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Each fiche contains a mass of data. Each fiche set is a 'piece' which has a number. The 1891 returns are classified as RG12, and the piece numbers are 4 digits long and found in the top right hand corner of each fiche. Each fiche has two place names; the registration district and the sub-district. There is also an LDS film number of no interest to us once we have got the fiche.
Each page has a page number, printed at the top right. There is also a folio number, stamped top right, usually outside the page margins. These numbers are stamped on every other page, the pages without the numbers take the number of the preceding page. If the folio numbers are missing or impossible to read, move on, find one and extrapolate backwards. The enumeration districts number is at the beginning of each round. If it isn't, move through the fiche till one is found and work backwards again. Take the time to transcribe the enumerators round - it is often better written than the actual returns.
You must transcribe 'as is'. We do not transcribe all the data from top edge of the page, for reasons to do with the software. The Ecclesiastical parish is entered by the ckecker later. Don't linger too long over something difficult. Give it your best shot, flag it up as a query, and if necessary, leave a note for the checker.
If you are struggling with the handwriting, please don't give up. Give each line your best shot, but have a line for each entry. Remember that every 20 or so pages, the enumerator will change, and so may your luck. Remember also, that behind you will come a checker and the validator.
Please, please. work through the tutorial, read the Help file and the FAQ, and do a few households in the test mode. It will pay off, because most questions that are asked are already answered in the Help file or the FAQ. You will be asked to input a software ID - just follow the instructions. This is NOT your county ID.
Please keep in touch with your organisers. Use the county ID in the subject line. When you finish the task, report in and ask for instructions.
REMEMBER, this is supposed to be fun as well as worthy!!!!
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