Norman has been a good friend for many years. When I arrived from Australia to take up my appointment as Head of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at University College in 1975, Norman was particularly friendly and welcoming and he gave me valuable insights about people and what to expect in my new challenge. Our friendship continued when he moved first to Southampton, then to Hobart and finally to Melbourne. Since we have been spending a couple of months every year in Melbourne, it has been a pleasure to spend time with Norman, and his delightful wife, collaborating on projects in pharmacology as well as enjoying lunches and dinners together. My wife and I plan to return permanently to Melbourne in November 2017, so we look forward to continuing our friendship in an even fuller way. We wish him much joy on his birthday and in the future.