JULIE Ninnis is happily living in Western Australia, where she owns a travel agency in Kardinya, a suburb of Perth.

She started life as a Crowther and lived in Golcar before emigrating with her family in 1967.

She, her mum and dad are returning here for a visit next month and she is anxious to catch up with an old friend.

She writes: “The only place I can remember living in the UK is in Sycamore Avenue at Golcar, next to Graham Thompson and family. Next door but one to Michael Meadows, who lived next door to Yvonne Kimmings.

“Not a bad memory for an old bird is it?

“My mum and dad are Jean and Bernard Crowther, Michael is my little brother. I went to Knowl Bank School when I was very young and then went to Manor Road.

“Our family emigrated to Western Australia in July, 1967. We were met at Fremantle port by Shirley and Terry Lodge and family, who have since returned to Huddersfield with their family.

“I just remember it being such an exciting time.

“We eventually settled into our home and school. Dad started work almost straight away as I remember.

In Huddersfield he worked for David Brown Tractors at Meltham.

“In January, 1973, we returned to Huddersfield for an extended, working holiday. We stayed with my maternal grandmother, Lillian Aitkin, who has since passed away, in Leymoor Road, right across the road from the barber, sweet shop and chippy.

“My best friend in Huddersfield before emigrating was Judith Harrison. I can still remember going to her house and seeing her mum and dad watching telly in front of the fire.

“I also remember lots of other people; the ones who spring to mind are Barbara Meale, Theresa Barton, Susan Sharp and Lyn Little. As I’m writing this I’m sure many more will come to mind.

“When I returned to Huddersfield in 1973 Judith and I picked up as if we had never been apart. Unfortunately, when I returned to Australia later that year there was no email or mobile phones so we just lost contact.

“I would dearly love to catch up with lots of people while I’m here, but I would be so happy if I could get in contact with Judith again.

“My brother, Michael, went to Colne Valley High School while we were on our trip back in 73.

“I then travelled across Australia the country with a friend and lived in Sydney for about 18 months.

“I returned to Perth because it’s in the best state in Australia.

“I married in 1983 to a man in the Army and we had four children, Jennifer, now 22, Andrew, 20, Chris, 18, and Daniel, who is 17.

“Andrew and his fiancée Isabel have a two-year-old daughter called Keeley and she is just beautiful. So yes…..I’m a granny.

“I divorced the kids’ dad in 1993 and in 1998 I married again, to Wally who is my wonderful husband.

“When I was alone with four children I decided to get a job in a school to help me financially and also give me school holidays at home with the kids.

“I did that for 10 years and in 2002 I started work in the travel industry after completing the course at technical college.

“After a few years working my way up in the industry I purchased my own agency in June this year. I love my work and what I do and wouldn’t change or retire for anything at the moment.

“My brother did an apprenticeship as a boilermaker when he left school and has worked his way up in his industry. Now he owns his own business and is very successful.

“He has a lovely wife, Margaret, and three great kids; Caitlin who is 19, Thomas, 16, and Phoebe, 14. He has been back to the UK before and caught up with some of the relatives on previous trips.

“Michael has a beautiful home in a lovely suburb and since Wally and I moved to our apartment a year ago we are closer to each other. Although, as usual, we don’t catch up any more often.

“Mum and dad are retired. Dad retired when he was in his 50s and they live in a lovely home with a pool. They regularly go on holidays and play golf really regular too.

“When I planned our trip to England – I won the tickets at one of our travel conferences – I was very excited.

“Mum and dad are arriving a couple of weeks before me and I come on November 23. We fly home on December 10, so it is a real whirlwind visit.

“I guess that I have such a short stay in the UK that if there is any possibility of catching up with anyone from my past I would like to get a little bit of organising done before I leave Australia.

“If anyone wants to contact me I have a username on the Huddersfield Examiner website. I am Ozziejulie.

“I also have an email, cabsav2102@hotmail.com

“Or visit website www.jetset.com.au/kardinya”