Come Visit Fredericton

I attended my first D45 conference last year, and competed in the D45 Humorous Speech Contest. Although I didn’t place in the top three, the experience is one of my most treasured moments. When I walked off that stage after completing my speech, the feeling of triumph I felt at that moment was sheer joy. No one can ever take that feeling away from me. It was at that moment I knew I loved speaking in public, that I had the confidence in myself to do it, and that I needed a lot of practice, coaching and mentoring if I were going to achieve my dreams. By the end of that conference I had connected with three of our District's top speakers, and a year later I have a coach in Carl Duivenvoorden and a mentor in Joe Grondin. These two were persons I hardly knew this time last year yet they have taken me under their wings and shared their wealth of experience with me. That's something you don’t find a lot of these days.
Sharon Jacques, Host Area Governor

I’d like to invite ALL members of District 45 to the Picture Province in general and the City of Stately Elms in particular from May 28-30, 2010 for our District 45 Spring Conference.

Fredericton, my home city, has a rich historical past which its citizens have tried to preserve for citizens and visitors alike. The Toastmasters of host Areas 13 and 19 join me in extending an invitation to you. Come early and stay an extra few days to enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of Fredericton. Let me guide you through some of the City’s highlights.

Exit the hotel and there are many historical options in three directions – east, west and south. Going east (to the hotel’s left), is the world renowned Beaverbrook Art Gallery that features works by Canadian and British artists and a unique sample of works from international artists. The Gallery's icon, Salvador Dali’s Santiago el Grande is on permanent display.

Behind the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, there is a 5km walking path that takes you from one side of the main core to the other. The walking path, part of “Canada’s Trail”, also takes you to the famous “walking bridge”!

Directly across the street is our “Playhouse” – home of great theatre and musical performances since 1964 after Lord & Lady Beaverbrook gave us this gift. Being built next door to The Playhouse is the new Trade and Convention Centre – I’m sure the future sight of some District 45 Conferences!

Kitty corner to the hotel, sits the majestic Provincial Legislative Assembly, seat of government in the province since 1882. Continue east, past the Legislative Assembly to see one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in North America—Christ Church Cathedral, whose towering copper spire dominates Fredericton’s skylines. An exquisite cenotaph of the first Bishop of Fredericton (Medley) is at the east end of the Cathedral, surrounded by many fine examples of woodworking and stained glass art. It is rumored that the ghost of the first Mrs. Medley visits her husband’s cenotaph periodically.

Going west (to the hotel’s right), Queen Street hosts many architectural and historical buildings that you will want to explore to get a glimpse of our past. Our majestic City Hall with its Tower Clock (erected in 1876), the John Clark Memorial Building (where you’ll find the National Exhibition Centre and the NB Sports Hall of Fame), the Old Military Compound (where British troops were garrisoned from 1784 –1869), and Officer’s Square (one of the City’s most beautiful and historic areas that was a center of both British and Canadian Army activity from 1785-1914) are just a few of the sites.

Directly south of the hotel, you can saunter along Brunswick Street to visit the most historically important cemetery in New Brunswick. The Old Burial Ground is the final resting place for many Loyalist families who founded NB, clergy, judges, government officials and early settlers from whom many Frederictonians are descended as well as English governors and members of the British Regiments stationed in Fredericton. Walk through the cemetery to read some “unusual” headstones!

Of course, you can’t come to Fredericton without going to the Saturday Boyce Farmer’s Market, located on Brunswick and George Street (two blocks south of the hotel). It is the “must see” spot! Every Saturday, from 6 am to 1 pm, this cornucopia of meats, vegetables, baking, maple products, ethnic food, art, crafts and flowers is the liveliest spot in town and an experience not to be missed.

The people and events that changed Fredericton from a settlement in the wilderness to the city it is today have also shaped our cultural landscape. Along our tree lined streets dwell gifted artists, artisans, brilliant architects and engineers. Good ideas seem to incubate during our cold winters and blossom with the spring and summer flowers. We have preserved our past, celebrate our present and look forward to our future. We hope that you will come to Fredericton this May to help celebrate the dreams that have been changed into realities!!

Special Note for Club Presidents and VP-Education: Can’t make the conference? Be sure to complete your Proxy Form and send it with a club member!

Why don't you join us? Register NOW!

Early Bird Contest Winner

We conducted one of the draws for the Early Bird registration at the Division ‘C’ contest in Sussex on Saturday – May 8, 2010 and Bruce Millar from Faithfully Speaking/Toast of the Coast Clubs in Nova Scotia is our Early Bird Contest Winner! Bruce will enjoy one night’s free accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel during the conference. Congratulations Bruce!!!