PROBUS CLUB OF SOUTH LONDON

President's Message:

If you ask someone why they decided to join an organization, often you’ll hear “I wanted to meet ’new people’”. But the awkward reality of meeting those new people probably means you’re going to have to … make small talk with strangers! And how often have we also heard “I hate making small talk!”?

And yet new research reveals that people consistently underestimate just how enjoyable conversations about “boring” topics, e.g., the weather, the neighbour’s pets, the stock market really are, and may hold the key to feeling more connected. So many of us avoid small talk, dread networking events and assume that certain topics just won’t be interesting. In the study, some participants didn’t actually talk - they read, or watched conversations. For them, the prediction of being boring was accurate. The gap between expectation and experience shows up only when people were actively participating. It wasn’t the topic that made conversations enjoyable - it was being part of them.

The disconnect comes down to the “static” and “dynamic” parts of a conversation. Before you start talking, you can easily judge the static part: the topic. But what makes a conversation enjoyable is the dynamic part: the back-and-forth, the responsiveness, the feeling of being engaged. The catch: you can’t really anticipate that until the conversation already is underway. Conversations don’t hinge on having a great topic - the connection itself is what matters.

The practical implication is straightforward. Every time we skip out on an interaction because we fear it may be awkward or boring, we may be unnecessarily depriving ourselves of small moments of connection that could improve our mood and sense of belonging, and reduce loneliness.

As we near the end of our Probus year, there are still occasions for you to make connections: our next general meeting on Wednesday, May 20th, followed by our Spring Luncheon at the beautiful Highland Country Club on Tuesday, June 16th (last chance to purchase will be May 20th). As well, our Out of Towners group has planned a delightful excursion to Whistling Gardens on June 11th where the peonies will be in full, glorious bloom. Details on these events in this Newsletter and by an upcoming eBlast.

I hope to see as many of you as possible at these events “making some small talk”!

Nancy H

 The “Butterfly Effect” UPDATE: for those of you unable to attend our April meeting, member Barbara G told us about a friend with whom she had shared the story of traditional textiles being used in a biomechatronics lab at Western. Her friend had been trying to find a new home for a loom which she no longer used. Barbara was able to connect her friend with Dr. Trejo and that loom now has been installed in her lab. So there are those butterflies working alongside the power of Probus connection, to the benefit of patients who use wearable devices in the treatment of their movement disorders. 

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 April 16, 2026, was Carol C. who received $101.50

Marg Dean, Social Events Coordinator

HELPFUL INFORMATION WHEN  REGISTERING FOR AN EVENT

1. Information on Events and Interest Groups is available at our General Meetings, in the monthly Newsletter and on our website  www.southlondonprobus.ca

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

3. Register and pay for upcoming events at our General Meetings. Cheques payable to: Probus Club of South London E-Transfers payable to slptreasure@gmail.com Note: “treasure” not “treasurer”
Include your name, name of guests and the event in the memo section
Please, no cash nor post-dated cheques

4. NEW REGISTRATION & PAYMENT POLICY: No event registration will be accepted without receipt of 1) a cheque, or 2) proof of e-Transfer (either printed copy or electronic from phone or watch)

5. All payments are subject to confirmation of receipt by the club treasurer

6. Cancellation Policy: There are NO REFUNDS. Should you need to cancel, please try to sell or give away your ticket.

7. Transportation to Events: You are responsible for your own transportation.

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

CITY EXPLORERS – NATURE AND HISTORIC WALKS

Walks led by Phil Waller occur during April, May, June, September and October, the 4th Wednesday at 10:00 am. with a limit of 15 Probus members.

City Explorers May 27th 

Date: Wednesday May 27th

Time: 10:00 am. (Please arrive by 9:50)

Meet: at Victor Street & Wortley Rd.

Walk Details: Old jail & courthouse, Blackfriars Bridge, Labatt Park & osprey nests, Bicycle Cafe on Thames Street

Registration: at the general meeting – limit of 15 members

Contact Person: Please contact Brigitte D if you are unable to attend so that a member on the waiting list can take your place.
Weather: If cancelled due to rain, you will be notified by email by 8:30 AM

City Explorers June 24th

Date: Wednesday June 24th

Time: 10:00 AM (Please arrive at 9:50)

Location: Meet at Wortley Roadhouse 190 Wortley Road. Park at the east end of the parking lot. If not going to Wortley Roadhouse for refreshments following the walk, then park on Elmwood Ave. (2 hour free parking)

Description of Walk: interesting sights in Wortley Village then continue to the Coves

Weather: If cancelled due to rain, you will be notified by email by 8:30 AM

Contact Person: Please notify Brigitte D if you are unable to attend so that a member on the waiting list can take your place.

Registration: Please register at the May general meeting. Limit of 15 Probus members

Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP)

Let’s get together in Petrolia for the production “I Do, I Do”.  (www.thevpp.ca)
“SOLD OUT”

Date: Friday May 15th at 2:00 pm

Location: 411 Greenfield Street, Petrolia (Free parking lot across from the theatre)

Lunch: at your own expense at 11:15 am. at Chuck’s Roadhouse, 4236 Petrolia Line which is within walking distance to the theatre. Also, free parking behind the restaurant and entrance through the back door.
Tickets will be distributed at the Restaurant.

Transportation: Please provide your own transportation.

Reminder: There are no refunds. Sell or give away your ticket if unable to attend

Organizer: Gail Clarke

 

JUNE LUNCHEON

MEMBERS AND GUESTS ARE WELCOME AT OUR ANNUAL JUNE LUNCHEON

Date: Tuesday June 16 th

Location: Highland Golf Club, 1922 Highland Heights

Time: 11:30 Cash Bar 12:00 Luncheon 1:30 Entertainment

Cost: $40.00 (includes choice of entrée, tax, gratuity, door prizes & entertainment)

Payment: $40.00 (Deadline May 20th.)

Payable at the May Meeting by Cheque or Interac Proof of E Transfer. (Either Printed or Electronic)

Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds

Entrée#1: Meat Loaf – mashed potatoes & gravy, seasoned vegetables, warm rolls, chocolate brownie & ice-cream, coffee or tea

Entrée #2: Chicken Parmesan -lightly breaded chicken breast with a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese on a bed of penne pasta, warm rolls, chocolate brownie with ice- cream, coffee or tea

PAST EVENTS:

Nuts for Cheese April 29th, 2026

The tour of the Nuts for Cheese facility in London, ON was a great experience. Founder Margaret Coons delivered an excellent PowerPoint presentation on cheese manufacturing, and Scot MacMillan led an engaging and informative tour. Click HERE for more photos.

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:

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:

 Rummikub #: 1 st Tuesday at 1:30 pm. at a member’s home

Rummikub #2: 3 rd Tuesday at 1:00 pm. at a member’s home

Games:

Members share their favourite games.

Games #1: 1st Friday at 1:30 pm. at a member’s home
Games #2:  3rd Tuesday at 2:00 pm. at a member’s home

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.

In April 2026 Homemade Soups and Sandwiches Hosted by Catherine and Larry M.
(see picture)

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 .

 Richie's Family Restaurant May 6, 2026
Convenor: Sybilla E.

 The turnout was fantastic, and members enjoyed each other’s company over a delicious breakfast and luncheon with well-prepared, tasty dishes. Congratulations to Sybilla E. for organizing such a wonderful event.

For more pictures, click HERE

Post General Meeting Lunch: After the General Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, all members are invited to join us for lunch at Montana’s.

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, May, June, Sept and Oct.- Each walk is limited to 15 members. Please register for the walks that interest you at the general meeting.

 Walk at Euston Park on April 22, 2026.
For more pictures click HERE.

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.

April 15, 2026 Speaker -Jean Hewitt 

The Women in History project by Jean Hewitt featured two actresses bringing to life famous Canadian women.

Jayne Tarry portrayed Emily Stowe, the first woman doctor to practice medicine in Canada, who had to earn her degree in the U.S. since women were not allowed to attend medical school in Canada at the time.

Maria Marsh played Agnes Campbell McPhail, the first woman elected to parliament, representing Grey County, Ontario.

Picture left to right is:
Maria Marsh, Jean Hewitt, Jayne Tarry

It was a very entertaining and interesting story of women achieving recognition according to Sue W.

Future Speakers: 

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. 

September 2026:
Mark Kearney, a Western University instructor will speak to us about London native Al  Christie.  The legacy of a successful director, producer and writer from the silent and golden eras of Hollywood. He has a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame.

Who Am I - April 15, 2026
Ann Hambley

Interesting presentation by Ann H. according to Sue W. present at Meeting.

 

Future Who Am I Presenters:

 May - Heather Scaldwell
Oct - Phil Waller

New members:

Welcome to the South London Probus Club on April 15, 2026. 

 Jean Hewitt (LHS) new Member with Nancy H. President

 

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.) ...of Note

Get Connected, Stay Connected

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