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News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism
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Bring on the boats...

Here's information on not one, but two boat trips coming up  in BN's SANER region.
River Forth
The first is our popular river Forth trip on the 15th July where guests will sail under the three iconic bridges spanning the River Forth at South Queensferry for a two hour Naturist afternoon on the Forth Princess with both enclosed heated saloon and open decks to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.  There is a bar on board and live entertainment.
Details and booking over in the BN shop
 
Farne Islands
On 29th July, we will be back on the water, enjoying a private Naturist trip round the Farne Islands from Seahouses Harbour and seeing the seals and sea birds.
Details and booking also over in the BN shop
 
Look forward to welcoming you on board!
 

Announcing a new BN Members' Holiday!

Following a successful group holiday for BN members only in Gran Canaria in April this year, we're pleased to launch a NEW group holiday to El Portús in Spain. 
Situated on Spain’s Costa Calida and nestling in a sheltered, south-facing bay, with spectacular mountain and sea views, El Portús is the prime Naturist holiday destination in Southern Spain,  right on a nude beach, with swimming pool, restaurant, bar and shop, plus a spa where group members get a 20% discount.  The cosmopolitan city of Cartagena, with Roman sites including a large theatre, museums, 15th Century Castle, Civil War refuges, art galleries, marina, shops, bars and restaurants is nearby.
The group will be led by BN members who will also arrange an activity programme to keep you busy and socialising1 
Find out more including accommodation choices and prices over in the BN shop. Booking will open on Monday 19th June, but you can register your interest now.
 
Image: El Portús at 0700 CET today...

The Forum Live - Ask the Executive

The next quarterly Ask the Executive session will take place Monday week, 26 June at 7:30pm.
It's a chance for members to meet and ask questions of British Naturism's Executive Committee and hear from officers and other volunteer role holders.
It's open to all British Naturism members and is expected to last an hour. Questions for the Directors and Executive Committee members on any relevant subject will be welcome. To help us manage the session and to provide the best possible answers we would welcome questions in advance, and we will take these first. Subject to time constraints we will take questions on the night as well. 
If you have a question, please send it to headoffice@bn.org.uk
Join the session here
  
Photo by Marius Oprea on Unsplash 

The Forum Live - interviewing Naked Wanderings

I'm delighted to say that my guests next Monday 19th June on the Forum Live will be Nick and Lins, globally-renowned Naturist bloggers! It's the third time we've been fortunate enough to have their participation and we look forward to hearing more about their recent naked adventures including travels and experiences in South Africa, Thailand and even Bali!
Find out more about Naked Wanderings at nakedwanderings.com.
Join the session on the night over in the BN shop

Make a Splash for Sunfolk - success!

Our crowdfunding campaign to help finance the hot tub, sauna and associated facilities at Sunfolk has just closed, so I wanted to give members a quick update on how we got on.
I’m delighted to confirm that the campaign has been a real success, attracting over 100 separate donations, and raising just over £40k - slightly more than the target we had set ourselves and I want to say thanks on behalf of the Sunfolk project team for the most generous support of this latest initiative. Personally, I continue to be humbled by the level of support and goodwill from many members towards the work we are doing to secure Sunfolk for naturism for the years ahead.
The money we have raised will allow us to deliver these new facilities with confidence ahead of the site re-opening in 2024.
Jon Williams
BN Vice-Chair
sunfolk.bn.org.uk

Naked Dining in Rural Hampshire!

Join the LASER team and Naturist Ramblers on 22 June for a return visit to the Mill Arms, Dunbridge, for an evening of dinner and skittles. We’ll have exclusive use of the pub’s function room, with its own bar and toilets – meaning you can be naked throughout the evening. Choose from a two- or three-course menu ahead of the event, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
And - if you’re inclined to spend the night - the pub has six rooms available on 21 and 22 June, with full breakfast included. And you can enjoy your breakfast in the buff!
There will also be a naturist evening at nearby Houghton Lodge gardens on Wednesday 21 June, and an 11-mile naked walk leaving from the Mill Arms on 22 June. Sounds like a fantastic clothing-free few days!
Details and booking here!
Photo by Edward Franklin on Unsplash

Naked diners win strong community support after negative reporting

BN member Neil and his friend Danielle made news recently when they visited a pub in Burnham au naturel. According to the report, some of their fellow diners were shocked and upset by the pair, and some allegedly gave negative TripAdvisor reviews (the veracity of several of which Neil questioned).
Despite this, Neil said, he and Danielle felt warmly welcomed by the pub staff and other customers. Comments on local social media were generally positive and gave the two a chance to introduce themselves and explain their actions. Moreover, after Neil provided some pre-publication input into the article, the paper agreed to make some minor changes to offer a more balanced view.
This is all great news, but here’s the best part: After the pub’s first-ever encounter with naked diners, its owners still back their decision to allow Neil and Dani (who checked with them ahead of time) to attend. Not only that, but pub regulars are organising a get-together to show support to the owners who are well known in the community for their kindness and inclusivity.
To thank them, Neil wants to “make a big gesture from the Naturist community.” He’s donated £250 for the event and is hoping others will come up with more.
Could this lead to a more positive tale about Naturism and naked dining?
Stay tuned!
Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/cf32b62b
 
Picture by Sebastian Roberts

INF Focus - latest issue

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 issue is out now and available via the INF website here - https://downloads.inf-fni.org/download/345/2023/2433/ff-june-23-eng.pdf
Enjoy!

GBSDs in June are busting out all over!

Many of you will be familiar with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “Carousel” and its famous song, “June is Busting Out All Over.” Well, June is indeed busting out all over—not just in my veggie patch, but on the BN Great British Skinny Dip calendar! I count 19 so far, some regular swims, some occasional. That doesn’t mean we couldn’t use more!
We’re still lookin’ at you for suggestions for venues and events.
Several of this month’s swims are behind us, but here’s what’s ahead - including one today!
June 6
Shap Lido, Cumbria
June 9
Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool, Hampshire
June 10
Heysham Half Moon Bay Beach Day & Skinny Dip, Lancashire
Wigton, Cumbria
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham (Also takes place on June 17 and 24)
Ladies Only Swim, South Forest Centre – Nottinghamshire
Peterborough Lido, Cambridgeshire
June 11
Northampton Sun Group, Northampton
June 17
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham 
Ringstead Bay Beach Day, Dorset 
June 24
Ringstead Bay Beach Day, Dorset 
Worsley Complex, Manchester
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
June 25
Portslade Naturist Beach, East Sussex
 
Remember, these swims are more than just a chance to strip off and get in the water – as fantastic as that is! They’re a great way to introduce family, friends and colleagues to Naturism – and to raise much-needed funds for our charity partner the British Heart Foundation.
To find out more about the Great British Skinny Dip and all dips for later in 2023, please visit greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
 
 

Are you ready for ... Badminton in the Buff?

SANER Sport, in conjunction with TANDO Naturist club, are hosting not one, but two badminton events on Saturday 10 and 24 June 2023. 
Roundnet/Spikeball and volleyball are also available, as are the facilities of TANDO club.
On the 24th, there is also a mini-skinny dip at Druridge Bay.
Find all the details, including how to book can be found at:
Saturday 10th June - https://www.bn.org.uk/calendar/event/7804-outdoor-badmintonsport-tando/
Saturday 24th June -https://www.bn.org.uk/calendar/event/7805-outdoor-badmintonsport-tando/

The Forum Live - from the Lakes to Land's End...

Join us on next week's The Forum Live (Monday 12th June) when we take a look at the wide range of activity coming up this summer in two of our regions - the North West and the South West.
Regional organisers Ron O'Hare and Andy Dyer and members of their respective teams will provide information about what to expect - and inspire you to come along. There are beach days, clubs events, sport gatherings, swims, walks, bike rides and camping and hotel breaks.
Who knows, you might also be inspired to come and be part of the regional team!
Join the session on the night over in the BN shop
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash (That's Rydal Water, by the way, no events arranged there, but who knows what the future might hold...)

NKD - The Power of the Present, the Potential of the Future

The NKD festival held last weekend served as a timely reminder of the power and the potential that can be found within the organisation.
Young British Naturism (YBN) is a subgroup of 18-35 year olds within British Naturism to support the interests of younger members and has exhibited much growth over the last seven years.  Nowhere is the growth more evident than in NKD itself.  Launched in 2018, NKD initially depended on subsidy plus patronage from seasoned members as there simply weren’t enough young members to run a youth festival.  It quickly passed the subsidy requirement and then passed a key milestone last year when it became self-sustaining without needing seasoned guests to fill the coffers.  Youth Naturism was now viable in its own right in the UK.  This year was the biggest NKD we have ever held, we welcomed 222 guests and, impressively, 74% of them were under 40 years of age.  Let that sink in.  Young Naturists are not unicorns, they are commonplace, and British Naturism has only just set foot on the road to engaging them.  More impressive than the numbers was the energy of YBN this weekend.  Projects to promote Naturism and youth Naturism were brewing and even being launched this weekend, such as the new video content that YBN are leading.  It is the rapid growth in youth that has allowed us to launch the second festival, Everybody, this year and be confident of success.  This second major event targets non-members and those with a casual interest in nude recreation, as well as our existing younger members.  Everybody and NKD have overlapping, but not identical principles and sit alongside our existing and expanding portfolio for long-standing members.
Significantly, there were a lot of new people at NKD.  These were people that had never tried an event before or even social nudity before and found confidence in NKD.  The supportive and respectful environment they found in the NKD community made the experience greater than they expected and means that they are now eager to be involved in more things.  Kelsey provides the perfect example and some real insight.  I have known Kelsey for years, being naked is pretty much what she does and has always considered herself a solitary Naturist, but never crossed the invisible barrier of group events.  NKD has changed that, and this is how we progress.  Kelsey wants to attend more events such as Everybody, NKD next year, and potentially other things.  But crucially, she does not plan on attending alone, she will be bringing her friends, Naturism is moving into the sights of the festival crowd as the common interests become obvious.  The doors are opening to the young, nude-positive community because they are starting to see that British Naturism can offer what they want.  However, the impact is even greater than that.  Kelsey observed that I had told her that some events traditionally have a skewed demographic composition towards older members so could be a poorer fit.  They are great events, but young people could feel out of place because they would not meet their peers there.  Her response is simple.  That will not be true if she brings enough people.  She can broaden the demographic profile so all events are appealing.  This is how we win.  We have created an opportunity for new, young people to dip their toe in but from this point it could take on a life of its own.
For those inspired by these ideas, the Everybody festival is the one for you and can be found here.
So, I want to thank everybody who came this weekend and for the many conversations I had.  You are all amazing, you are the future of body confidence in the UK, and you have restored my energy.

The Forum Live - the World Naked Bike Ride!

We're delighted to welcome organisers from various UK rides to next Monday's (5th June) Forum Live and look forward to finding out more about the history of the event, what it takes to put them on - and what to expect in 2023.
It’s not every day the streets of London are full of naked cyclists - but it is once a year when the World Naked Bike Ride comes to town. This environmental campaign that embraces body freedom has been riding since 2004 and sees thousands of participants in cities around the world.
The London ride regularly attracts over 1,000 riders, but that’s small compared with Portland in the USA where they sometimes get over 10,000. According to the WNBR global wiki, there are over 200 cities in 35 countries that have had WNBR campaigns. There are 33 locations listed in the UK, although not all are currently riding. Typically, there are around 15 UK rides each year, so, if you don’t fancy the bustle of London, how about a pleasant ride around Brighton with a cruise along the seafront, ending with a dip in the sea at the Naturist beach? Or try a tour of other great cities like Cardiff, Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and many more.
Are you an organiser of a WNBR? We want to cover as many locations as possible and so if you'd like to be on the panel, please get in touch. Equally, if you are a veteran of the rides and have interesting stories to tell, we'd love to hear from you.
Join the session on the night over in the BN shop
 

Press release from British Naturism - Naked Heart Walk at Leonardslee Gardens

Have you the heart to go Naked?
This year, thousands of people across the UK will strip off their clothes and stroll around the grounds of gorgeous gardens, stately homes and castles to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
They’ll be taking part in British Naturism’s Naked Heart Walks, experiencing the exhilaration of being nude in the great outdoors, boosting their mental and physical health, reducing their stress - and having a lot of fun.
A Naked Heart Walk takes place at the glorious Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, West Sussex on 17th June 2023.
To make the decision to participate in a Naked Heart Walk even easier, 2023’s walks will be clothing-optional, though we’re sure some clothed walkers will be stripped off by the end.
 
Find details of all Naked Heart Walks
 
An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
 
Organiser Philip Baker said:
“'I have been a BHF volunteer for more than 10 years and the Naked Heart Walks have given my friends and me a fabulous way to raise a great deal of money as people have come from great distances to support the cause and promote clothes-free leisure.  Naturism provides us with a much needed wellbeing boost and antidote to our stressful lives and we love to share this. The 'cause' gives us the spur to get organised and creat a safe environment for the enjoyment of naturism allowing regulars, and those new to nude recreation, a calm and relaxing place to be with nature’.
 
Adam Streeter, General Manager of Leonardslee, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting the British Heart Foundation by hosting the event. The charity does great work in raising money to research cures and treatments to resolve heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them. Leonardslee makes healthy exercise fun - offering a variety of walks through 240 acres of beautiful woodlands and parkland, with much rare and endangered flora and fauna. Thank you to all the walkers for helping BHF,”
 
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to get the exhilarating feelings for themselves. I’m delighted to see the number of our Naked Heart Walks more than double this year and would encourage anyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
 
Ben Bishop, BHF Fundraising Manager, said:
“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new? It is an opportunity to free yourself from everyday constraints while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and stunning locations where these walks are being held. Whether you dare to bare or keep your clothes on you can take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”
 
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
 
Media attendance at the walks is possible, with advance notice.
 
Contacts and links
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk; 07774 955138
nakedheartwalk.org.uk
bn.org.uk
 
Leonardslee Gardens:
Patrick Rea patrick.rea@reamarketing.co.uk; 0208 8265 9718
leonardsleegardens.co.uk 
 
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater slaterw@bhf.org.uk; 07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk
 
Image: ARB

Volunteers’ Week 2023: Celebrate and Inspire

British Naturism marks Volunteers’ Week 2023
2023 marks the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), when British Naturism will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK. With this year’s theme of ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ we hope to encourage people to be the change that we want to see and get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for them.
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 celebrate their efforts and 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 250 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.
 
THANKING OUR VOLUNTEERS
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 greatly appreciated.
 
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 at: https://www.bn.org.uk/volunteering/programme/
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 https://www.bn.org.uk/index.php?app=bnapps&module=volunteering&controller=user
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.
We hope you enjoy exploring Volunteer Connect.  If you have any questions, read our FAQs at https://www.bn.org.uk/forums/topic/31230-all-volunteers-must-now-register-on-volunteer-connect-faqs/ or send an email to volunteers@bn.org.uk.

An interview with Victoria Bateman

In March 2023, we had the pleasure of Victoria Bateman’s company on the Forum Live, who spoke to Andrew Welch about her new book Naked Feminism: Breaking the Cult of Female Modesty.
Unusually, we recorded the session and are pleased to bring you the transcript, for members only.
Not a member? You can join online here!

Reminder to sign up - Morecambe Bay Naked Heart Walk - 11th June

It's nearly time for our next Naked Heart Walk, this time the iconic cross Morecambe Bay walk on Sunday 11 June 2023.
If you've not signed up yet, it's not to late to do so and join nearly 100 people who already have!
Find all the details including booking links here
In the meantime, all North West region BN members are invited to a Zoom meeting to chat about upcoming events in the region, hosted by Regional Organiser Ron Hare. It takes place tomorrow at 8pm. Find the details on the BN members' forum (log in required).

BN236 - Summer 2023

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 – and easier-to-read text.
Contents include:
All the events you can look forward to and a round-up of everything that’s been happening – including Bournemouth and Blackpool Weekend. Naked Education: Channel 4 programme confronts body issues and acceptance Think of the children!: New study finds nudity in childhood has lifelong benefits Lancashire Sun and the White House Naturist Club turn 90! A new Naturist club launches in North Wales Sports Round-up: Everything you need to know about BN’s sports activities Sunfolk redevelopment in full swing In travel, we talk nudie adventures in Spain, Mexico, Greece,  France and lots more BN236 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).
Our quarterly magazine is just one of the many benefits a BN membership provides. If you’re not a member yet, why not make today the day you join us?
 

GBSD returns to Peterborough Lido!

This summer, thousands of people across the UK will be taking the plunge and skinny dipping to raise money for British Heart Foundation(BHF) while experiencing the exhilaration  of being naked. They will improve their mental and physical health and well-being, boost their body confidence, and reduce their stress. They will also have great fun!
The Great British Skinny Dip is a campaign by British Naturism (BN) aimed at raising funds for the BHF, and:
Promoting greater understanding of Naturism and social nudity  Encouraging acceptance and participation in Naturism Improving facilities and opportunities for Naturism Promoting body confidence and well-being Participation in Naturism is on the rise, with BN reporting significant increases in new joiners since the 2020 lockdown. An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
A dip takes place on Saturday 10th June at Peterborough Lido 
Rick Stacey, BN's Eastern Region organiser said:
"Activity in the eastern region is increasing all the time and we're delighted to be invited back to this fantastic venue for another year. We welcomed loads of swimmers last summer over four evenings including plenty of people new to skinny-dipping. It's the most amazing feeling, so relaxing and you don’t have any swimwear to dry. So why not give it a try in a friendly and welcoming environment?”
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to shrug off convention and the rigours of daily life and experience it for themselves. Swimming without a costume is one of the most exhilarating things you can do and we want encourage everyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
Peterborough Lido said:
'We wish British Naturism every success with their popular skinny dips'

 
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use. 
Media attendance is possible, with advance notice. 
 
Contacts and links 
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch
andrew.welch@bn.org.uk
07774 955138
greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
bn.org.uk
 
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater
slaterw@bhf.org.uk 
07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk 
 
Image: Mark Bass

A new skinny dip in Essex - with a women-only session

They're coming thick and fast - here's news of another new Great British Skinny Dip, this time in North Essex which will take place on Sunday 4th June.
The location is a house in large grounds owned by a BN member, with a heated outdoor pool. There will be a session for women only in the morning with everyone welcome in the afternoon. A picnic and BBQ will be hosted in between.
The main intention of this event is to allow newcomers to have a lovely day out in beautiful surroundings whilst finding out what Naturism/skinny dipping/social nudity is all about. If you have been doing Naturism for a long time please bring a friend! 
Please register your interest in advance - it will not be possible to turn up on the day.

A new skinny dip in Hampshire

This summer, thousands of people across the UK will be taking the plunge and skinny dipping to raise money for British Heart Foundation (BHF) while experiencing the exhilaration  of being naked. They will improve their mental and physical health and well-being, boost their body confidence, and reduce their stress. They will also have great fun!
The Great British Skinny Dip is a campaign by British Naturism (BN) aimed at raising funds for the BHF, and:
Promoting greater understanding of Naturism and social nudity  Encouraging acceptance and participation in Naturism Improving facilities and opportunities for Naturism Promoting body confidence and well-being Participation in Naturism is on the rise, with BN reporting significant increases in new joiners since the 2020 lockdown. An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
A dip takes place on Friday 9th June at Petersfield Lido.
The team at Petersfield's wonderful outdoor pool needed little persuasion to come onboard with the Great British Skinny Dip. The Trustees took a look at the proposal and said "Well, why not? Why would we discriminate against people who want to be free-and-easy and open, to swim as nature intended in a place where they can feel safe?”
General Manager Tom Callingham commented "It's a nice opportunity for something new (at our pool), I feel sure it will go very well"
Stephen Piper, a local BN member who proposed the event, says "I'm excited to be helping to bring GBSD to Petersfield; this is a great opportunity for local people to experience skinny-dipping for the first time. Leave your swimsuits and your fears at home, bring a friend, a towel, and a smile, and have a great evening!" 
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to shrug off convention and the rigours of daily life and experience it for themselves. Swimming without a costume is one of the most exhilarating things you can do and we want encourage everyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.

We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
Media attendance is possible, with advance notice.
 
Contacts and links
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk; 07774 955138 greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
 
bn.org.uk
 
Petersfield Lido:
https://petersfieldpool.org
 

British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater
slaterw@bhf.org.uk 
07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk 

Make a Splash for Sunfolk - five days to go!

Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution to our crowdfunding campaign for a hot tub and sauna at British Naturism: Sunfolk - we're nearly 30% of the way to our target!
But there are only five days of the crowdfunding campaign remaining and so if you've not yet donated and would like to, please act now! Help us to help everyone to get the best for Naturism. There are unique rewards available.
Find out more about the campaign, including how you can contribute, here
And information about British Naturism: Sunfolk here
 
Photo by gaspar zaldo on Unsplash

A new skinny dip in Kent

This summer, thousands of people across the UK will be taking the plunge and skinny dipping to raise money for British Heart Foundation (BHF) while experiencing the exhilaration  of being naked. They will improve their mental and physical health and well-being, boost their body confidence, and reduce their stress. They will also have great fun!
The Great British Skinny Dip is a campaign by British Naturism (BN) aimed at raising funds for the BHF, and:
Promoting greater understanding of Naturism and social nudity  Encouraging acceptance and participation in Naturism Improving facilities and opportunities for Naturism Promoting body confidence and well-being Participation in Naturism is on the rise, with BN reporting significant increases in new joiners since the 2020 lockdown. An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
A dip takes place on Sunday June 4th at Brockenhurst, Orpington, Kent, the home of the Naturist Foundation (pictured)
Helen Berriman from the Naturist Foundation, said:
‘We are really excited to be part of this event and introducing people to our little piece of heaven and joining us in experiencing the joy of swimming naked!  Not only that, we get to help raise awareness and money for the British Heart Foundation.
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to shrug off convention and the rigours of daily life and experience it for themselves. Swimming without a costume is one of the most exhilarating things you can do and we want encourage everyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
Ben Bishop, BHF Fundraising Manager, said:
“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new?
“It is an opportunity to free yourself from everyday constraints and take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”

We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
Media attendance is possible, with advance notice.
 
Contacts and links
British Naturism:

Andrew Welch
andrew.welch@bn.org.uk
07774 955138
greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk 
bn.org.uk
 
Naturist Foundation:
Helen Berriman
01689 871200
info@naturistfoundation.org
naturistfoundation.org
 
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater
slaterw@bhf.org.uk
07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk
 
Image: palhansen.com

A Brilliant (Not So) Ladies-Only Spa Day at Lancs Sun!

The original idea was for a Ladies Spa Day and Great British Skinny Dip at Lancashire Sun Club. Male club members and guests would be told to stay away while we women dipped, had massages, lolled in the hot tub and enjoyed a mid-afternoon snack. As it turned out, we did all those things but decided to let the men take part, too. All of us women but one were confirmed nudies, most were club members – and the sole newbie felt comfortable enough to join in.
Lancs Sun is situated in a gorgeous part of the county. The site itself is beautiful, with huge trees, tidy cottages, a large clubhouse and a pool area next to an indoor hot tub and sauna. North West Organiser Ron O’Hare and his wife Elizabeth made everyone feel welcome. The weather mostly cooperated.
I went for a dip and received a lovely massage from Sandra. And of course I sampled the snackies! Amid all this activity I had interesting chats with some of the women, including Donna Dodd, the newcomer.
Although Donna has been to several naturist beaches, this was her first trip to a naturist club. Her partner, a BN member, suggested she try it out. “It’s nerve-wracking coming as a female by yourself,” but that feeling went away quickly, she told me. She knew there would be men present, but the fact that the event was billed as ladies-only – and that there would be a pool, sauna, hot tub and massage - all helped convince her to attend.
We talked about how to attract more women to clothes-free events. Donna’s key suggestion: Keep barriers to entry low. Women shouldn’t have to jump through too many hoops to take part.
My partner Dave and I left the club feeling as though we’d like to return. We’re keeping an eye on upcoming events there and might even book a night in “Daisy,” the rental cottage!

Our first Miniten 'taster'!

On the 14th May the Naturist Foundation hosted our first Miniten taster day, writes BN Sports Officer, Ian Munt, an opportunity for anyone to try the game in a fun environment and play some matches. The turnout was brilliant, we used all three courts playing doubles for most of the afternoon.
Thanks to Stan and Jan who have played many Miniten competitions and came along and gave some great tuition and tips, also a big thanks to Clive and Marie who play regularly at Naturist Foundation. Clive made some brilliant thugs (that's what the bat is called) which enabled everyone to get a game at the same time. They both gave some great tuition too.
Everyone thought it was a great, sociable game and soon got in to it, though as the court is quite small it took a little while to get used to not smashing the ball out of play. It was lovely to see a group from Young British Naturism playing and having fun which shows the game can appeal to all age groups.
Everyone also enjoyed the other facilities at the club particularly the pool - a great way to cool down - and socialising with everyone. My thanks to the Naturist Foundation for being wonderful hosts! 
Visit my Miniten blog which will tell you all about the game.
The next Taster Day is at Diogenes on Saturday 24th June - if you missed this event but want to give it a try here is a great opportunity - see you there!
Still time to book for the first Pétanque taster day at Valley Club on 10th June!
 

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