Hi Toni Many thanks for that insight! Cheers Kelly When I lived in the UK (1966-1970), it was unusual to have a telephone and very dear to have one installed - believe my sister-in-law said they had paid £75. Plus, there was up to a 3 year waiting period. As the average wage was roughly £70 per month (based this on my own husband who was 9+y in the RN) or less. Not only was there a monthly fee, but each time one picked up the phone, to ring a local number, it cost 3d, plus more depending on the duration of the conversation. It could add up quickly. In the UK, during my time there, we spent on average £5-£6 per week for groceries, including gas/electric metres, a pint or two in the pub, as well as petrol for the car. We also had a baby in '68. We didn't skint ourselves, but were still able to save half my husband's wage per month. The buying power of the £ was much greater than that of the $, back then. In 1970, when I bought $s to come home, the £ = $2.35 CDN. It was £1 per minute to ring Canada, if I recall rightly. Never did, as it was far too dear! My S-i-L's husband owned a business, so he was able to have a telephone installed in their home a little quicker than the average householder. He was on the waiting list for over 2 years. We, living in married quarters, weren't allowed to even apply to have one, as it was believed we were too transient, so may do a flit, leaving a large bill behind. There were call boxes everywhere, including out in the middle of nowhere (it seemed to me at times), so having a telephone in one's home wasn't truly a necessity. The UK also had toll-free 999 (= 911) so very long before we (North America) even considered such a service. If you cannot find any of your folk listed in the pre-1970's telephone directories, the chances are they didn't have a phone, especially if they were shop or mill workers, ag. labourers and/or the like. Toni ~ Ontario