General Chat

Hi Emma,

I'm not sure which country you are in, but in England a lot ,if not most, council libraries offer free access to Ancestry.co.uk on their computers.

I do find it annoying when some sites ask you to pay for information which is free on some other sites.

When I first started this hobby I paid three times the usual rate for a birth certificate because I was unaware I could get the same much cheaper from the official General Records Office.

Also on this site you are able to contact other members who share names with your tree, thus exchanging already searched for information.

Happy searching Pat

When you ask for help on any of the boards. (although the Tips, Record and trying to find boards are probably best for actual research help), please give as much information as you can that you already have. e.g. If you are looking for your Great Grandfather give the names and dates and places of birth of your grandparents and where you have got that info from. People are keen to help but don't like to look things up to be told "Oh I already have that information. Good luck with your search and don't be afraid to ask. Then come on Chat or Gen to talk to us.

dont forget to look at the free sites too like FreeBMD and Family Search .FreeBMD has Births marriages and deaths from 1837 although not all births were registered before 1875 when it became an offence .with a fine, not to register a child's birth.
What you will find is the GRO ref for BMDS so you order the certificate from the GRO at
www.gro.gov.uk. certs cost £9.25 and in my opinion you have to order some to keep you on the right family track .
The 1881 census is free to search on Family Search site and if you get all enthused in this hobby I would recommend you take out subs to either Ancestry or Find My Past. .
If you have Scottish Ancestry then you will need Scotlands People which has free search but costs to view ,they do have the facility for a cost to view and download the actual certs for earlier events ,not too sure bt think its pre 1921.

Good luck .and do ask on the other boards if you want look ups that arent on the free sites.

You can also build your tree on this site, for no extra cost.

As Sally says, there are some lovely people on here who will look things up for you. Dont be afraid to ask nicely and remember to thank them for their help afterwards, even if they could not find anything! They get a bit annoyed if they never hear back with a thanks after the time they have put in.

Huia.

i must sound daft but hav never used this site before. i have paid 9.99 for the six months standard but now i am trying to find bits and bobs of family details. but to open anything i am having to so it says buy credits????? is this rigt.