https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/ Thu, 17 May 2012 20:02:08 +0000 86400 BN Big Days Out https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/alton-towers/bns-alton-towers-weekend-2012-booking-no-r121 th time for a full weekend (Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime) of nude fun and activities!

9 - 11 November, 2012

• NO NEED FOR CLOTHES ALL WEEKEND!
  
• ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT!
  
• HOTEL AND WATERPARK ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!
  
• SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND CUT THE COST!
  
• RATES UNCHANGED FROM 2011!

Tell me more about the weekend…?
Splash Landings Hotel provides superb, up-market accommodation for guests at top UK tourist attraction Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire. The theme park will be closed for annual maintenance, and Alton Towers have therefore offered the hotel for this one weekend for the seventh year running to members of British Naturism. It’s become one of the biggest and most fun weekends in the naturist calendar!

We will have the entire place to ourselves and nudity will be permitted throughout from 6 p.m. on Friday to midday Sunday. The hotel incorporates the Cariba Creek Waterpark, a restaurant, bar, coffee outlet, shop and games arcade.

As usual, we’ll be putting on activities and entertainment - see other articles in this section for reports and more on previous years’ events to get an idea of what goes on. We plan to have a mixture of exercise and dance classes, workshops and presentations, including guest speakers, music and dancing, spa sessions, exhibitions, tours of Alton Towers’ gardens, quizzes, kids activities, and games for everyone. There’s also plenty of opportunity to chill out in the company of like-minded people.

Can I use the Spa at Alton Towers?
Yes. It’s in the other hotel so you need to dress to get there and it’s not a naturist environment. You’ll also get 15% discount on all treatments and products purchased. The Spa contact number is number is 0871 702 7043.

Can I bring my friends?
Yes. However, this is a weekend exclusively for BN members and so they must join us first. There are always people joining to be able to go and making Alton Towers their first BN event, in fact, sometimes their first naturist event – it’s a great way to start – please spread the word.

How much does it cost?
It’s brilliant that Alton Towers have agreed not to increase the rates from 2011!

The majority of rooms are “family” rooms designed for two adults and two children. It is possible for four adults to share a room, but rooms are made up of a double bed and bunk-beds - please bear in mind when booking.

The cost is £285 per room for the weekend (two nights) based on two people sharing or single occupancy. Extra adults (12 years of age and over) can stay in a room for an additional £55 each for the weekend, a child (4–11 years) for £45 each for the weekend. Children up to three years old go free. Prices include bed, breakfast, VAT, entry to the Waterpark and all BN activities. All guests must book for the whole weekend: one night stays or day visits are not possible at this event – sorry!

How do I book?
A dedicated phone line for this weekend has been set up, so please phone 0871 222 9934 to make your reservation. Make it clear you are booking for the BN weekend. You will be asked for your BN membership number before the booking is confirmed.

How can I find someone to share a room with and cut the cost?
Easy. You need to register for the single person sharing service. It’s been a very popular initiative, making the weekend inexpensive and a great way to meet new people! Please call BN head office on 01604-620361 and ask to be added to the list. You will be asked for your credit card details and BN membership number. We will put people on the list together and deal direct with Alton Towers to make the bookings.

For more information on the Alton Towers hotel complex, visit www.altontowers.com.]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:16:07 +0000 3a15c7d0bbe60300a39f76f8a5ba6896 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/mind-body-and-spirit-naturist-weekend-r105
Camp or stay in the house from the 1^st to the 8^th July 2012. The main activities will commence on Thursday these will include - Yoga, life coaching, Tantric Massage and much more. Evening entertainment with the use of the sauna and hot tub also included. A bonfire and Hog Roast with music over the weekend is also planned. There is no bar, you will need to bring your own.

Price for the full week from Sun the 1^st July - includes all food and tea and coffee but not drinks.
£240 Camping
£360 for Shared accommodation
£420 for en-suite private room   (these rooms are limited and would be for a couple)

Price for the weekend is from Thurs to Sun - includes all food and tea and coffee but not drinks
£120 for camping
£180 for shared accommodation
£210 for en-suite private room (these rooms are limited and would be for a couple)

If you would like to self cater the price is £65 for 3 days and £130 for the 7 days.

Booking is open now via the Earth Spirit Centre website

www.earthspirit-centre.co.uk

EarthSpirit Centre, Dundon, Somerton Somerset, TA11 6PE, UK
Email: office@earthspirit-centre.co.uk - Skype: earthspiritcentre
Tel: +44 (0)1458 272161 Fax: +44 (0)1458 273796]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:58:56 +0000 af21d0c97db2e27e13572cbf59eb343d https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/nudestock-2012-r104 Friday 1st – Sunday 10th JUNE 2012

You are once again invited to enjoy a full 10 days of organised naturist events at Candy Farm Camp Site, organised by BN Yorkshire Region. All BN and Non-BN members are most welcome, there will be a small supplement charge to Non-BN Members of £2 per night, refundable if you join BN during the week.

There are few opportunities for non-club naturists to meet and socialise with others of a like mind and the success of Alton Towers, the Blackpool weekend, Nude-Fest, the Midsummer Garden Party at the Arboretum at Castle Howard and Nude-Stock all point to the demand for such opportunities. There will be a full range of events with which to join in or merely relax and enjoy the peace and quiet in the company of naturist friends old and new.

Please see the attached flyer for more information and a booking form.

 Nudestock_2012_flyer.pdf   65.25K   1424 downloads
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:52:24 +0000 4da04049a062f5adfe81b67dd755cecc https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/alton-towers/the-sixth-bn-alton-towers-naturist-weekend-2011-r101 AT weekend is a roaring success

This year's weekend was one of the best we have ever staged, with mild weather even allowing for some nudity outside; last year’s favourites, Trident, again delighting the audience on Friday evening and the Saturday disco being described by some as ‘the best yet’ – and that’s saying something!

Full report to be posted here soon!]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:16:06 +0000 c6bff625bdb0393992c9d4db0c6bbe45 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/our-first-blackpool-weekend-at-the-bond-hotel-2010-r82 Warrillow.

So it was that a chance meeting at the INF swimming gala at Rugby in November between BN officials and a group of hotel owners resulted in
over 100 members arriving in the seaside town one sunny Friday afternoon in February for the first British Naturism Blackpool weekend.

The event was organised by the Bond Hotel and Blackpool and Fylde Sun Club, with the support and participation of BN nationally. Bond Holidays offered exclusive use of their hotel near Blackpool Pleasure Beach, while the weekend also included a Saturday night session at The Sandcastle, the biggest waterpark in Europe. Remarkably, given that the event was not even being considered when the winter 2009 edition of BN Magazine was being
prepared, and so had almost no publicity except via the BN website/forum and ezine, the hotel completely sold out. If you are relying only on the magazine to keep you informed these days, you may be missing out!

Local radio station Wave FM attended and mentioned the event throughout the weekend, while the Blackpool Gazette devoted a page to it which was almost wholly positive. A packed programme included a talk by BN vice-chairman Steve Allott on the work of the Marine Conservation Society, one of the BN President’s charities, a walking tour of Blackpool and some good old-fashioned cabaret, starring singers Nicole Jordan and Charlie.]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:11:18 +0000 4c5bde74a8f110656874902f07378009 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/a-wet-weekend-in-blackpool-2011-r81 Sometimes, however, the turn of events takes even me by surprise. Take, for instance, the Saturday afternoon of the second BN Blackpool naturist weekend in February.

As one of my other passions is real ale, I’d been looking forward to this trip ever since a visit to the Lytham Brewery was put on the schedule. Lytham is a relatively new and impressive micro-brewery, housed on an industrial estate a few miles outside Blackpool. But being in a unit on an industrial estate and for the purposes of keeping real beer at a good temperature, it’s...cold, shall we say? And some of the 30-plus party of ale-loving naturists, those stopping at the Bond Hotel in St. Annes, hadn’t had time to go to our hotel that lunchtime to collect an extra layer of clothing. So the tracksuits and t-shirts that had sufficed when we left the Bond’s sister hotel in Blackpool weren’t quite enough. And the generous owners of the brewery were supplying copious samples – and beer, especially when you’ve had nothing to eat and are feeling cold anyway, makes you feel colder.

It’s no criticism of the brewery and its staff when I say that Mrs. W. and I were quite glad to get back on the bus – admittedly refreshed and highly impressed with the welcome and the ale, but rather in need of warmth.

So when we got back to St. Anne’s and the wonderful lady on reception asked if we and the couple we had befriended the previous evening would like to warm up in their hydrotherapy pool in the basement, we did not need asking twice. Just a few minutes after returning to the hotel, we were soaking in absolute peace and quiet in a magnificent plunge pool that was big enough for eight or ten people, never mind the two naked couples who relaxed in it for the next 45 minutes. From the ridiculous to the sublime, indeed.

‘Sublime’ just about sums up the rest of a weekend that was hugely successful for the Bond hotels, for Blackpool & Fylde Sun Club, who do a lot of the spadework for the event, and for British Naturism as well.

The two nights of cabaret went superbly well, with singers Charlie and Carl Long and comedian John Paul providing great entertainment. It was young Carl’s first experience of performing to a nude audience, but he took to the Saturday night spotlight with great gusto, showing no signs of nerves and even having his photo taken (clothed!) in front of scores of happy dancing naturists at the end of the night. The enjoyment proved so infectious that some of the Bond staff, who always do a wonderful job, decided to join in the nude atmosphere at the end of the show. Charlie and John Paul, veterans of last year’s event, had just as much fun with John Paul winding up the audience (including Mrs. W., once he discovered that they share Irish roots) and Charlie keeping the Friday-night crowd singing.

Talking of getting involved, our three hour invasion of the Sandcastle, Blackpool’s giant indoor waterpark, ended with the 20 lifeguards present lining up in the front row of the traditional nude group shot, then flinging themselves fully-clothed into the water. Although the cheering crowd of guests couldn’t persuade them to get nude, at least one has been in touch with BN since then and, hopefully, we’ve lit a spark for a new young generation of naturists on the North-West coast!

What else was there in a packed weekend programme? Aerobics sessions, photography and media workshops, dance sessions, a pub quiz, the ever-popular Mi- Tunes – don’t say that we don’t cram a lot into these two-and-a-half days!

Plans are already being made for the third BN Blackpool weekend and so warmly have we been welcomed at the first two that if you haven’t yet visited, I urge you to do so. Discussions are going on about how to tweak and improve the schedule, so it should be a great weekend – just as this was, real ale or otherwise.]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:57:37 +0000 fc221309746013ac554571fbd180e1c8 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/nudestock-2010-r80 Regions get together for a week of fun in the great outdoors

After two months of preparations, the first Northern camping week, dubbed “Nude-Stock” got underway at the second May Bank Holiday, writes Ian Walker. This event was jointly organised by the Midlands and Yorkshire regions and held at Candy Farm on the Yorkshire/Derbyshire border. The aim was to provide a simple, low-cost event that was open to all, with people free to stay for as many days as they wished and come and go as they pleased. Food and entertainment was included inside the large grain store barn.

The event got underway with a hearty meal, followed by drinks and rehearsals for the “talent” show to follow. The less extrovert members took part in the darts competition.

Saturday was very windy (great news for the kite flying SIG!), with people busy getting ready for the “Masked Ball” organised by the two Angies. Food was provided as part of the £6 price, which was great value especially as a fridge was provided to chill your own wine! The barnwas lit up with laser lights and Jim’s disco was great fun as usual, with favourites such as YMCA and Timewarp keeping the troops entertained. Over 75 people danced the night away, before crashing out in tents and camper vans.

Sunday saw the start of the boules tournament, followed by a meeting of the Yorkshire region. Then it was time for the “Real Ale SIG” to crack open the beers. The highlight of the night was a cabaret evening, where myself, Clive and a few other “willing” men got dressed up and made fools of ourselves! Carol entertained us with her singing, before it was the turn of the ladies to give us their performance of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Bank Holiday Monday was a lot warmer, so Colin led a nature ramble around Hatfield Moors. Apparently, this area had three World War II airfields and includes a war grave where a bomber crashed into the peat bog.

Whilst some people went home on Tuesday, the rest enjoyed a trip to a garden centre at Epworth, for a pie and a pansy! The cooks wanted a rest after a weekend of catering, so a Chinese takeaway was ordered. On Wednesday, a few of us made a trip to York to visit the National Rail Museum, followed by a meal. This allowed people who live elsewhere a chance to explore the local attractions.

Thursday was spent lazing about sunbathing and in the inflatable swimming pool while Friday was another hot day. In the evening, Angie organised a ‘murder mystery night’ (Guess who was the dead body??). Saturday saw an influx of people returning, together with a few new faces. We hosted a classic car & vehicle show, which was won by a Morris 1000 Traveller van. Someone had the bright idea of putting me in the stocks and pelting me with waterfilled balloons. (All in the aid of charity, of course).

In the evening there was a choice between South Forest swim, Water World at Stoke, or Karaoke at Candy Farm. Sunday rounded up proceedings with body painting and a belly dancing display. Then after nine days of activities and fun, it was time to go home. Many thanks to Colin, Carol and Angie Wood who put a massive amount of effort into organising and running this event. Look out for “Nude- Stock II” at the same time next year.]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:55:19 +0000 045117b0e0a11a242b9765e79cbf113f https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/nudefest/nudefest-2011-summer-spectacular-hits-the-hei-r75 Martin Warrillow looks back on an unforgettable seven days for BN members at Newperran.

Nudefest 2011 had everything – near-permanent cloud from Thursday lunchtime onwards, almost constant rain for the last four days, regular gales, the odd bit of sun at the start of the week, the occasional storm, Andrew Welch almost being silenced by a sore throat. . . .

It also had the most events ever offered at Nudefest, the biggest attendance at approximately 350 people, the most laughs and the best atmosphere. Sometimes, naturist events don’t need wall-to-wall sunshine to be a triumph.

When it was announced that British Naturism and Newperran Holiday Park were turning BN’s summer spectacular from a three-night into a seven-night event, it seemed a big risk. Would people commit to a week in Cornwall outside the school holidays? Could we find enough venues and events to keep the early starters going, while saving enough in the locker for those arriving closer to the weekend?

In the event, we needn’t have worried; The early events proved a huge success and I’m sure those of us who were unable to manage the full seven days are already checking our diaries for 2012. It was that good.

After a gentle start on the Sunday, as those who had been at various World Naked Bike Ride events 24 hours earlier settled in, the action really got underway on the Monday with the debut of nude archery, as well as an eight-mile walk on Bodmin Moor. There was more rain in the 24 hours leading up to the walk than had landed on Cornwall in the previous two months, but 18 members enjoyed a dry, mostly cloudy 8.5 mile walk around East Moor in good walking conditions. They visited rocky tors and ancient remains, including a stone circle. Some nude walking was possible and, in slightly better weather, the whole route could be completed nude. The event finished off with a drink at the Jamaica Inn made famous by Daphne de Maurier.

Meanwhile, for the more adventurous and, possibly, slightly mad, Monday also featured a trip to Adrenalin Quarry. Sixteen brave naked souls headed for this huge old water-filled quarry near Liskeard, which has been totally transformed to feature a giant three-person swing and the UK’s longest zip-ride. Intrepid nudists sailed along a steel wire, fully 50ft in the air, for an experience that some said can’t be beaten but which others described as ‘incredibly scary.’ The staff were completely unruffled by nudity, even when making sure riders were strapped into their waist harnesses; it looks sure that future Nudefests will take us back to Adrenalin Quarry. I think I’ll stay safely on the caravan park,thank you. . . .

The highlight of Tuesday was surely a world first. The Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay, having closed its doors to the public for the day, then reopened them to welcome over 100 naturists. Visitors spent more than two hours touring the aquarium, enjoying some spectacular exhibits and listening to four excellent talks from staff. If you’ve ever wondered how to feed an octopus, this was the place to be. As well as proving a great experience, the trip also delivered some fantastic pictures, courtesy of BN photographer Steve Betts, including the one chosen for the front cover of the autumn edition of the magazine.

On Wednesday, it was down to Perran Sands naturist beach to make the best of what remained of the fine weather. A total of 25 members enjoyed mixed conditions. There was sun on the 2.5 mile walk across the dunes as the walkers visited interesting sites associated with Cornwall’s St Piran on the way. The walk takes an hour, but it is not challenging and superb sands and the impressive 100m cliffs easily make it worthwhile. A few people had a sea dip but the best place was a warm stream that emerged from the base of the cliffs.

Unfortunately, a couple of heavy showers cut the trip a little short but the walkers returned in sunshine. With better weather, it would be great to see 100 people on the beach next year.

That evening saw another world’s first with a visit to Newquay Zoo. Again, the totally nude trip took place after the park had closed to the public for the day and around 100 people toured the 13-acre site, giving the animal residents possibly their first view of clothes-free (and fur-free!) humans. It was a great experience all round, with the staff some of the friendliest and most helpful that BN has ever come across – growing proof of how naturism and events such as this are becoming more and more accepted.

Other highlights of the early part of the week included line-dancing tuition, a Country & Western entertainer, a karaoke session and singer Geri, who had delighted visitors to the 2010 Nudefest.

Thursday morning saw the main influx of guests for later in the week, with your editor travelling through 40 different sorts of weather on the train journey down from the West Midlands. You could already see it was going to be a wild few days. No matter, Nudefest favourites such as MiTunes, a Zumba dance class, yoga, kite lying and face-painting all kept everyone occupied while our first-ever MiBeer session, run by Mike Houlsby, gave the real ale-lovers among us the chance to sample different bottled brews from around the country.

Whoever was responsible for what proved an inspired idea should be congratulated – I’m already looking forward to a bigger, better version next year.

We forgot the increasingly grey weather as the evening drew on, singer Geoff Taylor heading the evening entertainment in fine style.

Friday dawned grey and windy and went downhill from there (literally, unfortunately, in the case of a few of the flimsier tents). o with outdoor sunshine and nudity abandoned, the action became increasingly focused on the marquee and Newperran’s newly-enlarged pub, where Cornwall’s finest St Austell Tribute ale kept plenty of us warm.

This was a day for serious business, with workshops on dealing with the media, child afeguarding, photography and Malcolm Boura’s always important and interesting work on campaigning. Unfortunately, an early-evening treasure hunt which, it was hoped, would have us all dashing around the park in search of cryptic clues to ‘The Hidden Gold of Perran Gulch’ was reluctantly abandoned due to the wet and windy weather. he intention is now to make it one of the first things on the programme for 2012.

The sorry weather couldn’t detract from the great evening atmosphere inside the pub, however; Soul singer Jay Washington got the crowd up and dancing and singing as well as ever and everyone finished the day in great spirits.

Despite a promise from the weatherman that Saturday would be better, a fierce wind blowing across the hills made sunbathing impossible, so guest speaker Henry Hemming had a good audience as he spoke about his book Together. i t’s an examination of the recent revival of clubs, societies and amateur groups throughout Britain — from book clubs and protest groups all the way through to naturism. His talk certainly gave the audience food for thought and Together is now on sale from the BN shop. Henry and his wife clearly enjoyed their first naturist experience, even posing nude for pictures and if you subscribe to the website of ,The Times, you can find a follow-up piece he wrote for the newspaper – simply log on to the site and search for ‘Henry Hemming – my naked ambition’.

Malcolm Boura’s second campaigning workshop of the week, the centrepiece of Saturday afternoon, has hopefully inspired plenty of people to get involved in helping Malcolm with an essential part of BN’s work;

it was followed on a lighter note by Nudefest’s first-ever MiHols session, an opportunity for the travellers among us to share information about naturist resorts around the world. I listened in and was certainly impressed by the huge range of venues discussed – this looks another certainty to return on next year’s programme.

After a great week, which everyone agreed not even the weather could spoil, the Saturday night finale was great fun, as always. The singalong around the piano is becoming unmissable; I must give a mention to Cath Bromley, whose operatic tones were a highlight of the Last Night of the Proms section; we really need to talk to the BBC about having a nude Prom at some stage during its’ summer season. . . .

Then, it was on to Jim Russell’s disco, which sported more sparkle, glitz and glam than I can remember in a while, as well as some great surprises. You had to be there, honestly. . . .

My sympathies go out to those who lost their tents as the weather took a turn for the (even) worse late on Saturday night and my congratulations go to those who stuck it out for the traditional Sunday morning group photo; I’m afraid I bottled out of stripping off in weather that was chilly, to say the least.

Finally, I must thank those who attended the Christian Naturist Fellowship service on Sunday morning. Those of us involved in arranging it were most grateful that so many came along in the circumstances.

Overall, then? Nudefest 2011 can’t be described as anything other than a huge success. It took a tremendous amount of work to put on and, as always, the more willing hands we have to help out, the easier it is to organise.

If you’d like to play your part in 2012 (look out in the winter issue of this magazine for the details), let us know now.



Many thanks to all advertisers, sponsors, exhibitors and prize donors for their support of Nudefest2011, which contributes greatly to our costs of putting it on. They are:

Chalfont Holidays - www.chalfontholidays.co.uk - 0845 045 0987

Clover Spa and Hotel - www.cloverspa.eu - 0121 350 6836

Croft Country Club - www.croftcountryclub.co.uk - bookings@croftcountryclub.co.uk

Infiniti - www. inifinitinaturist.co.uk or www. inifinitivillas.co.uk - 01548 561289

Naked Dragons - www.nakeddragons.co.uk

The Naturist Foundation - www.naturistfoundation.org - 01689 871200

Parasol Holidays - www.parasolholidays.co.uk - 01604 863300

Peng Travel - www.pengtravel.co.uk - 0800 171 2153

Suntreckers - www.suntreckers.org.uk - 01234 303850

Vera Naturist - www.veranaturist.com - 077808 50392]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:05:14 +0000 82161242827b703e6acf9c726942a1e4 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/nudefest/nudefest-2010-serves-up-the-perfect-recipe-for-r74
As a first-timer at Nudefest and a confirmed non-camper, I should say the guests played their part, creating a memorable camaraderie which made me proud to be among such a great group of people. But don’t take my word for it; as editor of British Naturism, I suppose I would say I enjoyed myself. Rather, if you weren’t there (and even if you were), look at the feedback (below) from those who did attend and who posted their best moments of the weekend on the members’ forum section of the BN website.

And as for me? I haven’t slept in a tent for 30 years but stepping out naked into the field on a sunlit West Country morning after a surprisingly good night’s sleep is something I will remember for a while.

For anyone new to BN, this was our fourth annual Nudefest event. In 2007, we helped gift experience company Red Letter Days organise “The Garden of Eden”, a naturist night at Cornwall’s Eden Project, and decided to put on an event/accommodation nearby the same weekend to encourage a good turnout. We found the textile Newperran Holiday Park near Newquay, turned it into a naturist resort for the weekend and had a blast. “The Garden of Eden” turned out to be a one-off, but Nudefest has continued and is now one of the “must-do” events in the naturist calendar. Keith and Christine have become our good friends and great ambassadors for naturism, often telling us how well we compare with their other guests and always looking forward to – and telling their other guests about – our annual visit. It is more than likely that Nudefest 2011 will run for a week – keep an eye out for details as they are announced. We hope that it will encourage those of you who feel that Cornwall is too far to go for a weekend and we’ll make sure there is plenty of time to do the “tourist bit” as well as put on some activities that we currently can’t squeeze into the three-day event.

As always, the 2010 timetable was packed. During the days, guests could join in classes in yoga, tai chi, juggling, lifecoaching, belly-dancing, soca dancing, circle dancing, lifedrawing and cribbage; play games and sports such as the early-morning jog around the park, volleyball, the pétanque tournament, wargaming, Nintendo Wii, board games and bingo; learn more about BN’s activities through workshops and presentations on child safeguarding, campaigning, dealing with the media, our charity the Marine Conservation Society and the new Three Year Plan; listening to their favourite music and that of other guests at the MiTunes sessions which this year had sessions dedicated to Jazz & Blues, contemporary and the memorable chill-out classical, which was run at the same time as “Picnic in the Park” – a communal lunch on the awn by the marquee. There were also sessions devoted to building our archive of photographs for the media, Amanda’s massage and therapy tent, face- and bodypainting and the “NEC” (Naturist Exhibition Centre) with stalls manned by holiday resorts, clubs, regions and more. The BN shop did a roaring trade – especially with the new Nudefest T-shirt for men and strappy-top for women. Although all activities are well supported, there’s no pressure to get involved and many people
chilled out with friends, enjoyed a drink from the bar in the sun, swam in or lazed by the fabulous pool or took off to explore the local area.

If the days are great, the nights are unbelievable. Newperran’s onsite bar is really a large pub and we certainly made the most of it. If you had told me a month earlier that I would find myself hosting a pub quiz, naked and completely bodypainted as a tiger, I may not have believed you. In the end, it was one of the great experiences of my life. That was followed by Gerri, a local singer who was truly superb and got everyone dancing – not that much encouragement was needed! If you’ve not been to Nudefest, I can only try to make you imagine the tangible excitement and spirit that descends in the bar in the evenings when the music starts…it’s always roasting, so no one wears a stitch and it’s fantastic being among likeminded people having so much fun. Friday saw an interactive “pamper” session and many watched England’s World Cup effort against Algeria – the gloom afterwards was palpable but soon forgotten when The Roosters played. Three hours later, people were having to be dragged off to bed after a naked conga through the bar and out into the garden. Only happy naturists could do that. Those that weren’t sleepy gathered in the marquee to watch and join in with the sing-a-long version of Grease. The surprise hit of the weekend was Saturday night’s piano sing-a-long session. Christine’s piano teacher Martin selected a variety of songs – wartime, musical theatre, Beatles and more – printed out the words for us and played and guided us through a fantastic session that no-one wanted to end. A “free mike” spot was offered and a few people sang solo to thunderous applause. Anyone for a talent show next year? Holiday prizes were given away in the raffle and we ended the evening with Jim’s disco – perhaps more frenetic than ever. It was no surprise when “last orders” was delayed, though sadly, not indefinitely!

Is it time for the programme to be changed, or do you like it exactly as it is? If you have any ideas for new activities, please step forward and let us know, as some people already have.

Even better, why not offer to help organise an activity? Much of what was done this year only happened because members offered their time and effort. As is said many times, British Naturism only has a very few hard-working volunteer officers and even fewer paid staff so we need all the help we can from members to make events like Nudefest work. We’re even turning a small profit now, extra money that we can put back into doing all the good work we do – for everyone.

Next stop – our winter equivalent – AltonTowers…!

Martin Warrillow

Members views of a great weekend

“Where else had so much energy, love and light the last few days? It’s wonderful the way the event has developed – the staff did a wonderful job, so friendly and happy and willing to go along with the atmosphere”

“I loved the singing in the bar on the last night before the disco – what lovely voices and genuine enjoyment. We should definitely have a nude choir!”

“The warm and friendly people – some I already knew but I met a whole lot more.”

“I loved the excellent Christmas dinner (yes, it’s true, a whole section of the park was dedicated to mid-winter with Xmas decorations and more – Ed.) that Brian, Mike and Fred prepared for 16 guests in a touring caravan. I also loved the live shows and the naked disco. It was great the way everybody joined in and partied the night away.”

“My best moment was lying on the grass in the sun at the ‘Picnic in the Park’ in a state of bliss as Vaughan-Williams’ ‘Lark’ ascended. It was one of those moments you don’t want to end.”

“The singalong was my favourite moment. My daughter dragged me along to it. I didn’t think it would be my sort of thing at all, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying myself and bellowing along with everyone else! Discovering that Keith had restocked the bar with bottles of Tribute was also a definite highlight.”

“We had a brilliant time on this, our first visit to Nudefest and will definitely go again. The best moments have got to be the dancing and the complete ease with which we as naturists interacted with the clothed owners and bar and cafe staff. What fantastic people, all of them.”

“The ladies and gents from Abigails cafe were a delight. Anyone who has a bad word should be reminded that the staff are all new and normally only used to the odd single customer at any one time. Who cares if you had to wait a while to get fed? Where and why were you in a rush to get anywhere else? I never left the place without a smile on my face and a very full belly.”

Many thanks to all those who supported Nudefest by taking advertising space in the programme, provided brochures for distribution, sponsored an activity, exhibited and/or donated a prize. They are:

Sunseekers Holidays: Telephone: 01691 898193; Website: www.sunseekerholidays.com

Chalfont Holidays: Telephone: 0845 045 0987; Website: www.chalfontholidays.co.uk

Fig Leaf Villas: Telephone: 00306 9824 53437; Website: www.figleafvillas.co.uk

Shaun and Julia, Torremar Natura, Vera Playa: Telephone: 0034 610 234666; Website: www.naturallyvera.com Email: shaunandjulia@hotmail.com

Martin and Jennifer Yallop, Stone Cottage, Cyprus: Telephone: 0033 6 3183 46 91; Website: www.martinyallop.com; Email: martin.yallop@orange.fr

Peng Travel: Telephone: 0845 34583465; Website: www.pengtravel.co.uk

The Naturist Foundation: Telephone: 01689 871200; Website: www.naturistfoundation.org; Email: natfound@hotmail.co.uk

Telford Naturist Club: Telephone: 01952 610873; Website: www.telfordnaturistclub.com; Email: t-n-c@btconnect.com

Bodycast: Telephone: 07760 823555; Website: www.ernestobodycast.com; Email: info@ernestbodycast.com

Kalo-Kairi: Telephone: +306995384682; Email: info@ kalo-kairi.com

Camping Relax-Nat: Telephone: +34 972 300818;Website: www.campingrelaxnat.com; Email: info@campingrelaxnat.com

No Prudes: Website: www.noprudes.co.uk

Freebird Campers: Website: www. freebirdcampers.co.uk; Email: info@freebirdcampers.co.uk

Cambium: Website: www. cambiumbene.com

Heritage Club: Telephone: 01344 775032; Email: info@heritageclub.org ]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:03:38 +0000 bf8229696f7a3bb4700cfddef19fa23f https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/nudefest/nudefest2009-r73 Here comes the sun
What a weekend! Previous Nudefest events have badly affected by dreadful weather - although that hasn’t stopped them being any less than thoroughly enjoyable – but this year the weather played ball and, other than a cold wind from time to time, all events and activities arranged went ahead, and outside where appropriate. Around 200 guests - BN members, some of whom had recently joined to take advantage of the members’ ticket price, and non-members - had a great time over the three days, meeting old friends and making new ones, and dipping in and out of the packed activity timetable. Nudity is permitted anywhere, anytime at Nudefest and many of us didn’t dress the whole time we were there.

History
For anyone new to BN, this was our third annual Nudefest event. In 2007, we helped gift experience company Red Letter Days organise “The Garden of Eden”, a naturist night at Cornwall’s Eden Project, and decided to put on an event/accommodation nearby the same weekend to encourage a good turnout. We found the textile Newperran Holiday Park near Newquay, owned and operated by Keith and Christine Brewer, turned it into a naturist resort for the weekend and had a blast. “The Garden of Eden” turned out to be a one-off, but Nudefest has continued and is now one of the “must-do” events in the naturist calendar. Keith and Christine have become our good friends and great ambassadors for naturism, often telling us how well we compare with their other guests. They have made a camping field or two available for naturist use in the week leading up to and after the Nudefest weekend for the last two years and - ***STOP PRESS*** - will be making that same arrangement from Easter to October from now on, excluding the school holiday period in July and August. Fantastic!

Let’s get this party started
Many people, including a contingent of Suntreckers, had been at Newperran for a few days by the time the event began on Thursday lunchtime, the time for the much-awaited “kit off”. The “NEC” (Naturist Exhibition Centre) marquee was the centre of operations with the BN shop and many other stalls, with holiday-related resorts and companies, BN SIGs, clubs and regions, the Marine Conservation Society and others displaying their wares, plus the popular body-painting and crafts tables and a Wii games machine with giant screen running endless 10-pin bowling and other competitions. The BN photo display boards allowed a look back to previous events, and photos that were taken during the weekend were projected for all to see. The on-site pub, shop and café did a roaring trade, all being open most of the time, as was the swimming-pool with its large and sheltered sunbathing area. There were new staff behind the bar, Gary – a naturist himself – and Diane, with help from Christine when it got busy (often!), giving us excellent service and enjoying the atmosphere. Thursday night was Diane’s very first time serving behind a bar and also her first time in a naturist environment, and she joked at the end of the weekend that serving clothed people was going to be more of a challenge! Local therapist Amanda Phillips set up for massage and other treatments in the bright orange BN gazebo (you certainly couldn’t miss it!) and was busy the entire time, into the evenings and beyond the end of Nudefest on Sunday. She joined in with some of our activities when she could and is likely to return – and even travel to other BN events – next year. Feedback was that her treatments were excellent and that, although guests paid for them, they were a welcome addition to the weekend’s activities.

Busy doing nothing
One of the great things about events like Nudefest is that guests can choose to take part in the activities, or laze around and enjoy the atmosphere and company. Doing the activities is somehow relaxing, too. This year’s activity timetable included popular favourites such as yoga, the Cherokee dance of creation, life-coaching, t’ai chi, bingo, photography workshops, running, juggling, belly- and soca-dancing, pub quiz and organised sports sessions. New activities this year included an introduction to war-gaming, a presentation about the work of the Marine Conservation Society and a couple of excellent feedback sessions on BN and naturism.

“MiTunes” saw guests bringing their favourite piece of music – classical one day, and contemporary the next – to talk about and play to others, and wafting across the sun-filled lawn we enjoyed music from Elgar to Ry Cooder and Stravinsky to Sigur Ros. Certainly an activity we plan to repeat. The Treasure of the Old Penwarren “wide game” that was postponed from 2008 saw teams of players of all ages criss-crossing the Park in search of pirates and clues. We can’t mention everyone who ran an activity or helped (in so many ways), but thanks to you all. A nice “extra” is that guests came forward to offer to run activities not on the printed timetable, and many additional items were also added to the list of raffle prizes as the weekend progressed.

Rhythm of the night
Though Nudefest is great by day, it’s perhaps even better by night when guests gather in the pub. Many people arrive dressed, but it’s not long before everyone strips off as the room warms up. We had two live music sets this year, starting with Stars in their Eyes finalist Jay Washington, a soul singer with a repertoire including classics from the likes of Lionel Richie, The Drifters and Wilson Pickett. There was a great atmosphere, with a packed dance-floor. He posed with his new and naked fans for a photo, which we’ve sent to him as a memento of the evening. Hopefully, it won’t be his last Nudefest. On Friday night we welcomed our old friends, 1970’s chart-toppers Edison Lighthouse, who also played classic cover versions to a packed house. When it ended, people were still buzzing and not wanting to go to bed so, using the giant screen, we decided to show a movie in the marquee. (How many people can say they have watched a film, naked, at 1 in the morning, in a field?) Jim’s eagerly anticipated disco on Saturday night did not disappoint and was the highlight for many. A wide range of styles of music was played and kept dancers from the ages of 10 to 60-plus entertained into the early hours. Only in naturism…

We're all in this together
Most of Sunday was devoted to enjoying the last of the sunshine, but we all gathered for the group photos in a few locations around the site. Keith, Christine and Jean (our lovely lady from the shop) joined us for one or two. We took some more “publicity-anywhere” pictures for use when we get requests for images – once again, great to see so many people unafraid to take part. Ten non-members joined BN over the weekend, including a textile couple who were caravanning at the site for a fortnight (they had been made aware of Nudefest falling in the middle of their stay) - they were present (clothed) at one of our activities one evening and by the end of the week were stripped off with the rest of us. A warm welcome to you both. It shows once again that, whatever the preconceptions, once people see a naturist environment at first hand they realise what a lovely, safe and friendly place it is. I hope you will all agree that these events do so much good for BN, its members and naturism in so many ways.

Nudefest2009 sponsors
Many thanks to all those who supported Nudefest2009 by taking advertising space, provided brochures for distribution, sponsored an activity, exhibited and/or donated a prize. We couldn’t have run the event without you. They are:

Broadlands:telephone 01508-492907; website www.broadlandsun.co.uk

Chalfont Holidays: telephone 0845-045 0987; website www.chalfontholidays.co.uk

Fig Leaf Villas: telephone 00306 9824 53437; website www.figleafvillas.co.uk

Infiniti: telephone 01548-561289; website www. infinitinaturist.co.uk

Parasol Holidays:telephone 01604-863300; website www.parasolholidays.co.uk

Suntreckers: telephone 01474-410416; website www.suntreckers.org.uk

Peng Travel: telephone 0845-34583465; website: www.pengtravel.co.uk

David Hornsby: telephone 0116-3321201; mobile 07877710840; website www. dhlifecoach .co.uk

Maguez, Lanzarote:telephone 0034928 835233; website www.cottageinlanzarote.com

Mobile Homes Abroad: telephone 07939 123345 or 0844-840 2345; email martin@caravansinthesun.com]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:00:56 +0000 f7e6c85504ce6e82442c770f7c8606f0 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/nudefest/nudefest-2008-r72 Cold, wet and windy, but did that matter? Emphatically not, says Andrew Welch.

In the printed colour programme that was given to every guest – and, of course, written a week or two in advance - I said, “We’ve ordered good weather, but the beauty of Newperran is that we can still have a lot of fun if it gets lost en route!” Well, it was true, but I wish it hadn’t been quite as accurate! The weather was truly appalling – high winds with that constant drizzle that gets into every nook and cranny, overcast skies and a temperature that made many of us wish we had brought overcoats. But we did still have “a lot of fun” - it was another truly wonderful British Naturism event.

Newperran Holiday Park’s owners, Keith and Christine Brewer, delighted to be entertaining naturist guests once again, had dedicated two of their camping fields to naturist use for the week leading up to the event and the week after. Many people took advantage of this, extending their holiday time and getting out to see all that beautiful Cornwall has to offer. They enjoyed some good weather, too, and began the important business of having a good time with other naturists before the majority of guests arrived. As we discovered at Alton Towers the second time around, word had spread and we greeted plenty of people who had not been to Nudefest before - some of whom were also attending their very first naturist event - and most people had also made the effort to arrive early and not miss out on any of the fun. Therefore the “Cottage Inn”, Newperran’s excellent onsite pub, was already pretty full with (clothed) Nudefest guests on Wednesday night, and many of them helped with the set-up on Thursday morning. Thanks to you all. The marquee we hired had been erected earlier in the week, and exhibitors and activity organisers got busy making ready, including filling the welcome bag that each guest received with information inside about the weekend plus brochures and leaflets from naturist businesses.

Noon soon arrived and it was off with the clothes at last. The weather was pretty good at this time and we looked forward to activity-packed, fun-filled days. Nudity is permitted everywhere and anywhere at Newperran during the days of Nudefest and, as we experience at all our big events, there was already a kind of euphoria in the air, with people, excited the event had finally arrived, being able to wander naked at will and in the company of like-minded people. Since Nudefest2007, the swimming-pool at Newperran has been completely revamped and it was an instant hit.

Plenty of activities took place that first afternoon including: a “CAMEO” (Come And Meet Each Other – neat, huh?) session, organised by Judith Stinchcombe, in which participants were given a sheet of questions that they could use to help open conversations with fellow-guests; a life-drawing class run by Chris Roberts and June Bentley; a craft session (Judith, again) where materials were made available to all to make a variety of items; Graham’s beginners’ yoga class; and a game of volleyball run by Jim Russell.

The marquee was full of people most of the time over the weekend, browsing and buying goods and information at the BN shop, looking at the photo-boards of our previous events, finding out about naturist holidays from Peng Travel and Canarian/Caribbean Dreams, changing their perspective on life at David and Emma’s life coaching stand, or getting a free massage from Dave Thompson. There was also a kids’ craft table, but in the event not many children were present and they found plenty to occupy them at the swimming- pool or play areas.

Plenty of people found the pub a great place to chill out from 11 a.m. to (very) late all weekend, and Newperran’s Abigail’s Café was open from morning to night, busy serving a variety of meals, snacks and drinks. The Newperran shop was also open for many hours and, as in all good “corner shops”, you could get pretty much whatever you needed – including the all-important morning newspaper.

Thursday night saw a gathering in the pub with some welcoming words from BN officials and was swiftly followed by the main event, 70s pop sensation Edison Lighthouse playing live. It was packed, and everyone danced and sang the night away nude. The bar staff were clearly enjoying themselves and we received praise from them all weekend (once again) for being such a pleasure to have. An example of this is that the clean-up of the bar area the following morning took a tenth of the time it usually does, since at other times their guests leave litter, sprinkle peanuts on the floor and generally leave someone else to clean up their mess! Great to hear, though we are not surprised, eh?

I won’t keep on about the weather - it was dismal all day Friday and Saturday - but guests were bright and cheerful and we all tried as hard as possible not to get fully dressed. Friday got off to an energetic start with a jog around the site (Graham), followed by Angela Russell’s belly-dancing class, yoga (this time for more advanced yog-ees), John Thompson’s talk on BN’s new exemption certificate, made possible for us through the good work of the Camping and caravanning SIG, a general session on photography (Richard Daniels and Steve Betts), more yoga, a life coaching session from David Hornsby which really hit the spot for many participants and a fiercely contested bingo session refereed by Steve Pleasants. Another great thing about events is how guests offer to run ad hoc activities – Chris and June also added another life-drawing session, and though Dave’s massages were not on the timetable initially, being a local man he went home to collect his equipment when he discovered massage was not on the agenda! Tim Rickards put together an introduction to juggling session; life coaches Emma and David performed some Indian head massages; and Wendy and Gerry O’Flaherty produced some amazing body painting, with guests - and later, themselves - as canvasses.

We were pleased to raise the profile of naturism through the attention of the media again right across the weekend. Without the Eden Project event and the (free) help we had from Red Letter Days’ expensive London PR agency in 2007, it was always expected to be less, but we were able to help a naturist film-maker, a news photographer and local TV and radio stations. Some of the radio spots were live, with the interview taking place in the marquee whilst people listened to the broadcast down in the pub! I’d like to thank the many of you who agreed to being photographed, interviewed or filmed. Christine and Keith also played their part in the media work and presented brilliantly on our behalf.

The café closed on Friday evening, but the staff decamped outside to put on a BBQ which was very well attended, although we all ended up eating inside the café anyway! BN President John Paine’s quiz was the main event of the evening and many teams exercised their grey matter. Dancing to the music playing in the bar followed and continued late into the night.

On Saturday, early birds caught Nick Palmer’s t’ai chi session and the day included talks by Mike Houlsby and Barry Knell of the Eastney Beach Campaign on their progress, with information and advice on how to set up such a group; BN’s Research and Liaison Officer, Malcolm Boura on the work he and his team are doing on behalf of all naturists (sponsored by SCW Productions); and a repeat of the BN exemption certificate talk from Friday for those who missed it. There was Angela Russell’s fab Soca dancing session, with intoxicating Caribbean rhythms; more adult crafts; and further CAMEO, life-drawing and yoga; a walk; photography and bingo sessions; and a chance to put questions to – and hear the answers from – BN officers about many aspects of British Naturism. Sadly, the weather caused the Peng Travel-sponsored The Treasure of Old Penwarren team game - which would have seen treasure-hunters, quiz-fans and those with a keen eye for observation exploring the site in search of clues - to be abandoned, but it’s the sort of thing, that with some changes, can be used at a future event elsewhere. Thanks to Peter Knight for putting it together.

The highlight for many last year was Jim Russell’s disco and we were not disappointed with its return. There were more people in the bar than I’ve ever seen before, and almost 100% were fully naked. Although they didn’t quite join in as “properly” as we would have hoped, some of the bar staff did wear less than usual – stripping off to loud cheers. Owner Keith also treated us to a little turn, ending up wearing only a pair of comedy boxer shorts… Even though it was gone 2 a.m. by the time the evening finished, it was over far too soon.

Sunday lived up to its name and there was not a cloud to be seen - must be time to go home soon then! It was still cold, but after t’ai chi and jogging sessions the vast majority of guests gathered in three places around the site for group photographs. We’re indebted to Steve Betts and Richard Daniels, plus other people from the photography sessions, for spending time scouting for the best places to take them, planning how the shots would look and marshalling the 250 or so of us into the right spots. Our group shots are often the best pictures and a perfect representation of happy, smiling naturists enjoying an event, but we don’t use them outside of this magazine, since it’s impossible to ensure that everyone has given their permission. With this in mind, we set up some shots that we made clear to everyone could be made available for use anywhere – our website, other websites, media articles, brochures, etc. – and are delighted with the results. Thanks to all who agreed to this – to our surprise, given the concerns we often hear from people about “coming out” - a very healthy number of guests got involved. That’s brilliant, and great for the positive promotion of our world.

The Grand Prize Draw and auction for items donated (thanks!) wrapped things up, and sadly it was time for most people to leave. Lots of guests had booked extra nights, taking advantage of those “naturist weeks” at Newperran and carried on having fun. I expect they did go home, eventually…

So it was a great weekend with lots of fun, a few days away from the daily grind, with opportunities to meet and socialise with other naturists, take part in activities, help promote naturism, and show off British Naturism and all it does for members and naturists everywhere. The weather was disappointing, but I was told by one happy guest that in a way it made it better because it brought us all together more. Had the weather been good, guests would have spent time alone or in their existing groups lazing in the sun around the site, missing out on activities and the communal spirit.

You’ll find lots of comments about the event, before and after, in the “Events” section of the BN members’ forum. There’s even a discussion started about Nudefest2009…

Thanks…
There are too many people to mention by name, but thanks to anyone who organised an activity or helped with the smooth running of the event. We also received a very generous cash donation over the weekend that the donor asked us to put towards our events. Very many thanks for that. Keith and Christine and all the onsite staff were terrific and couldn’t do enough for us – the guests loved that, and it makes running the event from an organiser’s point of view not only pleasant, but easier. The companies who promoted themselves and thus helped the event financially were:

Peng Travel: Tel: 0845 345 8345, www.pengtravel.co.uk
SCW Productions: Postbus 33, B-1980, Zemst, Belgium
Broadlands Sun Association: Tel: 01508 492907, www.broadlandsun.co.uk
Heritage Club: Tel: 01344-775032, www.heritageclub.org
Naturist Property Direct: Tel: 01206-384087, www.naturistproperty.com
Firefly Beach Cottages: Tel: 001 876 957 435, www.jamaicalink.com
Dainti Jewellery: Tel: 07941-004279
Chalfont Holidays: Tel: 0845-045 0987, www.chalfontholidays.co.uk
Infiniti: Tel: 01548-561289, www.infinitivillas.co.uk
It's Natural: Tel: 01354-661511, www.its-natural.net
Portugal Naturally - Visit their website: www.portugalnaturally.com
Le Colombage: Tel: 0033-385 477978, www.lecolombage.com
Suntreckers: Tel: 01473-410416, www.suntreckers.org.uk
DH Life Coaching Services: Tel: 0116-3321201, www.dhlifecoach.co.uk
Canarian Dreams: Tel: 0800-988 3346, www.naturistholidays.com]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:57:36 +0000 1ff8a7b5dc7a7d1f0ed65aaa29c04b1e https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/nudefest/nudefest2007-and-the-garden-of-eden-r71 A wonderful time had by all at the landmark events of the 2007 naturist calendar.


Cornwall was the naturist place to be over the weekend immediately following the summer solstice this year. As with the report of the BN Alton Towers naturist weekend in November, 2006 it is difficult to put into words the enjoyment, community spirit, and euphoria in being naked in traditionally textile places, but I’ll try and capture it for you. If you were there, you’ll know, and if you weren’t, there’s always next year...


Nudefest2007
Being Brits, we ought to talk about the weather first. Being the same weekend as the Glastonbury music festival it was awful, that is, everywhere but at Newperran Holiday Park! Sure, we had our share of downpours and it was grey and drizzly both mornings, but most people were naked most of the time in bright, hot sunshine. In fact, at the close of the weekend at midday on the Sunday, a large number of people were stretched out in the sun around the swimming-pool urging the owners to extend the naked time.


There was plenty going on all over the weekend. Some people had arrived early (some staying at Newperran Holiday Park all week), so at midday on Friday, when the weekend officially started (i.e. clothes off), there were already plenty of naked people on site. BN had provided a marquee as the centre of operations and the BN shop did brisk business, in particular selling the unique "Nudefest2007" T-shirt at the bargain price of £5. A stall selling beautiful jewellery and handicrafts was provided by Mexican Citlali Romano who was spending a week in the UK at festivals and learned of our event on the internet.


The event got off to a proper start on the Friday night in the large on-site pub (Have you ever seen a queue for the bar that goes out of the door? And with naked people in it?) with some introductions and thanks, followed by live music from 1970’s chart-topping pop group Edison Lighthouse, who rocked the joint with plenty of cover versions to dance to and/or sing along to, ending with their signature hit Love Grows (where my Rosemary Goes). They were delighted to be presented with their own Nudefest2007 T-shirts and pronounced the audience one of the best they’d played for. Any nerves they may have had about playing in front of a partially naked audience quickly faded – but we knew they would, hey? The bar did good business and closed (under protest) at 1 a.m.


Saturday dawned rather grey and wet, but that didn’t last long. We had various workshops and activities planned, but it was great to have so many guests come up to us and offer to run something themselves to add to it. Whilst it’s great to simply be able to chill out with friends, a weekend like this thrives on people having plenty to do and it’s often been our wish to have a list of BN members who can be available to run activities at different events – that’s begun now (and don’t hesitate to add your own offer if you are reading this and being inspired…). So, in and around the marquee and in the bar we hosted workshops (many thanks to the volunteers that ran them, names in brackets - in t’ai chi (Nick Palmer), massage (Jan Randall), life drawing (Chris Roberts and June Bentley), world dance - and specifically the "Cherokee Dance of Creation" - (Allyn Edwards), belly-dancing with Angela Russell, Research and Liaison Officer Malcolm Boura on campaigning issues, with a focus on beaches and setting up user-groups, and a "drop-in" craft session for the children, many of them being run more than once to cope with demand. Sadly, the body-painter was held up in weather-induced traffic and didn’t make it. On the sporting side we had volleyball, pétanque (Robert Plumb), plus a swimming gala and "silly sports" (see the feature on the INF Youth Rally for pictures of some of them), both run by YBN, that were especially enjoyed by the younger children who also had two play areas to lose themselves in.


Further stalls had arrived in the marquee and our thanks to Peng Travel, Acorns B&B (see feature elsewhere in this issue) and Lifestyle Press for helping us to make a great weekend. The BN shop did great business with the usual books, DVDs, videos, branded items and more sales of the "Nudefest2007" T-shirt (some still available – see the BN shop page later in this issue) and the wonderfully varied BN photographic display, with plenty of pictures showcasing the events and activities we get up to.


The heated outdoor swimming-pool was open throughout and people certainly made the most of that, and there were people sunbathing around the large grounds, or enjoying a drink with friends old and new at the pub. The well-stocked on-site "corner shop" was open for whatever you needed and Jean and Penny would even arrange to bring in things they didn’t stock! (They got the drawing pads and pencils for the life drawing workshops, for example). Sue and Steve in "Abigail’s Café" were worked hard by us all weekend, serving excellent breakfasts, dinners and evening meals.


On Saturday evening, most of us went off to the Eden Project – see below – but on our return at around midnight it wasn’t time to crawl into bed just yet since the most fantastic disco you will ever have been to (run by our own master of the turntables, Jim Russell) was under way. Being midnight in the UK it started as a clothed affair with a strong breeze blowing through the open pub door. As at Alton Towers, people wanted to dance naked, though, and after we persuaded owner Keith to close the pub door that’s exactly what happened! Newperran’s "pub" is a super place and, despite being an on-site venue for holidaymakers, is a real pub, the bar, seating and decoration being indistinguishable from a pub anywhere in the country (nicer bar staff, though), so even the most hardened naturist could not have pretended that the sight of people casually undressing as the place heated up wasn’t slightly surreal – magic! We’d arranged for the pub to be open later than normal, but it still wasn’t long enough!


Sunday started as Saturday had, but again the good weather was not far behind. Many of the workshops were run again, the marquee being packed with people enjoying them or taking the last opportunity to buy something or to plan holidays. Mike Charles and Nick Mayhew-Smith from Lifestyle Press were on hand to sign copies of their new book, The World’s Best Nude Beaches and Resorts (see the BN shop page for details on how to buy your copy at the special BN price), which they had officially launched the previous evening at Eden. The draw was made for the raffle, prizes included a holiday to Hotel Zum Walde in Germany, books – including copies of The World’s Best Nude Beaches and Resorts, DVDs, videos, wine donated by Peng Travel and much more. Sadly, though, things were winding down and at midday we had to say goodbye to Newperran Holiday Park.


Owners Keith and Christine Brewer who have run the 400-pitch park for the last five years were the perfect hosts and a pleasure to deal with. They handled all the bookings from the 300-plus guests and couldn’t have made them and the BN officials more welcome, both before and during the weekend. There was not the faintest eyebrow raised when I first spoke to them when searching for a location at the end of last year, and they pronounced us among the nicest, most relaxed and respectful group of guests they’ve had. "We’d recommend you to anyone", said Keith, and Christine inveigled her way into an interview on BBC Radio Cornwall on the following Monday to put a stop to the presenter’s misinformed and childish views about the weekend. They also provided Edison Lighthouse – who often entertain Newperran guests during the summer - at no cost to us. Testament to all this is their intention to dedicate one of their camping fields to naturism – watch out for details. We’d certainly return to Newperran and although we have been approached since by other venues (not all in Cornwall) they are of course top of our list for a repeat of Nudefest – surely the UK’s premier naturist weekend.


The Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden event at the world-famous Eden Project, organised by Red Letter Days, was the jewel in the crown of the weekend and the reason why Nudefest2007 happened. It is a very special venue and to be able to enjoy it without clothes was just brilliant - there was wide-eyed wonder from guests that we were being allowed, nay, encouraged to do so! We had been approached by travel company Explore South West with an offer of a large discount to transport people from Newperran to Eden and back, but such was the take-up that they hired an old London double-decker bus!


Red Letter Days did a fantastic job and there was not a dull moment at Eden. Quite a crowd had gathered in reception before the official opening time, so everyone was treated to a proper "Garden of Eden" welcome when a box of apples was handed round – quite a nice touch!


At 7 o’clock the first "batch" of guests was released into the Project, collecting their goody-bag on the way through the check-in desks. It was a very nice surprise to find of copy of Bare Britain inside, along with a map and a list of activities, some chocolates from Acorns B&B, a "Nakid" muesli bar and a bin- bag - the use of which was to be revealed very shortly. Everyone had a paper band attached to their wrist on which a lucky raffle number was printed and then made their way down to the Core Building, where the changing-area was located. Clothes were placed in the bin-bag (remembering to retain something to sit on), the bags tied up, labelled and placed into storage. It was all organised very efficiently and clothes were located and handed back very promptly at the end of the evening.


Visitors were then dispatched in groups of about 10 or 12 as that was all the lift would hold and there appeared to be no other way down. It all added to the excitement and anticipation, though! Most people headed for the delicious and plentiful food and drink included in the ticket price first of all before heading off to explore. Anyone who added their name to the guided tour list had a label stuck on to their wrist band. This idea seemed good, but for the last tour of the evening what started out as a group of about 20 practically doubled as they picked up people on the way round!


The whole site was open, but the evening was a little chilly and so the 600 or so guests tended to stay in the biomes and restaurant area - remember that you would usually be squeezed in with up to 15,000 people on an average day at Eden. What an experience it was to wander the biomes without clothes! Actually, this was a sensible option in the tropical zone where an outstanding guided tour of the biome was conducted by the Eden Project's Chief Pollinator, Rich – it was inspirational, eloquent and funny. Everyone was drawn in by his storytelling and by his passion and enthusiasm. It was truly an uplifting experience, well done, Rich! He also broke new ground by conducting the tour in the nude. In the temperate zone, live harp music filled the air and local wine and cheese producers ran tasting sessions. In the restaurant, an African band played throughout the evening, inspiring naked dancers to take to the floor. Red Letter Days' partners were there offering free massages, a chance to pose with a bird of prey, and other treats. BN also had a stand, as did Peng Travel, Lifestyle Press, Citlali Romano and other naturist businesses. Everyone stood by expectantly when the prize draw for Red Letter Days gift vouchers and other valuable items was drawn - I don't know how many prizes there were, but the draw and announcements must have taken 45 minutes! To finish everything off everyone was offered a little tree, as a memento of a fantastic evening. And if all that were not enough, many guests also went back to the Eden Project using their Garden of Eden ticket to gain free entry the following day.


A word about events...
I hear and read from time to time that there are people - some members of BN, some not - who think we should scrap all our events, calling them "fun and games" that divert us from our main purpose of campaigning for naturism. I think that misses the point. Not counting the days and weeks that led up to the weekend, I did around 20 radio interviews at Nudefest2007, spoke to umpteen journalists (mostly national papers – in fact Tom Chesshyre from the Mail on Sunday stayed at Nudefest2007) and participated in the Red Letter Days press call at Eden. We signed up 50 or so new members over both events and had ex-members renew. We took money through the shop and raffle. We were given the opportunity to show more textiles – including some regular Newperran holidaymakers that didn’t cancel their existing bookings when our weekend was announced (some of whom we spent time with in the pub) - that we are nice normal people. I know that many spoke to Eden Project, Red Letter Days and Newperran staff who could not praise us enough, told us that we'd changed their perception of naturists and that they'd had one of the nicest and most enjoyable times being with us - in fact, they didn't want it to end, either! You can be sure they will all spread the good word. As mentioned, Keith and Christine would like to encourage naturism at their site more widely. Being able to point to these events and the relationships we have built with well known companies such as Red Letter Days, the Eden Project and Alton Towers shows the outside world that we are growing and have moved into the mainstream. The fact that Nudefest2007 was taking place less than three miles from the naturist beach at Perran Sands where we are experiencing problems gave us a lot of positives in our campaign there and we received a letter from local MP Matthew Taylor wishing us well for the event, having met him in conjunction with the beach issues some weeks earlier. Both events gave us at BN the chance to meet members, show them what we do and inspire them to help us and provide opportunities for naturists to find out more about our wonderful world, including holiday choices through the exhibition hall. Guests who attended had a great time and have no doubt that their BN membership is valuable. Volunteers came forward to help us make a great weekend. Many guests were attending their first naturist event, some had joined BN being inspired by the chance to get involved in such great events, but contrary to what is often said about our "closed" society, it was not a requirement to be a BN member. Plenty of guests will be telling non-members and non-naturist friends what they missed. Merely fun and games? I don't think so.


Finally, look out for details of Nudefest2008 – we’re working on it already...


Andrew Welch


Newperran Holiday Park, Rejerrah, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5QJ
Tel: 0845 166 8407
www.newperran.co.uk


The Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall PL24 2SG
Tel: 01726 811911
www.edenproject.com


Red Letter Days, 77, Muswell Hill, London, N10 3RE
Tel: 0845 640 8000
www.redletterdays.co.uk]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:55:55 +0000 a4a042cf4fd6bfb47701cbc8a1653ada https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/alton-towers/the-fifth-alton-towers-weekend-2010-and-it%e2%80%99s-r65 Martin Warrillow reports on the fifth BN Alton Towers Naturist Weekend

I almost managed it this year; when I told our textile friends that my wife and I were going to the fifth BN Alton Towers Naturist Weekend, I almost got away without someone coming out with: “You’re not going outside on the rides in that weather in the nude, are you?”

This was our fourth visit to the winter highlight of BN’s calendar and every year the number of people offering that old chestnut has gone down – this time, only one person said it. Maybe in November 2011, I won’t hear it at all.
This year’s weekend attracted almost 400 BN members and with the weather proving considerably kinder than in 2010 and the activity programme more packed and varied than ever, fun and laughter was definitely the order of the day.

As usual, the Friday night action got underway with a 6 p.m. kick-off (sorry, kitoff!) and everyone was soon making new friends or putting faces to familiar names, either at the YBN get-together, the BN forum-users’ gathering or the BN regional gatherings. The latter proved an extremely clever idea, with guests from BN’s various regions encouraged to sit, drink and chat together for a couple of hours. As West Midlanders, it came as a pleasant surprise to Mrs W. and me that people whose faces we knew, but whose names had remained a mystery, suddenly turned out to live not very far at all from us. It certainly made for lively conversation, while out in reception,

BN photographer Steve Betts was offering people the chance to have souvenir photos taken for a small fee. The ice suitably broken and souvenir photographs taken, it was time for the pub quiz. I was quizmaster and if someone had told me beforehand that I would have to walk from end to end of Ma Garrita’s Bar reading out every question twice because of a microphone problem . . . I’d have agreed to do it anyway because it was so much fun. I hope everyone enjoyed it and at least I didn’t realise three days later that I’d got the answer to a question wrong. Believe me, that’s happened before! The highlight of the night for many was the appearance of our live band, Trident. They threw themselves into the action with gusto, got a great reaction with their party music and even let BN member Barry take over vocals for one song, which earned a deserved standing ovation. Late-night entertainment was provided by comedian Alexis Dubus. Alexis first came to BN’s attention at last year’s AT event, which he visited to research his show ‘A Surprisingly Tasteful Show About Nudity.’ Since then, he’s performed it at the Edinburgh Fringe and in London and was so keen to appear at this year’s AT weekend that we were his second show of the night.

Unfortunately, his dash from Runcorn meant he arrived too late for this weary couple, but I am assured by those who did watch him that he went down a storm!

Refreshed by a good night’s sleep, Mrs W. and I determined to enjoy a leisurely Saturday morning, reading the papers in the bar and watching the youngsters throw themselves around the Cariba Creek Water Park down below. But there was plenty going on for those who wanted it from Tai Chi and Sacred Dance sessions to Wii sessions, Wargaming, another successful MiTunes session and massages offered by Alton Towers’ trained staff.

Our main sponsors, Clover Spa, attracted a lot of attention with some body-painted models at their stand in reception and those of us who regularly enjoy the BN forum got a chance to put faces to names, as well as chew over some of the exciting new developments being planned by BN’s new media expert, Ed Shephard.

In the afternoon, there was more yoga, Asian dancing, aquarobics, face-painting and something which particularly interested me as editor of BN magazine, a workshop on dealing with the media.

One of the most important things BN can do is encourage more members to stand up, tell their friends and colleagues about naturism and be prepared to talk to newspapers, radio and television about our lifestyle. I am convinced that the more people we can encourage to do that, the more ‘normal’ naturism will seem – and the less we will hear the old chestnuts such as the one I started this piece with. The session was a huge success and I am sure BN members are becoming ever more ready to talk about what we do.

After a brief rest and the usual diet shattering meal in Flambo’s it was time for bingo, with Clive Edwards proving, as always, an excellent bingo-caller and then the traditional Saturday night highlight, Jim Russell’s disco.

With the sound system at the end of the bar, rather than in the middle, more people seemed to get involved this year and as with all BN disco events, smiling faces and happy voices made the night.

We happened to be sitting across the room from one couple who didn’t seem to stop smiling, laughing and dancing the whole night. When, 12 hours later, I found myself standing just behind and to the right of the lady in question for the traditional Sunday morning group photo, she told me that it was their first AT weekend and that they’d never enjoyed themselves so muchIf anyone ever asks me “Naturism – why?”, that couple will provide part of my answer. .

If Saturday night meant fun, Sunday morning was a little more sombre. As a member of the Christian Naturist Fellowship, I had it brought to my attention early in the autumn that the weekend clashed with Remembrance Sunday. Members of CNF had asked if a small act of worship could be organised, but I couldn’t see how it was possible. First, there is the organised chaos which is the group photo session, while the AT management always request that we are dressed and clear of the hotel by noon. I just couldn’t see how it could be done but CNF member Quin Hough, an ordained former member of the armed forces, pulled off a minor miracle.

More than 50 people, both clothed and naked, gathered in Ma Garrita’s bar for a moving 20-minute non-denominational service, which included hymns and readings and ended with a perfectly-observed two minute silence at 11 a.m.

The good news is that we are now so much a part of the Alton Towers calendar that the management have already agreed a date for this year’s event. The Sixth BN Alton Towers Naturist Weekend will be from November 18-20 2011. Mrs W and I will be there. If only we could persuade our one textile friend with the bad joke to give it a try.


Sponsors of the 5th BN Alton Towers Naturist Weekend



Many thanks to the variety of businesses who helped support the weekend of sponsoring, taking an exhibition table, advertising in the programme, providing items fo the welcome bag or donating a prize for the draw. They are:

Main Sponsor: Clover Spa - www. www.cloverspa.eu. Telephone: 0121 350 6836.

Ann and David James Travel - 0844 484 5058 www.capdagde.co.uk
Chalfont Holidays - 0845 045 0987 www.chalfontholidays.co.uk
Peng Travel - 0845 345 8345 www.pengtravel.co.uk
Cambium – 01494-488805 www.cambiumbene.com
Leucate Naturist Village - +44 1635 253618 - www.leucatevilla.com
Fig Leaf Villas - 00447824441999 or 0030 698 2453437 - www.figleafvillas.co.uk
Broadland Sun Association – 01508 492907 - www.broadlandsun.co.uk
Vigla Natura - www.viglanatura. Telephone: 020 8144 2166
Kalo-Kairi: Telephone: +306995384682; www.kalo-kairi.com

Thanks to all the members who ran activities or events over the weekend. We couldn't have dones it without you.]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:42:36 +0000 9766527f2b5d3e95d4a733fcfb77bd7e https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/alton-towers/the-fourth-2009-bn-alton-towers-naturist-week-r64
November provided the opportunity; first, the International Naturist Federation Swimming Gala was being staged in Rugby and at that time, I worked for the company which owned the Coventry Telegraph, the newspaper which covered that part of Warwickshire. Would they be interested in covering the event if I told them about it? It meant taking the plunge, so to speak, but I did it and the results were rewarding. A page lead in the newspaper, some excellent pictures on their website and the total support of the friends and colleagues I involved.

Having told, why not tell them about the fourth British Naturism Alton Towers weekend, sponsored by Kiniki, seven days after the INF gala? Inevitably, there were the jokes about ‘you’re not going on the outdoor rides in the nude in this weather, are you?’ but I’d heard those 12 months previously.

So Mrs W and I had the good wishes of plenty of people as we headed for Alton Towers on that Friday afternoon – and a dashed good job it was, because the weather was appalling. A mild drizzle turned into a steady rain and then a near-monsoon as we approached North Staffordshire. Completely missing the ‘Stop’ sign at a T-junction in the road and then watching, frozen in fear, as a lorry came over a steep bridge 100 yards to our left is one of the more interesting things we will ever do in the name of naturism.

So it was with some relief that we arrived at Alton Towers to discover that many of the 400 guests had suffered similarly grim journeys. Having stripped off and flung our cases in our room, which was a comforting degree or two warmer than 12 months previously, the complimentary glass of red wine from Ma Garrita’s Bar did go down rather nicely. As did a good meal (this year’s new arrangements for paying for dinner seemed a success – no queues at all!) before we set off to meet friends old and new during an evening which flew by as we discovered just how hard some people work in the interests of British Naturism (and no, I haven’t been paid to say that!).

Board Games corner, fundraising for the BBC Children In Need appeal, a giant Wii screen, a crafts session, exhibitors and therapy and massage sessions offered by the venue continued throughout the weekend while Friday night’s events included the Young British Naturists gathering, a chance for BN’s forum users to put faces to names, the ever-popular pub quiz and to round things off, the Strictly Salsa session.

I really, really, had wanted to do the Tai Chi session at 8am on Saturday (OK, I might have settled for watching it) and I am sure Mrs W would have been up for BN president Angela Russell’s belly-dancing hour at 10am, as well as the yoga hour at noon. As it was, it was past 10am by the time we stirred and the rest of the morning was spent watching from the bar as our younger, fitter fellow naturists splashed around below us in Cariba Creek.

I looked in on Steve Betts’ photography session and found it a fascinating hour while Robert Mighall attracted plenty of interest with an illustrated talk about his book ‘Sunshine.’ The guided tour of the gardens at Alton Towers ran twice again this year while those who stayed indoors enjoyed MiTunes, a chance to let your fellow naturists hear your own favourite selections of music, both classical and popular.

As the new editor of BN’s magazine, promoting naturism is very much in my thoughts, so I had agreed to take part in a presentation by BN’s Commercial Manager (and main PR contact) Andrew Welch on BN’s work with the media.

My fellow joint-editor Tom Rowland , BN’s youth officer Leah Thomas and Kiran Mahay (who appeared nude during an arts installation in Trafalgar Square in London last summer as Lady God1va), formed a panel of experts to follow. Andrew and all did a wonderful job in explaining how important it is that naturists are not afraid to step out and publicise naturism – just as I had done over the INF gala.

While I had been thinking deep thoughts about naturism and the media, YBN were splashing around in Cariba Creek running the kids’activity hour, which was a roaring success.

Kiran and Leah had stressed the importance of female voices being heard within naturism and an hour-long session on Women in Naturism proved an interesting debate for the good number of female members who attended.

Teatime featured the childrens’ disco, a professional aquarobics session that may well have been as exhausting to take part in as it was to watch and two hours of body painting that produced some of the weekend’s most memorable images.

Saturday night, as always, was the highlight of the weekend for many thanks to Jim Russell’s naked disco although Mrs W and I watched from the sidelines this year; perhaps it was another 12 months of aging, or maybe I was still recovering from our near-miss with that lorry.

Indeed, we were in bed by the time the festivities ended but at least that meant we were up in time for the Sunday morning photoshoot. It’s that frantic hour when everyone hurls themselves around Cariba Creek one last time and Steve Betts and Andrew Welch do a magnificent job lining 400 people up for the cameras and the pictures that will help promote BN throughout 2010.

It’s a fantastic way to end the weekend and if non-naturists could see the fun everyone had during that hour, I am sure they would be converted on the spot.

I should offer thanks to everyone who played a part at Alton Towers – to Angela and Jim, Andrew, Steve and the rest of the BN team, the people who put on yoga, tai-chi and other events and everyone who helped ensure that the fifth AT weekend is already in the diary for next November.


Thanks to the following, who supported the event by sponsoring, advertising, exhibiting or donating raffle prizes:

Main Sponsor: Kiniki - 01782 611599 - www.kiniki.com/bn

Ann and David James Travel - 0844 484 5058 www.capdagde.co.uk
Chalfont Holidays - 0845 045 0987 www.chalfontholidays.co.uk
Peng Travel - 0845 345 8345 www.pengtravel.co.uk
Parasol Holidays – 01604-863300 www.parasolholidays.co.uk
Cambium – 01494-488805 www.cambiumbene.com
Dainti Jewellery - 07941 004279
Leucate Villa - +44 1635 253618 - www.leucatevilla.com
Fig Leaf Villas - 00447824441999 or 0030 698 2453437 - www.figleafvillas.co.uk
Suntreckers – 01473 410416 - www.suntreckers.org.uk

Martin Warrillow]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:40:52 +0000 fa7cdfad1a5aaf8370ebeda47a1ff1c3 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/alton-towers/the-third-bn-alton-towers-naturist-weekend-2008-r63 A perfect stress-busting break, says Martin Warrilow.

Do you want evidence of the healthy, life-giving benefits of naturism? Then picture myself and Mrs. W. dancing naked to the Village People’s YMCA (complete with all the movements) alongside about 100 other people in the bar of a hotel in Staffordshire in November, just four days after I had suffered a debilitating epileptic fit. Welcome to BN’s third annual weekend at Alton Towers.

We had pretty much ignored the first event in 2006 and thought hard about 2008 before deciding against it on grounds of cost. But as I became more and more involved in BN’s editorial team, we thought we really should give it a go at the end of a difficult year, during which I almost lost my job and was hit by a series of health problems, one of which was the above-mentioned fit on the Tuesday before we were due to go to Alton Towers on the Friday.

And boy, did we do the right thing! From the moment we arrived at 5 p.m. on the Friday to the moment we reluctantly put our clothes back on just before midday on the Sunday, this was the most perfect stress-busting weekend.

For the third year in a row, BN had exclusive use of Splash Landings, one of two hotels at the north Staffordshire theme park. Its main selling-point is Cariba Creek, a spectacular water park with a big swimming-pool, numerous scary rides and plenty of water-spraying gadgets, including an enormous bucket which I spent the entire weekend studying, but never quite had the courage to stand under. It’s probably great fun for textiles, but for naturists it’s heaven.

On arrival, after taking time to say ‘hello’ to all those BN faces that you know but have never spoken to, we found our very impressive room, then got ready for the countdown to 6 p.m. when the hotel became naturist for the weekend. As BN’s Commercial Manager Andrew Welch did the “Five… four… three… two…one”, I’m not sure I’ve seen so many people rip their clothes off and throw themselves into the water quite that quickly. Being middle-aged and careful, Mrs. W. and I took things rather more slowly, dipping our toes in the water for a swim before heading to dinner.

There has been criticism of the cost of the food on these weekends, and an ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffet may not be the right formula for a weekend that requires so much water-bound physical activity, but there was no questioning the range or quality of the food on offer, nor the friendliness and helpfulness of the restaurant staff when faced with 400 naked customers.

Having eaten well, we returned to the bar where an extensive range of activities was underway in a really friendly atmosphere. YBN were well represented and it was great to see so many enthusiastic supporters of the next generation of naturists. The users of the BN website forum were putting faces to names and using the hotel’s wi-fi connection that was available to all guests for free for the weekend. And the ‘Spot the volleyball’ competition in reception was raising money for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal. We took ourselves back to our childhood and played draughts - there were plenty of games dotted around in “Board Games Corner” - over a couple of glasses of beer before BN member Philip Carter provided the evening’s musical entertainment. Judging by what we heard the following morning, the fun went on into the early hours, but we retired to a good night’s sleep and even missed the t’ai chi session scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday.

Instead, we spent the morning lounging in the bar reading the newspapers (something we never get the time to do at home) and watching the youngsters hurling themselves around the water park below. The fact that we were doing it nude among several hundred fellow-naturists made it all the more special.

The more energetic of us could have done lots more, of course. T’ai chi was followed by crafts and photography workshops, while BN president Angela Russell entertained and impressed us by leading a belly-dancing workshop which I’m sure taught a number of ladies how to shake parts they never knew they had! The “NEC” – Naturist Exhibition Centre - including the BN shop and cinema showing naturist films continued throughout. Sacred dance, soca dancing, a Book SIG meeting and bingo were other popular activities. There were lots of activities for children, including YBN-run games and fun sessions both in Cariba Creek and the hotel’s games arcade, plus a disco and musical games in the bar.

After lunch we went on a guided tour of the extensive grounds of Alton Towers. The hotel management had promised that we could enjoy the tour in the spirit of the weekend, but grey skies and persistent cold rain meant coats and umbrellas were the order of the day.

As we live in south Staffordshire, less than an hour from Alton Towers, I was shocked at how little we knew of the ancestral home of the earls of Shrewsbury, and I am very grateful to our two excellent tour guides. We will certainly go back, and if BN ever manages to persuade the hotel to go naturist in the summer, we definitely want to do the tour again, only this time in the nude!

The tour completed, we thawed out with a couple of hours splashing around in Cariba Creek, and the sight of so many naturists of all ages, colours, shapes and sizes really enjoying themselves made us realise once again just how much naturism is becoming recognised and respected.

A special mention should go here to the staff at Alton Towers. They don’t have to do this and it must be a shock for ‘textiles’ to have so many naturally nude people around the place. But they seemed to enjoy themselves as much as we did and you never know…we might even have encouraged a few to try naturism for themselves.

Saturday night was the highlight of the weekend. We missed the pub quiz in favour of dinner (all that walking in the afternoon had made us hungry!), but the disco more than made up for it. With Jim Russell at the decks, we seemed to be jumping up every few minutes for a bop and dancing nude to YMCA was later described to me by Mrs. W. as one of the most enjoyable things we had done all year.

Sunday didn’t seem to go on long enough. After breakfast, we spent some time in Cariba Creek for the photo-shoot, but we were always conscious that the clock was ticking, and that shortly after the raffle with prizes including holidays was drawn we would have to get dressed and say ‘goodbye’.

Events like Alton Towers are a wonderful way of introducing more people to naturism, and once you get past jokes like ‘You’re not going on the big dipper in the nude in November, are you?”, friends will take an interest. Let’s hope Alton Towers episode four is just as much fun.

I’d like to thank everyone who helped in any way with the success of the weekend and in particular those who organised activities, my helpers and the staff of Alton Towers, who provided excellent service once again. Thanks also to the following, who supported the event by sponsoring, advertising, exhibiting or donating raffle prizes:

Ann and David James Travel - 0844 484 5058 www.capdagde.co.uk
Broadlands Sun Association – 01508-492907 www.broadland sun.co.uk
Chalfont Holidays - 0845 045 0987 www.chalfontholidays.co.uk
Peng Travel - 0845 345 8345 www.pengtravel.co.uk
Le Colombage - 0033 385 477978 www.lecolombage.com
Parasol Holidays – 01604-863300 www.parasolholidays.co.uk
Cambium – 01494-488805 www.cambiumbene.com
Rainbow Rentals – 0121-286 8181 www. rainbowsendmojacar
Dainti Jewellery - 07941 004279
Infiniti – 01548-561289 www.infinitinaturist.co.uk
Vassaliki – 020 8144 2166 www.vasnat.com
Lifestyle Press - www.barebeaches.com
Naturist Property Direct – 01206-384087 www.naturistproperty.com]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:38:01 +0000 0777d5c17d4066b82ab86dff8a46af6f https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/alton-towers/the-second-bn-alton-towers-naturist-weekend-2007-r62 Another blast of a weekend

Well, we’d looked forward to it for ages - that exciting feeling of still having a fab naturist event to go to before the end of the year, without the hassle of going abroad. And we weren’t disappointed. Alton Towers Splash Landings Hotel provided a great facility for a naturist weekend once again, with service to match. The attendance in 2006 had been less than commercially satisfying for the Alton Towers management, but a combination of great feedback from guests and vociferous demands by the staff to have us back(!) meant they gave us a 2007 date…and we booked all 220 rooms in the hotel. It shows that good events can start small and grow. No doubt word of mouth from those who went in 2006 helped to encourage others for this one. Thanks to all who spread the word.

For anyone not aware, or new to British Naturism, Alton Towers approached us in early 2006, suggesting an exclusive weekend for naturists at their hotel complex whilst the theme park was closed for annual maintenance. Naturally, we took them up on the offer and later that year around 275 BN members spent the weekend at the Splash Landings Hotel, which includes the most fabulous waterpark, Cariba Creek. For the second event over 450 of us made our way to Staffordshire to enjoy ourselves in the company of like-minded people.

As with the first weekend, this was a first BN event for many and others had joined us to be able to be there. Once again, we attracted a generally younger crowd with plenty of families and small children and 40-odd members of YBN. A venue of this calibre is never going to be cheap – and we know the room-rate meant that a lot of people felt it was pricey – but guests again commented on the excellent value for money that the weekend provided. In fact, the rate this year for two people sharing a room had been reduced by £50! Plenty of people made use of our “room-sharing” scheme and, as a result, perhaps had the best value of all.

Exclusive use meant that from the opening at 6 p.m. on Friday night to the close at midday Sunday clothes were not required anywhere in the hotel complex. Alton Towers were slightly caught out by the temperature outside, which sharply dropped to -1˚C on Friday evening after some mild days. The heating had been turned up in anticipation of our arrival, but it took a few extra hours to feel really cosy!

We were caught out too by the number of people who had taken the day off to make sure they didn’t miss anything. In 2006, many arrived late on the first day, so we had arranged only low-key activities for the Friday evening this time, but about 80% of guests had arrived by the time 6 p.m. came round. This year we’ll pack the first evening with activities, too! Cariba Creek was the first place many people went to, making the most of the rides, flumes, hot pools, water spouts and swimming areas, and cashing in their voucher for a free drink, courtesy of Alton Towers. Lots of hardy souls rode the flumes that take you outside, many taking full advantage of the welcome hot tub at the end of them. The Creek was busy all weekend and its own snack-bar Quenchers’ patio tables and deckchairs were always occupied. For many people this was a great place to unwind with a drink and a snack - and watch the naked world go by.

‘Calvero’ entertained people in the bar in his guise as Charlie Chaplin and there was much laughter. He also collected money for BBC Children in Need which event coincided with ours. By the end of the weekend we had raised £228.91. Fundraising for the charity was further enhanced by members of the Alton Towers catering staff producing their own version of a nude calendar, which they sold for £1 in the hotel shop. It was hastily put together after they had been inspired by the onslaught of naked eaters in the restaurant, but they say they’ll do it again with better planning for 2008 – good for them! You’ll find a copy of it in the forum in the downloads section. (Obviously, we can’t charge you for doing so but if you do download it, remember to put money in a charity box next time you can!)

YBN held their own “meet and greet” and were delighted to involve plenty of people over the weekend currently too young to join them in their own right, many of whom are now more keen to stick with naturism and to be YBNers as soon as they can. The 8-ball pool tournament masterminded by Peter Hockett was launched and got well under way and continued over the weekend with Les Jones emerging as the hard-fought winner.

The “NEC” (Naturist Exhibition Centre) was up and running as soon as the event began with Dainti jewellery, Vassiliki Naturist Club, BN’s holiday advisors and the BN shop spending time talking to people and showing their wares. We launched the new “100% Off” goods that weekend - see the shop page in this issue for details of how you can now get yours.Saturday started early with a t’ai chi session in the bar run by Nick Palmer, and after the inclusive breakfast (and with a break for lunch when it could be squeezed in) Allyn Edwards organised a Sacred Dance workshop and Chris Roberts and June Bentley tutored a life-drawing class that lasted all afternoon. Chris and June also brought easels and “donkeys” (an easel you can sit on) to make it easier for people to take part. A walking tour of the Alton Towers gardens is popular with guests in the warmer months and we were pleased to be offered one for our weekend. It was oversubscribed to twice the usual capacity, so our thanks to Alton Towers for simply arranging more staff, meaning that everyone who wanted to could take part. They also agreed that clothes could be dispensed with, but needless to say, everyone wrapped up against the bitter cold!

YBN organised a few activities for the children in Cariba Creek, including races, ‘find the duck’ and lots of fun with water pistols, with around 20 children joining in and chocolates as prizes. Kids’ competitions in the arcade included shooting games, air-hockey and the dance pad. The slots were fed from the YBN budget and each child was given £1 at the end to spend on the games as they wished.

Late afternoon included a bingo session in the bar (which was open all day for snacks and coffee, tea or something stronger) with lots of prizes and more entertainment for the little ones by way of their own disco. Fabulous prizes, including nine naturist holidays, were drawn in the raffle. After dinner was eaten and cleared away we packed the restaurant for the quiz – with a team of restaurant staff joining in – before exhausting ourselves completely at the disco.

Two members of the media joined us all weekend. Andy Mitchell, editor with Blackpool’s Radio Wave – and a member of BN since the summer, after a research project he did inspired him - made an excellent radio feature (available for download from the forum) and Jo Caird, travel editor with the London Student newspaper, wrote a two-page illustrated piece for a “market” that we definitely want to make our way into. Jo’s article also gave contact details for clubs and beaches in the South-East, so let’s hope she inspires lots of London-based students to give us a try this summer.

It seemed such a short time from breakfast to the end of the event on Sunday but we managed to have another t’ai chi session, a belly-dancing workshop and campaigning update and more purchases and chat at the NEC, and to gather for group photos in Cariba Creek.

It sounds like people’s feet would not have touched the ground, but there was plenty of time to laze around, too. What many people seem to get from such an event is the chance to spend time sharing experiences and relaxing with naturist friends old and new. The cry from many people at midday on Sunday was, “Can’t we stay?”

Thanks
Thanks to everyone who wrote in with comments and reports of their experiences. You’ll find lots of feedback from happy guests on the forum in the events section. Deserving of a special mention are all the volunteers (BN officers and members) who helped make it a great event, from working hard in the planning to playing their part over the weekend. We’ve since had more people offering help for this year’s event – if you have an idea of what you’d like to see, or can arrange an activity for us, please let us know. All the staff at Alton Towers were terrific, but big thanks to general manager Ian Parkinson for his foresight in allowing us once again to take the venue without BN having to pay any hire charge whatsoever, plus his creativity and determination to make it an event to remember; duty manager Jo for her attention and unstinting support (and for allowing a naked man to nip into her office every so often to make a Tannoy announcement!); and Tricia from reception who trawled her local shops on her way into work on the Saturday to buy something we needed and hadn’t been able to find.]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:35:46 +0000 82aa4b0af34c2313a562076992e50aa3 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/alton-towers/the-bn-alton-towers-naturist-weekend-2006-r61
For anyone not aware, or new to British Naturism, Alton Towers approached us in March, 2006, suggesting an exclusive weekend at their hotel complex whilst the theme park was closed for annual maintenance. Naturally, we took them up on the offer and around 275 BN members spent the weekend at the Splash Landings hotel. Nudity was permitted from 6 p.m. Friday until midday Sunday. We arranged all sorts of events and activities to keep people entertained, and the fabulous Waterpark – Cariba Creek – was open throughout, busy with naked people for the first time in its history.

For many people, this was their first BN event and others had joined us especially to be able to go – feedback from both groups was excellent. This also seemed to be an event that appealed to younger people, with plenty of families with small children and 20-odd members of YBN coming along. A venue of this calibre is never going to be cheap – and we know the room-rate meant that a lot of people decided not to attend – but guests commented on the excellent value for money that the weekend provided. Plenty of people made use of our “room-sharing” scheme and, as a result, perhaps had the best value of all.

It was wonderful to be able to wander fully naked anywhere at all times in November. People said that this aspect struck them most when walking naked into a conventional hotel corridor first thing in the morning, and when they realised that they did not have to get changed once they had been in Cariba Creek. The surfaces meant that even shoes were never needed.

Thanks to everyone who wrote in with comments and reports of their experiences. It would be impossible to publish them all, or mention everyone who helped in some way by name, but here’s a summary of this landmark naturist event. We also got some great feedbackfrom last year's guests.

Cariba Creek Waterpark
The centrepiece of the hotel and the whole weekend for many, was Cariba Creek. Our exclusive use meant there were no queues on the various attractions. We paddled and swam in Lagoona Bay, were drenched under 1,000 litres of water from the Tipping Bucket, tried to avoid being sprayed with water from cannons and spouts just about everywhere, rode the Master Blaster – a “water-coaster” that took us up as well as down, whizzed down and around in the many flumes, drifted around the lazy river, were taken outside by the Flash Floods - not as bad as it seems even for November, as the heated pools were wonderfully warm, as long as you kept your shoulders under! It culminated in the steaming waters of the "Bubbly Wubbly" jacuzzi. Cariba Creek was also a great place to just sit, chat, watch the world go by and perhaps even nod off…

Daytime events
Our two guest speakers – Richard Hobday, author of The Healing Sun, and Alan Palmer, who wrote The Reluctant Nudist – both gave excellent and interesting speeches about their books, signing copies at the BN shop afterwards. Thanks to them both for giving up their time to entertain us. The naturist cinema show ran through the day on Saturday, showing four movies twice each during the day, allowing people to see the ones they wanted and not miss other activities. We were particularly pleased to be given permission by SCW Productions to show Craven Walker’s world-renowned film Travelling Light from the late 1950s – the first authorised public screening for 40 years. The bingo session was very popular and great fun, even if people were enjoying the antics of the caller more than the bingo itself! Kids and some intrepid adults played the Treasure Hunt, with Alistair winning an “adopt-a-turtle” prize from the Marine Conservation Society. An impromptu belly- dancing workshop attracted trainee dancers and a sizeable audience. Visitors browsed the exhibition hall tables all day on Saturday. It may have been a little cramped, but you certainly could not miss it! In addition to various BN stalls, displays and slide-shows, including YBN and the holiday advisors dispensing information, visitors found out more about Wirral Naturist Club, Abbey House Gardens, Red Letter Days’ Garden of Eden event, the Marine Conservation Society and Vassiliki, the new British-owned resort in Kefalonia.

Food and drink
No need to dress for dinner either, or breakfast and lunch for that matter. Food was delicious and plentiful and served buffet-style, which was perfect since it gave people a chance to mingle and share tables with whoever they chose. There was also a huge choice and you could fill your plate as often as you wished. The beach bar opened when the Waterpark did and the bar in the hotel was open 24 hours, making a convenient “collapsing” area for those who needed to relax and recuperate – whatever the time.

Nighttime entertainment
The Friday night coincided with BBC Children in Need and a “Spot the (volley) ball” competition was arranged, raising money for that good cause. Most people caught up with old friends and made new ones that evening in the bar, and the sound system led to impromptu dancing. Early Saturday evening saw the kids’ disco, with Jim Russell behind the turntables and Angela Russell dancing non-stop for an hour encouraging the kids to join in! Later, the pub quiz was an eagerly contested, sometimes heated, but always fun, activity in which most people participated. Thanks to Red Letter Days, the winning team took home a case of wine. The grand prize draw followed, with great prizes - including three holidays from Vassiliki naturist resort, David and Ann James Travel and Hotel Zum Walde - being handed out by President Pat Thompson. All guests’ names had been entered into a separate draw for many smaller prizes, which followed. Jim’s evening disco was a blast and a highlight of the weekend for many people. The way that events and dining had flowed into each other meant that people had not had time to put on their glad-rags (or probably didn’t want to, actually) and so, unusually, the disco was a naked affair. We danced to everything, sang at the tops of our voices and had a fabulous time, well into the night.

Staff
The staff of Alton Towers, from the senior management to the restaurant and Waterpark staff, were terrific. Helpful, welcoming and attentive to our every need. It is a top-class venue, run extremely well, and they really seemed to like having us there. They’d had some other “unusual” (their words, not ours) groups over previous weekends and told us that, despite their “fears” (their word again), they found us to be the nicest and most normal group. They commented that we were all so happy and relaxed that they concluded there was something to be gained by being a naturist, over and above the simple pleasure of being without clothes. The Waterpark staff said after the event that the next set of textile visitors seemed suddenly ridiculous in their costumes, and the security guards - brought in to man the door as it was an exclusive event – were delighted to tell us that never before had people made an effort to come up and speak to them. We feel that we changed many perceptions of naturism and naturists over the weekend and, have gained some new recruits - some of the bar staff recently went to a swim at Bramcote.

Each guest was given an exclusive British Naturism beach bag on arrival – look out for them on the beaches this summer.]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:32:51 +0000 bd4c9ab730f5513206b999ec0d90d1fb https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/the-british-naturism-national-convention-2012-r37 Ilam Hall Youth Hostel: Friday 27 – Sunday 29 April 2012

Day visits now possible!

Ilam Hall Youth Hostel is a spectacular early 18th Century National Trust mansion in a magnificent setting in the Peak District in Derbyshire. It can take a maximum of 118 guests and has plenty of room for the workshops, presentations, training and “how-to” sessions and break-out groups that will be the focus of the weekend.

There will be social events and some activities outside the “classroom” items, too. A full timetable will be published nearer the time. The hostel has a full restaurant and bar. We will have exclusive use and nudity will be permitted anywhere in the building, anytime. Unfortunately, as the grounds are owned by the National Trust and open to the public, guests must be dressed outside. The event will begin on Friday evening and run until early Sunday afternoon.

What is the British Naturism National Convention?
The first British Naturism National Convention, or NatConv, is a conference and training weekend for everyone in the community – clubs and swims, regions and individual members. It will replace the existing annual clubs and regions meetings. We hope that people will see it as something “different” they can do with their interest in naturism and come away having learned something and – we hope – be inspired to get more involved in BN’s work. It’s a chance for us to impart information and give updates and advice, hear feedback, talk about Campaigning and the threats we face etc. and for delegates to share and network. We have a lot of experience of running workshops and presentations at our bigger events and they are always popular. We’re taking it to the next logical stage and adding more practical sessions to broaden the number of members equipped to help make a difference to naturism in the UK. It will also be lots of fun and a great chance to mix with like-minded people in a fantastic location.

Full programme and activity timetable  BN National Convention 2012 programme.pdf   42.97K   119 downloads


How much does it cost?
The cost is £75 per person for the weekend – that’s two nights accommodation and all meals. Being a youth hostel, the accommodation is in shared rooms with between 4 and 8 beds – though many have en-suite facilities. We’ll do our best to put you in a room of your choice, but it will be largely first-come, first-served. Dietary requirements can be catered for – please mention this when booking. It is not possible to pay for accommodation only – the rate we have agreed is significantly less than individuals would be charged because of the catering arrangements.

Update 6.4.12 - day visits now possible:

Non-residential - £60 per person. Attend the whole weekend, but stay elsewhere

Saturday only - £45 per person. Attend during Saturday daytime only.

How do I book?
Tickets are available from the BN office, who will also answer queries. You can also book online via the BN shop. The event is for BN members only, though non-members representing a club can attend, but must provide confirmation of that appointment.]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:35:43 +0000 3988c7f88ebcb58c6ce932b957b6f332 https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/the-great-british-skinny-dip-2012-winter-even-r36 WINTER PROMOTION - THROUGHOUT JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2012 - NATIONWIDE

British Naturism’s The Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) is a big, fun event that happens twice a year, in summer, and in winter. Get involved and tell us what you think about this event on Facebook.

STRIP OFF INTO SOMETHING MORE COMFORTABLE
There is nothing quite so liberating and life-affirming as swimming without clothes and the wonderful sensation of the water over your whole body. In fact, the swimsuit is the most pointless item of clothing invented – it neither keeps you warm nor dry! Modern designs also serve to draw attention to the very parts of the body that costumes intend to hide.

GIVE YOUR BIRTHDAY SUIT AN AIRING
We’ve all got one - and it wasn’t designed to be wrapped up in clothes 24/7. Yet cultural issues often mean that simple human nudity is treated with shame, or seen as provocative or dirty. In fact, it’s all good. We all benefit – mentally, physically and psychologically - from shedding our clothes. It’s fun, liberating, relaxing, healthy, de-stressing, bringing a sense of well-being, and an escape from daily life and social convention.

SEE MORE OF YOUR FRIENDS
You can skinny dip alone, but it’s better with others. We know that newcomers can be hesitant or even embarrassed about being nude in front of others – especially people they know - for the first time, but it quickly becomes normal to be naked among naked people. Poor body image is improved as no-one has a “perfect” body and we’re all different anyway. It is surprising how quickly confidence grows and self-consciousness fades.

WHERE TO BARE
If you are ready for a thrilling and different experience that might well change your life, and get fit after the excesses of Christmas in the process, where can you go? Here's the list of participating locations - bookmark this page and keep checking back. Many of British Naturism’s member clubs and swims will be hosting sessions throughout January and February. Each one will be open to all (though you may need to book a place in advance) and tickets will be half their usual price.

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

Please mention the Great British Skinny Dip/New Year Swim promotion when booking

Berkshire  Reading Naturist Group   enquiries@rng.org.uk

Buckinghamshire  Diogenes Sun Club    bnswim2012@diogenessunclub.co.uk www.diogenessunclub.co.uk  Saturdays - January 21st, February 4th and February 18th, 7 - 9 p.m. Please book tickets in advance

East Lothian Forth Naturists Club http://www.forthnaturists.co.uk/swim-details Sunday 15 January, 4.30pm for 5pm start

Hampshire Shabden Leisure Circle http://naturist-life-magazine.co.uk/alton-leisure-centre Alton Sports Centre - Saturday 4th February. Admission, £6.25, tickets must be purchased in advance - cheques/POs made payable to SLC and sent to 49A Spielplatz, Lye Lane, Bricket Wood, St Albans AL2 3TD. A SAE should be enclosed. The half price offer applies to anyone who has not attended Alton Sports Centre events since they were taken over by Shabden Leisure Circle in March 2011.

Lancashire Blackpool & Fylde Sun Club  07989 964321 bfsunclub@aol.com  www.bfsunclub.org.uk Gorlands, Longridge - every Saturday from the 14th January, 2 - 3pm  Poulton Le Fylde Centre - Saturdays - 14th January and 4th February, 7 - 9pm

Monmouthshire  Western Swimming Club  07804 309130  enquiries@westernswimclub.org.uk  www.westernswimclub.org.uk  Chepstow Leisure Centre - every Friday evening, 8.15 - 10.15. If the weather is bad, please check with the leisure centre before travelling. Exclusive use of  Swimming Pool, Sauna and Steam rooms.  All are welcome, just bring your Photo ID - with proof of your address - with you.

Oxfordshire Oxford Naturist Club (Oxnat) 07941 435021/01235 221008 www.oxnat.org.uk Sat 21 January and Sat 18 February, 7.30 - 8.30pm. Admission by invitation only. To obtain an invitation, please make contact and give name and address of each visitor and date(s) wanted. The invitation will be posted to the given address. Visitors must be 18 or over, and bring ID.

Suffolk Mildenhall Naturist Swimming Club 07946 886843 01638 602772 http://mildenhall.naturism.org.uk swim.mildenhall@naturism.org.uk Mildenhall - Saturdays 21 January and 25 February, Newmarket - Saturdays 14 January and 11 February. Essential to book your space in advance.

Tyne and Wear  Three Rivers Outdoor Club 07501 447865  www.threeriversclub.org.uk & www.nudeswims.co.uk   Newcastle Turkish Bath and City Pool, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8SE - Saturdays - 7th January and 4th February, 5 - 7pm   

Yorkshire Leeds Naturist Group 0113 258 9512 /07703 257170 (Pete). LeedsNaturistGroup@gmail.com. or write to LNG, c/o 47 Queenswood Drive, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3NG. Bramley Baths Fridays 20.30 - 22.30 Swim, steam room, and after-swim refreshments available in the studio. Swim 20.30 - 22.00. Refreshments 21.45 - 22.15. Non-BN members in the first instance please either write, phone or e-mail supplying your postal address - we will send you a written invitation letter.

For further information, help, advice, or to make suggestions for locations please contact us:

British Naturism Commercial Manager Andrew Welch: media@greatbritishskinnydip.info

BN Members can join in discussions and more in the Members’ Community.

Not a member? Join us here.

THE GREAT BRITISH SKINNY DIP – YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR CLOTHES...]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:30:00 +0000 42a0e188f5033bc65bf8d78622277c4e https://www.bn.org.uk/articles.php/_/activities/big-days-out/the-bn-members-holiday-2012-r35
The concept is part of BN's Three Year Plan and last year 20 or so of us had a fantastic week at Infiniti on Fuerteventura, with that opportunity to meet others and enjoy good company on holiday. Although they are for members only, any non-member wishing to go can easily join British Naturism to take advantage!

Where are we going in 2012?

10 - 17 March - El Portús, Spain
For those who cannot wait until July, we are organising another holiday to mainland Spain to the delightful resort of El Portús. We hope to get together a group of BN members for a week of conviviality and fun.

Accommodation is available in studio apartments and mobile homes.

El Portus is open all year, right on the beach, with two pools – one covered and heated in winter – restaurant, bar, shop, tennis courts, on site rock climbing, kayaking and scuba diving; fitness centre with sauna, Jacuzzi, exercise machines, massage and aromatherapy; wi-fi, set in a National Park in an area rich with history and interest, close to the lively town of Cartagena, with festivals and activity all year round. There are frequent flights to Murcia or Alicante from many UK airports.

More information including how to book is available on the BN Members' Community

4 - 21 July - Infiniti, Fuerteventura
Our destination - once again - is Fuerteventura, a sandy desert-like Canary island, surrounded by warm turquoise ocean just off the African coast. Our watering hole on this expedition will be Infiniti Villas on the outskirts of Corralejo in the north of the island. This is a self catering holiday, though all apartments have fully fitted kitchens and there are several restaurants within a ten/fifteen minute walk, or short drive. For those of you who haven't heard of Infiniti see www.infinitivillas.co.uk in particular their Naturist Page. You are invited to stay all or part of the time.

More information including how to book is available on the BN Members' Community

If you have queries or questions on either of the trips, I can be contacted on membersholiday@bn.org.uk so if you are interested, please get in touch. If you would like to share accommodation I will try to find you a roommate as provisional bookings come in.

Clive Edwards]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:21:02 +0000 7f1de29e6da19d22b51c68001e7e0e54