Previous Events
June 2010
Lifting the Lid on Lesbian Lives - Part 2
The alba series on "Lifting the Lid on Lesbian Lives" continued at the June meeting.
Somewhere over 55 women crowded into the Candy Bar on on June 9 for the ALBA monthly meeting which had a new face as MC as Megan has stepped back and Cindy has stepped up.
The meeting started with the usual community catch up, notices and opportunities to buy tickets to lesbian events such as the Black and White Ball. Pleasance then described a conference on "Happiness" she had recently participated in which left lots of smiles around the room.
The main event of the evening was a panel discussion on Civil Unions.
Very few women in the room had had a Civil Union, and there were several different points of view expressed.
Verity spoke of her role as a Civil Union Celebrant and the different styles and expectations of couples and friends. Charmaine spoke about why she and Tanya had chosen not to be Civil Unioned and the other arrangements they had made to manage the legal part of their partnership and their joint property. Jilly spoke about why she and her partner had chosen to have a Civil Union and the way that they had designed their ceremony. Lisa spoke about the legal aspects of partnership and the importance of having a relationship property agreement for the protection of both parties and how it was vital to sort such things out early in a relationship.
May 2010
The First Ever Annual Quiz
The May alba meeting was, as usual, on the second Wednesday of the month. From 6pm, the new Candy Bar filled up with alba women who came to mix and mingle, catch up on the latest business and community news, buy tickets to community events - and for the May meeting - have fun with a Quiz.
The meeting started with notices about community events, the Charlotte Museum advertised a "Then and Now" afternoon, Outline sold tickets to the Outgames Gala Event and free tickets to the Bizzone Expo were distributed.
The Quiz involved the formation of somewhat ramshackle and 
interestingly named teams who worked their way through some really interesting questions, mostly with a certain Rainbow slant. Best question of the night - what is Porphyrophobia? Answer - fear of the colour purple.
There were prizes for the best team and the second to last team. A good time was had by all, including the Candy Bar staff who apart from giving great service behind the bar, were an enthusiastic team for the Quiz.
April 2010
Candy Bar Launch
There cannot be a Lesbian in town who has not heard of the arrival in Auckland of the Candy Bar. alba members got an advance preview of the new bar at the April meeting on 14 April. Kim Lucas, the founder of the Candy Bars in London and Brighton spoke to a packed room as the Purple Bar morphed into the Candy Bar. Kim showed some fabulous pictures of hot nights (and women who appeared to be dressed for hot nights) at the Candy Bars and told
her story of how her OE to Britain led to arranging Pride events and running clubs and venues. And how it has brought her back to Auckland.Of particular interest was the commitment to the Rainbow communities and the opportunities for performers and community groups to work with the Candy Bar to deliver what the community wants.
Before Kim's presentation, the community notices ranged from the Pramazons at the Charlotte Museum on ANZAC Day to Pink Shirt Day on April 28. The business showcased was Rainbow Youth and there was on update on a future event to celebrate the many fabulous women who contribute to our community. Watch for further information to come on this one.
Mar 2010
Showcasing Adrenalin Publishing
Adrenalin Publishing Ltd is a specialist magazine publisher producing a range of business to business and automotive titles and organising associated events. Adrenalin Publishing is owned by alba member Cathy Parker.Click to open this document on Adrenalin Publishing, which contains more information on the company, plus a special offer for alba members.
Lifting the lid on Lesbian Lives: Part 1 - Accomodation
The March ALBA meeting was held on Wednesday 10 March.
The theme for the evening was lesbian living accommodation.The Community Notices invited participants to the Easter GALS concert and the re-opening of the Charlotte Museum and gave advance notice of the Lesbian Ball which will be held on Saturday 10 July.
After a break for supper and socializing, a panel of women spoke about some of their accommodation choices and experiences. Megan spoke about her quest to find something appropriate for her mother
who is getting to the stage where she is not able to remain in her own home, and Fiona spoke about her experiences as a mother of small children having women lovers with whom she does not live.
Lindsey, who now lives in a typical lesbian nuclear family - two women and lots of cats- spoke about some of her accommodation adventures in the 1970's. Finally, Megan from the Lesbian Elders Village outlined some of the choices that her group are exploring for accommodation and social events for older lesbians.
Copyright 2010 alba