Why use a professional researcher?
You are using many years of research experience and local knowledge. Newcomers and those living outside the research area can find difficulty in working in an unknown environment which very often leads to frustration and therefore vital clues and resources can be overlooked. Many hours can be wasted in searching for information where a professional researcher, who is used to working in the County, would know the layout and the short cuts. A researcher is more cost effective especially if you have to travel a distance.
How can I access the amount of time required for my research work?
Take a close look at what it is you wish to
know. Remember the more information you can supply i.e. full
names, dates, parishes etc, the easier it will be located.
If you require a specific search in any one area, you have dates
and know the parishes, but just want them confirming, say
register entries, census or Wills etc. then allow 1
hour.
If you require a basic search where the parish or area is known, but perhaps no exact dates are available, or an address for census then allow 2 hours.
If you want a general search where more than one source is required then allow 3-4 hours.
All these are just guidelines for when researching the size of the parish has to be taken into consideration. Obviously the larger the area is to cover the longer it will take. Therefore it is always advisable to make provision for an extra hour of research time so as to cover any unforseen circumstances.
How will I know what is happening?
I cannot guarantee that, but all major resources are checked to try and locate whatever information it is that you seek.
I don't have much information, can you still help me?
Yes providing you have got a basic guideline.
Supposing you don't find what I am looking for?
Sorry to say that although rare, it can happen. It is only after every possible resource has been searched that we would notify you of a non-finding.
Supposing I want you to look at something other than just basic resources?
Research can be undertaken on any material held at the Worcester County Record Office.
