News and Articles

Back garden Naturism - it's not a police matter!

Back garden Naturism - it's not a police matter!

BN is surprised by the many reports in the media today of a senior RAF officer being investigated by police and suspended by the military for being naked in a paddock at his home.
The reports contain no suggestion that there was any sexual element or intent to cause alarm or distress, and the facts as reported give no reason to suppose a police investigation was warranted.
We’ve said it before (It is perfectly legal to be naked in your garden - About BN - British Naturism) and we’ll say it again:  It is perfectly lawful for somebody to go naked in their garden.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 was carefully worded to exclude Naturism. It is perfectly ok to take your clothes off to enjoy the sun and the breeze on your skin, or the life-affirming feeling of swimming without a costume. However, if you do so because you have the intention of causing ‘alarm and distress’ then it could be a criminal offence, though the onus is on the onlooker to prove the intent. Despite what many media reports suggest, merely being ‘offended’ is not enough to warrant a call to the authorities.
It follows that nudity is permissible in all public places…and why should it not be? It’s our natural state. It’s only social conditioning that tells us that certain parts of our body are - choose your own adjective: shameful, disgusting, sexual, offensive, ridiculous - and must therefore be hidden away. Sadly, that same conditioning has led people to conclude that a nude person, especially a man, must be up to no good. No-one, ever, children included, has been harmed by the sight of a naked person.
We’re aware of the sensitivities though. Many people never think to challenge what their parents and teachers taught them when they were very young. That social conditioning, the stigma and taboos are thus ingrained and it takes a lot to change attitudes. We’ve worked with the police and the number of arrests and cautions has plummeted, but still pockets of ignorance remain. 
Being neighbourly is desirable, and Naturists sunbathing in their back garden will generally choose a spot that isn’t too overlooked and will often speak to neighbours who can see into their garden to advise them they may catch a glimpse of naked flesh. Anecdotal evidence and long experience shows that most – but obviously not all - neighbours couldn’t care less!

The Forum Live - interviewing Lachlan Robertson, BN's Partnerships Officer

The Forum Live - interviewing Lachlan Robertson, BN's Partnerships Officer

Next Monday (14 February) I will have the pleasure of talking to Lachlan Robertson, a BN member who has recently been appointed to a newly created rôle of Partnerships Officer, aimed at creating and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with the outside world including government, police and other authorities, charities, and groups and organisations. 
Lachlan is a retired town planner, born in Scotland who has lived in southern England for nearly 40 years. Despite having been of a clothes free mindset since he was young, he was mostly introduced to Naturism through his interest in Art and working part-time as a life model. He is married to a bemused but very supportive partner and has three adult daughters who, apparently, are amused by their dad's interests on a regular basis.
We’ll hear more about the work he is doing on behalf of all Naturists and the results he hopes to achieve. Lachlan says, ‘My new role as BN's Partnerships Officer offers an opportunity to bring into Naturism my experience of persuading a skeptical public to accept unfamiliar things that need to be brought and welcomed into the world.'
Click here for the link to join us on the night...

British Naturism Sunfolk: Our Redevelopment Plans Get the Green Light!

British Naturism Sunfolk: Our Redevelopment Plans Get the Green Light!

Our site at Sunfolk received a very welcome (although slightly late!) 90th birthday present in late January in the form of approval for the planning application to redevelop and improve the site. This is great news for BN as an organisation, for the hundreds of Naturists who visit the site each year and for Sunfolk itself as it allows us to secure and update our facilities and to welcome visitors for years to come.
Approval took nearly a year—much longer than we had hoped. We had a lot of support from our neighbours, but the location of the site in green belt land, together with a long and complicated planning history, and some more technical concerns around drainage meant that we had to work through a lot of questions from the local authority. But now we can move ahead with the detail of planning the work we need to do. The benefits visitors will see as a result of the development can be summarised in four areas:
Accessibility – we’ll improve access to the site for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists with new parking and access routes. We’ll also upgrade the footpaths around the site and access to buildings to make access easier for all of our guests Accommodation – we’ll create new areas for tent camping with dedicated toilets and showers and build a new ‘glamping’ area with pods available to hire for one or more nights for those who want something more than a tent! Leisure and Recreation – we’ll add new facilities including a new sauna and hot tub, a pétanque piste, a sports court and a fitness trail around the perimeter of the site. We’ll also upgrade the barbecue area. Indoor space – we’ll increase the size of the clubhouse, and improve the facilities we are able to offer. Sliding glass doors will make allow light into the building and link it much more closely with outdoor spaces. We had planned to complete the redevelopment works between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but now we are planning to start work in September of this year – allowing plenty of time to enjoy the existing facilities over the course of this summer. Focusing on the detailed construction design and planning, and identifying the suppliers who we will work with to deliver the redevelopment project is already underway.
Although we acquired Sunfolk on very generous terms from the Sun-Folk Society, and have been able to make some investments in the site since then, the redevelopment project will be very significant for our organisation and will undoubtedly be the single largest financial investment BN has ever made. We are confident from our experience over the last two years that there is a strong appetite for a venue with great access and good facilities, close to London and available to all Naturists on a ‘pay as you go’ basis and that investment in the site will provide financial and other benefits to BN in the future.
We have most – but not all – of the funding in place for the redevelopment already, and would welcome donations from members who would like to offer direct support to the project. Over this summer, you’ll have the opportunity to make an additional donation whilst you are booking your visit to the site, whilst you are visiting the BN Shop, or via our crowdfunding page. Your support for this important project will be most appreciated
We would also welcome longer-term support within funding for the redevelopment project. In line with this, we will be launching a ‘Sunfolk Development Bond’ within the next few months. This will offer members and others the opportunity to support the redevelopment project with an investment of £500 or more over three or five years, receiving an attractive rate of interest on their investment at the end of the period.We’ll share more details of this exciting opportunity soon.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to get involved in supporting the redevelopment more directly. Although most of the work at the site will be completed by professional contractors, we’d love to hear from members who would like to help out with more general tasks such as decorating, planting and groundworks. We’d also love to hear from members who might be able to offer assistance in more specialist areas such as:
Project management Financial planning and control Quantity surveying Services engineering Structural engineering Landscape architecture Ecological management Most importantly, we’d love to share the Sunfolk site with as many BN members as possible. We can’t bring the site to you, but it has great access close to the M25 and can easily reached by train or bus as well. We’ll be open for visitors from the start of April and you can book your visit online now. We’re also delighted to confirm that we won’t be increasing our prices for 2022.
We’ll be organising several different weekend events over the course of the summer such as a families weekend, a yoga and fitness weekend, and a life drawing weekend – or just join us to enjoy the sun when it’s shining and the pool, sauna and clubhouse when its not!
Jon Williams, BN Vice-Chair
sunfolk.bn.org.uk
 
Photo credit : Nirish

A fantastic Motown-themed weekend

A fantastic Motown-themed weekend

After two years in the making, we finally were able to head to Detroit-on-Sea (Bournemouth) for our Motown themed weekend and it didn’t disappoint.
Friday night opened with the incredible Midnight Soul Sisters (pictured) with their authentic tribute to the girls of Motown – the dance floor was packed from start to finish.
It was great to see the community back together – our Bournemouth events attracts mainly couples, and there were lots of new faces as well many familiar. It was also great to see a few sun-club members getting together and booking en-masse.
Saturday you can always take at your own pace. Activities included calligraphy, virtual reality, meditation, fitness, quiz, aquarobics, squash(yes!) and many activities in the pool – there was always something to do!
The headline act, ‘Legends of Hitzville’ performed on Saturday night and were simply stunning with their tribute to The Drifters and the men of Motown – what a highlight to a great weekend.
A new three-night break for 2023 was announced at the event the ‘Decades of Dance’ weekend takes place at The Suncliff Hotel from the 27th – 30th Jan and will go on general sale March 1st.

Women in Naturism - Helen's story

Women in Naturism - Helen's story

Well, what a couple of years I’ve had! Pre-pandemic, I was an overweight, middle aged Retail Manager, vehemently against my husband's Naturism. The arrival of Covid into all of our lives had quite the impact on mine. During the first lockdown I was at home, having been furloughed and began cooking healthy meals and the weight began to drop off. The weather was glorious and feeling a little more confident, I bought a bikini and THAT was the start. Fast forward 20 months, I quit the nine-to-five and I am now Women in Naturism Campaign Coordinator for British Naturism and a writer for Body Freedom International. These days, you’ll often find me with fewer clothes than my husband! 
When I was raped at aged 14, I felt I must have done something wrong for it to happen to me. I struggled with the lengthy court case and my behaviour became erratic, skipping school and developing an eating disorder. The whole episode shaped my views on sex and nudity for years to come. 
Fast forward to 2015 when social media reunited me with an old school friend, Simon - now my husband. We began chatting online. There wasn’t any romantic interest at that time as we were both married but eventually both our marriages ended. Quite early into our relationship, Simon revealed he liked to live a ‘clothing-optional’ lifestyle. I didn't understand what he meant by that. I mean, I take my clothes off to have a shower or to be intimate but that's all. When he moved in, the reality sunk in. I returned home from work early to find him sitting at his desk completely butt naked! I swore a lot, called him a weirdo and walked out. I was actually disgusted that he could be naked in my house where my young daughter (8) could see him at any time. I wanted to protect her (and myself) from any unnecessary viewings of the penis! A few ‘robust’ conversations followed over the next few months and we agreed that he would cover up, especially when my daughter was around. I still felt uncomfortable knowing he was going to be naked at home whilst I was out but could also see that his desire to be clothes free wasn't going to go away so we reached that compromise.
Meanwhile, I was having issues with my weight. I was a size 14 but wanting to be the size eight teenager he knew at school. Simon showed me that he loved me irrespective of size but over the next few years I ballooned to a size 20, weighing in at over 15 stone. Something had to change. 
I was at home on furlough for 6 weeks and I had the time to make proper, healthy meals from scratch. I reduced portion sizes and my weight dropped. I plucked up the courage to put my new bikini on and soak up some rays in the garden. Simon took some pictures and for the first time in ages, I wasn't repulsed. It inspired me. I answered an advert for lingerie models of any age or size and was accepted. I couldn't believe there was a market for the mature curvy woman! My confidence soared and I could see that the world was ever evolving and the days of the ‘ideal’ image was disappearing.
I went along to a Naturist event at Max’s Garden in West Sussex with Simon. I really didn't want to be a part of it but in order to be supportive wife, I agreed to go along - on the understanding I could keep my clothes on. An art session was organised where I was the clothed model being drawn by naked people. I didn't know where to look! Ever the professional, I was there to do a job so I got on with it. Afterwards we hung around and just chatted to people. I soon forgot about their bits and bobs and I felt a bit daft—not to mention hot—in my dress. Bracing myself, I took it off … and NOTHING happened! The world kept turning, nobody stared or judged. In fact, I even walked around the resort without my clothes. Never had I encountered a group of such friendly, down-to-earth people and would never have dreamed that this environment would liberate me, not only from clothes but from my body issues. 
Since that day, I have understood the feeling and empowerment body acceptance gives you. I finally accept the skin I'm in and actively encourage others to give it a go. 
Here’s what Simon says:
“I have always had an on-off relationship with clothing. As a teenager I would wait for my parents to go out and strip off for the day. I married my first wife when I was still very young and she did not condone any form of nudity, so I repressed it for many years. However you can’t hide part of your nature forever. When that marriage started to break down I looked for my own space and to ‘find myself’ again. I discovered there was a label I could use - a ‘Naturist’. I also found out about the World Naked Bike Ride, and my first ever socially nude experience was in the Exeter WNBR in 2011. I quickly decided this was my space, and even got involved with setting up Plymouth Sun Club in 2012.
I don’t think Helen was prepared for the reality of a clothes-freedom. She had grown up and lived by typical societal beliefs regarding nudity - that it was either sex-related, amusing, or disgusting. To find me naked at home upset her, and I felt awful for it. I again tried to repress my desire to be nude for the woman I was falling in love with, and, once again, would wait until I was alone to undress. But it upset me greatly that I had to hide part of myself from the woman I wanted to build my forever-partnership with. Her attitude upset me, as I could see that her own body image struggles would be addressed by Naturism. In the winter it was easier, but I found myself with a constant struggle in the summer months. I allowed myself to be caught, thereby keeping the conversation alive. After a few years together she recognised that her society-based views on nudity were not necessarily true, and made allowances for me to go nude in limited circumstances. She still thought it was weird though, and said she loved me ‘in spite’ of me being a Naturist. I smiled, but that did hurt.
After the bikini and lingerie photo shoots I could see an opportunity to show her the joy of nudity - talking to someone will only take them so far, they have to experience it for themselves and found the event at Max’s Garden. I fell in love with her all over again and our life together leapt to a new level of happiness that day and has only been getting better and better ever since.
To this day I continue to marvel at the transformation she has allowed herself to go through - an incredibly brave thing to do, and I’m honoured she placed her trust in me to take that initial leap of faith. For it does take an immense amount of trust for a non-Naturist to try Naturism. I continue to be so very proud of her.”
Not only did my attitude towards nudity change, it had an impact on the rest of the family too.  Simon has two daughters (21 and 19) and I have a 15 year old who has had Simon (and his Naturist ways!) in her life since she was eight years old. Here’s what they say about it:
Meredith (21)
“Having grown up with a Naturist father, Naturism and nudity to me is simply something that exists. I may not identify as a Naturist myself but I am not bothered or perturbed by the naked human body in a Naturist environment and I’m happy to bare all if I wish, it’s simply a fact of life. Because of this, in my time knowing Helen and having her in the family, seeing her mindset shift from one of reluctance and fear, to being open and accepting of Naturism has been incredible. Seeing someone close to you becoming comfortable in their own skin and loving their body for what it is, is simply wonderful.”
Indeed, Meredith has joined us at a retreat and been happy to get involved herself. She has even featured in some of our “Naked retro gaming nights”.
Lizzie (19)
“You don’t question what’s normal to you. Growing up, dad was often naked around the house and as a kid I thought nothing of it. Even as I got older and started to realise it may not be what everyone’s parents do, it still never bothered me. It just gave me a different, healthier view of nudity—being unbothered by someone not wearing clothes makes life easier. I have no problem telling my friends that my Dad’s a Naturist when it comes up and that no, I don’t care if they walk in on me  when I’m changing. I find that my generation, or at least the people I associate with, do not care. Granted, they may not start stripping too, but rewriting a lifetime in instilled ‘modesty’ may take a moment. Helen wasn’t into it at first, and look at her now. Now my dad and step-mum are both Naturists. In the nicest way possible, I don’t care. I’m just glad he’s found someone to share his passion with.” 
 
Lizzie is comfortable to be around the two of us when we are sans clothes, comfortable in the skin she is in and happy to be nude herself sometimes. In the early days, it was me that felt awkward if either of the girls walked around topless.  My, how things have changed!
 
Dilara (15)
“My parents are always naked. When it first started happening I thought it was very strange but then they taught me that the idea is not anything sexual, it is a way to express yourself and the confidence that you have. People get this conception mixed up and automatically jump to the conclusion that it is sexual however it really isn’t. I am not a nudist nor will I ever be (I do still find the notion kinda embarrassing) but I am not going to judge what my parents choose to do. My mum is actually helping people with mental health problems and eating disorders involving nudity which is really good.”
She’s come a long way too.  From getting used to seeing her stepfather naked, she then had to deal with her own mum getting naked!  She at first couldn’t understand my change of heart. so I eased her in gently and explained why I was doing it and what people were getting out of it.  She completely understands the difference between nudity and sex and sees my new role as a positive one.  I have seen her confidence soar too and although she’s not into nudity, she has become more body positive herself.
Helen’s Mum (74)
Although not into Naturism myself, I have been amazed at Helen’s transformation. She has gone from hiding herself away in baggy jumpers to embracing body freedom and helping others.  I’m very proud of her.
Helen Berriman
helen.berriman@bn.org.uk
 

 
 

The Forum Live - interviewing Dan Whicker of Cypress Cove

The Forum Live - interviewing Dan Whicker of Cypress Cove

Next week's (7 February) guest on the Forum Live will be Dan Whicker, Director of Sales and Marketing for one of the best-known family-oriented Naturist resorts in the US - Cypress Cove Nudist Resort near Orlando, Florida, USA.
We'll hear from Dan about the work he does in enlarging the Cypress Cove brand and attracting new visitors, and learn all about the resort and its facilities and watch a slide show of images.
Dan was formerly the executive director of the American Association for Nude recreation (AANR), and joined the Cypress Cove team in 2018 playing an integral role in helping the resort to navigate the pandemic and changing times. Despite those difficulties, Dan says that Cypress Cove has hardly “missed a beat,” even seeing increases in first-time visits and a renewed interest in Naturism locally.   
Dan works hard to get Cypress Cove, and Naturism, exposed to more audiences. One example is Worn Stories, a documentary series on Netflix, in which Dan convinced producers to use Cypress Cove for the first episode, appropriately titled “Community.”
Dan is also hoping to publish a science fiction novel with something for everyone, which includes themes of body image and acceptance. Find out more at danwhicker.com.
Reserve your place now...

 

The Forum Live: Interviewing Lucy Holden

The Forum Live: Interviewing Lucy Holden

Next week's (31st January) guest on the Forum Live will be writer Lucy Holden.
Lucy first came to our attention a few years ago when she wrote a piece on the largely-unplanned winter she spent at Naturist resort/village Flevo Natur in the Netherlands. That experience led the Evening Standard to commission her to take a lockdown-enforced staycation at a Naturist place in the UK last summer. Lucy, accompanied by her friend Rosie plumped for Apollo Sun Club near Brighton and the resulting article was one of those that really stands out for us - a hugely-positive, myth-busting, actually-this-is-terrific report on Naturism that makes people desperate to try it.
We'll talk to Lucy about both of those experiences, and hear about her book 'Lucid', a 'memoir of an extreme decade in an extreme generation', to be published on February 3rd.
Remember that The Forum Live no longer requires pre-registration and you can join through the members section of the British Naturism Shop

Volunteering for British Naturism - Walking on Sunshine!

Volunteering for British Naturism - Walking on Sunshine!

The title is taken from the song Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves (1985) and help describe how it feels to be a Naturist AND a volunteer,’ says BN’s Volunteering Officer, John Gelder. ‘So, here are some examples of how to GET INVOLVED, feel good and feel alive.
Get on Board
Becoming a member of the Executive Committee is an exciting opportunity to benefit the organisation and really make a difference. It can be a hugely rewarding, important and exciting role. You not only give your time, skills and experience to a good cause, but you can learn new and useful skills too, and be at the heart of the leadership of British Naturism. 
It’s important to encourage a diverse range of skills, experience and different approaches on the EC as it helps us carry out important work to the high standards that our members expect. 
Get Campaigning 
Do you also have a passion for campaigning about Naturism, promoting social nudity as a healthy lifestyle and normalising public nudity? If so, there are campaigning roles ideal for you! 
We are currently recruiting for a new Campaigns Officer who’ll be responsible for leading and coordinating the development of new and existing campaigns that promote and normalise Naturism and social nudity as a healthy lifestyle. 
There are also opportunities to join our team of Local Campaign Coordinators across the UK, who are responsible for leading and/or contributing to new and existing campaigns in a particular locality, including their planning, implementation and evaluation. You will support and increase opportunities for members to be involved in campaigns such as Just One Person, and the Great British Skinny Dip and for developing opportunities for those new to Naturism to participate in taster activities and clothes optional events. 
For our campaigning roles you will have good coordination, planning and project management skills; campaigning and event management skills (or
a willingness to acquire them); and experience of, or an enthusiasm for, successful campaigns and/or promotional work. You will also need a willingness and an ability to talk about Naturism with others in a public arena. 
Get down to the beach
There’s always a great deal to do in terms of ensuring that information on our Naturist beaches - suitable travel routes, parking, access, safety and facilities - is accurate, up-to-date and informative. We also need to coordinate access to local beaches, promote their use by Naturists and the general public, maintain contact with local authorities, landowners and others that manage access to beaches and lobby for more and better signage. 
To tackle this, we need a team of volunteer Beach Officers, based across all regions, covering designated beaches or coastline, who could take this work forward. Besides having a knowledge of Naturist beaches in your area—or a willingness to acquire it—good research and recce skills and an enthusiasm for promoting Naturism will help.
So, if you like walking on sunshine, and this role is something that interests you, then please consider whether you could volunteer. Over the coming months there won’t be many opportunities for you to sit and enjoy the sun but you will have ample opportunity to scout these glorious locations to ensure information on how to access them can be made available to others so that they can find sun, sea and sand next year. 
For more information on these and other roles, please visit our Volunteering Opportunities pages on the BN website or contact Volunteering Officer, John Gelder
 

The Forum Live Debate - Where will British Naturism be in 10 years time?

The Forum Live Debate - Where will British Naturism be in 10 years time?

It is the time of year when we all make plans for what we want to achieve in the year ahead.  This seems the perfect opportunity to take an even longer view and consider where we want to be in 5 or 10 years time.  How do we want to normalise and promote Naturism?  What relationships do we want with other bodies and organisations, and which ones?  What activities should we be undertaking to reach that 10-year goal?  In The Forum Live Debate we will discuss all of these issues so that we can collectively devise some objectives that will inform our activities for the year ahead.
Hopefully we will see lots of members join the conversation to shape British Naturism into the organisation that YOU want to see!
Come and tell us what you think…reserve your place now

The Great British Skinny Dip returns to Northern Ireland

The Great British Skinny Dip returns to Northern Ireland

We're delighted to announce a date for another skinny dip in Northern Ireland. Last summer, between 80 - 100 people gathered on the two mile golden sand beach at Portstewart Strand raising over £1700 for the British Heart Foundation (NI). 
Such was the success that the event is being repeated on the 4th September - so you have plenty of time to plan, to raise money and to encourage your friends to get involved!
The GBSD schedule for 2022 is already building, with many dips already arranged in Cumbria and the first dip of the year later this month in Yorkshire.
Trash the trunks! Bin the bikini! Scrap the swimsuit! ...and enjoy a life-affirming, exhilarating experience.
You can find out all about the Great British Skinny Dip, and how we are supporting the British Heart Foundation plus access helpful resources including a Fundraising Kit, over on our dedicated Great British Skinny Dip website. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter!

Now booking ... The Gathering!

Now booking ... The Gathering!

The Gathering is the flagship weekend event hosted by British Naturism's SANER (Scotland and North of England, incorporating Northern Ireland) region - and 2022's event is now open for booking!
Held for the second time at Waverley Castle, south of Edinburgh, in May, it promises to be another activity-packed, fun-filled event. This year, there will also be the addition of a swim at a local venue.
Find out more and book your place now!

The Forum Live - interviewing Lucy Leonelli

The Forum Live - interviewing Lucy Leonelli

Avid readers of the latest BN Magazine will be aware of A Year in the Life - Adventures in British Subculture by Lucy Leonelli, a new book to be published next week in which Lucy charts her experiences with a variety of UK-based groups and activities. One chapter is dedicated to her visit to a British Naturism event. 
I'll be interviewing Lucy on next week's The Forum Live - 17th January.
Lucy Leonelli is a self- proclaimed social tourist with an unquenchable thirst for exploring, experiencing and understanding the world’s most colourful subcultures and communities. Born in Bristol, she lived in London for a decade before moving to California in search of the sunshine. She now runs executive recruitment for a technology firm in Silicon Valley and lives in Berkeley, California, with her husband Mathieu, their sons Fox and Archer, and T-Rex the corgi. A Year in the Life - Adventures in British Subculture is published by Unbound.
Reserve your place now...
 

Nudefest is back and booking...

Nudefest is back and booking...

Following a record breaking re-book, tickets for Nudefest are on sale for the 2022 edition which returns to Thorney Lakes in Somerset from the 4th - 11th July.   Expect a week of fun in the sun including live music and partying nightly, daily activities from sports and fitness through to archery and rock climbing. You can choose between a 7-day break arriving on the Monday ahead of the main festival opening or a 4-night festival break Starting on the Wednesday.   Nudefest welcomes over 500 Naturists each year from all across Europe and is open to all Naturists with British Naturism and INF guests getting a discounted rate.   Full details are available at https://shop.bn.org.uk/pages/nudefest   Tickets are limited and are going fast! Already 65% of pitches are taken!

New appointment! South West region co-ordinator

New appointment! South West region co-ordinator

It gives me great pleasure to announce the co-option of Andy Dyer as the new Regional Coordinator for the Southwest Region.
After careful consideration of options, the South West committee have elected to follow the path of many other regions in uniting the roles of Regional Chair and Regional Coordinator.  This approach allows an effortless flow of information between those working at Regional and National levels and ensures that local contributors are well represented.
Andy says:
I consider that I have been a Naturist since I was 16; although I only found a name for it from H&E magazine a few years later. I used to enjoy walking on the North Downs near my home, discovered Brighton Beach and after moving to Bath for work, Studland Beach. During this time, I joined the Singles Outdoor Club as an entry to CCBN but being in my twenties I did not join in any of their activities. Most weekends I joined a small group of people camping on farms across the country, which occasionally featured in H&E and once on the local Sunday lunchtime news! Unfortunately, Naturism took a back seat as the kids grew up, but I re-joined BN in 2016 and attended BN events (including Nudefest, Bournemouth, Splashdown, Alton Towers). During last summer I was a volunteer Assistant Warden at BN Sunfolk. I have also enjoyed non-BN events such as NudeCamp 2021, New Year's Eve at Clover Spa, Dine Naked Bristol and Oxford meals and am a member of Aquasol swim.  But mainly, I have met a lot of nice people!
I hope that there will be rallies, solos weekends and Great British Skinny Dips this year across the region; Clubs, swims and campsites are welcome to contact me if they would like to get involved. More details will be provided soon in a new regional newsletter. You can sign up for your own regional news at www.bn.org.uk/membership/newsletter-preferences.
I will be inviting South West members to help (locally or region-wide) in whatever way they can. I look forward to hearing from any SW members who wish to contact me. 
andrew.dyer@bn.org.uk

The Forum Live - Meet the Volunteers!

The Forum Live - Meet the Volunteers!

Fully refreshed from a Christmas and New Year break, the Forum Live returns next Monday, 10th January with a panel of guests made up of recently recruited BN volunteers to both national and regional roles.
Come and meet them, learn about their roles, why they volunteered, what they hope to contribute to the organisation—and to achieve, and how you the members can support them. We'll hear about other current Volunteering opportunities too and there will be the usual time set aside for questions.
Come and be inspired! We're looking forward to another busy BN year and need as many pairs of hands as possible to do our work.
Reserve your place now (Note that the system has changed, please ensure you follow the steps to make a successful booking)
The Forum Live is one of the FREE sessions available to members of British Naturism and other Federations. If you'd like to become a member, find out how here.

New Developments in British Naturism Virtual Events

New Developments in British Naturism Virtual Events

British Naturism’s online community events proved a success through COVID-19 restrictions and continue to be popular as we have gradually returned to normality.  Community events are available to members only and include things such as virtual pub nights, quizzes, coffee mornings, a book club, discussions through The Forum Live, as well as opportunities to support to specific groups such as YBN and our female members.
2022 presents the challenge for us to try even more new and exciting things.  As a first step, we have updated our booking system so it fits seamlessly into the British Naturism shop.  It is now easier to use and allows you to book real-world events, virtual events and purchase merchandise in the same place.  To book online community events, sign into the shop and book the sessions here.

The codes have all been regenerated, so be sure to rebook for your favourite sessions if you don’t want to be left out!
With the technical work done, new opportunities will appear throughout the year, so we expect 2022 to be the best year for the British Naturism community yet.  If you are not already member, there is no better time to give it a try.
 

Keep Fit with Sheryn - a one-off class for New Year's Day!

Keep Fit with Sheryn - a one-off class for New Year's Day!

Our naked fitness classes are just the thing for working off the Christmas excesses - and here's a new one for you to enjoy on New Year's Day.
Sheryn will be leading one of her popular keep fit classes on Saturday at 5pm. It's low impact and so it's good for all levels. The class is free of charge and open to British Naturism members and those of overseas federations.
Reserve your place now
Don't forget to check out all the other online sessions that are available, both community events and other fitness classes

Keep Busy with BN!

Keep Busy with BN!

Don't forget all the wonderful things you can get from the UK's national Naturist organisation ... there is plenty going on within our community, on- and off-line, including plenty of free content:
Read over one hundred articles on our news pages about a wide variety of Naturist and Naturist-related subjects Visit goodtimes.bn.org.uk and discover how amazing and vibrant our community is The members' side of our website (login required) is chock-full of interesting stuff. Naturists from the UK and beyond are currently discussing and debating a variety of topics - not all related to Naturism - and finding information, viewing event and other images, reading blogs and more.  It also contains a variety of interesting and useful downloads including full copies of BN Magazine back to 2004! It all comes free as part of a British Naturism annual subscription.  Learn about our many campaigns, including inspiring, first-person stories from Women in Naturism Follow us on social media - we're active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter Join in our online events - from yoga to a pub night, and interviews to fitness classes. Check the live events we run and the calendar of regional events and swims Sign up for our regular newsletter and get information straight to your inbox Here's a guide on how to log in and use the member's section of the website and a new Quickstart Guide to help you find your way around...

Not a member? It's easy to join...find out how and details of all the benefits you will receive

Our Christmas Quiz - 27 December

Our Christmas Quiz - 27 December

The popular Friday Night Big Quiz will not take place on Christmas Eve, this Friday or New Years Eve, next Friday.
However don't despair if you are at a loose end on Monday 27th at 7.30pm we will muscle in on the Forum Live slot in the schedule and have a fun festive quiz for all those who need a grey matter hit.
All our regulars and any newcommers will be most welcome.
Dress Code - Santa Hats & Tinsel.
Reserve your place now...

Boys in the Buff - extra clothes-optional peformance announced...

Boys in the Buff - extra clothes-optional peformance announced...

Boys in the Buff is a Christmas comedy spectacular for adults in which Diana and her boys sing, dance and tell stories about self-confidence, body image, and society's unreasonably high expectations on our appearance. Building on their own self-esteem as they share personal stories they dare each other to reveal more of themselves as the evening progresses. 
It's running at London's Drayton Arms theatre until 9th January and two of the performances have been reserved as clothes-optional for the audience. However, they sold out pretty quickly - as you would expect. Therefore, a third clothes-optional performance has been arranged for the 1st January.
Visit thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk/boys-in-the-buff to find out more about the show and to book tickets.

Does Naturism help your mental health? Part Two

Does Naturism help your mental health? Part Two

In our first article we explored the first two NHS ‘Steps to Wellbeing’ – ‘Connection’ and ‘Be Active’. The next is ‘Giving’, writes BN member and MBACP (Accred) Family Therapist, Sheila.
Giving to others is an act which benefits both the giver and the receiver. We all love that feeling of finding the right gift for someone we love – and the frustration of not being able to source that special something to show we care! As a counsellor I can hold my hands up and acknowledge that, when I have been of help to someone who is going through a challenging time, it makes me feel good about myself. But, of course, the counselling relationship is not about me. In therapy, a counsellor helps the client to manage difficult emotions by being reliably present, consistent, respectful and caring. Much of counselling training is about developing empathy not sympathy. Sympathy is sharing the feelings of another – you recognise them because you think you’ve been there yourself, or think you have. Empathy is understanding the feelings of another, but not necessarily sharing them. It’s the ability to stand in another’s shoes or walk alongside them as they go on their own journey, but not to get dragged down into the mire of their emotional responses, thus staying available and able to be there for or ‘hold’ the other person emotionally.
Helping others is neither a patronising nor power seeking activity, but an opportunity to engage with a cause or individual to use your skills, knowledge and experiences to make a difference to their life. By giving, you move away from a concentration on self and selfish agenda, and open yourself up to the needs and life experiences of others.
As a community, Naturism is naturally giving. People are keen to share their experience of, and joy in, Naturism with others. Newcomers frequently express surprise at the sincere welcome received from more established Naturists. We were all new at this once. Sharing a sundowner with a neighbouring camper, giving directions to the best Naturist beach or information about the next BN event all happens readily and easily in the Naturist community. Naturists are generally easy folk to talk to, displaying an openness with new people, experiences and views, which encourages sharing.
Another aspect of giving which improves emotional wellbeing is giving your time – Volunteering. BN provides a variety of opportunities to benefit Naturists. The majority of the British Naturism leadership team are volunteers. The directors give hours and hours of their time – here’s a shout out to them! And there are less time-heavy chances to volunteer in the Naturist community too: people who moderate online groups to keep their fellow Naturists safe from those with an ulterior motive, perhaps not completely aligned to the respectful principles of Naturism - thank you; folks who instigate and organise events, trips, visits, dining, walks and get togethers - cheers!; Those numerous Naturists who sit on committees, run working parties and do the less glamorous jobs at clubs all over the country – we salute you. Even people who write for the magazine or website – nice one!
As a sense of community develops within Naturism so does mutual support – giving and receiving. It is easier to give mentally and emotionally as barriers to engagement with another Naturist are removed with the clothing. There is an opportunity to start at a deeper level than the usual ‘How are you?’, ‘I’m fine’ which is the polite response to a conversational enquiry. How often do we reply ‘I’m fine’ even when the world as we know it is falling apart? Naturists are generally interested in people, thoughtful and accepting, giving others the chance to relax in that acceptance, with nothing to prove, which can often in itself produce a relieved feeling of letting go of some of the stresses of life as soon as you are within the Naturist community.
Kindness, acceptance and respect is endemic in the Naturist community and it’s all good for us – hooray!
 
I have suffered from depression and social anxiety for many years. Lockdown actually made things easier for me as I had a solid excuse for staying at home. Even when we had to go anywhere, social distancing meant I had my own space. However, when lockdown eased, my problems came back. I was unable to go out on my own, and even when with my partner, I had to wear my coat as a comfort blanket and form of defence.
We read in the media that there was going to be a naked Morecambe Bay walk, and my partner joked that I should do it, knowing that it would be like jumping out of a plane without a parachute for me, being with people without her - or my coat. Gradually I thought that if I could do it I might help my social anxiety, but felt I would back out before, or on the day. I decided to ask for sponsorship on Facebook, so I could not back out and let the sponsors down, with the money I raised being donated to the charity Mind.
For a few days leading up to the walk I had trouble sleeping and had to take medication to calm my anxiety. On the drive to the walk, my partner could see the state I was in and she offered to turn the car round and go home. The fact that I had raised over £300, and the messages I had received telling me I could do it, convinced me to go ahead. 
Once naked, my anxiety went completely and I felt so relaxed. It was something I hadn’t experienced for so many years, that feeling of calm. Although most of us deny it, we often judge people by the clothes they wear, even if that judgement changes if we get to know the person. Once naked that judgement is removed. I did not judge and more importantly I did not feel judged. I tried to explain the feeling to my partner, but I think until you try Naturism nothing can truly explain it. She said that she could not and would never go naked in front of strangers, but a few weeks later she wanted me to go
to the Lake District with her and spend the day with someone she knew. This would be difficult for me so I made a deal. If she came with me to Silverglades, Morecambe Bay Naturist club I would go with her to meet her friend. She reluctantly agreed, telling me she would not take her clothes off, but once there she took the plunge. She enjoyed it so much that we went for a day again as soon as we could. We bought camping equipment and stayed there for two nights, after which she told me that it had helped her own mental health so much. 
We are now true Naturists and only wear clothes when we have to. We are looking forward to visiting other sites and also taking part in events next year, and our life has been improved beyond measure. When telling friends and family we have had mixed responses, from telling us we are soft in the head, to telling us that they wish they could join us too, but haven’t got the courage. We are happy to tell the world, and to say that it is a way of life that improves wellbeing, both physical and mental.
Mark
 
I’m writing to say thank you to British Naturism and all the members I met during lock down. One of those was a Body Positivity discussion at which I told my story - and was encouraged to write it up for the magazine.
My story starts back in 1980 when I was the grand old age of 19, a time when I was very happy, having just got engaged to my girlfriend, a young lady I had known since I was five. Then disaster struck. Firstly, I had a bad knee injury that stopped me playing rugby and football, and then a month after the engagement we had the worst blow any young couple could have. My fiancée, at only 19, was diagnosed with terminal Leukaemia, and needless to say my world came to an end just five weeks later when the cancer took her from me before our lives had even started.
I had already discovered I loved to be naked whenever I could, though I hadn’t heard of ‘Naturism’. There were six of us in the family and so I wasn’t able to do it often. Losing my fiancée caused me to withdraw into myself, and lose interest in looking after myself. Lack of physical exercise meant the pounds began to mount, though I always managed to keep things hidden: from my family always managing to keep a smile on my face and be the life and soul of the party.
In 1993 disaster struck again when my dad collapsed and died suddenly at the age of 56. My parents had been devoted to each other and my mum had her own health problems, and on the day he died I think part of her did too. I spent the next 10 years as her sole carer, I felt it was my duty as I was the eldest child and the only one not married with a family of my own.
Throughout, I kept my secret hidden, and began to resent everything but then I would see myself in a mirror or shop window and would convince myself without much trouble that I couldn’t become a real Naturist because no one would look at me without laughing. Despite loving being naked I hated my body.
In 2003 the Big C struck me and after a full left-side mastectomy and 12 weeks of radiotherapy, I turned even further inward and became a workaholic doing 10 hours a day at work and taking another couple of hours home with me, at the same time still caring for my mum who by now was virtually immobile spending 24 hours a day in one room. When she died in 2005, I began to come out of my shell and to free the real me.
An advantage of living alone was that I could now be naked at home whenever I wanted, which was all the time, unless family were going to visit. I still hadn’t told them my secret. I had a relationship with a woman who was totally against Naturism but after a few years I was back to living alone, and my secret life. I decided to quit my job in York where I was Deputy Manager of a large Co-op Supermarket, to return to Barnsley my home town, stepping down from a management role and cutting my hours, determined to reduce my stress levels, try to beat the depression and get my life together. Still keeping my secret from everyone. Still hating my body and not knowing how to get away from that mindset. Things didn’t improve when I had a heart attack followed by a quadruple heart bypass and an atrial clip.
I returned home from hospital, and although I had lost weight, I still hated my body. I thought, however, that as I had been given a third chance at life and decided not to waste it. One day I was looking at something on my laptop when I spotted a link to BN. I spent the next hour scrolling through the web pages and decided this was what I needed to help me become who I wanted to be.
I had never been naked in front of anyone before, but I took the plunge and having seen the online classes, signed up immediately for the coffee morning the very next day. I was nervous but I have never felt as free as I did that day. I felt like a new person, and desperate to do it for real. Subsequently, I signed up for many sessions. It even prompted me to tell my sister and aunt, the two most important people to me, not knowing how they would respond, only to find that they couldn’t care less. It also gave me the courage to book my first Naturist holiday at Lakeside Farm in Lincolnshire.
So I end by saying ‘Thank You’ again to BN for giving me the opportunity and belief to get involved. I might not be totally body positive yet but I am now well on the way thanks to the support from everyone I talked to in the Zoom meetings and the in person meetings I have since attended.
Steve
 

The Forum Live - interviewing Body Freedom International

The Forum Live - interviewing Body Freedom International

Join us next Monday (20th December) for the final The Forum Live of the year when we will be welcoming Steph McManus, the founder of Body Freedom International.
Body Freedom International allows you to be in love and liberated by who you are and the skin you are in by utilising nudity as THE internal healing tool that will have you conquer body shame, breathe confidence from the inside out, everywhere, and harness your imperfectly perfect beauty.
We are the pathway between body shame and body acceptance, revolutioning the conversation of nudity into a tool for optimal mental well-being through coaching, evidence-based practice and every day conversation.
We as Body Freedom International is the catalyst for transforming the conversation of 'normal', 'perfection' and 'acceptance' We are causing one to have breakthroughs in their relationship with self as an access to truly creating the life that they want in all areas of life. If you can love you, anything is possible!
Reserve your place now...

BN230 - Winter 2021

BN230 - Winter 2021

The Winter 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 in 2022
Women in Naturism – Denise and Sally share their stories
Naturism & Mental Health – Part Two
Book Reviews – Cinema au Naturel and A Year in the Life – Adventures in British Subculture
Nudity on the Small – and Smaller - Screen
Anniversaries - Invicta Sun Club Hits 75, Sunfolk turns 90
A report from the INF Congress in Slovenia
Future Plans – and a Look Back at a Fantastic Summer
In travel, we bring you a variety of tempting holidays to scope out
BN230 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?
 

The Law Commission's Review of Hate Crime

The Law Commission's Review of Hate Crime

On the 7th December 2021, the Law Commission published the final report on the Hate Crime consultation, along with their recommendations to parliament for amendments to legislation.
British Naturism have been major stakeholders throughout the process, contributing through both the pre-consultation and consultation phases.  Author of the British Naturism submissions, President, Mark Bass points out that:
“The founding principle of Naturism is respect; respect for ourselves and respect for others.  Hate-motivated criminal offences have had life-changing effects on many minority groups.  Naturists have certainly suffered criminal aggression, but we consider our responsibilities to be much wider and that we should stand by and support all minority groups suffering criminal oppression”.
Hate crime legislation currently operates by identifying various characteristics that are considered worthy of special protection.  These are called “protected characteristics”, and these currently are race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity.  Criminal activity motivated by hostility towards these protected characteristics is subject to tougher sentencing guidelines, thus discouraging the abuse of protected groups.
The British Naturism representation focused on two main features.  We argued that the protected characteristics should be expanded to include Philosophical Belief amongst others.  We also argued that all protected characteristics should be treated equally, unlike the current situations where “stirring up offences” only apply to a subset of the protected characteristics.
Dealing with the second point first, stirring up offences - the incitement of hate-motivated criminal acts (such as racial hatred) - are the most common form of trauma suffered by minority groups.  Living in fear of harm fundamentally changes an individual’s behaviour and damages their mental wellbeing.  Whipping up of hatred is frequently coordinated and on a large scale, often through social media, and seemingly without consequence to the perpetrator.  A system where stirring up hatred against some of the protected characteristics is prohibited, but against other groups is not, creates an imbalance where certain minority groups are singled out for greater protection than others.  Thankfully, the Law Commission have recommended that all protected characteristics be treated equally so that the law does not pick winners and losers.
Our second priority was that Philosophical Belief should be recognised as a protected characteristic.  We have received legal advice that, as a philosophy that guides the behaviour of many Naturists and defines our identity, Naturism would qualify as a Philosophical Belief, a view that was backed by the Law Commission.  British Naturism was able to provide considerable evidence and insight on why Philosophical Belief should be considered a protected characteristic and our contribution was recognised throughout the report.  The crux of the matter is that both the Equality Act and the European Convention of Human Rights recognise “religion or belief” as a protected characteristic, but current Hate Crime legislation is restricted to “religion”.
The consultation recognised the similarity between religious and philosophical belief in the significance to an individual’s identity and way of life.  The Welsh Government were of the view that the definition of “religion” under Hate Crime should encompass “religion or belief”.  The Hate Crime Unit went as far as to say that failure to recognise Philosophical Belief would put Hate Crime Law out of step with equalities and human rights legislation.  The Hate Crime Unit also points to empirical evidence of a rise in harassment that creates a need to protect individuals adhering to a Philosophical Belief.
Mark Bass argues that similar trends in acts of hatred have been experienced by Naturists:
“Persecution of Naturists has grown over the last few years with larger Naturist gatherings now requiring a significant police presence, including Police Liaison Officers, to deal with attempts by hate groups to cause criminal damage and assault Naturists.”
The British Naturism submission included 29 testimonies from victims of incidents that occured during the consultation period (2019-2020), and Mark Bass goes on to describe how these acts have created a culture of fear and forced individuals to conceal their belief: 
“Naturists frequently suffer anxiety and conceal the characteristic due to constant fear of the targeted victimisation suffered by other victims.”
The need to conceal one’s belief is one of the most damaging consequences of religious persecution and the reason that religion is protected.  Although a physical assault can be punished retrospectively, the insidious fear experienced by adherents to a belief is not handled by simple law and why the concept of Hate Crime exists.  The fact that adherents to a Philosophical Belief are experiencing identical hostility towards their identity demonstrates that they require similar protection.
The Law Commission defined criteria under which a characteristic should require protection and shared details of how Philosophical Belief would meet these criteria, but unfortunately stopped short of recommending protection.  A key criterion is that there should be ample evidence that a characteristic is criminally targeted.  Philosophical Belief does not currently meet that test, in large part because such acts are not recorded as Hate Crime.  This creates a paradox that Philosophical Belief could not be protected without better evidence, but evidence of criminal acts of hatred is not generated while the characteristic is not protected.
The second concern was whether the category could become too broad and how beneficiaries would be defined.  This is not an obstacle that could not be overcome, as has been achieved in the Equality Act, but would require more work.
Therefore, the prospect of imminent legislative changes to discourage acts of hatred against minority groups has been set back for now.  However, we know that by working with police forces and at a local level, improvements can be made, and tolerance can grow.  The emerging status of British Naturism as an important stakeholder in parliamentary consultations means that we are in a position to exert influence for the good of all.  British Naturism will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any minority group that shares our priority of respect.
There is clearly more work to be done as we strive to make society better for all.
 

Our online Christmas Party!

Our online Christmas Party!

Booking is now open for the BN Christmas party - quiz, pub and naked disco - on 17th December. 
Time: 7pm. Venue: Your place.
Cost - nothing (like the dress code) but you do need to be a member of BN or another Naturist federation.
Tickets are available from the BN shop at https://shop.bn.org.uk/pages/bnonline (log in required)
Members can also find a topic on the Members' Forum
 
Many of our community online events carry on for much of the festive period – check the booking calendar for the latest up to date availability. Many of our Naked Fitness classes will be taking a break to allow the instructors to re-charge their batteries, however a handful of classes will continue so you can get your fitness fix.