Grommets 20 years young

By Ian Beeck | posted on November 22, 2019

THE Granny Grommets, Albany’s most beloved community and sporting group, celebrates 20 years this Saturday.

The group formed from an over-50 recreational group in 1999 and continues to go from strength-to-strength now boasting about 80 members.

It’s oldest member, 85-year-old Margaret White, only took up body-boarding 10 years ago.

There are currently four octogenarians in the group.

Since the group formed, it has clocked up some impressive publicity featuring on popular cooking and lifestyle series Surfing the Menu presented by renowned chefs Curtis Stone and Ben O’Donoghue.

They have also featured in numerous newspapers including The Australian, were interviewed by media personality George Negus, had a book written about them by local author Diane Wolfer as well as launching their own cookbook.

The Granny Grommets also raise funds for major charities.

The members have been coached by Albany surfing legend Tony Harrison who also schools them on how to handle rips, study the tides and water safety.

In appreciation of his services and dedication, the group nominated him for Australia Day honours where he was successful in being named a Western Australian Premier’s Active Award winner.

A highlight for members is the annual surf trip where the group camp out at Bremer Bay to surf all day, then swap stories around the campfire drinking mulled wine.

Lyn Brady summed up the group’s philosophy saying is was “all about ageing with attitude”.

The groups meets for a surf every Friday morning, rain, hail or shine, at Surfers carpark, east of Middleton Beach.

The celebrations commence at 11am at the Stirling Club on Saturday.