Genealogy Chat

Real documents, as opposed to virtual ones, are FILTHY, so wear clothes the same colour. As handbags are forbidden, you can either wear a fetching bumbag or like me opt for the Michael Foot look with bulging pockets for the Carn ticket, loose change, locker key, assorted pencils etc. Real anoraks wear gloves. I've not gone that far yet, but did once resort to fingerless gloves when the heating wasn't working.

Definitly a cardi....Surrey History Centre 2 weeks ago had air conditioning set at Arctic conditions,kept needing the loo,then worked out that the air con vent was right under my foot and blowing up leg of my jeans.There I was thinking it was down to my age................ Elaine

Just thinking that was nearest. Nice helpful staff there. :-)

Oh Joy....I'm not going anywhere! Was just wondering......! Merry

''Normal'' wear, Merry. Going to Winchester ?

That's very unfair Alan, Many a woman doesn't have the legs for a dress nor the butt end for trousers - but we're not allowed to go in naked!!!! maggie

I don't care WHAT the code is. I am NOT wearing a dress to please anyone. I just do not have the legs for it.

Ooooh yes, Maggie.....you see, I would NEVER have thought of that, but it makes perfect sense! Hubby is the one they let into RO's usually, rather than me......When he punched the air after trawling 250 parishes looking for my 4xg-grandparents marriage (their's devotion for you!!) and found it, there was audible tutting!! But he didn't care a jot! (and they still let him in the next time!) Merry

Don't forget the ear plugs so you're not distracted by the person next to you who either mumbles constantly, reads out loud everything they see or keeps shrieking in delight when you can find nothing!! maggie

Arctic survival suit - check Small battery operated plastic fan (in case above not req) - check Merry

If you are going to the Essex RO at Chelmsford then take an Arctic Survival Kit..................... the air conditioning seems to be permanantly set at minus 10 !

The HOL fiche are in the chest of drawers in your back bedroom, OC.......! (saw then at the Xmas party) merry

Loose Cargo pants with lots of pockets in which to secrete stolen fiche/film/priceless original documents... Clean underwear in case they stripsearch you as you waddle out... (Well, SOMEONE must pinch the stuff - all the GRO fiche beginning with HOL- has vanished from my Records Office) Olde Crone

Sweatband - check No need for cleavage coverage, Jess.......!! Remembers not to have heels on my Kays sandals Merry

Right, so Kays sandals - check American tan pop socks - check Navy crimpeline (sp?) trousers - check Cotton knicks - check T shirt - check Beige Cardi - check glasses on a rope - check Green or beige anorak? Hat of any sort???! Merry

I had to have a CARN card no pens,pencils only a sweatband for your right wrist after all the frantic widing and unwinding of microfiche reels.

Clean drawers in case you get run down by a badly driven Fiche reader! Oh and something tha covers your cleavage ( if you have one) just in case.... Funny folk pop in our to keep warm

Sarah I was down in London a few weeks ago at the Guildhall and couple of other places doing some research. I live as you know in Buckinghamshire so had to catch the train in hubby was going to buy me a first class ticket so I wore a trouser suit and heels. LOL (I know your love for hair and clothes)!!! My god did I look out of place someone actually came up to me thinking I was working there!!!! My advice just go very casually dressed - bit like the school run LOL janey

OOoohh yes, those plastice chairs give you itchy legs when you wear nylon slacks........so my Gran told me LOL

And take a cardy! The air conditioning can be quite chilly sometimes lol