IN PICTURES: Granny Grommets celebrate 25 years of surfing fun at Middleton Beach

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IN PICTURES: Granny Grommets celebrate 25 years of surfing fun at Middleton Beach

A troupe of older women who get out into the Middleton Beach surf every Friday morning to ride the waves celebrated a quarter-century of surfing last week.

On Friday, the Granny Grommets marked 25 years of fighting ageism, staying social and having plenty of laughs through their weekly bodyboarding catch-up with a surf and a morning tea.

Kim Buttfield started the group in 1999 with Tony Harrison, after being approached by some older women in her mothers/daughters surfing program who wanted to learn how to get involved.

Camera IconKim Buttfield founded the Granny Grommets 25 years ago. Credit: Melissa Sheil

“Twenty-five years ago we just started sort of with some low-key classes, and it’s just basically growing every year from strength to strength,” she said.

“We were women over 50 who want to learn how to bodyboard and a little bit about ocean awareness, learning about rips and safety around the beach, but it’s grown from there.

“Granny Grommets have become much greater than what we really originally ever anticipated.

“We can say ‘Yes, I’m a granny, an older woman, but I can get out in the water and surf and interact with the children and the grandchildren’.

“It just keeps a zest for life.”

Camera IconA celebratory morning tea followed the Granny Grommets’ weekly Friday surf. Credit: Melissa Sheil

The group now boasts more than 100 women — many of whom grew up rurally and had never surfed in their lives — supporting each other through health scares, life milestones and the thrill of learning a new skill.

The women have drawn much attention, not only from curious beachgoers, but also inspiring a children’s book and a documentary.

Dutiful surf coach, lifeguard and “honorary granny” Mr Harrison was presented with a thankyou picture for his “heroic” efforts standing guard on the shore for 25 years, as was Sandra Shakespeare for her work organising the group.

Camera IconTony Harrison was lauded for his efforts in “keeping us girls safe” for 25 years. Credit: Melissa Sheil

“Part of the great thing about it, I think, is a combination of the camaraderie of being part of a group, busting a little bit of ageism, and challenging yourself,” Ms Shakespeare said.

“You’re learning a new skill and sometimes it can be a bit frightening, and you sort of get snotted — we’ve had some injuries and we have to continually warn people about being safe in the water and look out for your buddy.

“But you know whatever challenges are happening in people’s lives, on a Friday morning, it’s non-negotiable, we’re going to come down.

“We’re going to get in the water, and if we can’t, we’re just going to come and join in and be part of this wonderful group and have a laugh anyway.”

Camera IconVal Parker and her granddaughter Laura Hunt. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconKathy Walker, Anthea Beeck and Sue Kolar. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconShirley Sargeant, surf coach and honorary granny Tony Harrison, and Sylvia Harrison. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconGeorgie Folvig, Sheila Beaton. Christine Palfrey and Barbara Keeler. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconJudi Hendriksen, Pia Daw and Lisa McLean. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconChizuko Morris and Alice *****. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconChristine Collins and Gail Lenegan. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconDonna Fisher and Paula Procter. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconRonnie Boshell, Moya Cole and Raelene Blake. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconMoya Cole and Jeanne Griffiths. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconVal Parker leads the group through her self-penned Granny Grommets anthem. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconTrish Flowers and Marg McQuade. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconTracy Carrington, Pauline Hughes and Amanda McKenna. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconNoel Sutherland, Liz Crawshaw, Nan Anderson and Chris Offer. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconLyn Brady and Erin Hall. Credit: Melissa SheilCamera IconBev Voss looks through her Granny Grommets scrapbook. Credit: Melissa Sheil

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