Hi Geoff: None of this thread applied to professionals as far as I was concerned. It's a whole different story, as you say. I think that many listers would be absolutely delighted to have the benefit of the expertise of professionals like you. I've used professional genealogist services myself before in small ways (notably to look up Naval records at Kew). I've usually been pleased with the results but I have paid for services before where nothing was found. This is to be expected, of course, but it's still painful. To me this is a hobby and if I'm barking up the wrong (family) tree then so be it. Because of the prevalence of extra-marital events this is a certainty for all of us anyway, the further back we go. It's the fun of the chase that keeps me hooked. I'm glad you can make a living doing this interesting work, although I'm sure that some of it is drudgery just like anyone's job. And at least we get benefit of your advice for free on this list. It's always most welcome. Regards, Irene

--- irene.marlborough@syngenta.com wrote: > Hi Geoff: > None of this thread applied to professionals as far as I was concerned. Absolutely! I was not referring to professionals myself, which I think I stated in my post. Professionals are vitally necessary, especially when we have no clue where to go from here. The answer is usually easy for them because of their great experience. Renee