Friendship, laughter and a City2Surf reunion: Ballina Babblers celebrate 25 years together
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A women’s friendship group formed over a mutual love of hockey and strengthened over time by shared experiences and unwavering support is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a familiar fashion.
They call themselves the Ballina Babblers, a group of 21 women you may have spotted around town in their distinctive bright red shirts.
The former Ballina hockey players tackled Sydney’s iconic City2Surf in 2001 and, 25 years later, have decided to do it all over again.
Asked why they have decided to take on the gruelling event once more, Ballina Babblers spokesperson Jenny Seymour offered a simple answer:
“Just because we can.”
The Ballina Babblers began in 2001 when a group of former hockey teammates realised they could squeeze a little more out of life.
Rather than drift apart, they decided to keep meeting each Saturday morning for a walk.
The competitive spirit, however, hadn’t disappeared completely.
Later that year the group entered the City2Surf together and, in the process, the Ballina Babblers were born.
Twenty-five years later, the friendships forged on the hockey field remain as strong as ever.
While the weekly walks continue, the group’s social calendar has grown to include swimming, cycling, book club, theatre outings, birthday celebrations, coffee catch-ups, dinners, trips away and the occasional glass of wine at the Shaws Bay Hotel.
Over the years they have travelled together to destinations including Lord Howe Island and Greece, creating memories that stretch far beyond their morning walks.
“As more things have happened in families over the 25 years, with children and grandchildren, some people have dropped out but no one seems to drop out too much anymore,” she said.
“There are 21 people and unfortunately we have lost a few along the way but over 25 years that is just what happens.”
The group has farewelled four members and two husbands during that time, experiences that have only strengthened the bond between those who remain.
Ms Seymour said one of the group’s greatest strengths was the way members supported one another through life’s challenges.
“It is just an amazing social connection,” she said.
“It started through doing an activity together, which was hockey, and having a common interest.
“I haven’t had this, but some of us have had sick husbands or family members and you know if that happens someone will always cook a meal or drive someone to an appointment.”
The Ballina Babblers now have activities on offer almost every day of the week, but participation is always optional.
“You turn up if you want to but if you are not there at the starting time no one waits for you,” she said.
It is that relaxed approach, combined with years of shared experiences, that has kept the group together through marriages, children, grandchildren, illness, loss and countless celebrations.
For the Babblers, this year’s City2Surf is less about the distance and more about friendship, laughter and unwavering support.
“If we can’t finish it, we will just get an Uber back,” she said.
Photo: Members of the Ballina Babblers, recognisable by their bright red shirts, are celebrating 25 years of friendship by returning to the Sydney City2Surf.
