If you are taking your first steps into family history then you’ll be treading along a very well worn path.
A good place to start is the BBC’s own family history page:
www.bbc.co.uk/familyhistory
where the general basics can be learned.
However, to many of us, sitting in front of a computer (even if you have access to one) is not the ideal way to get going; that oft-needed guiding hand is missing – not to mention the personal touch.
Some people can cope with Internet training but even then, before too long, a visit to a Record Office (or other repository of records) is required. Many people find visiting these for the first time a daunting and cold experience – a visit often taken with trepidation.
But, at the Isle of Wight Family History Society, help is at hand!
For the cost of a year’s membership (see Become a Member) you can avail yourself of that guiding hand where the specifics of what you would like to achieve can be discussed with a friendly and experienced family researcher.
Every Saturday morning (10:00 to 12:30) at our Resource Centre in St Thomas’ Square, Newport, one of our members is available; there’s no need to book – just turn up when you feel like it. If Saturday mornings are inconvenient, then other times are available by appointment (by telephoning Betty Dhillon on 01983 524469).
At our Resource Centre you can benefit from a one-on-one session to guide you through those first steps. Everyone’s needs are different so talking them through with someone who ‘knows the ropes’ is generally the best way forward. Do not be fazed by the prospect – the path you are about to tread has been walked down many times before and our experienced family researcher attends just to help people like you.
If Saturday mornings are good for you, please keep our research advisor company – it’s very lonely if no-one turns up so you’ll be doing them a favour!
Good luck in your family history journey !
Jon Matthews