In May this year, while caravanning near East London, Renishaw Hills resident Yvonne Klopper (78) and friend Jewels Blackbeard were inducted into the Nahoon Granny Grommets – a group of retirees who bodyboard together. Inspired by the experience, Yvonne has since started a Scottburgh-based Granny Grommets for local seaside seniors – and it’s catching on fast!
“My lifelong love of the ocean motivated me to encourage other grannies to embrace the waves,” explained Yvonne, a resident of the mature lifestyle estate, Renishaw Hills, for the past seven years. “The idea was started in Australia by a retired teacher, and has since spread to South Africa’s coastal towns. In October, I started Scottie’s Granny Grommets with me as the lone Grommet and six potentials cheering me from shore. The following week saw 16 enthusiastic Granny Grommets participating and there has been an increase every week.”
Lending support to this healthy initiative, the Scottburgh Lifesavers hire out bodyboards for R20 a session to interested Granny Grommets who want to give it a try. Safety awareness talks are also given to ensure everyone knows what to do in the water, and the ladies only catch waves in the bathing area at Scottburgh Main Beach monitored by the Scottburgh Lifesavers.
The KZN South Coast currently boasts the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, with Scottburgh Main Beach recently awarded pilot Blue Flag status for the 2024/2025 year. Contributions by Keep Scottburgh Beautiful ensure cleanliness, safety, and security at this top swimming and surfing beach, with a natural amphitheatre making it a popular seaside destination for families.
“This is not a club, but rather a group of ladies who get together each week to catch waves in the surf,” explained Yvonne. “There are a few who have never used a bodyboard, while some of us surfed when we were much younger so we can assist those who are new. This is a great way to enjoy the ocean, experience the outdoors, and make some new friends who enjoy the same sport.”
Yvonne and her husband, Alfie, both of whom enjoy outdoor activities, have relished every minute of living at the Scottburgh-based estate, Renishaw Hills. Here, they’ve met many like-minded retirees, some of whom have joined Scottie’s Granny Grommets.
“Being in a secure lifestyle estate, there is always something for you to get involved in,” continued Yvonne, who is herself an active hiker around Renishaw Hills and further afield, a member of the Renishaw Bowling Club, the Renishaw Ladies Bible Study Group, and the Renishaw Social Committee, as well as a keen floral artist who keeps the Makhaya Bella community centre looking colourful.
“The indigenous gardens are an absolute delight to all our residents, and the homes, maisonettes, and apartments are all tastefully built.”
Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments – a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers Limited, explained that Scottie’s Granny Grommets was a great example of the active retirement community found here:
“The sense of community is strong at Renishaw Hills and they take advantage of the many activities on the KZN South Coast, as well as the fantastic facilities, clubs, and social gatherings on this stunning coastal estate. We encourage others who are interested to join the Granny Grommets on Thursday mornings to find out what it’s all about, and those interested in living this coastal life to contact us to find out more about Renishaw Hills.”
Scottie’s Granny Grommets
Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
Time: Thursdays, 9am
Contact: Check ‘Scotties Granny Grommets’ on Facebook to find out more!
Live the coastal life at Renishaw Hills
The pet-friendly estate offers the option of freestanding units, maisonettes, and 16 recently launched apartments which boast breathtaking ocean and forest views. Starting from just R1 595 000, the 2-bedroom and 2-bathroom apartments range from 71m² to 83m² —nearly twice the size of the average apartment. For those in need of additional space, storage units are also available, with a 23m² unit priced at R277 400 and a 32m² unit for R324 900, perfect for maximising the living space.
· Modern features included in these homes:
· SMEG appliances
· Solar geysers to reduce energy costs
· Inverter with battery backup
· Wheelchair-friendly features with step-free access
The estate homes offer breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding fields, with an independent water supply treated to the highest SANS standards, ensuring quality, uninterrupted water for all residents. The affordable levies include all exterior maintenance and insurance, garden services, refuse collection, postal services, fibre optic WiFi, cutting-edge security, and healthcare options. There is also a vibrant, community-focused lifestyle with residents taking advantage of more than 40km of hiking and cycling trails, and more than 20 social clubs, including archery, pottery, and wine tasting.
Renishaw Hills forms part of the expansive 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, with only 20% of the area earmarked for development, while the remaining 80% is dedicated to conservation. This unique development offers a seamless blend of modern living and natural beauty, making it one of South Africa’s largest and most distinctive residential projects. With the recent sale of a petrol filling station to established local business owners, Hampsons, and the shopping centre to Cubisol Property Fund, sales at Renishaw Hills are expected to boom.
Renishaw Hills is not a retirement village, rather it is a mature lifestyle estate for those over 50, championing an active lifestyle with a strong community. For more details or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email sales@renishawhills.co.za, or visit www.renishawhills.co.za.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Renishaw Hills.
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