More than 100 family and friends attended the celebration of James Druce’s 60th birthday held at the Narrabri RSL Club on July 20.
Many travelled for the party, coming from Brisbane, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Newcastle, Tamworth and Gunnedah, joining guests from the Narrabri Shire, with the truck driving fraternity well represented.
James was born in Narrabri Hospital on July 19, 1964, the sixth child and fifth son of the late Col and Joy Druce.
He was educated in Narrabri and has lived and worked in the town all his life.
James welcomed guests on the night saying how much he valued their friendship.
James’ vow to himself was to take the opportunity to thank all his past and present employers who had given him a chance as a driver in the local transport industry.
Although individually unannounced James’ appreciation went to George Christakos, Gerald and Tini McInnes, Neville and Denise Witt, Tim and Jayne Hayne, Joe Smith (Gordon Roadways), Grayem and Sandra McCarty and present employer Dave and Jen Devney (Boland Petroleum).
Apologies came from Barry Williams, Graham Didlick, Alan and Marion Anderson, Mac and Sue Dickinson and Guy and Fiona Boland who could not attend the party due to understandable circumstances.
Also on a side note James said he sadly missed former employers who are no longer with us. Above all his father Col Druce as a fuel delivery driver in the mid 1980s, then Albert and Lenny Hannaford, Jimmy Duncan (senior), Lyn Baylis, local icon Lex Gordon and good mates ‘Frog’ McInnes along with Russell Kennedy, who always boosted his self esteem just by having a few beers and a good yarn.
On the night on behalf of industry colleagues in the transport sector, James paid special tribute to the late Russell Kennedy who passed away recently.
James’ sisters Wanda Dunnet and Maree Conroy made speeches as did James’ ‘boys’ Dion Morris, Jono, Jordan, Jacob and Jesse Druce, all praising their father.
The birthday cake which depicted an International Acco 3070 truck and guitar was made by Wanda Dunnet and decorated by Janice Smith.
Maree Conroy compiled the music selection to which guests danced into the night.
James was grateful to all those who helped make the night a success, especially his brothers Michael and Andrew who helped with the decorations.
