Going to Kew -- what should I take?

[sallysmum]

Hi

Prior to my first records office visit, I posted the same question and got loads of good advice, so as I'm off to Kew on Friday, I thought I ought to do the same.

I have registered on line but will need to present documents on arrival. I have the scant details of my gt grandfather.  Should I pre order the records I want?  Is there a cafe or should I take my own lunch? (I'm hoping to be there all day).  What is the parking like or should I get  a taxi in (I'm staying in Walton).  Photocopying charges -- what do I need in small change?

Any hints, tips and advice will be gratefully received

Many thanks in anticipation

Sallysmum

[casalguidi]

Hi Sallysmum

There is some information on this thread that you might find helpful:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,225586.0.html

A first visit to Kew can be quite disappointing if you don't find what you are looking for so I would suggest having a good look through their research guides to see what information may be available for a number of your ancestors.

It would be a good idea to pre-order some documents so as you can get started as soon as you get there.

I hope you have a successful day

Casalguidi

[nanny jan]

Hi sallysmum,

There's a cafe  with a smaller coffee bar plus you can just eat your own picnic!  Not sure how big the car park is as I go up on a coach trip with my fam hist society.  There is a lot of info for visitors on the national archives website.   You can "load a card" for photocopying or use small change (think it is 25p for A4); depends on how much you need to do.

Clear plastic bags are provided to take items through security to go upstairs, lockers are roomy and free.   Well stocked bookshop with maps, magazines and pencils!

Close by is a shoping centre with M&S, etc....should you need a break.

Nanny Jan

[Uncle Reff]

The small coffee bar there is the cheapest Costa Coffee in existence! They also stamp a card for you so that you get the tenth coffee free.

The photocopying cards are cheaper 20p per copy against 25p cash (A4 & A3 are the same price), but you have to buy one first and they are £5 each, and about 50p (I think) is taken straight away for the cost of the card.

I agree about the first visit being possibly disappointing, it is all quite overwhelming at first, so much to see and do, but the staff are very helpful.

One point to note, if you have any loose sheets with you when you go through the security to the reading rooms, they will staple them together so if you have anything that you don't want defaced take a copy.

Have a great day it really is a great place!

John

[GeoffP]

Parking is very easy. There is a large car park and it is free.
                                                                            Geoff

[PassionPlay]

Think minimal - take as little as possible! 

There are free lockers where you can store things though if they won't let you take something into the reading rooms.

They do allow digital photography (no flash) but you will have to fill in an additional registration form - this can be an alternative to photocopying and I have also photographed a microfilm reader before which can save you some writing time.

There is usually a guided tour for first timers a couple of times a day I think; I have always found the staff really helpful so don't worry about asking if necessary.

Hope you have a productive day!

Steph.

[Lydart]

Dont take Johns advice and drink TEN cups of coffee, even if the tenth is free ... you wont sleep for a week !

Have a great day ... I'm envious !

[millymcb]

You can take a laptop in and use it while you are there. Otherwise don't forget to take some background info on all the names, addresses and dates of the people you might research so that you can check it against any documents you find   

Plain paper to write on... and a pencil. (I've never had my paper stapled for some reason)

DEFINITELY a digital camera. I use mine to copy documents and microfilm and it generally comes out really well.


Enjoy!

[Uncle Reff]

So that is why i couldn't sleep that night 

One more (hopefully) helpful hint, if you go into the Microfilm Reading Room and want a microfiche or microfilm reader, unlike many reading rooms the card/box that reserves your machine is next to the enquiry desk, not on the machine itself.

Should be very sunny on Friday, so it should be nice to take a breather outside to clear the head, there used to be swans on the lake, but I have not seen them for a  while.

Unfortunately the small museum is closed for refurbishment this year.

John