PROBUS Club of Cambridge upcoming events

Monthly Meeting with Kevin Swayze (November 25, 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Cambridge History Through a Journalist’s Lens

Kevin Swayze brings over 40 years of experience as a journalist, storyteller, and communicator — and a deep personal connection to Cambridge’s history.

Having spent 17 years as a reporter and editor at the Cambridge Reporter, Kevin covered the people, places, and pivotal moments that shaped our community. When the presses stopped for good, it was Kevin who quite literally turned out the lights for the last time — closing a remarkable chapter in local journalism.

In this engaging presentation, Kevin revisits Cambridge’s past through fascinating stories and striking images that capture the city’s evolution — from its industrial roots and neighbourhood character to the people and events that defined its identity. Drawing from his decades behind the camera and keyboard, he brings history to life with humour, insight, and a journalist’s eye for detail.

Kevin has also shared his communication skills as a Conestoga College professor and presentation coach. He is currently also editor of Neighbours of West Galt magazine.

Join us for a lively look at Cambridge’s history, told by someone who lived it, wrote it, and helped preserve it for future generations.

PERSONAL VIGNETTE: Also in this meeting, Thomas Benian will be delivering his personal vignette.

LUNCH BUNCH: After the meeting, all members are invited to have lunch (at their own cost) at a local restaurant. A great way to get to know your fellow members.

Monthly Meeting with Paul Langan (January 27, 2027)

Wed, 27 Jan 2027 14:30:00 GMT

The NHL from Hespeler

Local historian, author, and Hespeler resident Paul Langan joins us to share stories from his new book, The NHL from Hespeler.

Known for his passion for preserving Cambridge's rich history, Paul explores the fascinating connections between Hespeler and the National Hockey League.

His research highlights local hockey personalities, their journeys to professional hockey, and the community's proud sporting heritage.

Through engaging stories, historical insights, and personal interviews, Paul brings to life a lesser-known chapter of Hespeler's history.

Join us for an entertaining and nostalgic presentation celebrating local people who made their mark on the world of hockey.

PERSONAL VIGNETTE: Also in this meeting, Dwight Boyd will be delivering his personal vignette.

LUNCH BUNCH: After the meeting, all members are invited to have lunch (at their own cost) at a local restaurant. A great way to get to know your fellow members.

Monthly Meeting with Tara Mondou (February 24, 2027)

Wed, 24 Feb 2027 14:30:00 GMT

Every Life Has a Story Worth Telling

Everyone has a story worth telling, and author Tara Mondou believes those stories deserve to be preserved for future generations.

Tara is the author of two creative non-fiction novels, *Little Girl in the Mirror* and *Me and My Shadow*, which explore four generations of women in her family from the late 1940s through the 1980s. Her latest publication is a short story titled *The Purpose*.

In this entertaining and inspiring presentation, Tara will share stories from her books, explain her journey as a writer, and encourage others to capture their own family histories. She'll discuss how surprisingly easy it can be to write, publish, and share personal stories.

A longtime Cambridge resident and community volunteer, Tara co-founded Cambridge Authors and received the 2018 Bernice Adams Memorial Award for Communication/Literary Arts.

Join Tara for a heartwarming, humorous look at family memories, storytelling, and the importance of preserving our personal histories.

PERSONAL VIGNETTE: Also in this meeting, a club member will be delivering his personal vignette.

LUNCH BUNCH: After the meeting, all members are invited to have lunch (at their own cost) at a local restaurant. A great way to get to know your fellow members.

Monthly Meeting with Terry Fallis (March 31, 2027)

Wed, 31 Mar 2027 13:30:00 GMT

An Unorthodox Journey to the Published Land

The PROBUS Club of Cambridge is delighted to welcome Terry Fallis, one of Canada's most celebrated and entertaining authors, for a special presentation filled with humour, inspiration, and fascinating stories from his remarkable writing career.

A two-time winner of the prestigious Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry is the author of ten national bestsellers, including six #1 bestsellers. His debut novel, *The Best Laid Plans*, won CBC's Canada Reads competition and was adapted into both a television miniseries and a stage musical.

Terry will share his unlikely journey from struggling unpublished writer, unable to attract even a rejection letter, to award-winning novelist and sought-after speaker. Along the way, he'll reveal the challenges, surprises, and hilarious experiences that have shaped his writing life.

Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply enjoy a great story and a good laugh, this promises to be a memorable PROBUS event.

Visit the Terry Fallis web site for more info

PERSONAL VIGNETTE: Also in this meeting, Peter Richter will be delivering his personal vignette.

LUNCH BUNCH: After the meeting, all members are invited to have lunch (at their own cost) at a local restaurant. A great way to get to know your fellow members.

Monthly Meeting with Lola Reid Allin (May 26, 2027)

Wed, 26 May 2027 13:30:00 GMT

Highway to the Sky: An Aviator’s Journey

Lola Reid Allin is a trailblazing Canadian aviator, author, photographer and world traveller whose remarkable career has taken her from the skies over Ontario to adventures around the globe.

Earning her commercial pilot license in 1980, Lola became one of Canada's early professional female pilots and the first woman to serve as Chief Flying Instructor at the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre. Her aviation career includes flying as an instructor, charter pilot, medevac pilot and Ontario government pilot.

In this engaging and illustrated presentation, Lola will share fascinating stories from her flying career, the challenges she faced entering a traditionally male-dominated profession, and the pioneering women who helped shape aviation history.

Having also explored more than 60 countries, Lola brings a wealth of adventure, humour and personal insight to her storytelling.

Join us for an inspiring journey celebrating courage, determination and a lifelong passion for exploration.

Visit Lola Reid Allin's web site for more info

PERSONAL VIGNETTE: Also in this meeting, Dave Kinder will be delivering his personal vignette.

LUNCH BUNCH: After the meeting, all members are invited to have lunch (at their own cost) at a local restaurant. A great way to get to know your fellow members.