From early walks to midday talks—Grietje is made in Brookside.
How long have you been coming to Brookside: I watched it being built! I’ve been shopping here for 52 years.
What’s one of the reasons that keeps you coming back: It’s comfortable and familiar. I know it like the back of my hand. I can walk home or easily catch the bus if I have things to carry.
Grietje’s Mixed Tape^: The favourite songs include Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves, Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn, Footloose – Kenny Loggins, Walk This Way (feat. Aerosmith) – Run–D.M.C., Aerosmith, Walk Right In – The Rooftop Singers, Running on Empty – Jackson Browne, On the Road Again – Willie Nelson, Bright Side of the Road – Van Morrison, Walking On The Moon – The Police
^ You can hear their Mix Taped playing in the Centre everyday from 7am.
Grietje’s Brookside Story Grietje is at Brookside before the shops even open their doors. Why? Because she’s a part of the first and largest Heart Foundation walking group in the country. And Grietje has been helping lead the charge since 1991—for 32 years!
For Grietje, the perfect day starts at Brookside. She connects with friends while staying healthy and it doesn’t matter if there’s rain, hail or shine. With over 180 other registered members, there’s always someone new to meet and something new to learn.
The coffee at the end of the walk helps with motivation too. It’s a great way to extend conversations and get to know the walking community more. With such a big group, they always split up and take turns visiting all the coffee shops at Brookside. Grietje doesn’t have a favourite. As long as she gets her milk load for the day with a delicious creamy cappuccino.
“When I’m at Brookside with my fellow Heart Walkers, you can’t wipe this smile off my face.”
