GROS

DorothyCoe · Post by **DorothyCoe** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:28 pm

I know there must be information here about going to GROS in Edinburgh but I'm blessed if I can find it. Clue anyone?

Up till now I've been too scared to go there because I know it will be full of people who actually know what they are doing, but my embarrassment about all those £6 on my credit card bill is finally outweighing my embarrassment about looking foolish

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:15 pm

Hi Dorothy
GROS have some info here:
http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/famrec/index.html
http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/f ... aflet3.pdf
http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/f ... aflet8.pdf

..and I would not worry about "people who actually know what they are doing" or appear to!! There is usuallly a good mixture there of "old hands" and first timers and many inbetween. If it is your first visit the staff will show you how to use the system.

Just take plenty of your own family info with you to refer to, and a notebook and pencil(s).

Best wishes
Lesley

Rockford · Post by **Rockford** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:36 pm

Hi Dorothy,

I've been to GROS three times - like you, I started going after my debit card melted

!

I really enjoy it and the staff are really helpful. As Lesley said, make sure and take plenty of paper with you and make sure you note everything down - the first time I went I was like a wean in a sweetie shop and ended up having to spend a lot of time on my second visit rechecking the stuff I'd missed the first time!

It's a good idea to get a notebook that folds over on itself, as it's easier to manage in the space between the computers.

Best wishes

Brian

susieq · Post by **susieq** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:58 pm

Hi Dorothy,
If you could wait until the end of the month you could try a free 2 hour taster session when the new Family History Centre opens in the National Archives.
Susan.

DorothyCoe · Post by **DorothyCoe** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:03 pm

sounds very interesting susie...where can I get more information about that please?

susieq · Post by **susieq** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:18 pm

Dorothy go here http://www.scotlandspeoplehub.gov.uk hopefully all will be explained, you will be in the company of other 'newbies'!
Have fun!

DorothyCoe · Post by **DorothyCoe** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:22 pm

Oh. I see it's only open Monday to Friday, and closes at 4, effectively disenfranchising those of us contributing to the economy, and presumably the administration of GROS through our taxes.
But I see that's always been the case. Hmmm. I will have to take it up with my MP and wait until my next holidays to explore

AnnieMack · Post by **AnnieMack** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 11:29 pm

I concur Dorothy, I try to make a trip one day every time I have a week of work (fixed holidays). I would love for it to be open on a Saturday. The last time I was there a lady in the waiting room commented that it must be holiday time due to the number of people waiting to get in. I was a bit miffed as she obviously was of independant means lol and could go anytime. Felt my breeding bubbling to the surface - lots of my ancestors seem to be in the Rab C and Mary Doll section of society

One thing I would say is to be prepared before you go. The database search facility is different from that online - you can only search one year at a time. I try to have a specific search that I want to do for at least one line as it is easy to go off on a tangent and lose track of the time. There are some fascinating reads and it isn't hard to get distracted.

Write down all the details from the certificates as sometimes something you may mentally dismiss is the clue you need to connect relatives.

Most of all have fun

Annie

DorothyCoe · Post by **DorothyCoe** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 1:37 am

Thanks for the advice Annie.
I notice it says that you're allowed to use a memory stick which should cut down on writing time.
It will have to be October now before I can get there. Something to look forward to.

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 10:21 am

Hi Dorothy

I notice it says that you're allowed to use a memory stick which should cut down on writing time

...at £1 per save. They'll add up very quickly,

...so best to keep it to just those you really need the originals for, perhaps because ther is something interesting or an instance where you need to have a good long look at the handwriting later (to save time).... and remember you will not be able to save any certs past the cut-off dates if you are looking for more recent events: births after 1907, marriages after 1932, deaths after 1957.

Some people find it easiest to make up blank forms, for B, M & D with the correct column headings so you don't miss anything out when copying down. As was mentioned, it is very easy to get distracted, and when you get home you realise you've missed out some important bits!

Best wishes
Lesley