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Synergy with the natural world forms a key part of Naturism for many people.  Indeed, both British Naturism and the International Naturist Federation define Naturism as: "Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment." At the same time, we know that caring for nature and the environment are key concerns for many young people, after all, they sti

Next Monday (14 February) I will have the pleasure of talking to Lachlan Robertson, a BN member who has recently been appointed to a newly created rôle of Partnerships Officer, aimed at creating and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with the outside world including government, police and other authorities, charities, and groups and organisations.  Lachlan is a retired town planner, born in Scotland who has lived in southern England for nearly 40 years. Despite having been of a

Our site at Sunfolk received a very welcome (although slightly late!) 90th birthday present in late January in the form of approval for the planning application to redevelop and improve the site. This is great news for BN as an organisation, for the hundreds of Naturists who visit the site each year and for Sunfolk itself as it allows us to secure and update our facilities and to welcome visitors for years to come. Approval took nearly a year—much longer than we had hoped. We had a lot of s

After two years in the making, we finally were able to head to Detroit-on-Sea (Bournemouth) for our Motown themed weekend and it didn’t disappoint. Friday night opened with the incredible Midnight Soul Sisters (pictured) with their authentic tribute to the girls of Motown – the dance floor was packed from start to finish. It was great to see the community back together – our Bournemouth events attracts mainly couples, and there were lots of new faces as well many familiar. It was also

Next week's (7 February) guest on the Forum Live will be Dan Whicker, Director of Sales and Marketing for one of the best-known family-oriented Naturist resorts in the US - Cypress Cove Nudist Resort near Orlando, Florida, USA. We'll hear from Dan about the work he does in enlarging the Cypress Cove brand and attracting new visitors, and learn all about the resort and its facilities and watch a slide show of images. Dan was formerly the executive director of the American Association fo

Next week's (31st January) guest on the Forum Live will be writer Lucy Holden. Lucy first came to our attention a few years ago when she wrote a piece on the largely-unplanned winter she spent at Naturist resort/village Flevo Natur in the Netherlands. That experience led the Evening Standard to commission her to take a lockdown-enforced staycation at a Naturist place in the UK last summer. Lucy, accompanied by her friend Rosie plumped for Apollo Sun Club near Brighton and the resulting arti

The title is taken from the song Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves (1985) and help describe how it feels to be a Naturist AND a volunteer,’ says BN’s Volunteering Officer, John Gelder. ‘So, here are some examples of how to GET INVOLVED, feel good and feel alive. Get on Board Becoming a member of the Executive Committee is an exciting opportunity to benefit the organisation and really make a difference. It can be a hugely rewarding, important and exciting role. You not only give

It is the time of year when we all make plans for what we want to achieve in the year ahead.  This seems the perfect opportunity to take an even longer view and consider where we want to be in 5 or 10 years time.  How do we want to normalise and promote Naturism?  What relationships do we want with other bodies and organisations, and which ones?  What activities should we be undertaking to reach that 10-year goal?  In The Forum Live Debate we will discuss all of these issues so that we can colle

We're delighted to announce a date for another skinny dip in Northern Ireland. Last summer, between 80 - 100 people gathered on the two mile golden sand beach at Portstewart Strand raising over £1700 for the British Heart Foundation (NI).  Such was the success that the event is being repeated on the 4th September - so you have plenty of time to plan, to raise money and to encourage your friends to get involved! The GBSD schedule for 2022 is already building, with many dips already arra

The Gathering is the flagship weekend event hosted by British Naturism's SANER (Scotland and North of England, incorporating Northern Ireland) region - and 2022's event is now open for booking! Held for the second time at Waverley Castle, south of Edinburgh, in May, it promises to be another activity-packed, fun-filled event. This year, there will also be the addition of a swim at a local venue. Find out more and book your place now!

Avid readers of the latest BN Magazine will be aware of A Year in the Life - Adventures in British Subculture by Lucy Leonelli, a new book to be published next week in which Lucy charts her experiences with a variety of UK-based groups and activities. One chapter is dedicated to her visit to a British Naturism event.  I'll be interviewing Lucy on next week's The Forum Live - 17th January. Lucy Leonelli is a self- proclaimed social tourist with an unquenchable thirst for exploring, expe

It gives me great pleasure to announce the co-option of Andy Dyer as the new Regional Coordinator for the Southwest Region. After careful consideration of options, the South West committee have elected to follow the path of many other regions in uniting the roles of Regional Chair and Regional Coordinator.  This approach allows an effortless flow of information between those working at Regional and National levels and ensures that local contributors are well represented. Andy says:

Fully refreshed from a Christmas and New Year break, the Forum Live returns next Monday, 10th January with a panel of guests made up of recently recruited BN volunteers to both national and regional roles. Come and meet them, learn about their roles, why they volunteered, what they hope to contribute to the organisation—and to achieve, and how you the members can support them. We'll hear about other current Volunteering opportunities too and there will be the usual time set aside for questi

British Naturism’s online community events proved a success through COVID-19 restrictions and continue to be popular as we have gradually returned to normality.  Community events are available to members only and include things such as virtual pub nights, quizzes, coffee mornings, a book club, discussions through The Forum Live, as well as opportunities to support to specific groups such as YBN and our female members. 2022 presents the challenge for us to try even more new and exciting thin

Our naked fitness classes are just the thing for working off the Christmas excesses - and here's a new one for you to enjoy on New Year's Day. Sheryn will be leading one of her popular keep fit classes on Saturday at 5pm. It's low impact and so it's good for all levels. The class is free of charge and open to British Naturism members and those of overseas federations. Reserve your place now Don't forget to check out all the other online sessions that are available, both community

Don't forget all the wonderful things you can get from the UK's national Naturist organisation ... there is plenty going on within our community, on- and off-line, including plenty of free content: Read over one hundred articles on our news pages about a wide variety of Naturist and Naturist-related subjects Visit goodtimes.bn.org.uk and discover how amazing and vibrant our community is The members' side of our website (login required) is chock-full of interesting stuff. Natu

The popular Friday Night Big Quiz will not take place on Christmas Eve, this Friday or New Years Eve, next Friday. However don't despair if you are at a loose end on Monday 27th at 7.30pm we will muscle in on the Forum Live slot in the schedule and have a fun festive quiz for all those who need a grey matter hit. All our regulars and any newcommers will be most welcome. Dress Code - Santa Hats & Tinsel. Reserve your place now...

In our first article we explored the first two NHS ‘Steps to Wellbeing’ – ‘Connection’ and ‘Be Active’. The next is ‘Giving’, writes BN member and MBACP (Accred) Family Therapist, Sheila. Giving to others is an act which benefits both the giver and the receiver. We all love that feeling of finding the right gift for someone we love – and the frustration of not being able to source that special something to show we care! As a counsellor I can hold my hands up and acknowledge that, w

Join us next Monday (20th December) for the final The Forum Live of the year when we will be welcoming Steph McManus, the founder of Body Freedom International. Body Freedom International allows you to be in love and liberated by who you are and the skin you are in by utilising nudity as THE internal healing tool that will have you conquer body shame, breathe confidence from the inside out, everywhere, and harness your imperfectly perfect beauty. We are the pathway between body shame a

On the 7th December 2021, the Law Commission published the final report on the Hate Crime consultation, along with their recommendations to parliament for amendments to legislation. British Naturism have been major stakeholders throughout the process, contributing through both the pre-consultation and consultation phases.  Author of the British Naturism submissions, President, Mark Bass points out that: “The founding principle of Naturism is respect; respect for ourselves and respect f

Booking is now open for the BN Christmas party - quiz, pub and naked disco - on 17th December.  Time: 7pm. Venue: Your place. Cost - nothing (like the dress code) but you do need to be a member of BN or another Naturist federation. Tickets are available from the BN shop at https://shop.bn.org.uk/pages/bnonline (log in required) Members can also find a topic on the Members' Forum   Many of our community online events carry on for much of the festive period – check t

If you're looking for inspiration for gifts for the Naturist in your life, then don't forget to have a browse around the UK's nudest shop... Whilst most of us prefer nothing, there are always times when a hoodie, t-shirt, cap or beenie hat might come in useful. Mugs, tea towels, aprons, water bottles, mousemat and even doormats are available too. All emblazoned with the BN logo and a variety of slogans - you're bound to find something to (birthday) suit. A small range of books are avai

Next Monday (6th December) we’ll be hosting our monthly debate session on the Forum Live. No guests, no interviews, no presentations, but instead a chance for you to share your opinion and hear from others. It’s a subject that has been discussed widely and for a long time. Should everyone in a Naturist place be fully nude? Or should everyone be allowed to dress as they choose? The question is often moot in the UK, as the weather dictates the answer. But should we be happy to enjoy our nudit

Celebrating 90 Years of Naturism at British Naturism Sunfolk Most BN members will be familiar with the recent history of the British Naturism: Sunfolk venue close to St Albans, Hertfordshire, and the acquisition by British Naturism of the site early in 2020, but did you know that this only the latest chapter in the Sunfolk story? The Sunfolk site has been in continuous use as a Naturist venue for the last 90 years, making it one of the longest-established spaces available for Naturists

Regular readers will know that once a quarter, we hold a Forum Live event for members to meet and ask questions of British Naturism's Executive Committee. The next session will take place on Monday week, the 13th December 2021 at 7:30pm. The event is open to all British Naturism members and is expected to last an hour. Questions for the Directors and Executive Committee members on any relevant subject will be welcome. To help us manage the session and to provide the best possible answers we