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PROBUS CLUB OF SOUTH LONDON

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November 2024 Newsletter

October 26, 2024 5:05 PM | Brigitte Davidson (Administrator)

President's Message:

Greetings Everyone:

As brilliantly coloured leaves drift down through the cool morning air and we find the first light frosts on our windshields, there is one inescapable fact at this time of year: another winter approaches. And with winter comes the possibility of snow and ice storms, potential power outages and other emergencies.

Following up on a February visit organized by our Social Committee to the emergency response centre at London Station #12 in Byron, I attended the Citizen's Academy Program there on October 24th. During this two-hour session, our “class" learned about the remarkable organization, coordination and implementation of emergency management in our city, including discussion of recent disasters, such as the Woodman Avenue explosion, the Wellington Road sinkhole, the fiery train and COVID.

We also received an informative resource package about the creation of our own emergency kits, self-care, pet care, protective measures and special information for seniors. I highly recommend that everyone take the opportunity to join the Citizen’s Academy when this free program is offered again. More information will be available from Public Safety Educator, Taylor Simmons, tsimmons@london.ca

As October gives way to November, our thoughts also turn to loss and remembrance. We will proudly wear our poppies, in memory of those who sacrificed everything so that we might live in freedom. In these turbulent times, we give thanks for them, for the veterans who returned, for those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces and for their families. Local Legions offer programs and special events to which you might consider giving your support.

Our website and this newsletter are always a treasure trove of information about upcoming events, speakers and opportunities to accomplish the Probus goals of “fellowship, friendship and FUN” for our members. We hope to see you at our meeting on November 20th, when we will welcome speaker Jean Alice Rowcliffe, a London, Ontario teenager in the 1970’s who grew up to become a Norland Nanny to the British Royals!

- Nancy Holmes



October is Probus month and we celebrated in style with a cake!!



Share the  Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  Our October winner Jane P. won $76.



                                             

Congratulations and a heartfelt birthday wish to all our members with a birthday in November.

Michael O., Nov. 5;  Carol H., Nov. 5;  Linda D., Nov. 12;  Heather B., Nov. 14; Moira C., Nov. 14;  Sandra G., Nov. 23; 




 Sign up for our Social Events in person:  

Register for the events  in our Calendar in person at a meeting, and bring your cheque to the meeting to secure your spot! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Marg D. or click on the underlined name in the newsletter to gain access to the person's phone # and email.


     SOCIAL EVENTS AND INTEREST GROUPS

SPECIAL NOTICE RE SOCIAL EVENTS REGISTRATION

1.    Please note that there no longer is online registration on the website. Please register at the general meeting.

2.    E-TRANSFER now is accepted as well as cheques.

3.    The E-TRANSFER email address is slptreasure@gmail.com Please note that there is no “r” at the end of “treasure”. Also, indicate the event in the memo section of the email transfer.

4.    CHEQUES are payable to Probus Club of South London.

5.    The following events are listed on the website including the contact person.


                           UPCOMING EVENTS THAT YOU WILL ENJOY

MOCHA SHRINE TEMPLE:

Discover the history of the Mocha Shrine Temple as well as the Shriners’ benevolent and charitable projects in a free 45 minute tour, 468 Colborne Street,  Wednesday, November 27th at 11:00 am. followed by lunch on the premises at your own cost. The deadline for registration is the November general meeting.  Parking is at a premium, there is some street parking in the vicinity, carpooling is recommended.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON:

Let’s celebrate the season at the beautiful Highland Golf Club Wednesday December 11th. Cash bar at 11:30 am. followed by dinner at 12:00 featuring cranberry brie stuffed chicken with brown sage sauce. The cost of $40.00 includes entrée, dessert, coffee/tea, gratuity, taxes, door prizes and entertainment! Deadline for registration and payment is December 9th. 

Cancellation Policy: Should you need to cancel, there are no refunds. Please try to sell or give away your ticket yourself. If you are unable, contact Marg D. Assistance may be available to help you sell or give away your ticket.

WALTERS MUSIC VENUE – BRIGHT, ONTARIO (near Woodstock):

Back by popular demand for a 3rd consecutive year! Probus has purchased 20 tickets for members only at a cost of $72.00 featuring a “Tribute to Neil Diamond” Saturday September 13, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Lunch in Woodstock, enroute to the performance is at your own expense. 

Please note that you are responsible for your own transportation. There is a list of those attending as well as those willing to drive. If you choose not to drive, check the list and there may be some that can travel together.

 CANCELLATION POLICIY applies to all paid events.

Lots of opportunities for “Fellowship, Friendship and Fun” are being shared by the Social Committee at our Probus meetings. We are excited to present our upcoming schedule of events for the fall as well as offer five new interest groups.

Don’t forget to bring your calendar and cheque book so that you can secure a spot!

Marg D. – Coordinator of Special Events

Our Members at Sari Riding School, Oct.23


To See All The Pictures, go to "Pictures" in your Tool Bar at the top of the page.


Interest Groups:

                 Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!


Dine Out:                                                               

The next Dine Out is Wednesday,  November 6th, 12:00

The Wortley Road House, 190 Wortley Road, London.

Contact Susan K. by email (preferred)       By October 30th.

 



                                Dine In:                                                                                  

3rd Tuesday of the month 12 p.m. in member's homes.  8 maximum. 

For more information, and if interested in being a spare call convenor: Donna Jean I.




Coffee Mornings:                                               

Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. except 4th Monday in December.  We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's. Contact Larry M.

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., except 4th Monday in December.  See the photos from our  coffee meet ups, in the photo section at the end of the newsletter! Convenor: Shirley .   We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.



Investment Club:                                                       

The Investment Group will be meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at  10:00 a.m.  at Riverbend.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don to confirm the date and time.  



Euchre:                                                                       

This group of 8 players has been flourishing since 2012. We need one new member to join us the 4th Thursday of the month at 1:30 at a member’s home.

Contact Person: Gail C.


Euchre group #2:

This group of 4 players meets the 3rd Thursday at 1:30.  Contact person: Ronalee P.





                                                                                        

Walking Group:

        Meet every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meet  at 9:30 a.m. in the Guy Lombardo Parking Lot for a one hour walk.

Contact Person: Geesje 


Rummikub –         

Rummikub is a game that involves both luck and strategy. It is played with tiles, numbered 1 to 13 in 4 different colours, and is similar to Rummy O. Your mind is constantly working to win the game by getting rid of the tiles on your rack. It is fun and easy to learn, yet can be challenging. We can have groups of two to four per table, with a maximum of 10 players per session.

1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Gail C.– if interested in being a spare.

                                                                                                           

                        


Games –                                                               

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Linda H.  - still require substitutes/spares




Support:                                        

Do you know of a South London Probus member who is having a difficult time (health issue, accident, hospitalization, loss of partner, etc.) and would benefit from receiving a card or a call from our team? If so, please let me know. I will be happy to follow up and/or get in touch with them. 

Contact Marg C.


Book Club:                                                     


Book Club meets the 1st Monday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August (or when the 1st Monday is a holiday),in a member’s home. We are currently full.  Please call Susan or Liz,  if you wish more information.

 

2nd Book Club:

Book Club #2 meets every 2nd Friday of the month.  We are currently taking more members. We meet in members homes except December, July and August. Contact Linda H. for more information.

                                 

TO OBTAIN THE PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS OF THE CONTACT PERSON, simply click on the underlined name in your newsletter. eg. Brigitte D. or go to "Members only" on the left hand side when on the main page.  Click on the + sign and see the drop down menu.


Day Trippers - Out of Towners:

We have 3 exciting events underway.  We are organizing  an event in November for Christmas at Casa Loma, lunch and time at the Distillery District.  Call Robin Hood Tours for more information and reservation.


        

                                                      Enjoy the Season!!


Our Club Members on the move to Agawa Canyon and Manitoulin Island:

                              



November Speaker:                                  

Jean Alice Rowcliffe, Nanny to the British Royal Family

Born and raised in London Ontario, Jean Alice Rowcliffe always had a deep abiding interest for all things British. The art, music and history of the United Kingdom became Jean’s passion and as a teenager she looked a number of study programs in the UK including the Cordon Bleu cooking school and the Norland College (training to become a nursey nurse/nanny).

One day in her school library she announced to her friends that she was going to work for the Queen which of course produced bouts of laughter. To prove them wrong, Jean set about to research such an endeavour and after graduating in 1974, she moved to England, secured a position at Buckingham Palace and began her journey of the road less traveled, with many adventures.

She has worked in both Buckingham and Kensington Palace meeting a number of remarkable folks along the way.

In the mid 1980’s Jean moved to California, for what she thought would be one year and ended up staying for over 27 years. A fascinating story unfolded while living in America but it was a story of acute grief brought Jean back to Ontario in 2012.

Over 7 years ago, Jean moved to St Marys… a favourite town from her childhood… where she has found the perfect community and place of refuge, while creating her quintessential British home and garden

Jean Alice Rowcliffe is very happy to share her many stories with you today.


Upcoming Speakers:

January: Carol Hains

March: Laurie Farquharson



We strive to make our Club the best possible for everyone.  If you have a suggestion to enhance our Club, a speaker you would like to hear on a specific subject, or a concern, please send it to our general mail box:

                                         southlondonprobus@gmail.com

Probus Members have a lot of experience, knowledge, and skills. Share your talents by volunteering for a position on Management or with any of our many groups.

Meet More People - Make More Friends – Help Make Your Club the Best it Can Be!!!

 


New Members:


L - R: Kevin M.,   Maureen F.,  Heather S.,  Yvonne W.,   David W.




                              MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE:

President: Nancy H.

Past Presidents: Sandra and Jim Gillmore

Vice President:       Moira C.                 

Treasurer: Mike S.                                         

Recording Secretary: Liz  G.                     

Newsletter Editor:   Brigitte D.               

Membership Co-Ordinator: Nancy F.                                                                                      

Social Event Co-Ordinator: Marg D.     

Cheer Designate: Marg C.                      


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Probus Club of South London

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