Find Ancestors

Elaine, Thank you for nudging this thread up as electoral registration forms are, as you have already said, being delivered now. I have for the last five years put a cross in the box so my name does not appear on the list. I can be found on 2001 register but have moved since then as do not under any circumstances ever want to see my second husband again - unless he is in his coffin. Sounds harsh but I will not explain why. So yes it can be a useful tool when used for the right reasons but I for one do not want to be found. Maureen

Derek, I agree with what you are saying !!!! BUT. If someone is desperate enough to find a LIVING person's whereabouts, then what is so wrong in them PAYING to do it themselves ? Let 192 / B4U search etc take the pressure off us. If they offer a service, then let people use them. That way, IF anything unterward should happen, then you, me or others can NOT take the responsibility. You say you keep the info confidential - what use is the info AFTER the fact ? I also help people because I have already paid for the facilities and I enjoy helping others, this is a very expensive hobby, but, if in doubt (which there SHOULD be) direct the people to where THEY can access the information. 2006 Electoral Roll IS AVAILABLE for £6 per year on the internet - *** £6*** to use over and over again ..... £6 is no price to pay for looking for someone. In the case of adoption matters, then there are TRAINED people to deal with this - let them do there job, for the sake of ALL concerned. A previous post mentions a phone call ...... how would the 'helper' have felt IF that phone call had lead to a heart attack for the person receiving the phone call etc ... I'm NOT saying DON'T help people, I'm suggesting that we don't take on the responsibility of the possible consequences. I would rather hear that someone has found a long lost cousin, by following my advice on where to go - than hear that someone had been attacked on their doorstep by an 'ex' knocking on there door in the early hours. There are many different factors to take into consideration here. I also know one man, who is looking for his Father. The intention is NOT to have a happy reunion ... enough said. I also know that man HAS asked on these boards in the past. There is also a woman, looking for her sister .. same again ... enough said. Elaine ;-)

just got the electoral paper for registering, never knew about the 'short' list, ill be ticking that box. anything that cuts out junk mails is handy,, thanks for the info..

Derek I don't think you are one of those who give out information without thought of the consequences. As Elaine says, people can lie about their motives, but, I have noticed on these boards at least, a little gentle questioning quickly reveals their true agenda, even if that is only a thoughtless attitude to what they are doing, and the possible consequences. At that point, I think it is only moral for the rest of us to leave them to it - we cannot stop anyone searching and finding, but we don't need to make it easy. OC

I too have done electoral roll searches and Derick did one for me before I got the channel. The vast majority I have dealt with have been in great need of finding an elderly relative to notify them of an illness of a sibling or the like. I have made sure everything is done by PM and do not send out lists of Multiple names for people to look at. It can be a MINEFIELD and caution is always needed. In the case of adoption, those I HAVE DEALT WITH normally are unaware of true Parentage, and when they locate the name of natural Mother, they then register and the rest is down to the POWERS that be who do not put people in touch unless the adoptive person as put their name on the register to be notified that someone is looking for them. No one as yet as asked that I give an address for a natural parent, and should they do this I would refuse. Worked with numerous families in such cercumstances and always think of the life the natural parent nows shares with their current family. Always as been and always will be an issue to treat with great care. Janice