I'm comming to Cinderford from New Zealand in August 2010 to do research into my family.I only have two days so don't want to waste time researching in the wrong places.My family were hatters and photographers in Cinderford and either owned or had shares in a coal mine in the Forest Of Dean,most of their children were born in Cinderford as well and I would like to know the best places to research. Any help would be appreciated. Regards Daphne.

Tell us specifically what information you want to find when doing your research and we maybe able to point you in the right direction.

One of the big advantages of the internet is that is has no boundaries and very often using facilities such as this forum you can obtain more information than visiting a particular location.

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Two things you must do before you ask a question

• Read the Posting Guidelines
  
• Search previous postings

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Sure to be in local trade directories? unless they didn't stay in the area very long.

William Balchin and John Crook

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=entry&id=19401

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?id=19456

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Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster & Hereford Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

The research I would like to do is find the coal mine the Balchin/Crooks owned, were partners in or had shares in during 1871 to 1879.Thats the most important thing. Regards Daphne.

Would I find the local trade directory in the Cinderford Library?,I know they had an advert in the local news paper about the opening of their photographic business in 1881. Regards Daphne.

Local newspapers are archived in hard copy or microfiche at Cinderford Library, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford GL14, 2BZ, cinderford.library[at]gloucestershire.gov.uk, and the Forester newspaper offices, 43-47 High Street, Cinderford GL14 2SL, editor[at]the-forester.co.uk. You'll need to let them know when you're hoping to look in, and they don't have the archives indexed, or didn't last I heard(2007).

The chief librarian may be able to suggest other local hard copy sources.

If you google "forest dean mines history" you'll get links to the local history society and other websites that might be able to help you on particular collieries.