Kew Gardens - first time visit>>>

[halfasheep]

I've read some of the guides in various fmaily tree publications, but I have to be honest, it looks daunting.

On 30th November, I will be heading to the big smoke, my missus will spend my hard earned cash, and I'm  gonna trawl through records.

I can see that I'll probably need to order a viewingcard(?) before hand and take ID with me - not an issue.

Howver, I specifically want to view WW1 service records for three people - would I need to order these in advance? I can't imagine my guys being looked at by anyone else on that day.

How does it all work? Is it on film or fiche? Should I locate the details on-line, or are they only available in Kew.

I know there are guides available, but I'm in work when libraries, etc are open, and I'm abusing the internet access in work as it is!

I've tried navigating the Kew website and got completely lost as it is....

[Gadget]

This page is quite a good guide:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/plan.htm

Gadget 

PS - There's a virtual tour

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/virtualtour/   

[halfasheep]

Lovely - I'll try and jump on this lunchtime. It's probably just me, but I find it such a complicated site to use.

Managed to locate the medal cards, but other than that, I was lost!

[Gadget]

They have those drop down menus at the top. I tried them all when I first went on the site. it's fun on a wet weekend 

[silvery]

Have you tried to look for the records in 'ancestry' ww1 details? link ....
http://content.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=List&dbid=1114&offerid=0%3a7858%3a0

If you order in advance at Kew, the records will be ready for you when you get there. 

[halfasheep]

Thanks for that you two. I meant to look at lunchtime, but as my lunchtimes are slowly being cut down to a mere 10 minutes of peace, I find internet searching is interfering with my eating!

Hopefully will be able to sort something out by the time I leave, even if it means getting the internet at home 

[Jane Masri]

I see you're in Wales, so that's quite a trip.  Do check their opening times etc!
At the National Archives they have helpful step-by-step pamphlets that you can follow when looking for records, they're just inside the film reading room as you go in.  I also understand they conduct a familiarisation tour most days so check & see when they start, a small amount of time taken on that might save you a heck of a lot of time later!  Take 20p pieces as that's the cost of photocopying or you can buy a pre-paid card if you have a lot of copying to do.
The staff are very helpful so don't hesitate to ask.  Many of the other researchers are a great help also.  I spent quite a lot of time there this summer & there was one gentleman who was there almost everytime I was there & without being asked he would leap up & help someone or upon hearing a conversation would lean across & give them the benefit of his experience which seemed enormous.  He even cleared up a burning military question of mine.  I wonder if he was a Rootschatter?  Wouldn't it be nice if, when we went into records offices & the like, we all wore a sticker that said, "Rootschat Member", that way we would get to meet each other.  I've often sat in these libraries thinking, 'I wonder if there's any Rootschatters here?"  But I digress.
Have a great time at TNA, halfasheep & I hope you come away with the information you seek 

jane

[halfasheep]

I may wear a carnation and carry a rolled up newspaper 

I'll be there on a Saturday (already checked it's open), and since I've only used the tube once, I'll probably spend on day zipping around under London getting lost.

Luckily we're up for the weekend, so I'll be in London Friday night and outside Kew about an hour before it opens!

[Jebber]

I notice your Subject line says Kew Gardens - first time visit, when you leave the tube, make sure you head for The National Archives not the Gardens, although not far apart they are different places.

You will need all your time and energy for TNA.

Have a good day.
Jebber