Genealogy Chat

Has anyone been to one and are they any good? Also, what are the costs involved in them? Thanks Kelly

My local LDS Family History Centre is small but very good. The volunteers who run the centre and very helpful and are not allowed to mention their religion unless you ask them something about it. There are no costs involved, although you can give a small donation if you wish (which is used specifically for the Family History Centre work and not the church itself). The centres are usually only open certain hours and certain days - each one is different depending on the volunteesrs - and it is best to phone first to book a slot. Mine has 3 x 3 hour slots per day on three days a week, although one of these days is for church members only. They all have differing amounts of resourses, but can usually order in anything you need (like parish records on film) for a small fee. Give them a try - you won't regret it. Kath. x

I think if you go on the LDS site, you can find out there where each centre is, what resources they have available and all about their opening times etc.

I have used mine every week for years. I could not possibly have got as far as I have without them. OC

They're excellent. If they don't have the film you want, they'll order it for you at a small charge (here in Italy it costs 1 euro per film). In theory they'll keep it for you for 2 months and then you pay to renew it, but although I've offered, they've never asked me to pay the renewal charge even when I keep a film for over 2 months.

how do you read the films, there or take them home, and if so what format do they come in? Can you take any other info home or is all work done on the premises. Sorry for questions I know they have one in Canterbury somewhere just wondered any one ever been there. Marie Sunny Kent

I think the films will have to read on site as they are microfiche and the likes. I know at Preston Record Office you aren't allowed to photocopy some stuff and have to use gloves to go through the books etc as they are so old and fragile. I don't know if it would work using a mobile phone to photograph the pages if you can't photocopy them?? If not, to save time, why not invest in a cheapo dictaphone so you can dictate all the info and then type it up when you get home.

Marie You can't take the films off the premises. You can do a photocopy for 10p. Some people use digital cameras on the sly - I don't like this personally, as I think it is a bit mean - what is 10p, when the facilities are free, after all. But if you ASK first, and they say yes, then maybe a small donation is in order, depending on how much you do. OC

Matie, I use Leeds LDC alot. The are very......Helpful Would'nt have got to where I am without Them!!!!!! They charge 15p for a printout off fiche and 25p from ancestry site. You can also email images aff ancestry(*)co.uk to your self or download to a pen drive!! You can;t down load info from their sitr but can print them. I book about 4/5 hours aweek. Also (if you havent tryed) go to their web site familysearch(*)org Derek

They sound very interesting places, as I work in a school it will probably be the next long holiday before I get there. I certainly know what I will fill my time with when I retire LOL but it is a good few years off yet. Thanks Marie

Hi some are open in the evening and on Saturdays. Look on their website to see if there is one near you. teresa