The original idea was for a Ladies Spa Day and Great British Skinny Dip at Lancashire Sun Club. Male club members and guests would be told to stay away while we women dipped, had massages, lolled in the hot tub and enjoyed a mid-afternoon snack. As it turned out, we did all those things but decided to let the men take part, too. All of us women but one were confirmed nudies, most were club members – and the sole newbie felt comfortable enough to join in.
Lancs Sun is situated in a gorgeous part of the county. The site itself is beautiful, with huge trees, tidy cottages, a large clubhouse and a pool area next to an indoor hot tub and sauna. North West Organiser Ron O’Hare and his wife Elizabeth made everyone feel welcome. The weather mostly cooperated.
I went for a dip and received a lovely massage from Sandra. And of course I sampled the snackies! Amid all this activity I had interesting chats with some of the women, including Donna Dodd, the newcomer.
Although Donna has been to several naturist beaches, this was her first trip to a naturist club. Her partner, a BN member, suggested she try it out. “It’s nerve-wracking coming as a female by yourself,” but that feeling went away quickly, she told me. She knew there would be men present, but the fact that the event was billed as ladies-only – and that there would be a pool, sauna, hot tub and massage - all helped convince her to attend.
We talked about how to attract more women to clothes-free events. Donna’s key suggestion: Keep barriers to entry low. Women shouldn’t have to jump through too many hoops to take part.
My partner Dave and I left the club feeling as though we’d like to return. We’re keeping an eye on upcoming events there and might even book a night in “Daisy,” the rental cottage!