What a rollercoaster of a year it has been with events….!
We were quick out of the starting blocks with our biggest and best Bournemouth event on record, swiftly followed up by a really successful Blackpool event, only to be faced, then, with the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. What initially looked like a few bumps in the road turned into a completely unexpected roadblock...
For a community organisation like British Naturism, events are an integral part of what we do and I am pleased to say after some blood, sweat and tears we have managed to get through it so far - CV-19 has actually allowed us to be better at bringing us all together than ever, with our Online Events. I would like to say our they came from a highly detailed roadmap and had been planned for ages, but the reality was that I saw an opportunity and grabbed it. I was backed by the directors and EC and most importantly the British Naturism membership came in their droves to support. Looking back – why had we not done this before!
I am really pleased too that we have managed to keep the online events going – what is very clear is that the British Naturism community is strong and our online events have really added value to the community and the membership fee.
As we start to ease out of lockdown it is my role within British Naturism to make sure physical events start to happen again, that they are safe and in line with the government advice. It is important for British Naturism to do the right thing and lead by example. There is a fine balance to be struck between what can and cannot be permitted, and also to consider financial risk so we are not gambling with members' money.
Despite what people may think, the Government advice on events is very clear. It is under constant review and because of my background in the events industry I am well connected. I receive almost daily updates on current advice and solutions from various industry bodies and associations.
I have produced an advice sheet for anyone organising an event and am available to chat and help with Covid-secure risk assessments. This download can be found on the BN Events Website.
Below I have provided an update as to the current status of our British Naturism events. Unfortunately there are a few events that are unable to run but there are some great (albeit smaller) opportunities too.
- Ten Pin Bowling – Postponed – new date to follow
- Windermere Retreat – Postponed to 2021
- Families Meet-ups – restricted numbers and now only run as camping opportunities (Max's Garden 7th-9th Aug / SWOC 14th-16th Aug)
- Meal & Skittles – numbers now restricted – very few places left
- NKD Festival – Postponed to Aug 2021
- Splashdown – Awaiting government advice on Waterparks
- Waterworld – Awaiting government advice on Waterparks
- The Gathering - Cancelled, hotel in administration - please see BN forum for advice on claiming money back
- Nudefest – Currently booking and under review
- Llama Park Visit - Currently booking and under review
- Highlight Walking Weekend – One room available – Currently booking and under review
- Alton Towers – Only 10% of rooms remain - Currently booking and under review
A few smaller socially-distanced member-led and regional garden events and walks are going ahead – all have been risk assessed by myself or the event organisers and have Covid-secure procedures in place.
Finally, some good news, most will be aware that British Naturism acquired The Sun-Folk Society near St Albans earlier this year. We have been making some changes and improvements to the site and I am pleased to say that from August 1st through to October 5th British Naturism: Sunfolk will be open for members. Initially we will be taking camping bookings and nearer the time we hope to be able to offer day visits too. Unfortunately due to CV-19 restrictions we can’t open in the way we had hoped, but opening as a campsite is well within government guidelines and we hope members will take the will take the opportunity to get some much needed fresh air.
Bookings for Sunfolk will open in a couple of weeks – please join the mailing list at www.sunfolk.bn.org.uk to be advised.
As an organisation it is important we get the balance right – I know many people will be frustrated by the cancellations and changes but the safety of our members, volunteers and staff is paramount.
We look forward to seeing you all once again – hopefully in real life and not just on a computer screen.
Mark Walsh
BN Events Manager
Photo: Broken Fence Photography