Jump to content
  • Guest
    Guest

    Happy 50th Birthday British Naturism!

    2014 marks the 50th anniversary of British Naturism (BN), the UK's national organisation for Naturism – www.bn.org.uk. It's going to be a busy year, with special events - and we're already looking forward to the next 50!

    Back in 1964, British Naturism was formed by a merger of the British Sunbathing Association and the Federation of British Sun Clubs who realised that one strong national organisation presented far more opportunities than having two separate bodies with similar purposes and aims.

    Today, BN is a vibrant national organisation which promotes the amazing, healthy and liberating Naturist lifestyle, enjoyed by millions of people in the UK (https://www.bn.org.uk/news/news/nearly-4-million-naturists-in-the-uk-r97). As well as promoting the undeniable benefits of healthy social nudity, which encourage wellbeing, a positive body image and boost confidence, BN also works hard to campaign for greater acceptance of our way of life. Our campaigns have tackled some serious issues, such as the increase in prudery, orchestrated by a vocal minority, which impact on us and which can also affect many in society at large.

    Across the UK we've got a variety of great events and there's truly something for everyone, from the nervous newcomer to the seasoned 'old hand' - We're especially encouraging people who have never tried Naturism to get out there and give it a go. Never before have there been so many exciting ways to get involved and we know that when people experience it for themselves they love it - in fact many Naturists cite their first experience as 'life-changing' and throw away their swimming costumes for good!

    Ranging from hotel-based weekends and camping weeks packed with activities, visits to gardens, beach days, waterparks and even overseas group holidays for members, it’s an exciting programme. Sports are well catered for and our national swimming gala takes place next weekend in Leicester and we’re also running our hotly-contested national Petanque tournament in May.

    There will be plenty of anniversary celebrations at events and some events arranged specifically for the purpose, including a travelling exhibition charting our proud history which will start off at the Conway Hall in Holborn, London on April 19th and 20th. In Scotland in July we’re looking forward to our Naturist boat trip along the Forth, complete with jazz band and barbecue.

    All of this is complemented by around 100 BN member clubs across the country, all of which offer superb opportunities for people to discover and take part in Naturism - https://www.bn.org.uk/activities/placestogo. Many of our member clubs are also organising their own celebrations to mark this important year in our history.

    BN Chairman Judith Stinchcombe said "Naturism continues to increase in popularity in the UK as more and more people seek opportunities to relax and de-stress. With body image issues and wellbeing being high on the agenda, Naturism has a glowing future and we are both delighted and excited to be celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. Naturists in the UK are rightly proud of their vibrant culture and with an incredible range of opportunities to try Naturism, we're urging people to come along to an event or a club to experience this unique and life-enhancing lifestyle for themselves."

    Media attendance/coverage of events can be made possible. Please contact us for more information.

    - ENDS -

    Contacts:

    Andrew Welch

    British Naturism

    T: 01753 481527

    M: 07774 955138

    E: andrew.welch@bn.org.uk

    Notes for Editors

    British Naturism (BN) is the UK’s officially recognised Naturist organisation. It exists to support and unite Naturists around the UK and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014, although its predecessors were in existence since the 1930s.

    Amongst the aims of BN are to campaign for more places to be made available for Naturism and to protect Naturists against discrimination and Victorian attitudes to the human body. https://www.bn.org.uk/campaigning/index.

    Fact - in law, there is no offence of nudity. Various pieces of legislation and common law are often mentioned in connection with Naturism but they are rarely relevant. See Crown Prosecution Service guidance on Naturism for details. There is inadequate protection against prejudice, misunderstanding of the law, and abuses of the law, and that can result in Naturists finding themselves in difficulties

    In the UK, there are over 130 sun clubs, swim clubs and holiday resorts and many beaches used regularly by Naturists. Membership of BN is around 10,000 people with many more being members of clubs affiliated to BN. https://www.bn.org.uk/activities/placestogo.

    YBN (Young British Naturists) has a membership of young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 who get together at clubs and beaches many weekends. They represent the UK at the International Naturist Federation (INF) Youth Rally held annually. http://ybn.org.uk.

    Naturism is good for you! Naturists report improvements in well-being, stress, chronic illness, self-esteem and body image. It’s also a sensible choice of dress when the weather is warm. Naturists are normal people. The only difference between activities inside and outside of Naturism is the dress code.

    It is a fallacy to believe that naked children are any more at risk in a Naturist environment. Unaccompanied children are not permitted in Naturist places and the community spirit that pervades ensures that a watchful eye is present. Despite the perception, there are far fewer problems in Naturism than in more “public” places where children and adults mix. Mindful of the need to be aware of child safeguarding issues, however, BN have a robust child safeguarding policy, code of practice, and a Child Safeguarding sub-committee that meets regularly and runs workshops on the subject, sometimes to groups from outside the Naturist world.

    For the media, there is a dedicated “Media Centre” at https://www.bn.org.uk/media, which contains useful information for those wishing to write about Naturism or to feature this wonderful world in their publications or programmes.


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.