PROBUS CLUB OF SOUTH LONDON

President's Message:

No one ever would have mistaken this bespectacled 13-year-old for one of the “cool kids” (the braces came later … at age 40!). Her world was largely solitary with endless hours of piano practice, schoolwork and so much reading that her Mom occasionally had to hide her books so she would sleep!

It wasn’t until more than 50 years later that she was accepted into a new world, a fellowship of friendly people whose goal it is to have as much fun together as possible. Curious, intelligent storytellers, world travellers, educators, people from all walks of life gathering together … literally extending each others’ lives because of the benefits of their socializing.

And who knew? Even with our more sedate interests, now we’re also the “cool kids”! So-called “Grandma hobbies" - known as [ahem] “analogue activities” in this century - are trending with young people! They’re putting down their phones and screens and picking up knitting … and needlepoint … and puzzles … and craft supplies … and games … and binoculars to go birdwatching! Stitching replaces doom-scrolling. Crafting, puzzles, baking and cooking are delighting a whole new generation.

“WiP” - “Work in Progress Wednesday” - is now trending on TikTok, with tens of thousands of videos showing teens and 20-something people showing off their creations. Recording himself strolling along a wooded path, one young man exclaims “do you know what just rips in your 30’s, dude? Like birds, dude!”. One adorable young woman earnestly looks into her camera and says that she “recently discovered Mahjongg” (developed in China more than 200 years ago). All of them realizing that even their non-school/work activities had been on a screen. They relish the idea of going back to basics, enjoying activities that unite people across multi-generations, “stitching new bonds with timeless hobbies”.

So I, too say “cool kids, unite!”. Proudly hold up those playing cards, those puzzle pieces, real books, game cards and tiles, crafts and stitchery. Maybe the Wednesday Walkers or the City Explorers will grab binoculars and discover some birds along their way. Grandma and Grandpa stuff trending on TikTok? A young person near you just might be impressed!

If you want to learn more about about our available “analogue activities” and so much more, please join us at our next meeting: Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Nancy Holmes,
President

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 January 21, 2026, was Moe Bodnar who received $ 94.00

Marg Dean, Social Events Coordinator

HELPFUL INFORMATION WHEN
REGISTERING FOR AN EVENT

1. Information on Events and Interest Groups is available in the monthly Newsletter on our Website as well as at our General Meetings.

2. 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.

3. Register and pay for upcoming Events at our monthly General Meetings .

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

5.  Note:
a) E-transfers payable to slptreasure@gmail.com
 b) Cheques payable to Probus Club of South London.
c) For both E-transfers and Cheques kindly indicate the event in the memo section. 

6.     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.

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

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

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

LONDON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
SOLD OUT - Waiting list only

An opportunity to check out the NEW Children’s Museum which opened January 2025 on Kellogg Lane.

Date: Wednesday February 25, 2026

Time: 10:30 am.

Location: 100 Kellogg Lane – 4^th Floor

Parking: Information @ londonchildrensmuseum.ca
[ here is a link to additional information about location and parking].

Tour: free one-hour tour

Limit: 20 members

Deadline for Registering: February 18^th

Optional Lunch following the tour: many restaurants nearby as well as in the complex

Organizer:  Ronalee P 

TOP OF THE FAIR – BUFFET & HORSERACING

Date: Tuesday March 24, 2026 (Members & Guests are Welcome)

Location: Western Fair Raceway

Cost: $52.40 (Seniors’ Rate including Tax & Gratuity) Payable by the individual at

the table after dinner.

Features: Buffet including coffee or tea, Entrance, Betting Booklet, Betting Voucher, Casino Voucher, Free Parking, Elevator Access (Does not include alcoholic beverages or pop)

Time: Opens 5:00 pm., Buffet 5:30 pm., Racing 6:00 pm.

Register at the General Meeting

Organizer: Gail C

NUTS FOR CHEESE – Dairy-Free Cheese made from Cashews

Date: Wednesday April 29th

Location: Nuts for Cheese 20 Pacific Court, London, Ontario

Time: 1:30 pm.

FREE TOUR – approximately 1 ½ hours

Limit: 12 members

Clothing: long pants, closed-toe shoes You will be supplied with booties, gloves, hair net, and PPE products.
Register at the General Meeting

Organizer: Nancy H

PAST EVENTS:

 ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL BASILICA
 January 28, 2026

 St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica is a prominent downtown London landmark, completed in 1885. Known for its Gothic Revival architecture, soaring spires, and stained-glass windows, it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of London and remains an active place of worship and community gathering.
Click HERE for more photos.

Many thanks to Ronalee P. for organizing this inspirational tour.

A fun and easy way to make new friends is by joining our Probus Groups such as Euchre, Rummikub, Games, Book Club, or Dine-In. It’s easy to participate in a new interest group. Contact Marg D. or sign up at a General Meeting. When there are enough signatures to form a new group, Marg will set up an initial meeting to decide on the format of YOUR NEW GROUP.  You’re ready to go for “Fellowship, Friendship & Fun” (our Probus motto).

Coffee Mornings:

Men's Coffee:
2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 AM in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.  

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 AM in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.

Investment Club:

Meets at Riverbend Golf Cours Clubhouse at 10 AM

May to Nov 2nd Wednesday, Dec to April 2nd Thursday.

Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don J.  prior to their initial Meeting.

Euchre:

Euchre #1: The 4th Thursday at 1:30 PM at a Member's Home.
Euchre #2: The 3rd Thursday at 1:30 PM at a Member's Home.
Euchre #3: The 3rd Monday 1:00 - 4:30 pm at a Member's Home.

Book Club:

Book Club #1 meets the 1st Monday of the month at 2:00 p.m. in a Member's Home except December, July & August (or when the 1st Monday is a holiday).
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. 

Rummikub:

Meets 1st Tuesday at 1:30 PM at a Members Home.
Easy to learn and exciting to plan your strategies.

Games:

1st Friday   at 1:30 p.m. at a Member's Home. Members share their favorite Games.

On March 7th, 2025 Hosted by Marg D. 

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.




Dine In:

Members meet the 3rd Tuesday each month, except Dec, June, July & Aug ,  at 1:00 pm in Member's Home.

Dine Out: 

On the 1st Wednesday of the month (except December) at 12 noon. A convenor is chosen from the previous Dine Out. The convenor selects the venue and prepares a notice and sends information to the Newsletter Editor, Marcel Djivre .

 February 4th, 2026: Tiger Jacks,
Convenor: Marg D.

It was a wonderful meal and great company. A warm welcome to our new members (Gayle and John), and kudos to Marg D. for putting together such a great event.

For more pictures, click HERE

Post General Meeting Lunch: Following the General Meeting on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, we invite all members to join us for Lunch at  Ben Thanh North, 1225 Wonderland Rd., N., (Sherwood Forest Mall)

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.

Springbank Park Nature Walk on Oct 22nd, 2025.

Day Trippers - Out of Towners:

We would love to hear from group members where they may wish to travel in 2026. If you have a suggestion please email to Janice R.  Note: All suggestions are logged and the group votes on the most popular choices. 

Royal Winter Fair November 12, 2025

Picture provided by Brigitte D. 

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.

January 21, 2026, Speaker

  

Ron Monk shared a vibrant and entertaining account of his journey along the Camino Trails.

Future Speakers:

February 2026
Dr Ryan Salewski is a neuroscientist and Associate Director of Western University's BrainScan with more than 15 years experience in brain research. 
He is hoping to encourage the audience to come with curiosity and a readiness for discussion. 

March 2026
Barb Dorrington will share powerful memories and surprising connections of cold case stories of London Ontario. 

April 2026
Member Jean Hewitt will entertain us with the Famous Five Ladies, and will perform the London History Project 

May 2026: 
Peter Jedicke will speak on The Universe as a whole. 
Peter lives in London, he was national President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. He is Honorary President of the Royal Astronomical Society  London Centre. 
He has written three books for teenagers and has had various articles published in Canada and the US. 

Who Am I -
John Barnett

On January 21, 2026, John Barnett gave a great presentation. Before retiring, he taught at Western University in London, Ontario, sixteen years. His passion was Biology, and he also found great success teaching computers to young students. He enjoys spending his time on flight simulation. Congratulations, John, on your accomplishments.

Future Who Am I Presenters:

February - Phil Waller

March - Linda Vurma

April - T.B.A.

May - Heather Scaldwell

New members:Welcome to the South London Probus Club on January 21, 2026. 

In the picture, from left to right: David Peden, Elinor McMartin, Jim Easton, and Wendy Chesworth.

2025/26 Social Committee Team Co-ordinator - Marg D. (new email: margdean34@gmail.com) Members - Gail C, Brigitte D, Ronalee P, Nancy H

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.)

Get Connected, Stay Connected

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