President's Message:

“We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance”  - Harrison Ford

In the calendar year, October is perhaps the month that most exemplifies “change”. Summer heat and humidity give way to warm, pleasant days and cool nights.  Schools and colleges open their doors to a new term and yellow buses dot our traffic landscape. The green canopy overhead flashes red, orange and gold as the natural world begins its preparation for inevitable winter. Fall fairs abound, and we revel in the simple joys of a juicy, freshly-picked apple and for some of us, the taste of the ubiquitous “pumpkin spice”!

As our environment changes, we too face changes in our lives. Have you experienced a tragic loss or the joy of a new baby in your family? Has your health been challenged? Are you anticipating or dreading a change in your living circumstances? Are your relationships evolving, for better, or for worse?

As in our youth, changes seem to come at us with what can feel like blinding speed in our later years - it’s always something! If we feel alone, we can become overwhelmed. But those of us who are fortunate to have fellowship and friendship don’t feel so alone. We know that there are people around us who are interested in us, people who care. And we can feel less alone if we are the ones to reach out and provide that interest and care to others.

Our Probus Club provides many opportunities for people to gather, to get to know one another, to find others with similar interests. And no matter what we’re doing, the laughter is built in. In this Newsletter, you will find descriptions of those opportunities, and we invite you to participate and perhaps even try something new. You just might find what Mr. Ford calls that “second chance”.

Our October featured speaker will be Kris Dinel of the Western Fair Association who will speak to us about the history of the Fair and how it has had to change to remain relevant to our changing society. No doubt he will bring back some fond memories as well as describe the future direction of the organization.

I look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting on Wednesday, October 15th."

Nancy Holmes
President

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Sep 17th, 2025

President Nancy H. opened the AGM by presenting the 2025-2026 Slate of Management Committee Officers and discussing the Bylaw revision. Club Treasurer Mike S. followed with a presentation of the 2024-25 Financial Statements. These updates were shared with Probus members via an eBlast on August 18, 2025.

FROM OUR TREASURER:

"The following questions were posed by members to our Club Treasurer at the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Question #1: Why is so much surplus kept in the bank account, and why can't it be used to offset membership fees and/or social event costs, e.g., luncheons?

Answer:  Doug Cucheron, Financial Manager at PROBUS Canada, confirmed the information provided at the AGM by the Club Treasurer. 

“As a guideline, clubs may accumulate sufficient surplus money to cover one year of normal operations. That is, a surplus equals the total of one year’s budget.”
Probus Canada follows this same guideline to ensure continued operations, even under unanticipated events.
Ref. PROBUS Canada website, Club Reference Guide, Club Administration, Financial Guidelines

Probus Club of South London:
2024/25 actual budget $6,819.20
2025/26 projected budget $6,700.00

Current surplus:
$5,821.15 (bank balance Jul 31/25) 

Question #2: Especially in these times, why is our Club website using a U.S.-based organization, i.e., Wild Apricot? 

Answer: PROBUS Canada has endorsed Wild Apricot for those Clubs with websites. Conscious of the high cost, Probus Club of South London investigated alternatives, but was forced to conclude that creating a new website with continued monitoring would require the spending of thousands of dollars, well beyond our current surplus."

Should members have any additional questions or comments, please contact Mike S., Treasurer.

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 Sep 17th, 2025, was Michelle   Beaulac who received $85.00

 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. Remember 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

AN OPPORTUNITY TO “GET CONNECTED AND STAY CONNECTED” by joining fellow Probus members in the upcoming events. 

CITY EXPLORERS NATURE WALK led by Phil Waller

Sign-up sheet at the General Meeting – Limit of 15 Probus members

Date: Wednesday October 22nd, 2025

Time: 9:50 AM

Location: Civic Gardens, 205 Wonderland Road -meet beside the Civic Community Centre -lots of parking in lower & upper level

Highlights: walking on the well-worn trails off the pavement in Springbank Park ending at the Civic Gardens relaxing at picnic tables under the 200-year-old maple and oak trees

Contact Person: Brigitte D.

LONDON BREWING TOUR (Londonbrewing.ca)

Sign-up sheet at the General Meeting – Limit of 25 Probus members

Date: Wednesday October 29 th

Time: 11:30 AM

Location: London Brewing 521 Burbrook Place

FREE TOUR: Preliminary talk (10-20 minutes) followed by brewery tour (15-20 minutes)

ACCESSIBILITY: The brewery is accessible to walkers and scooters. No specifically accessible washrooms, but they are fairly large.

BEER PURCHASES AVAILABLE: Currently, there are 17 brews available for purchase to take home.

CUT OFF DATE: Wednesday October 15 th

OPTIONAL LUNCH: Nearby restaurants include several at 100 Kellogg Lane and a Vietnamese restaurant on Dundas Street

Contact Person: Brigitte D

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE TOUR

Sign-up sheet at the General Meeting – Limit of 20 Probus members

Date: Saturday November 29 th

Time: 10:00 AM (Please arrive by 9:45)

Location: 741 Baseline Road East, London, Ontario

Parking: Generally, there is room for 6-7 cars at Ronald McDonald House. Other nearby options are - Tim Hortons, Metro, McDonalds and behind Medical Building. Carpooling is encouraged.

Free Tour – approximately 1 ½ hours

Deadline for Registration: November 19 th

Optional Lunch: a number of restaurants in the area for those interested in getting together for lunch following the tour

Contact Person: Ronalee P

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON – HIGHLAND GOLF COURSE

Sign-up sheet at General Meeting – Family & friends are welcome

DECEMBER 10 TH – Details regarding the meal and cost will be available at the October General Meeting. Payment by cheque or e-transfer is due with registration. Sorry, no refunds. Contact Person:  Gail C.

Past Events:

WALTERS MUSIC VENUE -
Neil Diamond Tribute Sep 13, 2025

Will Chalmers delivered an incredible performance in his Neil Diamond tribute, keeping the audience engaged and thoroughly entertained. Kudos to the organizers, Gail C. and Marg D., for a job well done!

For more Pictures click HERE.

Lunch at Charles Dickens Restaurant on Sep 13th, 2025, prior to Walters. 

Picture of Probus members and guests enjoying lunch before attending Walters Music Venue.

For more photos, click HERE 

Interest Groups: Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!

City Explorers:
A combination of nature and historic walks led by Phil Waller (Contact Person -Brigitte D.) on the 4 th Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM from April- October. Each walk is limited to 15 members. Please register for the walks that interest you at the general meeting.

Wortley Village Nature Walk
Phil W. and Marg D. shown in photo above. For more photos of Probus members in attendance on August 27th, 2025, click HERE 

Dine Out: 

On September 3rd, 2025, Dine Out occurred at Piper Arms Restaurant. The convenors Mark and Nancy G. were able to attract seventeen members.
The company and food were great!
For more photos click HERE. 

Dine Out on Oct 1st, 2025:
 
The Chop Steakhouse & Bar provided a cozy atmosphere with enjoyable music, ideal for chatting and relaxing. The staff was welcoming, and the food was tasty and well-prepared. It was Marcel D.'s first time as the Convenor, and he had a great time.
For more photos click HERE. 

Post General Meeting Lunch: Following the General Meeting on Wednesday, Oct 15th, 2025, we invite all members to join us for Lunch at Bernie's in Byron.

Dine In:

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

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:

The Investment Group typically meets at the Riverbend Golf Course clubhouse, on the second Wednesday of each month.  The group usually convenes about 10 am, with the formal meeting beginning at 10:30.  We track a range of investments of interest to members and discuss various topics relevant to members' financial wellbeing.  

The group is quite informal and welcomes participants with a range of backgrounds who are interested in sharing their knowledge and learning from each other.

Beginning in December, meetings shift to the second Thursday of the month until the golf course reopens in the Spring.

Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don J.  to confirm the date and time. 

Euchre:

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. at a member's home
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. 

September 17th, 2025, speaker

D/C Jamie Chamberlain (assisted by Ben G.)
London Police Services, Financial Crimes Unit - 

The presentation had a clear structure, and here are some examples of the topics it covered:
- Fraud
- Financial Crimes Unit
- Canadian Fraud Stats
-Fraud Types
-Mass Market Frauds
-Cryptocurrency
-Phishing Examples
- Identity Theft/Fraud
-Resources. etc.



Click HERE to view the Contact List (Resources)

The photo showcases Moira C., the Vice President responsible for arranging guest speakers for each General Meeting, alongside Ben G. and Jamie C. from the London Police Financial Crimes Unit. Big thanks to Moira for bringing such excellent speakers to the Probus General Meetings!

Upcoming Speakers: 

 October 2025 speaker:
 Kris Dinel from Western Fair Association, will speak on the history of Western Fair Association, where it is at present, and where the Association will develop for the future.
This presentation will be of historic interest, and appeal to both rural and urban members.
Kris Dinel is the Vice President of Strategy for Western Fair District.

November 2025 speaker:
Wendy Allen is the proud daughter of 2 WWII RCAF Veterans. Wendy will speak of their experiences during WWII.
Wendy grew up in King City, and at the age of 21 she met and married fiddle player John P Allen. 

January 2026 speaker:
Ron Monk, a recent member to Probus club. He will be speaking on his experience walking the Camino Trail.

Future Who Am I Presenters:
October 2025
Nancy F. 

November 2025
Sandra B.

New Members:
Karen E.

Members Corner:

Sandra B., Probus Club Member, proudly showing the King Charles III Coronation Medal she received from the Lieutenant Governor.

2025/26 MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE:

 President: Nancy H.
Vice President: Moira C.
Secretary: Sue W.
Treasurer: Mike S.
Membership Coordinator: Nancy F.
Social Event Coordinator: Marg D.
Communications Coordinator: Marcel D.
Past President: 2025-2026 duties to be carried out by Member at Large.
Member at Large: Brigitte D.
ADDITIONAL:
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.)

October is Probus Celebration Month

Get Connected, Stay Connected

Submit Newsletter Comments or submissions to: Marcel D., Communications Coordinator