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'The health benefits of Naturism are well known, so what’s preventing women from experiencing them?' asks BN member Emma Farrell. 'For the uninitiated, the prospect of appearing in public without clothes can be extremely daunting. How can we make it less intimidating?' Whether it’s the walk from the changing room to the pool, removing the towel and getting into the pool, or just the thought of being in the pool sans swimwear, overcoming these hurdles gradually feels easier than going straig

We’re all constantly bombarded by emails these days. It can be a chore wading through tens – if not hundreds – of messages to find the important ones. But wade we must if we want to stay up-to-date with this organisation’s many interesting and exciting activities. I’m talking about the ezine here! You may think it’s just another message that drops into your mailbox every Friday morning – but you’d be wrong. It’s the best – and fastest - way to keep abreast of what’s happening across BN and

Next week's The Forum Live (22 May) will be hosted by BN's Women in Naturism coordinator, Helen Berriman. It will be an opportunity to hear from women and share your opinions on our campaign to introduce more women to Naturism. Join the session on the night from the BN shop   In the meantime, here's Helen's article from the latest BN Magazine - arriving on your doorstep in early June! Naturism means something different to each of us. For me it’s about freeing myself from body

To anyone wondering whether The Gathering would happen this year: Wonder no more! After a long struggle through pandemic and hotel closures, the SANER team have now succeeded in securing a new home for the Gathering for its 10th birthday.  This year the wildly popular event heads to the historic City of Stirling, with its magnificent castle (pictured), around 30 minutes north of Glasgow, to the King Robert Hotel, which is next to the Battle of Bannockburn battlefield, a lovely modern hotel.

As many members will be aware, a team of volunteers and professionals have been working hard over the last three years to develop and implement a masterplan for the Sunfolk site acquired by BN in 2020. After numerous surveys, site meetings, technical drawings, and negotiations with the local planning authority, the hard work paid off in February when we were finally able to start work on the first phase of the development masterplan. When BN acquired Sunfolk, it already enjoyed many gr

Alton Towers may be off the cards, but that won’t stop us from partying down! Booking is now open for Blackpool Rocks! - the first-ever BN event during the city’s world-famous Illuminations. The two- or three-night bash takes place November 17-20 at The President Hotel. What’s on the agenda? Loads of great music from the party bands, a Get Up and Glow UV party,  a cocktail-making class and much more! Plus there’s the city itself to explore. Your break includes dinner, bed and breakfast, wit

Following many discussions with our contacts at the Alton Towers Resort we are sad to report that last year's event turns out to have been our last. Since the time that Alton Towers’ owners Merlin Entertainments was taken over by private equity firms, there has been a complete re-evaluation of all areas of their business. The change that affects our booking is that the Splash Landings waterpark is no longer available for private hire as it must be available for guests in all the resort's th

Next Monday, 15 May, it will be my pleasure to talk to Debby Boeynaems from one of France's most popular Naturist holiday resorts, Domain de Bélézy and find out all about the campsite and what holidaymakers can expect. Belezy is in the heart of Provence and at the foot of the Mont Ventoux and Lubéron, in an exceptional setting with 25 hectares of grounds surrounding an 18th century Provençal Mas. It is a Naturist village devoted to respectful and family-oriented Naturism. Self-respect

Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution to our crowdfunding campaign for a hot tub and sauna at British Naturism: Sunfolk - we're over 10% of the way to our target already! Find out more about the campaign, including how you can contribute, here. It ends on 30th May, so don't delay. Help us to help everyone to get the best for Naturism. There are unique rewards available. And information about British Naturism: Sunfolk here

Lancashire Sun Club, near Rufford, are pleased to announce a Ladies Spa Day which includes a Great British Skinny Dip. Guests will enjoy the use of the swimming pool hot tub, sauna and extensive lawns for sunbathing with sunbeds provided. Massage can also be booked in advance.  There will be free tea and coffee all day - and sandwiches and cake available at 3.30 pm for a small extra charge Admission is just £12 for the day starting at 1pm till late. Please note that bookings must

This coming Monday (8th May), Coronation day, we thought we would use the Forum Live session for a light-hearted discussion about our individual plans for the year ahead.  With the weather now improving, many of us will have Naturist plans over the summer and hearing those may inspire people looking for options to try something new.  We can also brainstorm ideas that we are not planning, but might like trying that, in turn, might lead to new opportunities in the future. This session will be

The proven effects of social nudity on mental health stem partly from the freedom found by shedding our clothes, but also from the sense of friendship found in the Naturist community. As we move towards the summer season there are many opportunities to attend events and activities, practise Naturism with the wider community, and find new friends. However, we know that attending a first event can be a daunting prospect for many and it is often lamented that a crowd can be the loneliest place

Another year, another trip to the British Naturism Swim Gala! While my partner Dave competed and mingled with other swimmers,  I spent the evening cheering him on and having some interesting chats.  This was our second gala, and it was every bit as welcoming and fun as last year’s. The pool area was full of naked people of all ages – single people, couples and families. There was the same enthusiasm for the racers, the same loud clapping and cheering for those who came last.  This year

It is probably a reflection of the current mood of the country, looking for a brighter future, that has led to the recent proliferation of everyday nudity on our televisions.  On Channel 4, “Naked, Alone and Racing To Get Home” presents a physical, survival challenge where teams without food or clothing compete to race across the countryside, while “Naked Education” considers health and body image issues that we all face. “Naked, Alone and Racing To Get Home” presents physical endurance in

It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Nick Mayhew-Smith to the EC as Clubs Officer. Nick was one of the authors of Bare Beaches and Bare Britain and has written many articles about Naturism for both Naturist and non-Naturist periodicals over many years.  He is a keen historian who knows the legacy of Naturism and British Naturism, a feature that is very valuable in the Clubs Officer role.  Nick designed the first British Naturism website and is the person behind the “Not

Although British Naturism as an organisation does a lot of work to promote Naturism and organises many events centrally or through the Regions, every member has the opportunity to create their own activity.  Many members are motivated to organise small gatherings; a question is how do we make best use of those as a community and how do individuals avoid risk when doing so? In March we used The Forum Live Debate to identify both benefits and risks associated with member-led gatherings.  We

There's loads of reasons to be a member of BN and here's a reminder of the benefits you get for less than £4.50 a month!  Check out goodtimes.bn.org.uk for an overview of all our work and then make the great decision to come and join us!  Easy access to information, advice, downloads and useful guides that will help you to practice Naturism Four issues of our full colour, information-packed magazine with news and views from the UK and overseas, delive

Our first major sporting tournament of the year takes place this coming Saturday - The British Naturism National Swimming Gala! Plenty of avid swimmers have already signed up - it's not too late to join them! The best swimmers will qualify to represent their country at the International event later in the year. Find all the details and booking links here

Join us next Monday evening (17 April) at 19:30 as we talk about World Naked Hiking Day. It takes place on 21st June and BN is planning to make the most of it! There's been a huge increase in naked walking over recent years with people (partly) inspired by the work done by British Naturism in clarifying the legal position. Many group walks take place each year and we've appointed walking coordinators to encourage more in some of our regions. Even The Times participated last summer! I'l

We’re making great progress with our long-term redevelopment plans for at Sunfolk, and although the site will remain closed for the 2023 season, we’re confident that it will be worth the wait We’re very grateful to everyone who has already supported the redevelopment in many different ways, offering their time, ideas and expertise, or by participating in the development loan scheme However, we know that there are many members and supporters who are still keen to help out with the proje

...and beat the price rise! Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to be naked, but the BN Shop is here to help you show your support for Naturism for those times when clothes are required. Our suppliers often talk to us about the irony of making clothes for Naturists, but the fact is that our range of t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies are a great way to let others know about your membership of BN with some subtle (and not so subtle!) messages about Naturism.

Come and join the hundreds of people who already have! It's our flagship summer event; a week of camping, daytime activities and night time entertainment plus the company of like-minded people.  Created in 2007, the festival has grown massively over the years from a small (ish) event catering for enthusiasts to the kind of festival that everyone wants to go to! It takes place in Somerset from the 3rd to the 9th of July - see you there! Find out more and book your place!

Another grey day up here in the North West, but there’s lots of good news to brighten it! Briefly, this year’s GBSD (Great British Skinny Dip) calendar continues to grow, the first NHW (Naked Heart Walk) of 2023 was a smashing – and interesting – success, and you’ll have a chance to quiz the hard-working British Naturism/British Heart Foundation team making it all happen next week... First, the GBSD events. I’ve just checked the calendar and I see that there are dips most weekends in t

Next Monday's Forum Live (3rd April) will be dedicated to our partnership with our charity of the year, British Heart Foundation with a particular focus on the events we are running including Naked Heart Walks and Great British Skinny Dips. Working on these events is an ever-growing team of BHF staff and BN volunteers from all around the UK and we're excited about the possibilities not only for super events in fabulous places (like Powderham Castle - which we've used for this item's picture

In the Forum Live Debate next week (Monday 27 March) we will think about the benefits and challenges of Naturist events that are visible to the public.  I’m sure we would all like to sit out naked in public parks with friends and enjoy a picnic when the weather is nice, so we will discuss the topic.  Are you likely to be challenged?  Is this a good way to normalise nudity?  Are there considerations that should be made? Is the fact that nudity is lawful the most important determinant? I know t