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Has anyone on these boards been to this centre? I first went there in early January and was transported back to my days in infant school by the overbearing attitude of the staff. I am 52 years of age and not easily cowed but found myself mumbling apologies for bothering these people with my prescence. I ordered an 1851 census microfische for a certain Brighton area and payed about £2.60 and was then given a date for the 27th of January to view it. I duly turned up on that date to be told that the session had been cancelled and I had been informed of the cancellation by telephone. I had received no such cancellation and made my journey on what was the coldest, frostiest and snowiest night of the year. It transpired that the cancellation was made to someone with the same surname as mine who was lucky enough not to be sent on a wild goose chase! I then received by post last week a letter addressed to me but informing an Arthur that his Ratcliffe, Middlesex 1861 census was ready for viewing. I rang the Mansfield LDS and explained that I had received the wrong message slip and was told that my requested census was indeed ready and waiting for me. I eagerly attended my appointment tonight to find that the census area I had requested was not provided but an entirely different Brighton area was. The LDS lady in attendance was emphatic that the census I ordered was the one they had provided and bullied me to such an extent that I have vowed never to go there again. I realise that LDS do us all a great service by providing us with the 1881 census and IGI, but is everyone aware of their reasons for this service? ie: Their mission is to Baptise all of us into the Mormon church by proxy. From what I have been told by former Mormons, they have been given a mission to record every birth, marriage and death from the date of recorded time. Any thoughts or opinions? Pam

Pam, So sorry you had a bad experience - I have no advise to give - but my thoughts on this - some people are really in the wrong job!!!! I wish you every success in your research Regards Vicki

I am so sorry that you have had such a bad experience with this particular LDS Family Centre. I think I am right in saying that this is most unusual, my Family Centre could not be more friendly and put themselves out to be as helpful as possible. Although only a small Centre I have obtained a lot of information from my visits there, the volunteer staff will even sit and try to help decipher the difficult to read films or fiches and are always ready to offer advice on where else to look for further information. It would be a great pity if this one, apparently unhelpful and not very friendly Centre were to put people off using the LDS Family Centres. Kathleen

Oh dear Pam, Our LDS Center is friendly, helpful and can't do enough to help. Don't let one bad experience put you off going, there's much to be found there. Maybe the lady had had a bad day, i'm sure she would not have meant to upset you, everybody has off days even Mormons. It is a shame though, that you had to go out in such bad weather conditions. I know what i'm like if i have ordered a piece of information, i to would have braved the weather, for any lead to. Maybe if, or when you go back she might be totally different, although some people have the knack of be littling people, somebody tried to do it to me the other day regarding changing Electric supplier. Needless to say my Husband sent him away with a flea in his ear. I hope you have a great day today Pam! Regards Angie.

Pam, I've been to our LDS Centre twice. The first time I went I was shown around the room and made the feel welcomed. The second time I went, which was several years later, I was treated so rudely that I haven't been back. I am now at the point that I HAVE to visit the centre again or I'll never find my ancestors. I've planned to go with a friend; I guess there's safety in numbers! My dad volunteered with a different centre and he told me to complain (which I didn't, of course). I hope it all works out for you.