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World Naked Hiking Day

Today we celebrate Naked Hiking Day, an annual event that sees thousands of Naturists around the globe head into the countryside to walk with friends.
Keen hiker, Pam, who recently completed the Yorkshire three peaks challenge in under eight hours, had to celebrate a day early due to work commitments:
“Walking nude boosts your self confidence and mental health because it is very free and natural. Most of the women I know outside of naturism worry constantly what their bodies look like, but walking nude shows you it doesn’t matter.”
This year there has been a surge in people walking naked for charity. Yesterday alone, events organised by British Naturism raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation, meaning that people have been able to help the physical health of others while supporting their own mental health.

Morecambe Bay's first ever naked walk for the British Heart Foundation

On the 20th June, 87 Naturists gathered on Morecambe promenade for the first naked hike across Morecambe bay.  Most of the walkers were seasoned Naturists, looking to get some exercise with friends, but 20 of the participants were sampling social nudity for the first time and had a day to remember.
This was not just a fun day out; proceeds were in aid of the British Heart Foundation, with £1,800 raised from the walk.  After a couple of years that have seen major charities in crisis because COVID-19 has halted so many fundraising activities, it is essential that we all chip in where we can, and British Naturism is pleased to do its part.
Although the walk went off without a hitch, thanks to the efforts of our events organisers, the build-up to the walk was not all plain sailing as there were several attempts by vigilantes to get the fundraiser stopped.  Sadly, it is all too common these days for bad actors to target minority groups, without regard for the pain that they cause individuals or in this case the damage that they do to charities that benefit us all.  British Naturism is proud to stand up to hatred, work alongside key charities such as The British Heart Foundation, and have a tremendous amount of fun while doing so.
Like many of our events, the walk was picked up by much of the local media and we were joined on the day by a news crew from ITV, who came to document this first for Morecambe Bay.
https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2021-06-20/morecambe-bays-first-ever-naked-walk-for-the-british-heart-foundation?
If this inspires you to try Naturism and, more importantly, raise money for charity by trying Naturism we have lots of opportunities planned throughout the summer around the country.
Hopefully we will see you at the next one.

The Great British Skinny Dip Launches for 2021 !

This summer, thousands of people across the UK will be skinny dipping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and experiencing the exhilaration of being naked. They’ll improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing, gain body confidence and reduce stress. They’ll also have great fun! 
On the website you’ll find loads of information about the GBSD, British Naturism and BHF, along with helpful FAQs. There’s an events calendar with a searchable list of all dips open to the public and a map of the country showing all the dips.
Don’t miss the blog, where we’ll post announcements of new venues and links to inspiring stories to help you feel good about getting involved. We’ll also talk about fundraising, and the work of our chosen charity.
The Downloads page provides everything you need for the GBSD. There’s a fundraising kit, a skinny dip poster template, and risk assessment forms for event-hosters. There are images for pimping up your Facebook page.
What will make the GBSD a fantastic success is having lots of events around the country. 
So we’re looking for people who have available venues. That means you, leisure centre managers, Naturist club members, swimmers, and anyone else with access to a body of water suitable for dipping.
We also need people who want to organise events but don’t have venues.
On the “Host a Dip” page on the website you’ll find everything you need for registering and hosting an event or for finding an appropriate venue. We’ve included information to help you deal with potential concerns from venues.
So jump in! Be a host, take part in an event, raise money for BHF. The only thing you’ve got to lose is your clothes.
greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

Live events - happening soon...

If you're keen to get out and enjoy the sunshine as nature intended, there's plenty of opportunity over the next few weeks with Covid-secure events hosted by a variety of people and groups around the country.
Keep an eye on both of our event listings sites for more!    events.bn.org.uk     bn.org.uk/calendar
17th June - Walk with Naturist Ramblers, Arundel, West Sussex
20th June - Guided walk across Morecambe Bay, Lancashire/Cumbria
20th June - a visit to Fullers Mill Gardens, Suffolk
21st June - Naturist Walk, nr Aylesbury
22nd June - Walk with Naturist Ramblers, Ashdown Forest
23rd June - a visit to Dorothy Clive Garden, Shropshire
25th June - Walk with Stark Trekkers, Hastings
27th June - a trip to the Big Bear Cider Tour, Essex 

Sunburnt - The game with no tan lines !

Have you ever seen a card game which showed off the true diversity of humankind in its natural form?
A party game that you could play with people and show them the diversity of the nude form?
A party game so easy your kids could join in and learn to accept the nude form, encouraging positive body images as they grow up?
That's what TJ, one of the founders of Table Candle, the makers of this card game told BN magazine when we asked him about it. He also told us that the ground-breaking move of showing full nudity caused some problems. “Our first printer refused to print it. The second agreed but at a prohibitive cost. Our third printer, The Game Crafter, is a great company that does not believe in censorship as long as you are playing within the rules. We expect as it becomes more popular we might get hit, but the Candle's flame can never be blown out forever. As long as we have a wick and wax, we will burn bright.” Quite.
Sunburnt is based on a Victorian card game called “Uninvited Guest” and the idea is to pair up the pictures on the cards by taking a card from your opponents' hand and trying to pair it with one of the cards in your own. The nude pictures on the cards were drawn by a member of the Marvel Comics team, Iolanda Zanfardino.
One review of the game said “This is the most body positive and inclusive game I've ever played/ owned. The art is amazing and I'll be proud to play this with my family and friends. Thank you for creating such a wonderfully inclusive game that champions the beauty and uniqueness of the bodies we all own!”
thegamecrafter.com/games/ sunburnt



It is perfectly legal to be naked in your garden

As an apparently sultry weekend beckons, here's some things you might like to know if you are eager to throw off those hot, uncomfortable, unnecessary clothes (bathing costumes included) and enjoy the great weather!
During heatwave, we’ve seen the question posed across the media and it’s a bit annoying to Naturists that there is even a suggestion that it might not be.
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. Let’s face it, in this Mrs Grundy society, they’d be inundated! 
It follows that nudity is permissible in all public places…and how could 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. The harmful growth in poor body image and almost obsessive focus on appearance as the only measure of a person’s worth is entirely because we’ve suppressed normal bodies so much that no-one knows what normal is anymore and the only indicator of how to be is the airbrushed celebrity. Sadly, the 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. Whilst it’s perfectly legal, Naturists will rarely be nude in very public places, it’s too easily misunderstood, or treated with suspicion, and it only takes one member of the public to make a fuss and the damage is done. 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 so 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 neighbours couldn’t care less. It’s also not uncommon for them to say ‘Great! We do that too!’ Wearing clothes of any description during hot weather can be uncomfortable and stripping down to nothing (whatever your mother might say) is sensible and not at all provocative. 
So, go ahead. Strip off. Enjoy the sun and the exhilarating feeling of being naked.
 
Photo credit: James Johnstone 

The Forum Live: Debate: The Great British Skinny Dip

Our monthly Forum Live: Debate session returns next Monday (14 June) and we're devoting it to the launch of the Great British Skinny Dip for summer 2021!
As you can see from the illustration, we've completely rebranded and we're just putting the finishing touches to a new website which will be launched soon. There's a bigger focus this year on venues and participants raising money for our charity of the year, British Heart Foundation.
So, on Monday we'll give you an overview of the project and then, using breakout rooms, hear your views on how you plan to get involved - to raise the profile, to secure as many venues as possible - Naturist clubs and swims included - to invite people you know to give it a try, and to raise money for such a good cause.
Reserve your place now...
 

Skinny Dip at Peterborough Lido this Saturday!

We're crossing our fingers for super weather as our summer season gets under way with the opportunity for a costume-free swim at Peterborough Lido this weekend. 
More and more people are discovering the joy of clothes-free recreation and the boost it gives to self-confidence, body image and mental health. It's also a lot of fun!
Covid-willing, there are plenty of British Naturism events to look forward to this summer in the UK. Choose from festivals and camping, hotel breaks, and Naturist walks, including across Morecambe Bay, in the Highlands of Scotland and the Naked Heart Walk for our charity of the year British Heart Foundation at Painshill Park in Surrey.
Days out where you can leave your clothes behind, include a variety of gardens - Alnwick, Gibberd, Fullers Mill, Jupiter Artland and Dorothy Clive, plus trips to a nuclear bunker, a cider farm and a vineyard.
Details on all of these and information about booking can be found on our dedicated events website.

The Forum Live - Ask the Executive - a Q&A session

Regular readers will know that once a quarter, we hold a Forum Live event for members to meet and ask questions of British Naturism's Executive Committee. The next session will take place in two weeks time, on the 21st June 2021 at 7:30pm. 
The event is open to all British Naturism members and is expected to last an hour. Questions for the Directors and Executive Committee members on any relevant subject will be welcome. To help us manage the session and to provide the best possible answers we would welcome questions in advance, and we will take these first. Subject to time constraints we will take questions on the night as well.
If you have a question, please send it to headoffice@bn.org.uk
Book your place now...
 
Photo by Marius Oprea on Unsplash
 

BN228 - Summer 2021

The Summer 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
To Harrogate … and beyond! British Naturism hits the headlines again…
The Great British Skinny Dip - relaunching for 2021
Dynamic Dunescapes - save the sand dunes! A new project for us all to get behind.
Western Sunfolk - 86 years young!
From Scrubland to state-of-the-art Naturist Club - Heritage Club celebrates its 80th Anniversary
Maz - our new Equality and Diversity officer
In travel, we cover resorts and beaches in Mexico and Spain and bring you a BIG feature on great places for Naturists in the UK.
BN228 will soon be landing on the doormats of those who opt to receive it by post. Members of British Naturism can download the digital version now! You can also find an index of articles and features from previous issues.
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 Forum Live - Your Guide to Naked Walking

In next Monday's (7th June) The Forum Live, we throw the spotlight on naked walking. 
It's a growth area, with the number of organised walks and walkers increasing in recent years. We'd obviously like to see more and so we encourage you to attend and find out how to volunteer to be an official BN walk leader, or host an event - and what to expect if you join one - and especially how to deal with 'close encounters'.
We'll cover the legal situation and hear from regular naked walkers about their experiences. There will be plenty of time for questions from the audience.
Reserve your place now!

Guide to Naturism - now available to order!

Our Guide to Naturism for 2021, is now available to order.  it is a comprehensive booklet that contains everything anyone needs to know about Naturism, whether they are new to it, or need to be reminded what an active scene there is! It’s a great publication for showing non-Naturists what we’re all about, especially when it comes to the people in charge of venues and other locations we’d like to hire - perhaps for a Great British Skinny Dip. 
They are free. You can order them from the BN shop. It is also available in an online version with a link that you can send to everyone you know!
Help us spread the word!
 

Certificates of Merit - nominations open!

At last year’s AGM the Executive Committee announced that it would welcome nominations from members for Certificates of Merit - an award which recognises exceptional service to Naturism.  
Read about last year's winners
If you'd like to nominate someone please complete the nomination form on the Forum (log in required) where you will also find more information and guidance.
To enable any certificates to be awarded at the AGM we are asking for nominations by 30 June.
 
Photo credit : Giorgio-Trovato, Unsplash

Volunteers' Week - 1 - 7 June

A time to say thanks!
Volunteers’ Week takes place from the 1 – 7 June every year.  It's an opportunity to recognise, thank and celebrate the contribution volunteers make across the UK.
This year, Volunteers Week is taking place during the #MonthOfCommunity, which is about creating a focal point in the year to encourage us all to think about and join in with a wide variety of activity happening in our communities. It’s a time to connect with others, give back, say thank you and shine a light on the amazing communities we live in. Our community spirit will become stronger and we will all feel the benefits.
So I thought I’d take this opportunity to say a BIG thank you to everyone within British Naturism who has volunteered during the last year; giving their time, skills, knowledge and energy to helping others, their communities or the environment. 
Given the important contribution volunteers make to the success of British Naturism, I’d like to give a special thank you to everyone who has volunteered within BN, including those volunteers who have had to stop their volunteering for the moment because of the need to self-isolate or shield themselves or because the Naturist events or clubs you are involved in have not been able to go ahead because of COVID-19.
So please join me with a glass of wine (or something else) and a large slice of cake to say a BIG “Thank you” to all our volunteers for the amazing things they do within British Naturism!
Our volunteers make amazing things happen!  They plan, organise, support and deliver opportunities for people to engage in a wide range of activities from naked dining, naturist walks, swims and skinny dips to garden visits and local naturist clubs.  Our volunteers also do a great deal to ensure that the practice and benefits of naturism are widely understood and accepted, through campaigns, legal guides, marketing and public relations.
Volunteers’ Week is also an opportunity to highlight the benefits of volunteering for both the volunteer and the people they support.  So why volunteer?  There are many reasons why you might want to volunteer – here are just a few!
•    Meet new people/socialise with others
•    Gain self-confidence
•    Do something useful/keep busy
•    Support a cause you care about
•    Get more involved in naturism
•    Build a sense of community
•    Enable others to experience naturism
•    Help others
•    Feel valued
•    Use and share your skills or knowledge
•    Learn new skills or brush up on existing skills
•    Gain experience for work/career
•    Get fit and stay active
•    Do something different
•    Work with others in a team
•    Make a difference
•    Give something back
•    Have fun!
Whatever your reasons, we can help you find the opportunity that’s right for you.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a one-off volunteering opportunity or a regular role, or what your skills and experience are; British Naturism has opportunities across the UK, in your region or at a local club where your help is needed.  There are lots of things to choose from.  You’ll be amazed at what you can do!
Through the British Naturism website and forum you can browse, search, enquire and apply for roles and assignments on our volunteering opportunities database or have a confidential and informal chat helping you to:
•    explore your interests and motivations for volunteering
•    search and select information from our volunteering opportunities database
•    match your skills, interests, experience and availability with the opportunities that best suit you
•    make a volunteer application
 
John Gelder
Volunteering Officer
 

Are you looking for places to go in the UK this Summer? We've got you (Un)covered...

With the uncertainty surrounding the possibilities for International Travel this summer, we thought it would be a neat idea to showcase Naturist places in the UK.
We contacted all Naturist clubs and some other venues and offered them a free listing on the basis that they must be open to anyone who wishes to stay/visit. That is not to say that you will necessarily be able just to turn up, so please book in advance.
The full item with some trip reports is featured in the next issue of BN Magazine, but here's a download of the UK places featured...
uk-placestogo_compressed.pdf
 
Happy holidays!
 
Image - thanks to Heritage Club

New items in the BN shop!

We’ve continued to see lots of interest in the products available in the new BN shop. Thanks to everyone who has placed an order - we hope that you are all enjoying your purchases – we’re certainly looking forward to seeing BN t-shirts, hats, and hoodies out and about over the summer!
It has been great to get your feedback and suggestions on different products and designs that you would like to see – and we’ve started to expand the range based on this. There are new designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs AND some entirely new products…
We’ve introduced new items of clothing (for the times when clothing is required!) including standard sweatshirts and beanie hats (ready for the winter – or the British summer). We’ve also added enamel mugs for camping and insulated travel mugs if you’re on the move. We have also added a few more products for the home, including mousemats, aprons and doormats letting visitors know that ‘Naturists may be seen beyond this point’! See all the new items here!
But we won’t be stopping there. We have more work to do to source the final additions to the shop range over the summer. These will include the welcome return of the best-selling BN towels and well as flags in different sizes to show your support from tents, boats, caravans and maybe even flagpoles.
New car stickers, wrist bands, key-rings and lapel badges will also be available online soon
As we hope to move out of lockdown for good and return to more normal social lives, we’ll also be making a range of products available for purchase directly at our larger national events like Nudefest and NKD and at Sunfolk
Don’t forget that you can also donate to the BN legal fund and to our partner charity, the British Heart Foundation, via the shop. We’ve raised hundreds of pounds in the last six months for these good causes and would like to thank everyone for their generosity
BN members get 15% all merchandise orders from the shop but will need to create shop accounts to access the discount. Simple instructions to help members do this are available on the shop and main BN website, and the shop team and are always available to answer questions at shop@bn.org.uk
Happy Shopping!

The Forum Live - marketing for Naturism

In next Monday's (24 May) Forum Live, we turn the spotlight on our own organisation once again and look at our marketing.
It's a big area and there is plenty to do. We actually have two marketing responsibilities - firstly, making sure that British Naturism is the best, most attractive organisation it can be so as to - amongst other things - recruit and retain members, and secondly, marketing Naturism itself - busting the myths, helping people to understand what we're all about after decades of taboos and social conditioning, and educating the public about the many positives of a clothes-free lifestyle.
Join me as I give an overview of the tasks, the challenges, the actions we take, the resources and tools we have at our disposal - and find out how YOU can help!
Reserve your place here...
 
 
Photo by Merakist on Unsplash

BN’s new Equality and Diversity officer

We are very pleased to introduce Maz Wallace as our newly-appointed Equality and Diversity officer. As a minority group, Naturists know full well the harm that can be caused by discrimination and British Naturism must work equally hard to treat all other groups with respect. With that in mind, we published our Equality and Diversity policy in January and created a new EC position of Equality and Diversity Officer to recognise the importance of this issue and lead us forward.
Maz’s experience in this field makes them the ideal person for the role. Maz is keen to address how we communicate and conduct ourselves, because most negative behaviour is careless rather than malicious so we can transform how we welcome people by simply taking a little more care. You can look forward to hearing more ideas from Maz in the next magazine, but for now we will leave you with their simple statement, ‘I want to give back to an organisation that has given me so much joy and friendship, and has also contributed to significant personal growth and self-confidence.’
 

The Forum Live - Domaine de la Gagère

I'm delighted to announce that next Monday, 17 May, I will be talking to Tim and Floor, owners and managers of the popular French campsite, Domaine de la Gagère.
In 2017,  Tim and Floor and their children (7 and 11) moved from The Netherlands to France to try out a new life on a naturist campsite. They took a trial year to see what life was like in France. After a trial year to see if they could settle in they decided to stay and started looking for a place of their own. They bought Domaine de la Gagère and took over from April 2019.
Before, Tim worked as a stage manager in theatres all over the world and Floor worked as a knowledge manager in a University for the Arts. It was a big change in lifestyle! Now they run the large campsite in the nude! And are very happy doing so.
They have had two great seasons with lots of guests from around Europe, although most of them come from the Netherlands. They have just started their third season, and are looking forward to it.
Come and hear more about their journey, the campsite and the local area and see a slideshow of pictures.
Reserve your place now...

Online Events Showcase: Friday Yoga

On Friday afternoon Georgia gives you an hour long session of Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga,  a combination of Asanas (yoga postures) and Pranyama (breathing exercises), which help to bring balance and peace to the body and mind. In Vinyasa, the Asanas synchronise to the breath.  You flow through yoga postures, warming the body and allowing you minds to reconnect to your body
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

What did YOU miss most about your club in lockdown?

What a strange year 2020 turned out to be! For us, as a couple, we had a busy year planned. Regular visits to Jersey for toddler antics with our grandson, our niece’s wedding in August, my father-in-law’s 90th birthday in December, Christmas with our grandson for the first time, my retirement and the prospect with that of more time to spend away in our campervan, and at our chalet at Yorkshire Sun Society (YSS), our Naturist Club.
All was going to plan. By March we had enjoyed two visits to Jersey and a skiing trip. In mid-March it was the club AGM where we all tried to make light of this new-fangled ‘social-distancing’ (lots of elbow pumps – who does that any more?) and I somehow found myself elected as Secretary to replace the retiring officer. What a well- timed decision on his part! Before we had a chance to do a handover, 23rd March hit us and Lockdown #1 was implemented.
Taking on a new role on Committee turned out to be a baptism of fire. Our monthly meetings now had to take place on Zoom with the inevitable steep learning curve.
Our only contact with members was via email or text. Just when we would normally be starting the new season, catching up with people we hadn’t seen all winter, we were having to stay away. Having a caravan site licence to lose made us act with caution and we reluctantly made the decision to close our club. As the rules changed during the following months, we had a brief interlude when we were open just to members, with toilet and shower facilities being the only facilities on offer.
In spite of plenty of enthusiasm and small socially distanced gatherings, it was a subdued summer. No pool. No bar. No get-togethers in the clubhouse. No organised events. Many members made the choice to stay away, with the majority of them being in what was classed as the ‘vulnerable’ age group. At least we managed to arrange the tables in the clubhouse to hold a couple of socially distanced committee meetings, before the Rule of Six stopped that.
The Tiers came and then Lockdown #2. No Christmas or New Years Parties. Back to Zoom Committee meetings and with the club so quiet, we reduced the frequency to every two months. And then, Lockdown #3, having had to postpone our AGM to ‘later in the year’ – we hope.
So, with all these depressing thoughts about the impact of the virus, it has made me stop and think about just exactly what it is about the club that I have missed.
Let’s start with the obvious – being naked! My husband and I were late starters to Naturism. Whilst we had dabbled with Naturist beaches on French camping holidays, it wasn’t until we had a summer holiday without our teenage children that we took the plunge and booked a few nights at La Grande Cosse. I remember starting to put the tent up, sweating in our clothes and suddenly laughing when we realised that we no longer needed them on! After that we didn’t look back and enjoyed the entire holiday on Naturist sites.
Once home, well and truly bitten by the Naturist bug, we trawled the internet for clubs in our region, visited only YSS and joined as soon as we could. More on that later. We are part-time Naturists – like many people, our garden offers little privacy, and our Yorkshire blood will not allow us to turn the heating up in the winter just to be able to be naked. Naturism for us is a pastime, rather than a way of life, but we still miss it terribly. For us, being Naturist is about freeing ourselves from the trappings of a material life to be at one with the elements, as well as that indefinable egalitarianism of Naturism. Nothing beats swimming naked, but feeling the warmth of the sun, or of a wood-burning stove on the whole of your skin comes a close second. On my Covid down-days, I close my eyes and recall days at the club. When the sun becomes too much for sunbathing on the decking, a walk around the grounds to catch a breeze in the shade of the trees helps, as does a jump in the pool for some fun with friends. Let’s be positive here – it’s all to look forward to!
Which brings me to the main reason to be in a club - camaraderie. People who have a passion for something often seek out other like-minded people with whom to share their interest. Naturism is an unusual 'pastime', as it is not something you actually do, it is the manner in which you do things. Clubs provide opportunities to do all sorts of activities naked and YSS is a great example of this. Just thinking about being sociable; we have a bar, a clubhouse, decking and sunbathing lawn where we hold all kinds of events – quizzes, games nights, afternoon tea, BYO barbecues, theme nights, a day at the races, discos, parties, skittles nights and ice-free curling (think wooden discs with castors...). In late 2019 a group of members worked hard to redecorate the clubhouse ready for the Christmas and New Year’s parties, and we were all really impressed with the improvement. Our pleasure was short-lived, but it will still be there when we get back to normal.
Camaraderie is often found in sports; we have the usual mini-ten and boules, as well as wonderful woodland walks and a riverside walk with fishing platform. So much do we love our woodland walks that we do a special one on New Year’s Day called the Brass Monkey Run. Competitors set off together to wander anywhere around the grounds and the last one back in for their gluwein and soup is declared the winner. All competitors receive a certificate with their time on, along with the weather conditions, to celebrate their insanity! But the ultimate YSS sporting experience for many of our members are the games of pool volleyball in our covered pool. These are tremendously entertaining with much light-hearted (usually) and noisy (always) rivalry, enthusiasm and humour. Everyone, regardless of ability, is welcomed and encouraged in this popular sport. A pool volleyball session can often ‘seal the deal’ for visitors who are in two minds about whether to join the club.
Real fellowship is also to be found on monthly Work Party days. As is the case for many Naturist clubs, the management and maintenance of the club is down to work done by volunteers. Work parties give members a chance to give some of their time doing whatever they can to help, to either run the club, do the cleaning or maintenance work in the grounds or on buildings, or even build new facilities. Most members thoroughly enjoy these days, commenting on how they help to preserve and nurture the community spirit in the club. Many of the tasks involve teamwork, which creates strong bonds amongst members.
So far, those of you reading this who are members of a club will recognise your own club in the things I have mentioned. However, there is something unique about YSS and that is its grounds. You may have wondered what led us to join YSS without visiting the other (nearer) clubs in our region. Quite simply, it was love at first sight. The 27 acres of woodland create a calming, almost mystical atmosphere. We call it our enchanted forest. The way the light changes as it travels through the foliage, the rustling in the wind, the cooling shade on hot days. The variety of trees and plant life and occasional sightings of deer, foxes and a variety of bird-life including owls and a peacock. The little paths that wind through the trees, giving glimpses of individual sites, dotted amongst the trees. It all adds up create the charm of the setting.
One last thing that we are very proud of at YSS is that, with our 90th birthday fast approaching next year, we are the second oldest Naturist club in the UK. But we are well up to date, with our generous Wi-fi and lovely newly refurbished showers in the pool area.
Yes, we love our club! Which is not to say that we do not acknowledge the individual appeal of other clubs, so you could make your own “can’t-wait-to-get-back-to” list about your own club. Better still, take a look at our website (yorkshiresun.co.uk) and get in touch with us and book a woodland weekend. I guarantee that you will find a friendly welcome and experience a Naturist club like no other.
Sue

Online Events Showcase: Young British Naturism

A weekly online YBN catch up for you if you are aged between 18 and 35 at 8pm on a Thursday evening. Here is a great chance to meet up with others Naturists of your own age, and make new friends.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: Group Fitness

British Naturism’s personal trainer, Roy, puts you through your paces for 40 minutes of Group Fitness at the end of the working day.  If you are not familiar with circuit training, don’t worry, Roy explains each set of exercises and then you are off on 3 rounds designed to re-introduce you to every muscle in your body, with lots of short breaks to grab a drink and catch your breath!   The class is medium to high ability but you are encouraged to work at your own pace, and you will improve if you take the classes regularly.  The only person judging you is yourself.  If you are serious about your exercise, this may be the class for you!
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: Book Club

The Tuesday evening Book Club is led by YBN member Austin Young. Read something you could not put down? Found a subject of a book fascinating? Come and enjoy the opportunity to discuss it all with other members and hear what they have been reading.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

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