British Naturism is the UK member of the International Naturist Federation, the global organisation for Naturists that exists to represent, support and coordinate Naturist activity worldwide. If you are a BN member, you are automatically a member of the INF! You can find out more at inf-fni.com.
Their newsletter - Focus - is published every two months and provides an update as to what’s going on in the INF and beyond. The latest edition includes reports on the international beach volleyball tournament and the ENY youth gathering in Belgium with updates from France, Hungary, Switzerland, Brazil and even an event celebrating the language of Esperanto!
It's available from the BN website downloads section
A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW
I took on the role of Volunteering Officer because I fundamentally believed that Naturism is beneficial to all and there was so much more that could be done, if only we had the volunteers that could make things happen.
I have recently been looking back over the last 60 years of BN for an article to be published in the summer issue of the BN Magazine. It has been an interesting voyage of discovery with so many great initiatives started and so many volunteers involved. But I also got a strong sense that we had not achieved our full potential. Over the years we have had so many good initiatives started but not completed because of changes of direction, lack of resources, and a failure to prioritise. During that time many willing volunteers have become overloaded with work and been unable to carry on.
This is common in many volunteer-involving organisations and hopefully we have learned the lessons. Creating less demanding roles can help – such as having Regional Events Officers responsible for different types of events (garden visits, naked dining etc.) and creating Teams. Teams are important. They enable people to work together, share ideas and responsibilities, and support one another. This approach is working and we have more volunteers than we have had in a long while.
As I journeyed through the last 60 years, I could not help but reflect on the commitment of all these people who had given their time, skills and energy for the future of Naturism in Britain; many of them whilst still managing a job and family life. Many of the contributors to the magazine articles I read were active in the organisation and some of those volunteers are no longer with us. But we should remember them and value their contribution to getting BN to where it is today. They were the ones making history.
You can help make history by volunteering with British Naturism and contributing in some small way to the next 60 years of BN’s history. Don’t leave it to others to make that happen – if you can help in anyway, please do volunteer and lend a hand.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more.
There are all kinds of volunteering roles and short term or micro volunteering assignments you could do.
To find out more about British Naturism’s volunteering programme see the volunteering pages on our website.
To register as a BN volunteer, or to register your interest in volunteering with British Naturism, visit our Volunteer Connect platform, which is part of the BN website (Members Area > Volunteering > My Volunteering Profile). Alternatively, use the direct link.
It will take you less than two minutes to create your own volunteering profile (perhaps a little longer if you want to add content to the text-free boxes). Once you have completed and saved this you are registered as a BN volunteer.
When you use our Volunteer Connect platform you will be able to access guidance on becoming a volunteer (if you are new to volunteering), view our volunteering opportunities and apply for them online, manage your own contact details, download guidance, read our latest volunteering news and share your views through the BN Forum.
(I'm sorry folks - this one should have been posted yesterday, Saturday! AW)
HELPING OTHERS TO GET ACTIVE
We have a growing team of Regional Sports Officers. Their role is to lead the development of the region's involvement in naturist sport and undertake the coordination, organisation, promotion and support of naturist sports activities, events and competitions within the region. Key Activities include:
Planning and delivery of regional sports activities, events and competitions
Advising on rules and requirements of naturist sports
Contact point on naturist sports
Ceremonial functions
Arranging judges and officials
Promoting naturist sports, health and wellbeing benefits.
Skills Needed
Experience or enthusiasm for organising sports
Well organisation with attention to detail
Event management skills
Enthusiasm to encourage others’ participation
Written and verbal communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Willingness to talk about naturism and sport in a public arena.
Where: there are vacancies for this role within the Eastern, South West, North West, London & South East, and Yorkshire & East Midlands regions.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
To find out more about the role and opportunities for Regional Sports Officers in your region, search or browse our volunteering opportunities listing using our our Volunteer Connect platform on the BN website (member login required).
As part of the Great British Skinny Dip, we're delighted to bring you another opportunity to enjoy this fantastic Art Deco outdoor pool complex as nature intended!
There are sun-bathing terraces, a large grass lawn and a café offering a wide range of refreshments.
It's not long ago that the idea of naked swims in locations like these would have been unthinkable, so please do make use of the opportunity.
Come and join us on the evening of Saturday 15 June!
BEACH LOVERS
We have a growing team of Regional Beach Officers. Their role is to ensure that information on our naturist beaches (such as suitable travel routes, parking, access, safety and facilities) is accurate, up-to-date and informative; as well as coordinating access to local beaches; promoting their use by naturists and the general public; maintaining contact with local authorities, landowners and others that manage access to beaches and lobbying for more signage.
Our team of volunteer Beach Officers cover designated beaches or coastline. As well as coordinating access to local beaches and promoting their use by naturists and the general public, the role might also include organising Beach Days, skinny dips and clean-up events. So if you love visiting beautiful bare beaches and could help others access them too, then this is the ideal role for you! This exciting role is full of variety and is ideally suited for anyone interested in sun, sea and sand.
Besides having a knowledge of naturist beaches in their area (or a willingness to acquire this); good research and recce skills and an enthusiasm for promoting naturist beaches to the wider public are needed. It is highly flexible and will depend on the availability of the volunteer, the seasonal nature of the role and the need to address any particular issues associated with beaches in the locality. Ideal as a home-based opportunity with travel to local beaches.
In the South West Region, Regional Beach Officers are needed for specific beaches or coastline, including Cornwall South Coast, Cornwall North Coast, Devon North Coast, and South Wales.
In the London & South East Region, Regional Beach Officers are needed for specific beaches or coastline, including Hampshire (East), East and West Sussex, and Kent.
In the Eastern Region, Regional Beach Officer(s) are needed for specific beaches or stretch of coast along the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coastlines.
In the Yorkshire and East Midlands Region Regional Beach Officer(s) are needed for the Yorkshire and the Lincolnshire Coastlines.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
To find out more about the role and opportunities for Regional Beach Officers in your region, see the opportunity description on our Volunteer Connect platform on the BN website (member login required).
We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Bigger events happening later in the year:
Please note that only events organised by BN are covered by BN’s insurance. Participants in the other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
June 7-10 Highland Walking Weekend
June 8 Alnwick Garden Visit
June 14-23 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping
June 17-23 Nudefest
June 22 Stirling jail lock in & dining
June 26-30 Montenegro Games without Borders
June 28-30 Weekend Getaway North Wales
July 9 Day visit to Steep Holm Island
July 12-14 Windermere Camping Break
July 13-14 Norton Lakes Weekend
July 13 River Forth Boat Trip
July 13 Bo’ness Motor Museum
July 19-21 YBN Sports Weekend North
July 27 Boat Trip around Farne Island.
July 27 Cardiff’s Naked Dine Cruise
July 29-4 Aug Summer Camp North Wales
Aug 4-11 New Quay Summer Camp
Aug 9-11 Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
Aug 9-11 International Petanque Tournament
Aug 15-19 Everybody Festival
Aug 31-7 Sept Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura
Naked Shropshire and the North West Region of British Naturism are arranging an evening visit to the gardens, near Market Drayton in Shropshire,TF9 4EU on the evening of Wednesday 12th June.
As in previous years tea and coffee will be on sale and you are welcome to take a picnic.
It's a beautiful place - come and enjoy it once again, as nature intended!
Find out more and book your place!
GREAT REGIONAL TEAMS
Let us not forget the tremendous work undertaken by our Regional Teams, all of whom rely on volunteers. Our Regional Teams are at the heart of British Naturism, organising an array of activities and events, promoting naturism and looking after the interests of members.
In addition to admin roles and looking after clubs and members in each region, there are a wide variety of regional events taking place, as well as two regional meetings each year. Local walks, naked dining, spa days, garden visits, beach days, skinny dipping events, and visits to museums, galleries and other places of interest that all require volunteers to make them happen.
Each Region has a Regional Organiser and a Deputy Regional Organiser. Other roles vary from region to region but there are vacancies for Regional Administrators, Regional PROs, Regional Sports Officers, Regional Events Officers, Local Events Organisers or teams of Regional Event Stewards, Regional Families Coordinators, Walks Coordinators and Area Contacts. There will also be volunteers who take on organising or coordinating the regional events.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
To find out more about the volunteering opportunities in your region, search or browse our volunteering opportunities listing using our Volunteer Connect platform on the BN website (member login required).
The World Naked Bike Ride is worldwide campaign whose objectives are to protest against the global dependency on oil, curb car culture, obtain real rights for cyclists, and demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets. Nudity is used to attract attention and led to another aim - celebrating body freedom.
They are not BN events, nor 'Naturist' events per se, but they have contributed to the acceptance of Naturism. The rides attract thousands of riders and are incredibly well-run by a collective of passionate volunteers, and now appear in multiple UK towns and cities.
And it's massive fun - taking place in a carnival atmosphere - flags, whistles, music, body-paint. Nudity isn't mandatory and the naked the dressed and everywhere in between participate - including loads of people who've never been anywhere near naked in public before. Take your friends and show them just what fun clothes-free living can be.
The UK season of rides kicks off tomorrow
Date/Location Information
June 7 Manchester
June 8 London
June 9 Brighton
June 15 Cambridge
June 22 Chelmsford
June 29 York
June 29 Cardiff
July 6 Edinburgh
July 6 Ipswich
July 7 Bristol
July 13 Colchester
July 20 Portsmouth
July 20 Clacton
July 27 Folkestone
August 24 Folkestone
My thanks to Dave Smith for collating the list and finding the links!
THANKING OUR VOLUNTEERS
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering. So taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to recognise, celebrate and thank our incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our community, as well as the voluntary sector and society as a whole, has never been more important.
Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity to thank our volunteers. If you would like to leave a message below thanking particular volunteers or a specific group of volunteers, please do so. Your appreciation and encouragement will be very welcome.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
Do you know somebody whose contribution to the cause of Naturism has been exceptional and whom you think BN should recognise by the award of a Certificate of Merit?
The Executive Committee welcomes nominations for Certificates of Merit from members. Certificates are usually awarded at the AGM, and in order to allow the EC to give proper consideration to nominations we're asking for these no later than 15 July 2024.
Nominees don't have to be members – indeed certificates have in the past been awarded to people outside BN whose contribution has been considered exceptional. And the nominee could be a single person or a group, such as a club, couple, team or company.
To find out more, including how to go about making a nomination, see the News and Announcements section on the Members' Forum.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more.
There are all kinds of volunteering roles and short term or micro volunteering assignments you could do.
To find out more about British Naturism’s volunteering programme see the volunteering pages on our website.
To register as a BN volunteer, or to register your interest in volunteering with British Naturism, visit our Volunteer Connect platform, which is part of the BN website (Members Area > Volunteering > My Volunteering Profile). Alternatively, use the direct link.
It will take you less than two minutes to create your own volunteering profile (perhaps a little longer if you want to add content to the text-free boxes). Once you have completed and saved this you are registered as a BN volunteer.
When you use our Volunteer Connect platform you will be able to access guidance on becoming a volunteer (if you are new to volunteering), view our volunteering opportunities and apply for them online, manage your own contact details, download guidance, read our latest volunteering news and share your views through the BN Forum.
Hopefully, it hasn't escaped your notice that British Naturism is celebrating 60 years of existence in 2024. The British Sunbathing Association and the Federation of British Sun Clubs joined forces on the 10th June 1964 and so with an elegance that was entirely unplanned, exactly 60 years later on 10th June 2024, we'll talk about it on The Forum Live!
I'll be joined by BN's Archivist, Brian Curragh and we'll chat about that merger and some of the events that led up to it and then saunter through the 60 years that followed exploring the landmark moments and tracking our excellent progress to the present day. BN's Volunteering Officer, John Gelder, will talk about Challenge 60, our 60th anniversary project to get everyone doing more nude things and spreading the word.
Join us on the night over in the BN shop
GET INVOLVED WITH THE BIG HELP OUT AT BN: SUNFOLK
This year Volunteers’ Week will culminate in The Big Help Out, from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June, where people across the UK will get the chance to experience a range of volunteer taster sessions. Within BN we are holding our own BIG Help Out at British Naturism: Sunfolk with Work Party volunteers helping to get the site ready for its re-opening on the 28 June 2024.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to the final stage of the re-development of British Naturism: Sunfolk and undertake the work needed to ready the site for its re-opening. You’ll also get a sneak preview of the site before it opens including the new glamping pods (pictured).
You do not need to be a master craftsman to join these weekends, all you need is a willingness to 'get stuck in' with others to get the job done. You will need to be physically fit to undertake a variety of physical tasks, such as preparing and seeding new lawns, planting shrubs, clearing leaves, managing trees, shrubs and weed-growth, laying gravel footpaths and hard standing, clearing drainage ditches and similar works. There will also be some moving and setting up tasks ahead of the site re-opening. There is something for everyone. As one of our volunteers, Paul, recently commented ....
I’m totally useless at both DIY and gardening, but I’ve been kept busy at Sunfolk for the last two days …. and really enjoyed it; so no excuses, sign up to volunteer.
We would welcome help from members who would like to spend time at our Sunfolk site in St Albans, Hertfordshire for one, two or several days as a member of our weekend work parties, from 09:30 to 16:00. There are work parties running throughout June, but we are also running some BIG WEEKENDS when we are going to try and achieve a larger group task with as many people as we can.
7-9 June
15-16 June
Clothes optional (and probably weather dependent!) though you will need to wear suitable footwear; garden gloves (if appropriate) and other protective equipment if using power tools or if specifically requested. For those who wish to stay overnight, camping pitches (motorhomes, campervans or caravans only) are available free of charge; indoor accommodation in Glamping Pods (bring own sleeping bag) is also available on request. No tents. Lunch and refreshments will be provided but those staying overnight will need to provide their own meals at other times (onsite kitchen and takeaway menus available). Travel costs for those who would like to participate but who are unable to afford to do so due to the cost of travel may be met (if agreed in advance).
This is a micro volunteering opportunity so all you need to do is send an email to sunfolk-workparty@bn.org.uk. Your email will be acknowledged and you will be sent information on how to register for your preferred dates.
Ladies - come and take advantage of a relaxing afternoon out at Lancashire Sun Club on 11 June and enjoy the grounds, the swimming pool, the hot tub and sauna.
The club has a large sunbathing area adjacent to the solar heated pool and extensive lawns for sunbathing, with sunbeds provided.
Overnight stays are possible, there's free tea and coffee throughout and sandwiches and cake will available at 3.30 pm for a small charge.
New to Naturism? - Not a problem! This is a perfect opportunity to try it for the first time - or for Naturist ladies to bring a friend!
In April, we reported on a highly-successful first event at the Withington pool in Manchester - so successful in fact that we're hosting another on 9 June.
It's great to get new venues for costume-free swimming and so do support it if you can! Who knows, it might become a regular venue!
Find out more and book your place over on the BN events website.
The Burrows Gardens was developed by Craig Dalton from 1985 and has been open to the public since 2006. The first Naturist visit was in 2012 and there have been visits most years since - and we're returning this year! The first event is this Saturday, 8 June from noon until 4pm.
It is a fabulous five acre garden set in delightful Derbyshire countryside. Immaculate lawns set off a variety of 'rooms' in the garden including Roman, Italian, Cornish and of course English garden themes. There are many very mature trees and shrubs that combine beautifully with some more recent plantings. There are many rare plants to be found. The plants provide colour throughout the year and the garden changes on a weekly basis.
The gardens also house a full size tennis court which can be used by visitors. There are ample lawns and benches to sit on or have a picnic. There is a swing attached to one of the trees, there is certainly something for everyone. The site is mainly flat and accessible. It is located less than a mile from the main A52 Derby – Ashbourne road.
Tea and Coffee will be available, as well as delicious home baked cakes!
Find out more and book your place.
WHAT IS VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK?
2024 marks the 40th year of Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June), when British Naturism joins thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. It is also an opportunity to inspire more people to make a difference. So we hope to encourage you and others to get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for you.
Volunteers’ Week was first established in 1984 so this this year we’re excited to be celebrating the 40th anniversary. Volunteers’ Week was previously celebrated from the 1-7 June each year but from 2024 it’ll commence on the first Monday of June, which this year happens to be Monday 3 to Sunday 9 June.
This year Volunteers’ Week will culminate in The Big Help Out, from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June, where people across the UK will get the chance to experience a range of volunteer taster sessions. Within BN we are holding our own BIG Help Out at British Naturism: Sunfolk with Work Party volunteers helping to get the site ready for its re-opening later in June.
This year is also the 60th anniversary of British Naturism and to celebrate that we are running Challenge 60, with one of the diamond challenges being to volunteer with BN for 60 hours. There are other challenges too that involve volunteering, such as organising local events and celebrations.
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering. So taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to recognise, celebrate and thank our incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our community, as well as the voluntary sector and society as a whole, has never been more important.
Volunteers' Week is a chance to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our 380 volunteers make in terms of their time; the energy, skills and knowledge they contribute; and the important roles they play in:
enabling the organisation to function and deliver its services;
developing, enabling and supporting opportunities for people to practise a naturist lifestyle;
promoting understanding and acceptance of the practice and benefits of naturism.
Volunteers’ Week is about celebrating and thanking those who give up their time to make a difference. Whether you’re a volunteer yourself or someone who appreciates the work our volunteers do, here's how you can mark Volunteers Week.
Each day we will publish a separate post about some of our key volunteer roles, thanking those that are part of the team and telling you about any opportunities we have for similar roles. Look out for additional mentions of Volunteers’ Week in our news pages on the BN website, in the E-Zine and on our social media channels.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more.
There are all kinds of volunteering roles and short term or micro volunteering assignments you could do.
To find out more about British Naturism’s volunteering programme see the volunteering pages on our website.
To register as a BN volunteer, or to register your interest in volunteering with British Naturism, visit our Volunteer Connect platform, which is part of the BN website (Members Area > Volunteering > My Volunteering Profile). Alternatively, use this direct link.
It will take you less than two minutes to create your own volunteering profile (perhaps a little longer if you want to add content to the text-free boxes). Once you have completed and saved this you are registered as a BN volunteer.
When you use our Volunteer Connect platform you will be able to access guidance on becoming a volunteer (if you are new to volunteering), view our volunteering opportunities and apply for them online, manage your own contact details, download guidance, read our latest volunteering news and share your views through the BN Forum. Over time, we’ll work to provide learning opportunities and lots of interesting things to read, watch and do. As a volunteer ‘organiser’ you will be able to identify and contact others interested in volunteering.
It’s a Sunday evening and the usual stuff is on television. Yet another Deal or No Deal, Britain’s Got Talent and Countryfile. Why not do something different? writes LASER PRO, Andy Wyman.
In the middle of Kent is a fabulous venue, Scotney Castle Gardens, and BN have booked it exclusively from 5.30pm on June 9th. If you’re riding the Brighton World Naked Bike Ride that day it’s only an hour away so you could make it a complete Naturist day.
So what is special about Scotney Castle Gardens? Where do I start? First of all it’s a place steeped in history with the origins going back to 1137. The main castle was built in the 14th century for defence reasons with Britain a little jittery about a French invasion. Much of the castle was deliberately dismantled in 1843 when a new manor house was built nearby. The dismantling wasn’t vandalism but an attempt to create a romantic picturesque scene. With the moat and it’s remaining architectural features it’s a photographers dream.
Apart from the views of the castle, the gardens are the star attraction. There’s a one-acre walled garden, roses, herbaceous borders, azaleas, rare green winged orchids and countless other exotic plants. In the grounds there is an old ice house - fridges weren’t too common in the 1500s!! You can also see a Victorian boat house. Make sure you take your camera up to the ‘new’ house to see the splendid views of the old castle down below.
The whole estate covers 780 acres of rolling parkland with much of it as woodland and including giant sequoia trees. For dog owners you are more than welcome with your pooch on a lead.
Scotney Castle Gardens is classified as a site of Special Scientific Interest. There is a herd of Longhorn and Sussex cattle as well as the National Trust’s only working hop farm.
It’s a lot to pack into an evening but well worth the effort. You can even order a picnic!
Find all the details including costs here
Do you know somebody whose contribution to the cause of Naturism has been exceptional and whom you think BN should recognise by the award of a Certificate of Merit?
The Executive Committee welcomes nomination for certificates of merit from members. Certificates are usually awarded at the AGM, and in order to allow the EC to give proper consideration to nominations we're asking for these no later than 15 July.
Nominees don't have to be members - indeed certificates have in the past been awarded to people outside BN whose contribution has been considered exceptional. And the nominee could be a single person or a group, such as a club, couple, team or company.
Click here for the nomination form (log in required) - do read the guidance notes carefully. Please note that all nominations are confidential and should not be published on the forum or elsewhere.
We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Bigger events happening later in the year:
June 7-9 YBN Sports Weekend South.
June 7-10 Highland Walking Weekend
June 8 Alnwick Garden Visit
June 14-23 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping
June 17-23 Nudefest
June 22 Stirling jail lock in & dining
June 26-30 Montenegro Games without Borders
June 28-30 Weekend Getaway North Wales
July 9 Day visit to Steep Holm Island
July 12-14 Windermere Camping Break
July 13-14 Norton Lakes Weekend
July 13 River Forth Boat Trip
July 13 Bo’ness Motor Museum
July 19-21 YBN Sports Weekend North
July 27 Boat Trip around Farne Island.
July 27 Cardiff’s Naked Dine Cruise
July 29-4 Aug Summer Camp North Wales
Aug 4-11 New Quay Summer Camp
Aug 9-11 Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
Aug 9-11 International Petanque Tournament
Aug 15-19 Everybody Festival
Aug 31-7 Sept Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura
British Naturism has a fantastic job opportunity available at Sunfolk in St Albans - we are looking for a Housekeeper to join our team at Sunfolk.
The ideal candidate would be someone who lives close to Sunfolk, working with the Events Manager and Wardens.
Main Duties and responsibilities – cleanliness and upkeep of the buildings and associated camping accommodation.
This is a paid, part-time 6 month fixed-term contract with the opportunity for renewal.
Hours: 10 hours per week (max 15 hours a week)
If you have an interest in Naturism and enjoy working as part of a team, then this job could be for you.
Contact Tracey Major, General Secretary to find out more about this paid job opportunity or send your CV to:
general.secretary@bn.org.uk
Closing date for applications - Monday 10th June 2024
Join host Helen Berriman, BN's Women's Officer, for a new episode of the podcast from British Naturism, dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the Naturist community. Our podcast is created by women for women, although we warmly invite men to join us and listen as well.
In each episode, we delve into insightful conversations, exploring various aspects of Naturism through the lens of womens' experiences. Whether you are a seasoned Naturist, new to the way of life or just intrigued, we aim to educate and inspire. We highlight the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of women in Naturism. Promoting body acceptance and self love, we explore how women across the planet have shed their clothes and freed up their minds, leading them toward a more fulfilling life in all areas; one that no longer keeps them restricted - emotionally, mentally, physically, and in all other ways.
This month, Helen interviews Steph McManus, a nurse from New Zealand and body freedom advocate. After a nude photoshoot, which Steph did in an effort to confront her own body image in the wake of an eating disorder, she discovered what it meant to her to be without clothes. It transformed her life and she describes nudity as her medicine, and she now wants to bring her revelations to as many people as she can. Careful with the language she uses, Steph says nudity can be a 'healing tool', and avoids refering to any label that she feels could alienate the very people that it will help the most.
The BN Women in Focus podcast will be available on Saturday 1 June on the following platforms:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6HtAQzJKLzJenc3Jjm9W3O
https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/d0d17b7b-51c3-4caa-b890-9c8355289c9f/women-in-focus
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-in-focus/id1717263257
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Y4MelgLcBpA89zbKw7m_UW3xT4_1WZ6
The Summer issue of our members' magazine is out now!
As always, it’s chock-full of news, information, listings and fully illustrated features and articles.
Contents include:
All the events you can look forward to and a round-up of everything that’s been happening – including the fantastic BN National Swim Gala
BN’s 60th: How it all began, what we’ve achieved, and birthday greetings from around the world!
#TheNakedTruth: the opportunities and challenges of social media
Why don’t all Naturists join BN? A new campaign
Women in Naturism – and a report on the Ladies-Only holiday in Fuerteventura
Certificates of Merit 2024: Who’s your hero?
Sports Round-up: All the latest on BN’s sports activities
In travel, we talk Thailand, Southern Europe, Mexico…and lots more.
BN240 will soon be landing on the doormats of members of British Naturism who can also download a digital version. There's even a topic open for you to share your views with other members (log in required).
The Great British Skinny Dip, British Naturism’s outreach project run in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, is in full swing now, with well over 500 skinny dips listed. Our press release went down a storm with plenty of newspapers, radio stations, listings and news websites talking about it. On 16 May alone I did 13 local BBC radio interviews in one day with other members of the team taking on others and the attention lasted a period of days. Some of the media outlets decided to send a reporter to a dip. We also took the opportunity to broadcast an encouragement for readers/listeners to make suggestions for more venues in their area, and even to consider hosting one themselves. We will keep the profile high as the summer progresses and so look out for more! BN members can find links to stories and interviews on the members forum.
GBSD/NHW team leader Ron O’Hare came up with the fantastic idea for the ‘Great British Synchronised Skinny Dip’ (GBSSD) - a single day when a number of venues will host individual dips, with our being able to report a HUGE (we hope) aggregate number of costume-free swimmers. This year’s GBSSD takes place this Saturday, 1 June and here are the venues participating, with links to more information.
Dive in!
Sunnybroom Swim
Aberdeenshire
TROC Monthly Swim & Gym
Tyne & Wear
Wild Water GBSD
Wild swimming in the River Ribble.
Lancashire
Regular website visitors will know the great news that Shaftesbury Town Council run their own skinny-dipping sessions at the local Lido - Dorset's only Lido.
Welcoming local and visiting Naturists and those wanting to try skinny dipping for the first time, the 29C water provides a warm swim, whatever the weather is doing. As the Lido website says, 'For those who may not have considered this type of swim before, there are many benefits to it. Not only can it help to improve self-esteem but it also gives you a sense of freedom, makes you feel closer to nature and allows your skin to breathe.' We couldn't put it better ourselves!
The naked swims take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings, between season opening on May 25th and season close which is usually in the first week of September, but may be later according to weather and other factors.
The first skinny dip of the year takes place tomorrow, 28 May. Free hot and cold drinks are available poolside.
Booking online via the Lido website (where you will also find more information, times, prices etc.) is strongly advised, but people can take a chance and turn up on the day and if there are places available, they can pay on entry.
There are at least three great Naturist opportunities to enjoy in Northumberland this summer.
On the 8th June, back by popular demand, is a visit to Alnwick Gardens (pictured). Enjoy the original Harry Potter backdrop as you meander naturally naked through the gardens. Take care in the Poison garden in case any of Professor Sprout’s repotted Mandrakes are lurking. Refresh yourself in the garden water features.
On the 27th July, get your clothes off and your sea-legs on and sail along the Northumberland coast around the Farne Islands. Keep an eye out for sea birds, seals and maybe even merfolk.
Over the weekend of 24th-26th August the most northerly naturist festival will be held at TANDO. Expect fireworks, music and light shows or just enjoy the festival vibe, naturally nude. If you can't make the event, then why not contact TANDO for a trial visit or to book a short break there?
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