PROBUS CLUB OF SOUTH LONDON

President's Message:

A tiny girl learns to crochet at her grandmother’s knee and decades later as an engineer, uses that skill in her sophisticated biomechatronics lab.

An Archduke’s driver takes a wrong turn into the path of an assassin, triggering events that led to World War I and all that followed.

A woman gets a new next-door-neighbour in 1982, with whom she has a polite, cordial relationship for a few years until the neighbour moves away. Forty plus years later, that woman happens to walk into a Probus meeting and there is her former neighbour, who becomes her good friend and confidante.

What could be the connection among all of these disparate things? In chaos theory, "the butterfly effect” suggests that seemingly insignificant actions or choices can trigger vast, unpredictable and non-linear consequences over time. Metaphorically, as first articulated by mathematician Edward Lorenz, “a butterfly flapping its wings over the Amazon could result in a hurricane in Texas”.

As Probus members, you likely will hear and read (even at the bottom of this Newsletter) our motto, “Get connected, Stay connected”. Have you recognized a situation where you are now able to connect a small, random event that happened long ago to something important in your present life? 

Our Club members have all manner of ways to connect with one another, be it on an interesting tour, playing some fun games, enjoying a delicious meal together or learning more about our City on an invigorating walk. Who knows, you might see or hear or experience something that appears insignificant at the time, but later turns out to be a consequential part of your life. Coincidence? Random accident? Or perhaps you just might feel a gentle breeze from the delicate flapping of a butterfly’s wing. 

I hope you will join us as we gather again at our next general meeting, on Wednesday, April 15th. We look forward to getting to better know one of our members as she answers the question, “Who Am I?”. As always, there will be information about our social opportunities and we will enjoy a unique experience with member Jean Hewitt and friends.

See you there!
Nancy H.
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 March 18, 2026, was Suzanne O'. who received $110.00

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.    

CITY EXPLORERS – NATURE AND HISTORIC WALKS

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

April City Explorers - EUSTON PARK

Date: Wednesday April 22 nd

Time: 10:00 am. (Please arrive 10 minutes early.)

Location: 157 Winston Ave. London, Ontario

Description of Walk: flat scenic hike – option of going for coffee after the walk at Tim Hortons in the Giant Tiger Mall on Springbank Drive

Directions: Winston runs off emery. Emery goes from Wharncliffe

Road to Beachwood Drive. Winston ends at the trail head. Parking on Winston Street. Phil will be standing on the corner of Winston and Emery wearing an orange sweater.

Weather: If the walk needs to be cancelled due to rain, you will be notified by email by 8:30 am.

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

Registration: Please register at the general meeting.

May City Explorers – 

Date: Wednesday May 27 th

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, the

market for a coffee

Registration: at the general meeting – limit of 15 members

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. No jewelry
Register at the General Meeting

Organizer: Nancy H

Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP)

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

NOW OPEN TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS

Date: Friday May 15th at 2:00 pm

Cost: $59.00 payable when you register at a general meeting.
Deadline for registration and payment is April 15 th
 Note: The theatre tickets will be handed out during lunch at the restaurant. 

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.

Transportation: Please provide your own transportation whether by driving yourself or organizing a carpool.

Reminder: There are no refunds. Sell or give away your ticket if unable to attend
Register at the General Meeting.

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 payable by cheque or e-transfer at the time of registration at a general meeting (Deadline- May 20th)

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:

TOP OF THE FAIR – BUFFET & HORSERACING March 24, 2026

 Location: Western Fair Raceway

The Raceway Probus event had a fantastic turnout, with members enjoying an exquisite buffet dinner and taking part in the races.

Brigitte D. (pictured) celebrated her birthday with fellow members at the track and was treated to a complimentary cupcake.

Congratulations to Gail C. for putting together such a wonderful event.



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:

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:

 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 February 2026 Dine in meal was hosted by Donna J, (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 .

 Red Lobster April 1, 2026
Convenor: Moira C.

The turnout was fantastic, and members enjoyed their seafood dishes. Congratulations to Moira C. for organizing this dine-out.

For more pictures, click HERE

Post General Meeting Lunch: Following the General Meeting on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, we invite all members to join us for Lunch at   Piper Arms, on Wonderland South

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.

March 18, 2026 Speaker -
Barb Dorrington

  

Barb Dorrington shared her memories of cold case stories from London, Ontario, honoring and keeping alive the memories of the victims. It was a great and detailed presentation.

IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS (Barb D.)

Future Speakers: 

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 - March 18, 2026
Linda Vurma

Linda Vurma, a proud and curious Canadian, delivered an impressive PowerPoint presentation sharing her life and adventures in places like Lake Wahwashkesh, Camel Trails, and the Road to Taif, along with her honors from McMaster University and recognition from the Sherwood Forest staff.

Future Who Am I Presenters:

April - Ann Hambly
May - Heather Scaldwell
Oct - Phil Waller

New members:

Welcome to the South London Probus Club on March 18, 2026. 

LHS Picture:
Barbara G. and Debby A.  

Picture of new members from left to right:
Nanette D., Nancy E., Shirley H., Martyn J., Bernadette L., Ken L.

 

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