The International Naturist Federation conference in Bonn last March identified the misuse of the word "Naturist" as one of the key challenges to Naturism. We see the term "Naturist" used by some massage parlours, swinging establishments, and those who engage in outdoor sexual pursuits in an attempt to legitimise activities that are viewed negatively by many. While we pass no judgement on the consensual, lawful sexual choices and interactions of adults, misuse of the term "Naturist" has unwanted consequences. One example is the slight shift in position of the land owners around Sherwood forest who are being forced to be less welcoming towards Naturist hikers to deal with complaints about those who go there to indulge in sexual activity.
In this session we will discuss how we might face this challenge, in the hope of identifying new ways forward. I hope that as many of you as possible will join us for this debate.
To join the session on the night, please visit the BN shop
The Forum Live is a one of the benefits of membership - if you are not a member and would like to participate in this debate then please visit our membership page and join over 700 people who have joined us in 2023!
I'm proud of this one. Our subject matter means that it's not difficult for us to get attention paid to our activities and for us to be asked to comment on aspects of society and the stories of the day, and I deal with an average three or four approaches every week across the year. Our subject matter can also make people, authorities and big business nervous which hampers our progress somewhat with many obvious avenues to promotion closed to us.
It was particularly pleasing, therefore to be asked by marketing and production company Mob Kitchen to help them make four films for You Tube for their client Stella Artois. We've all praised the Stella adverts on TV and in the press for their unfiltered lager and their willingness to be associated with naked people and were delighted that they wanted to continue the theme.
We pitched in and found for them the majority of the people who would be involved and three out of the four locations - so much so that we get a mention in the films' descriptions on You Tube. Stella will be promoting it on social media and so please help by sharing the heck out of them on your accounts!
See the third film here - Cooking Au Naturel - Cycle (it's a good job I have a sense of humour...!) and check out parts 1 and 2: Cooking Au Naturel - Yoga - Cooking Au Naturel - Swim. Part 4 to come...
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. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Pairs Boule Open Tournament
September 1 to September 3
You are invited to the 18th Tournament run by Diogenes Sun Club, bring your own accommodation or stay in one of the local establishments.
Buckinghamshire
South West Rally
September 1 to September 3
A 3 night weekend rally at this ideal naturist site with plenty of activities & places to visit nearby.
Cornwall
Club Naturel Swim
September 1
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Ladies Only, Clothes Optional Swim
September 1
Club Naturel’s swim in a private heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, showers, changing cubicles & toilet.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
September 1
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
September 1
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Great East Skinny Dip
September 2
Part of the GBSD, be as bare as you dare, raising money for MIND.
Essex
St. Annes Beach Day
September 2
Join us for a fabulous beach day, just south of Blackpool.
Lancashire
Chester Swim
September 2
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
September 2
NEW START TIME, limited numbers at this indoor pool complex with flume, children’s pool, sauna & Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
GBSD Birmingham Swim
September 2
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Yaverland Skinny Dip
September 2
Yaverland, Isle of Wight, free to join but please donate to BHF or get yourself sponsored!
Hampshire
Nothing on on a Saturday Night
September 2
Poulton YMCA for a couple of hours in a warm, friendly & safe environment and then in the pub afterwards.
Lancashire
Fonthill Estate Naked Heart Walk
September 2
A Clothes optional 7K Naked Heart Walk in the heart of the countryside to raise money for the BHF.
Wiltshire
Cardiff Sunday Meet Up
September 3
A friendly, clothes optional coffee meet up so bring along that undecided friend.
Glamorgan
Ryedale Club Swim
September 3
Fortnightly swim at Derwent Pool.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
September 3
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Haddington Swim
September 3
With a 25m and children’s pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and café.
East Lothian
Badminton Indoors
September 3
Join Forth Naturists for a game of badminton in Haddington with a sauna, steam room and café.
East Lothian
Potteries Swim
September 3
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
September 3
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
Portstewart Strand
September 3
GBSD, meet at Strand Rd, from 11 to 4.
County Londonderry
Plymouth Sun Club Swim
September 4
Twice monthly, Monday evening swim in Plympton Pool, for lane swimmers & the less energetic.
Devon
Pre Shap Lido Naked Walk
September 5
A clothing optional, 5 mile walk with 2000 feet of ascent, typical Lake District terrain.
Westmorland
GBSD at Shap Lido
September 5
The pool is heated to 28°C so no excuses.
Westmorland
The Chat
September 5
Northern Ireland’s Tuesday Team Talk, join us for an hour or so of chat and banter.
Online
Natram walk Dean’s Bottom
September 6
A 12 mile stroll on the Berkshire Downs near Goring-on-Thames.
Berkshire
Aquasol Swim, Bristol
September 6
Aquasol meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee Swimming Pool in Bristol.
Avon
Stark Trekkers Barcombe Ouse
September 7
Join us for a riverside stroll along the banks of the River Ouse.
East Sussex
Manchester Male Swim
September 7
Every Thursday evening but need to RSVP as numbers limited to 30 maximum.
Lancashire
Harlington Naturist Walk
September 8
A 7 mile walk, mainly through open country, almost flat with some moderate hills.
Bedfordshire
Club Naturel – Swim
September 8
Afternoon and evening swims on Fridays.
Norfolk
Watford Naturist Swimming Club
September 8
Our Friday evening swims welcome both first timers and seasoned naturists.
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
September 8
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
North Wales Naked Bike Ride
September 9
Raise money for charity and join us for fun and madness on the way.
Denbighshire
Wigton Swim
September 9
A monthly skinny dip at the Wigton Pool, booking essential.
Cumbria
LASER online meeting
September 9
A chance for members to meet the team and fellow members and to have your say.
Online
TROC Monthly Swim (& gym)
September 9
Swim & gym is also available
Tyne & Wear
Spectrum Swim
September 9
Meets most Saturdays in Birmingham; please contact the club before attending.
West Midlands
Naked 5k Run
September 10
UK’s largest 5k run in 50 acres of private wooded parkland.
Kent
Eastern Region Autumn Meeting
September 10
You are invited to look back at events and plan for 2024. Lunch available for a small fee.
Cambridgeshire
Walk Thixendale
September 10
A 6 mile circular walk at Thixendale, mainly flat with one moderate and one steep hill.
North Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
September 10
Sunday swim with other activities during the week.
Surrey
GBSD Guernsey
September 10
Mass dip at 5pm to raise money for BHF.
Channel Islands
Northampton Swim
September 10
We have two swimming pools plus sauna and steam-room.
Northamptonshire
Prested Hall Swim
September 10
Pool, sauna, steam room, loungers, summer garden area plus licenced Bistro.
Essex
Glasgow Swim
September 10
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
Houghton Lodge Gardens
September 12
An evening visit to gardens that are a delightful mixture of formal & informal with access to the River Test.
Hampshire
Natram walk Bury Down
September 13
An 11 mile walk on the Berkshire Downs near Didcot, big skies, panoramic views.
Berkshire
Aquasol Swim Bristol
September 13
Meet at the Jubilee Swimming pool in Bristol
Avon
Manchester Male Swim
September 14
Every Thursday evening but need to RSVP as numbers limited to 30 maximum.
Lancashire
90th Birthday Celebrations
September 15 to September 17
Liverpool Sun & Air is 90 this year and is celebrating with a weekend of celebrations.
Merseyside
Club Naturel Swim
September 15
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
The Big Quiz
September 15
The Big Quiz returns, a few questions to test you & knowing the weight of a cow might be handy!
Online
Watford Swims
September 15
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
September 15
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Boules & Sport Melee
September 16 to September 17
Learn to play and join in the light hearted competition on Sunday. Other sports facilities available.
Buckinghamshire
GBSD Findhorn
September 16
Join us for the most northerly GBSD event where curious seals and dolphins pop by.
Moray
MNSC Swim Bury St Edmunds
September 16
A regular swim plus sauna and steam room.
Suffolk
GBSD Birmingham Swim
September 16
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Chester Swim
September 16
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Naturist with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
September 16
NEW START TIME, limited numbers at this indoor pool complex with flume, children’s pool, sauna & Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
Ryedale Swim
September 17
Fortnightly swim at Derwent Pool.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
September 17
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Haddington Swim
September 17
With a 25m and children’s pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and café.
East Lothian
Badminton Indoors
September 17
Join us for a game of badminton in Haddington plus access to the sauna, steam room and a swim!
East Lothian
Potteries Swim
September 17
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
September 17
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
August 24 - which to my mind should always be a hot, sunny day – dawned grey and cold. Nevertheless, my partner Dave and I were off to Barkby Beach in Prestatyn, North Wales, for an outing with the North Wales Naturist Society (NWNS). The things we nudies do to enjoy our chosen lifestyle!
A portion of the beach had been allocated to NWNS. Unlike many Naturist beaches, this one was fairly close to the carpark. I think most of us have experienced the usual miles-long trek past the clothed beach to the Naturist area.
Some 23 people – a nice mix of men, women and children – turned up. On the way to the spot, I encountered a guy who’d come over from Birmingham for the event. Another had come down from Scotland to stay at the NWNS camp in Halkyn. Dave and I ran into people we’d met elsewhere, and lots of interesting chats ensued.
About half of the group stripped off, and a handful waded into the sea. Call me a wimp, but it was just too cold for me to undress. Needless to say, there were no clothed people traipsing through our area as the whole beach was mostly deserted.
By the time we left in mid-afternoon, the sky over the water was a bright blue, the sun was shining – and I had a fleeting thought of stripping off. But the sky over the land was its usual leaden grey, a cold wind was blowing - so I talked myself out of it!
What struck me most about the day was the warmth and acceptance Naturists radiate. No one cared that some of us didn’t undress. Everyone intermingled – or not, as they saw fit – and made the most of the weather. I’m preaching to the choir here, but I hope we all realise how welcoming and supportive our community is!
Next up for NWNS? A Naked Bike Ride in Llangollen. Read all about it here
Back in 2019 the Duchess of Northumberland contacted BN to invite us to visit the gardens of Alnwick Castle. It didn’t take us long to say yes and a visit was arranged, writes Billy Ritchie.
Following its success, SANER contacted the gardens to request a return visit, once we had come out of the lockdown restrictions. To our surprise they asked if we would take part in a programme the Duchess was filming over the following two years.
In July 2021 around 47 keen naturists, including several first timers went along to the Gardens, and were introduced to the film crew who asked for volunteers to be filmed. The water features were turned on and so we had some fun. One unexpected addition to the Naturist evening was the Head Gardener who stripped off himself. As the evening was ending the film crew conducted interviews with many of us, including the gardener. As the evening was drawing to a close, I was sitting in the seat answering questions, from the producer regarding the visit and the gardens. Thankfully in the final cut the producer didn't use the takes where I was sitting shivering in the fading sun.
All in all it was a great experience and appearing on National TV isn’t daunting,
The programme is now complete and available to see on Channel 4. It's called 'The Duchess and her Magical Kingdom' and our visit is featured in episode one. When it was first on, I just waited for the comments and sure enough my sisters got in touch to comment on the coverage - they were thankful that it was filmed above the waist as the last time they saw me in that state of undress was when I was a baby!
If there’s one BN activity that really took off this year, it’s the Naked Heart Walks run in conjunction with our charity partner the British Heart Foundation. There were seven – count’em – over the summer, with another one having to be postponed, because of atrocious weather. The events drew large numbers of participants and lots of newbies, and raised significant sums for the charity. We’re looking forward to adding it all up and announcing the total at the end of the year!
That postponed event was rescheduled and takes place at the Fonthill estate in Wiltshire, this coming Saturday, 2nd September. Tickets are still available - so please don't miss out.
Fonthill is a vast and wonderful place, owned by Lord Margadale who said:
‘The British Heart Foundation is a wonderful charity doing amazing things to help fund research into heart disease and we are proud to be hosting what promises to be an amazing fundraising event in our beautiful countryside.’
Fingers crossed for good weather!
Next Monday, 4 September, The Forum Live returns after a summer break. I'm delighted to say that my guest will be Jon Ward, British Naturism's new Youth Officer. Jon will hopefully have members of his team with him.
We recently posted a feature in which Jon set out his stall for the the role and talked about his plans - I'll be using that as a basis for our discussion - and, as with all The Forum Live sessions, there will be a chance for YOU to ask your question.
You can join the session on the night over in the BN shop, where we have also recently created an information page about The Forum Live that doesn't require logging in to access it which we can all use to show non-members what The Forum Live is all about...
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. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Sunnybroom walking weekend
August 25 to August 28
SNC, near Aberdeen, invite you to a naked walking weekend of forest & hill tracks.
Aberdeenshire
Camping & Bunkhouse Weekend
August 25 to August 27
Bloody Bridge Camping for a weekend of naked or clothing optional to walk, skinny dip or just chill out.
County Down
Club Naturel Swim
August 25
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
August 25
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
August 25
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Sport @ TANDO
August 26
Badminton, volleyball, run, petanque or spikeball then chill or sauna!
Tyne & Wear
Thetford Forest Walk
August 26
An 8 mile walk, short cuts available for a shorter walk.
Norfolk
NW Naturist Worsley Swim
August 26
GBSD in warm pools for swimming, sauna & steam rooms and a lounge for rest & refreshment.
Greater Manchester
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 26
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
TANDO in Wonderland
August 26
Party in the woods.
Tyne & Wear
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 27
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Prested Hall Swim
August 27
Pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced restaurant/Bistro.
Essex
Glasgow Swim
August 27
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
GBSD Petersfield Pool
August 27
Join us at this refurbished heated pool with café and a BBQ.
Hampshire
Scorborough Naturist Walk
August 30
A 5 mile circular walk starting at Scorborough; a completely flat countryside with stunning views.
Yorkshire
Natram Walk un-Firled
August 30
Join us for an 11 mile walk on the South Downs near Alfriston.
East Sussex
Aquasol Swim Bristol
August 30
Meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee pool
Avon
GBSD Male Naturist Swim
August 31
Join us for this male only swim in Manchester.
Lancashire
Pairs Boule Open Tournament
September 1 to September 3
You are invited to the 18th Tournament run by Diogenes Sun Club, bring your own accommodation or stay in one of the local establishments.
Buckinghamshire
South West Rally
September 1 to September 3
A 3 night weekend rally at this ideal naturist site with plenty of activities & places to visit nearby.
Cornwall
Club Naturel Swim
September 1
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Ladies Only, Clothes Optional Swim
September 1
Club Naturel’s swim in a private heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, showers, changing cubicles & toilet.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
September 1
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
September 1
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Great East Skinny Dip
September 2
Part of the GBSD, be as bare as you dare, raising money for MIND.
Essex
St. Annes Beach Day
September 2
Join us for a fabulous beach day, just south of Blackpool.
Lancashire
Chester Swim
September 2
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
September 2
NEW START TIME, limited numbers at this indoor pool complex with flume, children’s pool, sauna & Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
GBSD Birmingham Swim
September 2
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Yaverland Skinny Dip
September 2
Yaverland, Isle of Wight, free to join but please donate to BHF or get yourself sponsored!
Hampshire
Nothing on on a Saturday Night
September 2
Poulton YMCA for a couple of hours in a warm, friendly & safe environment and then in the pub afterwards.
Lancashire
Fonthill Estate Naked Heart Walk
September 2
A Clothes optional 7K Naked Heart Walk in the heart of the countryside to raise money for the BHF.
Wiltshire
Cardiff Sunday Meet Up
September 3
A friendly, clothes optional coffee meet up so bring along that undecided friend.
Glamorgan
Ryedale Club Swim
September 3
Fortnightly swim at Derwent Pool.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
September 3
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Haddington Swim
September 3
With a 25m and children’s pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and café.
East Lothian
Badminton Indoors
September 3
Join Forth Naturists for a game of badminton in Haddington with a sauna, steam room and café.
East Lothian
Potteries Swim
September 3
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
September 3
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
Portstewart Strand
September 3
GBSD, meet at Strand Rd, from 11 to 4.
County Londonderry
Plymouth Sun Club Swim
September 4
Twice monthly, Monday evening swim in Plympton Pool, for lane swimmers & the less energetic.
Devon
GBSD at Shap Lido
September 5
The pool is heated to 28°C so no excuses.
Westmorland
The Chat
September 5
Northern Ireland’s Tuesday Team Talk, join us for an hour or so of chat and banter.
Online
Natram walk Dean’s Bottom
September 6
A 12 mile stroll on the Berkshire Downs near Goring-on-Thames.
Berkshire
Aquasol Swim, Bristol
September 6
Aquasol meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee Swimming Pool in Bristol.
Avon
Stark Trekkers Barcombe Ouse
September 7
Join us for a riverside stroll along the banks of the River Ouse.
East Sussex
Manchester Male Swim
September 7
Every Thursday evening but need to RSVP as numbers limited to 30 maximum.
Lancashire
Farewell to Summer
September 8 to September 10
The prelude and after-party camp to the North Wales Naked Bike Ride 2023
Flintshire
Harlington Naturist Walk
September 8
A 7 mile walk, mainly through open country, almost flat with some moderate hills.
Bedfordshire
Club Naturel – Swim
September 8
Afternoon and evening swims on Fridays.
Norfolk
Watford Naturist Swimming Club
September 8
Our Friday evening swims welcome both first timers and seasoned naturists.
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
September 1
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
North Wales Naked Bike Ride
September 9
Raise money for charity and join us for fun and madness on the way.
Denbighshire
Wigton Swim
September 9
A monthly skinny dip at the Wigton Pool, booking essential.
Cumbria
LASER online meeting
September 9
A chance for members to meet the team and fellow members and to have your say.
Online
TROC Monthly Swim (& gym)
September 9
Swim & gym is also available
Tyne & Wear
Spectrum Swim
September 9
Meets most Saturdays in Birmingham; please contact the club before attending.
West Midlands
Naked 5k Run
September 10
UK’s largest 5k run in 50 acres of private wooded parkland.
Kent
Eastern Region Autumn Meeting
September 10
You are invited to look back at events and plan for 2024. Lunch available for a small fee.
Cambridgeshire
Walk Thixendale
September 10
A 6 mile circular walk at Thixendale, mainly flat with one moderate and one steep hill.
North Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
September 10
Sunday swim with other activities during the week.
Surrey
GBSD Guernsey
September 10
Mass dip at 5pm to raise money for BHF.
Channel Islands
Northampton Swim
September 10
We have two swimming pools plus sauna and steam-room.
Northamptonshire
Prested Hall Swim
September 10
Pool, sauna, steam room, loungers, summer garden area plus licenced Bistro.
Essex
Glasgow Swim
September 10
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
The more that people know about Naturism, the better things will be for us all. Many people don’t know that they know a Naturist and assume that we are still that fringe minority on the edges of society. We understand the individual fears, possible complications and desire for an easy life, but we want to encourage you to help Naturism in the UK to become normal.
It’s daunting, but our campaign encourages you not to stress. If you don't routinely talk about your involvement in Naturism to friends, family, work-colleagues, neighbours etc., we are asking you to tell Just One Person, and that experience may give you the courage to tell a lot more.
People have found it easy to pick someone who would not be judgemental. A good place to start is to talk in a low-key way about a skinny dip on holiday or Naturist beach you ‘found’. Many people get a positive or sympathetic reaction. Feedback suggests that you will feel better having told someone – it may actually be a relief! Members can read many positive 'Just One Person' stories in the members' area.
As Naturists we are in danger of killing this natural life choice by fear. We need to talk about it for it to survive and be prepared to acknowledge the pursuit that enriches our lives.
Don’t know what to say? Download the ‘How to talk about Naturism’ factsheet from the BN website.
It’s always wonderful when we are able to promote new venues for skinny dipping and thanks to Elaine Nuttall and her (usually costumed) wild swimming group, 17 women and nine men had a fantastic time in the river Ribble in Lancashire. Some said initially that they wouldn’t swim naked but in the end, everyone joined in.
Organiser Elaine told us:
‘Friday night was an absolute smash hit, from friends to strangers, from people who had never skinny dipped before to Naturists, we had them all. People holding the hands of strangers whilst they entered the water together, giving encouragement, bringing out the best in everyone. I certainly embraced my naked body as never before.
We raised £162 on the night, with a further £188 in online donations, making a total of £350.
Thank you all, who attended on the night, it was really nice to meet so many lovely people and thank you all at BN for helping me organise the event and also for advertising it. Also last but not least, thank you Ron O'Hare for all your help, advice, support and also for joining us on Friday night.
Watch this space, there may be another in the future!’
The summer may be starting to wind down, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of opportunities to skinny-dip! I’ll get to what’s coming up in the next few weeks in a minute. First, I want to flag an event that’s taking place this Thursday (August 24).
The North Wales Naturist Society has been very busy this summer. There have been several fun days out in a lovely woodland near Halkyn, with camping, wellness activities, archery, and much more. This week, NWNS is taking to Barkby Beach in Prestatyn, Denbyshire for “Summer Camp 2023”
I also want to highlight LASER’s second visit to the lovely open air pool at Petersfield Lido (pictured) in Hampshire on August 27. It’s always fantastic when venues invite us nudies back – so let’s get behind this swim!
Here are the other remaining GBSDs this month:
August 26
Worsley Complex, Manchester
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
August 31
Manchester Male Swim, Manchester
Along with recurring swims – and another ladies-only event - there are some fabulous beach days coming up in September!
September 1
Club Naturel: Ladies Only, Clothes Optional Swim, Norfolk
September 2
Great East Skinny Dip, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
Yaverland beach, Isle of Wight, Sandown
September 3
Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland
September 5
Shap Lido, Penrith
September 7
Manchester Male Swim, Manchester
September 9
Wigton, Cumbria
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
September 16
Findhorn Beach, Findhorn Forres, Moray
I'm proud of this one. Our subject matter means that it's not difficult for us to get attention paid to our activities and for us to be asked to comment on aspects of society and the stories of the day, and I deal with an average three or four approaches every week across the year. Our subject matter can also make people, authorities and big business nervous which hampers our progress somewhat with many obvious avenues to promotion closed to us.
It was particularly pleasing, therefore to be asked by marketing and production company Mob Kitchen to help them make four films for You Tube for their client Stella Artois. We've all praised the Stella adverts on TV and in the press for their unfiltered lager and their willingness to be associated with naked people and were delighted that they wanted to continue the theme.
We pitched in and found for them the majority of the people who would be involved and three out of the four locations - so much so that we get a mention in the films' descriptions on You Tube (I'm pressing for it to be hyperlinked...). Stella will be promoting it on social media and so please help by sharing the heck out of it on your accounts!
See the second film here - Cooking Au Naturel - Yoga and check out part 1 - Cooking Au Naturel - Swim. Parts 3 and 4 to come...
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. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Club Naturel Swim
August 18
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
GBSD Stay Wild & Swim Naked
August 18
A 10 minute walk through Marles Wood to the hidden swim spot on the River Ribble.
Lancashire
Watford Swims
August 18
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
August 18
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Boules & Sport Melee
August 19 & August 20
Boules played on the Sunday for all levels, or enjoy water volleyball, miniten, pickleball or swim.
Buckinghamshire
GBSD Meet n Greet at Ringstead Bay
August 19
Join us for the day with a mass dip at noon.
Dorset
The Gibberd Gardens
August 19
Bring a picnic & enjoy a few hours of tranquillity in this Grade II listed garden.
Essex
Walk the Hoo Peninsula
August 19
Join us for an 11 mile stroll across the remote Hoo Peninsular & swim in a sheltered bay.
North Kent
Swim Bury St. Edmunds
August 19
A regular swim plus sauna & steam room run by MNSC.
Suffolk
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 19
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Chester Swim
August 19
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
August 19
NEW START TIME, limited numbers at this indoor pool complex with flume, children’s pool, sauna & Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
Ryedale Club Swim
August 20
Fortnightly swim at Derwent Pool.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 20
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Swim at Haddington
August 20
25m pool, children’s pool, sauna, steam room, sports hall & café.
East Lothian
Indoor Badminton
August 20
Play at Haddington, plus access to the sauna, steam room and have a swim if you wish.
East Lothian
Potteries Swim
August 20
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
August 20
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
Summer Camp
August 21 to August 26
NWNS invites you to a fun packed holiday overflowing with entertainment, games, activities & workshops.
Flintshire
Swim Plymouth
August 21
Lane swimming or just socialise with friends, plus the pub afterwards.
Devon
Stark Trekkers
August 22
Join us for a stroll around the Pevensey Levels.
East Sussex
Boys in the Buff
August 22
Clothing optional performance at the Edinburgh fringe.
Midlothian
The Chat
August 22
Online Team Talk, join us for an hour of chat and banter about whatever you want.
Northern Ireland
Shaftesbury Lido
August 22
Open air 25yard heated pool is a great place to swim.
Dorset
Barbara Hepworth Exhibition
August 23
Join us at the Towney Gallery to view this amazing exhibition.
East Sussex
High Beeches Garden
August 23
With 27 acres of woodland, water gardens and a collection of award winning plants.
West Sussex
Alnwick Garden
August 23
CANCELLED
Aquasol Swim Bristol
August 23
Meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee pool
Avon
GBSD Beach Day
August 24
Join the NWNS community at Barkby Bay, Prestatyn
Clwyd
Natram walk Wepham Down
August 24
Join us for a 14 mile walk on the South Downs near Arundel.
West Sussex
GBSD Male Naturist Swim
August 24
Join us for this male only swim in Manchester.
Lancashire
Sunnybroom walking weekend
August 25 to August 28
SNC, near Aberdeen, invite you to a naked walking weekend of forest & hill tracks.
Aberdeenshire
Camping & Bunkhouse Weekend
August 25 to August 27
Bloody Bridge Camping for a weekend of naked or clothing optional to walk, skinny dip or just chill out.
County Down
Club Naturel Swim
August 25
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
August 25
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
August 25
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Sport @ TANDO
August 26
Badminton, volleyball, run, petanque or spikeball then chill or sauna!
Tyne & Wear
Thetford Forest Walk
August 26
An 8 mile walk, short cuts available for a shorter walk.
Norfolk
NW Naturist Worsley Swim
August 26
GBSD in warm pools for swimming, sauna & steam rooms and a lounge for rest & refreshment.
Greater Manchester
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 26
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
TANDO in Wonderland
August 26
Party in the woods.
Tyne & Wear
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 27
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Prested Hall Swim
August 27
Pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced restaurant/Bistro.
Essex
Glasgow Swim
August 27
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
GBSD Petersfield Pool
August 27
Join us at this refurbished heated pool with café and a BBQ.
Hampshire
Scorborough Naturist Walk
August 30
A 5 mile circular walk starting at Scorborough; a completely flat countryside with stunning views.
Yorkshire
Natram Walk un-Firled
August 30
Join us for an 11 mile walk on the South Downs near Alfriston.
East Sussex
Aquasol Swim Bristol
August 30
Meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee pool
Avon
GBSD Male Naturist Swim
August 31
Join us for this male only swim in Manchester.
Lancashire
Pairs Boule Open Tournament
September 1 to September 3
You are invited to the 18th Tournament run by Diogenes Sun Club, bring your own accommodation or stay in one of the local establishments.
Buckinghamshire
South West Rally
September 1 to September 3
A 3 night weekend rally at this ideal naturist site with plenty of activities & places to visit nearby.
Cornwall
Club Naturel Swim
September 1
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Ladies Only, Clothes Optional Swim
September 1
Club Naturel’s swim in a private heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, showers, changing cubicles & toilet.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
September 1
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
September 1
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Great East Skinny Dip
September 2
Part of the GBSD, be as bare as you dare, raising money for MIND.
Essex
St. Annes Beach Day
September 2
Join us for a fabulous beach day, just south of Blackpool.
Lancashire
Chester Swim
September 2
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
September 2
NEW START TIME, limited numbers at this indoor pool complex with flume, children’s pool, sauna & Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
GBSD Birmingham Swim
September 2
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Yaverland Skinny Dip
September 2
Yaverland, Isle of Wight, free to join but please donate to BHF or get yourself sponsored!
Hampshire
Nothing on on a Saturday Night
September 2
Poulton YMCA for a couple of hours in a warm, friendly & safe environment and then in the pub afterwards.
Lancashire
Fonthill Estate Naked Heart Walk
September 2
At Fonthill Estate, Chicklade at 12.00 in aid of BHF.
Wiltshire
Cardiff Sunday Meet Up
September 3
A friendly, clothes optional coffee meet up so bring along that undecided friend.
Glamorgan
Ryedale Club Swim
September 3
Fortnightly swim at Derwent Pool.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
September 3
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Haddington Swim
September 3
With a 25m and children’s pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and café.
East Lothian
Badminton Indoors
September 3
Join Forth Naturists for a game of badminton in Haddington with a sauna, steam room and café.
East Lothian
Potteries Swim
September 3
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
September 3
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
Portstewart Strand
September 3
GBSD, meet at Strand Rd, from 11 to 4.
County Londonderry
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
The weather looks great on Saturday for our Great British Skinny Dip and Meet 'n' Greet Beach Day at Ringstead Bay in Dorset between Weymouth and Durdle Door, hosted by Andrew and Sue. We will plan to take a mass dip at noon!
Check out the details - and make it a day to remember.
I'm proud of this one. Our subject matter means that it's not difficult for us to get attention paid to our activities and for us to be asked to comment on aspects of society and the stories of the day, and I deal with an average three or four approaches every week across the year. Our subject matter can also make people, authorities and big business nervous which hampers our progress somewhat with many obvious avenues to promotion closed to us.
It was particularly pleasing, therefore to be asked by marketing and production company Mob Kitchen to help them make four films for You Tube for their client Stella Artois. We've all praised the Stella adverts on TV and in the press for their unfiltered lager and their willingness to be associated with naked people and were delighted that they wanted to continue the theme.
We pitched in and found for them the majority of the people who would be involved and three out of the four locations - so much so that we get a mention in the films' descriptions on You Tube (I'm pressing for it to be hyperlinked...). The first film is out with three more to come. Stella will be promoting it on social media and so please help by sharing the heck out of it on your accounts!
See the first film here - Cooking Au Naturel - Swim
One of the main aims of the Great British Skinny Dip is to encourage new people, groups and venues to experience the euphoria of clothes-free swimming and so it's wonderful to see a new swim hosted by a group of (usually) swimsuited people in Lancashire this Friday.
Group leader Elaine says:
'I’m very excited to be holding this event with our swim group, Lancashire’s stay wild wild swim, helping to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, working alongside British Naturism, too. I lost my mum to heart disease and this is my first opportunity to raise vital funds and awareness, as well as, hopefully, bringing awareness of Naturism too and helping people to become more comfortable in their own skin.’
We're delighted to be working with you Elaine and want to encourage as many people as possible to come along.
Find all the details here
Our picture is from the BN Windermere weekend - taken by Mark Bass
British Naturism is run by Naturists for Naturists and is the internationally recognised UK national Naturist organisation. We exist to unite and support Naturists, to protect and provide more Naturist venues, to make social nudity acceptable in the UK and to provide comprehensive information on Naturism and Naturists around the world. We’re here to make your experience of Naturism better.
If you are not a member, you're missing out one many benefits - and we're missing having you and your support for our work - being a part of BN is knowing that you are helping to support the practice of Naturism, so that it continues to thrive and helps others to realise the life-affirming benefits of social nudity.
Check out all the amazing things we are doing at goodtimes.bn.org.uk!
Here are the benefits you can start getting today for less than £4.50 a month...
- Easy access to information, advice, downloads and useful guides that will help you to practise Naturism
- Our full colour, information-packed quarterly magazine with news and views from the UK and overseas, delivered to your door and available to download and read online
- Access to the BN Members’ Online Community
- Free entry to many online events and access to discount packages for others
- 25% off the ticket price of real events - some also exclusive to members
- 15% off all prices in the BN Shop
- Access to a helpline for free legal advice from a solicitor for members who run into difficulties with the criminal law or the police.
- A photo ID/membership card – proven to be useful in establishing your credentials with Authority figures, if ever your Naturist activities are challenged. It is also an International Naturist Federation (INF) card – essential for access to some overseas Naturist places, and discounts in others
- Being part of a vibrant community with and connect with like-minded people
- Knowing that you are helping to support the practice of Naturism, so that it continues to thrive
Find more information and join us today!
the nest is a unique place for a forest retreat in a remote and secluded location. Here you can enjoy isolation, privacy and quietude whilst being surrounded by nature, sleep to the sound of waterfalls and a stream, and wake up to crickets and birds. During the warmer months it is great out under the sun or the soothing shadow of close to 70 species of trees. In the colder months you’ll enjoy being inside looking at the alluring landscape that keeps changing throughout the year (and even then there will be some hours of warm sunshine most of the days).
The accommodation area is around 1,722 square feet, while the whole property is around two acres. The villa features two bedrooms — one with a King-size bed and the other with a double bed — a bathroom with bathtub, a toilet, a cosy space for relaxing, dining and living room, and two balconies.
The house was built in 2002, and has two floors: the upper floor is entirely at the disposal of one single group of guests at a time, while the lower floor has been reserved for the hosts. All rooms have large windows or French windows facing outdoors, including kitchen and bathrooms. Outside you will find sun loungers, hammocks, chairs, stools, tables and sun umbrellas. The kitchen is fitted with all the necessary appliances.
The neighbouring zone is forest area with no houses around, typically very quiet. Around the property there are no shops or services, but at Sever do Vouga village (3 miles away) you will find all kinds of useful services, as well as a number of tourist attractions. The property is 50 miles (1 hour) by car away from Oporto’s airport.
The villa was designed and is owned by a Portuguese couple, and started welcoming guests on last May. The villa is run by Armando, on a pause from his activity as college professor. Armando has worked in England, is very fluent in English, is familiar to UK culture and loves welcoming fellow naturists.
Average ratings by guests are 5/5 on Airbnb, and 10/10 on Booking.com. the nest holds these distinctions from Booking.com: 4/5 property rating, 2/3 Travel Sustainable, and is also Proud Certified.
Discount for BN members!
British Naturism members benefit from prices around 15% cheaper through direct booking
Other links
General enquiries
Instagram
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. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
EveryBody Festival
August 11 to August 14
A celebration of all things naked – live music, crazy activities, discussions, workshops, fitness & trip to waterpark!
Dorset
Identity N@T
August 11 to 13
Everyone welcome to the Diversity & Inclusivity celebration @ Liverpool Sun & Air Society.
Merseyside
Open Weekend
August 12 & 13
Ribble Valley Club welcomes you to our open weekend; heated pool, sauna, hot tub etc. and evening activities in the club house. Bar open at 8pm.
Lancashire
GBSD Wigton Swim
August 12
A monthly swim at the Wigton Pool.
Cumbria
TROC Swim
August 12
Monthly swim with gym also available.
Tyne & Wear
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 12
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
GBSD Peterborough Lido
August 12
FINAL swim in this 1930s Lido with 3 heated pools and café.
Cambridgeshire
Sinnington Walk
August 13
A 6.2 mile circular walk, undulating with some low to moderate hills.
North Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 13
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Scotney Castle Gardens
August 13
A visit to this National Trust property, non-naturist partners welcome.
Kent
Prested Hall Swim
August 13
Pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced restaurant/Bistro.
Essex
Glasgow Swim
August 13
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
Woodland Picnic
August 14
Bring your packed lunch & join us for a picnic & friendly games or just relax.
Flintshire
Garden Visit
August 15
Clothes optional visit to Gileston Manor gardens, followed by afternoon tea; dogs welcome.
Vale of Glamorgan
Boys in the Buff
August 15
Clothing optional performance at the Edinburgh fringe.
Midlothian
NW Region Zoom Meeting
August 15
Team NW are inviting you to a meeting
On line
Aquasol Swim Bristol
August 16
Meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee pool
Avon
Natram walk Friston Forest
August 17
Join us for an 11 mile walk on the South Downs near Eastbourne.
East Sussex
GBSD Male Naturist Swim
August 17
Join us for this male only swim in Manchester.
Lancashire
Club Naturel Swim
August 18
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
GBSD Stay Wild & Swim Naked
August 18
A 10 minute walk through Marles Wood to the hidden swim spot on the River Ribble.
Lancashire
Watford Swims
August 18
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
August 18
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Boules & Sport Melee
August 19 & August 20
Boules played on the Sunday for all levels, or enjoy water volleyball, miniten, pickleball or swim.
Buckinghamshire
GBSD Meet n Greet at Ringstead Bay
August 19
Join us for the day with a mass dip at noon.
Dorset
The Gibberd Gardens
August 19
Bring a picnic & enjoy a few hours of tranquillity in this Grade II listed garden.
Essex
Walk the Hoo Peninsula
August 19
Join us for an 11 mile stroll across the remote Hoo Peninsular & swim in a sheltered bay.
North Kent
Swim Bury St. Edmunds
August 19
A regular swim plus sauna & steam room run by MNSC.
Suffolk
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 19
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Chester Swim
August 19
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
August 19
NEW START TIME, limited numbers at this indoor pool complex with flume, children’s pool, sauna & Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
Ryedale Club Swim
August 20
Fortnightly swim at Derwent Pool.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 20
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Swim at Haddington
August 20
25m pool, children’s pool, sauna, steam room, sports hall & café.
East Lothian
Indoor Badminton
August 20
Play at Haddington, plus access to the sauna, steam room and have a swim if you wish.
East Lothian
Potteries Swim
August 20
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
August 20
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
Summer Camp
August 21 to August 26
NWNS invites you to a fun packed holiday overflowing with entertainment, games, activities & workshops.
Flintshire
Swim Plymouth
August 21
Lane swimming or just socialise with friends, plus the pub afterwards.
Devon
Stark Trekkers
August 22
Join us for a stroll around the Pevensey Levels.
East Sussex
Boys in the Buff
August 22
Clothing optional performance at the Edinburgh fringe.
Midlothian
The Chat
August 22
Online Team Talk, join us for an hour of chat and banter about whatever you want.
Northern Ireland
Shaftesbury Lido
August 22
Open air 25yard heated pool is a great place to swim.
Dorset
Barbara Hepworth Exhibition
August 23
Join us at the Towney Gallery to view this amazing exhibition.
East Sussex
High Beeches Garden
August 23
With 27 acres of woodland, water gardens and a collection of award winning plants.
West Sussex
Alnwick Garden
August 23
CANCELLED
Aquasol Swim Bristol
August 23
Meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee pool
Avon
Natram walk Wepham Down
August 24
Join us for a 14 mile walk on the South Downs near Arundel.
West Sussex
GBSD Male Naturist Swim
August 24
Join us for this male only swim in Manchester.
Lancashire
Sunnybroom walking weekend
August 25 to August 28
SNC, near Aberdeen, invite you to a naked walking weekend of forest & hill tracks.
Aberdeenshire
Club Naturel Swim
August 25
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
August 25
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
August 25
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Sport @ TANDO
August 26
Badminton, volleyball, run, petanque or spikeball then chill or sauna!
Tyne & Wear
Thetford Forest Walk
August 26
An 8 mile walk although short cuts available for a shorter walk.
Norfolk
NW Naturist Worsley Swim
August 26
GBSD in warm pools for swimming, sauna & steam rooms and a lounge for rest & refreshment.
Greater Manchester
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 26
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
TANDO in Wonderland
August 26
Party in the woods.
Tyne & Wear
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 27
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Prested Hall Swim
August 27
Pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced restaurant/Bistro.
Essex
Glasgow Swim
August 27
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas.
Lanarkshire
GBSD Petersfield Pool
August 27
Join us at this refurbished heated pool with café and a BBQ.
Hampshire
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
This Halloween, don't be grim, reap the benefits of a naturist break at SANER's Halloween Gathering - BN members from all regions welcome. Enjoy the devilishly good Naturist entertainment and events. Our final itinerary is yet to be finalised, however, what's for certain is that you'll be enjoying a monster mash-up of a Halloween disco. At some point, maybe venture out (with clothes, sadly) to discover the local history of Stirling and its famous castle.
Since the event was launched in May, booking has been brisk and now all single rooms have now been taken, but we've set up a topic on the forum to help single people to connect and book twin rooms to share.
Please remember to ONLY book via the BN shop - the hotel is not taking bookings direct for this BN event.
Don't forget - as the hotel is next to the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, watch out for ghostly apparitions throughout your Halloween break at the Gathering!
Despite the unsettled forecast for our 3rd annual trip to Jupiter Artland on the outskirts of Edinburgh, last Saturday 36 of us spent a lovely two hours in the warm sun touring the gardens and the various sculptures and artworks. For most of us, it was our first time here, writes Billy Ritchie.
Jupiter Artland is set in the grounds of a private house and enjoys various permanent sculptures and numerous artworks that are commissioned by artists annually. Partly set in woodland it is complemented with large open areas sporting small green hills with paths that spiral up and down them nestled by water features. It is truly a hidden gem
I think the comment we received from one of our first-time visitors sums it up: 'It was almost mystical walking about and stumbling upon random art works around each corner. Having never been before it did feel like a journey of discovery.'
Our picture shows some of the guests and the sculpture I Lay Here For You by Tracy Emin.
The future of British Naturism is dependent on members who are part of Young British Naturism today. That is my strongly held belief, and why I decided to stand as the YBN Lead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Thomas McPolin for his hard work in shaping YBN over the last few years. As has already been expressed by the Executive Committee and fellow members in recent months, he
was instrumental in implementing changes, such as increasing the age group to 18-35, which have helped to ensure YBN has a stable future.
I have been a member of BN for the last four years, and during that time I have been active at events and, for the last year and a half, held other volunteer roles such as supporting events as an Official Photographer and First Aider. For the last year I have been working behind the scenes to help engage new YBN members, helping to demonstrate how to become involved, and trying to work towards breaking through those ‘first time’ nerves for our newer members. If you are a YBN member, and received a welcome message when joining – that was me!
I have been delighted to be given the opportunity to support YBN as the Lead, and to fill the place on the Executive Committee to advocate for younger members. I would like to express my gratitude to the EC for appointing me to this post.
I’m sure you’re wondering how YBN will evolve in the coming 12 months. Along with Jamie Mogford, newly appointed YBN Deputy Lead, I am placing a renewed emphasis on wider engagement with BN and in-person social activities. I am in the process of liaising with landed clubs across the country to start ‘YBN @...’ days, ensuring that members in all regions have the opportunity to meet with like-minded Naturists and are not limited by regional constraints. One of the concerns I have heard from members is that without the ability to have free access to transport, getting to the larger national events has been challenging. I am hoping that by using the large network of landed clubs across the country, we will be able to ensure that all members can be engaged with YBN and feel welcomed into our fantastic community. This also helps to introduce members to local clubs, a development which has been very much welcomed by the committee members I have spoken with so far. If you are part of a club, and would be interested in hosting YBN weekends, I would very much like to hear from you!
We are also in the process of developing a ‘winter plan’, which will ensure that new members joining in the quieter months are able to meet members of the YBN community and do not drift off into the Naturist wilderness. This is definitely an area which has needed a little work, and I am looking forward to ensuring this is developed further year on year.
Additionally, we are organising trips to enjoy the sights and scenes a little further away. Jamie has been hard at work planning a trip to Cologne in Germany for February 2024 to enjoy the Naturist-friendly spas a little further afield. We are hoping for trips like this to become an annual fixture on the YBN calendar. It has also been fantastic to see YBN members organising trips to Euronat in late 2024 – providing more opportunities for engagement than ever before!
Finally, I would like to invite anyone with ideas for how to develop the YBN offering to reach out to either myself or Jamie. We would love
to hear from you! Likewise, if you would like to volunteer to be part of the YBN Leadership
Team please let us know so we can discuss opportunities further.
Jon Ward YBN Leader
jon.ward@bn.org.uk
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. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
St Annes Beach Day
August 5
Join us on the fabulous St Annes beach just south of Blackpool.
Lancashire
Sport @ TANDO
August 5
Fancy badminton, volleyball, petanque, spikeball or go for a run!
Tyne & Wear
Chester Swim
August 5
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
August 5
Swim naturally in your local indoor complex with pool and flume, children’s pool, sauna, Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 5
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Swim Blackpool
August 5
Join us for a couple of hours in a warm, friendly & safe environment and the pub afterwards!
Lancashire
Corton Beach Day
August 6
Cath and Nigel will be waiting to greet you on Corton beach, so bring a picnic!
Suffolk
Cardiff Sunday Meet Up
August 6
A friendly, clothing optional, coffee meet up.
Glamorgan
Ryedale Swim
August 6
Fortnightly swim
North Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 6
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Jupiter Artland Garden
August 6
A return visit to this amazing garden.
West Lothian
Potteries Swim
August 6
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
August 6
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Lanarkshire
Plymouth Swim
August 7
Lane swimming as well as for the less energetic.
Devon
Shaftesbury Lido
August 8
Heated 25m pool with life guards.
Dorset
The Chat
August 8
Online chat and banter about whatever you want.
Northern Ireland
Natram Walk
August 9
Join us for a 12 mile walk up Barley.
West Sussex
Aquasol Swim Bristol
August 9
Meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee pool
Avon
GBSD Male Naturist Swim
August 10
Join us for this male only swim in Manchester.
Lancashire
Identity N@T
August 11 to 13
Everyone welcome to the Diversity & Inclusivity celebration @ Liverpool Sun & Air Society.
Merseyside
Great Missenden Walk
August 11
An 8 mile walk through the Misbourne Valley & parts of the Chiltern Hills.
Buckinghamshire
Shaftesbury Lido
August 11
Heated 25m pool with life guards.
Dorset
Club Naturel Swim
August 11
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
August 11
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
August 11
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
GBSD Kerensa Cottage
August 11
Bring lunch & water, not toilets, croquet & other games available.
Somerset
Open Weekend
August 12 & 13
Ribble Valley Club welcomes you to our open weekend; heated pool, sauna, hot tub etc. and evening activities in the club house. Bar open at 8pm.
Lancashire
Wigton Swim
August 12
A monthly swim at the Wigton Pool.
Cumbria
TROC Swim
August 12
Monthly swim with gym also available.
Tyne & Wear
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 12
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Peterborough Lido
August 12
FINAL swim in this 1930s Lido with 3 heated pools and café.
Cambridgeshire
Sinnington Walk
August 13
A 6.2 mile circular walk, undulating with some low to moderate hills.
North Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 13
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Scotney Castle Gardens
August 13
A visit to this National Trust property, non-naturist partners welcome.
Kent
Prested Hall Swim
August 13
Pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced restaurant/Bistro.
Essex
Glasgow Swim
August 13
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Lanarkshire
Woodland Picnic
August 14
Bring your packed lunch & join us for a picnic & friendly games or just relax.
Flintshire
Garden Visit
August 15
Clothes optional visit to Gileston Manor gardens, followed by afternoon tea & dogs welcome.
Vale of Glamorgan
Boys in the Buff
August 15
Clothing optional performance at the Edinburgh fringe.
Midlothian
Aquasol Swim Bristol
August 16
Meet most Wednesdays at the Jubilee pool
Avon
Natram walk Friston Forest
August 17
Join us for an 11 mile walk on the South Downs near Eastbourne.
East Sussex
GBSD Male Naturist Swim
August 17
Join us for this male only swim in Manchester.
Lancashire
Club Naturel Swim
August 18
Fridays alternating between afternoons & evening swims.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
August 18
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
August 18
INA & INF members welcome to our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists.
Online
Stay Wild & Swim Naked
August 18
GBSD 10 minute walk through Marles Wood to the hidden swim spot of the River Ribble.
Lancashire
Boules & Sport Melee
August 19 & 20
Boules played on the Sunday for all levels, or enjoy water volleyball, miniten, pickleball or swim.
Buckinghamshire
GBSD Meet n Greet at Ringstead Bay
August 19
Join us for the day with a mass dip at noon.
Dorset
The Gibberd Gardens
August 19
Bring a picnic & enjoy a few hours of tranquillity in this Grade II listed garden.
Essex
Walk the Hoo Peninsula
August 19
Join us for an 11 mile stroll across the remote Hoo Peninsular & swim in a sheltered bay.
North Kent
Swim Bury St. Edmunds
August 19
A regular swim plus sauna & steam room run by MNSC.
Suffolk
GBSD Birmingham Swim
August 19
Spectrum swim meets most Saturdays at the Morris Centre
West Midlands
Chester Swim
August 19
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
South Forest Swim
August 19
NEW START TIME, limited numbers at this indoor pool complex with flume, children’s pool, sauna & Jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
Ryedale Club Swim
August 20
Fortnightly swim at Derwent Pool.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
August 20
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Swim at Haddington
August 20
25m pool, children’s pool, sauna, steam room, sports hall & café.
East Lothian
Indoor Badminton
August 20
Play at Haddington, plus access to the sauna, steam room and have a swim if you wish.
East Lothian
Potteries Swim
August 20
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
August 20
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Lanarkshire
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
With luck, by the time these newly added Great British Skinny Dips take place, the jet stream will have decided it’s had enough of soaking and freezing us and will have graciously allowed summer to return. One of the new adds is a return to Petersfield Lido – and isn’t it fantastic when venues enjoy us nudies so much they happily schedule more events? The other two GBSDs are particularly exciting (to me, anyway) – one, because it’s hosted by a wild swimming group, and the other, because it's in the wilds of northern Scotland. Wild!
August 18
Stay wild and swim naked, Blackburn, Lancashire
Says organiser Elaine Nuttall: ‘I’m very excited to be holding this event with our swim group, Lancashire’s stay wild wild swim, helping to raise funds for the British Heart foundation, working alongside British Naturism, too. I lost my mum to heart disease and this is my first opportunity to raise vital funds and awareness, as well as, hopefully, bringing awareness of Naturism too and helping people to become more comfortable in their own skin.’
August 27
Petersfield Lido, Petersfield, Hampshire
September 16
Findhorn Beach, (pictured) Findhorn Forres, Moray, Scotland
The most northerly GBSD in the UK, according to organiser Alan Ellison. Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins!
And there are plenty more GBSDs for you to enjoy in August and September. Despite the rotten weather, BN events this summer, whether dips or Naked Heart Walks or other activities, have been well-attended and are raising lots of much-needed dosh for our charity partner the British Heart Foundation. Let’s keep it going!
28 naked guests enjoyed amazing weather for the return trip to the Farne Islands. Departure at 15.30 came with reports of unsettled sea and a suggestion from our skipper that we forgo the Islands and instead head up the coast.
On the return journey arctic terns and puffins flew by the boat. There were few boats out sailing, and kayaks, those that we did see gave us a cheery wave as we cheekily past them!
What incredible events there are available to us! Let's make the most of them...
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