rootSleuth
FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH
UK Family History Research Services:
I am based in the centre of the city of Bristol and the major repositories of Bristol Record Office, Bristol Register Office and Bristol Central Library are all within easy walking distance for me. There is a wealth of documentation held at these repositories and others in and around the city, providing sources such as church records, electoral registers, trade directories, newspapers, cemetery indexes, court records and much more.
Although Bristol is a major city and a diocese in its' own right, it is not the capital of a county. The Avon River which bisects it was once the dividing line of the city diocese and the county of Somerset, it was therefore easy for the city's inhabitants to stray into this county as well as into Gloucestershire. Added to that there were regular daily ferries to and from South Wales across the Bristol Channel as well as regular shipping between Cardiff and Bristol. It was also common for country gentry to travel to Bristol for a more prestigious location for a marriage, much as we would these days go to the Caribbean.
Since it was so easy for people to migrate around the area, searches for elusive ancestors can end up covering 2, 3 or even 4 counties and because of this my research service includes visits to the Somerset Heritage Centre, Glamorgan Archives, Gloucestershire Archives and Wiltshire and Swindon Heritage Centre all of which are within a one hour distance of my home.
As well as South West based research, I can also undertake on-
For those prospective clients not so confident with carrying out web searching and
ordering documents on-
Software Library & Tools at my disposal
I use the following software tools in carrying out research and preparing reports and creating reports and charts. All software is fully licensed:
Family Tree Maker v2006 and also v2012
For entering and recording family tree members, their stories, photographs and also any data that you provide me with. I can also import and export from this package and create GEDCOM files, the international electronic transfer standard between genealogy software packages.
Rootsmagic
I use Rootsmagic as well, this package provides variations on Family Tree Maker but in addition it allows me to provide clients with CDs of the research, it provides executable software allowing the CD to be run on your PC! In effect, I give you a 'read only' version of the Rootsmagic software with your research data. I will of course give you the GEDCOM file if you request it.
Serif Pageplus X2 & Drawplus 6.0
I use this as my main desktop publishing software to provide quality documents for publication. This provides a much more ‘polished’ look to publications and is much better than using something like Word when giving research projects as a present.
Adobe Photoshop
To view and manipulate photographs.
Microsoft Word 2010
Production and issue of Reports
How I charge for my services:
I do not offer defined packages at fixed prices because every research project is different. I tailor my services to provide what is necessary and I agree the scope of work and deliverables with my Clients.
I estimate and charge for my fees based upon hourly rates and expenses, currently
as follows:-
- Standard Hourly Rate = £15/hour.
- Expenses = Charged on at cost.
(For larger projects I am often willing to consider reduced rates, and for more defined tasks I can provide a fixed price where appropriate).
Please contact me to discuss you requirements further.
Thomas Rennison
