PROBUS CLUB OF SOUTH LONDON

 
President's Message:

It seems like only yesterday that I accepted the honor of becoming President of our Probus Club, and yet May 21st was the last general meeting when I rang that big bell to mark the end of our 2024/25 term.

And what a term we’ve had! We celebrated the Club’s 15th Anniversary with special guests. We learned about life, and loss. We enjoyed an insider’s peek into the lives of Britain’s Royals. We travelled abroad and expanded our knowledge about important health matters and the future of education. And who could forget the exciting biography of one of Canada’s most colorful Mayors? Our Vice President, Moira C, has relentlessly sought out speakers who will shed light on interesting topics to enrich our lives.

Under the creative direction of our Social Events Coordinator, Marg D, your Social Committee - Gail C, Brigitte D, Ronalee P and Nancy H - has kept us all busy with many opportunities for “fellowship, friendship and FUN” - and occasionally that fourth “F”, food! We’ve dined In, and Out, and we look forward to sharing our Spring Celebration luncheon on June 18th. Our interest groups continue to thrive and we’re about to enjoy some exercise with the new City Explorers. Thank you to our Group convenors.

As Membership Coordinator, Nancy F has welcomed many new applicants into our Club and accurately maintains our membership records; membership now stands at 128. Thank you to all the members who have invited friends and family members to our meetings, and encouraged them to become part of our fellowship.

Our Club could not function without our Treasurer, Mike S, who carefully monitors our finances to keep us fiscally sound. We are grateful for Brigitte D, who, after several years as Newsletter Editor, will stand for election to the position of Member at Large on the Management Committee. With Brigitte’s assistance, Marcel D has capably taken on the responsibility for our Newsletter, along with the website and eBlasts.

We have appreciated the steady guidance of Past Presidents Jim and Sandra G, who have reliably contributed their knowledge and experience to our Management Committee.

We are about to bid farewell to our Club Secretary, Liz G, as she leaves our Committee. We have been so grateful as she has intelligently made sense of our sometimes animated Management meetings, quickly producing excellent minutes, contributing her many years of experience to our discussions and maintaining our Club’s archive documents. We will be in search of of a new Club Secretary for the Fall, and we encourage you to consider if you might be that person!

Our thanks go also to those who help with our meetings: Becky and Bette K in the kitchen, Marg C and Cheryl W at the Registration Desk, John W, Marcel and Bob H on our A/V team, and Louise S and Shirley H who help us to Share the Wealth! We also thank Marg C for her work as Cheer Designate, sending cards on our Club's behalf to those who are unwell or hospitalized and those who have been bereaved.

And finally, thank you to all of you, our members. We appreciate your faithful attendance at our meetings, your participation in interest groups and events, your attention and questions for our speakers and your comments - even your criticisms! We learn from all of it, and always endeavor to improve.

I do hope that all of you will enjoy a safe and healthy summer, and look forward to seeing you at our first Fall meeting and AGM, on September 17th.

Nancy Holmes,
President

Celebrating the 15th Anniversary

June Ayrhart, #5 District Director of the Probus Club, cutting the Anniversary Cake  at the  General Meeting of the Probus Club of South London on May 21st, 2025

Our sincere gratitude goes to June Ayrhart for her attendance and her outstanding "Who Am I" presentation. We also extend our appreciation to the Past Presidents and Probus Members for their participation, which contributed to the success of our 15th Anniversary celebration!

 Nancy H., President (LHS), and June A., Probus #5 District Director,
[at the start of the General Meeting]

Probus Club of South London
Past Presidents:

From R-L: June A., Probus District #5 Director (holding 15th anniversary certificate)., Jim G. (2023/24), Sandra G. (2023/24), Susan W. 2022/23), Gail C. (2016/17)Nancy F. (2015/16), Doris K. (2010/11), Betty B.(2011/12), Mark G. (2014/15), Nancy H. (Current President 2024/25)

Probus Club of South London
EXECUTIVE

From R-L: Jim G (Past President),  Sandra G. (Past President), Mike S. (Treasurer), June A. (Probus #5 District Director),  Nancy F. (Membership Co-Ordinator), Nancy H. (President), Moira C. (Vice President), Marg D. (Social Event Co-Ordinator), Brigitte D. (Member at Large), Marcel Djivre (Newsletter Editor), 
Note: Liz G. (Recording Secretary) & Marg C. (Cheer Designate) not shown.

Post Meeting Celebration at
Dolcetto Restaurant

Exceptional Italian cuisine and delightful Company at Dolcetto! 

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 May 21st, 2025, was Linda D.  who received $66

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

Please register and pay for upcoming social events at our monthly general meeting by cheque or e-transfer, to secure your spot.

Event details are available in our monthly Newsletter, on our Probus website as well as on display at the back table at the general meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact Marg D or click on the underlined name in the newsletter or website to gain access to the contact person’s phone number 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

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 –
NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE

Date: Saturday September 13, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

Location: Walters Music Venue – 836074 Hubbard Road, Bright Ontario

Lunch: 11:00 am Charles Dickens Restaurant, 505 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ontario (at your own expense) Tickets will be handed out during lunch.

As you know, you are responsible for your own transportation. Likewise, there are no refunds.

Best wishes for a great day!

Gail C. and  Marg D.

Interest Groups:
Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun! 

Dine Out: 

Please join us at our next Dine Out Wednesday June 4th at 12:00 noon. 
Restaurant: Pickle Barrel 
387 Wellington Rd. South, London ON N6C 4P9

MENU: Soups, Deli, Burgers & Sandwiches, Bowls & Salads, Pastas, Steaks, Specialties, (Note that brunch is served every day)

Convenor: Diane W.
Phone: 519-439-7873 

Please contact Diane W. to confirm your attendance by May 31st.

Hope to see you then!

Note:
[If you already have signed up with the Convenor, there is no need to reconfirm your attendance.]

May 2025 "Dine In Goes Out" :

Members meet the 3rd Tuesday  each month, except Dec, June, July & Aug , at 12:00 pm in Member's Home (8 max) with the members rotating as the host.
for more photos click HERE

L-R: Geesje F., Nancy H., Angie J., Larry M., Catherine M.
Should you need more information, please contact Geesje F.

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 Donna Jean I. 

On March 7th, 2025 Hosted by Marg D. 
For more pictures, click HERE.

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: 

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. 
Note:
All suggestions are logged and the group votes on the most popular choices. 

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.

May 2025 Speaker- 
Annemarie Hagan “The Life and Times of ‘Hurricane’ Hazel McCallion"

On May 21st, 2025, at the Probus General Meeting, Jim E. introduced Speaker Annemarie Hagan to the Probus members.

Annemarie Hagan delivered an outstanding Microsoft Power Point presentation on “The Life and Times of ‘Hurricane’ Hazel McCallion."

Congratulations!

Upcoming Speakers: 

September 2025 speaker:
Detective Constable Jamie Chamberlain
London Police Service

13 years of service
10 years as uniformed officer
1 year's human trafficking unit
2 years financial crimes unit-elder abuse specialist
Also, on Marine unit.

 October 2025 speaker:
Sarah Hilton  Business Development Manager Western Fair District, speaking on the story and history of Western Fair Association.

November 2025 speaker:
Ron Monk 

"Who Am I" presentation by June A., Probus, #5 District Director:
May 21st 2025

 

Among her many talents, June highlighted her Sudbury roots, her career in education, and her proficiency in management.

Future Who Am I / Slice of Life Presenters: 
 September - Nancy F.

New Members:

From Left to Right: 
 Marie P.,  Ron M.

Congratulations!

HELP WANTED  The position of Club Secretary will become vacant at the end of this current term. If you: o are well-organized o are able to take accurate notes to produce minutes of monthly Management Committee meetings (9 meetings/year) o are willing to contribute your time to take an active role in the function of the Club o want to have a vote in Club decision-making this position could be for you! Training and support will be available. If you might be interested, please contact any member of our Nominating Committee: Nancy H. nholmes@rogers.com Jim & Sandra G. jsgilmour2001@yahoo.com Brigitte D. brigittedavidson38@gmail.com

MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE:  

 President: Nancy H.

Past Presidents: Sandra and Jim G.

Vice President: Moira C. 

Treasurer: Mike S.

Recording Secretary: Liz  G. 

Newsletter Editor: Marcel D.  

Membership Co-Ordinator: Nancy F.

Social Event Co-Ordinator: Marg D. 

Member at Large: Brigitte D.

Cheer Designate: Marg C. 

Scent-Free Policy: For the health and comfort of all of our members, those attending Probus meetings and events are asked to refrain from the use of scented products (cologne, perfume, personal care items, etc.)

Get Connected, Stay Connected

Newsletter Comments or submissions: Marcel D., Newsletter Editor