Tired of waiting for your certificates ?

[Sue Thomas]

On this aspect of taking the money long before despatch of goods I have complained to GRO about this and they said they were passing my comments to the appropriate department............whatever that means!!!!!

[Paul E]

Sue, I think a letter to your MP might carry more weight.
I know its hardly a life or death issue (or is it? ) but perhaps if Rootschatters could be persuaded to write to MPs about the need for more staff at the GRO, we might get some results.  They's certainly be interested in why money is debited before the service is delivered, I'm sure.

Family Historians, rise up - you have nothing to lose but your no claims bonus!

Paul

[newbie]

Genresearch,
Thanks for the reply, I did follow the link and read the information on Guy's site, I wondered how up to date this was? especially with the new Freedom to Information Act being implemented.
So my understanding of the law is that we have the basic right (in law) to see the registers, at a convenient time - which may be interpreted as during opening hours or by appointment, that we do not have the right to make notes (only memorize) but having seen the registers can then ask for a certificate to be provided, which they must do, upon receipt of the required fee.
That if we wish to see indexes they may charge appropriately.
Phew, thanks for all your advice. I still feel inclined to go a wandering to the Registry Offices.
Newbie

[Mobo]

 

Two certificates arrived this morning - one from Leicester Register Office, the other from Rutland Register Office.
They were both ordered on the 7 February    

     

[Paul E]

2 ordered on 21 January with a despatch date of 4 Feb were posted on 9 Feb and arrived 10 Feb.
2 ordered on 23 January with a despatch date of 7 Feb arrived alongside them.

Although its a little more hassle, I think I'll try to follow Mobo's line in future, and use the local offices.

cheers

Paul

[Paul E]

Though of course, I'll miss the nail-biting suspense of waiting so long!

Reminds me of the Father Ted episode when he buys his housekeeper a Teasmade, 'designed to take the misery out of tea-making', and she replies 'I like the misery'!

[sandra70]

Birth certificate arrived this morning, only posted the request on Tuesday, to
Sunderland Registry Office  - I have used this Registry Office before, and they always seem to have a very quick turn around.

Last year I requested by phone, and paid by cc a copy marriage certificate for my in laws, as I wanted the Queen to send them a telegram for their wedding
anniversary - the certificate was with me the next day - This was my local
Registry Office in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Now for the weakest link - London, can't remember which borough, but I wrote off for a birth certificate along with my cheque and stamped addressed
envelope - 6 months later, my cheque was returned saying they couldn't find my relative !


Sandra

[familysearcher]

I posted an order on Saturday 5th for 2 certificates -

Liverpool RO  - still waiting
Tamworth RO - arrived on Tuesday 8th - sent out day of receipt

Following Tamworth certificate posted a request to Birmingham RO on 9 Feb - received it today - again sent out day of receipt!!!!!

Certificates ordered from GRO on 14/1/05 arrived 3 and 4 Feb!!!

I'm using local offices where poss from now on!!

[AMW]

If you think waiting for certificates is bad enough,since the (fantastic BBC programme),you should see my local reference library Middlesbrough,its like Picadilly Circus !
I have lost count of the number of times i overhear people saying " I,ve got the date,s if thats any help ?"
however the staff are extremely helpful,and it is the best building in town!

amw