Guest Speakers for 2024-25


Graham Ghent
Date: January 14, 2026
Presenter: Graham Ghent
Topic: All About BigDoor in Walkerton

“Caring for people where they’re at, in a space where they can move forward.”

The team at BigDoor hopes this building can be a source of care, hope, support and community for anyone who enters our “big door”. Graham Ghent will be talking about some of the many services they offer, including  "Comfort Meals" (which happen on Tuesday for those in need of a warm lunch) and the "326cafe" (which is an after school drop in for high school students).

 

Jean Rowcliffe
Date: November 12, 2025
Presenter: Jean Rowcliffe
Topic: Nanny to the Royals

Ms Jean Rowcliffe (who lives in St Marys) is a retired nanny, formerly employed by the Royal family. She began working for them as a 17 year old servant at Buckingham Palace in 1974. 

After 18 months she briefly returned to Canada, before heading back to England to attend the prestigious Norland College (the training ground which still produces nannies for the Royal Family including the Prince and Princess of Wales). 

After she graduated in 1979, her previous experience at Buckingham Palace helped her land a job as a nanny, helping the Prince and Princess of Kent raise a young Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Kingston.

She spent four and a half years at Kensington Palace before continuing her career in other fascinating locations around the world.

What was it like working for the Royals?  You'll have to attend the November Probus meeting to find out!

Lynn Weimer
Date: October 8, 2025
Presenter: Lynn Weimer
Topic: Planning for your Health Care Future

Lynn Weimer worked as a Registered Nurse for 39 years. 
 
The last 35 years she worked in Intensive Care Units, where she witnessed first hand the distress that families suffered when they had to make decisions regarding their loved one's  care.  For the last 14 years she has been a volunteer for Hospice Waterloo in various roles. 

 

She will be speaking on Advance Care Planning 101

Imagine, If you were in the hospital, too ill or hurt to speak for yourself, who would make health care decisions for you?

Join us as we look at health care decision making in Ontario and how Advance Care Planning conversations can help you and your loved ones. This session is all about how the law in Ontario sets up Substitute Decision Making, and what you need to know about choosing your Substitute Decision Maker (SDM). This is essential information you need to know about Advance Care Planning in Ontario.  

Advance Care Planning – the gift you give each other!