PROBUS CLUB OF SOUTH LONDON

 
President's Message: 

 We Canadians of a certain age well remember the savage winters of decades past. For Londoners, we remember Bill Brady on the radio, talking us through stormy nights and the military called in to assist through impassable roadways. We also remember January thaws and groundhog predictions - but we were too savvy to be fooled into thinking that winter was over. Climate change may have altered the timetable a bit, but, despite recent tantalizing hints of impending Spring, we know that some wintry surprises still may be in store! 

I am someone who enjoys a snowy day. One of my greatest pleasures is to curl up in front of our fireplace to read, with no sound but crackling flames and the purring of sleepy cats while big flakes drift to the ground outside. Like Star Trek’s  venerable Captain Picard, I love the feel of a real book in my hands, and I too prefer my tea “Earl Grey - hot”. But I must admit that I also enjoy the luxury of effortless access to thousands of library books via my tablet. 

Books have been one of my greatest treasures for my whole life. They are portals to every conceivable aspect of human experience, from origins of the universe to the [only slightly] guilty pleasure of a good beach read! 

Did you know that our Probus Club has not just one, but two Book Clubs? If you too are a book lover, you might want to investigate their current offerings. Check the activities listings below for convenor contact details. 

A Wrinkle in Time author Madeleine L’Engle described books as “stars”, as "explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly". But P. J. O’Rourke also offered some sage advice: “Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it”. 

I wish you all happy reading, and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on March 19th. 

Nancy Holmes, 

President

15th Anniversary In recognition of our Club’s 15th Anniversary, Probus District #5 Director June Ayrhart will be our special guest at our general meeting on May 21, 2025. Please plan to attend to celebrate this milestone. We hope to have Past Presidents also in attendance - and there will be cake!

Share the  Wealth:  Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the sales end at 10:50 am., and the winner is announced after coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.    The winner on February 19th, 2025, was Heather S.  who received $69.

 Sign up for our Social Events in person:  
Message from Marg D., Social Event Coordinator 

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. 

HELPFUL INFORMATION WHEN
REGISTERING FOR AN EVENT

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

2.     E-transfers and cheques are accepted. Please, no cash nor postdated cheques.

3.     E-transfers payable to slptreasure@gmail.com
Please note that there is no “r” at the end of “treasure”. Kindly indicate the event in the memo section.

4.    Cheques payable to Probus Club of South London. Please indicate the event in the memo section.
 
5.     CANCELLATION POLICY: There are NO REFUNDS. Should you need to cancel, please try to sell or give away your ticket. If unable, contact Marg Dean. She may be able to be of assistance.

6.   CARPOOLING: You are responsible for your own transportation to events. You might wish to arrange carpooling at your convenience.

7.  Don’t forget to bring your calendar and cheque book to each meeting. Please note that you are not guaranteed a spot if payment has not been received.

8. Interest Groups and most events are open to members only, unless specified that you are welcome to bring a guest. 

9. Please become familiar with logging onto the website for contacting members in our “Directory” as well as information on our activities. 

 UPCOMING EVENTS THAT
YOU WILL ENJOY

Top of the Fair – Tuesday March 18th – Buffet & Horse Racing at Western Fairgrounds. Opens at 5:00 pm., Buffet 5:30, Racing 6:00

Senior’s Price $53.35 payable at your table following dinner.
Includes: Buffet (coffee/tea) Entrance, Betting Booklet, Betting Voucher, Casino Voucher, Free Parking, Elevator access, Tax & Gratuity.
 THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS. Deadline for registration is March 10th, 2025.
Contact Person: Gail C. or Marg D  

June Luncheon 

Let's celebrate another great year at Probus by getting together for our annual June Luncheon. 

Date: Wednesday June 18th 

Location: Highland Golf Club, 1922 Highland Heights (off Commissioners Road) 

Cost: $40.00 payable by cheque or e-transfer when you register at the general meeting 

Entrée Choices: 

1. Lasagna Bolognaise served with Highland’s Signature Caesar Salad, Strawberry Shortcake, coffee or tea 

2. Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken with onions, carrots, celery, and green peas bound in a white wine sauce baked in a Puff Pastry Crust served with a salad, Strawberry Shortcake, coffee or tea 

$40.00 includes tax, gratuity, door prizes and entertainment 

Format: 11:30 am cash bar, Lunch 12:00 noon - followed by door prizes and entertainment at 1:30 pm. 

Deadline for Registering and Payment: Monday June 9th

Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. Should you need to cancel, please try to sell or give away your ticket. If unable, contact Marg D.  She may be able to be of assistance. 

 WALTERS MUSIC VENUE –  

Sat. Sept. 13th at 2:00 pm

Back for a 3rd consecutive year!

SHOW: A TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND

Location: Walters Music Venue - 836074 Hubbard Road Bright, Ontario (near Woodstock)

Cost: $72.00 - due when registering at the general meeting

IMPORTANT - Tickets are available to members only up to Feb. 18 th . Tickets go on sale to guests Feb. 19 th . Tickets are selling quickly – only 2 remaining.

Lunch prior to the show is at your own expense at Charles Dickens Restaurant, 505 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ontario at 11:30 am. You are responsible for your own transportation. You might wish to arrange carpooling, at your convenience.

CANCELLATION POLICY: NO REFUNDS Should you need to cancel, please try to sell or give away your ticket. If unable, contact Marg D. She may be able to be of assistance.

Contact Person: Gail C. or Marg D. 

Secrets of the Radar Museum  

The tour of the Radar Museum took place on February 6th, at 10:30 am and lasting about 2.5 hours. The tour guides, Steve and Elizabeth, were very knowledgeable. 

The tour offered Probus members a journey into Canada's radar history, focusing on the contributions of over 6,000 Canadians involved in top-secret radar operations during World War II.
For more pictures, consult Social Photos (2024-2025) HERE.

Interest Groups:
Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun! 

Dine Out: 

Please join us at our next Dine Out Wednesday March 5th at 11:30 am - 12:00 noon.

Restaurant: Mustang Sally’s
99 Belmont  Dr (corner of Belmont and Wharncliffe Rd) ph519 6497688 

Special menu Details: 
Salads ,Sandwich Plates ,Grilled Foods
Known for its Hamburgers
Liquor Available 

Convenor: Gail C. 519 4731185 
                   clarkegail2456@gmail.com

Please contact Gail to confirm your attendance by Sunday, March 2nd 

Note: 
Please contact the Dine Out Convenor only if you do plan to attend.

Angel's Restaurant February 5th, 2025: 

On February 5th, 2025, the dine-out at Angel's Restaurant was a great success with approximately twenty members attending. The food was excellent, and everyone had a wonderful time. Congratulations to Marg D., the convenor.

CLICK  HERE to see more pictures.

Post General Meeting Lunch:  Following the General Meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, we invite all members to join us at Crabby Joes for Lunch. (It is located North on Wonderland, left turn onto Farah Road).

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 J.

Coffee Mornings:    

 
Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m.  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. 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:

Beginning December the Investment Club will meet the second Thursday of the month until the golf course reopens in the Spring, at  10:00 a.m.  at Riverbend.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don J.  to confirm the date and time.  

 Euchre #1:
This group of 8 players has been flourishing since 2012. It meets the 4th Thursday at 1:30 pm at a member’s home. Contact Person: Gail C. 

Euchre #2:
This newly formed group of 4 players meets the 3rd Thursday at 1:30 pm. 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:      

- Meets the 1st Tuesday at 1:30 pm . at a member's home. 
- We require two or three subs. Please contact  Gail C. if you would like to be a spare.
- Contact Person : Gail C     

Games:                

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
Contact Linda H.  

It meets the 4th Monday, at 1:30 pm.
Contact Person : Nancy F.

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 at 1:00 pm.   We meet in member's homes except December, July and August. Contact Linda H. for more information.   

Day Trippers - Out of Towners:[Picture - Casa Loma, Nov 25, 2024]

The Out of Towners are a group that provides day trip opportunities to our members spouses and friends. The events usually take place in late spring, summer and a Christmas event. Last year our group visited Dundurn Castle, Hamilton Botanical gardens,  We also visited the theatre in Pt Stanley  as well as Grand Bend and lunch was had by all.  Finally we visited Casa Loma and the Distillery District Christmas Village. The trips were enjoyed by many and we look forward to planning some great new trips for 2025. The cost of each trip is dependent on modes of transportation and the destination.
The travel group will be meeting in January to begin planning the 2025 trips. 

We would love to hear from group members where they may wish to travel in 2025. If you have a suggestion please email to Janice R. All suggestions are logged and the group votes on the most popular choices. 

The travel group will convene in January 2025 to begin planning this years events.  

New Interest Group:  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FORMING A NEW INTEREST GROUP, PLEASE NOTIFY  Marg D.  SHE WILL PREPARE A SIGN UP SHEET FOR THE BACK TABLE AT THE MONTHLY MEETING.

Note: Contact Person Information TO OBTAIN THE PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS OF THE CONTACT PERSON, simply click on the underlined name in your newsletter. e.g. 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.

March  2025 Speaker-
Laurie Farquharson

 Education – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Where do you fit?

Laurie Farquharson has been an educator since she was 10 years old, paid to do it by the time she was 15 and has made a truly rewarding profession of educating others. She really prefers “growing others to reach their potential”, no matter what age she teaches. She has volunteered with many organizations, written several organization history books, developed leadership and activity materials but her true passion is the 4-H Program. She believes this program above all else has taught and continues to teach her and allow her to practice her “Learning to Do by Doing”, while growing others with these skills.

She hails from a small hamlet, Vasey, in Simcoe County near Midland, Ontario. She attended the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Applied Sciences, University of Western for Teacher’s College and a Masters of Education with Charles Stuart in Australia. She landed in Mount Brydges after marrying her wonderfully supportive husband Brian and has raised four amazing children who all want to farm like their parents! She has also been blessed this past year with a beautiful grandchild, Miss Ava!

Educating others is her passion in life and what stories she can tell!

Upcoming Speakers: 
April 2025 -  Wendy Beth Moore, The Hearing Lady
May 2025 - Annemarie Hagan, The Unexpected Life of Mayor Hazel McCallion
Sep 2025 - D/C Jamie Chamberlain - London Police Services, Financial Crimes Unit 

[NOTE: Extra copies of the handouts from our January speaker are available from Maureen D.]

On February 19th, Speaker Sue Bruynes delivered an excellent presentation on the topic of Teacher Mentors Abroad.

Slice of Life SPEAKER FOR February 2025: 
 Angie J. 

 
RHS Picture: Some Members of Angie's dancing group , guest Heather.

 Angie J. gave a Slice of her Life at our February 2025 General Meeting.  She talked about joining a theatre group called Silver Spotlight Theatre & performing in 3 shows at the Auburn Theatre. It has given her a new lease on life. 

Future Who Am I / Slice of Life Presenters:
March - Carol H. Who Am I (Marg will be backup)
April - Carol Hod.
May - June A.
September - Nancy F.

New Members: 

From Left to Right: John B., Ellen E., Linda S., Lori S.

Notice From Probus Management : 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!!!