I often see an event listed for BN’s SANER (Scotland and North England) Region and think to myself, “I should go up there and check this out because it looks fabulous.” I haven’t so far, but this could be the year! There are already so many nudie activities to choose from on the calendar that it’s hard to know where to begin.
So let’s be sensible and start with SANER’s new events listing board, which is now available to members (log-in required). Here, in addition to the regular weekly and monthly swims and skinny dips, you’ll find some very interesting goings-on.
For instance, there’s the Alnwick Garden Visit on 8 June. It’s a naked return visit by invitation of the Duchess of Northumberland to a beautiful garden with water features you can play in. You might want to visit the poison garden, but don’t touch anything!
Then there’s – and this might be the thing that gets me up there – the 22 June Stirling Town Jail naked lock-in and meal. According to organiser Danny Callaghan, this is a “dual event of a scary naked lock-in” at the jail, where you’ll “learn how you had to toe the line and explore what in its day was the most up to date of penal reform prisons.” After that comes the meal – porridge if you want! – at the King Robert Hotel.
On 13 July there are two events to choose from. Celebrate BN’s 60th anniversary by sailing under the Forth Road Bridge, which is celebrating its 60th, too. If the weather doesn’t co-operate, there’s a heated bar and saloon. Follow the boat trip up with a Naturist evening visit to the Bo’ness Motor Museum, which houses, among other items, a few original Bond cars and an amazing collection of Bond and Dr Who memorabilia.
Or how about a boat trip around the Farne Islands on 27 July? Or a 24 August return to Jupiter Artland Garden, (pictured) with its quirky artworks, woodland strolls, earthwork mounts and meadows?
Last, but definitely not least, September 7 sees another Great British Skinny Dip at Findhorn, currently the northernmost GBSD event. And don’t forget the 29 September North East Skinny Dip at Druridge Bay which, SANER secretary Steve Froggatt says, isn’t a BN event but is probably the largest UK skinny dip “and definitely a worthy, charitable cause. Many local BN members are also part of a Facebook group associated with the event who encourage body positivity and inclusion for all at their monthly and ad-hoc dips at Druridge Bay.”
The SANER Region is smokin’ - and we should all take advantage of what it’s got to offer! Keep an eye out for more and click here for all activity, including swims, and sports events in the region.