April, 1982
Susanne Alexander, the province's Cultural Affairs Director,
called together a literary advisory committee. The committee
agreed to participate in the formation of an association to
inform, support and promote writers in New Brunswick.
May, 1982
The literary advisory committee met with Greg Cook, Executive
Director of the Nova Scotia Writers' Federation.
June, 1982
Letters were sent out to known writers.
September, 1982
Writers gathered for a meeting at the University of New
Brunswick in Fredericton and agreed on the formation of a Writers' Federation of New Brunswick.
April, 1983
The first annual meeting of WFNB was held. Allan
Cooper agreed to become President and Dr. Alfred Bailey
consented to be Honourary President. A constitution was adopted
and members present decided to form a legal association.
1984
WFNB became incorporated. The structure consists of a
Board of Directors.There are seven executives plus two honourary
presidents and twelve board members from all areas of the
province who also represent the diversity of writers' interests.
1987
A part-time project co-ordinator was hired.
1992
The WFNB newsletter, New
Brunswick ink, was launched.
1993
An office was established, open on a part-time basis, with
phone and answering machine.
1994
The Cooperation Agreement on Cultural Development awarded
WFNB a grant to work on a Strategic Plan for future
development.
1995
Strategic Plan was presented at 1995 Annual General Meeting
in Fredericton and, in light of the results of a member survey
undertaken as part of the study, WFNB decided on
activities and services that would take priority in coming
years.
1996
Directory of Members
published. Editors: Gary J. Langguth and Lachlan MacQuarrie.
1997
WFNB members make presentations to the Cultural Policy
Task Force in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and Bathurst. WFNB celebrates its 15th Annual General Meeting with the
launch of a WFNB website.
1999
WFNB Executive approves of WFNB Community
Branch Program, designed to formalize relationships with
community-based writing groups across New Brunswick.
2000
WFNB celebrates WFNB Day with the launch of its Directory of Members 2000,
edited by Mary Hutchman, and
public readings by members in Saint John, the Kennebecasis
Valley, Sackville, and Fredericton.
2001
WFNB held its annual Alden Nowlan Literary
Festival in Fredericton and Canada Council sponsored readings
and workshops. The three-day festival was a huge success.
Title "Project Coordinator" changed to "Executive Director."
2002
The second Alden Nowlan Literary Festival pays tribute to
Fred Cogswell.
2003
The third Alden Nowlan Literary Festival pays tribute to
Robert Gibbs.
Amendments to Article 1 by-laws passed at AGM.
AGM amended Structure of the Board of Directors to consist of
a President, Past President and up to a eight members-at-large.
2004
The fourth Alden Nowlan Literary Festival paid tribute to M.
Travis Lane.
2006
Return of the annual Fall Fair
2007
WFNB participated in the Northrop Frye Literary Festival
WFNB office moved from Queen Street, to the Charlotte
Street Arts Centre in Fredericton.
2008
Mary Hutchman resigns, and Michelle Lovegrove Thomson is
hired as Executive Director.
2009 Longtime Ink and Website editor Lee Thompson takes over Executive Director.
WFNB conducts its first Members Survey since 1995.
Our AGM is transformed into a festival called WordSpring. Our FallFair becomes WordsFall.
Our office in the Charlotte Street Arts Centre is closed.
WFNB launches Breaking the Word Barrier: Stories of Adults Learning ot Read in collaboration with Laubach Literacy NB. In October a 6-city Road Show begins to promote the book and literacy.
