It is already hot in Somerset and the gates are about to open. The schedule is packed throughout the week and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.
News and Articles
News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism
It is already hot in Somerset and the gates are about to open. The schedule is packed throughout the week and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.
The Executive Committee welcomes nomination for certificates of merit from members. Certificates are usually awarded at the AGM, and in order to allow the EC to give proper consideration to nominations we're asking for these no later than 15 July.
Nominees don't have to be members - indeed certificates have in the past been awarded to people outside BN whose contribution has been considered exceptional. And the nominee could be a single person or a group, such as a club, couple, team or company.
Find out more including how to go about it on the Members' Forum (log in required)
Himalayan Gardens
Clothing optional 2 kilometre Naked Heart Walk to raise money for the BHF
July 1
North Yorkshire
GBSD Meet & Greet
July 1
Join us at the remote and beautiful shingly beach of Ringstead Bay on the Jurassic coast with a mass dip at noon!!
Dorset
Nothing on a Saturday Night
July 1
Come along for a swim in a warm, friendly environment and then continue socialising in a local pub.
Lancashire
Beach Day
July 1
Join us for a naturist gathering at St. Annes beach, south of Blackpool
Lancashire
Spectrum Swim
July 1
Enjoy 3 hours of naturist swimming and socialising in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere
West Midlands
South Forest Swim
July 1, 15
On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, limited to 60 people.
Nottinghamshire
Forth Naturist Swim
July 2
25m and children’s pools, sauna & steam rooms, sports hall plus refreshments available.
Midlothian
Glasgow Swim
July 2
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Lanarkshire
Cardiff Meet Up
July 2
A friendly coffee meet up on a Sunday afternoon, and is clothing optional.
Glamorgan
WNBR Hastings
July 2
Join this naked bike ride
East Sussex
Noah’s Ark Swim
July 2
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Nudefest
Britain’s biggest Naturist Festival
July 3 - 9
Somerset
Natram Walk
July 4
Join us for an 11 mile walk over the saltmarshes near Bradwell.
Essex
Pre Shap Lido Naked Walk
July 4
Clothing optional walk prior to the Lido Swim
July 4
GBSD at Shap Lido
July 4
Join us for our monthly visit to Shap Lido where the water is heated to 28°C.
Westmorland
Swim Bristol
July 5
Swim most Wednesdays in the Jubilee Pool.
Avon
Ladies Only Swim
July 7
Clothes optional swim in a privately owned heated indoor pool with Jacuzzi and sauna, showers, changing cubicles & toilet.
Norfolk
Watford Swims
July 7
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
Swim Afternoon or Evening
July 7
Varied swim times organised by Club Naturel.
Norfolk
GBSD Meet & Greet
July 7
Join us at the remote and beautiful shingly beach of Ringstead Bay on the Jurassic coast with a mass dip at noon!!
Dorset
The Big Quiz
July 7
Online Quiz
Northern Ireland
GBSD Peterborough Lido
July 8, August 12
4 events booked for 2023 at this wonderful example of a 1930s Lido with 3 heated pools. The cafe will be open for snack and hot drinks.
Wigton Swim
July 8
Come and join us for a 2 hour Naturist Swim at Cumbria's only all year round Naturist Swimming facility.
Cumbria
WNBR Cardiff
July 8
Join us for this Naked Bike Ride
Glamorgan
WNBR Edinburgh
July 8
Join us for this naked bike ride.
Midlothian
Chester Swim
July 8
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
TROC Monthly Swim & Gym
July 8
A monthly naturist swim with an available gym.
Tyne & Wear
Prested Hall Spa Swim
July 9
Held on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month, pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced bistro.
Essex
Ryedale Swim
July 9
Fortnightly swim
County Durham
Noah’s Ark Swim
July 9
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Potteries Swim
July 9
Swim and relax in a pleasant, friendly environment, alternate Sundays.
Staffordshire
Glasgow Swim
July 9
Scotland’s weekly naked swim, Turkish, sauna & yoga; with travelling rings and trapeze over the pool
Lanarkshire
Swim Plymouth
July 10
Twice monthly swims, both lane swimming and less energetic socialising, both in the pool and the pub afterwards.
Devon
Shaftesbury Lido Swim
July 11
Open air, 25m heated pool is a great place to swim.
Dorset
Walk the North Downs
July 11
Join us for a summertime stroll along a section of the North Downs Way (Pilgrims Way).
Kent
The Chat
July 11
Online chat
Northern Ireland
Scarborough Walk
July 12
Join us for a 5 mile naturist walk, flat countryside with stunning views
Yorkshire
Bristol Swim
July 12
Swim at the Jubilee pool
Avon
Walk Egg & Denger
July 13
An 11 mile walk through ancient forests on the North Downs plus a skinny dip on the return leg.
East Kent
Swim Afternoon or Evening
July 14
Varied swim times organised by Club Naturel.
Norfolk
Watford Swim
July 14
Join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
Hertfordshire
The Big Quiz
July 14
Online
Northern Ireland
Evenly Wood
July 14
Enjoy this 60-acre privately owned woodland garden which contains a notable collection of plants, unusual trees and shrubs.
Northamptonshire
NHW Fonthill Estate
July 15
Clothes optional, Naked Heart Walk through amazing countryside but can be challenging with several hills to negotiate.
Wiltshire
Forth Boat Trip
July 15
Sail under the 3 iconic bridges spanning the River Forth.
Midlothian
Boujie Bingo
July 15
Bingo with a difference at Tando!
Tyne & Wear
Swim South Forest
July 15
Swim naturally in your local indoor complex with pool and flume, children’s pool, sauna, Jacuzzi
Nottinghamshire
Swim Bury St Edmunds
July 15
A regular swim plus sauna and steam room.
Suffolk
Birmingham Swim
July 15
Spectrum swims most Saturdays of the year.
West Midlands
Boules & Sport Weekend
July 15 & 16
Boules, water volleyball, Miniten, pickleball and swimming.
Buckinghamshire
Swim at Haddington
July 16
Join our swim featuring a 25m & children’s pool, sauna and steam room plus refreshments!
East Lothian
Nudie Dudie Swim
July 16
Swim at Llantwit Major Leisure Centre.
Vale of Glamorgan
Noah’s Ark Swim
July 16
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Meet & Greet
July 16
For a chat and a pint.
Vale of Glamorgan
NW Bowls Event
July 16
Annual BN North West Bowls Competition
Cheshire
Rosslyn Glamping
July 16 to July 23
Clothing optional glamping / camping week.
Norfolk
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
Jupiter Artland - as you can see from Andy's stunning image - is a feast for the eye with quirky artworks, woodland walks, fantastic earthwork mounds and meadow areas.
The event takes place on the evening of 6 August - find out more and book your tickets over in the BN shop.
...and whilst we're north of the border - don't forget these events coming up soon!
Nudity is lawful in the UK without malign, compounding factors, but we know that people can attract the attention of the authorities due to misunderstanding of the law.
For many years members have benefited from the services of BN members Peter and Christine Wright as the in-house legal team. They have, among other things, operated a helpline for members, as well as supporting them by taking the role of expert witnesses and advising on police matters, safeguarding and employment questions. We know that members attach great value the fact that they are able to gain access to legal assistance when they need it.
A year ago they notified the BN office of their intention to retire from being on call but it is essential that we continue to support members facing legal challenges, so we are pleased to announce that we have contracted with a practising solicitor to operate a helpline for members who run into difficulties with the criminal law or the police.
An initial consultation of up to 30 minutes by telephone will be provided - the fee covered by British Naturism. The service applies in relation to matters occurring in all the United Kingdom legal jurisdictions: England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Any further consultations or advice after the 30 minutes will be on a case-by-case basis and not necessarily paid for by British Naturism.
The service is limited to criminal matters, including encounters with the police, relating to your practice of naturism. If a civil matter arises, members should in the first instance contact the British Naturism head office.
The service is available only to current members of British Naturism. You can find out how to make use of it on the forum (log in required)
We would like to thank Peter and Christine Wright warmly for the work they have done on a voluntary basis for British Naturism and its members over more than two decades. Not only have they provided reassuring advice as a first point of contact, they were also instrumental in the campaigning work that helped shape the current CPS guidance and the College of Policing document, to say nothing of lobbying work that helped prevent the Sexual Offences Act of 2003 inadvertently criminalising naturist activities. We are also grateful that they have offered to remain available, albeit in more of a background role.
Not a member? It's easy to join...
This year, the festival runs from 3 - 9 July and on Monday night, at the end of the first day when we hope to have all the arrivals settled in and anticipating a terrific activity and fun-packed week ahead, I'll tour the site, showing you what's there and what to expect, as well as chatting to members of the Nudefest team, including the event's organiser, Mark Walsh. You can see the programme of activities here.
Join on the night over in the BN shop
This Saturday, July 1, sees our next walk, at the stunning Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Ripon in Yorkshire. If you haven't bought a ticket, you'll be pleased to know it's not too late!
Find all the details here and head over to our dedicated website to get yourself up to date with the whole concept of a Naked Heart Walk
Image: Mark Bass
Michelle Braddock of Lanzarote Retreats, tells BN ...
We’d been creating and managing holiday accommodation in Lanzarote for nearly 15 years when the opportunity arose to acquire an old restaurant in the Naturist resort of Charco del Palo. There was something about the building and its location right next to the ocean that spoke to us. And before we knew it, we were midway through a renovation to turn the site into a luxury, eco villa that would fit with our existing Lanzarote Retreats portfolio.
Venturing into the Naturist market was completely new territory for us, but the more we read, and the more we talked about it, the more clearly we realised there was a growing interest in Naturism. What’s more, the setting of our new villa – offering complete privacy in a serene environment away from the tourist hotspots – was going to appeal to our guests, whether they were wanting to bare it all or not. And the beauty of Eco Beach is that it sleeps up to 10 people on an exclusive basis; perfect for getting together with like-minded friends and family.
Peace and privacy at Eco Beach
Each of the five apartment-style bedrooms has a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom so you can enjoy your own space. The villa benefits from a spacious living and dining area, communal bar, and industrial kitchen, perfect for socialising. There is also a large studio for yoga and Pilates – we can arrange for instructors to come in if required – and a roof terrace with views over the ocean.
The outdoor area is a private oasis with lush tropical gardens and an eight-metre, solar-heated swimming pool for putting in a few laps. Or choose just to top up the tan from the comfort of one of the sun loungers.
Charco del Palo resort
The first official nude resort in the Canaries, Charco del Palo has a restaurant, cafes, bars, art galleries and shops. Directly in front of the villa is a gorgeous terraced white sand beach featuring a volleyball court and tidal sea pools, so you needn’t venture far for a dip.
There’s hiking and mountain biking on the doorstep and it’s one of the best sites for scuba diving on the island. We have a fleet of Toyota hybrid cars that guests can hire during their stay, and we can arrange for meals to be delivered if you fancy a night off cooking without needing to go out.
Go off-grid
Like our other properties, Eco Beach was designed with sustainability at the heart of the project. Features include solar panels to heat the water (with backup gas heaters) and power all the electricity needed at the retreat. There is also a purpose-built rainwater collection system, which is really important on an arid, volcanic island. We don’t think a sustainable holiday has to mean scrimping on modern technology: free Wi-Fi means you can stay connected if you want to.
Ask about our discount for BN Members!
www.lanzaroteretreats.com/holiday_home/eco-beach
+34 928 826720
Open Water Swim
June 23
Clothing optional, in a lake with a life guard and a café to warm up in after.
Leicestershire
Wyvern Club Solo Weekend
June 23 to 26
A fabulous chance to join for a solo weekend to celebrate the club’s 40th birthday.
Herefordshire
Rosslyn Glamping
June 23 to July 2
Clothing optional glamping / camping week.
Norfolk
Club Naturel Swim
June 23, 30, July 7
Afternoon and evening swims several times per month.
Norfolk
Watford Naturist Swimming Club
June 23
Come and join us at our Friday night swim to enjoy 'The WNSC Friday Feel Good Factor'!
GBSD Meet & Greet
June 24
Join us at the remote and beautiful shingly beach of Ringstead Bay on the Jurassic coast with a mass dip at noon!!
Dorset
International Sand Dune Day
June 24
Join us on a guided walk through the dunes of Studland beach followed by an early season litter pick.
Dorset
Mildenhall Naturist Swim
June 24
Join our regular swim in Newmarket
Suffolk
Miniten Taster Day
A fun taster day, learn how to play and have a few games and meet new friends
June 24
Buckinghamshire
Beacon Tarn Skinny Dip and Walk
June 24
GBSD annual naked walk and skinny dip
Cumbria
Worsley Swim
June 24
NW Naturists run swim with optional massage, drinks and homemade cakes.
Greater Manchester
Chester Swim
June 24
A weekly swim with the friendly Wirral Nats, with a 25m pool, water slide, sauna & steam rooms.
Wirral
Spectrum Swim
June 24
Enjoy 3 hours of naturist swimming and socialising in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere
West Midlands
Outdoor Badminton
June 24
Outdoor badminton or maybe a run around the woodlands or Spikeball.
Tyne & Wear
High Beeches Garden
June 24
With 27 acres of woodland, water gardens and a collection of rare and exotic plants, this visit is not to be missed.
Sussex
Prested Hall Spa Swim
June 25, July 9
Held on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month, pool, sauna, steam room, garden area and licenced bistro.
Essex
Noah’s Ark Swim
June 25
Weekly Sunday swims plus extra weekly activities, including Yoga, Pilates and life drawing.
Surrey
Ryedale Swim
June 25
Fortnightly swim
County Durham
Sunday Swim
June 25
The swim offers naturists use of a 21m pool, Turkish suite, steam room, saunas and relaxation areas in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Lanarkshire
Beach Day
June 25, July 1
Join us for a naturist gathering at St. Annes beach, south of Blackpool
Lancashire
Tewkesbury Swim
June 25
Regular naturist swim session at Tewkesbury Leisure Centre, held on 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of every month.
Gloucestershire
The Potteries Swim
June 25
A naturist swim meeting alternative Sundays
Staffordshire
Naturist Walk
June 27
A circular walk of 8 miles on Brown Clee Hill.
Shropshire
Natram Walk Box Hill
June 27
Join us for an 11 mile stroke around Box Hill but does include some strenuous climbs.
Surrey
Outdoor Badminton
June 28
A chance to play outdoors mid week after work, and maybe a sauna when the outside temperature drops.
Tyne & Wear
Swim Bristol
June 28
Aquasol meet most Wednesdays.
Bristol
Male Naturist Swim
June 29
A weekly male only swim.
Greater Manchester
Nettlebed Naturist Walk
June 30
Join us for a 7 mile walk, which is quite hilly with a few steep climbs.
Oxfordshire
Camping & Bunkhouse Weekend
June 30
Clothing optional weekend.
County Down
Himalayan Gardens
Clothing optional 2 kilometre Naked Heart Walk to raise money for the BHF
July 1
North Yorkshire
GBSD Meet & Greet
July 1
Join us at the remote and beautiful shingly beach of Ringstead Bay on the Jurassic coast with a mass dip at noon!!
Dorset
Nothing on a Saturday Night
July 1
Come along for a swim in a warm, friendly environment and then continue socialising in a local pub.
Lancashire
South Forest Swim
July 1, 15
On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, limited to 60 people.
Nottinghamshire
Forth Naturist Swim
July 2
25m and children’s pools, sauna & steam rooms, sports hall plus refreshments available.
Midlothian
Cardiff Meet Up
July 2
A friendly coffee meet up on a Sunday afternoon, and is clothing optional.
Glamorgan
WNBR Hastings
July 2
Join this naked bike ride
East Sussex
Nudefest Britain’s biggest Naturist Festival July 3 - 9 Somerset
Natram Walk
July 4
Join us for an 11 mile walk over the saltmarshes near Bradwell.
Essex
GBSD at Shap Lido
July 4
Join us for our monthly visit to Shap Lido where the water is heated to 28°C.
Westmorland
Ladies Only Swim
July 7
Clothes optional swim in a privately owned heated indoor pool with Jacuzzi and sauna, showers, changing cubicles & toilet.
Norfolk
GBSD Peterborough Lido
July 8, August 12
4 events booked for 2023 at this wonderful example of a 1930s Lido with 3 heated pools. The cafe will be open for snack and hot drinks.
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
The Great British Skinny Dip is a campaign by British Naturism (BN) aimed at raising funds for the BHF, and:
Promoting greater understanding of Naturism and social nudity Encouraging acceptance and participation in Naturism Improving facilities and opportunities for Naturism Promoting body confidence and well-being Participation in Naturism is on the rise, with BN reporting significant increases in new joiners since the 2020 lockdown. An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022 revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
Find all forthcoming events on the Great British Skinny Dip calendar - there's even a map so you can easily locate dips in your area.
It's not too late for more dips to be added - if you are a venue owner or manager and would like to join in - please let us know!
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to shrug off convention and the rigours of daily life and experience it for themselves. Swimming without a costume is one of the most exhilarating things you can do and we want encourage everyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
Ben Bishop, BHF Fundraising Manager, said:
“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new?
“It is an opportunity to free yourself from everyday constraints and take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
Media attendance is possible, with advance notice.
Contacts and links
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch
andrew.welch@bn.org.uk
07774 955138
greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
bn.org.uk
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater
slaterw@bhf.org.uk
07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk
Since its inception in 2007 as a small, weekend event, Nudefest has become the UK's biggest Naturist festival, attracting hundreds of people each year for a week of full-on fun and excitement, among like-minded people.
This year, it runs from 3rd to 9th July at Thorney Lakes Caravan and Camping Park, Langport, Somerset.
The packed programme includes:
Masses of live music, comedy acts and entertainment including silent discos
Freefall - 60 foot drop activity
A circus show
Health and wellbeing including meditation, massage, yoga, fitness and aerobics classes, three saunas and a hot tub
Sports, crafts, workshops, presentations, demonstrations and talks on a wide variety of topics
A visit to the Cider Brandy Farm
Foraging
Holi Paint fight
Circle Dancing
Slip ’n’ slide
On-site catering including a bar and an inflatable pub
BBQ night
Afternoon Tea
British Naturism Events Manager and Nudefest organiser Mark Walsh said:
Nudefest is an important part of the year for so many Naturists. There is so much to do and see, but the real highlight for me is bringing the community together. People from all over the UK converge in Somerset for a week, meet old faces and form new friendships, all in an incredible body-positive setting.
British Naturism National Spokesman Andrew Welch said:
‘The UK Naturist community always looks forward to our flagship summer event. When I started it 17 years ago I had no idea it would become the sensation that it has. As well as regulars, we welcome new people every year - not only those new to Nudefest but those new to social nudity and many of the entertainers and suppliers join in. It doesn’t surprise us - an Ipsos poll in 2022 revealed (pun intended) that there are seven million Naturists in the UK. Through our year-round national and local events plus initiatives like Naked Heart Walks and the Great British Skinny Dip in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, we’re inspiring people to try this relaxing, healthy, exhilarating - and above all, fun - way of being.’
A handful of last-minute pitches are available - book at nudefest.co.uk
Media attendance is possible but only with advance notice. We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
The event is kindly sponsored by:
Cypress Cove - cypresscoveresort.com
Vritomartis Hotel - vritomartis.com
BHH Naturist resort - naturistcanaries.com
For further information please visit:
nudefest.co.uk
bn.org.uk
Or contact:
BN national spokesman
Andrew Welch
andrew.welch@bn.org.uk
07774 955138
An abundance of cake helped fuel the players through a morning of tuition under the expert guidance of Nigel, the club’s Sports Secretary, before a closely fought singles tournament which saw Caroline crowned winner.
Club members were delighted to have the opportunity to show off their extensive grounds and to welcome visitors to the event
Visitor Nick Holland said "I had a wonderful time at the boules day at Valley Sun Club. I'd never played before, but expert tuition was on hand and I even managed to pick up a point or two (before losing) in the tournament. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately hopped online and bought my own boules. The weather was glorious, but the greeting from all at the club was even warmer - a fabulous Naturist club in beautiful surroundings filled with friendly, welcoming people (and cake). What more could anyone want?” These sentiments were echoed by Paul, who added “My first time at Valley Club and trying boules. Both were great - very friendly and a lot of fun. Many thanks to Nigel for his patient tutoring. A brilliant day. Try it!”
A huge thank you to Richard and Nigel at Valley for Hosting the event and letting so many BN members have such a great day. Valley Club welcomes visitors and offers camping facilities between April and October. A caravan is available for hire and caravans, motorhomes, tents and well-behaved dogs are all welcome. More information is available at www.valley-sun-club.co.uk.
If you would like to try Boules, Diogenes Sun Club are hosting three events - 15 July, 20 August and 17 September. Or if you prefer to try Miniten (mini tennis) they are hosting a taster day this Saturday, 24th June. Places are still available.
More details over on the BN calendar
Arrivals and departures
We welcomed Nick Mayhew- Smith to the Executive Committee as Clubs Officer. This is a key position within the leadership team which we have been keen to fill, and having somebody with Nick’s experience and knowledge on board to oversee and improve the relationship between British Naturism and its clubs is very good news.
We also welcomed Amanda Lee to the general office, in which capacity she will be covering for Alana during her maternity leave. Many of you will know Amanda from events and her presence on the forum.
Elections
It’s good news that we have nominations for all the Director posts that are up for election this time – President, Vice-Chair and International director – and for the Eastern and South-west regional organisers (in the South-west, the deputy as well). However, we currently lack a nomination for Yorkshire and East Midlands regional organiser. Expressions of interest in that post would be welcome.
For the first time for a very long time, we have a contested election for one of the posts – namely that of International Director, with two excellent candidates competing to succeed Edwin Kilby, who is stepping down from that post following his election as vice- president of the International Naturist Federation (INF). Also stepping down in October will be Jon Williams, the current vice-chair, and Andrew Calow, the current regional organiser for Yorkshire and East Midlands region.
Although not formally part of the election cycle this time, we must point out that BN still lacks a finance director – although we are ably assisted by Robin Dearle. If you have the right skills and could offer some of your time volunteering for BN, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we would love to hear from you.
Members will find voting forms with the paper copy of their magazine and voting is also possible online (log in required)
Events: Alton Towers
We received the immensely disappointing news that, as a result of changes to its commercial arrangements, Alton Towers will no longer be able to host our November weekends in a manner which is viable both for them and for us. Our event has been dependent on our having exclusive use of the Splash Landings hotel and the waterpark, something that they can no longer entertain. It has been clear throughout that the decision is entirely driven by commercial considerations, and not due to any antipathy towards British Naturism or the dress-code of its members.
We know that the Alton Towers weekend has been a fixture in many members’ diaries for many years. We gather that BN’s weekend is not the only event affected by these new arrangements.
Mark Walsh has been looking to create new events to try to fill the gap. A new event at Blackpool is on sale. Meanwhile, British Naturism and Alton Towers maintain a strong working relationship, and will be looking for possibilities for the future.
In more positive news, we are pleased to report that a new venue has been found for The Gathering, the flagship event in Scotland. It will now take place in Stirling at the end of October.
Women in Naturism (WiN)
The Executive Committee welcomed Helen Berriman, BN’s WiN officer, to its April meeting. It’s well known that British Naturism has significantly more male members than female, a pattern that is repeated in many countries worldwide. The challenge is how to do more to make organised Naturism more attractive to women, in particular. Helen put forward a variety of proposals in this regard and more work will be done on this topic during the summer.
Sunfolk
The project to renew and improve Sunfolk to make it into a gold-standard Naturist venue continues. At the time of writing the weather had led to some minor delays to the work but it is expected that these will be caught up during the summer.
We launched an ambitious crowdfunding initiative designed to generate some funds to build a modernised sauna and a hot tub – both features Sunfolk users had been calling for - and we were successful! Please look out for news of other ways in which you could contribute to an important part of the scheme.
International
British Naturism – and its forerunner, the Central Council for British Naturism (CCBN) – is a member of the INF and has been since it was founded in 1953. The INF brings together Naturist federations from around the world and our participation means that by joining BN you are a member not only of a national group but also a much larger global community of naturists.
In September the INF will be celebrating its 70th anniversary at Montalivet in France, where it was founded. You are invited to join this celebratory weekend – read more in the events section of the INF website. You can also read about the latest activities within the INF in its newsletter, FOCUS, which comes out every two months.
Office address
Since the closure of the Northampton office, we have been using a “virtual” office address. Unfortunately, the company that offered this service has decided to close down this aspect of its business. In future, BN’s registered address and its correspondence address will be the same: British Naturism c/o Kilby Fox Accountants, 4 Pavilion Court, 600 Pavilion Drive, Northampton NN4 6SL.
And finally...
Our General Secretary, Tracey Major, marked 35 years of working for British Naturism. Having joined as part of the youth training scheme in 1988, she has stayed ever since. She oversaw the transition from the old CCBN to today’s British Naturism, and the change from being club-led to member-led. She supervised the establishment of BN as a company in 2010. Dozens of executive committee members have come and gone over all this time, and the one constant has been Tracey.
BN President, Mark Bass, summed up his feelings thus:
“Tracey is the heart and soul of the organisation. She is hugely respected by all members, but I can guarantee she deserves even more than that. We would not be where we are today were it not for Tracey’s work, commitment and insight. British Naturism is a hugely complicated organisation and Tracey is the only person to truly understand it. I know that I would not be here were it not for Tracey. You have my undying gratitude.”
And so say all of us. Thank you, Tracey!
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The members' side of our website is chock-full of interesting stuff. Naturists all over the country are currently discussing and debating a variety of topics - not all related to Naturism - and finding information, viewing event and other images, reading blogs
and more. It also contains a variety of interesting and useful downloads including full copies of BN Magazine back to 2004! There's even a guide on how to log in and use the members' section of the website, and a new Quickstart Guide to help you find your way around...
Not a member? It's easy to join...
Located in glorious countryside on the North Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire borders, the garden is both formal and informal, hosting a network of paths that invite the visitor to explore and discover the intimacy and tranquility of the garden.
Find out more including how to book over in the BN shop
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
River Forth
The first is our popular river Forth trip on the 15th July where guests will sail under the three iconic bridges spanning the River Forth at South Queensferry for a two hour Naturist afternoon on the Forth Princess with both enclosed heated saloon and open decks to enjoy the afternoon sunshine. There is a bar on board and live entertainment.
Details and booking over in the BN shop
Farne Islands
On 29th July, we will be back on the water, enjoying a private Naturist trip round the Farne Islands from Seahouses Harbour and seeing the seals and sea birds.
Details and booking also over in the BN shop
Look forward to welcoming you on board!
Situated on Spain’s Costa Calida and nestling in a sheltered, south-facing bay, with spectacular mountain and sea views, El Portús is the prime Naturist holiday destination in Southern Spain, right on a nude beach, with swimming pool, restaurant, bar and shop, plus a spa where group members get a 20% discount. The cosmopolitan city of Cartagena, with Roman sites including a large theatre, museums, 15th Century Castle, Civil War refuges, art galleries, marina, shops, bars and restaurants is nearby.
The group will be led by BN members who will also arrange an activity programme to keep you busy and socialising1
Find out more including accommodation choices and prices over in the BN shop. Booking will open on Monday 19th June, but you can register your interest now.
Image: El Portús at 0700 CET today...
It's a chance for members to meet and ask questions of British Naturism's Executive Committee and hear from officers and other volunteer role holders.
It's 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 would welcome questions in advance, and we will take these first. Subject to time constraints we will take questions on the night as well.
If you have a question, please send it to headoffice@bn.org.uk
Join the session here
Photo by Marius Oprea on Unsplash
Find out more about Naked Wanderings at nakedwanderings.com.
Join the session on the night over in the BN shop
I’m delighted to confirm that the campaign has been a real success, attracting over 100 separate donations, and raising just over £40k - slightly more than the target we had set ourselves and I want to say thanks on behalf of the Sunfolk project team for the most generous support of this latest initiative. Personally, I continue to be humbled by the level of support and goodwill from many members towards the work we are doing to secure Sunfolk for naturism for the years ahead.
The money we have raised will allow us to deliver these new facilities with confidence ahead of the site re-opening in 2024.
Jon Williams
BN Vice-Chair
sunfolk.bn.org.uk
And - if you’re inclined to spend the night - the pub has six rooms available on 21 and 22 June, with full breakfast included. And you can enjoy your breakfast in the buff!
There will also be a naturist evening at nearby Houghton Lodge gardens on Wednesday 21 June, and an 11-mile naked walk leaving from the Mill Arms on 22 June. Sounds like a fantastic clothing-free few days!
Details and booking here!
Photo by Edward Franklin on Unsplash
Despite this, Neil said, he and Danielle felt warmly welcomed by the pub staff and other customers. Comments on local social media were generally positive and gave the two a chance to introduce themselves and explain their actions. Moreover, after Neil provided some pre-publication input into the article, the paper agreed to make some minor changes to offer a more balanced view.
This is all great news, but here’s the best part: After the pub’s first-ever encounter with naked diners, its owners still back their decision to allow Neil and Dani (who checked with them ahead of time) to attend. Not only that, but pub regulars are organising a get-together to show support to the owners who are well known in the community for their kindness and inclusivity.
To thank them, Neil wants to “make a big gesture from the Naturist community.” He’s donated £250 for the event and is hoping others will come up with more.
Could this lead to a more positive tale about Naturism and naked dining?
Stay tuned!
Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/cf32b62b
Picture by Sebastian Roberts
Their newsletter - Focus - is published every two months and provides an update as to what’s going on in the INF and beyond.
The latest issue is out now and available via the INF website here - https://downloads.inf-fni.org/download/345/2023/2433/ff-june-23-eng.pdf
Enjoy!
We’re still lookin’ at you for suggestions for venues and events.
Several of this month’s swims are behind us, but here’s what’s ahead - including one today!
June 6
Shap Lido, Cumbria
June 9
Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool, Hampshire
June 10
Heysham Half Moon Bay Beach Day & Skinny Dip, Lancashire
Wigton, Cumbria
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham (Also takes place on June 17 and 24)
Ladies Only Swim, South Forest Centre – Nottinghamshire
Peterborough Lido, Cambridgeshire
June 11
Northampton Sun Group, Northampton
June 17
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
Ringstead Bay Beach Day, Dorset
June 24
Ringstead Bay Beach Day, Dorset
Worsley Complex, Manchester
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
June 25
Portslade Naturist Beach, East Sussex
Remember, these swims are more than just a chance to strip off and get in the water – as fantastic as that is! They’re a great way to introduce family, friends and colleagues to Naturism – and to raise much-needed funds for our charity partner the British Heart Foundation.
To find out more about the Great British Skinny Dip and all dips for later in 2023, please visit greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
