The Gathering is an annual weekend-long event hosted by British Naturism’s SANER region (Scotland and North of England including Northern Ireland) which began in 2013
After an enforced break because of the pandemic, during which time the usual venue in Dunoon went into liquidation, the event was relocated to the Waverley Castle Hotel in Melrose and attracted over 100 guests in October 2021. Activities included Christmas and Halloween nights, with fancy dress and body painting, a horse racing game, quizzes, bowls, archery and a naked hill walk - during which 150 or so fell runners were encountered.
Fundraising events across the weekend in aid of the local charity Margaret Kerr Palliative Care Unit in Melrose, raised an amazing £364.20 and a cheque was presented to Dr Annabel Howell.
SANER Regional Chairman Danny Callaghan, said:
‘We were delighted to host this popular event once again. Guests travelled from as far as Dorset and both Southern and Northern Ireland. The Waverley Castle Hotel lived up to all our hopes and expectations and it only took staff an hour or two to get used to their naked guests. They even dressed up on the Halloween night. Nothing was too much trouble and the food was excellent. The Margaret Kerr Palliative Care Unit is reputed to be one of the most well-respected charities in the area and it was wonderful to see our guests dig deep - even without the benefit of pockets!
Colleen Barlow, Fundraising Manager for ‘the difference’, said:
‘We’re grateful that British Naturism chose to make a local donation to The Margaret Kerr Unit at Borders General Hospital and the Palliative Care Service. The money they raised during their visit will help the palliative team go above and beyond to make patients and their families feel more comfortable at a most difficult time of their lives.
James Moutrie, General Manager at Waverley Castle, said:
‘It was a pleasure to host this group and they are welcome back anytime.
For more information visit:
British Naturism bn.org.uk
‘the difference’ - the official charity of NHS Borders (including MKU) thedifference.org.uk
Waverley Castle Hotel https://bespokehotels.com/waverley-castle
Contacts
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch, National PR contact
07774 955138
Colleen Barlow| Fundraising Manager| the difference
colleen.Barlow@borders.scot.nhs.uk
07734 746 774
