I would like to trace my family tree, and have started by asking older relatives for as many dates and details as they can remember. Where do I go next? I live in the UK and the information I have collected to far is that my ancestors came from England and Northern Ireland.

This site should get you started:
http://www.genealogy.com/links/c/c-computers,bulletin-boards.html?Welcome=1039460444

I can probably help you, being in the UK too and having genealogy as one of my interests. I don't want to clog these pages, though, nor to publicise your family details. Would you like to e-mail me? Just click on the envelope symbol above this message. Please mention 'AnswerPool' and 'Phaedra' in the message title so that I don't delete it unread!

Meanwhile you've done right by asking your elderly relatives. Now write everything down and don't throw anything away.

I see you haven't contacted me yet. I hope you haven't been put off because the name that comes up for the e-mail link is nothing like Ewood27. That's just a screen nickname and is actually derived from my address. If you click on the thing that looks like an index card at the top of this message you will see my profile, including the e-mail address for confirmation.

I can guide you through getting started on your English ancestors, though the N Ireland ones might be different. Many if not most of the websites on genealogy are American in origin, and their records are different from ours in the UK. Furthermore, you will learn that any records you haven't checked yourself are suspect. Just because someone says something on a personal website doesn't necessarily make it true!

If you'd rather not confide in me, a good way would be to check your local authority evening classes. They probably have something starting in January on tracing your family tree. That's how I started, and found it very friendly and helpful. Also your local library will have information on your local Family History Society, where I am sure you can go to a monthly meeting as a guest without joining. Again you will meet like minds who will be only too willing to help. They were novices once themselves, don't forget.

Be warned, though. Once the bug bites it can take over your life!