City of Playford’s Grenville Hub will celebrate 40 years of helping the over 50s live life to the fullest on 1 May.

Since 1983, the Grenville has delivered popular programs and events for its loyal members. Today, you’ll find Fitness with Agnes, Art class with Chris, the Grenville Players, and the Sliverbeats’ Rock Choir among other activities.

Between the classes there is access to ageing-related services, transport assistance, affordable meals to dine in or take home and unlimited laughs with friends.

Mayor Glenn Docherty congratulated the Grenville Hub on clocking up forty years, explaining that Grenville is a fantastic centre promoting health, wellbeing and social connection for Playford’s older community.

“I’ve heard countless times how the Grenville Hub has been a lifeline of support to members living independently in their homes,” Mayor Docherty said.

“With an ageing population in an increasingly digital world, it’s an unfortunate reality that more people are becoming disconnected from the services they really need.

“This is why the Grenville Hub is so important. It’s a one-stop shop for people to walk in and receive assistance from our knowledgeable and friendly staff, connect to activities and groups, and build lasting friendships.”

In 2021, a new building for the Grenville Hub was opened moving from its original 1983 location to a new home across the plaza in the Elizabeth CBD.

Even with the move, the new Grenville is still many people’s second home.

Gladys Humphries and Shirley Lewis are two friends who agree the Hub feels like a home – and they have been there since the very beginning.

Shirley was in the original fundraising brigade, turning an idea for a centre for older people into the bricks and mortar.

“I helped raise the money with the Elizabeth City Band and we had the idea for a social club for the over 50s,” Shirley said.

The band raised money on bingo nights and darts competitions until the first iteration of the Grenville was opened by governor Sir Donald Dunstan, ushering in many years of friendships, theatre nights and themed parties.

“To me, it’s just part of my life, it’s something I’ve always done, and I shall continue until I can’t do it,” Gladys said, who recently celebrated her 100^th birthday.

To celebrate, Grenville Hub is hosting a special variety performance and cake cutting on Monday 1 May 2023.

Doors open from 9.45 am, with the main event starting at 10 am, including a welcome by Mayor Glenn Docherty.

All are welcome to this free community event held at the Grenville Hub. Parking is available on site and public transport is located nearby.

For more information about the event, phone the Grenville Hub front desk on 8256 0377 and follow the Grenville Hub Facebook page.

The program for the 40^th birthday celebrations is listed below.

9.45am Doors open to the public

10.00am – 10.15am Welcome speech by Mayor Glenn Docherty, including cutting of birthday cake with special guests

10.15am – 11.00am Grenville Players (directed by John Skidmore)

11.15am – 11.45am Core Strength & Ball and Band for Balance

11.45am to 12.45pm LUNCH BREAK

12.45pm – 1.15pm Line dancers

1.20pm – 1.45pm Zumba

2.00pm – 2.30pm Silver beats’ performance

2.30pm – 3.00pm Folk music

3.00pm Event finish