ONE OF OUR OWN TURNS 100 ❤️🔥 What an amazing life story for Cliff and his family!
2025 Australia Day saw one of Heathfield Aldgate United’s most inspirational Life Members, Cliff Chaplin, turn 100. The Chaplin family, Cliff and Mabel and their children Barry and Diane, were a very big part of Heathfield Aldgate United and the family organised a celebration yesterday. Unfortunately, Cliff was unable to be present as he was not up to it on the day. A resident of Heathfield his entire life, his wonderful approach to all who have known him, saw those closest to Cliff honour and celebrate his milestone birthday and recount a century of treasured memories.
Cliff is a significant part of Mt Lofty Football Club’s heritage, commencing his playing days with Stirling, becoming a foundation member of the Heathfield Football Club and later Heathfield Aldgate United where his incredible dedication to the clubs’ and the Heathfield community was recognised with Life Membership of Heathfield Aldgate United in 1975.
HAU was an amazing Football Club and Cliff did so much to build the culture of the club. Volunteering for many roles including Goal Umpire and Trainer, we will never forget the amazing Scurvy Pirates and the Heathfield Heartthrobs created by Cliff. A fair dinkum Aussie who proudly served his country in the Navy in the Second World War, he really brought some of the fun songs to life with the A grade teams over the years at the annual presentation. He could never have done it so well without Mabel’s talented accompaniment on piano. A selection of photos below show the contribution of Cliff and his family over the years – Mabel as a dedicated volunteer also, Barry as a 6 time Premiership player across the grades and Diane one of the passionate supporters.
Recently, Cliff also did us the honour of joining the club days festivities and conducted the life member coin toss in June of 2022 at home against Uraidla. It was such an honour to have the family back at the club for the occasion!
An inspiration to us all, keep on kicking goals Cliff, and much love to you and your family from your football family!
We thank Cliff for his amazing contribution to the Mt Lofty Heritage and particularly the Heathfield Aldgate United Football Club and congratulate him on his wonderful 100 years. Loved by so many people of the community.
The Lofty Legends Group & Mt Lofty District Football Club
