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The Forum Live - a tour of New Zealand

Next Monday (20 Feb) I'm pleased to report that my guests will be representatives of the New Zealand Naturist Federation.
I'll be speaking to Alice de Wet (pictured), NZNF's (volunteer) marketing manager. She's also the secretary at Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club (AONC) and runs a Women’s Naturist Group on Facebook.
She'll be joined by David Saunders, recently elected President of the federation who has been a Naturist since 1973. 
We'll be treated to a slideshow of images of Naturist clubs across the country.
BN/NZNF bonds are made even stronger by BN members Andrew and Sue's recently holiday - watch their videos on the gallery (log in required) - and read the article in the forthcoming issue of BN Magazine.
Join us for an exciting session on the night via the BN shop

BN Members' Spa weekend to Amsterdam announced

We're delighted to announce the second of our group holidays for 2023, this time a weekend to Amsterdam 29 September - 2 October. A two- or three-night option is available.
Guests will stay at Zuiver Spa, just south of the city and enjoy a top class European spa with pools, saunas and steam rooms, restaurants and beautiful gardens. And, yes, costumes are forbidden!
Your trip will be hosted by Mark and Pam who will also arrange a night out in Amsterdam on the Saturday night. 
Find out more and book your place in the BN shop.
Don't forget our trip to Gran Canaria in April/May - last few rooms available!

Online - The BN Book and Media Club

Read any good books lately? See a film you'd recommend? If so, come along to the BN Book and Media Club on a Tuesday night and tell us all about it.  
Club leader Peter Houghton, says:
'On a Tuesday night as we discuss books that you have read and enjoyed also with any films or television programmes you have seen. We also talk about music including the Beatles, the Who, punk, new wave and Brit Pop to people like Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott.
No prior knowledge is required, just come along and chat away.
Our next meeting is on the 14th February and will feature a special presentation on the History of TV and Film Comedy, a talk I will be giving at the Blackpool BN event.'
 
Thanks to Mark Bass for the image. It's not taken at the Book and Media Club but is one from our, ahem, library...
 
 

Not one, but TWO new Naked Heart Walks now on sale!

Thanks to suggestions from members and the sterling work being done by the volunteers on the BN/BHF team (want to join? Let me know) we've got two new Naked Heart Walks that you can now buy tickets for. 
Naked Heart Walks are sponsored walks taking place in stunning locations aimed at raising awareness of the exhilarating feelings that come with being without clothes and the wonderful accepting, non-judgemental, fun community you become part of - and at the same time raising funds for our charity partner https://www.bn.org.uk/news/news/bhf/british-heart-foundation-r631/.
Get ready to shed your clothes and raise money at:
The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, Ripon, Yorkshire - Saturday 1 July (pictured below), and
Watersedge, Bishampton, Worcestershire - Sunday 23 July (pictured above). There will also be a Great British Skinny Dip on the day.
Find details of all the Naked Heart Walks and buy tickets
Other locations already on sale are:
Powderham Castle, Devon - 20 May
Cross Morecambe Bay, Lancashire - 11 June
RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex - 23 July
Announcing soon:
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, West Sussex - 17 June
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire - 10 August
...and there are more to come, watch this space.
We'll also be launching a dedicated website at nakedheartwalk.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter.
 

 

A Message to Our Great British Skinny Dip Venues!

As warmer weather inches our way, British Naturism is planning another fabulous year of Great British Skinny Dips. The GBSD calendar is already filling up and we’re hoping that once again you’ll want to be part of the fun.   First of all, thank you for taking part last year. Your events encouraged lots of naked swimmers (and those who wanted to try skinny-dipping for the first time) to jump into pools, lidos, lakes and other watery places – and to experience the joy of costume-free swimming. And equally importantly, by making your venues available for GBSDs, you helped British Naturism raise around £14,000 - much-needed funds for our charity partner the British Heart Foundation.    This year’s GBSD is starting off with a bang, with regular swims already lined up throughout 2023 and some exciting new events, including several women-only, clothing-optional dips. Thank you, if your event(s) are already listed. If you run a regular nude swim, please consider listing them all.   To make sure that we entice as many participants as possible, we’re continuing – and broadening - our outreach to BN members and the public. Members receive regular updates in weekly ezines and a blog, and we engage as widely as possible with the media to promote the skinny-dips. We’re also on social media. In short—we’re serious about getting the word out!   All this is to say: We’d love to have you back with us this year! Could we encourage you to set dates for your GBSDs and get them listed on the calendar as soon as possible? Find the form to complete at the foot of this page:    https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/host-a-dip   If there’s anything we can do to help, or if you need additional information, let us know.    Thanks!    Photo by Alexas_Fotos on Unsplash  

The Forum Live Debate - what are the threats to Naturism?

The International Naturist Federation are soon to meet in Bonn, Germany (pictured) and for the first time (in the memory of the writer, at least) will be dedicating a session to a debate, the theme of which is 'Threats to Naturism'. It's a good move, and valuable - the global organisation for Naturism, Naturists and Naturist places needs to have a good handle on both the upside and downsides of what the future might bring.
British Naturism will, of course, be attending the meeting and we thought it would inform our contribution if we asked our members to let us have their views on the subject, and so next week's Forum Live (Monday 13th February, 19:30 GMT) will play host to what promises to be a lively and wide-ranging discussion on the subject.
Join on the night via the BN shop
 
Photo by Tim Rüßmann on Unsplash

The Forum Live - interviewing John Gelder

On next Monday's (6 February) Forum Live I will have the pleasure of talking to John Gelder, British Naturism's Volunteering Officer.
British Naturism would be powerless without the many volunteers who give their time and energy to the organisation for free, from senior management positions, steering the organisation into the future and ensure the provision of a valuable service to members, to people who make sure events run smoothly, take on a national or regional role, work on the efficiency of this website and the members' forum and many, many other important tasks.
The more volunteers we have, the better, and our ability in this area has improved immeasurably since John took on the role. There is a comprehensive section on the forum about volunteering enabling every member to find out more about what volunteering entails, how to come forward or make your experience and skill set known to others, and descriptions of roles we're seeking to fill. 
Come and find out more about it - and be inspired to get involved. Access the session via the BN shop.
Thanks also to John for stepping in at short notice when our planned guest was unavoidably unavailable.

The GBSD/NHW calendar continues to mushroom!

I just thumbed through the Great British Skinny Dip calendar to see what I’d missed since I last checked. The word “mushroom” sprang to mind! The list just keeps expanding!
A big thank-you to all the venues that host recurring swims all year round. Watford, Spectrum, East Sussex, Wigton, Dover, Northampton – I’m lookin’ at you! There are also listings for Shap Lido and Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool in the summer - if you can bear (bare?) to wait!
And let’s welcome back the beach swims! There are five Ringstead Bay Beach Days throughout June, July and August. There’s St. Anne’s Carnival Beach Day and East Sussex Naturist Beach Day both in July, with the Great East Skinny Dip is on in September. You’ll find more information on these and all the dips on the GBSD website as well as a host of other resources.
Remember, we throw off our clothes and jump in the water for many reasons – including the sheer fun of swimming naked – but one of the best is to raise funds for our charity partner, the British Heart Foundation.
Supporting BHF is also a great reason for disrobing and wandering around various magnificent grounds. And here’s more great news! Tickets are now on sale for three Naked Heart Walks:
Powderham Castle, Devon - 20 May
Cross Morecambe Bay - 11 June
RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex - 23 July
Stay tuned for more information on these two NHWs:
Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, Yorkshire - 1 July
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire - 10 August
I wouldn’t be surprised if more NHWs popped up. But if you don’t see any Naturist events in your neck of the wood, worry not! You can make them happen, even if it’s simply by sending us a venue suggestion - for walks or swims.

Brilliant Bournemouth - it's confirmed...

Sometimes events just click, they just work.  That is precisely what happened with our Bournemouth event this weekend.  From the characterful hotel to the excellent food where the hotel served 200 guests a high standard three-course meal within a two-hour window with no fuss or waiting.  From the craft sessions to the first British Naturism squash tournament that we expect to become an annual part of the British Naturism sporting calendar.  From scheduled sessions such as an improv workshop to spontaneous activities from guests such as yoga, Bournemouth had it all.

As always, the highlight was the evening entertainment that included The Abba Reunion Tribute Show taking a break from their West End tour and music from the original 60’s band, Union Gap.

The reason we are able to get these acts is that they hear there is an opportunity to perform at a Naturist event and jump at the unique opportunity.  Naturism is cool and more than one of the star guests this weekend dipped their toe in.  The Bournemouth weekend was Naturism at its finest.
Look out for more BIG events at events.bn.org.uk 

Brilliant Bournemouth!

Our massive events programme gets underway tomorrow with our 'Decades of Dance' weekend in Bournemouth at the Suncliff Hotel.
As with all our events - even in the winter - guests can spend the entire weekend without clothes. They can also expect a full programme of daytime activities and nightly entertainment. It's a perfect cure for the winter blues.
It's an event - like most BN events - that has been sold out for ages. Check out the full programme of events for 2023 and make sure you don't miss any of the others.
Have fun, everyone!
Photo by Dami Akinbode on Unsplash

Naked Heart Walk Powderham Castle - tickets now on sale!

We're delighted to announce another Naked Heart Walk in aid of British Heart Foundation for 2023.
It's a brand new - and rather splendid - location: Powderham Castle in Devon. 
It takes place on Saturday 20 May - tickets are available now!
As with all Naked Heart Walks this year it will be clothing optional to allow the maximum number of people to decide to participate and raise valuable funds for our charity partner, BHF. We're confident that many that start dressed will be happily stripped off by the end!

The Forum Live - Naked Fitness

On next week's Forum Live (30 Jan), I'll be joined by a panel of our online naked fitness tutors.
Regular visitors to BN's website will know that our online classes were the big success of the lockdowns, gaining us massive media coverage and new members, including many from overseas! Sessions are divided into 'Community' which are free to attend for BN members and those from overseas federations, and 'Naked Fitness' which are open to all, but attract a small fee. 
Whether you are a regular at the classes, have been to one or two, or have been wondering if they are for you, do come and hear more about them and what class attendees can expect. You'll find the full schedule and links for booking in the BN shop.
You can join this session on the night from the BN shop too.

Announcing a new BN Members' Holiday!

We're delighted to announce a new group holiday exclusively for British Naturism members to Magnolias Natura on the beautiful, sun-drenched island of Gran Canaria.
The holiday runs for 7 nights from 26th April to 3rd May 2023 and will be hosted by BN members Roy and Jan. Group activities and gatherings will be arranged.
Spaces are limited and so book your accommodation as soon as you can. Note that guests will arrange their own travel and other aspects of their trip.
Find out more on the BN events website

There’s Snow on the Ground but GBSDs and NHWs Beckon!

The little village where I live awoke to snow Tuesday morning. It doesn’t happen very often but when it does, everything looks gorgeous. And freezing cold! You might be thinking that the thought of baring all just doesn’t bear thinking about now, but you’d be wrong. This is the time to start planning your nudie 2023, and there are already quite a few Great British Skinny Dips (GBSD) and Naked Heart Walks (NHW) to look forward to.
First, check out the GBSD calendar. There are already recurring swims listed for the entire year along with, so far, three women-only events:  Club Naturel Ladies-Only Clothes-Optional Swims on 27 January and 3 February, and the Lancashire Sun Ladies Only Event on 16 May.
We know that many other venues, including Naturist clubs, are planning their dips, so bookmark the page and keep checking back. If you'd like updates and information straight to your inbox, why not sign up for our newsletter?  You'll find the sign up at the foot of each page at greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk.
If immersing your naked body into water isn’t your thing, maybe strolling clothes-free through gorgeous gardens, woods or estates is!
You’re in luck! There are already five Naked Heart Walks lined up - all great opportunities to enjoy nude recreation and raise valuable funds. This year's Naked Heart Walks will be clothing optional to allow the maximum number of people to decide to participate and raise valuable funds for our charity partner. We're confident that many that start dressed will be happily stripped off by the end!
Tickets are now available or will be very soon for:
Powderham Castle, Devon - 20 May
Cross Morecambe Bay - 11 June
Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, Yorkshire - 1 July
RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex - 23 July
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire - 10 August
And there’s always room for more! Remember, we’re dipping and walking to support the fantastic work of the British Heart Foundation, so the more events, the more money raised to keep everyone heart-healthy.
And another reminder: Most of the people who find and arrange all the amazing activities British Naturism offers are volunteers. If there’s nothing going on in your area, get involved! You can make an event happen, even if all you do is send us a venue suggestion.

The Forum Live Debate - Partnerships

For the Forum Live Debate this Monday we will be joined by British Naturism’s Partnership’s Officer, Lachlan Robertson.  In a variation to our normal format, Lachlan will share updates on work done so far and our aims for the year ahead.
Building partnerships with other bodies and authorities is key to the normalisation of Naturism, so something we should all be involved with.  Therefore, there will be lots of opportunity for discussion and idea sharing as we seek new relationships.
Join us on Monday 23rd January at 7:30pm via the BN shop

Naked Heart Walk - Cross Morecambe Bay

We're delighted to announce another Naked Heart Walk in aid of British Heart Foundation for 2023.
It's a walk we've done before, the famous cross Morecambe Bay walk where walkers start in one county and finish in another!
It takes place on Sunday 11th June - tickets are available now!
As with all Naked Heart Walks this year it will be clothing optional to allow the maximum number of people to decide to participate and raise valuable funds for our charity partner. We're confident that many that start dressed will be happily stripped off by the end!

Club Naturel - Ladies-only swims announced

Club Naturel, based in Norfolk, want to encourage more ladies to try Naturism and enjoy the freedom their members find in it, and have decided to offer two ‘Ladies-Only, Clothing-Optional’ Great British Skinny Dip sessions at their swim, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, catering for all ages. The club’s age range is from 20s to 80s and we meet at a private-hire pool a few miles from Attenborough, near Norwich. 
Mandy and Janey are members of Club Naturel and have written about their experiences in Naturism.
Mandy
My first experience was three years ago when my partner, Pete, asked me if I’d like to go to the Club Naturel swim one Friday evening.  Being a plus-size lady with arthritis, little or no confidence and low self-esteem due to a bad past, I wasn’t sure if I could.  Pete is so supportive and never puts pressure on me, he even said if we got to the pool and I changed my mind we would come home. On arrival at the pool we were greeted by friendly members. I was extremely nervous and I walked out of the changing room with my towel wrapped around me to hide my body but soon realised that no one was looking at me. Once I was in the pool I felt much more relaxed. I noticed how non-judgemental everyone was, unlike when you go to a textile pool where people point and laugh at you. To swim as a Naturist was very exhilarating. I left that evening actually feeling good about myself and felt my confidence and self-esteem had gone up a notch.
Since then Pete and I also do Naturist fishing, combining the two things I enjoy. To be sitting beside a lake, enjoying the sun and tranquillity of it all and to catch carp as a Naturist is fantastic. All the worries of body image go away and I completely relax.
Becoming a naturist has done so much for my self-confidence, I would definitely encourage ladies to try it. No one is judging me; they accept everyone for who they are.
Janey
I like the idea of a ladies-only, clothes-optional swim because it’s an event for us ladies to socialise, exercise, relax and make new friends. I always say, ‘try swimming, using a sauna or a Jacuzzi wearing a costume, and then try it without. What a difference in comfort you will feel; no cold, wet clingy costume.’
Fact: we are judged in every aspect of our lives by the clothes we wear, at work, at home, socially, relaxing or swimming.
Fact: As a Naturist we talk to the person, not the body, so no judgement is being made on how we look. We all look different, but we are all the same as Naturists.
I have a colostomy. Those who wear clothes say it’s a hidden disability. WHY? Not for me it’s not. I’m a Naturist. It’s not about how my body looks, but who I am as a person that counts. Whether you have had something added, removed (or not) from your own unique body don’t let it stop you from feeling the freedom away from clothes.
 
So, if you have a female friend, wife or partner who may be interested in coming along to these swims, please let them know. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, showers, changing cubicles & toilet. Swim sessions last for two hours and cost £5 a head (payable on the day).
Afternoon session on Friday 27th January from 2 - 4 pm.
Evening session on Friday 3rd February from 8 – 10 pm.
Attendance is limited to 20 ladies per session. Please make enquiries and bookings via email, to clubnaturelevents@gmail.com. Directions to the venue will be provided after booking.

The Forum Live - interviewing Laurent Luft

I'm looking forward to talking once again to Laurent Luft from FFN, Fédération Française de Naturisme, the French equivalent of BN.
In fact, it's more than that as Laurent is involved at a local level with a club in Paris and the International Naturist Federation (INF). He's a busy man.
I'll be finding out how things are going with each of those organisations and hear more about the work Laurent does. As the picture shows, Laurent organised a series of naked visits to the Hyperrealism exhibition recently and was delighted to welcome over 1000 naked people, many of them of a younger age and many trying social nudity for the first time. We'll hear more about that too.
Join us on Monday 16 Jan at 7:30pm, via the BN shop

First GBSD of the year...

The Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) is a British Naturism outreach project which aims to:
Encourage acceptance and participation in Naturism across the nation and beyond Promote greater understanding of Naturism and Social Nudity Promote the benefits of Naturism including body confidence and wellbeing Raise funds for our charity partner British Heart Foundation As we enter our eighth year of the campaign, we are looking forward to smashing all records - for the number of venues, the number of dippers and the amount raised. 
Last year we counted over 100 events with many venues hosting naked swimming sessions for the first time. Many of them are doing it again - keep an eye on the GBSD calendar and sign up for the newsletter at the foot of each page on the GBSD website for more info!
You'll see some events already listed and first up, this coming Sunday is the skinny dip in Northampton, hosted by the Northampton Sun Group. Never tried it before? Now's your chance - you're assured of a warm welcome, and you'll wonder why you ever wore a swimming costume in the first place...

The Forum Live - interviewing Star Resorts

We start the new year with a 'special' ... an actually 'live' Forum Live, direct from Gran Canaria, next Monday 9 January. I'll be talking to Martijn and Richard and their staff about the two resorts they operate on the island; Petit Hotel Natura and Artika Natura. Hopefully, we'll show you around too.
Martijn and Richard are well-known to Naturists everywhere as the operators of Gran Hotel Natura in Fuerteventura, which sadly closed a few years ago despite having become one of the world's most popular nude holiday destinations. We'll reminisce about that too.
Join me at 19:30 GMT on Monday 9 January via the BN shop
The Forum Live and all 'Community' online events are free to members of BN and overseas Naturist Federations. If you are not a member, you can join here
In the meantime, you can read about Petit Hotel Natura in the latest BN magazine (log in required) in an article written by Sarah and Mark, who also provided this news story's picture - thanks!

The Guardian - Portrait of the Year

The Guardian announced its 'Portraits of the Year' shortly after Christmas, and what do you know, there's a 'nudist' (their phrase, not mine) one included. It also features props to hide anything Great Aunt Maud might need the smelling salts for - also their choice, not ours.
We can't reproduce the image owing to copyright issues but we've selected that we can use that features John and Donna who appear in the image and who took part in a feature in the late summer.
Donna has previously been British Naturism's Women in Naturism campaign co-ordinator. Donna told BN, 'We were very pleased to see that one of Fabio’s images of us made it into this selection. Goodness knows what the very many illustrious people also featured, felt about ‘rubbing newsprint shoulders’ with a couple of naked non-entities!  It was an interesting day, being the hottest one we had last year and try as we might we couldn’t get Fabio to strip off, despite him melting visibly!'

Nudefest 2023 - now on sale!

...and we're back, in a new year and looking forward to some new, wonderful, uplifting, exhilarating clothes-free experiences. If you are reading this and have never done it, there's never been a better time...
And you don't have to wait to get started - British Naturism's flagship week-long, activity-packed festival week is now open for booking. It takes place in Somerset from the 3rd to the 9th of July. 
Nudefest combines an incredible line-up of daytime activities with nighttime entertainment in multiple on-site venues. There's always something to do, and something new, and at the heart of it is our great British Naturism community. 

Over 9,000 people can't be wrong...!

Over the last ten years we have seen tremendous growth in the acceptance of Naturism, and that has come from standing together.  Whether or not you feel that you have personally contributed to that, you will have made a difference if you have been a paid-up member of British Naturism. We acknowledged that the current financial situation and rising prices could mean that many of even our most ardent supporters may have to forgo some of the things they love. To me, the peace, joy and friendship that can be found in Naturism at very little cost is something to cling to in these challenging times.
However, it's turned out to be another good year for British Naturism and with around ten days of the year remaining we're extremely close to seeing an increase in our numbers once again. If you are not a member - or know someone who isn't - you can help us by joining today. 
British Naturism is a very active organisation, run by volunteers, where we all work together to make life better for all Naturists across the UK. We have a huge event programme, run a website with masses of information for existing Naturists and newcomers, maintain a high profile in the media to keep Naturism in the public eye, produce a quarterly magazine with news, views, features and articles on Naturism both at home and abroad, support and promote Naturist clubs, swims and other venues, engage in research projects to show the outside world how attitudes are changing.  We are well aware that what members want from their national organisation differs from person to person.  We maintain such a broad scope so that everybody can feel they are deriving personal benefit from at least one area, while contributing to the promotion of something that we all value.
If you prioritise benefits, the 25% discount that membership grants to event bookings immediately pays for itself.  For myself, I joined British Naturism because I believe that self-acceptance through Naturism can make the world a better place for many people.
 
If you believe, like me, that being naked is normal and we should be free to be nude in a variety of circumstances and environments without fear of discrimination or aggression
If you believe, like me, that the educating the general public about the benefits of wholesome clothes-free recreation is important for progress
If you believe, like me, that more places for Naturism need to created, and existing ones protected
If you believe, like me, that Naturism is stronger when the community works together
 
...then please consider joining us, or renewing your membership, or encouraging someone new to become part of it, and being part of our future.
 
You can rejoin right here and now.
Thank you
 
Mark Bass
President of British Naturism

Now on Sale! Naked Heart Walk at RSPB Rainham

...and we're underway. Having asked you to save the date for various BN/BHF Naked Heart Walks in 2023, we pleased to announce that you can now book your tickets for our walk in Essex for Sunday 23rd July!
Our Naked Heart Walks are fabulous days out BUT are intended to raise money for British Heart Foundation's valuable work. There are two ticket prices therefore:
Pay £15 to participate and pledge to raise £50 for BHF, or
Pay £25 to participate which sum includes a donation to BHF of £10
This year, to encourage even greater numbers of walkers, the walks will be clothes-optional.
 
Image: Tony O'Brien

Keep Busy with BN!

Even though things slow down as Christmas is upon us, you can still get wonderful things from the UK's national Naturist organisation ... there is plenty going on within our community, on- and off-line, including plenty of free content:
Join in our online events - from yoga to a pub quiz night, and interviews to fitness classes.  Check out the calendar of regional events and swims Raise money for our national charity, British Heart Foundation, at a Great British Skinny Dip or Naked Heart Walk 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 checkout the volunteering pages on the BN website. If you're logged in you can jump straight to the current opportunities on offer Learn about our many campaigns, including inspiring, first-person stories from Women in Naturism Follow us on social media - we're active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter Sign up for our regular newsletters and get information straight to your inbox The members' side of our website (login required) is chock-full of interesting stuff. Naturists from the UK and beyond 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! It all comes free as part of a British Naturism annual subscription.

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