Genealogy Chat

I am going to search coroners reports (newspapers) for the years of 1915 and 1961 next week, where are the records kept (liverpool area)is it the main Library? and how easy is it to do so (i am very clumsy, don't fancy dropping big tomes all over the floor)are the staff helpful? and are these places cheerful? i am very giggly so if someone gives me a SHUSH!!!! that will set me off, should i go in disguise, just in case i need to go back?? Please advise...MOE! Also what will i need to take with me, besides notepad/pen/pencil/ Can i get copies of what i see in the newspaper or can i photograph it?...MOE!

I have not been there, but I expect the papers will be on film or fiche! (don't drop the fiche all over the floor - very slippery!!) Take a gag (for giggling) and a wooden mallet, in case someone needs to knock you over the head! Merry

Cheerful? Not usually! Helpful? Usually! Quiet? Not when you're there!! Merry

Merry, is that a mistranscription FICHE, do you mean Quiche, well thats nice i have one in the freezer, so can i take a flask of tea to go with that,....LOL

LOL Also take false moustache, attached to glasses and big nose..... This may impede you eating the Quiche, so maybe leave that at home.....hot tea???? Can just see that toppling into the drawer of films! Merry

Most of your queries can probably be answered by looking at the relevant website. I expect the newspapers will be on microfilm and there will be printers so you can get copies of any reports you find. nell

try to look as though you know what you are doing. look the part - zipped up anorak, (dont unzip it under any circumstance) - a hat the doesnt go with the coat or your clothes - 2or preferably 3 pairs of glases , one on a string round your neck, one on top of your head and one on your nose -battered shoes so you dont 'clomp' and if you can manage one, a battered shopping trolley - empty or with a mangy dog in it adds to the air of 'suitably eccentric' Oh, yes, dont forget to mutter.Wandering round muttering ensures no one in your personal space on the busy fiche readers...they'll give you plenty of elbow room! Dont be daft - with the increase in people due to the WDYTYA series i'm sure that they will go out of their way to be helpful - i find being 'gobsmaked' by the very first thing they find works....enthuse and they'll find you more. indiferent and they'll lose interest. have fun jess x

LOL Merry!!!! Nell, do i have to find the film myself and load it? or will the staff do it for me?, i have seen on WDYTYA, and films the way the machines are used, but i think they look complicated, ...MOE!

They are not complicated, just be sure to tuck the end well in before you start rolling thru it. they do have instructions on them - but if you stand and look incapable i'm sure someone will rescue you

Thanks for the great tips Jess, i was going to Power dress and look like a business woman (no! not a lady of the night)a real one complete with my daughters school bag, and a blonde wig, but now i will pinch some bloomers/nylons/woolly skirts off next doors washing line , i have my dads old specs in the drawer (bifocals)and ready to go !!!MOE! jess, i can put film in a camera, is it much different??

No more difficult than loading a camera. full reel on the spindle on your left spool, You usually pull the plate towards you and it lifts up, tuck the free end onto reel on right spindle. remember spool to spool tapes?no different really

that sounds ok, i think its the fear of the unknown, i think though i might put a bandage around my hand and make little ow ow ow noises as i try to bravely thread the film.....Hope they don't read this thread, they will have everyone going in there with an injury evicted...MOE!