Could I please point out to everyone concerned in this (before Elmo does!) that this really does need to be kept off-list. You are talking about a possible adoption which took place in the early 1940's, which means that many - if not all - of the people involved could still be alive, and therefore vulnerable. May I repeat that word? ADOPTION. Please take a minute to consider the monumental harm that could be done by exposing some family secret that has remained just that for seventy-odd years. I speak from considerable experience in helping the adopted and abandoned, so, please - stop and think of the damage that could be done. As genealogists - amateur or not -we have a duty not only to help others in their quest for information, but to act responsibly, and to protect people's privacy. They may not wish their business to be broadcast on the Essex List - or anywhere else, for that matter. We - all of us - have a window that looks into other people's pasts. That is a privilege that must be used wisely. I do not wish to be the spectre at the party. I have helped many people in the past, and it has given me enormous pleasure to do so, and many, many people have helped me. I am deeply grateful for their help. I shall carry on doing what I can, with - I hope - tact and discretion, and remembering above all that recent history can do far more than amuse or embarrass - it can hurt, destroy, and cause untold damage. Please do help each other by all means - preferably without cross words - but please remember that 1940 is yesterday to some people. Chris Manning Colchester