Wishing all the guests at BN's 60th anniversary Jamboree a fabulous time! The venue is a new one to us - Baskerville Hall on the Welsh borders near Hay-on-Wye - and yes, as you may have deduced from the image, it is the place that inspired Conan-Doyle's famous Sherlock Holmes story...
It's a packed programme of activity including live music, murder mystery evening, comedy, quiz, talks, crafts, and games and sports. Trips off the site include canoeing (sadly, not naked) down the nearby River Wye and a visit to Hay-on-Wye, famous for its book festival and multiple book shops. There will also be plenty of time for chilling out with friends, old and new.
Baskerville Hall also has a pool, sauna and bar. What's not to like!
Find out more over in the BN shop
The Withington Pool in South Manchester has now become another addition to the BN North West Region’s list of skinny-dipping locations, This Edwardian venue is a stunning addition to our list of venues and the North West team are now attempting to schedule events there on a Monthly basis on the 3rd Sunday in each month - subject to lifeguard availability. The Swim now has a new time of 18.00 – 19.30.
The next swim is this Sunday, 15 September! Book your place over in the BN shop! The event is open to all - not just BN members.
With full use of the modern, super-size (and very hot) Sauna and with a pool heated to 30° complimenting the air temperature that is normally at 32°, this venue has also become extremely popular with everyone and especially good feedback from some of our female members.
We sincerely hope to see more of you there!
Ron O'Hare
North West Regional Organiser and leader of Team GBSD
Check out all the activity in the NW region here
While the rest of Scotland basked in warm sunshine, on the day of our Findhorn GBSD the beach was shrouded in a cool haar, writes organiser Alan Ellison. This didn’t deter 31 dippers from taking part in the second GBSD here. The air temperature of 15°C and water temperature 13°C meant that many only dipped briefly and got dressed promptly afterwards. Others lost track of the time while chatting in the water and stayed in a bit longer than they should but were quickly revived by a hot drink and a piece of millionaire shortbread!
A wider range of publicity this time - an article in the Press & Journal, a post in the “Forres Local” FaceBook page and a mention on Greatest Hits Radio breakfast show - resulted in a diverse group, ranging from 20s to 70s, many of whom had only recently found out about the event and one who joined in spontaneously as she was passing. Some were a bit late so they don’t feature in the line-up but they promise to get there on time next year!
We weren’t joined by dolphins or seals but a Basking shark was spotted feeding a little further out to sea. The event raised £190 for the Findhorn Dunes Trust, a local charity which looks after the fragile environment surrounding the dip location.
A week beforehand, I put up a sign next to the car park to let people know about the event, inviting them to join us or cheer. One member of the public contacted the local police to question the legality of the sign, and the event. It was reassuring that the police responded that they had been informed of the event, and that it was legal so no action needed to be taken. I had to replace the sign five times in the week leading up to the event as it was removed by person(s) unknown, presumably because they objected. Most feedback on the Forres Local Facebook page was positive, but one person thought it was “disgusting” so I assume they stayed away!
I’ll set the date for the next event early next year after I get hold of the tide timetables, likely to be early September again. Haar is a rare thing around here and surely it can’t happen again next time!
About a month ago I posted a news story about the range and volume of the media attention BN had been paid over the last little while, well, it continues! Don't forget that members can find links to most of them (and post anything they find relating to nudity/Naturism in the press) on the Members' Forum.
A particular success has been the result of the press release we issued to local media outlets for the forthcoming visit to the Dorset Museum. It may be the silly season, or a slow news week but it led to interviews on Times Radio and BBC Radio Solent, press reports in the Bournemouth Echo, The Sun and on the BBC website. A letter from one of the organisers was published in the Bridport News. Even better is that a media session will be held on the night, just before the visit begins, with ITV's Good Morning, BBC Radio Solent and Bournemouth News and Picture Service attending.
Tickets for the event on 17th September are still available - buy yours from the BN shop now!
Naked Southampton Swim takes place at the Oaklands Community Pool in Southampton on a monthly basis - and starts again on Saturday 28 September from 18:30 - 20:00.
The event is open to all - find out more and book your place over in the BN shop - and check out the swim dates for the rest of the year.
We are living through a global pandemic that affects our minds rather than our bodies. We have built a society that undermines self-belief and afflicts young people in particular with suicide being the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. There are good times and bad times which makes it even worse because somebody who cracks jokes in the pub might feel very differently behind their closed door.
Gracie joined us at the EveryBody festival as part of #TheNakedTruth campaign and shared some of her experiences as a young woman living today, giving us an insight into the challenges people face and some glimpses of light on where solutions might be found.
Naturism might not be the solution to the world’s problems, but poor body image certainly contributes to poor mental health and escaping into nature and into nudity can provide moments of relief.
Be mindful of those around you, they probably need more help than you realise and can offer support in return.
Each year British Naturism invites nominations for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Naturism and really made a difference. Usually, those nominees will be from the UK and, indeed, the membership, but some contributions transcend international boundaries. This is very much the case for Nick and Lins, better known as Naked Wanderings.
Nick and Lins are among the most effective naturist influencers active today. Best known through their blog, started in 2017, their output has expanded into a variety of social media channels with tens of thousands of followers. Through these platforms they have found a voice which speaks to young and old alike, to novice naturists or those considering starting out, and to experienced naturists who are interested in finding new places to go.
They have made a similarly significant contribution to organised Naturism. They played a key role in convincing Stéphane Deschênes to stand for election as President of the INF in 2021 and have themselves represented Australia and South Africa during the last two INF World Congresses. They present as ordinary people, not cranky or eccentric, and not taking themselves too seriously, and by doing so have inspired existing and prospective naturists around the world.
They can be found on Instagram and more of their content is linked here, so go check them out!
The Certificate of Merit awards are usually made at the British Naturism AGM, but that doesn’t have to be the case and with Nick and Lins visiting the UK and the EveryBody Festival, we seized the opportunity to make the presentation in person. They serve as an inspiration in how we can advance Naturism by being positive and I’m sure you will all agree that the award is well deserved.
We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over the next few weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Note that this week's digest is extended to a three week period as the news and ezine team are off on their hols next week and there will be no update.
Please note: only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance. Participants in other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
Bigger events happening later in the year:
Sept 27 Court Farm Naked Heart Walk
Sept 29 Eastern Region Conference
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 19 Naked Quiz & Social Evening
Oct 25-27 INF Swimming Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura
Dec 14 Christmas Lunch at the Mill Arms
2025
Feb 8-16 YBN to Gran Canaria
May 12-15 The Gathering
May 31-14 June Sailing Club Holiday
July 7-13 Nudefest – info to follow soon
July 12 Bare all for Polar Bears
Wishing all the members who are taking advantage of our next group holiday a wonderful time! The week long trip starts on Saturday and takes place at Magnolias Natura on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria.
We're planning more great group holidays for 2025 - keep an eye out for details.
Have fun people!
BN Chair, Colin Taylor, says:
'There's been a really great atmosphere in the Pavilion at British Naturism’s site Sunfolk this week, despite some awful weather but the Pavilion was full and warm and really busy. Evenings have been great with a very mixed bunch sitting in the bistro setting. Lively conversation from visitors around the world as well as YBN members here for the YBN week. We’ve had some international visitors too, from Belgium and Israel as well as international travellers and Vloggers Nick and Lins from Naked Wanderings. Watch out for their upcoming video of their visit. BN Sunfolk is a great place to be whatever the weather!
We've had other great feedback too!
...The kitchen is awesome! Really modern and every appliance you could ever want, and more. Two huge fridges, state of the art sinks and oven/hob. Was very impressive!! There is also an area before the kitchen in the main area that has a sink and a little area with one of those boiling water from the tap devices.
...I just spent a delightful two nights there - it's serene, with kitchen and communal spaces "just right". The wardens were very professional as well as welcoming. Well done and congratulations BN!
...The whole experience was brilliant. Well done to everyone who was involved in getting the project over the finishing line.
...I camped at BN Sunfolk for the first time last week and was most impressed with this lovely site and all its facilities. It was one of the best Naturist camping experiences I've had and I want to thank the BN wardens for making my stay a relaxing and enjoyable one.
I camped on Sunday night on a fabulous hot weekend. I felt so welcomed and comfortable I returned on Friday, with my wife, for her first ever Naturist experience. She’s seen what this year has meant to me, so she had nervously agreed to come with me to Sunfolk. I was absolutely delighted as I so wanted to share everything that I have discovered this year with her, but had no clue how sell Naturism to her. However, she was completely sold on the whole experience from the moment the gate opened and we were welcomed so warmly. She absolutely loved it. Signed up to BN on the spot!
Expectations are high for another good turnout at our Great British Skinny dip and beach day in Northern Ireland. It takes place this coming Sunday, 1 September at 11am at Portstewart Strand
We’ve also been enjoying a great collaboration with our friends from the National Trust who have been promoting the event on social media on both the National Trust page and the Portstewart Strand page on Facebook, this week as well as the National Trust North Coast Instagram page - please engage with them all if you can!
Please support this event if you can - in BN's 60th anniversary year - and make the possibility of many more likely!
We are looking for a current volunteer who is involved in delivering British Naturism’s events or activities ‘on the ground’ who has an interest in health and safety issues to join British Naturism’s new Health and Safety Committee.
We are particularly looking for someone who will be involved in having to implement health and safety considerations, whether at national, regional, local events and activities, to provide a user’s ‘reality check’ with those tasked for managing our commitment to health and safety.
Meetings will usually take place online via Zoom. You will also be expected to read and comment on policy documents and reports.
For an informal conversation or to express an interest in joining the Health and Safety Committee, please contact Colin Taylor, Chair of BN, who is our lead on health and safety. He's also contactable via the members' forum @Colin Taylor. For an expression of interest, please state current volunteer role with BN, any relevant experience and why you would like to be involved in this important area of work.
Find out more about Volunteering for BN and the various roles we have available here (log-in required)
The Autumn issue of our members' magazine is out now!
As always, it’s chock-full of news, information, listings and fully illustrated features and articles.
Contents include:
All the events you can look forward to and a round-up of everything that’s been happening – including Nudefest
BN in the media – We’re as busy as bees spreading the word!
Women in Naturism: “My Word, My Way” helps women express what Naturism means to them
Sunfolk reopens!
British Bodies, French Film: Annebella Pollen dishes on her part in a new nudie documentary
100 Years in the Nude: BN’s Nick Mayhew-Smith on a century of club Naturism in the UK
Sports Round-up: All the latest on BN’s sports activities
In travel, we visit Rhodes, the Dominican Republic, Spain, St Martin and Portugal
…and loads more!
BN241 will soon be landing on the doormats of members of British Naturism who can also download a digital version. There's even a topic open for you to share your views with other members (log in required).
We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events to look forward to. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Please note: only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance. Participants in other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
Bigger events happening later in the year:
Only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance. Participants in the other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
Sept 11 High Beeches Garden Visit
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Sept 15 Naturist Foundation 5k run
Sept 17 Dorset Museum Visit
Sept 19-22 Neath Abbey Camping Weekend
Sept 27 Court Farm BHF walk
Sept 29 Eastern Region Conference
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 19 Naked Quiz & Social Evening
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura
Dec 14 Christmas Lunch at the Mill Arms
2025
Feb 8-16 YBN to Gran Canaria
May 12-15 The Gathering
May 31-14 June Sailing Club Holiday
July 7-13 Nudefest – info to follow soon
July 12 Bare all for Polar Bears
They might have thought it was all over (the Naked Heart Walks as well as the tan...) but here's another terrific Naked Heart Walk to raise money for our charity partner British Heart Foundation.
It takes place at the four-acre Court Farm Lakes in Lydney, Gloucestershire on Friday 27 September.
Find out how to book your place here!
Dorset's Studland Bay, as most readers will know, hosts - amongst much else of interest - one of the best beaches for Naturists in the UK. British Naturism has always worked alongside the beach owners, The National Trust - in fact we are represented on the official beach user group.
In association with the Dorset Coast Forum, they have launched a survey for all those interested in the beach to provide feedback. We encourage as many Naturists as possible to complete it!
Find it here, along with a lot more information about the project and Studland Bay itself.
The kitchen has been refreshed to provide a good space for serious food prep. For more casual eating and drinking, guests can use the more sociable space with its large breakfast bar.
We've had more good feedback!
Kevin said, 'I really can’t recommend Sunfolk more to either people trying Naturism for the first time or anyone looking for an easy place to visit for the day. With kindness and a welcome from the wonderful wardens and the friendly people at Sunfolk, it is a beautiful place I had the most amazing day yesterday again meeting and chatting with some lovely people. Sunfolk really is magical and in fact a deeply spiritual place with the most amazing energy.
Lachlan said, 'I spent a couple of days there last week. A beautifully refurbished site which hasn't, as i feared it might, lost its charm.
Morning starts with the birds, sometimes soft cooing, other times rambunctious chatter. Giant stands of bamboo creak like an old woman’s joints. Cows moo. A donkey brays. The sweet songs of nature gently announce the day, one element at a time. Drinking coffee outside on the terrace, we glance at the mountains in the distance. Will there be a rainbow this morning? Maybe a double? It is beautiful and peaceful here.
‘Here’ is New Cambium, a 70-hectare (approximately 173-acre) Naturist community located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. In 2010 a community was founded here where people could “Live, play, and work naked year-round,” in a sustainable and holistic environment. With that goal, Naturists from around the world bought plots and many have built homes, some of which are available for holiday rental. New Cambium represents the best of many worlds with a central recreational area at Palm Gardens surrounded by farmland and ancient cacao forests. Against the background of the mountains, residents take nature walks along three kilometres of trails and they gather at the pool. Beautiful, secluded beaches are minutes away by car.
Over the years, the vision has evolved to one of being a financially sustainable residential and rental community that is aligned with the Naturist philosophy of living in harmony with nature, each other, and ourselves. Where the original vision promoted social nudity and the benefits of living clothes free, we’ve expanded to include respect for the land, the water, the plants and animals who live among us - including the human ones!. You can experience the Dominican Republic in a way not remotely related to the big resort towns that replace local charm with homogenised hotel life. Here, when you drop your clothes, you can also drop hectic everyday living.
In the local village of Magante, you will find small colmados (convenience stores), a dairy with fresh yogurt and cheese, a grocery store, some small eateries, a liquor store, a wood carving studio and two hardware stores. It is a humble and friendly town. A short walk from the village takes you to Playa Rogelio, our local beach, well equipped with food kiosks, sun beds, and vast areas for seaside walks. Although there are no nudists beaches, many of us swim and sunbathe naked in secluded areas; the beaches here are stunning.
What we lack in convenience (ATM machines and petrol stations are 20 minutes away), we make up for in being part of a community made up of kind, funny, warm, and helpful locals. Got a flat tyre? Give it a few minutes and a guy on a motor bike will show up to change it for a few pesos. Want some fresh fish? Head to the beach. Fresh fish, fries, tostones (fried plantains), salad, rice and a beer cost around £12. For finer fare, head to any of the towns along the coast for more European-style dining.
Today there are twelve-full time residents at New Cambium. Sharon from Colorado writes, “Kenneth and I had been leaseholders since 2010 and became full-time residents living in a home we built in 2022. This simple, off-grid-life, surrounded by beauty, with tropical beaches so close, is a dream life for us. The Dominican Republic is a treasure. With incredible natural and cultural diversity, we are always discovering something new and different to explore. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but we are grateful it’s such a wonderful match for us.”
From October through March, our community number swells to close to thirty as people flee the cold winters of North America and Europe for our warm weather and simple living.
“We’re natural Naturists and we love living a simple life in a tiny wooden home with a thatched roof and a spectacular view of the mountains. Living close to nature is not only possible here at New Cambium, but we also feel that it’s the best place to experience it.” says Cat, who flees the UK every fall for the winter here with her partner Diarmid. “We love our Adam and Eve lifestyle, walking in the sunshine, swimming in the river or the pool, and scrumping for mangoes when they’re in season.”
Not exactly off-grid – more like off the beaten path – solar-powered electricity takes advantage of the abundant sunshine, although spells of rain and clouds can challenge even the best system. Most of us believe it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness, but perhaps we enjoy being unplugged for a little while.
For most of the last fourteen years, the organisation’s sustainability and growth has focused on home and lot sales and vacation rentals. In the last few months, we’ve expanded our agricultural products, with a current emphasis on cacao.
Jim, president of the board of directors, says “Our ancient cacao trees grow in 10 hectares of towering forest. This year's harvest yielded about 4,100 kg of cacao beans. Some is being produced for retail sale, under the Bonita Cacao brand, with a New Cambium origin designation. We have spoken with our cacao farmers about expanding the crop, replacing some of our grazing land with not just cacao but other crops. Vanilla is native to the region. It's not just another crop for income, and a lovely flavouring, but has antibiotic properties useful for infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria, according to a study last year in the European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology. The fermented vanilla can be so aromatic. We have agreed to allow an organic vanilla growing company to grow it on our property, and get organic designation for our land. It'll be exciting to watch from its inception.”
We believe New Cambium is like no other place. Sit by the pool with a Presidente beer. Walk our trails. Pick bananas for breakfast … but don’t take our word for it, come see for yourself. See you soon!
As we head towards Autumn, we can look back fondly on the new experiences we will all have had as Naturists during the warmer summer months (and forget about the cold and wet days!)
Although opportunities for outdoor Naturism may be scaling down for many of us, the BN Shop continues to provide a great way to continue to show your support for Naturism when clothes are required – or around the house
Our popular range of t-shirts and hoodies are still available. You can choose from designs featuring the BN logo, or various subtle (and not so subtle) slogans
Our caps and beanie hats are another great way of showing your support, and feature slogans tailor-made for those of us who enjoy Naturist walking even when the temperatures start to fall
We also have a range of products which you can enjoy around the house, and let your visitors know that you are proud to live at home as a Naturist, including mugs featuring a range of logos, and slogans, and our best-selling doormats which confirm that ‘Naturists may be seen beyond this point’!
Finally, don’t forget our limited-edition range of products designed to celebrate our sixtieth anniversary year. These will be available until the end of 2024, so don’t hesitate to make a purchase before it’s too late
You can find all of our products available to purchase at shop.bn.org.uk and can get in touch with us with your comments, questions, and suggestions at shop@bn.org.uk
We like to bring you news stories of forthcoming events - it spreads the word, encourages more people to book and shows just how vibrant the Naturist scene is in the UK. However - I'm happy to say - there are far too many to promote them all individually and so here is a complete list of all the events happening over just the next couple of weeks and big events taking place later. Enjoy! And don't forget that we are always looking for reports on great gatherings for the magazine and elsewhere...
Please note: only those events organised through BN are covered by BN’s insurance. Participants in other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
Bigger events happening later in the year:
Aug 30-1 Sep Rusheyhill Weekend Camp
Aug 31-7 Sep Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 11 High Beeches Garden Visit
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Sept 15 Naturist Foundation 5k run
Sept 17 Dorset Museum Visit
Sept 19-22 Neath Abbey Camping Weekend
Sept 29 Eastern Region Conference
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 19 Naked Quiz & Social Evening
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura
Dec 14 Christmas Lunch at the Mill Arms
2025
Feb 8-16 YBN to Gran Canaria
May 12-15 The Gathering
May 31-14 June Sailing Club Holiday
July 7-13 Nudefest – info to follow soon
July 12 Bare all for Polar Bears
The recent great weather has further increased the popularity of our redeveloped site just north of London. It's good to see many people planning their visits well in advance, but we're also getting many people just making that decision when they see the sun rising high in the sky!
In an article which members will read in the forthcoming issue of BN Magazine (out in early September), BN Chairman Colin Taylor writes (amongst other things):
'You can stay over or visit for the day. We have camping for tents, caravans and motorhomes – and there are brand-new glamping pods with real beds, bedding and pillows, and furnishings. In our spa area there is the covered swimming pool, new sauna and a hot tub, or you can chill out on the high deck of the lovely pavilion. To make your visit even easier, there’s a shared kitchen and a BBQ area with gas BBQ.
The Pavilion creates a “Wow” from all our guests as they approach. It is wide and south-facing with a decking surround meaning you get the sun all day long. If the sun is being a little shy the wide bifold doors can be closed and a lovely light, warm atmosphere inside means you can enjoy the time relaxing in the cosy lounge area, make yourself a drink in the bistro area or prepare a meal in the kitchen. There’s even a new wood-burning stove for the first chills of autumn. Our bistro shop uses contactless technology for our digital honesty box and most guests have not used our instant hot water taps before and need to be shown the technique as we have done away with kettles!
The campfires are burning again thanks to donations of a fire pit and a new pathway and surround with bench seating up in the woodland area. The woodland walk has been cleared and is a lovely gentle strolling area in the shade from the sun on hot days.
We believe we have kept the atmosphere of the old Sunfolk but brought the facilities and looks into the 21st century. Do come and visit, as a day visitor, camper, caravaner, motor-homer and look out for our themed events and weekends. It’s the best way to appreciate the work, time and money invested in the new facilities.'
British Naturism and Clover Spa and Hotel in Birmingham have got together to host a spa day with afternoon tea, Prosecco, and a 20 minute taster treatment on Saturday 12th October.
Book now for relaxing and confidence boosting social event. It could also be the perfect opportunity to introduce a friend.
As part of our EveryBody festival which kicks off tomorrow, we'll be taking a trip to Poole's superb water park, Splashdown with a huge number of rides, slides and more - and you don't have to be an EveryBody guest to be able to book a ticket!
Find out more over in the BN shop! Note that this event is open to BN Members only plus their accompanied guests and must be booked in advance.
Back in April, we held our first nude swim at the beautiful Withington Pool, Manchester. Such was the success, and the joy experienced by the venue and staff, that we quickly arranged a second ... and this Sunday sees a third. Will it become a regular thing? We hope so.
Tickets can be purchased via the BN Shop.
If you are still thinking about booking for our Naked Cruise along The Jurassic Coast and around Poole harbour this Friday, here's something that may tempt you.
You now have the option to purchase a ticket for the trip only - excluding the meal.
The weather forecast looks good so get on board and book your place! Why not bring a friend!
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