I am the fifth child of Robert Joseph Crittenden and Margaret Rose Corbett. My other siblings are: Allen, Norman, Stephen, Mary, Kevin (decd), Judith and Lynette.
I was lucky to grow up under the beautiful mountain range of Upper Lansdowne on the Crittenden dairy farm of several generations dated back to late 1800s. The Crittenden family dairy farmed ‘Allenden’ located on the Lansdowne River and it stayed in the family until recently. I have many good memories growing up with 4 brothers and 3 sisters and many life long friendships in the valley including the Kenniffs, Atkins, Hicks, Minetts, Drurys and Connelly families. Family still reside there today.
We were always kept busy with milking and farm life jobs but enjoyed the trips to Gloucester to the family beef property where dad still lives today. Summer holidays at Tuncurry beach house was always something to look forward to.
We travelled daily to Taree for school and spent weekends doing all the exploring we could. Dances at Upper Lansdowne hall always was a highlight. I will always call Upper Lansdowne home.
John Crittenden
May 2024
