Hello Lizdb
The three parishes you mention are all within the county lines for the Suffolk Record Office Ipswich (I have a map of the parishes with the three SROs boundary lines drawn in, so that I know where to send the Local History Recorders Annual Reports - which are arriving daily at the office in Ipswich).
I copy below a message I sent earlier to someone visiting for the first time, I hope it helps. I use both Ipswich and Bury ROs so if there is anything else - just holler
Pat ...
I use both Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich ROs. The other branch is within the Public Library at Lowestoft, but is proper branch of the RO (unlike the local studies centre within the Public Library at Sudbury).
Bury St Edmunds free car park is right across the road from the Office and
the free car park at Ipswich is on site.
I telephone ahead to book film reader or fiche reader - or both. You book
for a session from 9-1 and then from 1-5.30 - I usually arrive later than 9
and let them know that so that if it is busy, the machine can be used until
10h30. You can book for either session - or all day.
As usual, it's pencils and paper only, laptops can be used, let them know ahead of visit and they may well put you near to a power source. There are lockers should you need one.
Census and Parish Records are all easily accessible at all three branches,
there are folders to tell you parish by parish what is available on
fiche/film and reference numbers corresponding to the one you need.
The staff are all experienced, knowledgeable and very helpful - just let
them know it's your first visit and what you would like to see, and they
will guide you
If you wish to check through items such as Tithe Maps/Apportionment books,
school records and log books etc etc you must arrange for these to be found. You can
either order them as soon as you arrive, and check through fiche of PRs
whilst waiting. Or if those records are the main reason for your visit,
order them in advance.
Don't forget if the village you are researching is in the west, then more
specialised records such as School Log books etc will be at Bury and if you
are researching in the east of the county, these will be held at Ipswich RO.
There are loos and coffee/tea machines at both centres, but I would advise
taking a snack or packed lunch with you - you will munch with other
researchers and get chatting in no time at all.
If you do want a break and a coffee at Bury you can stroll through St Mary's
churchyard, just round the corner to the left of the building as you come
out of the main door. As you walk, you will see the Cathedral (St James)
with the new wonderful Millennium Tower.
Through the grounds of the cathedral is a Refectory for snack meals and drinks.
Just remembered - the car park at Bury is open to the general public on
Saturday and it's one pound to park all day!
PS - if you wish to visit Blakenham, I would advise to go as soon as you can. Snoasis will be built there, it will be the largest indoor winter sports complex in Europe.
