This is only a page for the folk who are starting out on research. I think maybe you know all the information below - but maybe it may help someone?? I know how difficult I found it when I first had a look at records.

I must say that every Record Office I have been to over the years, I have always found the staff and other researchers most helpful, but on the first visit it always appeared to me that everyone there knew exactly what they were looking for - how to find it - how to get copies - where to go next etc. and it took me a while to realise that many folk there were like me - just trying to find what they were looking for.

I had since found that on a second visit to any Record Office I have always had more success, just a case of on a return visit, the layout of the place is already known, and then I have always had more luck in looking at the records held.

Feel free to E-mail me at Joan@joanaiken.co.uk