NISCA - Northern Ireland Schools & Colleges Careers Association

JIMMY DAVIDSON NISCA TREASURER, LIFE MEMBER AND MUCH MORE

Author : NISCA

Jimmy & his wife Florence

Every year since the first of my six years on the NISCA Executive Committee ,I have witnessed at first hand the annual ritual of Jimmy stepping down from an active role in NISCA. It usually began a few meetings prior to the conference when he would make mutterings about spending more time with Florence or the increasing brood of grandchildren. It invariably ended at the autumn conference when Jimmy would pause for effect, tilt his head to one side, suck in his breadth and then declare (as we'd all been expecting him to):

"Perhaps one more year".

I remember well his interventions which politely but firmly, through his gentle wisdom, drew us back to the central issues:

"Have you considered..."

I think of his tremendous organisational skill -a record of organising successful conferences and events which you would believe to be beyond the capacity of an individual. I think of Jimmy's steadfast dedication to Careers in schools and colleges which he has shown in his work as a teacher, with Prospects and through NISCA.

Most of all when I think of Jimmy I see his warmth and good humour; his ability to talk to everyone; old faces and new faces, dignitaries and employees with the same mix of interest and approachability.

Jimmy has relinquished his active role with NISCA because of ill health. What follows is an appreciation of Jimmy and his work through the years. Each represents an important aspect of Jimmy's work to support and promote Careers in schools and colleges. Daphne Montgomery gives us a glimpse of his work in the High School Ballynahinch; Mike Jones shares some thoughts on Jimmy's work with Prospects; Aidan McCormick (former NISCA Chairman and President) brings us an appreciation of Jimmy.

I think the contributors capture the essence of the Jimmy we know, admire and appreciate.

David Matthews
NISCA Chairman 2007 - 2009.

Jimmy - school days

Jimmy Davidson spent his teaching career in The High School, Ballynahinch where he taught a variety of subjects including typewriting, Maths, Geography and RE. A current member of staff and past pupil reflects:

'I recall Friday afternoons - Room 12 typewriting class -Jimmy at the window watching for Florence coming to pick him up in the green Morris Minor'.

Jimmy was promoted to head of Commercial Subjects and later established Careers Education in school. He was a stalwart in the Down Business Education Partnership.

As Vice Principal he was a skilled negotiator. He had vision and was inspirational, always encouraging his students to be the best they could. At a recent class talk on self-employment, Tracey, a past pupil made reference to the encouragement given by Jimmy in fulfilling her personal dreams. This was typical of the man, inspirational, dynamic, committed and energetic. Firm but fair in disciplinary matters, he was a great role model and mentor.

Jimmy was full of fun, frequently quoting a joke or two from his extensive repertoire. In many ways he was the life and soul of the party, keeping spirits up when the going got tough.

The sports grounds at The High School, Ballynahinch are called The Davidson Playing Fields in recognition of Jimmy's involvement in hockey over the years. By instilling into the pupils the ethos of team spirit and sportsmanship he provided an invaluable service to the school and the local community.

As a highly respected professional his retirement marked the end of a fulfilling career.

Jimmy and Prospects

Jimmy joined Prospects in 1999, following 27 years as a Careers Teacher.

He has been an example to us all, with his dedication, enthusiasm and knowledge, he has personally been responsible for our continued success in Northern Ireland, building trust and strong working relationships with all who meet him, none more so than with the many new Careers Teachers that look to Jimmy for help.

Prospects are proud to have been able to support Jimmy and the NISCA Conference for the past 10 years. Every year, usually over a beer or two, Jimmy and I have the same conversation, about him thinking of hanging up his Prospects boots. Every year he gets the same answer- he can't retire until he finds someone good enough to fill those boots. I, of course, knew Jimmy couldn't do this and am now saddened that his hand has finally been forced due to ill health.

We will all miss working with him, but value his continued friendship and the laughter we've shared.

Jimmy Davidson - An Appreciation

I can remember a time when Jimmy Davidson, our man of the black leather coat, briefcase and red sports car, was considering retirement from the NISCA Committee. Jimmy would then have time to spend with his beloved Florence, visit son, daughters and grandchildren and meander the streets of sunny Portrush, his second home. It was a regular occurrence and of course. . . it never really happened.

In the nineteen seventies Jimmy, a youthful enthusiastic Careers teacher, joined NISCA and, for many years now, has been the strength and the backbone behind the NISCA Committee: the conference organiser, convenor of meetings, a sincere friend and listening ear to many careers teachers. Practitioners saw him as 'our man from Prospects', a job for some, maybe, but for Jimmy a vocation. With determination he bargained for the best deal for Northern Ireland teachers. However, at the same time he treated the Prospects team members as family and they returned the sentiment.

In this new era NISCA is changing in character responding to the needs of a new century and another new curriculum with a greater emphasis on CEIAG. Jimmy Davidson has been about change and has encouraged the Committee to move with the challenging times and they have. Jimmy has supported the needs of the Careers teacher with diligence and warmth of friendship.

The Autumn Conference has always been an important high light of the NISCA year and there were many excellent conferences. Indeed for some a good Friday night equated to gracious and quiet suffering on the following Saturday morning. There have been many great stories, most probably, best left untold! But that was NISCA - the camaraderie, the sharing of good ideas and practice, renewing friendships and of course plenty of chat between friends well into the wee hours. Jimmy Davidson would be found in the middle of it all. He valued everyone and treated all equally and as personal friends. For every Careers practitioner he would walk that extra mile to be of assistance.

I have known Jimmy a long time now and with colleagues and many others will miss him and his craic.

The retired Ballynahinch High School VP; the keen supporter of both local Hockey and Rugby; his membership of the Newtownbreda and Carryduff Lions Club and his discrete sustained charity work. I will miss sitting with Jimmy in his study in Carryduff amidst catalogues, brochures, folders and photocopies solving the problems of the world and of NISCA as a devoted Florence arrives with the coffee and biscuits and a smile. And did I mention the boxes in the garage? I wish him well in his retirement from the NISCA Committee.

On behalf of all our members and friends I extend to Jimmy our warm and genuine thanks for a job well done and for being a good friend, my friend.

“About next year’s Conference folks. …have you paid your last year’s membership fee yet?”