Genealogy Chat

Hello there, I am really new to this whole thing and have recently begun searching. I am searching for the birth family of my father who was adopted back in 1952. He was born in 1951 and adopted through an agency which no longer exists. We have managed to obtain some records from Croydon Council as they now hold some of the records for this adoption society. His birth mother is named and I have managed to trace her birth and marriage details through the BMD registers. However, there is no specific address as she was a barmaid at the time and although there is correspondence from her until 1953 the addresses are always those of public houses. He also had a sister born a couple of years before him and she too was adopted ~ only have her birth name and DOB. I've kind of reached a dead end now and am not sure where to go next or where it's best to look. Obviously we don't wish to upset anyone and will proceed with tact! I have had a look through the various threads and topics and everyone is so much more knowledgeable than me in tracing family members so thought I would ask for advice in progressing my search further. Thanks for any help or advice you can give me.

Just nudged, Adoption/hints And Hugs From Other Adoptees Part 6 There is a lady Joan Allan who might be able to give you some advice. Good Luck. Fiona.

Hi Alan. I may be off the mark, but I don't want your thread to drop off the page.. Have you tried contacting the Salvation Army for help? I believe they help trace relatives of adoptees.

Sorry to correct you in public Teresa, but the Salvation Army most emphatically do NOT trace anyone involved in the Adoption triangle. (I think it is important that I put this on here, not trying to be smart, just don't want anyone going down the wrong road with false hope) I believe that there is now a Government-operated scheme where any birth relative can register their desire for contact with an adopted person, or any permutation of the adoption situation, Grannies, Aunties etc - the Agency will get a discreet letter to the other person but will NEVER divulge any information. The service is not cheap and its not quick either - and you have said you do not necessarily want contact anyway, so that may not be the way for you to go. Search this Site for Jess's Adoption threads - ran into thousands of postings and there is a wealth of useful advice on there, as well as people's experiences - and some scenarios which may not have occurred to you. Good luck with your search. OC

That's fair enough OC, I thought they did. Thanks for correcting me. Alan sorry to have misled you.

Thanks to all who have helped me. I have some other places to look now, your kindness is much appreciated.