Family history can be very self absorbing but like anything else it should be kept in perspective. Others don't always recognise our objectives. Patience is needed with so many aspects of this study. Twenty years ago I interrupted the daily routine of a vicar at Linton, Heref, to ask for some information. He was obviously very busy, bustling in and out of rooms as though preparing for a Visitation. My 3 year old daughter and I waited some little time before he could attend to my inquiry. At first he said no, he had no registers or anything to guide my search. We chatted a few moments and as he came to realise we had travelled half way round the world to visit the little village, a light seemed to come on. He clicked his fingers and said he recalled a small cardboard box. A short pause - and he reappeared triumphant with the box. Inside, pencilled on small cards were the names of my ggg grandparents and their children and details of their baptism. I suppose I became quite em! otional and just wanted to sit their reading these cards. After a while he quietly interrupted my musings to say he needed the box back as he had to lock up and leave. I still have my handwritten notes, and often think of the courtesy that vicar displayed. Ian patch4@hotkey.net.au