The Sheilas’ Arms – Women-Only Venue, New Plymouth (1992)

Publication: Taranaki Lesbian Newsletter (TLN)

Date: April 1992 (from “Grand Opening April 24th 1992”)

Location: Pukeariki Landing, New Plymouth, Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand

Item Type: Community venue information & event notice (newsletter page)

Venue Details (Specific)

The Sheilas’ Arms is described as a women-only venue in downtown New Plymouth:

• Location:Next door and upstairs to Paddy’s Market (through the claret-coloured door),Pukeariki Landing, New Plymouth

• Opening Hours:Opens 7:30pm on the 4th Friday of each month

• What’s Provided:Venue, tea, coffee, and a stereo

• What to Bring:BYO alcohol (if drinking), own refreshments

• Nature of Venue:Not a bar; a social meeting space for women

• Safety:Encouragement to make safe arrangements for getting home

• Music:BYO music welcome (except on specific event nights)
  

Key Events Noted

• Grand Opening:24 April 1992, from 7:30pm till late“All women welcome”Entry by donationFoundation night – bring your own food, tea & coffee available

• First Anniversary Celebration:Marked in April (one year since opening)Live music booked: Jallal (for 23 April)
  

Community & Sustainability Notes

• The venue operates on a month-to-month lease.

• Relies heavily on donations to remain open.

• Donation box located at the entrance.

• Space offered for other women-only events by arrangement via Dorothy (P.O. Box 6045, New Plymouth).

• Quietly situated “under the shadow of the big K (Kmart)” near central New Plymouth.
  

Additional Event Mention

“The Ball” – Auckland Annual Lesbian Ball

• Noted as occurring again in July

• Suggestion of organising transport from Taranaki

• Cost-sharing encouraged if enough women attend