News and Articles

Open today - the NEW British Naturism shop!

Open today - the NEW British Naturism shop!

15% discount for all British Naturism members!
We’re really excited to announce that the BN Shop is back! We’ve previously offered a range of products for sale online and at our events across the country. These have been a great way to show your support for British Naturism and how proud you are to be a Naturist.
But since the British Naturism branding and logo changed in 2019, we hadn’t updated our range or replaced the products we sold to reflect our new look. We’ve now put that right - our new shop launches today with a new website and a new range - just in time for Christmas.
You can check out the new shop by clicking on the ‘Shop’ tab from this website, or you can head directly to shop.bn.org.uk
We’ve put together a selection of clothing and other items that feature the British Naturism logo, together with products with different slogans that reference Naturism in a more subtle way.
We’re working with UK based suppliers who will manufacture the products we offer ‘on-demand’, this means that we can offer a wide selection of different designs, sizes, and colours – and update them on a regular basis. Every purchase you make will support British Naturism directly.
And there’s more good news - BN members are entitled to a 15% discount on all products!
To access this discount, you’ll need to create a BN Shop account and link it to your BN membership. This is easy to do and we’ve created a helpful guide to help you get started.
The product range you’ll see in the BN Shop is just the start – we’ll be extending the range in 2021 to offer a much wider selection, with the popular BN towels making a welcome return alongside other products that we hope will be useful and help you to enjoy and promote Naturism. You’ll also find these products on sale at many of our national events, and at British Naturism: Sunfolk from April 2021 onwards.
Alongside our great product range, you’ll also be able to book for many of our live and online events from the BN Shop, request copies of guides and leaflets and make donations to the BN legal fund and our charity partner the British Heart Foundation.
If you have any questions or suggestions, why not drop us a line at shop.bn.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you!
Happy Shopping!

The Forum Live: Interviewing Will Bryson

The Forum Live: Interviewing Will Bryson

Next week's guest (7 December) will be the founder of Dine Naked Bristol (and BN member) Will Bryson. Will was also a recipient of a British Naturism Certificate of Merit at the 2020 AGM.
Will launched Dine Naked Bristol in 2018 taking naked dining to pubs and restaurants across Bristol and beyond. The concept has led to 14 events so far, with some selling out in a matter of hours, and some where staff have stripped off to join in. It also inspired others to organise their own naked dining events. 
From 2015-17, Will led the organisation of the popular World Naked Bike Ride in Bristol, taking nudity into the busiest streets of the city. He can share what happens when the ride coincides with multiple political demos - and can tell us what happens if you get separated from the ride while naked!
It's always good to talk to a Naturist pioneer! Book your place now...

British Naturism contributes to parliamentary inquiry

British Naturism contributes to parliamentary inquiry

We’re pleased to say that we’ve recently submitted written evidence to a Women and Equalities Commons Select Committee inquiry, ‘Changing the Perfect Picture: An Inquiry into Body Image’. which has been gathering information from people and organisations on what causes poor body image and the impact of adverts, social media and Government policy.
It has included social media censorship, the lack of realistic depictions of the human body, and the lack of education about the range of body types which exist etc. Also under consideration were the effects of poor body image along with the role of government (including the recent Online Harms White Paper) and regulation on the issue.
Commons Select Committees are made up of a minimum of 11 MPs from across the political parties. They select areas of inquiry, receive evidence (both written and oral) and prepare reports for submission to the House of Commons.
Most of BN’s evidence was compiled by BN’s former Campaigns Director, Malcolm Boura who was the author of BN’s 2016 report, ‘Children Deserve Better’ which covered BN’s views regarding the positive influences which Naturism has on children’s development. Valuable insight into the functioning
of government committees was provided by Edwin Kilby and I was happy to chip in where I could and comment on the draft documents.
Our evidence noted that little or no progress has been made in recent years on improving people’s body image. The paper presented the opinion, backed by evidence, that a more relaxed attitude to the naked human body would result in significant improvements and that this is possible with little or no cost. The paper referred to a wide variety of sources and included some of the positive personal testimonies which have been shared by members.
Our paper has been published on the Women and Equalities Committee website alongside submissions from many other well-known and respected groups - it's great to be seen to be rubbing shoulders with them!
We hope that by taking part, Naturism will be seen by government as a healthy and natural way of being which offers many advantages and for it to lead to greater recognition that changing the way in which the naked body is perceived in the UK has the potential to be widely beneficial.
Shân Allen
Families Officer
 
Picture: James Johnstone

The Forum Live: interviewing the National Trust

The Forum Live: interviewing the National Trust

I'm delighted to reveal that our guests on The Forum Live on Monday 30th November will be Julia Galbenu and Tom Clarke from the National Trust.
Studland Bay is arguably, Britain's best Naturist beach. The bay in Dorset - with other non-Naturist sections is owned by the National Trust. Nude bathing has a long history there. British Naturism is even represented on the official, National Trust operated, beach users group.
Julia Galbenu has always been fascinated by the natural world. After completing her degree in Biological Sciences at Oxford University, Julia committed herself to environmental education and engagement. Her passion took her around the world, working in India, Honduras, Panama and Ecuador on different environmental projects. Last year, England called her back and she was determined to have a positive impact on nature at home. In March 2020, she began working as the Engagement Officer for the Dynamic Dunescapes Project at Studland Bay.
 
Tom Clarke first came to Purbeck in 1982, aged 6, on a family holiday from London. He wanted to live and work there ever since. After 10 years of working in nature conservation in London, Tom moved to Poole and has worked the last ten years for the Wildlife Trust, RSPB and the National Trust in Dorset. Since 2018 he’s been working in Purbeck as the Engagement Officer for Trust covering Corfe Castle, Studland and 4500ha of land in between.
Julia and Tom will be making presentations about their work, the history of the National Trust ownership of Studland (including the nude bit) and answering your questions.
Book your place as soon as you can!
@studlandbay_nt
dynamicdunescapes.co.uk
@dynamicdunes
 

Looking forward with BHF...

Looking forward with BHF...

British Heart Foundation - Our charity of the year!
We’ve not had the opportunity to do as much with BHF in 2020 as we would have liked, but we’re crossing our fingers that 2021 will be better. There is still a huge appetite from our new friends at the charity to work together and to exploit the potential for overlap in our aims, especially where health is concerned. We all believe - with good reason - that living a clothes-free lifestyle brings a number of health and well-being benefits. BHF are actively working to improve people’s health and exercise regime. You can find a lot of advice on their website - BHF.org.uk/publications. They’ve been doing an increasing amount of work on heart attacks in women. There is a good chance that we will partner with them in research into the health levels of Naturists. There could be a great story to tell!
A big event that didn’t happen this year was the Naked Heart Walk which was scheduled to take place in the landscaped gardens of Painshill Park (pictured) in Surrey. Thanks to everyone who signed up. Here are details of the rearranged event in 2021. It’s a great opportunity to raise money, have fun and invite friends and family.
We’re also crossing our fingers that we can get the involvement of, and raise money for BHF with our outreach project The Great British Skinny Dip. Our online aerobics event - back for a limited period - is also in aid of the British Heart Foundation.
You can also donate at any time at justgiving.com/fundraising/british-naturism.
 

Sheryn's aerobics returns...

Sheryn's aerobics returns...

For a limited period, we're pleased to announce that Sheryn's popular Saturday afternoon fun online exercise class with great sounds returns for the next two weeks at 5pm to help you through lockdown (and possibly dreadful weather). The proceeds will be going to British Naturism's charity of the year, British Heart Foundation.
Book your tickets now!
 
 

The Forum Live - interviewing Tim Higgs

The Forum Live - interviewing Tim Higgs

We're delighted to announce that our guest next Monday (23rd November) on The Forum Live will be Tim Higgs, founder and owner of Clover Spa and Hotel in Birmingham, the UK's foremost Naturist spa facility.
Tim's been in hospitality for 28 years and opened Clover Spa nearly 10 years ago. The venue is extremely well-thought of and well established, and has been the Number 1 hotel in Birmingham (out of over 120) on TripAdvisor for many years!
It promises to be an interesting discussion. Book your place as soon as you can...
 

A great first day...

A great first day...

...in the Global Naturist Forum.
There were two sessions - one with presentations from acknowledged Naturist leaders, on the state of Naturism around the world, and the second where a panel of well-known Naturists and influencers discussed widening Naturism's appeal among specific groups. 
We welcomed speakers, panellists and an audience from around the world - questions came from Chile, Canada, Slovenia and Singapore!
Two more sessions tomorrow - not too late to sign up if you haven't already!
events.bn.org.uk/globalnaturistforum

All you need in Iceland

All you need in Iceland

Here's something you don't see everyday - a mobile phone company in Iceland have released an advertisement shown on prime time TV featured full, uncensored nudity...
The premise seems to be that their SmartWatch is all you need. We'd buy one! 
There appear to be two versions - here's a longer one:
 

The Global Naturist Forum - speakers and panellists announced!

The Global Naturist Forum - speakers and panellists announced!

The Global Naturist Forum is an international conference, hosted online, by British Naturism and will take place this coming weekend of 14-15 November 2020. We’re bringing the Naturist world together for a weekend of discussion, sharing and fellowship under the theme of 'Naturism – The Future'.
Today, we're delighted to announce a stunning line up of international speakers and panellists from around the world - well-known Naturists from USA, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, South Africa, Ireland, Belgium, Slovenia, Austria, Thailand, Netherlands, Crete, Italy, Germany and the UK.
Find out more about the four sessions and book your place  - its free, and open to all...
 
Our speakers, panellists and facilitators:
Sieglinde Ivo, President International Naturist Federation (INF/FNI) inf-fni.org
Kathy Watzel, President of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) aanr.com
Christo Bothma, Chair, South African National Naturist Association (SANNA) sanna.org.za
Maja Penko, President, Naturist Federation of Slovenia (ZDNS) naturist.si
Wilfried Blaschke - President, Deutscher Verband für Freikörperkultur (DFK) dfk.org 
Mark Bass, President, British Naturism (BN) bn.org.uk
Andrew Welch, Marketing and PR, British Naturism (BN) bn.org.uk
Laurent Luft, President, Association des Naturistes de Paris (ANP) naturistes-paris.fr; International Relations officer, Fédération Française de Naturisme (FFN) ffn-naturisme.com
Hector Martinez,  Leader, National Naturist Federation, Mexico (NNF) twitter.com/_Hector_Mtz
Nick and Lins, Naked Wanderings - Naturist Bloggers nakedwanderings.com
Donna Price, Women In Naturism Co-Ordinator, British Naturism (BN) bn.org.uk
Dr Sook-hwa Noh, International officer, Federación Española de Naturismo (FEN) naturismo.org
Keon West, Reader in Social Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London and President, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. gold.ac.uk/psychology/staff/west-keon
Linda Weber, Women in Naturism co-Chair, American Association for Nude Recreation, Western region  (AANR West) aanrwest.org  
Leticia Medina Andrés, President, Irish Naturist Association (INA) irishnaturism.org
Juliette Barbeaux, Reservations, CHM Montalivet, France. naturist-camping-chm-montalivet.co.uk.
Manja and Aschwin van Veen, owners Le Coteau de L’Herm, France. naturisme-dordogne.com
Aurelio Vaquero, director, Camping Naturista El Portús, Spain. elportus.com
Tim Higgs, owner, Clover Spa and Hotel, UK. cloverspa.co.uk
Leslie Newell, owner, SunCave Gardens True Nature, Italy. facebook.com/suncavegardens
Nikolaos Ntourountakis, CEO and owner, Vritomartis Naturist Resort, Crete. vritomartis.gr
Peter Sewall, General Manager, Cypress Cove Resort, Florida, USA. CypressCoveResort.com
Jon Williams, Vice Chairman, British Naturism (BN) bn.org.uk
Stéphane Deschénes, owner, Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park, Ontario, Canada, former non-Europe spokesperson on the INF Board. bareoaks.ca
Gregers Moller, Founder, Naturist Association Thailand, Non-Europe spokesperson on the INF Board. thailandnaturist.com
Edwin Kilby, International Director, British Naturism (BN) bn.org.uk

Lockdown doesn’t have to mean social isolation!

Lockdown doesn’t have to mean social isolation!

A new lockdown dawns...but don't despair, you can still feel part of a community and meet other Naturists in a virtual space.   British Naturism host over 20 online sessions each week, including our popular coffee morning and pub night, many different types and levels of yoga, fitness, aerobics, interviews of well-known Naturist people, discussions, meditation, baking, group chats...it's all happening and accessible from wherever you are!   This Saturday (7th November) you can join in our monthly, professionally tutored life-drawing class.   Not a BN member? Come and join us here - it costs less than £4 a month. If you are attending regular online sessions you'll save a fortune - and gain many other membership benefits and be part of an organisation that is truly enjoying Good Times!

Certificates of Merit

Certificates of Merit

At British Naturism's 2020 Annual General Meeting, held (virtually) in October) the following Certificates of Merit were awarded. The process will alter for 2021 with members able to nominate recipients (log in required).
 
Dr Victoria Bateman - for her work in promoting equality and respect for women and promoting body confidence. She was a guest on The Forum Live in June - members can download a full transcript of the interview.
 
The British Naturism Northern Ireland team - who have made naturism more available within the Province. They have increased social interaction via Zoom and worked with political influencers. Northern Ireland is now a properly active area within the SANER Region.
 
Will Bryson - for his work in promoting world the World Naked Bike Ride in Bristol and for his concept of naked dining in public restaurants and pubs in the Bristol area with non-naturists attending. The concept has extended beyond Bristol to many other areas of the country.
 
Congratulations to all!
 
 
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
 
 

The Forum Live - dreaming of holidays...

The Forum Live - dreaming of holidays...

In the The Forum Live production office we're constantly brainstorming ideas for future sessions and working on delivering great guests, stimulating discussions and super Monday night entertainment. We've got a range of fabulous guests and topics coming up in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for announcements....
We also strive for variety and so next Monday we're doing something slightly different, welcoming the members of our volunteer Holiday Advice team and allowing you to ask them your questions via a series of breakout rooms. Mostly it will be about where to go and what to expect rather than  advice on current travel restrictions, but really, anything goes!
The session is free, and open to BN and INF members - book your place now!
 
Photo - thanks to Mel and Awen (advisors for Portugal)

The Gathering 2021 - now booking!

The Gathering 2021 - now booking!

A real live event open for booking! Tickets for British Naturism's SANER (Scotland and North England, including Northern Ireland) region's annual hotel activity weekend - in a brand new location on the Isle of Bute - are now on sale!
The Gathering takes place at the Glenburn Hotel, Rothesay, Bute, over the weekend of 23rd - 26th April 2021. Three nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis plus a whole host of activities and fantastic entertainment throughout your stay.

Find out more about the event and how to book your room over on our dedicated events website...

Online events this week...

Online events this week...

It's another packed week for British Naturism online events! 
Pam's Naked Kitchen returns after a summer break and as this week sees the first Sunday of the month, it's time again for the Women Uncovered chat and catch up over a cup of coffee...
There's something on every day - check out the full list and find exercise and fitness, including a number of yoga sessions, meditation, a coffee morning, the ever-popular pub night, The Forum Live interview and dedicated chat sessions for young people, families and book lovers.

The Forum Live: interviewing Erich Schuttauf

The Forum Live: interviewing Erich Schuttauf

Next Monday (26 October) I'm pleased to announce that my guest on The Forum Live will be Erich Schuttauf
Erich serves as the Executive Director of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR).  The association advocates for nude recreation throughout North America within such settings as nudist clubs, events and resorts, traditional public lands and beaches, and “your own private backyard.”  
Erich is the editor of a revision to AANR’s Guide to Creating and Managing Clothing Optional Parks and Beaches and the author of two books in the field of employment law.  He is a member of the Florida Bar, a licensed attorney of 25 years in state courts, and also practices within the US federal district court for the Middle District of Florida.  Erich regularly serves as legal counsel, and alternatively as an expert witness, on nudist issues in court matters. He co-authored AANR’s friend of the court brief to the US Supreme Court in the case of City of Erie v. Pap’s A.M., which outlined constitutional parameters for regulating nudity in establishments.  For over two decades Erich has represented nudists in talking to US, Canadian, and worldwide lawmakers at the annual National Conference of State Legislatures. He has appeared as a panelist before the National Recreation Parks Association (NRPA) and as a guest on media ranging from Good Morning America, to The O'Reilly Factor, MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Mathews and To Tell the Truth. 
Reserve your place now
 


 
Main image by Kevin Morris on Unsplash

'Dynamic Dunescape' at Studland

'Dynamic Dunescape' at Studland

Studland Bay is arguably, Britain's best Naturist beach. The bay in Dorset - with other non-Naturist sections is owned by the National Trust. Nude bathing has a long history there. British Naturism is even represented on the official, National Trust operated, beach users group.
Some major work is planned for the dunes at Studland and Woolacombe. A science project in 2016 discovered that changes in the habitat had led to a significant loss of local wildlife. Numbers of sand lizards and meadow pipits have diminished due to the encroachment of gorse and trees, forcing the creatures to the dunes shrinking edges.
 
The 'Dynamic Dunescape Project' aims to restore the dunes to their former glory as the largest example of 'dune heath' on the south coast. Sponsored by an impressive list of conservation organisations, Natural England, Plantlife, Natural Resources Wales, The Wildlife Trusts, and the National Trust and financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the EU LIFE Programme.
 
The work will include using diggers to recreated areas of bare sandy ground, introducing cattle grazing and removing Carp from 'Little Sea'. But the idea is to encourage people, not to put them off. There will be some fencing to contain the cattle but access to the beach will not be restricted.  All paths will remain open to the public but with gated access.
 
For more information visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay/features/studlands-dynamic-dunes and https://dynamicdunescapes.co.uk/project/dorset/

Announcing the Global Naturist Forum!

Announcing the Global Naturist Forum!

British Naturism's online event programme has delighted, engaged, entertained and informed Naturist around the world since it began earlier this year.
Today we are pleased to bring you news of our latest event  - The Global Naturist Forum, the first ever event of its kind.
The Global Naturist Forum is an international conference, hosted online, by British Naturism and will take place over the weekend of 14-15 November 2020. We’re bringing the Naturist world together for a weekend of discussion, sharing and fellowship under the theme of 'Naturism – The Future'.
There will be four separate sessions, each one can be booked individually. We will welcome speakers and panellists from all over the globe.
All sessions are free and open to all. Booking is open now.
Find out more and book your place at events.bn.org.uk/globalnaturistforum. Please also send that link to your Naturist network wherever in the world you may be!
 


 

New online fitness sessions announced!

New online fitness sessions announced!

We're never resting on our laurels - in fact there are so many opportunities for exercise in our online programme we're hardly resting at all!
Following the recent launch of our new GroovX Stix class, we're bringing you TWO new GroovX classes starting next week.
On Monday at 9.30am participate in GroovX Flow - a slow, movement-based class set to relaxing music that helps you get fit and improve your strength, posture and mobility.
On Wednesday at 4pm join in GroovX Gold - perfect if you are slightly older, or recovering from injury, it is low impact, low intensity and features plenty of 70's dance moves.
These new classes join our existing GroovX Stix class on Tuesday at 7.45pm - a fast-paced class using drumsticks to bash out some explosive dance moves.
Check out all the online sessions - interviews, exercise and fitness, meditation, coffee morning, pub night and more. 

Knowing your onions...from your elbow

Knowing your onions...from your elbow

Think Naturists are hard done by when it comes to images on social media..?
The Gaze Seed Company were hoping to advertise their onion seeds on Facebook but their advert was picked up by the infamous algorithm and flagged as a “product with overtly sexualised positioning” .
The advert included a picture of how Gaze Onion seeds should look once grown, ie, like....onions. Facebook sent the company a message advising them that "Listings may not position products or services in a sexually suggestive manner”.
Gaze had prepared the advert for its spring advertising campaign but after they recovered from the unwarranted rebuff, they reported the faux pas to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and sent some illustrations of what the algorithm might have thought it was seeing. The result was they got a darn site more publicity than the Facebook ad would have given them.
Facebook Canada put their hands up and explained to the National Post “We use automated technology to keep nudity off our apps, but sometimes it doesn’t know a walla walla onion from a, well, you know. We restored the ad and are sorry for the business’ trouble.”
The Facebook algorithms identifies and removes over 40 million items per year. Including pictures of statues and other items of fruit and veg.
 
 
Photo by Lars Blankers on Unsplash

The Forum Live - Interviewing Nick Mayhew-Smith

The Forum Live - Interviewing Nick Mayhew-Smith

Next Monday, 19th October our guest will be Nick Mayhew-Smith
A member of British Naturism for 30 years, Nick is an enthusiastic advocate for naturism, a writer and journalist who worked with fellow BN member Mike Betts to produce three guide books about nude beaches and naturist sites for the general public: Bare Beaches (2004), Bare Britain (2005) and The World’s Best Nude Beaches & Resorts (2007). More recently he has been writing about the wilderness and nature, but has remained close to his naturist values and combined the two with his recent book The Naked Hermit (2019), which was shown on a BBC Two television programme this summer.
He was introduced to the idea of naturism by his German aunts as a teenager, and began participating in naturism personally from 18 years old. It has always been central to his life, and indeed Nick’s first job after leaving university was as editorial assistant on H&E magazine. He has served as a director at The White House naturist club, in Surrey, where he has been a member for 23 years. Among other voluntary work for naturism he designed the first version of the BN website in the 1990s, and continues to write for every issue of Naturist Life magazine, edited by former BN president Suzanne Piper.
Through his academic work he has recently become interested in exploring the history and development of naturism in Britain, and has plans to co-author a book on the subject in 2024, partly tying up with the 60th anniversary of CCBN (now British Naturism). He is also starting to explore some of the ethics and philosophy behind naturism.
Make your reservation now 
Not a British Naturism member? Check out all the great things happening and join us!

It Isn’t Rude to be Nude

It Isn’t Rude to be Nude

Here's an interesting thing...it's really healthy and encouraging to see a new children's book by Rosie Haine on the shelves, aimed at overcoming basic body image issues.  With very few words and lots of naked illustrations covering every shape, age, size and gender, this book celebrates bodies, highlighting the differences as well as the similarities between them. Best of all, there is a super introduction to the usually ‘unmentionable’ body parts. Get ready for nipples, willies, body hair and vulvas. As far as ‘normalising’ goes, it doesn’t get much more laid bare than this!
We spoke to Rosie who told us: ‘The themes spring from things I believe in or think about, and reassurances I think I would have liked when I was growing up - but also now, as we never stop changing... It Isn’t Rude to be Nude also comes from an observation that young kids are often naked - it’s a joyful and natural state for them - so they actually know it isn’t rude to be nude!’
The book is available from the Tate Gallery bookshop
 

 
 

The Bare Arms - our virtual pub!

The Bare Arms - our virtual pub!

No need for social distancing at our online pub - The Bare Arms. And it's open today at 8pm. Naturists from all over the UK, and beyond, will gather to chat, catch up, discuss, debate - and above all have fun within this special community. 
Check out all our other online events to keep you fit, entertained and sociable - there's something every day!
 
 
Photo by Thomas Martinsen on Unsplash

Women in Naturism in the media again...

Women in Naturism in the media again...

Donna Price, British Naturism's Women in Naturism co-ordinator certainly keeps the profile high, ably assisted by husband John. Their latest interview has been published far and wide and we know there are more examples to come. So far we've seen it - always lavishly illustrated (even if editors do feel that pixellating certain parts of a normal, everyday naked human is necessary) in walesonline, the Hull Daily Mail, Gloucestershire Live, Lincolnshire Live, inyourarea.co.uk, flipboard.com and comicsands.com. 
You can find out more about the campaign, including many first-person stories from Naturism women about how social nudity enhances their lives, and how to get involved. Members' can also access our Women Special Interest Group and engage with other Naturist women. On the first Sunday of every month we also host a live chat session called 'Women Uncovered'. 

Our new North West Regional Co-ordinator

Our new North West Regional Co-ordinator

We’re delighted to welcome a new member to the British Naturism Executive Committee - Amanda Lee - who had been elected to the role of North West Regional Co-ordinator. Here, she introduces herself…
I found Naturism by accident, I had never gone naked, been topless on a beach, walked around the house naked. It had never even registered in my head. By chance a friend who asked if I’d go on holiday, having discovered Naturism working in the Caribbean, and would like to try. I googled a specific part of France, he wanted to try. I googled the wrong thing and as my Grandmother would say, “not on your Nellie!'.
That was late 2017. I started 2018 with a new mind set, after a few turbulent years, I was determined to get my mental health and positive attitude back on track. I read self help guides, and was influenced by those who advised me to 'feel the fear and do it any way' and 'just say yes'.  When a friend mentioned British Naturism, I never knew it existed. Surely it’s too cold in the UK? I was loaned a copy of British Naturism magazine and I asked a million questions. With ‘just say yes' still fresh in my mind, I said 'yes!’.  
A week later, I was at the North West Naturists swim in Manchester, and I haven't looked back!  I was obviously nervous at first, but the warm, non-judgemental welcome into the Worsley community has kept me firmly embedded. I wish I had known about it years ago! From that point, I was hooked, and by June I was a BN member, as I wanted to attend the North West pétanque day - I still can't play, but its never stopped me! This led to club visits, beach days and holidays in Vera Playa. It was suggested that I wrote a blog about my experiences, so other women could see that it was possible and fun! I hadn’t realised that single women under 40, were quite unusual in Naturism, and that my blogs could have a positive influence. 
I joined Blackpool and Fylde Sun Club in the September and signed up for the Alton Towers weekend.  By this point I was very vocal on the BN forum and as asked to write a few words about the weekend for the magazine. I was still staying ‘yes!’.  
The Alton Towers event led to the first event I suggested - gaining the world record for most naked riders on a roller-coaster, followed by a women’s spa day at Liverpool Sun and Air club. I saw a gap in events and things I wanted to do, so I went out and created them.  
I never intended to stand for EC, I had spent my early 20s and 30s on ECs and in boardrooms, as well as a few years in classrooms, I said, ‘never again’,  and each time I said it again!  I said it the first time it was suggested to me! However, our lovely John Rodgers was stepping down after 10 years in the North West and LASER regions, a few weeks before the deadline there were no applications. I spoke to friends, John, some current and previous EC members. I have a voice, my region would be without one. It just made sense to me, I would have also been happy to support anyone else in the role, as I do usually. I thought it might be more paperwork and meetings, but I'll still get a chance to enjoy the events and opportunities I have been, but I know I can be there to encourage more people along the way too.  I would love to see the strong core of women, families and young members be able to grow even stronger. 
My plans are mostly on hold with the current uncertainty of Covid-19, but I hope to still be part of the zoom team, hosting/co-hosting Wednesday's coffee mornings, Friday's pub night and the monthly Women Uncovered session. My main plan is simply to unite people - I’d like everyone to be able to enjoy social nudity as I have. Whether in a club, a swim, on a beach, on a naked hike or just doing their normal everyday routines naked. I want everyone to be able to enjoy Naturism like I do. I've never been a leader, I've always been a motivator, and enabler, my teaching practices instilled in me that to lead and motivate, you need to demonstrate. I hope I show that being active across my region, as well as nationally. When I see and hear positive reports, I want to try, so if I can show that I'm having fun, I hope that encourages others. I now have friends all over the North West, and across the UK, and because of our online events, the world.  The next few years, whilst we are in the unknown world of Covid-19, I think grassroots events will be key. Our national events are amazing,  but we can't have one in each region, every week. What we could have is organised walks, hikes, beach days etc. A drop-in as has been established at St Anne's beach in the summer months, we meet up on a certain day for a picnic, come and go as you like,  or just go in your own time when you like.  It doesn’t have to be a huge event, to be enjoyable.  The beauty of British Naturism is that I've joined with the laws already established and on the side of Naturists, because of the hard work done previously.  I intend to make sure I support the campaigns - including Families and Women in Naturism - to ensure they stay that way and to keep pushing acceptance. I see my friends in the Naturist community part of an extended family. I just wish I'd known about Naturism years ago, and raised my family in a clothes optional world!