News and Articles

Take Two: Interviewing Stéphane Deschênes

Take Two: Interviewing Stéphane Deschênes

A blip in the space-time continuum on Monday night caused our planned session to be postponed but I'm delighted to announce that Stéphane Deschênes will be my guest next Monday evening (4th May 2020).
Apologies to those of you who logged on and were disappointed. I heard many good comments from attendees about the interesting discussion on First-time Naturist experiences. 
So, to Monday 4th - in his time, Stéphane has been President of FCN, the Canadian Federation and the FCN representative at the INF, taking other INF roles too.
However, he is probably best known for being both the power behind the popular Naturist Living Show and the owner of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park with its world-leading mandatory nudity policy - even the staff are required to be naked, and he has no shortage of applicants.
Please join me at 7:30 BST (GMT +1) for what promises to be a fascinating session. 
Book your place for this session and all the other BN online events at https://www.bnevents.co.uk/onlineevents.
 

 

It's #Work Naked Wednesday...

It's #Work Naked Wednesday...

Another week passes - a pretty amazing week for British Naturism with another huge increase in new members, ex-members returning and guests from overseas joining our online events.
Hosts of all those events have been working naked and none more so than Pam who added to her national newspaper fame last week with radio interviews and yesterday, a TV show.
#WorkNakedWednesday has also gone global with people around the world stripping off as they toil. We were delighted to see this tweet from our friends at AANR West 
We also remembered this excellent article about spending time at home without clothes, what to expect and why you will thank yourself for doing it!
If you are having a great time with #WorkNakedWednesday and want to record it, do send in your photos...

I want the world to know...

I want the world to know...

Discovering Naturism is often a turning point in people's lives. New Naturists tell us all the time how great they feel, how they now can't imagine life without the opportunity to be happily naked and be part of such a strong, welcoming, non-judgemental community. 
It's all good...but when it comes to talking about it to others we suddenly get shy and hesitant, worrying about what people will say and what they will think of us. It's not surprising. Decades of social conditioning has made most people believe that there is something wrong with simple human nudity and that anyone who wants to be naked - let alone naked with other naked people - is weird, provocative, perhaps even dangerous.
We've been encouraging people to get over those fears with our campaign to tell 'Just One Person'. Don't 'come out' to everyone you know in one go if that doesn't feel right, just pick someone that you can talk to - a friend, a member of your family, a neighbour, a work colleague - and tell them what you like to do on a hot afternoon. 
It's working really well. Most people are finding it not only liberating that they finally don't have to keep something they feel so good about to themselves, and getting surprisingly positive reactions. Sometimes they find the people they are telling enjoy being clothes-free too! 
BN members can post their experiences on the members' forum (log in required) and thus encourage others. Success breeds success.  
 
Here's a few of the recent forum posts:
We have a footpath across a field by our back fence which I hadn't seen used for years.  Since lockdown a few local dog walkers have started to use it and seen me in my back garden doing the gardening naked. No adverse comments, just polite conversations over the fence. I think most people are fairly tolerant of naturism.
 
I have been using Twitter for many years but had only, in the last year, decided to start following some of the more well-known naturist Twitter users - our naturism is not something we particularly broadcast.  This didn't seem to cause any reaction so I have now started to "like" posts that I found interesting which prompted a query from my brother as to why I was liking tweets from a "naked woman in Florida.” It will be interesting to see where this line of family conversation leads.
 
Whilst staying with a couple of friends at the weekend the conversation got round to our new camper van and where were we going to go with it. So we talked about plans to go to Acorns, Nudefest and a number of different naturist campsites across France. One of the ladies was extremely interested in the naturism, asking a lot of questions, all in a positive way and seemed quite keen. 
 
I attended a photography event and took the opportunity to wear a T-shirt that both displayed the new "British Naturism" logo and promoted the BHF Naked Heart Walk. Promoting our activities led to some very positive conversations and enthusiasm for what British Naturism is currently doing. One person I spoke to used to work as a life guard at Alton Towers many moons ago and spoke enthusiastically about what great guests we are compared to other patrons. In his words, they could have given us the keys and gone to the pub, we were such trustworthy guests. 
 
I accidentally left my BN membership card in my car when it went in for a service.  I got the knowing look from the lads but one plucked up courage to ask me about it and is interested in attending a swim with his partner. It is amazing how a simple action can spread the word without any effort. 
 
During the excellent BN Bournemouth weekend we went to a local gallery. The twenty-something sales girl asked us what we were doing in Bournemouth. So we told her we were there for a weekend of naked dining and dancing to live bands. Her reaction, 'that sounds really cool!'.  
 
This week I sat down with another work colleague and told them about being a naturist. Again they were very positive about it, asked lots of questions and left with a BN 2020 guide. They then thanked me the following day for telling them all about it. I'll be ordering some more guides as I only have a couple left now.
 
I keep BN flyers in my car and give them to anyone who shows interest whist I am at trade fairs selling guitar stuff, and sometimes wear a BN T-shirt. The T-shirt is a conversation starter. "What does BN stand for?". That's what might be called a segue…
 
We were having the flat roof at home re covered today. The builders weren't here for long before they discovered a naked man lives here and it wasn't long before they were talking to me and treating me the same way they would if I was dressed.
 
I told The Ramblers when I answered their request to advise them why I engaged with their ‘Don’t lose your way’ campaign action to identify all paths across every grid square in England and Wales. I gave three reasons: Government threat to make trespass a criminal offence, towpaths and other industrial paths, and quiet paths that are mostly used by Naturists. 
 
Just emailed the company HR director agreeing to be furloughed from the middle of April. Amongst the positives I highlighted in not having to go into work for the next two and a half months was to tell her that the washing machine wasn't going to get a lot of use as I was at least looking forward to spending most if not all of the time in the nude! Later, I made an expenses claim and had a similar conversation with a woman in the finance department. Her reply? ‘Me too!' I find clothing so restrictive! 
 
I belong to a ramblers’ group and was leading a walk recently when I said to another person in the group how much I enjoy naturism. They told me one of our fellow walkers that day was also a naturist. I spoke to her and we had a very pleasant conversation about our wonderful world. I am so delighted that at last someone in my circle of friends and acquaintances shares my passion!

New events for our online community

New events for our online community

There are now an amazing number of regular online events available from British Naturism. There's something every day. They're proving extremely popular and helping people to cope through the lockdown. There's huge variety - yoga, fitness, meditation, discussion, interviews (including this one with world-renowned Naturist Stéphane Deschênes tonight), coffee mornings, pub nights, and bake-along demos. Some of our members have also organised dinner parties and quizzes. The best bit is the strong, cohesive community of Naturists coming together to enjoy them. That's been seriously enhanced by our many visitors from overseas. The event programme is also hitting the news headlines!
...and we're not done yet. We're working away in the background on some others too and we'll bring you details as soon as we can. What we can announce is - NEW this week - is a Life Drawing session on Saturday 2nd May.
We've certainly seen an increase in new members since we launched the online sessions and we're delighted to welcome back many members from the past who have rejoined to be able to take part. If that's you - thanks! Please do tell your friends what they are missing - even the non-Naturist ones! 
 
Image: Mark Bass

From the archive: Science proves Naturism is good for you

From the archive: Science proves Naturism is good for you

From February 2017 - but, of course, timeless! Further research has since been carried out. We look forward to bringing you the results!
 
It's what we've been saying for years!
Brilliant new research shows that Naturism boosts self-esteem, happiness and life satisfaction.
Here's an article from the Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4156788/Being-naked-makes-happier-bodies.html
...and the research paper itself http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-017-9846-1
... and a video made by the researcher.
 
Picture credit: Sskips

The world Zooms…but BN grabs the headlines

The world Zooms…but BN grabs the headlines

It’s been quite a few days for the promotion of Naturism in the media and the activities of British Naturism and some its members has been at the forefront of it.
Ok, so there isn’t a huge amount of news around at the moment and the media are looking for ways to divert and entertain their readers, but all the same, it’s great they choose to focus on the nude world.
The two main items were Pam Fraser’s interview published and lavishly illustrated in The Sun in which she promoted her role and that of others in our new online event programme. 
And if that weren’t high profile enough the following day the significant increase we’ve seen in new members joining us since the start of the lockdown was front page news - literally - in the Daily Star.
There have also been positive and supportive reports on a nude Atlantic rowing team, a naked cyclist, a naked man drumming in the street, Amanda Holden stripping off and trampolining and more. There’s also more to come as the newspaper articles have led - as they always do - to requests for radio interviews from British Naturism.
Members can visit the Nudity Reported in the Media topic on the BN forum and find links to these and many more (log in required).  It’s a great way to keep up with what’s happening when you’ve nothing on!
 

The Forum Live: Interviewing Stéphane Deschênes

The Forum Live: Interviewing Stéphane Deschênes

I'm delighted to announce that my guest next Monday evening (27th April 2020) will be Stéphane Deschênes.
In his time, Stéphane has been President of FCN, the Canadian Federation and the FCN representative at the INF, taking other INF roles too.
However, he is probably best known for being both the power behind the popular Naturist Living Show and the owner of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park with its world-leading mandatory nudity policy - even the staff are required to be naked, and he has no shortage of applicants.
Please join me at 7:30 BST (GMT +1) for what promises to be a fascinating session. 
Book your place for this session and all the other BN online events at https://www.bnevents.co.uk/onlineevents.
 

 
 

It's #WorkNakedWednesday again!

It's #WorkNakedWednesday again!

Yes, we know you've all given up on wearing clothes right now, but just in case you haven't, or know someone who might need a nudge, here's our weekly initiative to help you...
Don't forget that it's perfectly legal to be naked in the UK and very clear because of work that British Naturism volunteers have carried out.
Here's a reminder of what it's all about:
Give your birthday suit an airing 
We've all got a body under our clothes - it's nothing to be ashamed of. You're probably not bothering to get fully dressed, if at all, these days, so if you've never tried it, take that extra step today. 
Strip into something more comfortable 
You'll be joining millions of people around the world who have already discovered the exhilarating freedom that comes with being naked and who have also found that their self-esteem increases as a result. This survey showed how being naked can make you happier.
See more of your friends (online, at least - but you can also pave the way for the future...)
Spread the word - see how your friends and colleagues feel about adopting #worknakedwednesday with you...a top reason why people get involved in Naturism is the social context and the welcoming, vibrant, happy and healthy community it creates. Feel free to post about it on social media #worknakedwednesday.
If you are having a great time with #WorkNakedWednesday and want to record it, do send in your photos...thanks to everyone who has already done that...here's a couple of them for you.

 

Looking to the future

Looking to the future

Our online event programme is winning lots of friends - including new members and Naturists from outside the UK - it's wonderful to see. It seems we've hit on something and it's highly probable that they will continue when we are all granted our freedoms again. We're always working on the programme and so you will see new events added as time goes by. Find the full list on our events website and make sure you book your place! There is no limit to how many you can sign up for and we're booking many weeks into the future...
Will Naturism change as a result of the lockdown? Will people realise there are far more serious issues to rail against than a person's sensible, rational decision not to wear clothes? Our discussion session tonight is entitled 'The Future of Naturism'. We look forward to hearing your views.
 
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

British Naturism Member Makes Headlines by Rowing the Atlantic

British Naturism Member Makes Headlines by Rowing the Atlantic

Yet again our members are making waves with the media, quite literally in this case.
Julie Paillin, features in The Sun today for facing the severe endurance challenge of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.  Julie is part of a team of four taking part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.  The team will be the first mixed quad to row the ocean and are doing so to raise money for several charities.
The original aim was to raise money for Blood Bikes: “East Midlands Free Wheelers”, “Devon Blood Bikes”, and “Wessex Blood Runners”.  However, the team have added a fourth group, “Duty to Care”, an organisation that provides online mental health support to healthcare professionals, the type of work that is absolutely crucial right now, while the NHS faces such demands.
Like many of these endurance challenges, the team will be doing much of the rowing nude to reduce friction.  As a naturist, this is of course second nature to Julie, who many of you will have already met.  For those who haven't, she hopes to be at more of our events as soon as they reopen.
To read more about the team, including how to contribute to the cause, go to Force Genesis or read the full article in The Sun.

Seven reasons why you deserve to hang out naked...

Seven reasons why you deserve to hang out naked...

Here's an article from the USA ('hang out' probably gave it away already) and it's one of the best we've seen. No oh-so-amusing comments about nudity, no playing to the gallery for laughs from readers, no wide-eyed sensationalism about crazy people going without clothes - just a thoroughly sensible piece from someone who clearly thinks like us. Naked at home? Of course! What's the big deal?
Seven reasons why you deserve to hang out naked
Look out for news coming soon from British Naturism about an event in the next few weeks where you can really celebrate home and garden nudity..
 
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Picture credit: Naturist Fitness Girl on Instagram

The French Connection

The French Connection

I always thought that France was one of the better pro-naturist countries. However, the French Naturist Federation has found itself citing BN and British Laws and attitudes to public nudity as being something to admire and they have raised concerns about legal developments in France.
They have started a petition and called for crowdfunding to help with their campaign. In February last year, a 22 year old man was sentenced to a year in prison for sunbathing naked on a beach in Carnac, in June a naturist was was fined €600 by Nimes Criminal court and the Paris World Naked Bike Ride in September was banned.
The problem seems to be a reinterpretation of “Article 222-32 of the Criminal Code on Sexual Exhibition" which states:
"The sexual exhibition imposed to the view of others in a public area shall be punished by one year's imprisonment and a fine of €15,000".
But this article was meant to replace an earlier one in an attempt to differentiate between simple nudity and an intent to cause alarm and distress. The French want formal legal guidelines similar to our own.
Read and sign the petition
 

 

The Naked Pub - and it's local to you!

The Naked Pub - and it's local to you!

Did you know there is a pub where all the customers are encouraged to be naked? In fact, on a Friday night, you'll actually find that they all happen to be Naturists as well. How cool is that? What a great crowd to be part of! Also, you'll never have to queue at the bar, nor be overcharged for your drinks and you're welcome to get refills whenever you like. I'd like to say that it's a place that is right up your street, but the best part is that you don't even have to go that far. 
Book your place now for our online pub chat session tonight and enjoy the company of like-minded people, from the comfort of your own home.  Invite your friends and family too...
Cheers!
Details on how to join the events will be found in the Members’ Area of the BN website All BN members have access to the Members' Area as part of your subscription. If you need help on how to access it, please have a look at these guides: 
https://www.bn.org.uk/quickstart and https://www.bn.org.uk/guides/not-logged-in/what-is-my-username-and-password-members-only-r10. 
Our online events are also open to INF members. 
If you are not a member, it is easy to join, access the forum and gain many more benefits. It costs less than £4 a month. Find out more at: 
https://www.bn.org.uk/membershipinfo and https://www.bn.org.uk/guides/memberships. 
 

 

Let me paint you while we've got nothing on...

Let me paint you while we've got nothing on...

Are you ever at loss wondering to what to do with your lockdown time? Well when Greenpoint resident Amanda Geller was laid off from her job as the wine steward (or “sommelier”) in a Manhattan restaurant, she quickly realised it was an ideal opportunity to spend more time with her lifelong passion - painting.
But not just still life in and around the home. No, Amanda, whose most recent art course was figure drawing, asked her friends to send her naked pictures of themselves which she then committed to canvas. The local community website found out and she agreed to an interview. She told Greenpointers.com:
“It started out as a joke when I asked my friends in a group chat if they wanted to ‘send me their nudes’ for me to paint, now, after five days ,I have had around 30 people send their pictures — some that I don’t even know.”
But many of her subjects were fellow hospitality workers who were also sitting round twiddling their thumbs due to the New York lock down.
“After the quarantine is over I plan to launch an online gallery showing and donate a portion of the proceeds to women in hospitality who have lost work due to the shutdown. Mostly the project is something fun during these crazy times that celebrates women and all types of beauty. A woman takes a nude when she is feeling sexy and awesome and I love capturing that in a piece of art that they can show off and feel good about themselves.”
Follow Amanda on Instagram  
 

From the archive: Tell the Neighbours? Why?

From the archive: Tell the Neighbours? Why?

Here's an article from the Summer of 2018, but just as relevant now. Keep an eye out for our celebration of garden nakedness, to be announced soon!
 
Despite the news we announced a few weeks ago confirming that Naturism is perfectly lawful, a number of high-profile publications have come out during the heatwave with nonsense about nude sunbathing. It's misleading, irresponsible and - worst of all - based on a social media post from a year ago. Obviously a slow news week.
BN have since been courted by other media outlets (a nice one for example in The Guardian) and have taken the opportunity on behalf of all Naturists and wannabe Naturists (of whom there are many more in this hot weather seeing the complete sense of taking it all off so as to cool down) to put the record straight.
Being naked in a public place can only be a crime if the naked person undressed with the intention of causing alarm and distress. 
Are we clear on that? There is no need to 'warn' your neighbours that you are sunbathing naked (or even topless, as one article had it - we're in the 21st Century, did you know that?) in the same way that you wouldn't consider warning them about the wafting smells from your soon-to-be-lit BBQ, embarking on playing noisily with your kids or anticipating cheering loudly for all the street to hear when Harry Kane scores his seventh in Russia. 
Let's grow up. We're all naked underneath, in all our various shapes and sizes. It's only social convention that suggests certain body parts must always be covered up. It's right to challenge that, to reclaim our humanity and to realise that the world doesn't end if someone sees a nipple or backside when they didn't expect to. It's a wonderful feeling to be naked in the sunshine and fresh air. Try it, and you never know, the neighbours might decide to join you.
 
Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash
 

Tonight! An online event session Open to All!

Tonight! An online event session Open to All!

Our online event programme is proving very popular and we're seeing a huge number of people joining BN to be able to take part. Fantastic! It certainly eases the pain of lockdown if you can enjoy being part of a naked community.
Today we bring you four pieces of news...
1. One of our yoga sessions is Open to All. You don't need to be a BN member to participate. It's tonight at 20:30 (BST). Find out how to book your place.
2. The programme has been expanded to include MORE activities that you can take part in from anywhere in the world - choose from (or do them all...) social events - coffee morning and pub night; health and exercise - yoga, fitness and aerobics; debate and discussion and interviews; meditation; and a cook-along naked kitchen. Oh, and there's more in the pipeline...
3. All sessions are now open to (and free of charge) to members of the International Naturist Federation. 
4. We've launched a new booking system which will simplify the process of booking for sessions for participants and make it easier for us to remind you when your sessions are happening. You'll also be able to create an account and see all the sessions you've booked in once place. Visit our online event listing and get booking! Tell your friends too...

It's #WorkNakedWednesday!

It's #WorkNakedWednesday!

Don't the weeks fly by? It doesn't feel like a whole seven days since we decided to throw off our clothes and work naked. Perhaps that's because many of us - and not just Naturists - are spending a lot of our lockdown time undressed, especially if we are working from the comfort of our own home and taking advantage of this unseasonable April weather. And why not? Doesn't it make you feel great? 
There is no law in the country that tells anyone what they can and can't wear in any circumstances. British Naturism has been in the forefront of clarifying this simple fact with the police and other authorities, in the face of decades of social conditioning and Victorian values that have made people assume that public or social nakedness is wrong. In fact, it's the opposite, as there are many health and well-being benefits to spending time not being wrapped up in clothes. It's also liberating, improves body-image and is a lot of fun!
Let's tackle one big barrier to working naked: colleagues! British Naturism run a variety of events (well, under normal circumstances, we do) in venues like hotels and waterparks where the staff on duty remain clothed. Many of them say to us how they admire us and would like to join in but they wouldn't want to in front of their work-mates. We can get the same reaction from Naturist newbies who are nervous that they might meet someone at a Naturist gathering who they know. But one naked body is very like another when everyone is undressed and - as amazing as it sounds - you soon forget you are naked among other naked people. At our events, we're seeing a huge increase in friends booking together and people bringing members of their family. So, if you are in the workplace and want to embrace #WorkNakedWednesday, then go ahead and see who will join you.
Like so many things in society, what's deemed 'unusual' quickly becomes normal when it's seen, heard, and talked about. Taboos and stigma fade away when something becomes 'acceptable'. Let's make that happen to being nude...it's good for Every Body.
If you are having a great time with #WorkNakedWednesday and want to record it, do send in your photos...
 
 

BN speaks! A You Tube interview

BN speaks! A You Tube interview

It's easy to practice social distancing when you are in the UK and the interviewer is in Massachusetts...
Here's an interview I did recently for Jon Coleman, the force behind Apocatastasis - an Institute for the Humanities, talking about a wide variety of aspects of Naturism.
 
 
 
Photo by Lee Soo hyun on Unsplash

From the archive: Naked Beach

From the archive: Naked Beach

This article appeared on the BN website in April 2019. We didn't imagine that we'd add 'deathly viruses' to that list in paragraph 4. Tomorrow night's online discussion will be with Naked Beach's Dr Keon West. Incidentally, it appears that Naked Beach is still available to watch on All4...
 
We’re enjoying Channel 4’s Naked Beach programme. We recommend it if you’ve not seen it, especially if you are not (yet) part of the Naturist community in the UK. There are no spoilers in this article. 
Of course, it’s not a programme about Naturism but the subject goes to the heart of what we stand for. Spending time naked is good for everyone! 
Tall or short, large or small, oversized or undersized, lumpy, bumpy, blemished, scarred, stretched, disfigured - we’re all the same underneath - wonderfully human. 
With famine, drought, homelessness, war and persecution worldwide it seems a particularly first-world issue to be depressed about the way you look, but for the participants in the programme - filmed in a stunning location - it’s very real. Can the company of naked people help them overcome it?
Although the format is that of a reality TV show, with members of the public taking centre stage and carrying-out prescribed tasks, it’s done sensibly and sensitively. It’s fantastic how the chosen hosts are not the usual airbrushed (and sometimes air-headed) wannabe celebrities who front such shows.
The programme makers were inspired by the survey in this story. Some members of British Naturism were involved in the studies and the show’s Dr Keon West has been a guest speaker at our events. Great to see the experiment taken to a wider audience.
Natasha Devon MBE, who co-hosts the programme with Dr Keon also published this excellent article on body image and we stand bare shoulder to shoulder with her in her views.
If you’ve been inspired by Naked Beach and want to get those great feelings for yourself, come and join us!

Updated: The Full Programme of BN Online events!

Updated: The Full Programme of BN Online events!

Hundreds of British Naturism members have enjoyed the first full week of our new programme of online events. We've also seen a sharp increase in new joiners wishing to become part of the community during the long lockdown hours - and to have something to entertain them or keep them fit.
We've been adding events all the time and are now delighted to bring you the full programme. There's something every day, from yoga and mediation, through fitness and exercise, to discussions and workshops. There's a special afternoon tea for Easter Sunday and a coffee morning or pub night, depending on your choice of beverage....please let your friends know what's happening and invite them to join in.
Details on how to join the events will be found in the Members’ Area of the BN website All BN members have access to the Members' Area as part of your subscription. If you need help on how to access it, please have a look at these guides: 
https://www.bn.org.uk/quickstart and https://www.bn.org.uk/guides/not-logged-in/what-is-my-username-and-password-members-only-r10. 
If you are not a member, it is easy to join, access the forum and gain many more benefits. It costs less than £4 a month. Find out more at: 
https://www.bn.org.uk/membershipinfo and https://www.bn.org.uk/guides/memberships. 

From the archive: Running Wild, Running Free

From the archive: Running Wild, Running Free

A YBNer’s first time running the BH5K at the Naturist Foundation from 2018. Want to experience a naked run for yourself? The Nudefest 5k in September is open for booking 
It's early Sunday morning and I'm already in the car and a few minutes into a sat-nav defined 35-minute journey south. Having driven this route before I know that the sat-nav is not being entirely honest with me. I live in central London so navigating the traffic, road works, pedestrians, cyclists, traffic lights and whatever else will take me a good amount of time. Those 35 minutes, I know, will have become 85 by the time I arrive. 
But nevertheless, I'm always glad to be venturing out of the city. I do it a lot, so today really is no different. Today, I'll be taking part in a 5K run which, again, is not unusual and I'll be doing it with about 150 other people. Also not unusual. But those people, myself included, will all be naked. 
As my interest in the naturist movement has grown over the last few years, I’ve often found myself wondering why it is unusual is and, moreover, why there is a ‘naturist movement’ anyway. On my drive down to the Naturist Foundation’s BH5K, I began to think on it some more. My theory is that it has a fair amount to do with domestic society i.e. naturism in societies wherein social nudity, and nudity in general, is commonly associated with sex and seediness. Britain, for one, is quite guilty of that. 
Of course, there are plenty of societies/countries where naturism is practised that have a completely healthy perspective on being naked. Germany is an obvious one but look further north to Scandinavia or further south to, say, Croatia, and you’ll see similar, equally nonchalant attitudes to nudity. Having been brought up in a relatively conservative British family, being naked was a state to embrace in private or, if it came to it, in front of the doctor, hence the notion of naturism certainly never figured in daily conversation. Therefore, it seems to me that cultures of living naked, socialising naked, exercising naked, holidaying naked or simply hanging out at a campsite naked specifically in countries where this is uncomfortable for most, is in part an extreme reaction to prudishness and the general association of nudity equalling Sex. I can’t help but wonder if the Victorians hadn’t ushered in their frightfully unnatural belief that being naked is shameful we’d all, every person in the country, have markedly more open minds about being sans clothes.
I enjoy being naked, a lot, and I see absolutely nothing shameful, wrong, embarrassing or otherwise about - that doesn’t make me a weirdo or an exhibitionist. Like the connection between mind and muscle that is advocated to gym-goers as the holy grail of doing weight-bearing exercise, I believe that being naked is vital to facilitating the strongest connection between mind and body. By being exposed to the natural world, our entire bodies are able to feel it. The wind, as it swirls around and caresses every inch of us. The sunlight as it warms those parts of us usually covered by layers of fabric, and the frosty air as it creeps in and chills them. That beautiful sensation of sliding in and out of the pool without clingy swimwear pulling itself in to every crevasse. The realisation that no one is staring at your naked body and hey, if they do happen to check you out, so what? I’m comfortable in my own skin and I’ll thank you to appreciate it. 
I’ve never done any kind of naked running before and as a fitness addict it’s bizarre that I haven’t. My ancient Greek ancestors have been up there on Mount Olympus these past 29 years, chuckling in disbelief. But today is finally that day. Today, I’m running the BH5K because I love the freedom of being without clothes and have the sneaking suspicion that I’ll enjoy running that way too. 
Back in the car, 85 minutes have passed by the time I arrive at the Naturist Foundation. There’s already a queue of cars waiting to get in and we’re being asked to park as close as physically possible to other cars. Sardines, meet the can. Some folk are already undressing by the boots of their cars, others will do so in the changing rooms on site, but either way, there is a healthy mix of the nude and the not already milling around. Once I’ve registered, I head back out and over to the changing room where I disrobe and return again to the growing assortment of my fellow, naturist runners. 
As usual with groups of naturists in the UK, there is a wide-ish mix of folk but, as is also common, most of the people here are male, the majority of whom are in the 40+ demographic. There are a handful of younger guys here and there, and perhaps 10-15 women in total, but it’s clear that I’m amongst the very youngest here and certainly of the most well represented gender. My mind, as it often does, drifts off again and I wonder why more women, both young and older, are not so attracted to this environment. Is it the case of being afraid of the jump? The kind of fear that drags us away from the open aeroplane door but which, once we’ve mustered the strength to push it aside and taken that jump, turns into pure adoration, perhaps even exhilaration. Is it self-awareness? Or perhaps just a case of being uncomfortable being naked in front of others and simply not enjoying it, irrespective of any fear? 
As there is still plenty of time before the route walk, I take the opportunity to go for a swim in the club’s wonderfully warm pool and warm up with a gentle 10 lengths. Before I know it, a voice over the tannoy announces the imminent commencement of the walk so I quickly dry off and join the crowd. I notice everyone has race numbers lipsticked onto their chests and shoulders, so I head back over to the clubhouse for my own. I’m number 17. As I don’t wear lipstick it takes me a clumsy brush of my own arm against my chest to recognise that this stuff smudges. I make a mental note and a conscious effort to avoid contact with any of the freshly numbered areas of my upper body. 
The route this year differs to the one last year, as I understand it, and requires us to take three loops around the entire site before peeling off for the final few hundred metres to the finish line. Once we’ve all walked the full circuit we arrive back at the start. Here I bump into Julie who taps me on the shoulder and says ‘Hi! Remember me?!’. Julie and her husband were the first people I met at the club when I first visited last year and were both incredibly warm and friendly. But stood in front of her, I can’t help but realise the irony of our meeting: I might not have recognised her had we been wearing clothes, and likely she would not have recognised me either. In any other environment, it would probably have been ‘Oh, Taylor! Sorry, I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on!’. We chat briefly and I’m pleased to see a familiar face. So far it feels as if everyone else already knows everyone else. I’m sure that’s not the case but so friendly is the naturist crowd that it’s tough to discern who is and is not familiar with one another. 
It’s also here that I really get a good measure of today’s turnout and it’s excellent. The group is big and buzzing to get started and we’re all rewarded quickly. After a short announcement inaugurating this year’s event, we’re off. 
Now, if you’ve never seen or been part of a large group of naked runners, there’s something that you need to know. The atmosphere is joyous. It’s respectful and, more than anything, it’s just like any other running race. The thrill of taking part in a sporting event, however grassroots, or private, or local, is ever present. I’d started right at the very back of the runners and looking down that first strait, it was jiggly butt cheeks for as far as the eye could see. I’ll admit, there’s a competitive streak in me that sometimes I fight against but most times I lose that little battle. Today, alas, was no different. I’d gone to the back of the pack to keep out of the way of the more serious runners and to simply enjoy the run for what it was, but before long I found myself slowly working my way in front of other runners. I do enjoy the thrill of the chase and today it’s a chase I’ll be thrilled by for the entire 5K. 
By the time I reach the final stretch to the finish, there’s already a good number of people catching their breath and sipping on the orange juice being handed out at one of the tables. I’m handed a card with the number 52 on it and figure I must have passed about 100 other runners. I’m pleased with my effort and after overhearing some of the earlier finishing times I understand that there are some seriously strong runners on site. Again, my mind begins to wonder. This time, I consider the benefits of running naked on my own training. At the very least, I tell myself, there’ll be no material to flap around, catch the backdraft and slow me down. I commit to looking into naked running a little more seriously. 
It’s been 25 minutes since the start of the race and, for me, it’s done. I hang around for a little while longer and clap several runners over the finish line but, as I’ve a busy day ahead of me, decide to treat myself to one final dip in the pool so I shower off and return to that delightful water. After a couple of lengths it becomes a bit too busy to do any real swimming so I leave and, to my joy, find the sauna has been turned on. I duck right in and quickly strike up a conversation with Adam, a chatty gentleman who tells me that he’s driven down from Leicester over 130 miles away. I ask him why he’s travelled so far and he replies, simply: ‘Because it’s wonderful here. I’m lucky enough to own some private land back home and occasionally have people come over and join me, but here there’s an entire society to engage with and there’s not many other places with such a large community all in one place’. 
And it’s true. There really is something about being here that is hard not to enjoy. Perhaps it’s the community spirit. Maybe it’s the amount of likeminded people to hang out with or the size of the site. Maybe it’s just the post-naked-race endorphin high. For me, it’s the freedom and the lack of archaic societal restrictions on embracing my own body. And yes, I also loved the run. Loved it.
Taylor
 
Photo: BN/Mark Bass

The online events programme grows...

The online events programme grows...

Hundreds of BN members have already taken advantage of the opportunities for free exercise and entertainment from our online events programme. Yoga classes, fitness, a cookery demonstration and a discussion forum have already taken place.
We're growing the programme all the time and you can expect to see new classes announced very soon. One new class we can announce is 'Dry Aquarobics' on Saturday afternoon. It's aquarobics without the water! Unless, you have the luxury of a pool of your own...
We're also pleased to announce that Dr Keon West will be joining us for next Monday's discussion group meeting, and don't forget our Easter Sunday afternoon tea! A world first?
Details on how to join the events will be found in the Members’ Area of the BN website All BN members have access to the Members' Area as part of your subscription. If you need help on how to access it, please have a look at these guides: 
https://www.bn.org.uk/quickstart and https://www.bn.org.uk/guides/not-logged-in/what-is-my-username-and-password-members-only-r10. 
If you are not a member, it is easy to join, access the forum and gain many more benefits. It costs less than £4 a month. Find out more at: 
https://www.bn.org.uk/membershipinfo and https://www.bn.org.uk/guides/memberships. 

It's 'Work Naked Wednesday'!

It's 'Work Naked Wednesday'!

So it's official! Today is #WorkNakedWednesday....
OK - so we made it up! But what an opportunity to give Naturism a try in the comfort of your new workplace - at home! It's perfectly legal to enjoy the sun in your garden too.
 
Give your birthday suit an airing 
We've all got a body under our clothes - it's nothing to be ashamed of. You're probably not bothering to get fully dressed, if at all, these days, so if you've never tried it, take that extra step today. 
 
Strip into something more comfortable 
You'll be joining millions of people around the world who have already discovered the exhilarating freedom that comes with being naked and who have also found that their self-esteem increases as a result. This survey showed how being naked can make you happier.
 
See more of your friends (online, at least)
Spread the word - see how your friends and colleagues feel about adopting #worknakedwednesday with you...a top reason why people get involved in Naturism is the social context and the welcoming, vibrant, happy and healthy community it creates. Feel free to post about it on social media #worknakedwednesday.
 
The more observant of readers will have noticed that there is another Wednesday in a mere week's time...look out for another #worknakedwednesday then!
 
 

Got Time On Your Hands? Why not write for BN Magazine

Got Time On Your Hands? Why not write for BN Magazine

British Naturism Magazine depends on members and others sending in their articles, features and reports.  Regular readers will know that each issue contains a dedicated travel feature and we are always looking for written reports and stunning photographs to showcase naturist holiday places around the world.  
If you have time on your hands now may be the time for you to get round to writing for the magazine.  We are looking for:
Features and articles - you might write about your first Naturist experience, how you discovered Naturism, an interesting story about how you told friends about your interest in Naturism, or any Naturist related item or experience.
Travel -  If you have been to a splendid place that you would like to recommend to others then please do write about it. Please note that in the next issue - and perhaps very timely in current circumstances - one of the travel features is the UK and so if you have had a great stay at a Naturist place in this country, please do think about writing.
Information on 'How to Contribute' can be found in the downloadable PDF file at the foot of this article, or please contact magazine@bn.org.uk
Please note; every submission to BN magazine is given consideration but unfortunately we cannot guarantee that everything we receive can be published.
Photographs, especially those showing happy naked people enjoying themselves really help our decision to publish an article or travel report. We are always happy to have a look at all of your pictures and make our selection.  We will assume that all people featured in the images have given consent for it to be published.  Whilst British Naturism is a members magazine, as printed material, we have no control over who eventually reads it. 
How to Contribute - for web.pdf

Event news: Nudefest Rescheduled

Event news: Nudefest Rescheduled

It will come as no surprise that we have had to look carefully at whether it would be practicable to proceed with Nudefest as originally planned.  Unfortunately, the global lockdown caused by COVID-19 means that running Nudefest in July is no longer possible.  
However, we are not put off so easily so have rescheduled for the end of the summer.  We are very pleased to announce the revised dates for Nudefest 2020 are Monday 7th - Monday 14th September 2020.
Visit nudefest.co.uk to find out more about our flagship annual festival.
...and click here, if you booked for the original date in July and want to find out what happens to your booking.