Hello, I am writing for direction as to the best type of letter to write to possible relatives (same surname, & county) that I have never met, but who I have located via the Ancestry UK phone directories. Understanding the importance of the connections, I also want to do it sensitively and professionally. I live in the U.S., and our attitudes on this may be very different. Also using the address from the book, is that all I need? Example: John Smith (alias) 41 Smith Avenue, Town, Durham, DH6 4LT Town Durham UK??? many thanks for any experiences shared, and any good orderly direction! regards Nancy

The other answers mentioned SAEs (stamped addressed envelopes) but you can't do that from overseas. You need to send two international reply coupons with each envelope. You can buy these at the post office but it makes it quite expensive and so much more difficult to do a large scale enquiry this way. Best wishes, Irene