where they all lived at certain times.But biggest of all his brother was in th royal artillary and it gave me all his military records which i also looked up and found. it was a brillant day and can't wait to go back. lizz

Sharleen I have been visiting records offices all over the country for over 35 years and was not aware that ANY of them have birth certiicates! OC