Genealogy Chat

Nudge - for those that missed the update posted on Saturday.

Louise Will get back to you but might have to cry off this one...sob! I've got b*****y shingles and feel dreadful, doc reckons 4-6 weeks so not sure I'll be up to a long journey and a very busy day! Lou

Hi Lou, I'm very sorry to hear that but fully understand. See how you feel nearer the time and if you can come great but if not I'm sure that we can do a few look ups for you! Not the same but better than nothing. I'm happy to go with you another time if you're coming down to the south - just let me know when. Take care, Louise

A nudge to make sure all who are interested reads the updated message at the top of the thread. Thanks. Louise

Hi, For those of you joining in on this day trip to the FRC, I suggest that we try to meet up at the FRC at 10am. However, don't worry if your journey time means you can only come along later. I'll be there until 4pm and can meet people throughout the day. Rather than repeat them here, if you need directions and transport links then these are all on the FRC website. There is also information on the records available and some guides you can download in advance. The website address is: www*familyrecords*gov*uk/frc/default*htm (replace * with dot) The more preparation you do in advance the more progress you are likely to make on the day. One thing I find helpful when I go is to write out the things I want to research on pieces of paper with room to jot down notes, mark off years I've looked up, etc., as I go along on the day. Unlike Kew, you can take handbags and notebooks into the search rooms but it's best not to take too much along as it gets in the way or is heavy. There are lockers if you want to stow things. I look forward to meeting you on the day and if anyone else wants to come there's still plenty of room. Louise

Id love to come as I am really nervous of this sort of place. Can I confirm nearer the date as I would also have to come down the previous night. PS, David Im getting to an age where I think I may soon have a grey beard too and the old thickening waistline means I will probably have a dress to fit you! Perhaps we could go as twins. PPS On second thoughts, arent you the guy who said people sarf of the river were scum?????????????

It's getting closer now. Let's hope I can remember all the things I want to look up!

I'd better start writting everyone down in my notebook. I think I'll cheak the resourses on the FRC website first thou. 10am should be fine for me as I'm now used to dragging myself out of bed and onto buses at 6:30 most days. One question: How do we reconise each other when we get to the FRC?? I'll be lost enough without having to hunt down strangers (well visually at least) Rachel

Don't worry Lunar. I will put out final joining instructions a few days before the event which explain meeting points and times plus a detailed description of me and my outfit for the day. I promise to make myself visible! Plus I have heard that Brenda will be there in a form hugging GR T-shirt so between us we'll capture everyone's attention. Louise

Hi All I'm definitely not going to be able to make this one but hopefully there'll be another one sometime for me to join in with! I'm a lot better but still walking with the sticks so not up to such a long journey. Might be cheeky nearer the time and try and blag a couple of lookups from someone though! Have a wonderful time! Lou

A nudge for anyone who'se interested

Oooooooooh - I'm in London area on this date so I might just join you. Being a birthing partner on the Thursday so I may be a bit exhausted to make it for 10am but I'll trek you all down inside. I'll be the one mumbling Gloster, Glaster, Glester, Glister, Closter, Cloaster, Coaster = Time for tea!!!! (its the only way I can remember my name variants) Is there a planned lunch break when I can pinpoint you in the canteen - or are you wandering up to the park opposite the school for a picnic? Z xx p.s. I'm also one of the reprobates regulalry moved along for smoking outside the front door so if you see a shameful looking lady emmitting smoke thats me too

Only one week to go, so I hope that eveyone is still able to make it. So far I have the following names and would be grateful if you could let me know if you are still able to come or not. I don't want to be worrying about lost souls if you're no longer able to make it. Lunar Amanda, London Natalie from Hants Tracy Elsom Linda Shaw Chris in Sussex Brenda Hawkins David Thomas Heather Martin (maybe?) Zoe Linkson (maybe?) I suggest that all those who can get there in time meet at the entrance at 10am. It's normally a little bit quieter earlier in the day. If you are arrriving later, let me know what time and I'll pop to the door to meet you. Don't forget to plan your research and bring a list of what you want to look up. I'm already having to prioritise my list as I've been saving up my searches and it always takes longer than you think it will! I'll post a final message confirming the final arrangements in a few days. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and having a good day out. Louise PS. There's room for more if you've not signed up but would like to.

Louise, I'd love to come but should be studying and feel guilty not but the temptation is great (- if you know what I mean). What is there? I have 'got back' to 1840's so would this be the 'right' place to go and what is the difference betw. FRC and Kew? Is that LMA? (think not) and roughly how often do you do them? Thanks Michaela

Hi Michaela, The main things I use at the FRC are the GRO birth, marriage and death indexes for England and Wales and the censuses but there are a few other things there as well. I suggest you check out the FRC website to get the full picture. Kew is massive and has loads of records. Again you should look at their website to get an idea. Lots of people go there to get information about ancestors who were in the armed forces or merchant navy but you could find stufff about almost anyone. I haven't been to the LMA but I believe it has lots of records for the London area - all my ancestors come from 'oop North'! If you have already got back to the 1840s then the FRC may not be so helpful as the BMD indexes only go back to 1837 and the censuses start from 1841. Maybe your studies should take priority this time but if you need a break it would be nice to see you! People on this site have arranged trips to Kew but there is no fixed plan. It just happens when someone has an urge to do a bit of organising. Good luck in exams. Louise

Thanks Louise, I'll have a look at their sites when I take a t-break! Probably wont come this time but, if I really wanted abreak, would it be ok just to turn up? Lots of my relations come from the East end, do they have parish records? Hope you all have agreat day Michaela

Hi Louise I was up there today. Although it isn't advertised, the FRC has free access to 1861 images on Ancestry. Other useful things are: Nonconformist registers - on microfilm. Many of these entries appear on the IGI, but the registers may have more detail. PCC administrations - on microfilm. Documents Online has PCC wills, but there were cases where administration was granted to next of kin where there was no will. Death Duty Registers 1796 - 1858 - on microfilm. If your estate was worth more than a certain amount, tax would be paid on your death. These records shown the relationships between the beneficiaries and the testator. Probate Index post 1858 - on microfiche. It only goes up to the early 1900s, but the early indexes are very detailed. There are also lots and lots of finding aids.

This trip is getting better by the day! Maybe I'll manage to trace some more welsh relatives back another decade - that's the 19th centry sorted or just about!!! Next stop the 20th centary??? in 2012!!!

Brenda, As always you are an amazing font of knowledge! I am still a novice at this and can't wait to meet you and the others next week. I had a really good night tonight as I met one of my uncles who I hardly ever get to see. I started telling him about my research and he came out with lots of interesting stories. A number of these confirmed one of my more tenous links so I am really pleased to get this sorted. In addition I now have lots of new links to look up so I need to get my thoughts in order so I can make the most of next Saturday. Louise

A nudge for those who haven't seen the update yet. I hope it doesn't annoy everyone else too much but could we please nudge this from time to time this week to make sure all those who want to come are aware of the meet up time. Thanks Louise