Genealogy Chat

Sorry if this is old news but I have just returned from holiday in Tenerife, and immediately opened my copy of Family Tree Magazine for March 2007. Page 8 confirms the wonderful news that the 1911 Census is to be released early, The census will go on-line fully indexed in 2009. You can even pay £45-per-address NOW if you are really desperate! As I am 70 this year it gives me, and other oldies, a better chance of being around to see this census! Ray Whincup

I am 70 also, just hope I can hang on till 2009

Raymond Not completely accurate - non sensitive information will go on line in 2009 as part of the test programme for the full release. In practice though, it will be all information except the disability column. Of course, we don't know how much it will cost yet..... OC

70......old? No way! I heard on the news this morning that the oldest person just died aged 114yrs. Now that's old!!!

I did not wish to give the impression that I felt age 70 was old. But with 10 year gaps between census returns I was particularly pleased re the proposed early release of 1911 data. I would expect that Ancestry.co.uk will be most likely to put the data on line first. I am now into my second years subscription and I still find they give full value for money. Whilst the indexes are not perfect, I get real enjoyment in looking for wrongly indexed ancestors, better than most crossword puzzles! Another important aspect of the 1911 census return is that it will show the young men in family groups just before so many left for World War One. As so many joined, and died, often under age, I will find seeing them as a family group 3 years before the war very poignant. It will give a very special basis for rememberance of these men. Ray Whincup

Raymond I doubt if Ancestry - or anyone else - will get their hands on it before 2012, which still remains the official release date. I should imagine ONS will be anxious to recoup some of their outlay before they let it go. However, I take your general points. OC