Any letter that you got from the IND/Home Office will usually have a reference number at the top right of the page. When you got ILR you will have got a covering letter with your visa in your passport. if you cannot find one I wouldn't worry as it should be on their computer linked to your name and passport number.

The processing times vary considerably from person to person

See this home office web page for their processing times http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/applying/nationality/

You will see that is states 5.17 months although as you have found out some people get theirs much quicker. Some say its quicker to use a checking service others say it's the same time.

Post is cheaper and just as safe if you don't need your passport for a while or if you do you can get certified copies of your passport (via a solicitor) to send with your application.

WE used the post and are now waiting. Posted on Saturday 19th August

You dont have to write anything for question1.Just leave it blank if you haven't got any communication with home office

One my friend applied by post and he got his approval in 8 weeks time.

Best of luck

I am sending my form and documents by post. So I am interested if anyone did by post, that did not go by cheking service and how long did you wait. My friend did by post ang got naturalization paper in one months. One more question. whad do you write in question 1.immigration and nd reference number. I am lost with that question. Thanks.

"You dont have to write anything for question1.Just leave it blank if you haven't got any communication with home office"

More or less what I said already, just worded differently

" if you cannot find one I wouldn't worry as it should be on their computer linked to your name and passport number "