Cheryl Kidd (Member)

The Kidd family moved from the Essex in the UK to Adelaide in 2006, for a change of scenery. We joined Seacliff in 2008, just by accident really. Both Francesca and Anneka were at another Surf Life Saving Club West of Adelaide from 2006, however we had recently moved to the South and thought it may be a good idea to try a club nearer home. We knew straight away we would not be going back to the other club. Seacliff was very welcoming, they encourage the children to “have a go” and there was a real community spirit.

The training at Seacliff is absolutely fantastic, such as boards, running, ironman, R & R and first aid. All the coaches are knowledgeable in their areas and are very helpful.

In 2010 the club organised a trip to Salt in NSW, where they received extensive training in all areas. Another trip in the same year was Anglesea in VIC, they travelled by coach and all the kids had a good opportunity to bond. Earlier this year Francesca and other Seacliff members secured positions in the SA Development Team and travelled to Tasmania for competitions with other States. Also Francesca and I went up to QLD together with other competitors and parents at Seacliff to compete at National level, again we all had a brilliant time and gained lots of skills.

Gary has completed his Bronze and I enjoyed sending a picture of him in his patrol uniform for all of his friends to see back in the UK.

We have enjoyed family camps in Port Elliott, where the children and adults had a ball. Events over the whole weekend were organised and fancy dress for all the family in the evening was great fun.

Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club has now become a major part of our family, the girls love the whole surf lifesaving culture and we are all looking forward to the new season.

May I take this opportunity to say “thank you” for welcoming us into your club and to all the friends we have made, as this certainly made us settle into “Aussie” life. Also thank you to all the coaches, patrol teams and everyone behind the scenes who make Seacliff the best club in SA.