News and Articles

Are you looking for places to go in the UK this Summer? We've got you (Un)covered...

With the uncertainty surrounding the possibilities for International Travel this summer, we thought it would be a neat idea to showcase Naturist places in the UK.
We contacted all Naturist clubs and some other venues and offered them a free listing on the basis that they must be open to anyone who wishes to stay/visit. That is not to say that you will necessarily be able just to turn up, so please book in advance.
The full item with some trip reports is featured in the next issue of BN Magazine, but here's a download of the UK places featured...
uk-placestogo_compressed.pdf

Happy holidays!

Image - thanks to Heritage Club

New items in the BN shop!

We’ve continued to see lots of interest in the products available in the new BN shop. Thanks to everyone who has placed an order - we hope that you are all enjoying your purchases – we’re certainly looking forward to seeing BN t-shirts, hats, and hoodies out and about over the summer!
It has been great to get your feedback and suggestions on different products and designs that you would like to see – and we’ve started to expand the range based on this. There are new designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs AND some entirely new products…
We’ve introduced new items of clothing (for the times when clothing is required!) including standard sweatshirts and beanie hats (ready for the winter – or the British summer). We’ve also added enamel mugs for camping and insulated travel mugs if you’re on the move. We have also added a few more products for the home, including mousemats, aprons and doormats letting visitors know that ‘Naturists may be seen beyond this point’! See all the new items here!
But we won’t be stopping there. We have more work to do to source the final additions to the shop range over the summer. These will include the welcome return of the best-selling BN towels and well as flags in different sizes to show your support from tents, boats, caravans and maybe even flagpoles.
New car stickers, wrist bands, key-rings and lapel badges will also be available online soon
As we hope to move out of lockdown for good and return to more normal social lives, we’ll also be making a range of products available for purchase directly at our larger national events like Nudefest and NKD and at Sunfolk
Don’t forget that you can also donate to the BN legal fund and to our partner charity, the British Heart Foundation, via the shop. We’ve raised hundreds of pounds in the last six months for these good causes and would like to thank everyone for their generosity
BN members get 15% all merchandise orders from the shop but will need to create shop accounts to access the discount. Simple instructions to help members do this are available on the shop and main BN website, and the shop team and are always available to answer questions at shop@bn.org.uk
Happy Shopping!

The Forum Live - marketing for Naturism

In next Monday's (24 May) Forum Live, we turn the spotlight on our own organisation once again and look at our marketing.
It's a big area and there is plenty to do. We actually have two marketing responsibilities - firstly, making sure that British Naturism is the best, most attractive organisation it can be so as to - amongst other things - recruit and retain members, and secondly, marketing Naturism itself - busting the myths, helping people to understand what we're all about after decades of taboos and social conditioning, and educating the public about the many positives of a clothes-free lifestyle.
Join me as I give an overview of the tasks, the challenges, the actions we take, the resources and tools we have at our disposal - and find out how YOU can help!
Reserve your place here...

Photo by Merakist on Unsplash

BN’s new Equality and Diversity officer

We are very pleased to introduce Maz Wallace as our newly-appointed Equality and Diversity officer. As a minority group, Naturists know full well the harm that can be caused by discrimination and British Naturism must work equally hard to treat all other groups with respect. With that in mind, we published our Equality and Diversity policy in January and created a new EC position of Equality and Diversity Officer to recognise the importance of this issue and lead us forward.
Maz’s experience in this field makes them the ideal person for the role. Maz is keen to address how we communicate and conduct ourselves, because most negative behaviour is careless rather than malicious so we can transform how we welcome people by simply taking a little more care. You can look forward to hearing more ideas from Maz in the next magazine, but for now we will leave you with their simple statement, ‘I want to give back to an organisation that has given me so much joy and friendship, and has also contributed to significant personal growth and self-confidence.’

British Naturism Sunfolk Opens Today !

The Forum Live - Domaine de la Gagère

I'm delighted to announce that next Monday, 17 May, I will be talking to Tim and Floor, owners and managers of the popular French campsite, Domaine de la Gagère.
In 2017, Tim and Floor and their children (7 and 11) moved from The Netherlands to France to try out a new life on a naturist campsite. They took a trial year to see what life was like in France. After a trial year to see if they could settle in they decided to stay and started looking for a place of their own. They bought Domaine de la Gagère and took over from April 2019.
Before, Tim worked as a stage manager in theatres all over the world and Floor worked as a knowledge manager in a University for the Arts. It was a big change in lifestyle! Now they run the large campsite in the nude! And are very happy doing so.
They have had two great seasons with lots of guests from around Europe, although most of them come from the Netherlands. They have just started their third season, and are looking forward to it.
Come and hear more about their journey, the campsite and the local area and see a slideshow of pictures.
Reserve your place now...

Online Events Showcase: Friday Yoga

On Friday afternoon Georgia gives you an hour long session of Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga, a combination of Asanas (yoga postures) and Pranyama (breathing exercises), which help to bring balance and peace to the body and mind. In Vinyasa, the Asanas synchronise to the breath. You flow through yoga postures, warming the body and allowing you minds to reconnect to your body
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

What did YOU miss most about your club in lockdown?

What a strange year 2020 turned out to be! For us, as a couple, we had a busy year planned. Regular visits to Jersey for toddler antics with our grandson, our niece’s wedding in August, my father-in-law’s 90th birthday in December, Christmas with our grandson for the first time, my retirement and the prospect with that of more time to spend away in our campervan, and at our chalet at Yorkshire Sun Society (YSS), our Naturist Club.
All was going to plan. By March we had enjoyed two visits to Jersey and a skiing trip. In mid-March it was the club AGM where we all tried to make light of this new-fangled ‘social-distancing’ (lots of elbow pumps – who does that any more?) and I somehow found myself elected as Secretary to replace the retiring officer. What a well- timed decision on his part! Before we had a chance to do a handover, 23rd March hit us and Lockdown #1 was implemented.
Taking on a new role on Committee turned out to be a baptism of fire. Our monthly meetings now had to take place on Zoom with the inevitable steep learning curve.
Our only contact with members was via email or text. Just when we would normally be starting the new season, catching up with people we hadn’t seen all winter, we were having to stay away. Having a caravan site licence to lose made us act with caution and we reluctantly made the decision to close our club. As the rules changed during the following months, we had a brief interlude when we were open just to members, with toilet and shower facilities being the only facilities on offer.
In spite of plenty of enthusiasm and small socially distanced gatherings, it was a subdued summer. No pool. No bar. No get-togethers in the clubhouse. No organised events. Many members made the choice to stay away, with the majority of them being in what was classed as the ‘vulnerable’ age group. At least we managed to arrange the tables in the clubhouse to hold a couple of socially distanced committee meetings, before the Rule of Six stopped that.
The Tiers came and then Lockdown #2. No Christmas or New Years Parties. Back to Zoom Committee meetings and with the club so quiet, we reduced the frequency to every two months. And then, Lockdown #3, having had to postpone our AGM to ‘later in the year’ – we hope.
So, with all these depressing thoughts about the impact of the virus, it has made me stop and think about just exactly what it is about the club that I have missed.
Let’s start with the obvious – being naked! My husband and I were late starters to Naturism. Whilst we had dabbled with Naturist beaches on French camping holidays, it wasn’t until we had a summer holiday without our teenage children that we took the plunge and booked a few nights at La Grande Cosse. I remember starting to put the tent up, sweating in our clothes and suddenly laughing when we realised that we no longer needed them on! After that we didn’t look back and enjoyed the entire holiday on Naturist sites.
Once home, well and truly bitten by the Naturist bug, we trawled the internet for clubs in our region, visited only YSS and joined as soon as we could. More on that later. We are part-time Naturists – like many people, our garden offers little privacy, and our Yorkshire blood will not allow us to turn the heating up in the winter just to be able to be naked. Naturism for us is a pastime, rather than a way of life, but we still miss it terribly. For us, being Naturist is about freeing ourselves from the trappings of a material life to be at one with the elements, as well as that indefinable egalitarianism of Naturism. Nothing beats swimming naked, but feeling the warmth of the sun, or of a wood-burning stove on the whole of your skin comes a close second. On my Covid down-days, I close my eyes and recall days at the club. When the sun becomes too much for sunbathing on the decking, a walk around the grounds to catch a breeze in the shade of the trees helps, as does a jump in the pool for some fun with friends. Let’s be positive here – it’s all to look forward to!
Which brings me to the main reason to be in a club - camaraderie. People who have a passion for something often seek out other like-minded people with whom to share their interest. Naturism is an unusual 'pastime', as it is not something you actually do, it is the manner in which you do things. Clubs provide opportunities to do all sorts of activities naked and YSS is a great example of this. Just thinking about being sociable; we have a bar, a clubhouse, decking and sunbathing lawn where we hold all kinds of events – quizzes, games nights, afternoon tea, BYO barbecues, theme nights, a day at the races, discos, parties, skittles nights and ice-free curling (think wooden discs with castors...). In late 2019 a group of members worked hard to redecorate the clubhouse ready for the Christmas and New Year’s parties, and we were all really impressed with the improvement. Our pleasure was short-lived, but it will still be there when we get back to normal.
Camaraderie is often found in sports; we have the usual mini-ten and boules, as well as wonderful woodland walks and a riverside walk with fishing platform. So much do we love our woodland walks that we do a special one on New Year’s Day called the Brass Monkey Run. Competitors set off together to wander anywhere around the grounds and the last one back in for their gluwein and soup is declared the winner. All competitors receive a certificate with their time on, along with the weather conditions, to celebrate their insanity! But the ultimate YSS sporting experience for many of our members are the games of pool volleyball in our covered pool. These are tremendously entertaining with much light-hearted (usually) and noisy (always) rivalry, enthusiasm and humour. Everyone, regardless of ability, is welcomed and encouraged in this popular sport. A pool volleyball session can often ‘seal the deal’ for visitors who are in two minds about whether to join the club.
Real fellowship is also to be found on monthly Work Party days. As is the case for many Naturist clubs, the management and maintenance of the club is down to work done by volunteers. Work parties give members a chance to give some of their time doing whatever they can to help, to either run the club, do the cleaning or maintenance work in the grounds or on buildings, or even build new facilities. Most members thoroughly enjoy these days, commenting on how they help to preserve and nurture the community spirit in the club. Many of the tasks involve teamwork, which creates strong bonds amongst members.
So far, those of you reading this who are members of a club will recognise your own club in the things I have mentioned. However, there is something unique about YSS and that is its grounds. You may have wondered what led us to join YSS without visiting the other (nearer) clubs in our region. Quite simply, it was love at first sight. The 27 acres of woodland create a calming, almost mystical atmosphere. We call it our enchanted forest. The way the light changes as it travels through the foliage, the rustling in the wind, the cooling shade on hot days. The variety of trees and plant life and occasional sightings of deer, foxes and a variety of bird-life including owls and a peacock. The little paths that wind through the trees, giving glimpses of individual sites, dotted amongst the trees. It all adds up create the charm of the setting.
One last thing that we are very proud of at YSS is that, with our 90th birthday fast approaching next year, we are the second oldest Naturist club in the UK. But we are well up to date, with our generous Wi-fi and lovely newly refurbished showers in the pool area.
Yes, we love our club! Which is not to say that we do not acknowledge the individual appeal of other clubs, so you could make your own “can’t-wait-to-get-back-to” list about your own club. Better still, take a look at our website (yorkshiresun.co.uk) and get in touch with us and book a woodland weekend. I guarantee that you will find a friendly welcome and experience a Naturist club like no other.
Sue

Online Events Showcase: Young British Naturism

A weekly online YBN catch up for you if you are aged between 18 and 35 at 8pm on a Thursday evening. Here is a great chance to meet up with others Naturists of your own age, and make new friends.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: Group Fitness

British Naturism’s personal trainer, Roy, puts you through your paces for 40 minutes of Group Fitness at the end of the working day. If you are not familiar with circuit training, don’t worry, Roy explains each set of exercises and then you are off on 3 rounds designed to re-introduce you to every muscle in your body, with lots of short breaks to grab a drink and catch your breath! The class is medium to high ability but you are encouraged to work at your own pace, and you will improve if you take the classes regularly. The only person judging you is yourself. If you are serious about your exercise, this may be the class for you!
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: Book Club

The Tuesday evening Book Club is led by YBN member Austin Young. Read something you could not put down? Found a subject of a book fascinating? Come and enjoy the opportunity to discuss it all with other members and hear what they have been reading.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Steph's Unpacked Lunch

Channel 4 was overtaken by Naturists on Friday the 7th of May when the lunchtime program, Steph’s Packed Lunch, delved into the surge in Naturism among young people. Crew, audience and even presenters became so inspired by the joy of nudity that they stripped off as the show progressed meaning that regular segments such as Views of the Day, the gardening tips and the cooking segment were presented naked.
There was however a hard edge to the fun as the two key guests, Kelsey Peers and Steph McManus talked about the mental health challenges they had managed to overcome by embracing Naturism. Kelsey has managed to push through the emotional scars left by an abusive relationship to gain a new-found confidence in Naturism. Steph meanwhile has struggled with body dysmorphia and anorexia that threatened her ability to have children. Naturism has helped her to accept herself for who she is, recover her health and set up Body Freedom International, which seeks to help other young people gain confidence and acceptance of themselves by embracing nudity.
Kelsey and Steph’s stories are not unique. 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year, with 75% of mental health issues starting before we are 18 years old. This means that the under 30’s age group are particularly affected, and it is no surprise that increasing numbers are seeking new ways to ease the stress. The scientific evidence and the testimonies of people like Steph and Kelsey that social nudity can help reduce the impact of issues such as depression and body dysmorphia show that giving Naturism a try is worthwhile.
Supported by British Naturism President, Mark Bass, Kelsey and Steph brought a little bit of fun to people’s lunchtime and will continue to work to improve the outlook for young people through Naturism.
You can catch the recording of the show on the Channel 4 demand service:
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/stephs-packed-lunch/on-demand/72561-010

Online Events Showcase: Yoga

If you feel the need for a relaxing end to Sunday, Georgia will guide you on an hour long session of Hatha Yoga, with a combination of Asanas (yoga postures) and Pranyama (breathing exercises), which help to bring balance and peace to the body and mind. In Vinyasa, the Asanas synchronise to the breath. You will flow through yoga postures, warming the body and allowing your mind to reconnect to your body. This is a gentle session, to help you unwind and feel completely stretched and relaxed.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: Naked Pub

Friday nights are chances to relax with British Naturism, as we guide you towards the weekend. If you have nothing on why don't you pour your favourite drink, take a comfy seat and head to British Naturism’s own virtual Naked Pub, The Bare Arms, to chat with friends, old and new, from the UK and all around the world. You will be placed into different small groups throughout the evening and meet different people. Enjoy a wonderful Friday night experience where no one needs to drive home!
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Showcase: Mindfulness Meditation

Katherine guides you through 40 minutes of mindfulness meditation, freeing your mind and connecting with your body. You will open a sacred space, free your mind and connect with your body as you journey on this immersive session of guided meditation.
Did you know that we run over 100 online every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

The Forum Live Debate: Campaigning for Naturism

It's the second Monday of the month next Monday, 10 May... please come and join in the monthly Forum Live Debate!
'Campaigning' is a large part of what we do in British Naturism - but what does it mean in practice? It's something that the whole community should be involved in, but what activities should we be engaging in? What could we do better? What are we missing?
It's a wide-ranging subject including standing up for our rights, challenging authority and lobbying, protecting our people and places, and being conversant with the law. It also includes outreach projects like the Great British Skinny Dip, Just One Person and Women in Naturism, plus our work with the media. As members, we all have the opportunity to contribute so want to discuss what we can achieve as a community.
Come and join the discussion, let us have your views and help shape the future strategy of campaigning for Naturism in the UK.
Reserve your place now

Could you be our Customer Service Assistant?

British Naturism has a fantastic job opportunity available - we are looking for a Customer Service Assistant to join our friendly, welcoming team. We care about our members and those wishing to find out more about Naturism, so it is essential that we provide excellent customer service.
The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, customer focused and a good communicator, plus a professional and confident manner is essential. This is a paid, part-time 12 month fixed-term contract with the opportunity for renewal.
Location: Working remotely
Hours: 20 hours per week
If you have good communication and IT skills, have an interest in Naturism and enjoy working as part of a team, then this job could be for you.
Contact Tracey Major, General Secretary to find out more about this paid job opportunity or send your CV to:
general.secretary@bn.org.uk
Closing date for applications - Monday 17th May 2021

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Online Events Showcase: Coffee Morning

Wednesday is Coffee Morning ! If you are breaking for elevensies tomorrow why not bring your cuppa along and join in. You will be able to sit chatting in a small group that is rotated every 15 minutes so you have a chance to meet other members, chat to old friends or even make new ones.
Did you know that we run over 100 online every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

British Naturism - hitting the headlines

Last week we brought you news of how news of the proposed changes to clothes-optional sessions at Harrogate Turkish Baths led to high-profile media attention for British Naturism with an article about our recent successes in The Guardian. A mini-media storm ensued, with requests from websites, radio stations and TV programmes.
For the third time in a year, we made the headline in the Daily Star. Yes, there were the usual puns, but you can't argue with the number of people who saw it. There were also interviews on BBC Radio Stoke, BBC Radio WM, Talk Radio, Sky News, and articles in the Barrow Mail, BBC Lancashire’s website, Yahoo Style and the i Newspaper.
There were also plenty of mentions of World Naked Gardening Day - even the Guardian used it as their theme for a cryptic crossword!
Perhaps most high-profile of all was the story of the growth on new members and online events being a question on the BBC’s Have I Got News For You!
...and these are all the items that have been published or broadcast - we've spoken to many more media outlets - keep an eye out more more of BN in the news...
Members can log onto the Members’ Forum and find links to stories, programmes and interviews, make comments and add anything they might find…
The British Naturism Forum - Nudity reported in the Media topic

Online Events Showcase: Chair Yoga

Tuesday morning's Chair Yoga is a gentle and calm class run by Georgia who has adapted traditional yoga so that those who need to sit on a chair or stand holding a chair are able to participate. The exercise includes stretching and yoga positions with controlled breathing, so that at the end of the session you will feel completely energised.
Did you know that we run over 100 online every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: GroovX Flow

Ease yourself into Bank Holiday Monday by joining Jooles for GroovX Flow, a low intensity work out that focuses on balance, posture and coordination. Lovely relaxing music carries you through, and by the end of the class you feel stretched and mobile. A wonderful body experience benefitting joints, muscles and your back.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: Women Uncovered

Sunday morning is your monthly chance to join Women Uncovered for a chat and catch up with other women in Naturism. Feel free to discuss any topic in a calm and fun safe haven. Bring your cuppa and be ready to share ideas and interests.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

Online Events Showcase: Life Drawing

You do not need to be an artist to try Life Drawing. BN members Andrew and Gill have attended a number of the Life Drawing sessions. They told us; "we have found these to be enjoyable and fun. You don't need to have any experience, or even skills in art. There is guidance and support from the two excellent tutors and the session is mostly hands on. It involves a number of breakout rooms where we take it in turns to draw other participants. So there is also an opportunity to be a model, which is a new experience and at the end you can see how others have made you into work of art!” “Go on, give it a try, you won't regret it!” Live Drawing is on Saturday at 1pm.
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member? Join here!)

The Forum Live - meet the Naked Fitness team!

Not just one guest, nor two, but a whole panel! Our guests on The Forum Live next Monday (3rd May) will be the instructors of the British Naturism Naked Fitness classes. We'll be asking them to tell us about their classes and about themselves ... we'll also be showing a short clip of each class so that you know what to expect if you've been thinking about giving them a try...
British Naturism's online events have been a huge success and people all around the world have been joining in. Between them our guests host classes in yoga, fitness/PT, GroovX, Fitsteps, meditation, laughter yoga and - the newest addition - ballet barre.
Reserve your place now...

Online Events Showcase: Fitsteps

Caroline takes you to the floor with Fitsteps. This fitness class is an upbeat session of dance routines and moves. Suitable for all ages and abilities, but without the need for a partner, you can step your way to fitness and have some fun. What a great way to head towards the weekend!
Did you know that we run over 100 online events every month? You can find details of them all on our events website. Choose from fitness classes and community sessions. The latter are free to BN members and members of other international Naturist federations. Not a member?)

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