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Oh *****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Phoenix

Phoenix Report 30 Oct 2004 18:21

Clinical? Oppressive? Daniel, you must come to Kew and find out for yourself. Back in the bad old days, I had to get references from my tutor and my doctor before they'd even let me look at the microfilmed censuses, guarded by a dragon called Susan Lumas. (She's actually very nice, but scared me rigid.) The Round Room at Chancery Lane was like a gentleman's club (apart from the absence of smoke and whisky). TNA today has internet cafe, masses of reference books, and wonderful, wonderful documents. If I wasn't in work, I would play there for months! Brenda

Unknown

Unknown Report 30 Oct 2004 18:20

Brenda Thank you for your extremely kind offer. If/when I hear back from Kew I will contact you. How did I find Kew - spacious, clean, tidy. It was a bit bewildering for a newbie but once I'd been shown how to operate the computer and where to collect my documents it was fine. I found the scanners didn't work very well though. I got so used to typing in my reader ticket number I could do it from memory! I ate in the restaurant, lovely window seat in the sun overlooking the lake. I could have gone mad in the bookshop but I restrained myself and made a few notes for my Xmas list! Next time I shall feel more at home. All the staff were very helpful, and there are lots of leaflets, guides and finding aids around. nell

Phoenix

Phoenix Report 30 Oct 2004 18:12

Oh Nell, how deeply frustrating for you. I'm busy for the next couple of months, but if you wanted any other lookups, I'll be going to Kew after Christmas. Save you travelling all the way down from Hitchin. Brenda

Chris Ho :)

Chris Ho :) Report 30 Oct 2004 18:08

Busy day then Nell, am also waiting for W..(Wright).

Sandra

Sandra Report 30 Oct 2004 18:05

Nell it sounds like you had a great day, even if you didn't get all you wanted happy hunting sandra

Daniel

Daniel Report 30 Oct 2004 18:05

At least you got something useful out of your trip. How did you find the place. Clinical, oppresive?

Unknown

Unknown Report 30 Oct 2004 18:03

Hallo everyone. I paid my first visit to The National Archives today. I felt very clever as I'd pre-registered online and phoned to reserve my full allowance of 3 documents. I got my reader's ticket and went up to get my documents. One of them was vaguely useful, but the other two not at all. I was looking for the witness statements and account of the trial of my gt grand uncle (who killed his pregnant fiancee whilst insane). I asked a helpful member of staff and ordered some more documents which SHOULD have contained this info. Imagine how irksome it was to receive a strong cardboard box and open it, to undo the pink ribbon and look at handwritten documents from 1862...all except the ones I wanted. Sooo frustrating! I have now left TNA with a request that they help me locate what I want. Ggggrrr. Knew it all seemed too straightforward! nell On the plus side, while waiting, I did manage to find my grandfather's WW1 medal entitlement - not online yet as it is a W!