1) Research
I try to be a flexible as possible with the research services I provide and these fall into two distinct categories:
a) In-House
This is essentially anything I can do from my own office using my own genealogical library of books, CD-ROMs etc., together with on-line research. My library of genealogical and local history books has grown steadily over the last 30 years and is now quite extensive. As a former IT professional I appreciate as much as anyone the enormous help the rapid developments in information technology have been to family history research. The resources now available have made preliminary research much quicker than before but this still must be backed by the rigorous checking of primary sources and the presentation of sound supporting evidence. This, more than anything else, is what I try to do. Family history, like all history, is important and it should be done as accurately as possible.
b) Out and About
This is everything I cannot do from my own office such as visiting libraries, family history centres, county record offices, churches, cemeteries etc. I also offer a photographic service for churches, gravestones, ancestral homes and anything else that might interest family historians.
Please note that although I will usually be able to find the information you require there will be times when I draw a blank. This can be for various reasons such as the documents no longer existing, for example. In such cases I will still have to charge the same hourly rate but I will, of course, provide details of all the documents that have been searched, and the reasons why I believe I have been unable to find the information.
2) Analysis and Reporting
The research findings will be analysed and presented in a written report, accompanied by supporting documentation. All documents, such as birth, marriage and death certificates, copies of wills etc. will be supplied at cost price. The report can be supplied on paper, by email or on CD.
3) Photography
I offer a photographic service for churches, gravestones, ancestral homes and anything else that might interest family historians.