Personalities within the Association

We have interviewed a few of the 'personalities' within ALS, asking each of them the same questions, some lighthearted and others more serious. We will put up these interviews from time to time and hope you enjoy getting to know a few more people 'behind the scenes' at the Association of Lipspeakers.

Co-ordinator of the West Midlands Regional Group

Q. What time do you usually wake in the morning?

Julie: As someone recovering from M.E., it can be anything between 04.30 and 09.30! (What a strange starter question......)

Q. Pick five words that best describe you.

Julie: Loyal, trustworthy, patient, understanding, 'joie-de-vivre-ful'! (There must be a word for 'enjoys life as fully as possible' but it's not in my Thesaurus).

Q. If you could have a one-to-one with anyone (living or dead) who would you choose?

Julie: There are too many to choose from - I really can't pick just one!

Q. Who, or what, has changed your life for you?

Julie: Becoming a Christian in 1984; meeting my fiance in 1999 (we got married this year).

Q. What activities do you find most enjoyable ?

Julie: Retirement?! Not quite there, but if I were I'd spend more time oil painting, reading, and gardening. Although my health is improving, I have to restrict my working hours.

Q. What are the most frustrating aspects of communication for you?

Julie: Despite minor irritations with unnecessary background noise, I get most frustrated (for others) when I see someone badly affected by a stroke, who cannot communicate their feelings easily. I wish the new technologists would come up with some software for 'thought transference and voice-over'....

Q. What would be your Desert Island Discs luxury?

Julie: I'd be happy with my Bible - and perhaps a never-ending supply of Thorntons' chocs.........!

Q. What would you most like to see ALS achieve?

Julie: I would like to see ALS grow in numbers to provide a high standard, nationwide service to many more lipreaders, as has happened with the interpreting service to BSL users. Onwards, upwards and outwards!

Julie, thank you so much!

Julie Crouch was interviewed by Lynne Dubin, April 2002.