Kidd's Beach

Holiday Programme Archives

2021 – Kidd’s Beach Holiday Programme History

In the early 1980’s the Kidd’s Beach holiday programme started. Very soon it became a very important part of the summer holidays.

Uncle Bill, as he was so fondly known by all the kids, ran the activities. From beach activities in the morning, to village green cricket in the afternoon, the kiddies’ discos in the evening and of course the Bingo evenings at the bowls club.

He also arranged activities against the other holiday venues, swimming galas, volley ball and cricket matches.

Uncle Bill would always be seen with his loud hailer and bag of sweets, chips and prizes. He loved doing what he did and he had a knack of making every child feel important. He definitely was loved by all.

With this simple and unassuming message, Billy van Vuuren handed over the reins having been the friendly, popular super “uncle” who had made the holiday season such fun
for so many years.

We knew our kids were is safe hands and having the time of their lives.

The Holiday Programme was keenly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Sheila Bradly was his friend and neighbour, and it was she who asked Val Gane if she would please take over the planning and printing of the program as Sheila had also had many years of planning and working with Uncle Billy to bring it all together.

With this simple and unassuming message, Billy van Vuuren handed over the reins having been the friendly, popular super “uncle” who had made the holiday season such fun
for so many years.

We knew our kids were is safe hands and having the time of their lives.

The Holiday Programme was keenly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Sheila Bradly was his friend and neighbour, and it was she who asked Val Gane if she would please take over the planning and printing of the program as Sheila had also had many years of planning and working with Uncle Billy to bring it all together.

Evolution of the Booklet

From a four page (A5) single colour pamphlet in 1995/96 to a 64 page A5 booklet with colour in 2020/21 we remember the legend that Uncle Billy was and thank those who have been involved from those early days up until today.

Originally the program was “free” and local businesses as well as families, simply sponsored activities or made donations to support the fun and games.

In 2001/2002 the format changed, and advertising space was sold for the first time and we charged R2.00 to purchase a copy of the Holiday Program. Nobody minded. It was good value for money because as you know there was no charge to join in the fun and games.
In 2006/07 the words “And Village Directory” were added to the front cover, and now colour appeared, but only to the front cover and outside back cover.

It now cost R3 per copy, and the advertising costs went up a little. The number of advertisers had grown to 53 and the number of activities too. Church Services, Library hours, Tide Table, competitions and a multitude of other useful information was conveniently on hand.

A new team took over in 2008 as the task of finding willing volunteers and willing advertisers became more onerous. The old guard handed over and with the enthusiasm of the younger team, the Holiday Program once again took on a new look.

Lots of vibrant advertising and a bright front cover, with all the activities still listed, turned what had initially been a few pages into a little booklet costing R10.

And now 2021 brings a huge change as we move to our first website with web based holiday programme activities. Congratulations and thank you to the movers and shakers in our midst for this amazing and innovative step forward.