British Naturism had an awesome weekend at the Mind Body Spirit festival in London, talking about all the benefits of being naked. A lot of inspirational conversations with very cool people.
Our assessment is that attendees are 80% female and very young and so it is a very suitable market place for us. Most attendees are residents of London looking for new things and so it is a receptive crowd.
Thanks to everyone who came over to say hi...
This weekend as we eagerly await a visit from the Easter bunny, it also mean the start of the Naturist season. The BN calendar is starting to fill up and after a long two years of uncertainty, I’m happy to see that there is a great variety for everyone! Though not just with our big events and weekends such as Nudefest, or the SANER regional weekend, The Gathering. Lots of local members have started their own ideas and groups. Recent forum posts and a Forum Live debate session have encouraged people to make their own ideas for events come to fruition, and how the BN regions can also help. Member-led walks are becoming established as well as experienced groups such as Natram, opening invitations to BN members. Naked dining is becoming even more popular, Nothing On events is an up and coming small naked events company, run by a BN Member. I attended the first event of the season and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I guess you really can do anything naked, including eating pizza!
The camping season is now underway too! British Naturism: Sunfolk opened this weekend for its third season, with entry and pitch fees frozen once again. Lots of specialist weekends are planned there, such as a families week in May, and a Pride weekend in June. There is an opportunity to indulge in Naked Fitness in real life next weekend, when you can be in the same room as our online Naked Fitness instructors, Georgia, Jooles and Roy, in Sunfolk’s beautiful surrounds - see below
Pre-booking is essential for camping, glamping & day visits - prices are frozen from 2020 starting at only £18.75 per night for a solo traveller and only £26.25 per couple.
Situated just outside of St Albans, only a few minutes from where the M1 & M25 meet, Sunfolk is the perfect location to explore the home counties, have a day out in London or visit Harry Potter World too.
MindBodySpirit Wellbeing Festival
Friday 15 April to Sunday 18 April
The benefits of nudity on mental wellbeing are proven. Several members of the BN team will be exhibiting at the MindBodySpirit Wellbeing Festival in London over Easter. The festival uses workshops and exhibitors to introduce visitors to yoga, massage, meditation, spiritualism and other ways to find inner peace. Naturism is a natural part of that puzzle, so we will be there to share our message. This is a great opportunity to find common cause with other groups and should be a lot of fun. Maybe see you there?
(Shhh a sneaky 2 for the price of one via Groupon, children go free https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/gl-mind-body-spirit-2022-london-wellbeing-festival )
Naked Dining, Hampshire
Sat 16 Apr 2022, 19:30-23:00
BN’s LASER region present a Naked Dining event at the Folly Restaurant, Petersfield. A follow-on from the very successful 'Pie & Pint' event last year, at the same venue. Menu theme this time: Bangers and mash, veg and gravy, with a free first drink. Four menu choices including veggie/vegan option.
Hillside Naturist Easter Weekend, Cheshire
Saturday 16 Apr 2022 to Sunday 17 Apr 2022
April 15th Last date to book is Today!
At the North West Sunbathing Society, Easter Saturday (weather permitting): outdoor games and activities, including: Badminton, Petanque (Boules), Mölkky, Table Tennis. Afternoon barbeque (bring your own food).
Easter Sunday: Easter Egg Hunt and indoor or outdoor activities. Afternoon barbeque (bring your own food). Hillside welcome all BN members, but you must book in advance by today, Friday 15 April.
Swims this weekend
Glasgow Sunday Swim at Arlington Baths every Sunday contact https://www.thesundayswim.org/
Forth Naturist Swim in Haddington first and third Sunday at 16.30 Contact https://www.forthnaturists.co.uk/swim-details
Plymouth Sun Club Twice monthly, Monday 8.30pm and costs £5 each visit. No need to book, just pay with cash on the door. Please bring a photo ID if this is your first visit. https://www.bn.org.uk/calendar/event/6599-plymouth-sun-club/
North West Naturists last Saturday of the month 16:30 to 19:30. See Check www.northwestnaturists.co.uk for further details
Manchester Male Naturist Swim Every Thursday, 19:00-20:30pm For any queries, please email swiminfo@manchestermalenakedswim.co.uk or search @mcrmalenkdswim on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Club Naturel The first and third Fridays 2-4 pm of the month. Evenings are 8-10 pm on the remaining Fridays. Visitors are welcome by prior arrangement Club Naturel (clubnaturelnorfolk.yolasite.com)
MNSC Swim -Newmarket Sat 16:30- 17:30. A regular swim at Newmarket Leisure Centre run by Mildenhall Naturist Swimming Club. Full details at the club website. https://mnsc.org.uk/
South Forest swim Edwinstowe 18:00 - 20:30. 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month. To pre book ring 01623 823866.
Spectrum Swim every week on Saturday 18:00-21:00 at the Morris Centre, Birmingham. Please contact the club before attending. See http://www.spectrumclub.org.uk/
WirralNats Chester Swim Weekly Saturdays swim 18:15-20:15 at the Northgate Arena. Please book in advance via http://www.wirralnats.org.uk/
Looking forward to next week:
Natram walk Wotton Wander - Thu 21 Apr 2022, 11:30-18:30
Join Natram for the first walk of the year. A 12-mile stroll along the edge of the North Downs near Dorking in Surrey.
Sleaford Swim - Fri April 22
Sleaford Swim are welcoming members of BN to their traditional BBQ on Friday 22 April. Contact the club directly for more information.
British Naturism: Sunfolk fitness weekend
Sat 23 to Sun 24 April 2022
We have two fitness breaks scheduled for the year hosted at British Naturism: Sunfolk. The two-day live fitness events cost only £99 per person and include a pitch. You can extend your stay to either 3 or 4 nights for an additional £19. You are also welcome to stay in a local hotel or travel in for the days. The weekends features great community spirit, nights round the campfire plus plenty of time to relax and enjoy the pool and sauna.
Don’t forget our two annual sports tournaments happening soon! Firstly, the BN pétanque competition hosted by Blackthorns Club. Under BN rules, you can play in a same gender pairing.
Secondly, the BN swimming Gala. As I can verify, you don’t need to be an expert swimmer to take part, I can barely swim but still managed to be awarded a place! Its is more about the fun and the camaraderie, and if you win a place and the chance to swim internationally all the better. Previously, we had all stayed over and had a meal together. Find details at events.bn.org.uk
Limited availability for Nudefest day tickets! Get yours before they are gone - nudefest.co.uk.
Check out all our event info!
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - 20 each week! - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
With communication to members, and those considering Naturism but not yet members, increasing and becoming even more important, British Naturism has appointed a new volunteer journalist, Dugie Eyton-Hughes.
Dugie has been a professional journalist since 1996 and a BN member since 2013. During the COVID lockdowns, she began participating in BN’s online yoga classes and joining in the Forum Live. After hearing my pitch for volunteers one Monday evening on the Forum Live, she offered her services.
Dugie began by writing news stories and blogs about the Great British Skinny Dip, and recently took over writing the E-Zine that drops into your in-box every Friday morning. We created a role description for her taking account of her specialist skills and the key tasks and responsibilities. She also writes occasional articles for the BN magazine, reports on events and interviews key people. She is also collaborating with me on British Naturism’s external media communications - especially with regard to our relationship with British Heart Foundation, Naked Heart Walks and The Great British Skinny Dip. She's made a real difference to our ability to communicate and I'm delighted to welcome her as an official volunteer.
Dugie says:
'I'm very happy to be part of the BN team. My volunteer work for BN gives me a chance to move a bit away from straight-up news reporting and learn about the PR side of things – a valuable new experience. It’s so important to get the word out about BN and about all the fabulous benefits of Naturism. I’m glad I can help!'
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Munt as BN’s Sports Officer. In his new national volunteer role, Ian will work with BN Events Manager Mark Walsh.
Ian has enjoyed naturism for the last five years. Since joining BN around three years ago, he has attended national events such as Alton Towers and Bournemouth, BN: Sunfolk and overseas holidays. He also enjoys naturist sports such petanque, water polo and, especially, walking. He sees himself as a naturist sports enthusiast (rather than an expert) and wants to learn the rules of the game(s) and build the role steadily.
Professionally, Ian holds a senior role within a large corporation, setting up programmes; building risk assessments, developing policies and training programmes, and engaging with stakeholders in the UK, Europe and Asia. He has a range of transferable skills that will enable him to undertake his new role successfully.
Ian finds himself ‘in at the deep end’, literally, as he gets straight into helping Mark on the BN Swimming Gala taking place on 7 May 2022 (see link below for further information). Despite this, Ian says he “is greatly looking forward to the role and hopes to encourage more members to participate in naturist sports activities and events."
Here’s a reminder of a new leaflet we produced last year aimed at helping any Naturist who is challenged about being out and about in the nude. It’s a short document with links that can be shown on a mobile screen or printed and carried with you.
In fact, it is so short, we’ve reproduced it for you here:
Naturists, also known as nudists, are people who enjoy activities — including walking, cycling, sunbathing and swimming — in the nude.
There’s no need to be concerned if you meet naturists.
Simply being naked in a public place is not against the law. It doesn’t amount to “indecent exposure”, contrary to popular belief. We’re naturists, not flashers.
Police call handlers have instructions to explain to anyone who calls to report naturist walkers or ramblers that no offences are being committed and that no police attendance is necessary. If you’d like to know more, visit www.bn.org.uk/ policing.
There is no evidence that naturism—or the sight of a naked person or people walking or rambling—is in any way harmful to children or, for that matter, adults.
NATURISM IS GOOD FOR YOU
Naturism is increasingly popular as more people find it boosts a sense of well-being, freedom and happiness, and so is good for their physical and mental health. If you would like more information, visit British Naturism’s web site: www.bn.org.uk.
You can also download it from the BN website at bn.org.uk/files/file/1032-naturism-is-lawful-leaflet/ for you to print out and carry with you. There is also a pre-printed version that you can order from the BN shop.
Regular readers will be familiar with BN member Jooles Paillin-Dean and her plans to row the Atlantic. She's now joined in that quest by her new husband, Ian. You can read their story and learn more about their plans here.
Jooles and Ian will also be Andrew’s guests on next week's (11th April) Forum Live so come and hear from them face to face as we find out (even) more about how the idea came about, how they met, how their plans are progressing and how you can help make it a reality.
Access the session via this link.
Sadly, we’re all used to the misunderstandings there are about Naturism and Naturists, often based on the ‘social convention’ that somehow not wearing clothes makes us weird, or funny—or even dangerous. Reports in the UK media - newspapers and magazines, radio and TV - can often reinforce these mistakes or even make things worse by ignoring the fact that public nudity is perfectly legal. We’ve always tackled it, standing up for our community and educating journalists and others so that mistakes are corrected - and, importantly, not repeated in future reports.
We’re also always aiming to improve how we operate and so, with thanks to the input of many BN members via the forum, we’ve launched a new web page and downloadable document that everyone can use. It’s aimed at spreading understanding and correcting poor or misleading reporting in the media, but is just as useful as an educational aid in other situations. It’s a long paper, but it includes a summary so that the main points are easily digested.
So, when you see something that needs correcting, send a link to the page, attach the PDF, or copy the section that covers the issue that needs action - and help us to make sure everyone knows the truth!
Find it on this website at bn.org.uk/media_briefing/. You will also find a link on that page (and in the downloads section) to a PDF version.
In The Forum Live Debate this month we will take the opportunity to reflect on what first attracted each of us to Naturism. We know that Naturism means different things to different people, but that we are all here as members of British Naturism. So how did we get here? This debate will be a great opportunity to reminisce on experiences that have marked our lives, but will also guide us as we think about how we can promote Naturism and appeal to people to give it a try. The experiences that brought us here might just work for others!
We look forward to seeing you all on Monday 4th April - access the session via this link (log in required)
Many of our members enjoy visiting Britain’s Naturist beaches, whether they live near the coast, are having a day out, or while away on a UK holiday. Everyone will no doubt have their favourite destination!
For those visiting Naturist beaches for the first time, however, finding these destinations can be a bit of a challenge, perhaps because the information on how to find them is out of date or not accessible to them. And for some beaches, they may only be accessible if you have mountain goat abilities.
To address these challenges, improve access to local beaches and promote their use by Naturists and the general public, we need a team of volunteer Beach Officers, based across all regions, covering designated beaches or coastline. Besides having a knowledge of Naturist beaches in their area (or a willingness to acquire it), good research and recce skills and an enthusiasm for promoting Naturist beaches to the wider public, is required.
Importantly, it is a role that volunteers can grow into and develop for themselves, helping to build bridges between Naturist beach users and the local authorities and communities.
We’re delighted to announce that we have recently appointed David Bellis as the Regional Beach Officer for the stretch of beach on the south coast from Christchurch to Southampton. Most of the beaches are on the edge of the New Forest and the area has many small holiday resorts and caravan sites. Another factor of note is that this particular coastline stretches across two of British Naturism’s regions; the London and South East Region and into the South West Region, so David is volunteering in both regions, undertaking a single role.
Viv Rimmer, Regional Coordinator for the London and South East Region, said, ‘We are pleased to be able to appoint one of the first Regional Beach Officers in partnership with the South West Region and would like to thank David for his enthusiasm and commitment to promoting Naturism and social nudity.’
David is responsible for the Hengistbury Head, Taddiford Gap, East End, Park Shore and Calshot Naturist beaches and lives nearby in Lymington. David will be getting down to the beaches this spring to check out access routes and plans to make regular visits to the beaches this summer to speak with visitors. He looks forward to meeting you if you are visiting. You can contact David by email (david.bellis@bn.org.uk) or via the BN website (@Dave Bellis).
More information on beaches can be found on the UK Places to Go pages - bn.org.uk/activities/placestogo/
For more information on other Beach Officer vacancies, please visit our Volunteering Opportunities pages on the BN website or contact John Gelder, Volunteering Officer, by email to john.gelder@bn.org.uk
Relax, enjoy naturist walks, fully immerse yourself in nature, feel the sun’s rays on your skin, grass between your toes and a breeze through your hair. Good for your health and immune system!
Dutch-owned, French-based Camping Le Coteau de l’Herm proudly took silver in the Dutch “BlootKompas” Awards in 2021 and now, for the 2nd year in a row, they are in the top three best small campsites in Europe according to the leading travellers’ association based in the Netherlands. In addition, they received three stars from the ANWB for their charming campsite!
In this year’s nomination for “Campsite of the Year” all kinds of aspects were considered such as service, location, hospitality, sanitation and facilities. The Zodiac swimming pool was highly rated with an A!
The campsite has a mere 45 spacious pitches, all situated in a natural setting in idyllic spots. You can count on the personal attention of the campsite owners Manja and Aschwin, for whom hospitality is paramount. It is an attractive and relaxed campsite where you will quickly feel at ease. Enjoy delicious meals under the starry sky. Based in the scenic and historic Dordogne region in South West France, and only 45 minutes drive from the airport at Bergerac. The immediate vicinity has much to offer and beautiful cycling and walking routes. The village of Rouffignac with terraces, cafes, several restaurants, ATM, shops and a supermarket and petrol station is only three km away.
Book now online and receive a gift in honour of the 5th anniversary when you stay 10 nights at the campsite or 7 nights in an accommodation. With a minimum stay of 10 nights in June for example you pay €25.00 per night for a camping pitch with two persons with electricity 6A. Book online and use Coupon code 10=25
You can also experience the real camping feeling in a two-person chalet with a fantastic view over the valley or in the newly-built persons Petit Home - the perfect compromise between caravan and tent. Enjoy the sun and relax on the covered veranda! The Petit homes can be booked with a special discount for BN members in the high season (2/7 to 27/8). Book online with coupon code BN10 and receive 10% discount on the overnight rate.
Camping naturiste Le Coteau de l'Herm - YouTube
www.naturisme-dordogne.com
As The Forum Live approaches its second birthday, we can reflect on the wide range of guests and topics we've brought direct to your living room on a Monday night. It is especially pleasing to count the number of representatives from Naturist federations and groups overseas to whom we have extended friendship, and heard about the work being done for Naturists and Naturism in other countries. The global reach and understanding is perhaps even more relevant during these dark times for Europe. Our guests have included people from Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, France, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, South Africa, and America. We also hosted the Global Naturist Forum.
Our tour continues and next Monday (28 March) I will have the pleasure of speaking to Torben Larsen, chairman of Danske Naturister (DN) in Denmark.
Torben has been a member of the Danish Naturists for the last 10 years, but a Naturist for at least 40. He was elected as chairman of the DN committee in 2018 and expects to be re-elected to the post at the DN general meeting in June this year. DN has 1000 members and is divided into 9 independent communities - 4 in Jutland, 1 in Funen and 4 in Zealand.
Torben says, 'I am keen on subverting the prejudice that says sex and nudity are inseparable concepts, and I am addicted to the liberate-the-body case and persistently work towards acceptance of public nudity. Why confine nudity to limited spaces? I have been arranging several events and performances in public concerning this, and on the 21st of May this year I am invited to a public meeting in Jutland (in the nude, of course) to defend my views.'
I look forward to seeing you all - access the session via this link (log in required)
Come and join Georgia today and on Friday to mark the second anniversary of our globally-popular online naked yoga classes with 108 sun salutations.
Georgia says, 'Last year we came together to complete 52 rounds, one for each week of the year we spent together online. This year, we are going to turn to the traditional 108 Sun Salutations (54 rounds for you).
There are two opportunities for you to join us, Tuesday 22nd 10:00 for an accessible Chair Yoga adaptation and Friday 25th for our more traditional Sun Salutation.
We’re aiming for 108 but you can come and do as many as your body needs! If that's 10, 20, 54 or 108, thats great.
Why 108?
108 is a sacred number in many ways and appears in lots of places!
- Mama bead necklaces have 108 beads, used for counting in meditation
- In Ayurveda there are 108 sacred points on the body
- The distance between the Sun and Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter.
- In Buddhism, it is believed that the road to nirvana is laden with 108 temptations.
- Stonehenge has a diameter of 108 feet.
The heat we each build up in this Vinyasa practice can be cleansing, detoxifying and helps us to connect to ourselves and others practicing. It can help to unlock stagnant energy and unblock emotions. 108 Sun Salutations can be challenging, but a challenge is good, we find strength in ourselves to carry on or we listen to our bodies and rest.
108 is the goal, the intention - and any number on the way is perfect too.
These sessions are open to BN members and free to attend, but it would be great if we could raise some money for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. If you can donate £5/£10/£15 anything at all it would be really great.'
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/strippedbackyoga
The past few sunny days should remind us that warmer weather is approaching. And that means it’s time to throw off our clothes and jump (responsibly!) into a pool, lido, pond, lake, river or sea – for the Great British Skinny Dip!
Why do we do this?
· To encourage acceptance of and participation in Naturism across the nation and beyond.
· To promote greater understanding of Naturism and Social Nudity.
· To emphasis the benefits of Naturism, including body confidence and well-being.
· And last, but certainly not least, because the BN supports the UK’s largest heart charity, the British Heart Foundation, and we want to encourage participants to raise vital funds to power the nation’s heartbeats.
Events are being added all the time!
It’s only March but there are already dips to sign up for, including the Beacon Tarn Naked Walk & Skinny Dip and five beach days, in Cornwall, North Wales, Essex, Northern Ireland and Dorset.
Keep checking the GBSD calendar: EVENTS CALENDAR — Great British Skinny Dip for more events.
What next?
We need your help!
First - and we’re looking at you, owners and manager of suitable venues – to host GBSD events around the country. I HAVE A VENUE — Great British Skinny Dip
Then - if you’d like to host an event yourself but don’t have a venue - to check here for ways we can help make it happen. I DON'T HAVE A VENUE — Great British Skinny Dip
And finally - we’d like you to sign up for dips and other GBSD events. They’re great opportunities to introduce friends to the joys of naked swimming.
Let’s make GBSD 2022 a year to remember! After all, what have you got to lose… besides your clothing?
BN members and recently-married couple Jooles and Ian Paillin-Dean are preparing to row the Atlantic as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge race. BN magazine caught up with them to find out more about it - and how you can help!
For Jooles, water has, quite literally, always been part of her life. Her first time on a boat was in her parents arms at just five days old. Since that time she has predominantly lived either on it—both her parents own and, until very recently, lived on Dutch Barges—or beside it. She and Ian currently live in a quirky old lock cottage on the banks of the river Soar along with two children, two cats, and at least five boats.
The seeds for the idea of rowing the Atlantic were sowed during her childhood, reading Imogen’s War and A Fighting Chance - the story of how Captain John Ridgeway and Sergeant Chay Blyth rowed across the Atlantic in a 20ft open boat.
Fast forward 15 or so years. There was disappointment after training hard to compete at the highly prestigious Henley Regatta in the lightweight women’s double when Jooles discovered the class had been removed for that year and if she and her partner wanted to complete they had to take on ‘heavyweight’ rowers who outweighed and out-stretched them. They failed to reach the final. Worse was to come when she tore an inch-long hole in her abdominal muscle which brought a halt to training for a while. During her forced break Jooles had time to reflect and made the decision to find a way to compete on a level playing field against all others regardless of gender, experience, size, strength or disability, subsequently finding a sport that ticked all those boxes - ocean rowing!
Jooles got to work and put a team together called 'The Transatlantic Trio’. For comfort reasons most ocean rowers will spend a significant amount of time at sea naked. Jooles was already used to a certain amount of nudity having posed for photographer friends and was aware of the Naturist world since her best friend is BN President Mark Bass, who had been trying to get her to come to an event for years. After Mark had taken some promotional shots for the Atlantic event (one of which made the cover of our British Naturism magazine) she swam nude at an event at Peterborough lido and came to BN’s Alton Towers weekend. At the latter, she rowed a solo half marathon solo, naked in the hotel reception area to raise awareness of the campaign (and loved the epic naked disco, fierce water volleyball contests and being part of the amazing Naturist community).
Shortly afterwards she took a trip with the team to watch the start of the 2019 in the small Canary island of La Gomera. Watching the race preparation, meeting the rowers, and learning the lie of the land was so vital to her and the team came back inspired, motivated and looking forward to being in the race the following year.
But it wasn’t to be. In December 2019, Jooles met up with her childhood sweetheart who had been hiding the fact from work and friends that he had been battling paraganglioma, an incurable cancer, for two years already and was quite depressed. Jooles knew she could not let him go through it by himself. The emotional attachment of first love meant they quickly formed a solid relationship with their respective children, bonding over games of Monopoly, escape rooms and crazy golf. They attended doctor and hospital appointments together, and even flew to Florida to attend an exhibition and give his son a holiday at Universal Studios. Her partner passed away in March. Just days later the world was turned upside down and the UK went into the first lockdown. Jooles had lost her partner and now her business because of CV-19. It took every ounce of energy to homeschool her two girls and to try and figure out a way to get back on track. Now a BN member, she turned to British Naturism and suggested running online aerobics classes. They were launched in July 2020 and soon became a staple in the BN online calendar. Later she became a licensed GroovX instructor and ran those classes - the first, and still the only - GroovX classes in the UK conducted in the nude!
Things were improving - helped by her involvement in the Naturist community - but living in isolation through the stress and trauma of a pandemic didn’t help. Still grieving, the team knew in their hearts that it wasn't sensible to take her out to sea for 50 or 60 days, and so decided she couldn’t participate. The Atlantic Challenge had been one of the only things keeping her going, something to look forward to and to achieve.
At the première of an ocean rowing documentary by a team of three record-breaking ladies called 'Pacific Terrific’ she had met one of the team, Cazz Lander, and was introduced to one of Cazz's close friends, Ian Dean. Though she didn’t know it, Ian referred to her as "The next Mrs Dean" for the following two years. They’d connected on social media and after a chance meeting in the supermarket they arranged to take the now famous ‘lockdown walk’ that everyone was doing as it was the only vaguely fun and legal activity that was allowed! Things moved quickly - helped by being forced to isolate together for three weeks - and before long Ian took his first baby steps into becoming a Naturist at another Peterborough Lido event, BN’s online events and a fabulous Alton Towers weekend.
Ian had also confessed he wanted to row an ocean too and Team ‘Stronger Twogether' was born. All they needed was £125,000 to buy an ocean rowing boat, pay the race fees, pay for shipping, food, safety equipment… They decided to get married in December to tie in a mini-moon to La Gomera to see the 2021 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge race start and celebrate Jooles' 41st birthday. It might not have been a naked wedding, but they did manage a naked dance with a veil on the beach at sunrise.
How you can support Stronger Twogether!
The next few weeks are critical for the success of the project as Ian and Jooles need to raise the money required for the boat - they can’t train on her until fully paid for - equipment and other fees and purchases.
There are many ways to contribute via donations large and small. See the website for details.
strongertwogether.co.uk
Please note that whilst we are happy to promote this initiative by our members it is unconnected with British Naturism’s activities.
There are lots of great opportunities for nude recreation and enjoying time with like-minded people coming up - live and online - check out the links below to find details of them all! You'll be amazed at the variety. Got an event you want to promote? Login to the BN website and add it to the calendar.
It's St Patrick's Day this week - and we're celebrating with an all-evening online session on Friday 18th, including a quiz, Irish pub and disco, with breakout rooms for chat. There's even a menu suggestion...
If swimming is your thing, you’ll find swims around the country this weekend. Naked Southampton resumes this Saturday with a Great British Skinny Dip at Oaklands pool. You can also join the people from the Spectrum Swim in Birmingham. Plenty of Great British Skinny Dips have been added in the last couple of weeks - check them out!
There's naked dining in Cambridgeshire on Sunday, and, in conjunction with BN's LASER region another on 26 March has been announced, this time in Surrey - come and join us for a great Saturday night out. The dress code is flexible and so it's a perfect opportunity to bring friends who'd like to find out more about nude gatherings.
Two sporting tournaments are on the horizon - the BN national swimming gala, and the BN national pétanque competition. Both are mostly about having fun but winners may find themselves being selected for Team GB for the International tournaments later in the year. How cool is that?
Keep an eye on all our events by using these links:
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - 20 each week! - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
A face-to-face meeting for the Executive Committee
For what seemed like an eternity, but was in fact about 18 months, the Executive Committee (EC) has been meeting via Zoom. This was, of course, necessitated by the pandemic, but it caused us to think about arrangements for the future.
The advantage of this arrangement has been that we have been able to hold monthly, rather than quarterly, meetings, making the organisation more agile and able to respond to events. Virtual meetings also have the advantage of avoiding travel – in some cases over considerable distances. But there is no getting away from the fact that meeting via videoconference is very different from the immediacy of a face-to-face meeting: it seems remote and makes quiet exchanges in the margins of the meeting impossible.
For those reasons the EC planned to hold at least one face-to-face meeting every year. It proved impossible in 2020 because of the continuing pandemic. But on a cold and snowy day at the end of November 2021, we convened with considerable pleasure at the Studio Venue in Birmingham. Some members were meeting others in person for the first time. And being together in one room allowed the EC to consider, alongside routine matters, some more strategic questions about the future of British Naturism as an organisation. That work is far from complete and needs more work before it is ready for publication.
The meeting also agreed the budget for 2022, adopted financial control, anti-corruption and expenses policies, and corporate objectives for 2022 (dull, some readers might think, but important!)
We also welcomed Lachlan Robertson to the meeting in his new role of partnerships officer, and embarked on a useful discussion about who the key targets and main priorities should be in the field. Lachlan plans to make overtures to the National Trust, as a start, as well as writing to police commissioners in England with a view to creating constructive relationships with both.
As with all EC meetings, you can find the minutes on the members’ online forum under BN News and Announcements and in the Downloads area. (log in required)
Bookkeeping and accountancy arrangements
Regular readers will be aware that it has not yet proved possible to recruit a volunteer finance director for the organisation. Over recent months the Board has been looking at what arrangements could be made to lighten the workload attaching to that role. The simplest way to do this will be to buy in professional services to cover regular bookkeeping and accountancy, allowing a future finance director to focus more on bigger strategic issues. Inevitably a cost attaches to this, and this has been allowed for in the budget for 2022.
We are speaking to a number of people who have the requisite skills to provide support to our organisation in this area, and we would continue to welcome expressions of interest.
Relaunch of regional newsletters
The Board has looked carefully at how, consistently with data protection requirements, regional newsletters could be reintroduced and sent out by email. Their absence had created significant practical difficulties especially for regions themselves. We’re pleased to say the new system, agreed within the EC, was launched in February. It requires members who wish to receive newsletters to actively subscribe – you can do this through the Membership area of the BN website. Check to see whether you are subscribed. You are not limited to your own region – which might be helpful if you live near a regional boundary and would like to know what is going in on in a neighbouring area.
Sunfolk
In January we received the very welcome, if overdue, news that our application for planning permission to redevelop and improve the Sunfolk site near St Albans had been granted. Members of the Board allowed themselves to breathe a collective sigh of relief. But now the real work starts. It will represent a major investment of money by BN and of time by volunteers, but the prize should be a first-class Naturist site that meets the promise made to the former trustees of the Sun-Folk Society that we wanted it to meet a gold standard.
We will be working toward carrying out the most significant work during autumn and winter this year and early next. This will mean ending the summer season early, but we are sure it will be worth it.
Jon Williams, BN Vice Chair, has put a huge amount of time and effort into this project and it’s great to see the vision finally given the green light.
General briefing paper on Naturism
In response to numerous examples of misreporting and misunderstanding of Naturism in the press, we have produced a generalised briefing paper with a view to relevant sections of it being deployed as needed. It sets out clearly the legal position regarding outdoor nudity in public places. It also explains what Naturism is, and lists some of the many positive reasons why people choose to embrace our way of life. There are numerous facts and figures and links to sources for further information. We are very grateful to the members who contributed. We expect to launch it soon - it will be a resource for everyone to use when they see poor or misleading mentions of Naturism.
Ask the Executive
We hosted another online “Ask the Executive” session in the “Forum Live” slot on 13 December. We sought to give the event a little more structure than on previous occasions and it seemed to work well. Among other things, some of the new regional co-ordinators took the opportunity to introduce themselves. The next session takes place next week - 21 March.
We have two fitness breaks scheduled for the year hosted at British Naturism: Sunfolk near St Albans.
Spring Fitness Weekend - 23rd & 24th April
Summer Fitness Weekend – 30th & 31st July
Join Georgia (Naked Yoga), Jooles (GroovX Fitness) and Roy (Group Fitness) for a weekend of focussed fitness, wellbeing, and meditation.
The two-day live fitness events cost only £99 per person and include a pitch. You can extend your stay to either 3 or 4 nights for an additional £19. You are also welcome to stay in a local hotel or travel in for the days.
The weekends features great community spirit, nights round the campfire plus plenty of time to relax and enjoy the pool and sauna.
Booking is now open!
We’re delighted to announce that the BN swimming gala is back! An annual event pre-pandemic, it was always one of the big events of the year - and winners are eligible to compete for BN in the INF Swimming Gala later in the year. Representing your country - how cool is that?
The gala takes place on the 7th May and is open to British Naturism members and guests from British Naturism member Clubs. It takes place in a 25 metre, 8-lane short-course competition pool featuring starting blocks and electronic timing.
Whilst the gala itself is run as a serious swimming competition, it is also a fun place to allow members to have-a-go and challenge themselves. There is always a great atmosphere. You can take part even if you don’t believe you are the best swimmer! Most races are two lengths of the pool.
You must register in advance. Visit the BN shop for details.
Over the last two years we have seen an explosion of smaller, regional events alongside the expansion of national events. More events mean more opportunity, more choice and less travel and are a great way to enrich the community. Also, the more events there are, the easier it is for new people to give Naturism a try!
In The Forum Live Debate this month we will think about how prospective venues might be approached to start new activities. What methods of making contact might work, how do we pique interest, what are the pitfalls to avoid.
Hopefully the session will provide food for thought and provide a start point for even more people to set something up, even if it is just a small gathering with friends.
At a time where there is such uncertainty and disharmony in the world, we celebrate International Women’s day. An opportunity for women to stand up and demand equality and break the bias. Individually, we are responsible for our own behaviours but united we can start to make a change. Women in Naturism are no different. A community of women who are passionate advocates for nudity and Naturism, we should have the right to choose to keep our clothes off without being subjected to our bodies being sexualised. In this digital age of social media, many women are standing proud and sharing their love for Naturism by posting images and stories online in an effort to remove the stigma.
There are many different reasons why women choose Naturism and different ways of discovering it. For some, it has been a partner introducing them to it, others stumbling across it while on holiday or those who were raised in a Naturist environment. Regardless of their route into social nudity, many women become ambassadors for Naturism and want to encourage others to try it.
There are many reasons why women are reluctant to try Naturism. Fear of being judged for not having what the media considers “a beautiful body” ranks highly. Linda Weber, from AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation) says, 'The media is full of articles and pictures of what women are "expected" to look like. The focus on being young and thin with no imperfections is unattainable, yet we hold women to this unreal standard. You have to "peel the onion" to remove the layers of shame, embarrassment, lack of body positivity, religious and societal expectations.' Steph McManus of Bodyfreedom International says, 'There is a fear of being objectified by men and being judged by other women. The way we compare ourselves to other women is haunting.'
As a society, there is much women can do to support other women who may be curious about Naturism. Anna Woodings, says 'Each woman that gets involved is not only showing her own commitment and support to Naturism but also taking part in a lifestyle that helps to empower, breaks media-led rules about the type of bodies that should be seen naked, desexualises nudity by helping to make it commonplace and ordinary and encourages other women to find the various positives that suitable experience with social nudity offers. '
How many people write of naturism just through blind ignorance? Speaking about Naturism and nudity to your friends and family opens up the conversation and the less ‘Taboo’ it becomes. Maybe a reduced focus on the ‘nudity’ and more on the other benefits being clothes free can bring is valuable? As Lins from Belgium suggests, 'Today, naturism is largely “the thing where you get naked among others' '. If we can change that to "the thing that makes you feel good about yourself" or "the thing that takes all your stress away" or "the thing that makes you feel more confident as a woman", it will attract many more women.'
Since discovering Naturism myself, not only have I lost the clothes, I’ve lost body image fears too. No longer do I compare myself to others. I accept my body and am proud of the vessel that keeps me alive and well. Who cares about the odd scar here and there, the cellulite, the rolls? These are badges of honour and symbols that I have lived, had a child, survived surgery. Naturism is one of the easiest things to try. It's not dangerous or unhealthy and it’s not permanent, As Lins says 'It’s not like getting a tattoo - if you try Naturism and don’t like it, simply put your clothes back on.' It’s as simple as that. I have discovered a feeling of liberation and acceptance and I want other women to experience these feelings for themselves.
Women across the globe are already passionate and are actively promoting Naturism, like Anna. 'My passion for Naturism is mainly driven by the fact that I believe that a fearful and taboo attitude towards the human body has helped do huge amounts of social damage. It feeds a need for porn, it aggravates abuse, it encourages body shaming, it exaggerates sexual stereotyping, it hinders children from sensible and suitable learning, it breeds guilt from healthy sexual desires and it discourages an open and honest attitude to our fellow humans. Clothes offer barriers, they become our armour behind which we hide and become subconsciously disconnected. Naturism offers an innocence in nudity for adults that sadly some, myself included, were not allowed as children. Naturism cannot single handedly put the world to right, but it can be a part of our growth and part of a better world.'
No matter where you are in the world, or what your situation is, there is a way for you to try Naturism as well. Even if it’s just at home making a cup of tea. You’ll wish you’d found it sooner.
Helen Berriman
Women in Naturism co-ordinator British Naturism
helen.berriman@bn.org.uk
Once a quarter, we dedicate a Forum Live session where members meet and ask questions of British Naturism's Executive Committee. The next session will take place on Monday week, the 21st March at 7:30pm.
The event is 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
We are pleased to announce that building on the work of the last two years, British Naturism and the British Heart Foundation have agreed to strengthen our partnership for the next two years. We are confident that both Naturism and those suffering with heart disease will benefit as a result.
The British Heart Foundation were truly impressed by what was achieved at the inaugural Naked Heart Walk at Painshill Park last summer. Having seen how we operate, the BHF are keen to place our partnership more front and centre and support further fundraising efforts.
Promoting the acceptance and normalisation of Naturism is central to every decision we make. When we started on this journey, the BHF, like most organisations and most of the public were cautious about aligning themselves too closely with an unconventional minority group. The professionalism and respectability we have been able to show over the last two years has changed their perception, so that they are now keen to list us as a corporate partner. The safeguarding and management they have seen in our events means they are keen to promote our activities, certain that they are risk-free. This is where the time investment really starts to pay off for us.
We all know that people are keen to do something different for charity, the problem that we always face is that we are selling Naturism to Naturists and struggle to reach the wider community. The listing of our major fundraising events will change all of that. When people are looking to push their boundaries to raise money, they will check the BHF website and see our activities as something that will take them to the edge of their comfort zone but be entirely achievable. Through this development we hope to see lots of people who have never considered social nudity to give it a try.
Our plan is to run a number of Naked Heart Walks around the country, ideally one in each region, so that everybody gets a chance to participate and contribute. A national event manager from British Heart Foundation will be assigned to us with a brief to help the events get off the ground, be run successfully, and facilitate support from local BHF fund-raising managers and teams. The Great British Skinny dip will continue to be connected to the BHF, creating even more, local opportunities to get involved.
This type of partnership building is very much part of British Naturism’s long-term vision of normalising Naturism and we hope everybody will get involved in this next exciting chapter.
The Spring issue of our members' magazine is now out!
It’s full of news, information, listings and fully illustrated features and articles.
Contents include:
All the events you can look forward to
Women in Naturism – three fabulous articles including BN’s new Women in Naturism co-coordinator talking about her journey – and her family chimes in!
Brian’s life-changing Naked Heart Walk
Naturism and Mental Health – Part Three: Noticing
What people are saying about British Naturism
Edwinstowe swim celebrates 25 years
BN Sunfolk redevelopment plans green-lighted
A look back at some fabulous recent events
In travel, we bring you another cornucopia of tempting holidays to consider
BN231 will soon be landing on the doormats of members of British Naturism who can also download a digital version (log in required)
Our quarterly magazine is just one of the many benefits a BN membership provides, so if you’re not a member yet, why not make today the day you join us?
Next Monday (7th March) we invite you to join us on a return trip to British Naturism: Sunfolk, our site just outside London in Hertfordshire, and hear about the progress we are making since the acquisition in 2020.
We recently gained planning permission for a variety of changes and you'll learn how we are getting ready for the construction phase of the development plan, including funding and managing the project, and providing the opportunity for members to participate.
We'll also cover the events and other activities we've lined up for you this summer. Just want to put your tent up sometime? Great! We'll talk about how you do that too.
The Forum Live is free and exclusive to members of British Naturism and other Naturist federations - details on how to become a member and what you get can be found here.
Join our Monday night sessions here, via the BN shop
If you are reading this it means you are already taking an interest in the activities of the UK’s Naturist organisation. Thank you!
You’ll already be aware of:
the range of fantastic events that we host across the country and the others we support and promote
the work we do in educating the general public and people in authority to the fact that public nudity is a perfectly lawful activity in the UK (and the help we give to people and venues when this isn’t understood)
the resources we provide to all those interested in social nudity including our annual guide to Naturism, our information leaflet for walkers and other Naturists in public areas, news stories on our website and information and links on our social media platforms - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
the research that we have commissioned which proves—scientifically—that Naturism is good for every body and leads to improvements in body image
the online classes and sessions we run—over 100 a month—allowing Naturists to get together, be entertained and keep fit in mind and body without leaving home
how hard we work to promote Naturism and body-positivity to the world, via the press, TV and radio, stands at exhibitions and projects like the Great British Skinny Dip
opportunities to volunteer and gain satisfaction—and more!—from helping Naturism in the UK to thrive
our acquisition of British Naturism: Sunfolk and our plans to create a centre of excellence for nude recreation
It benefits all Naturists in the UK - but did you know that we rely on the annual subscriptions of our members to make all this happen?
It’s not all one way, our members receive many benefits including:
reduced price tickets on many events
exclusive access to member-only events, with no extra charge for our online community sessions
an information-packed magazine every quarter
24/7 access to our members’ forum with discussion topics, picture galleries and downloads
the opportunity to apply for volunteering opportunities
But, much more than that, BN membership is about being part of the wider Naturist scene. When you’re a BN member you know you’re a fundamental part of a community, helping to support the practice of Naturism, allowing it to thrive, open more doors and helping others realise the life-affirming benefits of social nudity.
And it costs less than £4 a month to join
Let me give you an example of what BN did for me during the endless COVID-19 lockdowns.
Although I’d been a BN member for some years, I hadn’t done anything with my membership and had pretty much given up on Naturism – mostly from inertia. But when COVID hit, everything changed.
I discovered BN’s online yoga class and community events, and they were just what I needed to keep me sane. They renewed my interest in being clothes-free and, when we could all emerge into the light, I ventured out to some Great British Skinny Dips. I’d forgotten how much fun it is to be naked!
And when BN asked for volunteers, I jumped at the chance. As a journalist, I can help spread the word about the joys and benefits of Naturism -- and the good work British Naturism does to promote and safeguard them. Not to mention the satisfaction of belonging to an organisation that’s focused on health, body positivity and friendliness.
Check out all the amazing things we’re doing at goodtimes.bn.org.uk!
So, if you are reading this and you’re not been a member, please put that right and come and be part of our fast-growing community. You can join online now!
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