Ancestry - Free Access to all UK records 24-26th December

[rosie99]

There are quite a lot of FH Sites that are free and prosper. Just like Rootschat

But a lot of the information given on those free sites probably originates from those commercial organisations 

[smudwhisk]

There are quite a lot of FH Sites that are free and prosper. Just like Rootschat

But a lot of the information given on those free sites probably originates from those commercial organisations 

And a lot of it is transcripts and not images of the original records, so there is always the chance of an error.

[rosie99]

There are quite a lot of FH Sites that are free and prosper. Just like Rootschat

But a lot of the information given on those free sites probably originates from those commercial organisations 

And a lot of it is transcripts and not images of the original records, so there is always the chance of an error.

That is very true Smudwhisk.      Thankfully most of my tree was done at family history centres ploughing through film of the PR's 

[smudwhisk]

Thankfully most of my tree was done at family history centres ploughing through film of the PR's 

Ditto, but the expanded collections of images of original documents on the subscription sites have been very useful.  In spite of some very large gaps in places, the London collection on ancestry has been wonderful because we could never get as much research done in the odd visit to the LMA as we've managed with these.  That said, I had to order in to a local LDS Family History Centre on indefinite loan the 40 years missing for Enfield St Andrew so that I could actually continue researching.   This has cost me quite a lot what with the film cost (c£20 from memory) and the cost of petrol to visit, but as I doubt ancestry will ever upload the missing content, it was still cheaper than visiting the LMA.

[smudwhisk]

I have also had an offer from Ancestry but it may just be an upgrade on a UK sub 
Worldwide Membership
Access all our 15 billion global records
12-month membership
£125.99*  £179.99
SAVE 30%

Judging by comments on their Facebook page, there are problems with this offer and apparently some of the support staff are advising people to cancel their existing Premium subscriptions which then means they can't take up the offer.

[rosie99]

I am glad I don't need to take them up on their 'worldwide' offer then smudwhisk.  I have done as mazzie74 suggested earlier and found all I need. 

I have to agree that the subscription sites are very useful for filling in the gaps and more, especially as they have closed my local LDS and public transport to the nearest alternative takes far too long.

[BumbleB]

Ancestry.com free access - 26 -29 December.  So assume US records.

[pinefamily]

Yes, the LDS centres are reducing their hours and availability, even here in Australia. The last time I went to my usual one, I was told I had to tell them in advance I was coming to look at the film I'd ordered in, as they might not open otherwise. Most nights I went there i was the only one in there.
A sadly under-utilised resource.

[pinefamily]

I've got back to 1740 and don't know whether Ancestry etc. would be any good for me now. My researches back to 1740 were mostly pre internet. I must have done thousands of miles of driving, spent thousands of hours and thousands of pounds.

This is very true. Once you are past the civil registration and census era, records are pot luck, in my opinion. Unless you have London ancestors of course. Other records are often secondary sources, if there is any at all.