RootsChat.Com

Hello again
Thanks for taking the trouble to reply.  Things are even worse now..their charge for them to look at the records is now 80 pounds per hr.  I had asked them about a particular school record and they replied "An Admission & Discharge Register for girls from Old Montague Street School for 1903 - 1926 is held here. School Records are subject to a period of restricted access in order to protect the confidentiality of living individuals. This follows a recent decision by the Information Commissioner. It is therefore not possible for you to consult the records yourself. However if you are able to provide proof of the death of the individual concerned we are able to undertake the search on your behalf."
This is crazy: I specifically asked about the register for 1911 - well over 100 years ago!  And yes! I do have the death certificates - and why the restriction on this specific school when other registers are freely searchable both online and on site.   
And how come the confidentiality is respected if a strange archivist looks at the record and not a direct descendant?
Sorry to sound off, but it annoyed me.
Glad that your research seems to going well, good on ya!
Best wishes
Derek

Oh !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Derek

By the way, I also found the following on Google, just in case you haven't seen it:
http://www.mile-end-residents.co.uk/the-south-grove-workhouse/

Derek

oh dear...  I've looked at their charges.. a minimum of fifty pounds seems a bit steep...  I'm interested in my great-grandfather, Isaac Levy, who died 5th May 1943 in the St George in the East Hospital, but the death certificate shows his address as Southern Grove House, so obviously I'd like to see the record of his admission, and anything else relevant...since he had to go to hospital (aged 77) there's a chance that this might be recorded in one of their Occurrence Books...so it looks as if I could find some solid information, which I'd much rather look at myself rather than use their (expensive) services...  BUT I didn't see the option of "supervised access" on their website...  since I'm a registered reader, and quite used to handling old records, I would also like "supervised access" - so would be very interested in hearing how you get on.... 

And I really appreciate your kindness in these updates....

Best wishes

Derek

Thanks a lot for that, Romilly, I'll check with the LMA next time I'm in England

Best wishes

Derek