News and Articles

Keep busy with BN!

Keep busy with BN!

You may not be able to meet other Naturists face to face or go to events at the moment, but there is still plenty going on within our virtual, socially-distanced community, including plenty of free content:
Read over one hundred articles on our news pages about a wide variety of Naturist and Naturist-related subjects 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 The members' side of our website (login required) is chock-full of interesting stuff. Naturists all over the country are currently discussing and debating a variety of topics - not all related to Naturism - and finding information, viewing event and other images, reading blogs and more.  It also contains a variety of interesting and useful downloads including full copies of BN Magazine back to 2004! It all comes free as part of a British Naturism annual subscription.  Here's a guide on how to log in and use the member's section of the website and a new Quickstart Guide to help you find your way around...

Not a member? It's easy to join...find out how and details of all the benefits you will receive

From Hatred to Love in Eight Short Weeks

From Hatred to Love in Eight Short Weeks

As I write this article, I have been a Naturist for just two months. However, it has been a life transforming two months and what follows is the story of how in just a few short weeks Naturism has taken me on a journey from absolutely hating my own body to the point of not even looking at myself in the mirror getting out of the bath, to feeling completely accepting of myself, lumps, bumps, wobbly bits, and all.
In January I went on a date with a lovely man called Peter, who is a naturist. I had heard of nudists before, and knew it wasn't anything weird, or sexual, but I'd never actually met one in the flesh before. (Please pardon the pun! Also just to be clear Peter was fully clothed on our date!!).
We hit it off straight away and Peter made it very clear how important naturism was to him. His face lit up when he told me about how he became a naturist and his journey since then. I knew then and there if I wanted a relationship with this man, I would have to give naturism a go at the very least. If I didn't like it, at least I'd have tried it. Peter put no pressure on me at all to try, but I could see what it meant to him, and as someone who believe's couples should enjoy things together as much as possible, I knew I had to try. Peter had brought me a very helpful BN booklet which I read on the train home.
Peter and I continued chatting and a second date happened. I knew then that this man was someone special, and so just a few days later as I was getting out of the bath, I decided I would try to look in a full length mirror before I got dressed (a big deal for me! Not least because I am over 50, overweight, and have had three children, but also because of other factors in my life that have led me to have very low self-esteem). However...I did it!! Yes, at first, I wasn't overly pleased with what I saw, but I quickly realised I wasn't completely disgusted either.
I couldn't wait to tell Peter. I felt so proud of myself that I had managed to look at myself completely naked. When I did tell him, he sent me back to the mirror and told me to look at myself and repeat a bible verse (we are both Christians) that says: 'You are fearfully and wonderfully made' over and over while looking at myself naked. I did, and the longer I looked at myself the better I felt.
A couple of weekends later, I went with Peter for a Naturist swim and sauna. It was mostly men that were there, only two other women. The first thing I noticed was how safe I felt. No-one was looking at my body! They were talking to me. Looking straight at my face. In no time at all I was chatting happily to lots of different people and completely forgot that I was naked. I had a great time.
However, a couple of things made me feel very sad. Firstly, where were all the women?? And secondly, many of these men told me how their wives/partners didn't support their naturism. Some weren't even allowed to tell their own children. All I could think was..'why?' Naturism is not something weird!! What could be more natural then being in the skin you were born with?? What I had also learned very quickly that day, is that bodies come in all shapes and sizes. I made my mind up there and then that I would not feel ashamed of the decision I had recently made to become a naturist, and more than that, over time I would try to find a way to speak out to other women and try to encourage them to give it a go.
At the beginning of February, I went with Peter to a naturist party at the house of some friends of his. I met other naturist men and women who were all really lovely. The women in particular were very encouraging and made me feel really relaxed, at home and welcome. We danced, laughed, ate
and drank together. It was a lot of fun! What struck me more than all of that though, was how at ease I felt with myself. I felt confident, happy, content and at peace, a feeling I have not felt for many many years. As the weeks go on, and my journey with naturism continues, my confidence just grows and grows. Naturism has freed me from my inhibitions and low self esteem. I still have my moments, but 95% of the time I love my body now, and I honestly don't care who knows I am a naturist. I refuse to feel ashamed. Every lump, bump, scar etc. I have, was earned and has a story that has shaped my life.
Come on women, let's make sure future generations of women don't grow up with the same hang ups we did. Let's not continue to allow media and magazines to tell us what is beautiful. Let's give our daughters, nieces, grand-daughters, the gift of confidence and positive body image. Get naked! It will set you free!
Lastly to wives and partners who struggle with the idea of naturism, give it a go! You might love it like I do! However, you will never know, if you don't try. The cherry on the cake for me, is that Peter and I can enjoy all aspects of our lives together. Come on ladies! Don't be shy. You are beautiful!
Siobhan Crowther

Naked Dining With King Henry VIII

Naked Dining With King Henry VIII

It's not every day you can say you've had a meal in Henry VIII's old boozer. Twenty eight British Naturism members in the Eastern Region enjoyed a great evening at the Olde King's Arms in Hemel Hempstead in March. It was the day Donald Trump banned UK travellers from the USA , Spain had just gone into total lock down and our supermarket shelves were being emptied as if shops were about to be closed for ever. There was an apocalyptic feel to the day, made worse for me as our much looked forward trip to Russia had just been cancelled and our first rental at our Spanish apartment had cancelled. At the same time flights to Spain were returning to the UK mid flight. On entering this historic pub it had the feeling of the Last Supper and we wondered if anyone else would turn up. As it happened, there was only one non arrival.
The pub is an old coaching inn and reputed to be a regular haunt of Henry who seemed to love the Hemel Hempstead pub scene. There are reputed to be two ghosts that haunt the pub and one is “the Jolly Man'. He's a large, happy man who some think is Henry's ghost.
Inside we had a large warm room to ourselves and landlord Ben was extremely welcoming. His staff were friendly and quick to smile. It's so nice when we go to new venues and staff are totally relaxed - apart from the young waitress who had a bowl of very hot soup hovering over my lap at one point! Actually, thinking back, it was me who was nervous and she was very relaxed!
This was another successful meal organised by Richard and was accompanied by a fiendishly tough quiz. It was worth winning though as the prize was a bar of gold each (soap that is). Richard had contemplated toilet rolls as prizes but didn't want things to get too competitive. Once again it was good to meet old friends and make new acquaintances. It's such a shame that the format of a sit down meal prevents you meeting more people on the night, though  we did circulate a little towards the end.
I'm sure we will visit this venue again, so it's worth mentioning to those thinking of coming that many members stayed overnight at the inn and the rooms were of a high standard.
 Andy Wyman

British Naturism acquisition of Sunfolk: A bright future for Naturism

British Naturism acquisition of Sunfolk: A bright future for Naturism

In a major new undertaking, British Naturism has taken over the land and property of The Sun-Folk Society.  Not only does this secure the future of the Sunfolk site and its character as a popular naturist club, it will also present opportunities that we expect will form a central tool in the advancement of naturism in the years ahead.  The property will in future be known as “British Naturism: Sunfolk”.
This is excellent news both for former members of The Sun-Folk Society, who will continue to be able to enjoy the facility, and for British Naturism. 
It has often been observed that, despite being the representative organisation of UK naturism, British Naturism lacked facilities that could demonstrate how good naturism can be.  This acquisition presents a fantastic opportunity to make the property into a modern naturist leisure and event space and set the gold standard for naturist locations in the UK. 
The site in question was the property of the Sun-Folk Society, situated at How Wood, between St Albans and Watford, at the junction of the M1 and the M25, a 15-minute walk from the nearest railway station.  It is one of three naturist clubs in the area.  
The Sun-Folk Society is one of the oldest clubs in the UK, founded in 1931.  Arguably it is the perfect representation of the origins of UK naturism.  It’s a beautiful site, bordered by a spinney of woodland, featuring sizeable lawns, a camping area, and a modern covered swimming pool, alongside a timber clubhouse full of character.  
Over the last year, it has become apparent to the Sun-Folk members that for the site to flourish, it was necessary to pass on the duty of stewardship, leading them to approach British Naturism.  Confidential negotiations have been proceeding over the last few months and have now concluded to the satisfaction of all parties.  We are very pleased that we are now able to announce that on the 13th March 2020, the property was signed over to British Naturism.   
The acquisition means several things:
1)    The future of the site as a naturist facility is now secure.  This is a site that will be used exclusively for the practice and furtherance of naturism.
2)    The legacy of the society is preserved and the name Sunfolk will always be associated with the land.  The longevity of UK naturism is a powerful campaigning tool, it demonstrates that naturism should be taken seriously and is not a passing fad.  The fact that our facility will be underwritten by nearly 90 years of history will prove that.
3)    Former members of the Sun-Folk Society can continue to enjoy the site into which they poured so much love.  Wider British Naturism members, too, will also be able to enjoy the site.
4)    That the financial resources of the Sun-Folk Society can be invested in creation of new, tangible services on the site and will not simply bleed away as they are spent on maintenance.

A question that might be asked is whether this means that British Naturism is now a campsite operator or a property developer, rather than a campaigning and community organisation.  The answer is no.  Creation of British Naturism: Sunfolk represents an unique opportunity both to save naturism at the site and to use it for the practice and furtherance of naturism.  It was the obvious and right thing to do.
The proximity of the site to London and the excellent transport links can make the site a campaigning hub.  If we are meeting influencers and policy makers, we will be able to host the talks on our site, so delegates are surrounded by naturists in a stunning environment.  A first-hand experience of how great naturism really can be will have a huge impact on the perceptions of those we want to persuade.  
This is just the beginning of our work on this project.  Much planning remains to be done as we develop the vision for the future of British Naturism: Sunfolk.  But this represents a huge step forwards in our ability to promote naturism and news will continue to come out over the coming months as matters move forward.
 

How will COVID-19 impact British Naturism and Events?

How will COVID-19 impact British Naturism and Events?

Updated 6th April - 8.30am
As you will be very aware the impact of COVID-19 on events has been well reported.
We currently have dialogues in place with all our suppliers and venues and will review the situation ongoing.
Our principal concern is for the welfare of our members, visitors and staff.  We are closely monitoring the advice of WHO, PHE and Local Government in relation to Coronavirus and its impact on events and business.
We will continue to monitor the situation and report any changes to the published schedule or any changes to operation procedure as and when required.
This web page will be the central source for all CV-19 updates
There is a lot of fake news and opinion out there - we must act on official advice - cancelling events can prove a substantial financial risk to any organisation, not following the correct information and timings often can mean that insurances will not pay out etc. Please be assured that the decisions we make are in the best interests of members and most importantly their health and welfare.
For the latest advice and information please use the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
 
EVENT STATUS UPDATE
All events are now subject to a rolling assessment – meaning that all events in March, April & May are now postponed or cancelled as set out below. We will review future events in the light of circumstances as time passes. 
This assessment will be reviewed weekly by the EC and Events team and will be updated here.
MARCH – all events postponed 
Amsterdam - Postponed till September - All attendees notified, rescheduled or refunded. Naked Bowling - March 26th - Postponed - All attendees transferred to new date of July 23rd, or full refund, will be offered. YEM Regional meeting - 29th March – Postponed – new date TBC APRIL – all events postponed
SW AGM - 4th April – Postponed – new date TBC Waterworld – Postponed to September 26th – All attendees transferred to new date of September 26th, or full refund, will be offered.     BN Swimming Gala – There will be no UK domestic swimming gala in 2020 SW Family Meet-up – Postponed – new date TBC MAY – all events postponed
The Gathering – Postponed - 11th to 17th September 2020 – please wait to be contacted by the hotel as your contract is with the hotel. We will be advising guests shortly of any other procedures required. Please direct any short term questions to thegathering@bn.org.uk Ladies Day (SW) – Postponed new date TBC National Petanque – Postponed new date TBC Freedom – Postponed till 2021 – Automatic refunds have been issued Nudestock – Postponed till 2021 - Automatic refunds have been issued Eastern Family Meet-up – Postponed – new date TBC Naked Dining (Eastern) – Coffee House – Cancelled – Automatic refunds have been issued LASER AGM - Postponed Canal Boat Trip (NW) – Cancelled – Automatic refunds have been issued JUNE
Updating soon NUDEFEST
Now Rescheduled to the 7th - 14th September - please check your email for info if you have booked - further info at www.nudefest.co.uk
REFUNDS & REBOOKS
Please wait to be contacted by BN Events - this may take up to 21 days.
If it says an automatic refund or move of date, then please wait to be emailed to select your options - Our events team are working through over 1000 bookings and are unable to work effectively if they are to answer every email individually. At this time we are unable to reply directly to every request. Thanks for your understanding.
 
FAQ
Is my event going ahead?
Many events are unfortunately going to be postponed or cancelled – below are details on the current status of each event. We now have a process in place to review all events on an ongoing basis. We will update this every Tuesday or more frequently as and when required.
What about any monies paid if an event is cancelled?
As and when an event is postponed or cancelled, we will update those who have booked with relevant information and this web page.
In many instances events will be postponed, rather than cancelled outright and those who have booked will be given first refusal to take a place on the new scheduled date.
For events booked directly with British Naturism, we broadly expect to refund any monies paid in full, see details on individual events below.
Can I still book?
Yes, and we encourage you to do so. Any deposits or balances are safe. We firmly believe that life must go on and that this is hopefully only a bump in the road. Due to fewer events in Spring we are expecting that Summer and Autumn may get even more popular.
I’ve booked a BN Members Group Holiday…
Please call Donna and the team at Chalfont Holidays direct on 01753 740176; they will advise you on the status of your holiday.
Can we visit our local Club or Swim?
Please check the latest government advice regarding the status of CV-19 and social distancing. Your club may also be issuing their own instructions too. Always check before you travel.
Are any other BN services affected?
The BN Head Office remains open and will continue to do so unless government advice changes. The only impact predicted at the present time is perhaps a longer wait for a membership card or customer service query.
When will this all end?
It's really hard to say when normality will return but like everyone else we will continue to monitor and assess the situation as it unfolds. We can only base our opinions on fact and government advice. It goes without saying that we will always act in our members interests.

Naturism on This Morning

Naturism on This Morning

So yesterday was not my average Friday! Mark Bass (BN President) and I, headed to London to sit on the This Morning sofa and talk Naturism. 
Following on from Mark's recent article on hate crime we were asked by This Morning to join them for an interview and phew..... it went really well! Eamonn Holmes and Rochelle Humes were great at interviewing us and took it seriously - interviews can often go one way or the other!
We covered hate crime, respect and also body positivity and how Naturism can really improve your life - a good well rounded interview.
Anyway enough of me telling you about it - head on over to ITV Hub to see for yourself - the interview starts at around 1h 2m in...
https://www.itv.com/hub/this-morning/2a6292a0297

The Great British Spring Clean

The Great British Spring Clean

The Great British Spring Clean is taking place this spring from 20 March to 13 April 2020. It is being organized by Keep Britain Tidy in association with the Daily Mail, amongst other partners. I casually tweeted about naturists taking part in the Great British Spring Clean (#GBSpringClean) because we naturists love our environment and we share the responsibility for looking after it with our clothed neighbours. However, the tweet was spotted by a journalist from the Daily Mail newspaper who contacted BN to say they were delighted that we wanted to take part and to publicise our involvement nationally.
What can you do to join in?
You could ‘Pledge to Pick’ and promise to spend an amount of time convenient to you spring cleaning a location of your choice – over 100,000 people have already pledged to pick during the Spring Clean period!
You could join in with an existing clean-up which someone has organised near you. Use the link to let them know you’ll be coming along.
Or you could organise your own clean-up. Maybe there’s somewhere near you which has more litter than you’d like? It could be a location where you enjoy being naked or somewhere associated with the time you spend clothed. This is your opportunity to encourage others to join you in cleaning it up! Resources are available to help you get this off the ground.
Mike Whitcombe, the South West Representative has organised a clean-up at Budleigh Salterton naturist beach in Devon from 12 to 2pm on Saturday 11 April 2020 . If the weather is favourable, of course we will be naked. If you’re in the area do sign up by following the link and we’ll see you there!
Shân Allen
shan.allen@bn.org.uk   
 
Image by John Cameron from Unsplash

Hate Crime - BN in the news

Hate Crime - BN in the news

The core values of British Naturism are respect for ourselves and respect for each other, so this is what we would like to see recognised in the hate crime consultation.  The Naturist philosophy has been recognised as a protected characteristic in cases where people have been dismissed from their jobs based on prejudice.  What we would like is to see naturism recognised as a protected characteristic with regards to hate crime, so that we are not be abused in our day to day lives. These days we all agree that shouting abuse at somebody because of the colour of their skin, their sexual preference or their religion is not acceptable.  Yet Naturists still receive that type of abuse based on our dress code.  We are not asking that people should be forced to be naked, far from it. What we are asking is that everybody should have the freedom to choose how they dress, including if that choice is to wear nothing at all.

Naturists are very considerate and respectful and do their best to avoid imposing nudity on others where we know it might make them feel awkward.  We might sunbathe in our own gardens or go walking in the great empty spaces of the countryside.  Despite attempting to avoid confrontation, it is not uncommon for a naturist to receive abuse from a neighbour or when out walking.  You would be upset if somebody shouted abuse or threatened you because they did not like the colour of your shirt, we would prefer to not receive such abuse for not wearing a shirt.  So what we would like to achieve through the hate crime consultation is the same respect that everyone else receives.  No more, no less.
This quote from an article on BN website from (now) BN President Mark Bass was seen by the Daily Mail who interviewed him and wrote an article about it. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8061029/Nudists-want-hate-crime-law-protect-textiles.html 
The story has since been picked up by many other media outlets. Mark was interviewed this morning by Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. We're big news! Look out for more as the week progresses...
 

British Heart Foundation

British Heart Foundation

British Naturism named British Heart Foundation (BHF), as our Charity of the Year in 2020 and will continue to work with them throughout 2024, raising funds and awareness.
Fine out more about our fundraising Naked Heart Walks!
The health and well-being benefits of a nude lifestyle are well-known to Naturists and the BHF also place emphasis on healthy living and lifelong wellbeing, so our relationship is a natural fit. We’re delighted to be able to raise money that will directly benefit the population and combat diseases that could affect any of us.  
We’ll also be encouraging members, groups and clubs to get behind the initiative and put on fund-raising events. There will be a lot of support from us and BHF both in terms of how to put on an event and deal with the fundraising aspects.
READY TO DONATE? Here's our Just Giving Page
Want to get involved?
If you are new to social nudity we have plenty of help and information for you - follow these links:
What is Naturism?
Information for, and stories from Women in Naturism
Family Naturism
 
On this page you will find all the information you need to get involved…and if you don’t, please let us know! We’ll be pleased to help you!
How will British Naturism be raising money for British Heart Foundation?
British Naturism are working with the British Heart Foundation to raise funds from specific fundraising activities and donations at many events. 
BN and BHF are working together on a programme of Naked Heart Walks - clothes-optional sponsored walks in fabulous locations - and on the Great British Skinny Dip, a campaign that BN has promoted for several years.
Working together we can give these events a charitable focus and encourage organisers to take the opportunity to fundraise while also encouraging those new to social nudity to take part and raise funds for such a worthy cause that affects so many people. In doing so we hope to raise the profile, encourage more people to take part in social nudity and raise more funds for the BHF.
BN will also promote volunteering opportunities that the BHF have available and support and promote any campaigns where possible to help raise the profile of both BN and BHF across the country, including where non-nude attendance is being requested.
 
Who are the British Heart Foundation?
The BHF is the UKs leading cardiovascular research charity.  Their vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. The BHF raise money to research cures and treatments, so they can beat heartbreak forever.  You can read all about the BHFs research and how they have changed the state of heart disease already, but there is still so much more to do.
The BHF also fund a Nation of Life Savers Campaign to ensure that all children leave school with the skills and confidence to save a life in the event they witness a cardiac arrest.  Funding CPR training kits to all secondary schools this has been a key focus enabling schools to deliver the training regularly and widely with ease.
The BHF has a heart helpline staffed by expert cardiac nurses to offer support, information and signposting to those affected by heart disease and their loved ones. For medical enquiries you can call 0300 3303311.
There is a huge resource of information leaflets and guides about all aspects of CHD from stroke to diabetes, to giving up smoking and how to reduce stress and specific heart conditions patients may want more information about.
What is the Great British Skinny Dip and can I use it for a fun raising event?
The Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) is a British Naturism campaign that is now in its 9th year. Every year this great event provides lots of opportunities for people to try costume-free swimming across many varied locations throughout the UK. 
This year we are encouraging people to organise a GBSD event in aid of the British Heart Foundation as part of our partnership to promote heart health and well being and raise funds for the vital research to help beat heartbreak for good. Funds can be easily raised through ticket sales, raffles and donations, and swimmers can also have the opportunity to swim a distance in the nude and ask friends and family to sponsor them.
Can I organise my own fundraising event?
Of course! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Organise a Great British Skinny Dip at a beach or your local pool. There is lots of information and a how-to guide here on the website Host a Naked Dining event. Ask a local pub or restaurant if you can host a event and agree a date and fee per meal. Add approximately 25-50% on to this fee as a donation to the BHF and sell tickets. Create a poster using BHF downloads or make your own using the BHF ‘In aid of’ logo and promote to your networks and the BN community. Arrange a raffle on the evening by asking local companies to donate a prize.  Organise a nude or clothes optional sponsored walk.  BHF have a ‘Just Walk’ fundraising pack you can register for. Hold an open day at your club or an open session at your swim and charge visitors an entrance with 25-50% going to BHF. If you’d love to get involved with fundraising but aren’t sure where to start please get in touch with Ben Bishop (bishopb@bhf.org.uk), our dedicated BHF fundraising contact. He will be happy to chat through ideas with you!
What fundraising support and materials are available to me?
For fundraising ideas and to get a general BHF fundraising pack you can visit the BHF website and sign up to receive one in the post here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/do-your-own-fundraising. The pack includes a general guide, stickers, a card collection box and posters. 
A new, separate fundraising kit for the Great British Skinny Dip, along with customisable posters, and a variety of useful downloads to show your support or participation are available from the Great British Skinny Dip website.
For additional fundraising materials including tins and buckets, t-shirts, balloons, bunting, pin badges or for a letter of authorisation (to confirm your fundraising intentions) you can either contact your local fundraising manager or contact the BHF fundraising support team on 0300 3303322 or email heretohelp@bhf.org.uk.

BN223 - Spring 2020

BN223 - Spring 2020

British Naturism members will soon be receiving their copy of BN223, our Spring magazine and the first issue for 2020, read about:
·         A first naturist experience at the Alton Towers weekend
·         The huge amount and variety of events planned during 2020
·         Health and well-being featuring naked yoga classes with an update from Leeds Naturists Yoga.
·         A BN member’s journey from newbie to nudie
·         A Naturist woman’s appearance on the Naked Podcast
·         BNs Strategy - Looking Into the Future
·         Naturist travel and holiday opportunities in Spain and her islands, as well as a Croatian cruise and a beer bath in a Polish spa!
·         …and much more!
Of course, you’ll also find all the latest Naturist news, updates from BN on progress and venue listings.
BN223 is available for our members to download right now, and will soon be landing on the doormats of those who opt to receive it by post.
Our quarterly magazine is just one of the many benefits a BN membership provides, so if you’re not a member yet, why not make today the day you join us?

Sailing around Croatia

Sailing around Croatia

Jim Hutton writes about his BN Sailing Group flotiilla to Greece last year;
For the last three years, the BN Sailing Group has organised a flotilla to Greece. In 2019 we decided for a change to explore the highly rated sailing of the Croatian coast – and we were not disappointed.  We found well-equipped marinas, beautiful scenery, quiet bays, and historic ports to visit.  My ‘blog’ of our first day’s sailing will give you a feel for it -
“Lovely sunny day, with a bit of breeze. All three boats set off from Kremik at different times, heading north. We had planned lunch at a beautiful bay on the way. Our boat 'Sun Elli', skippered by Rod, arrived first and anchored in 4m. The other two boats - 'Balvanida' skippered by Sandy, and 'Veseo' skippered by Steve, arrived soon after.  The water was 26 deg and crystal clear, so we had a lovely swim, followed by a 'greek salad' lunch - our skipper's specialty. It was nice to see that Croatia's reputation for being naturist friendly was upheld - everyone on an adjacent boat was naked too.
After lunch we had a great sail on a close reach up the W side of Zlarin Island and into port.  A lovely meal at a restaurant above the town, then home in the dinghy. Truly a perfect first day.”
In past years we have based our trip on a commercially run flotilla, with lead skipper etc.  Our trip this September was based instead on self-chartered boats, each with a BN member as skipper. This approach worked really well - each boat was free to do it's own thing, to choose where to go and what to do, and to meet up with the other boats if and when they wished to. So some nights we were together in a quiet bay, other times some of us moored in a smart marina, or on the quay of an old fishing port. We shared group meals, or found our own special place, or cooked on board. In fact we did meet up quite a lot, and the whole group had a lot of fun together.
Exploring the Krka Falls
One of the highlights of Croatia sailing is a trip up the Krka river to the waterfalls. On your own boat – up the river through the mountains in an amazing deep gorge. The waterfalls cover a vast area, dotted with little pools full of fish. We spent the night in the marina at Skradin, some 17 km inland! Clear blue sky and calm weather to wake up to. Down river to the coast, and across to Jazera Marina to join our other boats. Lots of good chat with the other crews, and a pleasant meal in town.
Sailing in the Islands
Awake at sunrise before heading out to explore the Kornati National Marine park. Amazing scenery, but very little wildlife that we could see. A nice overnight link up with Veseo, one of our other BN boats - rafted in a secluded bay. No internet or phone signal, so we had to talk instead… Lovely to get to know our intrepid new sailors, who all seem to be enjoying the experience.
Fresh winds and some really good sailing the next day, towards another quiet bay. Clear blue sky, and warm. Since leaving the marina yesterday morning until this evening's meal onshore we have been able to be stripped off throughout. Wonderful !
Heading South
Up with the sun next day, and a walk round to the bakers for our breakfast bread. Another lovely day, calm and clear - just hope there's some wind out there…In fact the wind was perfect - force 2/3 and almost behind us, so we alternated broad reach and goosewinging, to the satisfaction of the skipper.
In the meantime, one of our boats was in Trogir to swap crew - sad goodbyes to Karen and Vincent, hello to David and Malcolm. It was a quick start for them – in the first hour skipper Steve found some good wind. We are all now together again in the pretty port of Masljnika, enjoying a meal in a quayside konoba (restaurant).
Moored on the naturist island
Very peaceful day today - almost no wind, so motoring to our next destination, Hvar. This is the 'Monte Carlo' of Croatia, and some of us went and had a look (by water taxi). All very smart and expensive - our boats were moored (for free) on the island of Jerolim opposite. This is an official Croatian Naturist island, so the rest of us spent the day on the beach - au naturel including at the bar under the trees. Hot sun, warm sea, bar = heaven…
Ensnared!
The forecast for today is for very light winds, so two of our boats succumbed to the delights of the Naturist island and stayed put, while ‘Sun Elli’ headed for the island of Vis.  As it happened, the winds blew strongly and we had a really good sail. So I am typing this in port in the pretty fishing village of Komiza, after a meal in a restaurant overlooking the port. 
Next day was a flat calm, so we explored the old town of Trogir, destroyed by the Saracens in 1123, rebuilt, captured by the Venetians, etc. No chance to sail so we didn't mind a day ashore too much.   
Together again
Our little flotilla is together again this evening. There are strong winds forecast so we are in a sheltered bay with anchors dug well in - fingers crossed !
It's been great the way each boat has supported the others, and all the crews have got on well and become friends. Some of them had very little sailing experience before joining us, and all have coped well and enjoyed the new challenge.  Lovely warm sunshine helps...!
“Leave her, Johnny, leave her”
Final meal this evening with all the group.  We enjoyed sharing stories about our two weeks together, and started making plans for next year. 
We are going to Croatia again in 2020 - the dates are 5 – 19 September 2020. Four boats are already booked, so if you are interested in joining us, do get in touch. No sailing experience is required. Read my blog on the BN website to find out more.
Jim Hutton
hutton.jim@gmail.com
 
Please note that whilst we are happy to support and promote this holiday it is not an official BN trip but organised by BN members for others.

Thirst for Firsts

Thirst for Firsts

Mike ‘Mupp’ Watson tracks his journey from newbie to nudie
‘Try it for the first time,’ they said. But just how many firsts are there? Well let me tell you, there have been many, so many, read on…
 The Beginning
My first time ever was a naked swim at Chepstow with the Western Swim Club, over three years ago now. I was nervous but admit that within ten minutes the feeling of complete freedom from not wearing swim shorts was amazing. That was it, hooked and no looking back.
I wanted more and with recent changes in my personal circumstances, it became possible for me to pursue further naked first adventures, a veritable whirlwind of different events which have brought me joy, fun and great friendships.
February – Naked dining
Organised by Dine Naked Bristol at the Bristol Cookhouse, an evening of good food, drink and great people. If you haven’t yet tried naked dining put it on your list, a great introduction to mixing with fellow Naturist diners, you will do more, believe me.
March – Butlins
A three-day music event in Minehead. Not a naturist event but with a group of fellow Naturists all of whom I made friends with over a few months and was grateful to be invited to join them. Thanks guys.
Easter - Isle of Wight
A weekend away with friends, 11 of us staying at a house in Shanklin with fantastic hot, sunny weather. There were several firsts here; a brilliant ‘Holi’ - throwing brightly coloured powdered paint around - which decorated all the naked bodies; a visit to Blackgang Chine Naturist section of the beach; a naked meal at a pub - not strictly a first but this time the barmaid did her own first, having felt a little over dressed and decided to strip off and join in, all in a day’s work…oh, mustn’t forget my first nude Easter egg hunt!
May – Little Orchard Slad
With friends, to the home of Terry and Rod Clifford, a little oasis of a place which they open up to visitors who have booked, to enjoy their house and gardens set in the beautiful countryside. There we were welcome to use the gardens, indoor pool, sauna, outdoor hot tub accompanied by homemade cake and biscuits, tea and coffee and some great home produced ciders.
May - A meal in a train carriage
Naked dining in a Pullman train carriage in a pub garden, who would have thought it?  A big red train carriage fitted out with dining tables and chairs and a mini bar, quite a niche dining experience and full of character. I also had my first ever camping experience let alone a naked one in a nearby field. The site was run by Naturists, how handy was that? So along with a bunch of friends the evening was spent as nature intended with BBQ, fun and chats around a pit fire until the early hours.
30th June – Abbey House Gardens
Full steam ahead now, on a roll. This time it’s a visit to Abbey House Gardens, a large historic listed house set in vast well-kept gardens, open several times each summer to “clothes optional” visits. Meandering paths, up and down levels, and around interesting gardens where there are many places to settle down to picnic and sunbathe naked at your leisure. There is even a river which you can swim in if you want to. There is a café and tearooms, Koi carp ponds - and it’s all enjoyed naked in the company of other visitors who leave their clothes on.
June – Clover Spa
A well-established Naturist spa in Birmingham, and another place with a great host, Tim Higgs, and a crew to match. I was made very welcome from booking to leaving. Facilities include gardens, large hot tub, sauna, steam room and relaxing areas. There are a good choice of treatments available, yep, I got it all - even had my first naked massage.
July – Nudefest
One of the biggest events on the BN calendar, 500+ people, a week’s worth of events from clay pigeon shooting to biscuit decorating, climbing frame to dog agility, live bands to silent disco and so much more! Amongst many firsts at Nudefest there is one that stands out – nude firewalking. Not many can say they’ve done a firewalk, let alone naked. My first Nudefest did not disappoint - great company, growing friendships all the time along the way.  By the way, how about a first for Nudefest itself…the local pub decided to open up for naked dining each evening in the week. Now, I’m an old hand at that malarkey…
July – Party in the Stark
Three days of fantastic live music held at the Naturist Foundation in Kent. Another silent disco (been there!) and camping at this well-established club with great facilities and very welcoming members. Nice food, freshly cooked in the clubhouse along with visiting food trucks each evening, an indoor pool and games courts to boot, fun nights of singing, dancing and body painting came and went. I just love dancing naked by the way, however another first in my repertoire of times being at one with nakedness.
August - Nude River Boat Cruise
The firsts are still coming thick and fast, just loving it! My feet might touch the ground one day! This time a three-hour boat cruise on the River Exe in Exeter. Organised by Torbay Sun Club, it has been running for several years now and seems as popular as ever with food and drink, live music and the locals on the riverbanks and quaysides joining our festivities by waving and cheering us on our way and on our return. This trip also involved another two firsts - an AirBnB stay over and a day spent at Budleigh Salterton Naturist beach.
August – Toad and Mikron
This was probably a little more special as firsts go as it was also my birthday, and a birthday to remember!  This time it was an event laid on by Dine Naked Oxford organised by its founder Sandra Ballard at the fantastic Toad Gin Distillery in Oxford. Entertainment was provided by the brilliant Mikron Theatre Company.  Please check them out, a lovely lot of guys and gals who travel the length and breadth of the UK canals by barge performing plays of a traditional Britishness, our one for the evening was Redcoats, the story of Butlins…fun, laughs and learning all the way and all set in an artisan gin distillery where you could test, try and buy as well as see it being made on the premises, a really great setting.
To top off my birthday and most definitely a first was a TV appearance with Sandra on BBC Oxford News. They came along to Toad to film a piece for its evening slot about our evening’s event, plenty of re-takes, plenty of giggles we managed a two-minute slot on telly, hurrah! Just have to add I had two, yes, two bottles of gin precariously placed at a certain level to hide my modesty for the viewing public!
September – Stoke Waterworld
The second event at this venue but my first. What can I say but several hours of slippy, sliding, splashing fun!  I had a great time - beware the black flume is all I can say haha!  Still making friends along the way, we naturists know how to do that.
2020 and beyond
So, here I am at the end of my Diary of Firsts. I wrote this article in Autumn 2019 and have since been to Alton Towers and also the Dine Naked Oxford Murder Mystery evening.   I’m aware there are many more firsts for me to catch up with, and if I can catch my breath maybe another diary for BN magazine in the future.
I wish to sign off this article with some comments about the Naturist community. Community, is defined in the dictionary as, ‘A group of people living and sharing the same attitudes, interests and characteristics in common’. We can all fulfil our firsts, enjoy and embrace them, but most of all look forward to our seconds, thirds you get the gist!) of everything out there available for us to enjoy as Naturists. And so, like the little old me, go out there and have the time of your life ….NAKED ! …. there’s a whole new world out there, thank you Naturism.
Mike “Mupp” Watson
Mupp-date;
Another FIRST, I will be holding my first ever event; a quiz night and 3 course meal at the Kings Head and Bell in Abingdon on March the 7th, everyone is welcome, tickets are still available at this link;
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/britishnaturism/338193/
 

BN at the NEC

BN at the NEC

The British Naturism events team are back at Birmingham’s NEC this week at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show. Over the next few days we will hand out over 2000 copies of our ‘2020 guide to Naturism’ and make sure that Naturism is out in the open, educating and informing a parallel audience about the benefits of Naturism.
Our stand is in Hall 4 - on the main aisle linking the halls. Around us are various holiday companies, parks and resorts and its great to see we are not the only ones promoting Naturism. Popular holiday guide company Alan Rogers have their 106 page brochure on European resorts on sale,  and just a couple of stands down you can pick up the Naturisme.com brochure from the visit France booth.
Building on the success of the 2019 event... ‘It's great to be back’ says BN’s Event Manager Mark Walsh ‘ we now have so many events and festivals on offer with Freedom, Nudefest and NKD, the Camping & Caravan Show is a logical place to showcase our events’.

Looking Into the Future

Looking Into the Future

The last decade has certainly been interesting for British Naturism.  We are a venerable organisation with a rich history, and over the last ten years we have been modernising to ensure we are relevant to naturists of today.  In 2018 we launched a short-term strategy to pick up the loose ends that had accumulated.  As a result of all the work, we now have a reputation for professionalism that brings respect from other organisations.  We have a strong and modern image.  We have a portfolio of activities from small to festival-sized in scale.  We have strength in depth in our team of campaigners who are working to promote naturism, both with the public and with the authorities.  As a consequence of the efforts, we are recruiting new members, expanding the organisation, and can look to new horizons.
 The strength of our current situation provides both the opportunity and obligation to think of the future.  Our strategies have tended to be 3-year plans, and the 2018 strategy mopped up even more urgent requirements.  But what is our 10-year plan, our 15-year plan, our 20-year plan?  We can’t have a tightly defined plan for what we will be doing in 20 years, because both personnel and circumstances will change.  But to truly succeed, we should have a vision for what we would like Naturism and British Naturism to look like in 20 years and then plan actions that will take us toward it.
 An often-discussed priority is the need for sustainable development as we think about our legacy.  The tenure of an Executive Committee member is normally only a few years, but as stewards we have a responsibility to think beyond that.  Financial security is clearly important, but the big challenges are ensuring that the recognition and participation in Naturism continues to grow.  The second major consideration when planning for the future is how we ensure we remain appealing in a world that is changing around us.
 With these ambitions in mind, we have convened working groups comprising Executive Committee members and other volunteers.  The working groups have been tasked with developing strategies to address three main areas.
 Overall Strategy
 All of our actions should have the aim of advancing our core values.  Once an Overall Strategy is in place, decisions on whether to take any particular action become simple, but without a strategy it is easy to pursue whatever is put in front of us in piecemeal fashion.  On the spot decision making is inefficient and in worst cases results in actions that contradict one another.  We are not in a bad place; we are already aware of the broad goals of British Naturism and have a good definition of Naturism:
"Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of
communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and
for the environment".
Defining our strategy will build on the good things we have.
 To structure our thinking, the strategy will have several layers.  At the top sits a Vision Statement; a vision of what we believe Naturism and British Naturism should look like in 10 and 20 years.  Beneath that is a Mission Statement, defining the broad actions that will fulfil the Vision.  At the base lie the planned actions to define specific activities that will achieve the Mission.  Those actions will be SMART; specific, measurable, attainable, resourced and time-bound, to make sure they move forward.  We would expect the actions to change over time as they are completed and new ones added, but the Mission and particularly the Vision should remain largely unchanged as it represents our guiding ethos.
 There are some important considerations.  First is that this should be the strategy of British Naturism, not just a handful of EC, and this is where recent activity comes into play.  The forum provides a mechanism for members to share their views, so thoughts that have been raised in the many online discussions are having a major impact on our thinking.  The Vision Days have provided a much more dynamic opportunity for members to express and discuss their opinions, and those contributions will also be incorporated.  Second, the fact that the Vision should largely stand for the next 20 years means that it should not be a major deviation from what we know, we are not attempting to re-write the purpose of British Naturism.  This aspect has been very pleasing; working group members have independently written their own visions, which were then compared with versions in previous strategies and discussions.  The good news is that when the various sources were compiled, they were very similar, giving great encouragement that the Vision will appeal to everybody and stand the test of time.  This is just the beginning, work on the Overall Strategy will continue and should make us a much more effective and efficient organisation over time.
 The Relationship of Clubs and British Naturism
 Naturist clubs are the foundation of British Naturism, it is they who founded CCBN.  Today, clubs are not the integral part of British Naturism that they once were and, indeed, many club members no longer choose to join British Naturism.  This is a shame.  We should be proud of our history; the longevity of organised Naturism in the UK is a powerful weapon in our campaigning arsenal and many members do enjoy the community they find within clubs.  At the same time there are problems.  While some clubs flourish, some very old clubs are struggling to survive and we risk losing the considerable potential they hold.  Members of British Naturism can often feel frustrated that clubs are not accessible enough and have not changed as the world has.  This last point is important, society has and is changing, we are more of a service society, willing to pay for use of facilities rather than maintain them ourselves.  The relationship between clubs and British Naturism is very delicate to manage because unlike Overall Strategy, opinions differ wildly on what should be done.  We need to support clubs centrally, so they thrive, whilst helping them to engage with more people for mutual benefit.  There will be ways that everybody will gain, and we are committed to finding some of those.
 Policies & Procedures
 This certainly sounds the least exciting strategic item but has value in that it underpins everything else.  If the Executive Committee need to convene to discuss every action that we take, the organisation moves very slowly and struggles to react to threats or grasp opportunities.  Having clear procedures for most common activities will make British Naturism far more professional, efficient and effective, and allow us to focus effort where it is most needed.  The even greater opportunity regards succession planning and opportunities for people to become involved.  Although we often discuss the need for more volunteers, it is often unclear what the tasks are so volunteers do not make as much impact as they could.  We often have great people putting themselves forward and struggle to find ways to use their full potential.  Effective volunteering means identifying the key tasks and then finding the best person to do them.  This is particularly true at the higher levels of leadership, we have gaps in both the Directors and the Executive Committee.  I have only been on the EC for a couple of years but have found it hugely rewarding and challenging in a fascinating manner.  Better definition of roles, what tasks involve and where people can make a difference will help skilled members make a significant contribution.  If you are thinking you would like to be involved, now is the time.  The applications for Director positions are now open and opportunities to become involved in the EC are open year round, just let us know you are interested.
 With that I will sign off.  British Naturism is in a great position, and because of that we can be stronger still.  So here’s to the future!
Mark Bass
President

Dastardly Murder in the East(ern Region)

Dastardly Murder in the East(ern Region)

A cautionary tale by Andy Wyman
It was a cold, bitter night and felt as if the Arctic Circle had moved South. The streets were empty and people sensed something was going to happen. The locals were all at home, doors locked and bolted, security cameras scanning and dogs unsettled. Abingdon was no place for the faint hearted on a normal Saturday night. But this was no normal Saturday night. Even the pubs stood quiet and when I entered the Broad Face Pub the landlord stared straight at me. It was a look that said, “Why us? We don't want trouble.”
But trouble was written all over me and he knew it. As I looked around the solitary customer slipped away through a back entrance.
“Scotch, neat and make it a double,” I said. “ No make it a treble. And I need information. I'm looking for Annie's Place.”
He gestured to a place you could see through the window. A large building standing next to the Thames. The river looked bleak and just about ready to freeze over. I downed the drink and made my way over. Huddled outside the entrance to Annie's was a small group and within minutes there were about fifty more. The door opened and we all went inside. I was asked if I was a member and I mumbled yes. The group all seemed to know each other and then it happened. One by one they all started to undress. I think the leader of the group, a moll named Sandra, had given the signal. I joined in reluctantly and straight away I noticed that none of them were carrying. Except two, who later I found were called El Presidente (aka Mark the Bass) and Andy the Snapper. And they were carrying Canons... but the kind that only cause reputational damage. Sandra spoke again and seemed to refer to the group as the BN gang. Then the room went silent as the oddest looking six hombres entered. They were known and feared throughout Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds as the Oxford Imps and the bulges under their jackets showed they certainly were carrying and nothing to do with being pleased to see us. There was no way this lot were going to be undressing and we were sat naked and vulnerable.
Their leader, a nasty looking guy, came straight out with it. “There's gonna be one less punk in this room tonight.” I've been around the gang scene for years but even I felt a shiver down my spine. These guys mean business. The leader looked up meaningfully at a sofa that had been winched up high above the crowd.
At that point Sandra sat and the BN gang followed her lead. I looked down at the table in front of me and there was a sight to spook anyone. It was a placemat with two feet drawn on it. Attached to one of the big toes was a medical tag...... and it had my name on it. The lights went out and there was a loud crash and scream. When the light returned the sofa had fallen and a guy who I later found was called Clark was crushed horribly underneath with his legs turned at an unnatural angle.
The room fell silent and then the gang leader taunted us. “You guys just relax now and eat your Moroccan style 3 course meal and we're going to come round to your tables for a …..... little chat.”
They were clearly trying to intimidate us with their calm “who cares” attitude. Nasty characters such as Wilfred Copperbottom, who laughingly claimed to be some sort of bean magnate and Davis the androgynous butler came round and actually invited us to question their motives. They all claimed their innocence, none more so than an odd chap called Jasper. There was also an artist and a musician. At the end of the meal Mr Big, the leader, scoffingly invited us to write down our thoughts as to who killed Clark and why. We had heard stories during the evening of changed wills, secret affairs and scorned lovers but I was none the wiser. But I'd survived the evening after infiltrating two of Britain's most notorious gangs.
Sandra, the BN gang leader, then told us that the violence would not end. She said they had organised what she euphemistically called, naked dining events, trips on canal boats, a quiz night and a visit to a gin distillery. What sort of sick group choose to organise murders whilst socialising? I shuddered to think how poor souls will suffer at these. Unless of course I get my report back to Scotland Yard.
If you want to help infiltrate this gang you can check their activities on the secret BN website under the 'Events' tab.... but take care folks.
Oh, and by the way. It was Jasper who did it. At least that's what Mr Big said.
 
 
 

Still time to book for Blackpool…

Still time to book for Blackpool…

BN are back in Blackpool for a three-night leap-year break from 28th February, returning to The Headlands Hotel and The Colwyn. The hotels are either end of the same crescent, only a 250m walk away from each other in South Shore - right next to the world famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Saturday night sees us at the famous Sandcastle waterpark - no costumes required!
Entertainment is based in The Headlands Hotel and will feature a good mix of lively entertainment, quizzes and more...
Book your tickets now
And to whet your appetite, here’s a report from last year…
For 2019, BN had expanded the event to match its growing popularity by adding a second hotel (both hotels were exclusively Naturist use for the weekend). The main hotel was the Headlands and Young British Naturists (YBN) had The Colwyn. The short distance between the two allowed everyone to come and go between all the activities, or for a change of scenery from the bright tropical theme in the Headlands bar. A fun-packed weekend was certain with the annual visit to The Sandcastle waterpark, live entertainment and the perennial favourites of naked yoga, bareobics and body painting.
The Colwyn had decided that Naturists must be always cold, so the heating matched the weekend theme: tropical! We found our rooms, turned off the heating, undressed, and joined the rest of YBN for dinner. A good group of us were present, including some friends of existing YBN members that had never been to a Naturist event. After dinner, we walked over to the Headlands. We played some pool and then sang along and danced to the live band.
Saturday morning was filled with a long walk passing an obese disco ball, a railway junction that is not named after one of The Beatles, and the vast expanse of sand that is St Anne's beach (partly Naturist). Storm Freya was making her approach, so the wind meant that only the most diehard of us stripped off. We saw many Christmas trees that are used for restoring the sands after corrosion. After lunch in a Weatherspoon’s, the YBN decided it had done quite enough walking for one day and took the train back to Blackpool and later to the spa at The Sandcastle. Saturday evening finished with a buffet at The Headlands and a Totally Tropical Party featuring The Pancake Steel Band.
Sunday started with naked yoga at the hotel but YBN spent the day at The Pleasure Beach. We spectated a serious game of nude bingo (oh, how I wanted to shout “two fat ladies”) and danced the night away with Kurtis Reid. Storm Freya blew us back to the Colwyn at a very late hour.
Monday morning came with tearful farewells and excitement for the next events in YBN’s calendar. Some of us had arrived as total strangers to the group, but left as part of a growing Naturist community that is intentional about normalising social nudity in a way that overcomes things like physical appearance and personal sense of image. For a newcomer, or somebody that has yet to experience Naturism, it can be easy to dream up a distorted nightmare that exaggerates the reality. Just take the plunge, don’t worry about how your family and friends might perceive you and the notion that nudity is inherently dirty. Come and enjoy the ride – join the community, get involved and we’ll see you at our next event.

Corsica - a rough hewn, sparkling gem

Corsica - a rough hewn, sparkling gem

Corsica really does have something for everyone. There certainly was plenty for us - mountains and warm sea, ancient sites and rugged country, old villages and modernity lurking quietly in the background.
Our three-stop fortnight began at La Chiappa, east of Porto Vecchio in the south. The delightful freedom of finally throwing off clothes and our first swims in sparking warm sea after an early flight and the drive down from Bastia. La Chiappa has nearly everything for the two of us. We’d walk to the end of the two beaches and swim back, pick up fresh croissants and back to the tent for breakfast. The profusion of fish over the rocky bits of the shore, which stretched away south from a third, tiny beach, with a nature trail through the dry maquis scrub heath, rocks carved smooth and weird by the sea.  We quickly revised our our day in, day out plans to have another day in, so much to do here, just to be here, Naturists in nature.
We did venture out for the stone forest of Palaggiu and the other Megalithes de Cauria. Finding the 258 menhir site was tricky - a gateway entrance was blocked with stone rubble. The benefit - no-one else there and a real sense of the ancient, of mystery, of what on Earth was all this about?
Later that day, lying together naked under a palm tree on the edge of the beach as dusk settled, a band playing a great mix of traditional Corsican and well-known rock music, and slipping into the dark sea as the full moon rose and the clouds skipped away. Silvery air bubbles in the black water streaming from my fingertips, just the pair of us flowing in the water, on the edge of deep.
U Furu is a few kilometres west of Porto Vecchio, a quiet spot in the foothills with a lovely pool and bar area - so we doubled our eating-out budget for the homemade cooking and wonderful Corsican beer. The Furu river is even better, an astonishing trail of tumbling waterfalls and smoothed-rock pools, water sparkling and rocks glowing in the sunshine. Time vanished with the simplicity and rugged beauty, we bathed all day as babes in nature. We did venture away to Sartene, Propriano, the museum at Ste Lucie de Tallano but for our last day at U Furu, no question: up the river once more. This time I ventured barefoot right to the top of all of the pools and waterfalls with only swim goggles and swam back in every swimmable spot of water. 
If Riva Bella, halfway up the east coast, didn’t quite match these standards, that was hardly surprising. And that did help us to put on some clothes and get out and see a bit more of Corsica. We hiked up into the mountains at Col de Bavella where the GR20 footpath crosses the road - that one for another time. We swam at the far north at busy Barcaggio, emboldened by our now-normal nakedness to walk to Cap Corse’s northern most tip wearing only bikini and Speedos. Marvelled at the road here - narrow and plunging, clinging way high up the coast cliff, exhilaratingly slow and not for the faint hearted! The citadel at Bastia not quite matching the astonishing cliff top belvedere at Bonifacio, with the limestone carved harbour far below. A final day around Corte, fabulous walking into dramatic mountain landscapes and a rather more cheeky skinny-dip than the easy naturism of U Furu. 
The stretch of sand at Riva Bella seemed to curve forever, north from the nature reserve and etangs of the campsite; I swam around the rocks at its end to the next eternal beach. Our little cabin here was fun after our small tent pitched among the trees. Early morning running along the sand, the calm of yoga poses towards a fresh-risen sun, then swims and fresh bread and coffee for breakfast. The half light of a last morning swim, the sun rising from the sea through crook of my arm front crawling back to land; skin salty fresh from Mediterranean seas as we journeyed home
Olly Watts

The Land of the Free (just don’t take your clothes off…)

The Land of the Free (just don’t take your clothes off…)

A Utah woman has been charged under the State's “Lewdness Law” for baring her breasts in her own home and could face time in prison and 10 years on their sex offences register if she is found guilty.
Utahs 'Lewdness Law' states: 'A person is guilty of lewdness involving a child if the person…intentionally or knowingly does any of the following in the presence of a child who is under 14 years of age...exposes his or her genitals, the female breast below the top of the areola, the buttocks, the anus, or the pubic area either in a public place or in a private place under circumstances the person should know will likely cause affront or alarm or with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of the actor or the child...'
The charges were brought against her by the mother of her stepchildren when she discovered that the stepmother and her husband had taken off their tops whilst dry lining their garage walls. The police said “Buchanan removed her shirt and bra in front of the children while 'under the influence of alcohol'. The husband was not charged.
British Naturists are flabbergasted by this outrageous denial of personal liberty that may well have come about due to an act of retribution by the children's mother. The case was reported in The Guardian and its clear that they were just as shocked as us. Their reporter, Arwa Mahdawi, wrote: 'Topless bans are just laws that treat female bodies like sex objects.'
Photo credit : Thanks to Donna and John for providing a photo that illustrates the story

Is Naturism the Solution to Low Body Confidence?

Is Naturism the Solution to Low Body Confidence?

At the recent BN Bournemouth weekend we were delighted to welcome Steph Silom from BUZZ, a news website run by the BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism students of the School of Journalism, English and Communication at Bournemouth University. Here is her rather excellent article…
https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/2020/01/is-naturism-the-solution-to-low-body-confidence/ 
 

Please forget your sports kit!

Please forget your sports kit!

There were 500+ Naturists at BN’s big summer event Nudefest in 2019, and when day visitors, entertainers and suppliers are added the figure is closer to 700. Some of those day visitors came to the Thorney Lakes park in Somerset to compete in the Nudefest 5K - with a 10K option for those who complete the course twice - which grows more popular each year. We always welcome a healthy number of outsiders who are bored of pounding the same old pavements in the same old lycra…
It’s all done properly and with safety in mind - the course is plotted with a measuring wheel; there are water stops, first aid provision, accurate timings and even medals and certificates for all competitors. The route takes in farm land, crop fields, woodlands and the site’s idyllic fishing lakes. For those that are wondering…everyone wears running shoes and many of the women choose to wear a sports bra.
Eighty runners competed in 2019 with the winner of the 10K crossing the line in an impressive time of 41:48. Post-run, runners hit the showers but often don’t bother to get dressed and stay for the rest of the day at Nudefest, taking part in the activities.
Mark competed this year in his first nude run. It was his first time doing anything Naturist. He’d heard about it from a colleague at Almost Athletes in Cheltenham. Mark had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, something he found out about by accident, but wanting to celebrate having been clear for two years, loved it even though earlier in the day he thought of not coming. He then joined BN on the Monday. It was a first nude run for Mike too. He’s already a Naturist but to counter high blood pressure was advised to lose weight and he is now 12st, down from almost 16 and after the Nudefest run was feeling on top of the world!
Nudefest and the Nudefest 5K/10K will take place again in 2020. Why not come and be part of it...

BN Members Act to Challenge Cancellation of Naturist Swim in Alton

BN Members Act to Challenge Cancellation of Naturist Swim in Alton

You may have seen coverage in the local and national press recently about the cancellation of the regular monthly Naturist swim in Alton, Hampshire. As you would expect, BN is working to support our local members and other swimmers who have been affected by this misguided action.
The Naturist swim in Alton ran successfully for over thirty years, regularly attracting swimmers from across the South of England on a Sunday evening. Unlike many Naturist swims, it was operated by the local leisure centre rather than as a ‘private’ event organised by a Naturist swimming club.  
Swimmers were advised in December that - as a result of the leisure centre relocating to a new, purpose-built facility - the Naturist swim would be cancelled and that the final swim in Alton would take place on 05 January 2020.
Well over thirty swimmers turned out to support this last swim.Amongst swimmers there was a feeling that they had not been consulted about the development of the new leisure centre, and that the reasons given for the cancellation of the swim represent a threat to other Naturist swims if not challenged. BN shares their concerns about both the way in which a long-established swim has been brought to an end and the reasons given for this action by the leisure centre management. We are proud to be supporting local BN members and others in their action to challenge and hopefully reverse this decision.
The reasons given by the leisure centre operator to justify the cancellation of the swim are focused on the large amount of glass surrounding the new pool, and the visibility this gives of the pool area from inside and outside of the building. In their view, the fact that Naturists could be seen using the pool justifies the cancellation of the swim. BN is deeply uncomfortable with this assessment. We know that public nudity is legal across the UK and there is no evidence that non-Naturists require ‘protection’ from people enjoying the many benefits of social nudity.
We also challenge the argument made by the leisure centre operator that the design of the new pool is consistent with Sport England design guidelines and that these would preclude Naturist use - in fact the guidelines refer specifically to the need too consider the needs of all users when designing new pools, and suggest that the needs of some users for more ‘privacy’ should be designed into new leisure centres.
We have been supporting the action taken by local BN members in Alton to challenge this misguided and discriminatory action. Local action has included writing to the local and national press, local councillors and MPs and attending the launch event for the new centre to express disappointment. This resulted in the promise of a follow-up meeting, chaired by the local council, to discuss why the swim was cancelled and what could be done to re-instate the swim or move it to an alternative venue.
BN will be fully involved to support these discussions, and have also raised the issue with both Sport England and Swim England (the Amateur Swimming Association) as inconsistent with their policies to encourage participation in sport and equal access for all members of the community.
Jon Williams
BN Campaigns Team
jon.williams@bn.org.uk

Life Drawing for Schools

Life Drawing for Schools

Artists and art teachers have promoting the idea that schools should have regular life drawing classes with fully nude models. 
Anne Noble-Partridge said that life drawing in schools could teach children about real human bodies before their ideas become corrupted by the nonsense we see on social media. ‘You are accepting of whatever you are looking at, whether they are old, or overweight, or hairy. You introduce young people and children who haven't got ingrained prejudices, ideas of disgust, or appropriateness. When somebody takes their clothes off they are just human beings. It really gets rid of any prejudices as to what a body should look like. It's great for body positivity.’
There are no Government rules on life drawing in schools indeed a few schools already include it in their curriculum; nudity in the classroom is entirely down to the discretion of head teachers; a fact that delights the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).
Sarah Hannafin, the union’s senior policy advisor told the Telegraph, 'Schools are best placed to make decisions about visitors coming into schools to enhance the curriculum and support pupils learning. Schools will have policies in place which would apply to any visitors to ensure pupils are safeguarded.
'Schools should have the freedom to determine the right curriculum to engage, inspire and motivate all pupils. Schools know their pupils best and so can consider their needs, age and stage of development when making these curriculum decisions.'
 

The BN Guide to 2020

The BN Guide to 2020

Got a friend who wants to know more about BN? 
Want to show people in your club or who you meet on holiday why they should be joining us? 
Need a brochure to give to your local swimming pool to convince them to organise a skinny dip? 
Want to find out more about British Naturism’s activities?
Here’s the answer - BN’s NEW Guide to 2020, a full colour, fully illustrated promotional publication that has it all - a guide to British Naturism in 2020 including our events, our campaigns, our successes and bags of useful information for anyone that needs it. It’s our main publicity item for 2020 - use it as you would a flyer. 
We’re printing thousands of copies and we want everyone to use it to help us to open doors, recruit new members, change attitudes, educate, inform, inspire...so please order copies from the BN shop (they’re free...) or pick them up at events.
You can also view it online - and send the link to people.

Sue's Story

Sue's Story

“Oh my goodness, there is a naked man coming towards us!” I looked towards my husband Philip and saw the biggest grin you can imagine. I can’t even blame him for turning up to our first naturist campsite, which happened to be the only one in Slovakia, as I had chosen it. I hadn’t realised until this point after 40 years of marriage, how much Philip had wanted to camp as a Naturist. So, as I wasn’t prepared to try to find another campsite, I bit the bullet and within 10 minutes I was walking naked in a beautiful location and passing other naked people who seemed so friendly and welcoming and doing what seemed perfectly natural to them. On our return journey back to the UK,  to cement my conversion, we stopped off at a large Naturist site in Germany where I found myself playing boule with a group of strangers all naked, which at first seemed so surreal. What was I doing?! But it was such fun and as an avid swimmer what could be better than swimming naked. I was hooked!
I did have one reservation which was that as a Christian I needed to be reassured that social nudity sat well with my faith. The concern was laid to rest when we went to The Gathering at Dunoon and I attended the Sunday inter-denomination service with a congregation of 20 plus. I soon realised that Naturism and Faith were very similar and both embraced values such as trust, respect and a sharing of kindred spirit.
That was two years ago and since then we decided to embark on a discovery of various different types of Naturist holidays including Fuerteventura, The Gathering at Dunoon, Nudefest  and stays at several clubs in the UK with our caravan.  We also wanted to experience Naturism in other parts of Europe, so last year with our caravan we went through Belgium, Germany, Austria and Croatia during May/ June and then France and Spain in September/October. This year we’ve explored more naturist campsites in France and Spain.
Our experiences have been enriching and along the way we have met so many interesting and like minded people, many of whom have become friends. There is an immediate connection with people. People look you in the eye and make you feel welcome and you feel you are part of a world wide community, often reconnecting with people from one year to another.
One question remained on our minds, ‘Who should we tell? We had avoided telling our children initially until we were certain this was a path we wanted to stick to, so within a year we broke the news to our children. Our daughter said that’s why she had body confidence because we had always been quite open at home and our son laughed and his partner who is German said she often went swimming naked in lakes. We began to tell friends and Philip enjoyed leaving the BN magazine out in the kitchen in full view. We have had various reactions but no negative remarks or expressions of shock. We have come to the conclusion that because there is nothing to be ashamed of we have become more and more vociferous about our new found life-style.
“Tell me one unusual thing you have done that no one else will know!” This was the information I had to give my tennis captain which would form a guessing game as part of our annual get together. I decided to be daring and my snippet was “I have walked 65k in the Spanish mountains naked.” No one guessed it was me, but everyone knew at the end of the quiz after I told my story! Believe or not I am still in the team and even get asked where we will be camping and walking on our next trip!
Becoming a naturist has been very liberating for me - I didn’t even go topless on beaches although was quite happy to go swimming naked as long as nobody else was looking! It just took a small leap of faith and being with men and women who were naked and like minded. I soon realised that you didn’t have to have the perfect body and that after a while you didn’t notice shape or size of others. The overriding wow factor is the feel of air or water on your body, which brings you closer to nature, the elements and connects you to kindred spirits.
Sue Percival

Domaine De La Gagère - in a heatwave!

Domaine De La Gagère - in a heatwave!

All around as we drive are wind turbines and undulating fields interspersed with tiny quiet villages, and hardly any traffic on the road at all.  This particular Sunday morning we had taken the 35-minute Channel crossing via Eurotunnel and were heading to Domaine De La Gagere near Luzy. A beautiful sunny day greeted us across the Channel and music playing favourite songs in the car helped us along the 7.5 hour journey. Suddenly, as if from nowhere, near the Roman village of Autun the landscape changed to hills, trees and bushes with livestock, simply beautiful, it reminded me immediately of mid Wales but in very hot sunshine!  We took the clearly signposted route to Domaine De La Gagere and drove 2km along a winding single-track road past a lake and steadily uphill with alpine slopes (now reminiscent of Austria) and so on to the resort. My immediate thought was; it is stunning.
It is 40 degrees, now mid-afternoon, and the reception was gently humming with activity.  Some new arrivals were staying ‘en route’ to Spain and other resorts, some were staying here for the duration of their holidays. We were warmly greeted by the newest owners, Floor and Tim, who took over last August and would love more British people to visit. We were given the delightful ‘Pepo’ hut, a converted touring wagon, to ‘glamp’ in for our week. It had a surprisingly well-appointed and neat little interior combining a double bed, small table and chairs, gas hob, utensils and - thankfully - a standard size fridge! The temperatures were rising outside. Our stay was at the end of June just as the heatwave hit France with the unusual highs of up to 44 degrees every day. We spent most of the week outside on our large grassed area, or finding cooler air on walks in the shady forest behind the site.
As we wandered the site initially we noted that all the pitches for tents or mobile homes and chalets are tastefully dotted over terraced grassed areas, all interspersed with trees and bushes.  Even though this week was fully booked at La Gagère it seemed peaceful and quiet with every single pitch having plenty of seclusion. There was no ‘crammed’ feeling.  When sitting outside our little Pepo we could only hear constant bird song and occasional cows but nothing else at all.  It is a beautiful, relaxed, green resort.
There are two pools, the larger is heated to 26 degrees and has sunbeds surrounding it. The smaller is a single depth throughout and sited next to the children’s play area but at this time of year, with children at school, the adults use it for a cooler dip. There are three sanitary blocks, one either side of each pool and one further one towards the end of the site.
Near the main entrance is the restaurant and bar with a set evening menu of two courses to be pre-ordered (adding your name to a list) during the day.  Hot snack food is also available during the day and there is a snack bar serving chips, burgers open for one hour each evening. You can be naked here 24 hours a day whilst on the site, including in the restaurant and in the bar. There is also some form of entertainment every day including night walks, aqua aerobics, sport on TV, pétanque, volley-ball, a music quiz and once a week, a happy hour.  With a small shop covering essentials including fresh bread each day and Wifi (adequate but a little slow) it is possible to spend an entire week naked and never leave the resort.  For a larger weekly shop there are two large supermarkets and a bank to be found at the small attractive quiet village of Luzy, a 10-minute drive away.
Wherever we travel, we always like to venture out and explore. Domaine de la Gagère is within the Morvan National Park forest with a large number of walking trails that begin outside the gate.  These walks are up and down the hills, and within 5 minutes you are walking in the shade of tall pine trees, surrounded by the scent of woodland and wild flowers. At various points the trails take you to the edge of the forest where the trees thin out as you walk to expose stunning views across the whole landscape. It’s a beautiful area and a lovely to escape to the cool forest, and although they ask that you dress when off site, we never saw another soul.
After one day’s exertions we enjoyed a half hour massage on site.  Everything is done by writing your name on a list and so it is easy to book a day and time. There are several masseuses who work a few weeks each during the summer and we met Franz, a Dutchman who has been coming and working at the resort for years. 
We were particularly keen to visit the vineyards, after all the famous wine country of Burgundy was only a hour away…we enjoy cycling and managed to combine cycling and a vineyard tour with wine tasting all in one, what a novelty! This was in an area near Beaune at a winemaker called Jolliot in the village of Pommard.  We had no expectations at all, so it was delightful to arrive to a friendly welcome, be advised where to park in the shade ‘free of charge’, and be given our cycling equipment without any difficulty.  Our tour guide, Theodore “call me Theo” was a young Frenchman who lived locally and knew every single thing there was to know about wine.  We cycled through vineyards on cycle paths away from the roads with vines reaching out into the valleys and up the hills as far as you could see.  Occasionally we stopped in shaded areas for some explanation of wine areas, grading and grapes.  Theo took us to Volnay first where we were treated to a natural pool that was historically used as a ‘lavoir’ for washing clothes. In this cool rectangular building, open on one side with stone pillars, we treated our hot feet to a dip in the cool pool whilst listening to our guide and taking our first taste of local wine which Theo pulled out of his backpack. Cycling on we then arrived at the winemaker Jolliot’s cellars (what bliss the cool of the cellars were that day) and were given a short tour with tastings.
As the journey had been a little long from the Eurotunnel we decided to break it for the return and drove to a small village near Reims for the last night of our week.  We found a reasonable hotel for one night only and walked around the Champagne vines at 7pm in 38 degree heat! 
Driving in France is such a joy compared to the UK with her quiet roads and dramatic scenery.  There are so many Naturist sites to choose from there, it all comes down to what you are looking for.  We went for the wine, scenery, peace and quiet and we were not disappointed by Domaine De La Gagère.  It is not often I say this but; ‘I would definitely go back’.
Sheryn
Phone : +33 (0) 38 63 04 811
Website : la-gagere.com/en