Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Other subjects
Original poster

how to trace long lost dad?

32 replies

geekymummy · 08/12/2007 22:46

My DH hasn't seen or heard from his dad since he was a boy. Unfortunately it is out of the question to ask his mum for any info - last time it was even hinted at an argument ensued

We know his name, roughly where he used to live 20 years ago and an approximate date of birth - any idea how we could start? Searched FriendsReunited.co.uk but no luck. DH has been thinking about this a lot since DD was born...

OP posts:
thelittleElf · 08/12/2007 22:54

My mum tried to do this a few years back, but sadly didn't get very far . She went though the salvation army first, and because she knew his name etc they were able to start doing a trace for him. Unfortunalty for her it her really came to much, but it's worth considering. I wish you the best of luck x

thelittleElf · 08/12/2007 22:54

it never really came to much

pinkteddy · 08/12/2007 23:00

Try the salvation army. They tracked down my grandad for his long lost niece. She only had his name. Contact details here salvation army.

LadyOfTheFlowers · 08/12/2007 23:07

I found my Dad but only via family.
Arguments insued but it was the only way, unless i wanted to/could afford to spend hundreds on searches and investigators.
Hope you find him. Is horrod wondering.

Original poster
geekymummy · 08/12/2007 23:22

thanks guys!

From the website looks like the Sally Army can't help as they weren't married, nor is his dad on the birth certificate

DH doesn't want the grief from his mum, nor spend cash looking for him (understandably still hurt not to have heard from his father). If it comes to it, I don't mind paying to a certain extent. My granddads died before I was born, and my own dad passed away years back, I'd at least like DD to know some basics about her granddad.

OP posts:
thelittleElf · 08/12/2007 23:34

I've just done a quick search on google and have come across a non profit making govenment organisation called Traceline. Apparently it will cost you £30 for them to do the initial search, then a further £25 to forward any letters etc onto you.
Anyway here's the address and telelphone number:
Traceline
PO Box 106
Southport
PR8 2WA

Tel no: 01514714811

This service only covers england and wales at the momnet so i'm just hoping this is helpful?

thelittleElf · 08/12/2007 23:36

moment

Original poster
geekymummy · 09/12/2007 00:22

oh thank you thelittleelf!!!!

Will give em a call and keep you all posted.

OP posts:
thelittleElf · 09/12/2007 00:23

You are very welcome...and i wish you both the best of luck x

thelittleElf · 09/12/2007 00:39

Right i've just come cross something else now. The official directory enquiry web site by BT. The registration is free and you can search by name and location if you know it.
The web address is:
www.bt.com/directory-enquiries/dq_home.jsp

Anythings worth a try. I just wish my mum had been successful

Original poster
geekymummy · 09/12/2007 00:47

You really are a star, hope your mum gets her wish...

OP posts:
thelittleElf · 09/12/2007 00:49

I had far too much sleep last night so am trying to tire myself out with some 'suring'

Will keep on looking...not sure there's any hope for my mum now, but i'd love to hear of someone else sucess story

thelittleElf · 09/12/2007 00:50

'surfing' ffs lol

Original poster
geekymummy · 09/12/2007 00:57

far too much sleep - that'll be the day

OP posts:
thelittleElf · 09/12/2007 01:01

The joys of being a Nanny and not a mummy

Am off to bed now...before i eat any more Maltesers

TabithaTwitchett · 09/12/2007 01:04

The Salvation Army worked for me in finding the person.

Good luck!

shoshaliteupthetree · 09/12/2007 06:47

geekymummy, I have a subscription for 192.com, with electrol Roll acsess, do you want to email me on [email protected], as I helped a ffrind find his mother that way

thelittleElf · 09/12/2007 15:50

bumping for geekymummy

ivykaty44 · 09/12/2007 16:05

You know where this man was 20 years ago - so contact the local newpaper there and put an advert in the paper that you are looking for this person - you can use a po box or the newspaper as go between.

Someone else reading the paper may have information about where they are now - whether they moved away or are still in the same area.

The electoral registers are a good way of searching - but remember they have a draw back, if you search on 192.com then the upto date registers are not complete. You have an op out option on the form and so when the council sell the info it is not a complete list.

Put your own advert on frinds reunite that you are searching this person, someone else on the site may see this and give you information.

Magazines such as Chat have sections for "searching" for people and it is free.

Sadly sometimes people have passed over before they are found by relatives, you can search the death register online at ancestry. It is in a database form from 1984

Hope this helps

NAB3littlemonkeys · 09/12/2007 16:28

I did a search on 192.com looking for someone but would have had to pay. It said the name was known but would need payment to go further.

shoshaliteupthetree · 09/12/2007 21:24

NAB I have paid so can find more, I do alot of family tree so ahve lots of different subscriptions.

NAB3littlemonkeys · 10/12/2007 10:44

I am looking for someone called Kathleen Munday. She used to foster me as a child. Her name was listed under deaths too though. And she isn't under BT at the address, nor is her husband Brian.

shoshaliteupthetree · 10/12/2007 14:10

NAB email me at above adress and will have a look if you would like.

NAB3littlemonkeys · 10/12/2007 19:33

I emailed you earlier today. Thank you.

shoshaliteupthetree · 10/12/2007 22:01

I havnt Got yoyr email NAB, Can you send again. Thank You