Genealogy Chat

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I will start with the free sites and see how I get on. If I need help I know where to come to Luv Sue

Hi Susan , the Genuki website is a very good starting point, and if you go to specific counties they always have a surnames interest list, I've found these helpful in the past. And this website is exceptionally useful, 'cause the guys on these boards are so helpful and encouraging, anything you need to know, there is always someone willing to help with their experiences, knowledge and time. Good luck ! Steph

Don't overlook your local library if you are within range of where your families came from. I got back to the late 1700's for my surname using just the censuses there. But I suppose in having my Great,Great,Great.Great,Grandad born in the same place as me I was a bit lucky! Bob

Susan…….. “ Welcome to the world of genealogy “ This hobby can, and goes become addictive, compulsive, frustrating, and hilarious, and Sad. Oh and Expensive. Sorry to say you will not be able to complete your Tree from your screen,(do we ever finish it ? ) Visits to the Records Offices are the only way to move forward at times. I would join a local Family History Society ( Aprox. £10 per year) this will give you access to a lot of information plus you will be in the presence of other researchers who you can call about if you become stuck. As to which sites to subscribe to there are a few which are free ( Freeboard BMD & Latter day Saints 1881 census. Plus some of the 1901 returns are free to view) so practice on these first, and then go for the pay as you view sites which will give you the most information, but be ware they can clock up the £’s. Also by this site there are lots of friendly people out there only to pleased to do look up’s and pass on information. Don’t throw away any information collected and go with your hunches….. also ask living relies. I wish you good luck in your new interests. I will now go and take my fix of “ Prozac…” He He. MIKE.

Just a thought when you find, them click on favourites when you are on the site , and click add, and you will go back to them next time, when you look in favourites. Also what area are you looking Joan

When I started doing my family research, I just used FreeBMD and the free Family Search sites. I then progressed to doing pay to view searches on 1901. Eventually, I took out a quarter's subscription to Ancestry . co . uk. Don't think now that I could manage without any of them. I haven't bought any CDs, because my family come from a wide variety of counties, and I can't afford to buy them all, but I have so far added about 250 names to my Tree. And don't forget, people on these boards will help out with special or difficult searches - but there is nothing to beat the pleasure of finding something all by yourself! Jan.

I am fairy new to family research and a bit confused about it.There seems to be a lot of web sites asking for subscripstions. Do I pay? or should I go to the records offices. I would prefer to do it all from home but which sites offer good value for money? There are also a lot of disk sets available. What would you say you can't do without?