Research in Somerset, Devon & Dorset

Expert Professional Family History Research in Somerset and Devon

I have over 25 years of experience in genealogical research in Somerset and Devon. I have lectured in the U.K. and U.S.A. as well as regularly running classes at local colleges. I am a member of A.G.R.A. and so you can be confident that my research has reached the high standard demanded of this professional organisation. I am also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
I give a friendly high-quality, professional service that will cover all of your Genealogical needs.

For more details visit my website at www.bdwfh.com
Visit the bookshop at http://westcountrybooks.com

It was in 1967 when I accompanied my grandfather on a trip to the village of his birth and so kindled my interest in Family History. After a number of years researching my own family and those of friends, I finally started to research professionally in the early part of 1990.

I am a fully professional researcher that specialises in Somerset , Dorset and Devon . I do not research to supplement another income or as a hobby. This being the case I rely on my clients to come back for further research and to recommend me to others. Over time I have carried out research projects for hundreds of people, ranging from finding just a single entry to full family histories. I am pleased to say that many of my clients have become friends and, over the years, built up a core of regular clients who come back time after time. I always give a conscientious service to all my clients whether they employ me for an hour or a month and like to think that I give as good a service as is available. If at anytime you wish to telephone me, I am always happy to discuss your research or any problem that you might have. As well as individuals I have also carried out research for the legal profession, writers, radio stations and various television companies, including the B.B.C.

In addition to research I also teach the subject in local colleges, broadcast on the radio and lectured throughout south west England . I have also given talks in America and have had the privilege of being invited to speak at the Utah Genealogical Conferences in Salt Lake City in 2003 and 2004.

I hold membership of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (A.G.R.A.) which in the only professional body for Genealogists in England . Membership of this organisation relies on very stringent conditions of entry being met regarding the standard of work carried out by its members and is probably one of the hardest to gain membership of.

Along with this I also am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (A.P.G.), which is a worldwide organisation for researchers. Membership of these bodies shows that, when choosing a person to carry out your research, you can be assured that you are picking someone with a high standard of expertise in their subject.

Whilst I have a professional approach to my work, I feel that it is important always keep my relationship with my clients on a personal and friendly basis regardless of the amount of work that I carry out for them.

WHAT DO OTHERS SAY

"In a very short time, Bernard Welchman was able to find the ancestor that had eluded us for decades. As a result, our family tree has grown by the dozens over the four years we have been associated with him. We have been thoroughly pleased with his work, his professionalism and his ability to get results." (P. C. USA)

" We are very pleased with your work and willingness to dig in lesser used sources in order to crack a particularly hard case. Because we have been looking for a researcher like you for the counties of Somerset and Dorset, and have not found one, until you. We would like to switch all of our research to you." (W.R.W. Utah)

"Bernard Welchman is an excellent researcher, thorough and very interested in his work." (Written to a client by an Australian Writer and Researcher)

"Thank you for your clear report and excellent advice, you have found the ancestor I have been looking for!" (P.R. Scotland)