Upon its grand opening half a dozen years ago, the multifunctional recreation centre at Sardinia Bay Golf & Wildlife Estate became the hub for all things social – and a wee bit of business.
The facility, which today boasts a built-in braai, veranda, hall with “on-suite” kitchen, tennis court, swimming pool and dog park, has however become so much more than that for the Gqeberha community.
Since the ribbon was cut in October 2018, “the rec” has hosted a range of superbly-organised monthly events, guest speakers and, of course, the establishment’s omnipresent Springbok supporters.
The latter, for example, were treated to live screenings of this year’s Rugby Championship matches just the other day.
“There is something on the go every weekend,” Sards resident Kathy van Onselen, who coordinates and oversees events at the centre, confirmed.
She said plans were also afoot to form a supporters’ club for English Premier League giants Liverpool, with members using the rec for televised games.
The gees in the facility is by no means confined to rowdy rugby, football and other sport enthusiasts.
Spirits are equally elevated at the Yak ’n Yarn events on the last Thursday afternoon of every month.
As much as these get-togethers are about crocheting and knitting, a chat about the news of the day or simply mingling with peers over a snack and glass of wine add additional va-va-voom.
“It’s a great chance to get together for a chit-chat while working on our projects,” Van Onselen, who pointed out that there were several extremely talented ladies on the estate, said.
“Everybody is welcome; we have enough crochet hooks and wool for everyone to give it a try.”
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Albeit a bit more subdued, Pilates classes have been par for the course on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the past four years and counting.
Van Onselen said a R100 note per session was all it took to join in to revive mind, body and spirit. The facility accommodates as many as 14 people once the mats have been laid out.
The longstanding Christmas party, held annually on the Day of Reconciliation, is always a highlight.
Father Christmas has no trouble hitting it off with the children while the tractor-and-trailer trips and horse rides are equally infectious.
In addition, Van Onselen and her organising team arrange talks and theme evenings.
This year they hosted Lloyd Edwards, a well-known conservationist and owner of local whale-watching tour agency Raggy Charters, who enthralled a group of 35 with his knowledge of the trees in the Sardinia Bay area.
Another memorable occasion on the social calendar was a curry evening in collaboration with caterer Durban Spicebox.
Sards’ ladies looked a picture in their saris as they celebrated South Africa’s rich Indian heritage – and there was dancing befitting the occasion.
The rec has also been repurposed as an art gallery for an exhibition featuring the Eastern Cape’s finest painters as well as for wine-tastings and jewellery displays.
These events were only the tip of the iceberg, as Van Onselen believed that there was plenty of scope for an even spicier collection of events – the plans of which would be discussed in 2025.