When I started this lark, 3 or 4 years ago, one received certificates from the GRO within a week and from local offices by return of post. One could email a record office, get a very quick reply and cheerful service and only pay for the photocopying and postage. Now the GRO says June 9th for the one certificate I've ordered there, and I'm still awaiting a response from Colchester about the other three. Record offices have downloadable research forms, pay twenty quid in advance. Essex record office says waiting times are 4 - 6 weeks, and I expect Suffolk will say the same. Yes, I understand why, of course I do, but I can't help wondering whether all this delay is going to dampen the enthusiasm of newcomers, who will just lose interest if they have to wait a month between each bit of the puzzle.
Moderator Comment: topics merged
