Richard-
One of your best resources is your local Latter Day Saints Family
History Center. You do not need to be a member of the church to use the
facilities. The centers vary in size, in hours of operation and in on-site
resources, but can order microfilm from the main library at Salt Lake City
for a nominal fee. Among other things you will find many birth,
christening, marriage and death records from English and Welsh churches
available. You can find help there to get you started.
You can find your nearest Family History Center in the white pages of
the phone book under "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family
History Centers" or check one of the following links:
http://www.lds.org/Family_History/Where_is.html (List of larger Family
History Centers and 800 number to call for additional information)
http://www.genhomepage.com/FHC/fhc.html (List of additional Family
History Centers)
Another great resource, depending on where you live, is your
local genealogical society. Mine happens to be associated with a local city
library and has excellent resources open to the public.
Also check the WorldGenWeb pages for the areas you're interested in for
more links and suggestions.
It is possible to pursue this hobby spending very little money.
Good luck,
-Richard
Richard Harrison/Encinitas, San Diego, California
Visit the Jones County, Iowa Web Site:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~iajones
and Richard's Genealogy:
http://www.geocities.com/heartland/plains/2924