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News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism
Ease yourself into Bank Holiday Monday by joining Jooles for GroovX Flow, a low intensity work out that focuses on balance, posture and coordination. Lovely relaxing music carries you through, and by the end of the class you feel stretched and mobile. A wonderful body experience benefitting joints, muscles and your back.
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!)
Sunday morning is your monthly chance to join Women Uncovered for a chat and catch up with other women in Naturism.  Feel free to discuss any topic in a calm and fun safe haven.  Bring your cuppa and be ready to share ideas and interests.
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!)
You do not need to be an artist to try Life Drawing.  BN members Andrew and Gill have attended a number of the Life Drawing sessions. They told us; "we have found these to be enjoyable and fun.   You don't need to have any experience, or even skills in art.   There is guidance and support from the two excellent tutors and the session is mostly hands on.   It involves a number of breakout rooms where we take it in turns to draw other participants.  So there is also an opportunity to be a model, which is a new experience and at the end you can see how others have made you into work of art!” “Go on, give it a try, you won't regret it!” Live Drawing is on Saturday at 1pm.
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!)
 
Not just one guest, nor two, but a whole panel! Our guests on The Forum Live next Monday (3rd May) will be the instructors of the British Naturism Naked Fitness classes. We'll be asking them to tell us about their classes and about themselves ... we'll also be showing a short clip of each class so that you know what to expect if you've been thinking about giving them a try...
British Naturism's online events have been a huge success and people all around the world have been joining in. Between them our guests host classes in yoga, fitness/PT, GroovX, Fitsteps, meditation, laughter yoga and - the newest addition - ballet barre.
Reserve your place now...
Caroline takes you to the floor with Fitsteps.  This fitness class is an upbeat session of dance routines and moves. Suitable for all ages and abilities, but without the need for a partner, you can step your way to fitness and have some fun. What a great way to head towards the weekend!
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?)
Enjoying Naturism as a family? Come and connect with other young Naturist families to enjoy an evening wind down and a good chat about ... whatever you like!
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!)
British Naturism received the news last week that Turkish Baths Harrogate were considering dropping single-sex sessions from its timetable. We understand there are seventeen such sessions each month and clothes-optional, as you would expect in such a facility. They’ve been running for years. Harrogate Borough Council, which runs the baths, said that mixed sessions would reflect “equality and balance”.
It sounded to us as if an uneducated opinion about the simple human form was at work and not evidence-based research or a move to deal with a problem or respond to demands from customers. It was also suggested that the move showed the Bath’s desire to be ‘inclusive’. How can stopping certain customers from using the facilities overnight, be ‘inclusive’? It’s the opposite
Turkish Baths Harrogate launched an online survey to gauge the demand for single-sex sessions and further representations were made - including one from British Naturism - and they seem to have had the effect of delaying the decision.
Yesterday, British Naturism spoke to The Guardian about it - you can read it here. It was also talked about at 1.40pm on the Jeremy Vine BBC Radio 2 show - with most callers being in favour of keeping the clothes-optional sessions.
We have received further media approaches this morning and we’ll keep you posted when articles appear or interviews are broadcast. One is scheduled for Sky News at 1:30pm today.
 
Thanks to member Malcolm Shifrin for the image which comes from his book/website on Victorian Turkish Baths
victorianturkishbath.org
Are you free tomorrow night and in need of a 'de-stress'?  Perhaps you would like to try something new to you.  Laughter Yoga is a completely different experience from a traditional yoga session.  This is a ‘let it all go’ class.  What is it all about?  Leave your inhibitions and stress at your front door, and be prepared to 'ho ho ho' and 'ha ha ha' with some free dancing, and actually force some laughter.  
Apparently your body doesn't know the difference from spontaneous laughter to 'pretend' laughter, but the bonus is that the release of laughter helps to relieve stress and relax 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!)
A global event that takes place on Saturday 1st May and so if you are green-fingered (or even if you are not...) take the opportunity to get those essential gardening jobs done wearing sturdy boots, thornproof gloves...and nothing else!
If gardening is not your thing, keep an eye out for the return of British Naturism's The Great British Take-Off on Saturday 22nd May. Launched during the first lockdown last year, it captured the imagination of the public and the media and led to a huge amount of publicity for,  and interest in, Naturism. It's a great opportunity for anyone who has thought about Naturism to give it a try ... all the details coming soon...
Join Jooles for Groov X Stix tomorrow night as she leads you to bash out rhythms and beats with fun and fast routines set to music incorporating  your own ‘sticks’.  These can be drum sticks or anything that comes to hand, such as wooden spoons! Work up a sweat and beat out the stress!
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!)
Feel like trying something a bit different on Monday lunchtime?  All you need is a chair to join in Sarah’s ballet barre session, no ballet shoes are required. It's a super 40 minute ballet class giving you all the basic ballet moves taken at the barre. You will be bending into your plies, pointing into your tendus, circling those rond a jambes and, everyones favourite, feeling the length of your legs with your grands battements!  All the moves are taught so that you have good posture, strength, correct breathing and poise. Everyone is welcome!
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!)
Catherine guides you through 40 minutes of mindfulness meditation, freeing your mind and connecting with your body.  This is an immersive session of meditation on a journey of calm, relaxed imagery in nature and inner earth, with a focus on the significance of nature. A perfect gentle wake up to a Sunday morning.
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!)
Power Yoga is a combination of Asanas (yoga postures) and Pranyama (breathing exercises), which will help you to bring balance and peace to your body and mind and to synchronise your breath. You will flow through yoga postures, warming the body and allowing your mind to reconnect to your body and find inner peace. Georgia’s 45 minute session is for the more advanced yogis. By the end of the class you will feel totally stretched and energised.  This session is a wonderful wake up to the weekend!
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!)
Last weekend it was great to see a team of British Naturism volunteers readying Sunfolk for the season ahead.
A few months ago, our Forum Live session created an overwhelming response from people willing to help and it was great to see the power of volunteering come to life.
We had to take a pragmatic approach to the situation and create a covid-secure environment for it all to happen but it was well worth it – the main focus was on re-instating the beautiful sun-walk around the perimeter of the site as well other grounds work and painting too.
Thanks to all who volunteered to make the site even better for when we open.
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities with BN - check out our volunteer pages
British Naturism: Sunfolk near St Albans opens on May 17th until October and booking camping and day visits is open.
It's the gift that keeps on giving...
Recently we've brought you two pieces of news relating to BN's Women in Naturism co-ordinator, Donna Price, and her appearance on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. Firstly, there was the interview itself and then how other BBC stations around the world published an article about it, translating Donna's words into a variety of languages.
Now, a rather good six-minute recording is available on the BBC's Learning English website which uses a discussion about Naturism as a teaching aid. It also includes clips of Donna's interview.
https://www.bbc.co.uk//learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210415
It's also good to see the simple, factual way they describe Naturists - 'people who think not wearing clothes outdoors is a healthy way to live, and it makes them feel good.'
Well, we seem to have convinced the BBC - who's next?
 
Photo by Ivan Shilov on Unsplash
Once a week you have a chance to join British Naturism's virtual Big Quiz. It is a fabulous opportunity to meet old and new friends as you test out your knowledge.  Experience plenty of banter and fun as virtual teams come together to do their best to score the highest points. It's a great way to divert the mind from the weekly stresses and have fun, just before heading to the Naked Pub.
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!)
Going abroad this summer? No, me neither. That needn't stop you taking a Naturist holiday in this green and pleasant (and hopefully hot and sunny) land.
Next Monday (26 April), my guests on the Forum Live will be Michael and Fiona Discombe (pictured below), managers of Max's Garden, a Naturist retreat and campsite in West Sussex. I'll be chatting to them about their Naturist life and finding out more about what Max's Garden and the area has to offer the Naturist holidaymaker - including a picture slideshow - plus their plans for the future.
Look forward to seeing you - reserve your place here
 

Group Fitness - Thursday 1pm BST
Are lunchtime workouts for you?  British Naturism’s personal trainer, Roy, puts you through your paces for 40 minutes.  If you are not familiar with bootcamps and circuit training, don’t worry!  Roy explains each set of exercises and then you are off, on three 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 for 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!
Sign up here!
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!)
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!)
Over the next few weeks, we're going to pick a class or session every day and bring you the details to inspire you to take part! Each session we showcase will take place the following day, giving you time to clear your diary and sign up.
Groove X Gold - Wednesday 4pm BST
Do you feel like doing something fun that will help gently tweak your body so that you are ready for your clothes free Summer? Groove X Gold, hosted by Jooles, is a low intensity, low impact, fun session of routines ideal for those who may be out of the habit of exercise and don't want to put any stress on their body. Why not join Jooles tomorrow and start to groove into Summer?
Sign up here
The buds are blooming, the days are already feeling much longer, and warmer weather is surely on its way. Spring is always particularly welcome among Naturists, and at British Naturism we’re making plans to ensure a vintage nude year ahead. 
But if you are not a member, we'll be doing it without you! 
So, we thought we’d post this reminder of what’s waiting for you when you join British Naturism, and all for less than £4 a month.
 
A thriving community: More and more people are discovering Naturism, and despite the lack of live events last year, BN continues to grow. Dive back in and add your voice to our forum, or come to one of our many online events.  
A packed calendar: With events around the country, both large and small, our live events are the highlight of many a Naturist year. They are coming back and will be better than ever  
A vibrant magazine: Stay up-to-date with the Naturist world with our quarterly magazine, a glossy journal that’s packed with ideas, trip reports and ideas for clothes-free living.  
A stronger voice for all Naturists
We’ve made huge strides in raising the profile and legitimacy of Naturism in recent years, and every single membership really does make a difference. The bigger we are, the more people take notice of our values – with our voice increasingly listened to where it really matters, in places like the UK Parliament and the College of Policing. 
Simply being a BN member means you lend strength to our shared cause – and make a real difference.
If you have a moment, check out goodtimes.bn.org.uk for more reminders of what you’re missing.
Check out all the benefits of joining and sign up now!
We’d love to have you on board.
Naturist London, a group that meets once a week for a costume-free swim in Central London, celebrates its 10th birthday next year, but may be doing so without a place to swim.
Initially created by British Naturism in 2012 to meet the demand for a regular skinny-dipping session in the capital - and to catch London up with facilities that are hosted in other European cities - the Naturist London Sunday Swim was subsequently run by a team of volunteers and quickly became the most popular Naturist swim in the country, with up to 100 swimmers gathering for an hour on a Sunday lunchtime. When another group decided to give up their slot hire was extended to two hours which enabled even more people to enjoy it.
The swim is open to anyone who fancies swimming without a costume - not just committed naturists. In addition to the regulars from London itself, it has been a go-to venue for visitors to the city from around the UK and overseas who have exercised and socialised the way nature intended in central London’s largest indoor swimming pool. It’s also provided a great opportunity for newcomers to literally dip a toe into nude swimming.
It is a crushing blow, therefore, that the University of London has decided not to reopen EnergyBase, its sports facility within the Student Central building on Malet Street, following the year-long closure during the pandemic. Their plan is to convert the building to provide additional teaching and study space for next door Birkbeck University. It will not only be a loss to Naturists but to all Londoners. Designed in 1939 and completed in 1952, the historic pool has a royal box used by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, when watching swimming galas, and was used by the Beatles for a photoshoot in 1963. 
Colin from Naturist London said:
‘We know from our social media that a great many people were looking forward to swimming with us again as soon as lock-down restrictions were relaxed. This sad news, coming just as an end was in sight, will cause widespread disappointment. So, if you have a swimming pool, we have plenty of swimmers eager to use it! And not necessarily on a Sunday.’
Andrew Welch, spokesman for British Naturism, said:
‘Interest in social nudity is growing fast in the UK. Taboos around the naked human body are eroding and people are beginning to acknowledge the health and well-being benefits of spending time without clothes, especially in the company of others, with more and more wanting to give it a try and experience the exhilarating feelings for themselves.
 
For further information and access to interviewees, please contact andrew.welch@bn.org.uk
As we announced recently, Gary and Noreen Kennedy jointly took on the role of Director without Portfolio. Next Monday (19th April) you will get the chance to get to know them better as they become our guests for the evening on The Forum Live.
We'll learn how they came to Naturism and the work that they have been] doing to create a bigger and more active community in Northern Ireland, plus their ambitions for their time as Directors for British Naturism.
Reserve you place now...
 
Our The Forum Live Debate session makes its monthly appearance next week (Monday 12th) and the topic for you all to discuss is social media.
British Naturism informs, challenges, communicates and promotes using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - are you following us? Or are there other platforms that you prefer? Do you talk freely about Naturism or do you keep it to yourself? Which groups are you part of? Is your club or swim making good use of it? Which are the key accounts that all Naturists should be following (apart from BN, of course!). Have you fallen foul of censorship of simple nudity? How can we all work together to make talking online about our wonderful world easier?
If you are not a social media user don't stay away - come and find out what it's all about and how to get started. 
Reserve your place now...
Back in January, we brought you the news of an appearance by British Naturism's Women in Naturism co-ordinator, Donna Price on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour programme. It was a great success and led to a welter of publicity, positively raising the profile of all the great things that can be gained from a clothes-free lifestyle.
We're pleased to say that it didn't end there! The good people at the BBC World Service picked it up and sent it around the world and were successful in getting it reproduced (and translated) in some uncharted waters for nude recreation!
Here's a few links:
Traditional Chinese
https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/uk-56540739
 
Telugu
https://www.bbc.com/telugu/international-56540126
 
Nepali
https://www.bbc.com/nepali/news-56535625
 
Uzbek
https://www.bbc.com/uzbek/world-56586240
British Naturism membership is growing - help us to keep it rising!
 
The pandemic made the last year a tough one – but BN members still had something to smile about. Collectively, we came together as a community and determined to make the most of a difficult situation. 
We were quick to roll out our range of online events when the first lockdown hit, and the positivity we all find in Naturism soon grabbed the attention of a media that was eager to find upbeat stories during hard times. 
So great was the attention in fact, that we enjoyed an influx of new members – including a fair number from overseas. And with so much to do online as a BN member, we also had fewer people deciding to let their subscriptions lapse. As a result, we have the highest number of members we’ve had since 2014! 
Whether you’re brand new to BN or have been part of our community for years, we’re glad and grateful to have you as a member. But we don’t want to stop growing – and you can help us keep the momentum going. 
The more of us there are, the more we can do 
We may be enjoying a surge in membership, but there are still thousands of active Naturists in the UK who aren’t members of British Naturism. 
Will you big-up BN and see if they’d like to join our wonderful community? 
When BN membership grows, the benefits extend to everyone who enjoys living clothes-free: 
More financial resources mean more services for our members, AND to fund the important campaigning work we do on behalf of all Naturists – in the UK and beyond. With more volunteers, we can work towards our shared goals more effectively. A stronger community has a louder voice – leading to a greater ability to open doors and to demonstrate that Naturists need to be listened to  So, here’s a challenge for each and every member. During 2021, we’d like you to think about the Naturists you know and, if they aren’t members already, encourage them to join us. (They can do that here - https://www.bn.org.uk/membershipinfo/)
There’s no need to persuade them to give Naturism a try – these are people who already know how wonderful it is to spend time naked. And for less than £4 a month, they could be enjoying it even more, while helping to make our lifestyle more commonplace than ever. 
Big-up BN and see what happens! People often respond well to personal recommendations.
So please, tell them about all the good things we do for all Naturists in the UK and how much you get out of being a member!
You can also point them towards the web page we’ve set up at goodtimes.bn.org.uk, where they can see all they need to know about British Naturism today and send a link to our Guide to Naturism

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