Happy Birthday from Ron & Trish Davidson

“A very badly written poem for a very special cussie bro.”Since just a kid, I’ve always looked up to my ‘cussie’ Neil. And it feels that now is as good a time as any to tell him how I feel.This 60th blog is just the thing to help me have my say; “Hey, you’ll never meet a nicer bloke, than our birthday boy today!”We ‘jumped the ditch’ in ’84 to try our luck in Oz.And like four stray sheep without a flock, we felt a little lost, Well it was Neil back then who stepped right up and took us in his care, He’s still the same kind fella today – but with just a little less hair.He embraced us as part of his family and included us in all that they did. He fell over himself with generosity, helping out this poor Kiwi kid.We were invited to many barbies and were lucky to meet all their friends. If you were anywhere near “Wardy”, the fun would never end.A family picnic at Manly Dam or the Sailing Club for the odd beer, Neil was always the greatest host and a lot of fun to be near.He introduced us to the Mosman Rowers, even wrangling us membership. And Rugby Club lunches were legendary (but sorry, that requires censorship).As Rugby Club Manager your footy test seats were always a really big hit, even if it was the middle of a sea of green and gold that you made us Kiwis sit!But I knew I was accepted as more than just a cousin and now a true friend, when the day I arrived at Neil’s place and he said “Hi guys, come on in – oh and if you want a drink, you can bloody well get it yourself.”Well there is so much water now under the bridge (not to mention hair down the drain), but I am privileged to have Neil as a mate and hope that always remains.In Sean he’s mighty proud and he’s in good hands with the lovely Kathy, so here’s to a bright lifetime ahead Neil, with so much to keep you happy. Happy 60th birthday Neil!Lots of love, Ron & Trish.