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News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism
Thirty-seven nudies braved 16-degree water Sunday evening (22 August) for the second Marbury Park Swimming Pool Great British Skinny Dip! A few weeks ago, Marbury pool had never hosted a costume-free swim - now it has hosted two. It's testament to how - rather like skinny-dipping individuals - once tried, you can't wait to do it again, despite all the fears and hesitations beforehand.
The pool, set in beautiful grounds near Northwich, Cheshire, has two diving boards which, as one newbie dipper noted, you don’t see that often these days. She and several others took full advantage of them. Some also enjoyed the poolside  BBQ grill and picnic tables. We warmed up on hot drinks from the conveniently located snack shack.
The event drew Naturists from far and wide in the North West. One BN member from Ellesmere Port said he was “delighted to be here” and “came on spec because of the weather.” Unusually, the weather held!
This was a time to renew acquaintances. Dave and I met a friend from the Wirral Naturist Club to which we had once belonged as well as someone we’d met at the Morfa Dyffryn skinny dip. Our guest, who was taking part in a Naturist event for the first time, ran into someone she met on a skiing trip several years ago. There’s a wonderful sense of community at clothes-free events. Conversation flows freely because we’re all doing something we enjoy.
 
For more GBSD dips, check out the events calendar: https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/events-calendar
And to read more about the British Heart Foundation, which the GBSD is supporting, go here: https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/british-heart-foundation 
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:
Join in our online events - from yoga to a pub night, and interviews to fitness classes. There's something every day and 20 sessions every week! Check the live events we run and the calendar of regional events and swims Raise money for our national charity, British Heart Foundation, at a Great British Skinny Dip event 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 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 Sign up for our regular newsletter and get information straight to your inbox 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.  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 second Great British Skinny Dip at Marbury Park, Cheshire, takes place this Sunday 22nd August - if you missed the first, now's your chance! We've been adding new dips - check out the full list of what's to come, make your plans to attend and to raise money for British Heart Foundation!

There's a couple of garden days this weekend - at Burrows Gardens, Derbyshire on Saturday 21st August and Abbey House Gardens, Wiltshire on Sunday 22nd August 2021.

Whatever the weather, you can find a huge choice of online events to entertain you, keep you fit, or allow you to keep in touch with our fantastic community!

Q. How do I find out more about these and other superb events I can attend this summer?
A. Easy! Check out 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 few months ago, we welcomed TV personality Hayley Pearce to British Naturism Sunfolk for the day, to film a segment in an episode of the third Hayley Goes... BBC TV series, in which Hayley explores, investigates and experiences aspects of modern life. 
'Our' episode - which you may have read about in the Summer issue of BN Magazine - is called Hayley Goes ... Naked and the whole series will be available on BBC iPlayer from this Sunday, 22 August.
Producer Rose also tells me that it will be broadcast on actual television at some stage. 
In 1990 I left home. I started being naked at home in the evenings and sleeping naked.  Sadly the man I lived with didn't like my body shape when I put on weight and he took every opportunity to let me know.  This gave me body image issues.  My first step to Naturism was recognising it was HIS issue. I worked on my self-belief until I found the courage to divorce him in 2017, after 34 years together.
After the divorce I developed a strong friendship with someone and that friend helped me recognise that I should be proud of who I am.
My second step to Naturism was a man I met via a dating website who asked me to go to The White House club for the weekend. I didn't go, but my interest was raised and I began to think about it a lot. As the years after my divorce flew by my self-confidence grew and my body image improved. This year, I finally felt confident enough about my body to take the plunge and join a Naturist club.
I searched for my nearest club and chose Blackthorns. I contacted the membership secretary and they invited me to visit. I consider that to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. All the way to my first meeting I asked myself if I would go through with it?  Would it be right for me?  Would I be accepted by them?
I chose a hot sunny and busy weekend and Suntrekkers were staying there that weekend too. I had a few hiccoughs when I first arrived but I knew instantly it was where I wanted to be. Everyone made me feel so welcome including the Suntrekkers. I didn't feel judged for looks. I stayed all day and went back the following day and since signed up to join.
Members of BN have made me feel welcome and I have already made some great friends via messages with whom I am organising meetings.  I have booked for some of the events - a walk and a weekend break. I also plan to go for a couple of meals in November and December. It has enriched my home life too because it has increased my own self-acceptance, being comfortable with my body and spending more time naked at home. It is getting to a point that I hate putting clothes on! I am sure in the depths of winter that might change, though!
I feel as if I have come home. I am talking with and meeting people that share my love of being naked, that take me as I am and are not judging me for my looks. I have been made to feel welcome and have been treated with respect. I wish I had joined sooner but I know that I was not ready. I am telling friends and neighbours about my new-found friends and everyone is really positive about it for me. One friend is thinking of joining too.
My advice for anyone thinking about it is to try it. Join BN, join events and/or join a club. Only you can decide when the time is right but I can assure you that the welcome you receive will be warm. There is something for everyone in BN - walks, forums, quizzes, days out and days in.  Some events are free so money is not a barrier.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for those already part of this world, thank you for making me feel part of this family.
Sally
Valley Sun Club in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, recently held their first Open Day in four years. With the event happily coinciding with one of the hottest weekends of the year, the club were delighted to show off their well-maintained six acre site.
Working in conjunction with BN, the Open Day was publicised across Yorkshire with a number of media outlets, including BBC Radio York and the Yorkshire Post ("Yorkshire's National Newspaper") picking up on the news and arranging to interview members.
Visitors enjoyed tours of the club, games of boules and pitch and putt, afternoon tea with existing members and plenty of time to sunbathe on the lawns. Visitor David commented afterwards "What a lovely welcome by lovely people and meeting new folks too who were there for the day", whilst another couple added, "It was quickly apparent what a safe and secure facility we were visiting, the lawns and grassed areas were so well maintained".
Organiser Steve Knight said "Unfortunately, the delayed lifting of Covid restrictions meant that we had to keep a cap on numbers, but ultimately 21 visitors were welcomed on the day. We were delighted to see a mix of couples, single people, seasoned naturists and those experiencing Naturism for the first time. Team Valley really pulled together to give the visitors a warm welcome and to ensure that the club was looking at its absolute best".
Steve continued “What’s even better is that more than half of our Open Day visitors have decided to take a membership of the club, and several more intend to return for day visits or camping trips. It was clear how much they appreciated the tranquillity of the Valley Club site - close to the amenities of Harrogate but adjacent to the ancient woodland of the Nidd Gorge".
"Valley Club is grateful to BN for suggesting the Open Day and for their assistance in creating and issuing the press release about the event. If any other clubs are considering holding an Open Day our advice would be to go for it - and hope that you're as lucky with the weather as we were!”.
The Forum Live is going to take a break over the next few weeks, returning in September. 
We already have a great line-up of guests and subjects including well-known global Naturists, prominent journalists, holiday resorts and presentations on the work British Naturism is doing - and the people behind it.
Suggestions for guests and topics always welcome...
See you all soon
This weekend our Windermere Woodland weekend takes place, and you'll find a weekend full of World Naked Bike Rides  with Manchester, London and Brighton, today, tomorrow and Sunday, respectively.

There is also a Great British Skinny Dip in Wigton, Cumbria, at Lenches Lake, Worcestershire and a swim at Letchworth Outdoor Pool. Our second swim at Marbury Park is scheduled for 22nd August - if you missed the first, now's your chance!

Coming up soon are three open garden visits - Houghton Lodge, Hampshire next Thursday 19th August, at Burrows Gardens, Derbyshire on 21st August and Abbey House Gardens, Wiltshire on 22nd August 

Don't forget to keep looking ahead and making sure you book early! There's been a change of date to our Bournemouth Pier boat cruise in late August and we've managed to increase the capacity for the Secret Nuclear Bunker visit in early September.

Whatever the weather, you can find a huge choice of online events to entertain you, keep you fit, or allow you to be in touch with our fantastic community!


Q. How do I find out more about these and other superb events I can attend this summer?
A. Easy! Check out 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
 
If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to sign up for a skinny dip (or two!)

Whether you’re a seasoned skinny dipper or a nudie-newbie, we invite you to experience the freedom of swimming without that horrible costume! And don't listen to conventional thought that says 'nude is rude', or that swimming naked with others is somehow provocative.

Don't pay attention either to the 'wisdom' that a) you have to have the perfect body, and b) that everyone will stare at you, and judge you, if you don't. We're all perfect! It's exhilarating to swim in our natural state.

Do keep an eye on the GBSD event listings - new dips are being added all the time. Mildenhall Swimming Club in Suffolk have just added a second on 28th August and Shap Lido have added another swim on 7th September, Wigton’s first swim this weekend, will be followed with a second one in September. A dip at Arundel pool in Sussex is scheduled for 10th September - details will be added as soon as we get them.

Events are also coming up in Northern Ireland, Essex and Guernsey too. The latter was featured in local media - and someone event wrote and performed a song in support of it!

From mental health and body positivity to just feeling the rush of being alive, there are many health benefits to being naked. But if you need another reason to skinny dip, why not do it for a great cause? The Great British Skinny Dip supports the nation's largest heart charity, the British Heart Foundation, and we encourage participants to raise vital funds to power the nation’s heartbeats.

Check out the swims happening soon:
August 14:
Wigton
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM BST
Wigton Pool Stony Banks Wigton England CA7
August 15:
Lenches Lakes Great British Skinny Dip
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM BST
£9
Lenches Lake Evesham Rd Evesham England WR11 4UB
August 22:
Marbury Pool at Marbury Country Park in Cheshire 
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM BST
£9 members and £12 non BN members
Marbury Country Park, Comberbach, Cheshire CW9 6AT

How to get involved!

- Check out the calendar of skinny dips - to see where you can go...

- Read inspiring stories and keep up with Great British Skinny Dip news on our Blog page!

- Find a venue! Do you operate one? Do know of one near you? Come and tell us - or organise your own skinny dip!

- Show your support! There are plenty of downloads available.

- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - just click on the links below.
Jen writes about the recent BN wine tasting trip to Hanwell Vineyard, near Melton Mowbray
When you’re thinking about buying wine, what’s your go to region/country? France? New Zealand? I have to admit, I’m partial to a glass or two and there are certain things I look out for on a bottle. At Uni my friend and I would buy wine based on the story on the label but I like to think that over the past twenty years I’ve moved on from there.
So anyway, when my sister spotted a wine tasting event on the BN website I was all set to go before she finished reading the details out. Then she told me it was near Melton Mowbray, England. Yes I’m aware I was probably not going to get a trip to Australia out of it but the Midlands, England?
First impressions were pretty good. An attractive location and the courtyard and facilities were well presented and obviously well cared for. We chose where to sit and were asked to return to the same seats after the vineyard tour for Covid safety. The lady leading the experience then introduced herself and told us a bit about their history. Her father became interested in wine production when they moved into a new house with some old grape vines which he started experimenting with. From there he embarked on a lifelong passion for viticulture, starting with taking over the front garden with a multitude of vines where he tested and tested and tested and experimented and tested, to find the optimum soil and growing treatment for growing grapes in the Midlands. Afterwards, they moved to a new home where they were able to plant an actual vineyard. Helenka was brought up running through these vines and when she later grew up, married and had children of her own, she knew that she wanted that same outdoor lifestyle for them. After a long period of research, using her father's ever growing knowledge and understanding of what was required for wine making, she and her husband found a suitable site and after several issues (buying a repossessed home throws up even more rules and regulations than a standard property and there was an ongoing problem with theft with it being rural), they finally moved in and planted their own vineyard. Interestingly they tested the soil at this point and found that out of all the requirements they were looking for, all the nutrients were spot on apart from phosphate which was slightly low but which could be correctly easily with (organic) fertilizer!
Helenka and her husband named the site ‘Hanwell’ after their two children, Hannah and William (three letters each!) and as we moved from the courtyard to the vineyard the sun came out, enabling me to shed the wrap I had been grateful for during the previous twenty minutes. Sitting with the sun beating down listening to how the three grape varieties (pinot noir, pinot meunier,  and chardonnay) were planted in different areas for different reasons and about the cycle of work during the year ,and how they deal with issues such as frost was interesting.
Helenka was extremely knowledgeable and also extremely personable – as a tour guide, I’d say you’d have to look a long way to find as engaging a speaker. Even as someone with a short attention span who is easily distracted, I couldn’t stop listening. We were then invited to walk around the vineyard and look at the wildlife areas including the rickety bridge over the pond which we were advised against, but not told not to, walk on. Advised is different to told so we got some good pics on there. Along with our new friends we met en route, Jamie and Caroline (lovely people we got chatting to that we’re looking forward to meeting up with again), we then looked for the fan which blows the frost away and we found a hole with a pipe that we think was it. I suggested crawling up the pipe to check but nobody was very keen on that so we decided to accept it without proof.
We then headed back to the courtyard for the tasting. Each person had a tray with a paper pinwheel split into 6 numbered sections and a glass with something in it at the edge of each section. Number 1 was a sparkling wine which myself and my table mates including sister Nic, really enjoyed. Number 2 was another sparkling wine, sweeter and in my opinion, not dissimilar to elderflower wine. I enjoyed it though others were less keen. Number 3 was a rose which Nics really enjoyed (she bought a bottle afterwards) but was less of a favourite with me as to me it tasted like a cider which I’m less keen on. Number 4 was a white which I enjoyed but number 1 was still top at that point. Then came number 5 – the one I was looking forward to and the one that blew the rest out of the water - mead. Mead is honey wine and although it’s mega sweet and generally speaking I prefer dry wine, mead is the exception. It was beautiful. I bought two bottles afterwards and I wish I could have bought a dozen. Number 6 was a cherry wine which I also enjoyed although I think I would have had more time for if I wasn’t still waxing lyrical about the mead.
All in all. You actually can get really good wine from the Midlands, England. Who’d ‘ave thought?! 
Thanks to everyone reading this who is one of the stunning number of new members who have joined us since January - that's more than 800 of you! We had an outstanding year for new members in 2020 (as seen on TV ... radio ... print ... worldwide (and it's still being talked about)) and 2021 has been the same. We now have the highest total membership for eight years.

If you've been thinking of joining us and becoming part of this vibrant, active, welcoming, non-judgemental, fun-loving community, perhaps now's the time. It costs less than £4 a month. Find out about the benefits and come on board!
It's a shame still to see larger-than-desired numbers of BN members not renewing, though that usually happens at holiday time! If you know people in that category, please try and persuade them to renew. We are stronger and more able, with greater resources to work on behalf of the whole community the larger our membership. A couple of useful resources to help you are:
The goodtimes.bn.org.uk website, and our 2021 Guide for which there are both hard copies that you can order and hand out and a link to broadcast https://shop.bn.org.uk/products/your-guide-to-naturism-in-2021
 
Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash
Recent sightings of groups of naked men taking a walk in Sherwood Forest – and a report of someone exposing himself to a passing woman cyclist – have sparked news items in the Times, Daily Mail and other publications and on BBC Radio Nottingham. More worryingly, there is now a petition via Change.org asking the RSPB and Nottinghamshire County Council to “stop promoting nudity at Sherwood Forest.”
According to the petitioner, nudists can be seen “every day, in good weather,” and that the police have told them that “it is an offence if we find it offensive, which we do.” Moreover, the petitioner claims that the RSPB, rather than “discouraging this minority,” has made it clear in the national press and on signs in the forest that “nudists are welcome so long as they wear clothes when leaving and returning to their cars.”
Let’s look at the facts.
Under the law of England and Wales, naturism and public nudity are not criminal offences. Anyone simply removing their clothes to feel the sun and breeze on their skin is acting within the law. Nudity is legal in a much wider set of circumstances than is sometimes assumed and according to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Guidance on Nudity in Public of September 2013 to the Crown Prosecution Service, a balance must be struck between the Naturist’s right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to protection from harassment, alarm and distress. In practice, however, no case brought against a Naturist exercising their Naturism has been prosecuted since 2012.
As for the man in the bushes - the law distinguishes between Naturists and people engaged in activities involving sexual content and intent to cause alarm or distress. Anyone behaving like that is not a Naturist, so please don’t tar us with the same brush. We’re extremely happy to work with anyone who wants to stamp out such behaviour.
Far from being the menace alleged by the petitioner, Naturism is exhilarating, life-affirming and fun. We are a non-judgmental community whose members simply want to enjoy the same wide variety of activities non-naturists do. Those apparently harmful and dangerous naked men in the woods are, first, smaller in number than reports suggest and, second, literally only doing what other walkers are, albeit with a different (and better) dress code.
 
Despite the weather, our live events have been extremely popular and so the good news is there are more to come! This weekend enjoy a visit to Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh and our Eastern region beach day at Corton, Suffolk.

Our Windermere Woodland weekend (pictured) - sorely missed last year - goes ahead 13 -15 August and you'll find a weekend full of World Naked Bike Rides next weekend with Manchester, London and Brighton, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

That's a busy weekend for skinny dips too - some of them hosted for a good cause with the Great British Skinny Dip in Wigton, Cumbria, a first-ever costume-free event at Lenches Lake, Worcestershire and a swim at Letchworth Outdoor Pool, Hertfordshire. We've also announced a second dip at Marbury Pool, Cheshire.

Don't forget to keep looking ahead and making sure you book early! There's been a change of date to our Bournemouth Pier boat cruise in late August and we've managed to increase the capacity for the Secret Nuclear Bunker visit in early September.

There are plenty of other places to go and enjoy the exhilaration of clothes-free recreation amongst like-minded people. Check out our club and swim listings and our dedicated website for British Naturism Sunfolk, where we have some availability over the next couple of weeks...


Q. How do I find out more about these and other superb events I can attend this summer?
A. Easy! Check out 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
Naturism is all about getting an all over tan. Isn't it?
Naturism is about health and well-being, being active and enjoying the great outdoors. Isn't it?
We think we do pretty well with our events providing something for everyone, whether they wish to take a breather from life, stretch out in the sun and enjoy relaxing times with friends, old and new, or whether they want to be on the go joining fitness sessions, participating in craft classes, singing and dancing and eagerly scanning the event programme to see what's on next.
Next Monday (9th August), being the second Monday of the month, we'll be hosting our monthly debate session and we want your opinion about what you prefer. It may be a mix of the two and you may have suggestions on how we can better achieve it.
Come join in a fun and sociable discussion, with breakout rooms.
Register your place now...
Here we are at the beginning of August, with several successful Great British Skinny Dips under our belts. Despite the uncertainties of the past year, the swims have taken off!
With interest in the event growing, several venues have held or are hosting their first GBSD this year. Marbury, which had never hosted a dip before, has already had one and has scheduled a second for later this month. Lenches Lakes is a new venue. Wigton’s first swim this month, will be followed with a second one in September.
If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to sign up for a skinny dip (or two!). Whether you’re a seasoned skinny dipper or a nudie-newbie, we invite you to experience the freedom of swimming without trunks and bikinis.
From mental health and body positivity to just feeling the rush of being alive, there are many health benefits to being naked. But if you need another reason to skinny dip, why not do it for a great cause? The Great British Skinny Dip supports the nation's largest heart charity, the British Heart Foundation, and we encourage participants to raise vital funds to power the nation’s heartbeats.
 
Check out these forthcoming swims:
August 7:
Spectrum Naturist Swim, West Midlands
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM BST
£5
Morris Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham England B15 2TH
August 14:
Wigton
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM BST
Wigton Pool Stony Banks Wigton England CA7
August 15:
Lenches Lakes Great British Skinny Dip
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM BST
£9
Lenches Lake Evesham Rd Evesham England WR11 4UB
 
For more information on the GBSD, British Heart Foundation and all dip visit: greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
 
Dugie Eyton-Hughes
This weekend we say 'good luck' to the 50 people going to the first major national gathering in Northern Ireland. Guests will be arriving from both Northern Ireland and the Republic. Wine lovers will enjoy a treat at the Hanwell Estate Wine Tour this Sunday and also this weekend we are trialling a Naked Fitness weekend at British Naturism Sunfolk with a mix of yoga, fitness and meditation.
There's a profusion of garden days coming up in early August, with another clothes-optional day at Abbey House Gardens, Wiltshire on Sunday 1st, High Beeches, West Sussex on Wednesday 4th, Adlington Gardens, Cheshire on Thursday 5th, and Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh (pictured) on Saturday 7th. You'll also find our Eastern region beach day at Corton, Suffolk also on Saturday 7th.
...and get naked for a good cause at two Great British Skinny Dips in Suffolk and Birmingham this weekend and next...
 
Q. How do I find out more about these and other superb events I can attend this summer?
A. Easy! Check out 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 - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
We're excited to welcome back a guest who we thoroughly enjoyed meeting first time round - Laurent Luft. He was an excellent and informative guest when he first appeared on the Forum Live last year and talked about his role as president of the Association des Naturistes de Paris (ANP) and in charge of international relations for the FFN (Fédération Française de Naturisme), but now there are two additional reasons to want to hear what he has to say. 
Firstly, we'll learn more about the FFN's #stopbodyshaming campaign AND hear about his recent appointment, tasks and plans as the INF's European Assessor.
You won't want to miss it ... Reserve your place now!
 
Our friends at the French equivalent of British Naturism, Federation Français de Naturism (FFN) have launched a new campaign - #stopbodyshaming.
We asked the FFN’s Eric Stafanu to tells us all about it...
 
BN: Can you give us an overview of the campaign?
FFN: The main activity is a social media campaign with posters and photos talking about the diversity of bodies, acceptance of them and to advocate for nudity. We want to show that people should not be ashamed of their bodies and their nudity. A photo exhibition will be hosted throughout 2021 and 2022 by naturist clubs and associations in France, but also in venues outside Naturism for the enjoyment and education of the general public. Finally, a press day will be organised in Paris as soon as the health situation allows.
 
BN: What prompted you to launch the campaign?
FFN: In the media, there is a rising wave of women's groups protesting against "body shaming" or reading the smear campaigns against actresses who have put on weight or are thinner on social networks. When the world raves about the fact that a large luxury brand shows a model size 40 (Size 7 in the UK) when the average size of French people is much higher, we can say that some institutions are disconnected from the realities and impose unattainable standards for normal people. This leads to frustration and negative psychological outcomes such as anorexia or bulimia.
So who better than naturists to talk about ‘body-positivity’! we've been practicing it for decades! There is no judgment others in our community. In fact, there is acceptance, benevolence, acknowledgement that we are all different. We felt it was time to show these values o the general public. What better way to do it than to show naked women and men without artifice, to illustrate on the diversity of the human body?
 
BN: What results are you hoping for?
Our aim is to generate a national, social debate on the acceptance of the human body, non-judgment of a person’s physique, the freedom of the body in the face of social, religious or fashion requirements  and also to show that simple nudity is beneficial for society. Let the journalists pick up on these themes, let the newspapers disseminate the photos and testimonies. I hope people will realise that being a naturist isn't just about sunbathing naked by the sea, but that there are important values that go with it.
 



 
This weekend, British Naturism is pleased to host the opening of The Gibberd Garden in Harlow. Wine lovers will enjoy the Hanwell Estate Wine Tour on Sunday 1st August. There's also another clothes-optional day at Abbey House Gardensthat day too and we're trialling a Naked Fitness weekend at British Naturism Sunfolk with a mix of yoga, fitness and meditation - spaces are limited. Let's hope the weather holds!
The Great British Skinny Dip summer is well under way with events at Marbury Country Park on 27th July and Bury St Edmonds Leisure Centre on 31st July.  
Our GBSD events attract wonderful publicity for Naturism, you may have read the fabulous coverage after the Morfa Dyffryn dip last weekend in the Daily Mirror.
British Naturism members can find more media links on the Members' Forum (log in required)
And an update - The Gathering has a changed venue to Waverley Castle, south of Edinburgh. The dates and price remain the same.  The hotel in set in lovely grounds on the edge of the town and is approx half mile from Tweedbank station with trains from Edinburgh .All those who have already booked will hear from us with an update soon.

Q. How do I find out more about these and other superb events I can attend this summer?
A. Easy! Check out 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 - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
Located at Marbury Country Park, Comberbach, Cheshire, Marbury open air pool announces a Great British Skinny Dip and BBQ on 27th July 2021.
Naturism is increasing in popularity in the UK with more and more people gaining the health and well-being benefits that come with a clothes-free lifestyle. And one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the life-affirming feeling of being naked is swimming.
This summer hundreds of people across the UK have been skinny dipping to raise money for British Heart Foundation. They will improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing, body confidence and reduce their stress. They’ll also have great fun!
Marbury open air pool is hosting a skinny dip as part of the Great British Skinny Dip on Tuesday 27th July from 7.15pm-9.15pm BST. The pool is set in the grounds of Marbury Country Park. A gas BBQ is available if you bring your own food. There is also a tuck-shop serving ice creams, cold drinks, slushies and bean-to-cup coffee.
The open-air pool was built in the 1930s for the members of Marbury Hall Country Club, was then used for many years by ICI employees, and is now run by Marbury Park Swimming Club.
Marbury Country Park lies in the heart of Northwich Community Woodlands, an integral part of the Mersey Forest. Former industrial land is gradually being transformed to create a rich and green environment stretching from Marbury to Northwich.
 
Gavin Ball from Marbury Park Swimming Club said:
'We’re delighted to host an event under the banner of the Great British Skinny Dip and show that there are no barriers to who can make use of our wonderful venue. The health and well-being benefits of swimming outdoors are well-known and we’re pleased to be able to encourage dippers to raise money for British Heart Foundation.'
 
Ron O’Hare from British Naturism said:
'More and more venues are seeing the commercial value in hosting events for the growing number of people who want to swim without a costume. We’re really looking forward to our skinny dip at Marbury Park - and hope that it’s the first of many!
 
To reserve your place, find out more about the event, the fundraising and the Great British Skinny Dip generally please visit the Great British Skinny Dip website calendar.
 
Media attendance is possible, with advance notice. Please contact us as below to make arrangements.
 
Contacts:
Marbury Park Swimming Club: marburypool@gmail.com
 
British Naturism: Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk 
 
For more information on Naturism in the UK and the activities of national organisation British Naturism, please visit:
bn.org.uk 
https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/
events.bn.org.uk
goodtimes.bn.org.uk
And have a look at our Guide to Naturism in 2021
 
It’s not every day the streets of London are full of naked cyclists - but it is once a year when the World Naked Bike Ride protest comes to town. This environmental campaign has been riding since 2004 and sees thousands of participants in cities around the world.
The London ride regularly attracts over 1,000 riders, but that’s small compared with Portland in the USA where they sometimes get over 10,000. According to the WNBR global wiki, there are over 200 cities in 35 countries that have had WNBR campaigns. There are 33 locations listed in the UK, although not all are currently riding. Typically, there are around 15 UK rides each year, so, if you don’t fancy the bustle of London, how about a pleasant ride around Brighton with a cruise along the seafront, ending with a dip in the sea at the naturist beach. Or try a tour of other great cities like Cardiff, Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and many more.
We're delighted to welcome organisers from the London and Brighton rides and will find out more about the history of the rides, what it takes to put them on - and what to expect in 2021!
Reserve your place now!
 
The British Naturism/Great British Skinny Dip deities picked a crackin’ day for the North West Great British Skinny Dip on July 17:  Hot, sunny, gentle breeze, and the beautiful white sands of Morfa Dyffryn naturist beach near Barmouth, writes BN member, Dugie Eyton-Hughes.
My partner and I had been to this beach before but this was our first BN skinny dip there. In fact, it was our first BN skinny dip…
We arrived around 11 a.m. There were quite a few people already baking in the sun, so we set up the little tent and joined them. It was encouraging to see so many women on the beach.
The tide was out, and the shallow water was bathtub-warm in places and refreshingly icy in others.
Around 2pm, people started gathering, and at a signal from organizer John, around 30 of us dashed into the water. There’s something so companionable about floating around naked in the water and chatting
But the star of the show was the giant pink inflatable flamingo. It went into the sea with us and became a sort of mascot. Here it is with Alex and Cath from Manchester, and David from  North Wales. Hope it had as much fun at the GBSD as we did!

Summer seems to have finally arrived, with the sun making a more sustained appearance and temperatures heading upward.
Perfect weather for skinny-dipping while you support British Naturism’s Great British Skinny Dip and our chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation!
Happily, there are several opportunities for getting naked in the next few days.
 
Today, Tuesday, July 13:
Shap Lido - 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Gayle Ave, Shap Penrith, England CA 10 3NS)
 
Saturday, July 17:
The Sunfolk Skinny Dip - 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (British Naturism Sunfolk Hazel Rd Park Street St Albans England AL2 2AJ)
Beacon Tarn Naked Walk and Dip 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Beacon Tarn, Lake District Brown Howe Ulverston England LA12 8DW)
Kerensa Cottage, Somerset - 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Kerensa Cottage Chiselborough Stoke-sub-Hamdon England TA14 6TL)
Morfa Dyffryn - 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Morfa Dyffryn Beach Dyffryn Ardudwy Wales LL44 2HD)
Normans Bay Naturist Beach - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Normans Bay Naturist Beach Normans Bay Pevensey England BN24 6PR
St Anne’s Beach Lancashire - 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (St Anne’s Beach Clifton Dr N Lytham Saint Annes England FY8)
 
Check out these and all the dips on the Great British Skinny Dip website!
 
G'day! It's great to announce that next week's guest (19th July) on the Forum Live will be Mick Davie, President of the Australian Naturist Federation (ANF)
Mick joined the ANF only two years ago because he saw a need and rather than just sitting back and complaining he put his hat in the ring to lend a hand.
Mick's background is in road transport, and has had the privilege of driving trucks of all sizes including road trains around the great country of Australia for the past 30 years. Back in 2010 he saw Spencer Tunick photograph hundreds of people, and having his own body image issue, looked further into social nudity and subsequently he and his wife embraced the Naturist lifestyle together.
I'll be talking to Mick about that journey and about ANF, it's history and the current status, as well as perceptions of the nude body down under. We'll also look at holiday options - because we'll be able to travel there, sometime, won't we?
Register your place as soon as you can!
 

 
Sadly, it’s the last full day today, but we’re not finished with having fun just yet, and the sun is shining as we wake up to help make it memorable. Guests will choose from (or try to do all) of morning jog, group dog walk, meditation, yoga, morning worship, pétanque, volleyball, molkky, workshops in willow crafting and hula-hooping, live music from Top Hat and Heels, and the Craving, with the big screen beaming live from Wembley. Our massage team are as busy today as they have been all week, The Magic Teapot, staffed by happy naked people (pictured), will serve tea and singing, the wood-fired sauna in a van in a field (also staffed by happy naked people) is available and our catering vans will maintain the flow of great food and drink including fresh coffee (which, too, is served by happy naked people - there’s a lot of them about.)
It’s been a blast - terrific to finally get out and be able to do something again, and to meet old friends and make new ones. It’s a cliché to say that it’s the people that make it, but like most clichés, it’s true. The community spirit and camaraderie has been tangible, as has the euphoria of spending time, dressed as nature intended, with like minded-people. As with all successful events, we’re leaving but eagerly anticipating the next one already.

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