News and Articles

News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism

The Launch of Naked Britain

Andy Wyman reports on the clothes-optional viewing in Central London
Travelling through Whitechapel and stopping at Mayfair can be a risky business if you're playing Monopoly. We didn't collect our £200 but gained a wonderful afternoon at the Herrick Gallery in Mayfair where property prices start at several million for a built in wardrobe. The event was the book launch of Naked Britain, the wonderful art book produced by Amelia Allen. Amelia is 'one of us', a BN member, who we first met at Nudefest in 2016. She kindly gave us a lift back from a trip to the Cider Brandy Factory and it was then that we saw her portfolio of naturists. It was a really impressive set of photographs and we loved the idea of being involved. The next day we had our photographs taken by Amelia in the great setting of the Haynes Motor Museum near Yeovil.
Fast forward to November and the book has been launched in the prestigious Herrick Gallery. Today was a clothes optional event which is always a slightly worrying title. Does that mean three of us naked with the general public treating us as oddities? Well that's not how it turned out. The place was packed with around 75 of us and nearly everyone was stripped within minutes of arriving. We were in one of the most expensive shopping roads in the world, Piccadilly, and the gallery made no effort to cover the huge window at the front. Did the crowds stop and look in... yes! Were they shocked and alarmed...... not enough to call the police and a hundred yards down the street there were four large police vans full of the Met's finest. In fact lots of ordinary members of the public felt free enough to come in and look - some of them took off their clothes too…
A selection of Amelia's work was on display around the gallery. Her work was all black and white prints, which seemed if anything to enhance the quality of the shots. From a naturist point of view we were portrayed superbly and sympathetically. After the treatment we have had from some in the media this felt just right. Yes, the wrinkles and blemishes were there but we don't concern ourselves with that. You could also see the sense of fun from the subjects and real beauty as well that needed no airbrushing. Amelia has the ability to portray people in a natural way so they feel good about themselves without employing any tricks. From a personal point of view the smile she captured of Patti (my wife) was better than in any of the thousands of photographs I have taken.
The event was great fun with an endless supply of prosecco and nibbles. Lots of us after buying a copy of the book went around getting others to sign their pages. We all felt like minor film stars! Amelia was the busiest of all writing long dedications in the front of numerous copies. She was her normal bubbly self alongside her Mum and Gran! It was lovely to hear that Amelia enjoyed the occasion so much and would love to do something else like it in the naturist world. Some of her friends there enjoyed it so much they were talking about going to Alton Towers.
I wondered how many would want to be in a group photograph. It turned out to be too many or it to be taken in the gallery so out we plunged into a mild November afternoon on the pavement outside. The photo session and chatting afterwards lasted about fifteen minutes with no hint of a problem from the public (who mainly seemed concerned with taking their own photos). After a couple of minutes you totally forgot that you were there without a stitch on or a pair of shoes.
The whole event was a massive success with lots of old friends. It gave you a good feeling about the naturist movement in general. It was about people who are proud to be naturist and not scared for the world to know it.
www.ameliaallenphotography.com/nakedbritain

We've got a Good Thing going....

In her address and introduction to the British Naturism Vision Day, Chairman Judith Stinchcombe gave a whistle-stop tour of activity in BN and looked forward to the future
There’s a lot of good things going on in and around BN - though we still have our challenges. Here’s what’s happening…
It’s important to provide members and non-members with easy opportunities to actually practice Naturism and our event programme is a crucial part of it. We’ve appointed an events manager who has hit the ground running and improved events this year and planned for the future with more - and more diverse - events. The great news is that they will all be announced before the end of this year so that people can plan.
The BN Members’ holidays are becoming ever more popular and a valuable membership benefit. Thanks to BN sponsor Chalfont Holidays for organising them for us - at no cost to BN. Like the BN events the programme is expanding and there are already 11 holidays arranged for 2018, all of which will also be launched this year.
The media continues to pay us attention. Our Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) documentary was aired in February and we know people joined because of it. The GBSD campaign - aimed at changing attitudes - and septembare has just ended and whilst it is still in its formative years, feedback has been good with a number of venues already planning their 2018 event - and one pool considering a regular Naturist event. The Goldsmith’s research by Dr Keon West that Naturism is good for you went global and we made hay from it.
We launched the New Member Experience Programme, aimed at encouraging new members to stay in membership by paying more attention to them with a series of messages on a variety of subjects emailed to them regularly, and punctuated by surveys every few months. Reminders to those whose membership is coming to an end has also been improved. We won’t know the success of it until next year but we’re hopeful.
Membership numbers are closer to the previous year end than since 2001 - we’ve recruited cover 850 new members in 2017 and only need around 100 more people to see the total increase year on year. Please keep spreading the word. We’ve brought in ways to help you do that by launching the ‘Just One Person’ campaign and producing the new ‘Join Us’ poster leaflet, available from the BN shop.
Having Phil Hughes on the EC as the new Finance Director which has made a huge difference, our finance set up is now stronger with new budget controls and an accounts system that can be accessed by all the EC.
The EC are working on a new strategy for the organisation. We decided to do a ‘root and branch’ review and so it’s going to take time, but it’s essential that we take notice of what’s happening not only in Naturism but the wider world and align ourselves accordingly. There are no sacred cows!
Amongst our challenges is the lack of people in the membership willing to play an active part. We’re grateful to those that do, but we’re struggling, even at EC level, to find people to take on the tasks that we need if we are to continue to perform. I’m delighted to say that Jane Baker has agreed to become our new Volunteer Co-ordinator and support volunteers, and to encourage more to come forward. We expect good things.
We’re still lacking a families officer - it’s so important for us to start educating the next generation and to provide more to families in Naturism. On the plus side, YBN is enjoying a resurgence and we are putting in time and effort to help. There will be a YBN presence at EC level from now on.
Many thanks to Peter and Christine Wright, the volunteers who head up our legal team, who have been doing some great work. Their latest case involved helping a BN member prosecuted for driving naked through a city centre. Thanks to BN’s intervention, he was acquitted. Remember that BN was consulted by Parliament early this century and it led to Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act excluding Naturists from being identified as ‘Flashers’. Sadly, this is still largely not understood by the police, but this case serves to amplify that simply seeing a naked person does not make for an offence.
Another serious challenge is that BN member clubs and swims remain reluctant to allow access to all and it hampers our progress, We have nothing to hide or shy away from and yet that is often the message newcomers get. BN has an open door attitude which must be adopted by everyone if we are to realise our full potential.

The Vision Day - a great success

British Naturism members took over the top floor of The Studio, a conference and meetings venue in Central Birmingham for a day of speakers and discussion, followed by the organisation’s AGM.
Our engaging and informative guest speakers included:
Laura Dodsworth and her latest work, Manhood
Amelia Allen and the forthcoming launch of Naked Britain
Dr Keon West (pictured above) on his research that discovered that nudity is good for you.
Our grateful thanks to them all
A short panel discussion explored the barriers to involvement in British Naturism activity for people who go happily nude but do not consider themselves to be ‘Naturists’
Keep an eye out for details of next year’s event at the same venue, over a weekend and including more speakers, discussion panels, workshops, seminars and presentations.

Growing Up as a Naturist

A sixteen year old girl tells us about her life growing up as a Naturist
“... and everything was, like, hanging out, and we were so embarrassed.” She pauses and surveys our faces - my friends look disgusted, some are giggling, and others don’t know how to compose themselves in light of this shocking story. I’m not laughing.
This is how people reacted to hearing that a friend of mine accidentally visited a Naturist beach abroad. They were laughing at the expense of the people going to the beach, simply for being real humans. I’m used to people’s nervous chuckles, and faces contorted into grimaces when confronted with the topic of Naturism. If only they knew...
When I was born, my parents made a conscious decision to bring me, and later my sister, up in a Naturist environment. It seemed only natural: a healthy attitude to the human body; a lack of bodily qualms and, in recent years, a way to navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence. In a world where the pressures of conformity and ideals of beauty are pushed upon young people at such young and vulnerable ages, my Naturism has served me well as I can combat them.
It is not just for these reasons that my parents chose to bring me up as a Naturist however - there is also a social aspect. At our club there is a great feeling of community, as well as a fantastic social scene and plenty of facilities, including two awesome swimming pools.
For the first few years of my life I was part of a different Naturist club, where there were no families but this place offers us a family orientated environment, as there are loads of facilities for young people, where we are valued as members, and don’t feel the urge to drift away from Naturism, as some teenage Naturists do. When we were little, my sister and I would wander around the grounds for hours at a time, exploring and playing. Magically, the small walled garden became an enchanted secret garden, the pond a ‘fairy pond’, and the woods a great forest, full of wildlife – truly special childhood memories.
As for the members, some have become like an extended family to us. Unforgettable memories have been formed there: clothing optional discos; live music that made the floor vibrate, and spending time with my family in a place free of the humdrum of our everyday lives. I have met one of my best friends there, and we share a different kind of friendship because we can talk about Naturism, at a special place where we can spend time escaping the stress of school.
The summer holidays are often a time for sticky swimsuits, tan lines, and the ritual of the towels (trying to get changed on a beach whilst shielding yourself with towels, so as not to be seen naked). As a Naturist this is not the case, since I was little I have always camped for at least a week in a Naturist environment, until three years ago when we flew to Spain and El Portús - my first overseas Naturist holiday. I had never been on a Naturist beach, nor experienced the pleasure of simply stripping off and diving into a sparkling sea. No number of superlatives could even begin to describe some of the best holidays I’ve ever had - a safe, warm haven where I could remain undressed for most of the 2 full weeks I was there. Best of all? No tan lines! Naturally this aspect would come under scrutiny at school when discussing the holidays. My friends seem to enjoy showing great patches of pallid white skin on their legs and arms from their ‘textile’ holiday, which are, bizarrely, something of great pride.
Naturism is something that I do not outwardly discuss with my friends. Not because I’m ashamed, but because I don’t feel like people my age would truly understand my Naturism, and it is clearly seen as ‘odd’ to my school friends. I have often found that people don’t understand the Naturist philosophy and the emotional wellbeing it gives - some seeming to see it as something overtly sexual or gross. My view is that there is nothing indecent about wearing no clothes; it is behaviour that can be indecent, not whether someone wears clothes or not. Perhaps if people realised this, there wouldn’t be so much stigma around the naked human body.
In my opinion the media doesn’t help this stigma; it distorts reality instead, displaying airbrushed models with unobtainable features. Mounting pressure from social media has only added more to this already unscrupulous portrayal of ‘beauty’. Here, Naturism has been a gift to me, as I know what the human body looks like at all its ages, and with all its imperfections. A real body! Body confidence doesn’t mean being vain or conceited. It’s the feeling of acceptance, not disgust when you look at yourself in the mirror. Naturism has gifted my sister and I with this philosophy. As Michelangelo once said: “What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognise the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed?”
Naturism has shaped me as a person. I’ve made one of my best friends, met incredible people and visited fabulous places. ‘Grateful’ does not even begin to describe how I feel about being part of this world. It’s something that I wish to take into adulthood and pass on to my children. I only wish more people my age would take part!

Thanks to Mark Bass for the photo. See more of Mark's work on the Members' photo gallery (log in required)

The Great British Skinny Dip - going swimmingly - part II

This September, locations across the UK are shedding their inhibitions - and their swimming costumes - to enjoy the liberating experience of costume-free swimming - and they're loving it! The Great British Skinny Dip, which sets out to show the health benefits of costume-free swimming, is now underway and we're getting some impressive feedback!

Andrew Welch, Commercial Manager for British Naturism says "last year was a great success, but this year we're building on that and all the early indications are that this year's events are attracting more people, inspired by the health and wellbeing benefits that costume-free swimming brings.”
Swims have been happening across the nation from the northern reaches of Scotland to the coast of Cornwall. There's more to come - keep an eye on the list
Wigton Baths in Cumbria was one of our new venues. A chance conversation with the Manager by a regular skinny dipper led to an offer to run a GBSD event, which attracted several newcomers. There is now talk of running regular skinny dip sessions...
Adrenalin Quarry in Cornwall hosted a swim and zip wire event. Two attendees travelled over 50 miles to attend, and one lady came with a wetsuit for her regular swim which she left on shore as she joined in the GBSD event! The event organiser is already trying to put on further skinny dip events.
A great event at Monknash beach in South Wales was attended by many who enjoyed good weather. Watch the video!
Andrew Welch says "Although the event is designed to be fun, there are some important underlying aims. People are often brought up to cover their bodies instinctively, sometimes with unwelcome consequences for both physical and mental wellbeing. The Great British Skinny Dip sets out to counter that, along with showing people that swimming costumes are pointless"
And this weekend, BN's big Saturday night out at Stoke Waterworld, come and be part of it...

Our dedicated website at www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk has full details of the months events and the benefits of costume-free swimming. We'd love as many people as possible to enjoy a skinny-dip, challenging themselves to try something truly different this month.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatbritishskinnydip
Twitter: @GBSD2017 #septembare
Website: www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

Contact: Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk

Don’t forget our night out at…WATERWORLD!

Are you are looking for an opportunity to trying social nudity?
Perhaps you’ve adding skinny-dipping to your bucket list?
Maybe you are an experienced Naturist looking for an event to go to?
On Saturday 30th September, as the month of Great British Skinny Dip events draws to a close, we are celebrating the GBSD campaign with a huge event at Stoke Waterworld. Come and join us and dare to bare at the UK's no. 1 indoor tropical water park for 3 hours of fun.
Tickets and more information available here

BN 213 - Autumn 2017

BN 213 is now at the printers and will be despatched around the end of September. Prepare yourselves for a real treat - the issue is packed with the usual wide range of news, views and articles that show the vibrancy and fun of our world.
In this issue:
Catch up on a summer of fabulous events, including reports from Nudefest, The Gathering and the World Naked Bike Rides, among many others. Looking ahead, check out our great events calendar for the next few months, including our range of popular group holidays; Breaking down the barriers - we find out how two clubs have reached out to their local communities to raise their profiles and normalise Naturism; We review a range of books that the discerning Naturist reader may find relevant and interesting; How do we encourage the next generation of Naturists? We find out - and one young woman tells us her story of growing up as a Naturist. We also hear from the resurgent YBN and hear what they've been doing this summer; Our campaigns update brings you up to speed with our new 'Just One Person' initiative - who will you tell? Our legal update will give you a good overview of the law in regard to sunbathing in your garden; Our holiday and travel section takes us to Northern Europe, including the lovely Erding Spa in Munich, as well as the UK's very fine Clover Spa. Further afield we explore Lake Como Naturist Resort and also the delights of Western Australia and the beaches of New South Wales; All this, plus our usual round up of BN management matters and other Naturist news from around the world. BN Magazine is available to members only and issued four times a year as part of the annual subscription. If you are not a member, you can join us at http://www.bn.org.uk/membershipinfo/ and get your own copy and other benefits as well. We hope you enjoy it!
BN Magazine is available to members only and issued four times a year as part of the annual subscription. Members can also download a full PDF of the magazine. If you are not a member, you can join us at https://www.bn.org.uk/membership and get your own copy and other benefits as well.

The Great British Skinny Dip - going swimmingly...

The Great British Skinny Dip has got off to a flying start this #septembare, and there's still the rest of the month to go!

Down in Devon, Torbay Sun Club welcomed forty people to their skinny dip at the usually non-Naturist Hollicombe Beach in Paignton. Those who attended included a couple from Germany and two women who had skinny dipping on their bucket lists! With good local press coverage and several new members, the event has been a resounding success. One of the aims of the event was also to try to help convince the local authority to make the beach Naturist - hopefully an aim that will be realised! Another beach dip, at Climping in Sussex, didn't get great weather, but those who attended raised £75 for 'Safe in Sussex'.

Diogenes in Buckinghamshire once again partnered with Rennie Grove Hospice Care and hosted a sponsored skinny dip at the club, enjoying beautiful warm sunshine. Of those who attended, the vast majority were new to Naturism and some have since requested membership forms. All the visitors were impressed by the welcome they received, and the first timers all loved their first experience of Naturism! One of the event's aims, aside from helping a great local cause, was to normalise Naturism - there's no doubt that this was realised.

The very beautiful Beacon Tarn, near to Coniston in the Lake District, attracted an increased turnout of twenty four this year - up from fifteen last year. The weather, while better than last year, was still damp, however the hardy souls who took part had a great ramble up to the tarn and enjoyed champagne picnic as well as a bracing dip in this wonderful setting. Afterwards, many of the group headed for a warm up and some refreshments in the Black Bull in Coniston - a fitting end to a wonderful event.

The regular swim run by Noah's Ark in Surrey were pleased to have many new women come along - most of whom had never swum naked before. All have said they would return - very encouraging!

Back north again, this time to Yellowcraig on the Forth, where a dawn skinny dip was held in aid of Marie Curie. Another stunning location, enhanced by the magic of the sun coming up over the horizon, the skinny dippers enjoyed the wonderfully calm waters and the organisers are grateful to the RNLI for providing safety cover.

Keep an eye on http://greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/events/organised-events/ for all the events yet to come. You have nothing to lose but your clothes!

Nudefest - what a festival!

For those who’ve been hiding under a rock for the last few years, Nudefest is our flagship summer event. This year we returned to the cider fields of Somerset (quite literally) for a week at the beautiful Thorney Lakes campsite.
The countless daytime activities, from ‘Nudercise’ to pétanque, life-drawing to interesting discussions and talks, meant that there was always something to do and someone new to meet.
Nudefest 2017 benefited from record attendance, with more campers and more day visitors than ever before. Over 400 visited this year, with many turning up on the day. Possibly down to our excellent publicity, a well-orchestrated media morning included BBC Bristol, BBC Somerset, Somerset Live and more. We also featured on BBC 5 Live.
The weather made for some excellent off-site trips to a local cider and brandy farm, Bradon Farm Garden and Muchelney Abbey. Plus some clothing-optional walks to the Pumping Station and the Cider Farm. We raised £920 at Bradon Farm for Macmillan
Naturists live to party! The evenings were packed with activity and entertainment, from quizzes and a Race Night to a thigh-slapping Bierkeller sing-a-long, with live bands and ‘The Mothership’ disco – it was one of those 'you had to be there' moments, but it was an unforgettable adventure accompanied by a killer soundtrack!
BN will return to Thorney Lakes 9-16 July 2018 - see you there?
Members can access galleries of pictures from Nudefest and many other events in the Members’ area. Not a member? It’s easy to join…

Just One Person

The more that people know about Naturism, the better things will be. Many people don’t even know they know a Naturist and assume that we are still that fringe minority on the far edges of society. In fact, we are their next-door neighbours, their work colleagues, the people on the next table in the pub, in the airplane seats in the row in front, in the car hire queue behind them at the airport... everywhere.
We completely understand the individual fears and possible complications to having an easy life, but do want to encourage you to help Naturism in the UK to grow and to become normal. While it remains hidden, misguided and incorrect views of Naturism will continue. We want to escape from the association that nudity means sex, or even worse, perversion. There is now scientific evidence that we’re onto something. Why stay quiet about that?
It’s daunting, but here’s a new initiative that we’ve launched for those that need to think about it a bit, find their feet, be ready before they ‘come out’. Don’t stress about making everyone in your life aware, tell Just One Person. It’s probably quite easy to pick someone who would not be judgemental. You’ll probably find that you get a positive or sympathetic reaction. Don’t assume it will be bad. Feedback says that you will feel better having told someone – it may actually be a relief!
We’d like also to encourage those people who have already told Just One Person (or more than one) to tell us about that first time to help others take those first steps. We’ll publish them in our magazine, and on the website and forum. Below you will find some we have already received.
From a Naturist perspective, the more it is talked about and shared, the more others will be encouraged to understand or even explore it for themselves. As Naturists we are in danger of killing this natural life choice by fear. We need to talk about it for it to survive.
Think about telling Just One Person and please do tell us how it went. Let’s lose the fear.
Someone had been asking us how many go to our swim. I thought was worth an approach. We had a conversation about Naturism and I felt she would benefit by the experience. I am pleased to say she agreed to try it when we start again at the end of September. Once over that hurdle of the initial contact and fear of being rejected it is fine. It is worth plugging away with the benefits, the health and confidence boosting and starting that initial conversation.
What I have found is that once you tell one person it then becomes easier to tell other people as the first time is always the worst. A small minority will be uncomfortable but most people will accept it. However I have found that the relief of being myself and not having to live a lie far outweighs the risk of disapproval.
Not that I start conversations about Naturism that often now. Once people know you are a Naturist people will start asking questions and raise the subject themselves. They will even watch us on television. My workmates, who are mostly women in their 50s like me, they watched the GBSD programme as I had aroused their curiosity with my own experiences of Naturism.
We told my sister and she giggled. She giggled again. She now giggles most times we speak to her. She is unlikely ever to be a Naturist, but admits to admiring how 'brave' we both are. Probably just a little jealous!
For those who worry declaring their Naturist background I can only say most people have no problem with it, many are interested and none so far have shown any negative reaction. We certainly haven't lost friends and most of them are used to us stripping in our spa. Some now strip with us for the spa as well. If we had lost a friend we would have considered them not worth knowing anyway.
I told my best friend and a few others about my clothes free lifestyle and all of them have been supportive.
I recently decided to tell a couple that I used to work with that I am a Naturist. I did this because I had seen this new Just One Person campaign and thought it was the perfect opportunity to tell them after years of keeping it to myself.
I find mentioning I visited a nude beach whilst on holiday as a good way to introduce it given that's probably most likely considered by non-naturists to be the most common association.
I’d visited my Mum and was planning on going to a swim en route home, meaning that I had a strict deadline for getting back so had to reveal that I needed to leave by a certain time. Of course this led to the revelation that I had plans to go swimming, prompting the obvious question from my Mum, “Well do you have your swimming costume?”. “Um.. mumble, mumble… people don’t really wear swimming costumes at that swim.” Although my soul wilted at the time, my Mum was less concerned and a few months later when my Mum visited, she wanted to try the naturist swim so I took her and she had a good time. It showed me that naturism is less of a big deal to those around us than we expect.
We live in a small village and we told Just One Person and now the whole village knows! Not a problem and I suspect several residents are secretly envious of the fun we have in our Naturist world! Regrettably many are far too set in their ways to change but at least they accept us!
When our new neighbours arrived, we invited them and another neighbour couple for a drink. The conversation turned to holidays, we explained we usually go to France in the summer with our camper, one of them said "Just shorts for 2 weeks, then?". "Oh, no", I said, "far less.” Job done! In fact, most of our friends and neighbours have seen us naked in our garden one way or another, and that includes our roofers, tree surgeon, stone mason. No-one has ever been fazed by it - in fact our tree surgeon remarked that he often strips off in the woods for a lunchtime sunbathe.
We were in the pub in the nearest village to Thorney Lakes at the last Nudefest, and some locals began some "Nudge nudge wink wink phwooar" conversation about the "Nudies" up the road at Thorney Lakes. Looking across at us, sitting with our beers waiting for our food, it suddenly dawned on them. We smiled, said "Yes we are two of the Naturists", and then had a friendly and sensible conversation with them. Perhaps we helped them realise that we're just nice normal people.
The other evening I decided to 'out' myself on Facebook. It was more or less a 'nice afternoon at the naturist beach with friends' kind of post and suddenly, boom! I appeared to have gone viral within a working environment. Co-workers added me, tagged me, shared the post and messaged me. Now I've more FB co-worker friends, and even those that don't use FB appear to have heard and are asking those with FB to ask me questions.There’s been totally positive feedback. 'Oh, I go to nudist beaches if there's one nearby when I'm on holiday', messages one colleague. 'Any chance of me coming along with you next time? It's one of those things I'm desperate to try out for myself', reads another.
We got back from Nudefest 2017 all fired up with the "Just One Person" message. We decided which of our friends to tell. I took the bloke down the pub and the girls stayed home for a girly chat. More than a little trepidation... took the plunge and...turns out that he's into naturism also! She's supportive but not confident enough to do it herself. There's more of us around than you think!
Today, my radiologist commented about my skin being a nice colour. He said" Have you been anywhere nice or are you always that brown?” I replied " I'm this colour pretty much all of the year as I'm a Naturist.” Raised eyebrows from the female radiologist but the guy said "Good for you mate.” And, you know, it made me feel good.

A Weekend on the English Riviera

A weekend in June all eyes (and bare bodies) headed to the South Coast for two days of action packed fun.
The South West region is one of the most active BN regions and tends to get some of the best of the UK weather. This particular weekend the weather wasn't exactly balmy (like the weekend before) but was pleasant enough to bare all at several regional locations.
If you had based yourself around Bournemouth for the weekend you could have joined in the action at Splashdown Waterpark on Saturday 24th June. Splashdown is a Waterpark that doesn't really have a pool! - it's more of a theme park with over a dozen rides and flumes. Numbers were well up on previous years with the new June dates and as usual this adrenaline packed evening attracted a younger crowd with well over 60% being (or certainly looking) under 40... If you were peering through the windows (which incidentally were blacked out) you certainly wouldn't think that Naturism is perceived as an ageing pastime!
On Sunday 25th June, it was a day on the beach at the stunning Studland Beach. This beautiful National Trust location is for me one of the nicest beaches in the UK. If you had made the decision to go by weather app or ceefax then you missed out - they totally got it wrong, whilst they got the windy bit right, they certainly got the sunny bit wrong, from around midday it turned in to a good few hours of sunshine and the 50 or so bodies that had made the trek across the dunes were paid back for their efforts.
The next Studland Beach day is on the 27th August - perhaps see you there....
All the best
Mark Walsh, BN Events Manager

Is it legal to sunbathe naked in my garden?

In short - yes!
During the heatwave, we’ve seen this question posed across the media and it’s a bit annoying to Naturists that there is even a suggestion that it might not be.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 was carefully worded to exclude Naturism - it is perfectly ok to take your clothes off to enjoy the sun and the breeze on your skin, or the life-affirming feeling of swimming without a costume. However, if you do so because you have the intention of causing ‘alarm and distress’ then it could be a criminal offence though the onus is on the onlooker to prove the intent. Despite what many journalists said this week, merely being ‘offended’ is not enough to warrant a call to the authorities. Let’s face it, in this Mrs Grundy society, they’d be inundated!
It follows that nudity is permissible in all public places…and how could it not be? It’s our natural state. It’s only social conditioning that tells us that certain parts of our body are - choose your own adjective: shameful, disgusting, sexual, offensive, ridiculous - and must therefore be hidden away. The harmful growth in poor body image and almost obsessive focus on appearance as the only measure of a person’s worth is entirely because we’ve suppressed normal bodies so much that no-one knows what normal is anymore and the only indicator of how to be is the airbrushed celebrity. Sadly, the same conditioning has led people to conclude that a nude person, especially a man, must be up to no good. No-one, ever, children included, has been harmed by the sight of a naked person.
We’re aware of the sensitivities though. Many people never think to challenge what their parents and teachers taught them when they were very young. That social conditioning, the stigma and taboos are thus ingrained and it takes a lot to change attitudes. Whilst it’s perfectly legal, Naturists will rarely be nude in very public places, it’s too easily misunderstood, or treated with suspicion, and it only takes one member of the public to make a fuss and the damage is done. We’ve worked with the CPS who subsequently published guidelines about public nudity and the number of arrests and cautions has plummeted, but still pockets of ignorance remain.
Being neighbourly is desirable and so Naturists sunbathing in their back garden will generally choose a spot that isn’t too overlooked and will often speak to neighbours who can see into their garden to advise them they may catch a glimpse of naked flesh. Anecdotal evidence and long experience shows that most neighbours couldn’t care less. It’s also not uncommon for them to say ‘Great! We do that too!’ Wearing clothes of any description during this hot weather has been uncomfortable and stripping down to nothing (whatever your mother might say) is sensible and not at all provocative.
So, go ahead. Strip off. Enjoy the sun and the exhilarating feeling of being naked.

The Resurgence of YBN

As the weather has improved, the opportunities for all of us all to get naked have become more frequent, and the young members are no exception to that. The resurgence of YBN continues. The YBN forum has been reconstructed to make it current, rather than an archive and plans for future events continue – watch this space!
The change in mood is already becoming evident. Events such as Waterworld have always appealed to the younger demographic and that was particularly true at the April Waterworld where there was a great turn out by YBNers, plus those young enough to be YBN in spirit. As the community grows, Mikey has created wristbands to mark out YBN members – rolling up one trouser leg as a mark of affiliation doesn’t work so well in a Naturist environment. But far from being the badge of an exclusive club, the real aim of things such as the wristband is to provide an opening to spread the word of YBN when people ask what it signifies. And those efforts at recruitment are working. What was more pleasing than the number of YBN members, was the number of people in that age range, but not affiliated with BN. People telling their friends and spreading the word on Facebook meant that the number of young non-BN members actually exceeded the members.
And this gets me thinking. Although young members in BN are currently a minority, the number of young people enjoying or keen to try social nudity is huge. I’m fortunate enough to meet many young people through BN, work and art projects. Some of them want to be adventurous and explore strange places. Some want to go swimming and hang out with friends. Others just want to get out into the countryside and walk. What they all have in common is that they would rather do it naked with the sun on their skin. The number of people of all ages who want to be naked is staggering and usually the thing holding them back is fear of being the odd one out. So by simply inviting them to naked activities, be they organised by BN or our own little initiatives they will usually join in.
Let us embrace the large number of potential members now, especially prospective young members because all they need is a little encouragement and there has never been a better time
Mark Bass

BN212 - Summer 2017

So, what delights do we have to occupy you in this issue? Our articles include:
”Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today”, an appeal to those contemplating taking their first faltering steps into Naturism; What do non-Naturists actually think of us? It's so rare to see anyone naked in public, is it any wonder that people reach for their phones to call the police?; Ever wanted to try naked hiking? The joys of enjoying the countryside free of clothing and a useful guide to beginners; they're back! Yes, Young British Naturists (YBN) are making a resurgence We explore the reviews, feedback and legacy from the Great British Skinny Dip documentary. What did it do for Naturism in the UK, and how do we build on it? Also, read about the experiences of two f the main participants. From Bournemouth to Blackpool, we review BN's now established winter breaks - those great new events that give us some 'kit off time' at a time of year when sunbathing is but a distant memory! Campaigns update - check out our new 'Just One Person' initiative and find out how doing just that could spread the word, gain newcomers, and increase acceptance. Events update - just look at the fabulous range of events coming up . From swims to garden visits - we've got it (un)covered! Are you missing out on key facts when choosing your Naturist Holiday? Our Holiday Advice Service is here to help, with its team of experts. Stuck for choice? In our Southern Europe section we review Valalta (Croatia), Ca’ le Scope and Grottamiranda (Italy), Vritomartis (Crete), and El Portus by train! Also, read reports about the recent group holidays. All of this, plus the usual round up of Naturist and BN news, and, in the first issue without club reports, some really full regional updates and our new enhanced club and swim directory.
Enjoy!
BN Magazine is available to members only and issued four times a year as part of the annual subscription. Members can also download a full PDF of the magazine. If you are not a member, you can join us at http://www.bn.org.uk/membership and get your own copy and other benefits as well.

New to Nudity?

Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can take off today! Every body benefits from nudity!
Get to your nearest Naturist venue and give it a go!
Established Naturists will think they needn’t read this because they know what to do and where to do it but please continue because it might remind you how you once felt and enable you to help potential Naturists, giving them the understanding and support they need to enjoy the glorious, summer months coming soon!
(Please don’t burst my bubble by saying that’s not what we have in store! We don’t want it TOO hot anyway as it only results in hose-pipe bans and queues on all major roads leading to the coast!
Let’s just hope for some nice sunny days that will enable us to laze around the pool in naked contentment!)
I know, from my own experience and that of many new club members I have met over the years, there are plenty who WANT to do it but remain nervous and they need our help to relax! So, you’ve joined BN and received this magazine and are aware of the list of Naturist clubs and venues to attend but you’re still not sure how to make a start? It’s very simple: make contact!
If you have a club in your area, make contact by phone or email. Give them your name and address and a few details about yourself and your Naturist experience so that they know how to best help you. Please don’t spend time letting nerves get the better of you: make that call today and book the visit before your bravado evaporates and you decide not to bother. You would only regret it and then repeat the process another week and get worked up into a nervous frenzy, once again! Believe me, it’s easier than you might think and more worthwhile than you will ever imagine, so don’t delay the experience any longer!
During that first phone call or email, ask any questions you have lurking in the back of your mind; have them written down if you ring. They won’t mind what you ask and won’t think it strange to be wondering about things: all questions are valid, so don’t be embarrassed to ask.
When you attend the club take a bag to store your clothes, some loose change for a drink, a packed lunch if you’re staying all day, a towel to sit on when using communal chairs, a towel to dry yourself after using the pool, shower gel if you choose to have one after a sauna or swim and sun lotion and sunglasses if you hope to sunbathe for that all over tan! But Naturism isn’t just about sun bathing; it’s about the feel of freedom from clothing, although it does help to have the temperatures that make it comfortable! Pack a magazine or book but I bet you end up chatting all afternoon and never read any of it!
What’s holding you back? Please don’t say you’re worried that you are overweight, have stretch marks, skin problems, scars or have any body issue at all because Naturists are really accepting of everyone and none of these things matter nearly as much as you imagine they will. I know Naturists with stoma bags and some having had mastectomies and if they can feel confident within a Naturist environment then anyone can.
None of us are perfect. We all seem to have something about ourselves we don’t particularly like but let’s face it, what IS “perfect”? Even those that seem that way have their own concerns but the difference between Naturists and the rest of the population is that we don’t let these silly worries stop us from enjoying life and being comfortable with our bodies and everyone else’s. We don’t judge or shock easily and it is the one place that you will feel at ease and soon realise there are more important things in life than a little bit of cellulite!
If you have children but are unsure if it is suitable for them, bring them along and be prepared to have time off as they will undoubtedly love the relative freedom of club grounds, enjoy the pool and get on famously with the other young people who are already part of the scene. All ages seem to mix really well and amuse themselves. No one makes children undress, except to use the pool, but if one does, the others follow and it all seems perfectly natural in their eyes. Young children have no idea that nudity is ‘supposed’ to be rude and hardly notice if a person is naked or not. They are more likely to notice where they can buy an ice cream and who’s got the best phone! If you feel nervous when you get there, be honest, tell the person showing you round and they will understand and put you at your ease.
Don’t worry about seeing naked bodies and not knowing where to look. Think about it: it’s normal to talk to the face, whether dressed or not. I assure you that you will adapt very quickly once you are among us but you can generally find a quiet corner to sit in, if you think it will help. There are a number of days through the summer months when BN members gather at Naturist beaches and you’ll find like-minded people out to enjoy themselves, so you’re bound to make new friends instantly.
All the things apply as before but this time it might be wise to take a windbreak as, even on the nicest of days, it can be breezy by the sea and that little bit of shelter could make all the difference between suffering and enjoying the day!
You’ll discover how much easier it is to undress and prepare for that dip in the sea: no more worrying about getting changed beneath a towel as no one will be watching you, hoping to see some “naughty”, naked flesh! You can have a naked dip, dry yourself off, lay in the sunshine and get dressed at your leisure! Unfortunately the Naturist areas can often be a little way from the main paths so do go prepared for a walk. Limit what you carry and use a rucksack.
There is an annual trip to Alton Towers to use the water park for a weekend in November and this is very popular. No, not the outdoor rides as well as even we, the seasoned Naturist, draw the line to being frozen for the sake of nudity! Well, most of us do!
Another delightful place for a first time is a clothes-optional day in Abbey House Gardens where you can turn up clothed and have no pressure to undress but after wandering around, if the sun is shining, it will be naturally tempting to give it a go! This is a very peaceful, relaxing way to spend a day: the freedom of clothing and time to smell the roses!
There are holiday destinations at home and abroad, indoor swims, camping sites, rambling walks, other garden open-days and... well, do as I’ve just done and look at the Events Calendar on the BN website: it’s amazing how many places you can enjoy Naturism with like minded people, simply by belonging to this organisation. Go online to the BN forums and ask people for more detail of the destination you choose to attend. Get chatting and arrange to meet up when you get there so that you don’t feel like the new kids at school! Just don’t suggest wearing a red carnation in your button hole; maybe carrying a newspaper would be the better option to recognise people by! Or an umbrella!
Wherever you go, you will have people to talk to and give you support if you feel nervous, which won’t last for long as we are such a friendly crowd that you will soon feel like you’ve done it forever. You are opening up a whole new way of life and joining a community of people who share the common bond of Naturism and will develop new friendships and find endless places to discover and enjoy.
BN needs all the members we can get and the country needs all the Naturists it can get for Naturism to be accepted as normal and discount the theory that we are just a bunch of weird people who take our clothes off. The more there are of us, the more likely we will get Naturism accepted as a favourable pastime. Times are changing and there have been reports in reputable national newspapers in the last few months that state going naked is actually a healthy and beneficial thing to do so let’s keep that thought going and prove them right!
Relaxation is an important stress reliever and sat amongst friends in the comfort of your birthday suit on a sunny day enjoying a bit of friendly banter and light hearted discussion, has got to be good!
There’s been a lot said about parents being so careful with sun protection that their children are developing rickets asa result of a lack in Vitamin D which is obtained directly from the sunlight. As long as we take precautions not to allow their skin to burn, they will benefit from being outdoors rather than in front of a monitor in their bedroom for hours on end.
Ok, what are you doing still sat there? Pick your phone up and “who you gonna call?” Your nearest Naturist club, that’s who! Or any of the BN event organisers! This time next year you’re going to be the ones receiving visitors and telling them they have nothing to fear and that the only thing you did wrong was not to have done it sooner!
Come on, enjoy the summer!
Roni Fine

Naturist Hiking – the skinny…

Naturist hiking is gaining popularity now that a growing number of naturists are becoming more confident about being naked outside the confines of their clubs and gardens. This article attempts to provide a beginner's guide, and tries to answer those niggling questions that you are bound to have, as well as covering some aspects you may not have thought about.
Once you have experienced the joy of walking in the nude over hill and dale, you will definitely want to do it again. Rather like skinny dipping: once you've tried it, you never want to wear another cossie!
Is it legal?
It is not illegal in the UK for naturists to go about their lawful business in the nude, but care is needed to avoid causing alarm or distress to others, which can lead to grounds for prosecution.
I would recommend that you download a copy of the Public Place Naturism leaflet, available at the Downloads tab of the BN website. Print it out, read it carefully and take it with you. There are two versions – one for England and Wales and another for Scotland – reflecting two slightly different legal frameworks. It is also wise to carry your BN membership card.
Some people find that seeking permission from the local police or land managers can be reassuring. The idea is to reduce the (already small) risk of any complaints being progressed into prosecutions. This appears to have been successful in Scotland. But it may be that asking the question raises the risk of getting a negative answer, which would leave you worse off than before!
In the very unlikely event that somebody objects and calls the police, it is important to “stay calm and cover up”. If you are unlucky enough to be arrested, do not accept a caution or admit guilt but contact BN as soon as you can for advice and assistance.
Having said all that, the Naturist Ramblers Club and its fore-runner the SOC walking group have been doing naturist walks for some 23 years without major problems and certainly no arrests!
Solo or in a group?
Probably the majority of nude walkers start by simply stripping off while on a “normal” country walk, either on their own or with a companion. In my early days this was whenever the weather was warm and sunny and there appeared to be nobody else around (in other words, not very often!). This spontaneous action gives a real feeling of freedom and being close to nature. There is nothing to organise, just relish the moment. Some free spirits are in their element when solo, but others feel too vulnerable to go it alone.
Things are slightly different if you are fortunate enough to walk with a group of other naturists. The feeling of freedom is just as strong, but the fear of discovery is much less. Probably a case of “safety in numbers”. In addition, there is the pleasure of sharing the experience.
Where to go
Despite the popularity of the World Naked Bike Rides in a number of British towns and cities, I'm not sure that the average UK citizen is quite ready for naturists walking freely in the nude through residential and shopping areas or even in local parks. That time may come, but for now it is probably best to avoid such settings, where the high number of people increases the risk that someone might take exception and call the police.
Fortunately, there are many square miles of open countryside in the UK. This is criss-crossed by thousands of kilometres of public footpaths and bridleways. Much of this space is visited by very few people and is quite suitable for naturist walking. Recently, a directory of suitable places for naturist walks has been added to the BN website: on the Places tab, click on Beaches and Countryside Walks. At the time of writing, only a couple of non-beach locations have been added. Why not submit your favourite nude hiking places for inclusion?
Some people like walking in woodland, which has the advantage of providing cool shade on those odd days when it might be simply too hot out in the open. Woods are lovely in springtime when bluebells and other flowers are out in force, before the trees have opened their leaves to cast deep shade. They can also provide welcome shelter from the breeze. Others prefer the more open scenery of moorland, heaths and rolling grass downland. Here you get the full benefit of the sun and often wonderful views. Another benefit is that you can usually see other walkers some distance away and take an alternate route or cover up if that seems appropriate.
Riverside walks and canal towpaths are delightful places to walk, but they are also a magnet for large numbers of “textile” walkers, so should be used with care. The same applies to coastal footpaths and other major long distance tracks – by all means use them but expect company!
The route should be on public rights of way or designated “access land” as far as possible – trespassing in the nude is not a good idea! Suitable land may be within a National Park, or managed by organisations such as the Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust or National Trust. These often allow free access to the public, but it is probably best to avoid those National Trust properties where you pay to get in (unless you have sought permission beforehand).
Public footpaths are generally your best option. Bridleways and by-ways (green lanes) are excellent too, especially for groups, but as they are used by horse-riders and mountain bikers, they can be very muddy! Farm tracks should not be used unless they are clearly marked as public rights of way. Try to keep away from public roads if possible, unless you are prepared to dress to avoid distracting passing motorists.
What to take
Unless you are a keen barefoot walker, you'll need some footwear. Some people are happy with rugged sandals or trainers, but I prefer walking shoes or boots that give you a bit of ankle support if going on a longish walk. A hat or cap is also a good idea partly for protection against the sun, but it can have other uses as described below.
For anything but the shortest of walks, a small backpack (about 25 litres) is essential to carry some clothes (sorry!), a small towel to sit on, drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, map, mobile phone, a couple of plasters and sterile wipes (in case of scratches from barbed wire or brambles). Still on a medical theme, a pair of tweezers could be useful for removing thorns – especially if you are barefoot. And a tick-removal tool (available at all good pet-shops!) is essential for the savvy outdoorsman these days. One luxury item is a pair of garden secateurs for clearing a way through brambles on neglected footpaths and stiles.
Every naturist hiker has their own preferred method of quickly “covering up” (as opposed to getting dressed) if this should be necessary during a naturist walk. Most women favour a sarong/pareo or a simple loose dress that can be stepped into or pulled on over the head. These can be tucked under the backpack straps for rapid deployment if required.
For men, things might seem simpler, but trying to step into a pair of shorts, however baggy, with walking boots on is like auditioning for a part in “You've Been Framed”. So most carry a towel or wrap-around skirt or kilt that can be deployed quickly and fastened into place without any fiddling. Some may prefer just to use their hats – or maps (note: satnavs are not very useful for this)!
Brief encounters
This section is intended to help you to avoid upsetting people you may meet on your naked walk. When you do meet somebody, it is all about how you behave. A very unscientific survey of naturist hikers that I have conducted on the Naktiv website has given the following results about what they do:
71% Smile, say Hi and stay nude unless they complain
21% Cover up with towel / sarong / kilt or hat
4.5% Try to find somewhere to hide
3.5% Rush to pull on shorts
Sometimes you will see them coming in the distance and decide to cover up before passing them. On other occasions they will suddenly appear round a bend in the hedgerow and you'll have no time to react. In both cases, don't panic – you are doing nothing wrong. But remember that the meeting might be a bit of a shock for them. Resist any temptation to freeze or to run away or hide, as this just makes you look guilty and may well worry the other person, leading them to react badly too.
Think what you would do if you had met them while you were fully clothed: smile, say Hi, mention the weather, and continue on your way. Why do anything different? If they seem keen to stop for a chat, let them take the lead and go with the flow! If they seem agitated or make negative comments, make sure you cover yourself up and simply state that you are a naturist out for a country walk and had no intention of upsetting them in any way.
You are quite likely to pass people walking their dogs. The majority of these are surprisingly positive, often saying “Oh, you don't need to cover up for my benefit”. Frequently you will meet the dog before meeting the walker, and it is always a good idea to make a big fuss of the dog, just as you would if you were dressed. The owner then realises that you are just a regular dog-lover who happens to be naked!
Meetings with horses and their riders can be a bit more awkward. The animals can get spooked by large groups (dressed or otherwise), so step out of their way and keep the noise down! If you have an option to follow a bridleway or a footpath, choose the footpath!
Mountain bikers usually come and go before you know they're there. So it's quite likely that they will register that you are naked, but they will be focused on following the track and just have time to exchange a friendly Hi!
On farm tracks you have a reasonable chance of meeting farm vehicles: give the driver plenty of space and a friendly nod or wave. If they stop, they're probably just curious to know what you're up to, so don't panic! If the track passes through a farm yard or close to cottages it might be an idea to cover up in advance.
The Countryside Code and Scottish Outdoor Access Code
It is very important to follow a few basic rules when walking in the countryside. Before you go, download a copy of The Countryside Code (England & Wales) or the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This is key to making sure that you don't get on the wrong side of the farmers and wildlife rangers! Here are the links:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/Practical-guide/public/walking
And finally
Now it's the summer, it’s a great time to get out onto the footpath network and enjoy the feeling of freedom that naturist hiking brings. Whether you try a gentle stroll for a mile or two, or go for a full-on hike of ten miles or more, make naked hiking one of your goals for Summer 2017.
If you'd like to join a walking group, publicise one or start one, please post on the Walking SIG on the BN online Forum. If you live in the South East of England, why not contact the Naturist Ramblers Club via our website at www.justwearasmile.co.uk/natram/ to find out how to join our programme of walks.
by John Kendrick

Up for the challenge!

Andrew Welch brings us up to date with British Naturism's marketing
'Selling' Naturism is a challenge because there still remains a stigma about nudity which means many people find it - at best - amusing and - at worst - sinister. In addition, people can easily practice Naturism without needing to pay for BN membership, but having a national organisation working in the way we do is not only useful, but essential if Naturism is to survive in the UK. We provide an incredible range of services to members as well as a community for people to be part of. The survey completed by new members tells us that more than half of you belong because you want to meet like-minded people. Collective action makes things happen.
For all the great things it gives us, the growth of the internet has given us the most problems! BN used to be almost unique in the supply of information about Naturism at home and abroad, but now all of it is available for free, everywhere. It’s not just us, many organisations are struggling to keep themselves valid in the 21st Century.
Here are the elements of our marketing thinking for 2017. It relies on as many of us within our community as possible getting involved - please don’t hesitate to do your part.

Our marketing aims
Raise awareness and educate about Naturism Encourage people to participate in Naturist activities Recruit people to British Naturism membership and retain them Encourage people to spend money with us outside of subscriptions
Our main messages
There are many good things to say about our wonderful world but here are the headlines:
Naturism is great for health and well-being and promotes positive body-image Naturism is great for families and children There is no law against Naturism It is not shameful or embarrassing to be nude in the company of others British Naturism is a membership organisation and joiners enhance their Naturist experience by belonging.
Specific actions
Targeting textile swimmers
We will concentrate on persuading swimmers to see the benefits of ditching their costumes. Bin the Bikini! Trash the Trunks! This will be an online campaign, using social media and we’ll spread our message to swimmers, swimming clubs and groups, organisations, venues, magazines and websites - and provide easy ways and encouragement for them to ‘give it a go’. It also ties in with…
The Great British Skinny Dip 2017
The foundations are well established, a new brand has been created and the prospects for achieving our aims - principally education of the health benefits of nudity - are great. It’s possible we are reaching a new market with the project. It will run for the whole of #Septembare. See the dedicated website for all the details and information. We really do need YOU to get involved!
Just One Person
There will be ongoing encouragement for members and others to talk about their Naturism throughout their lives and bring it and us out into the open. Some people fear ‘everyone’ knowing and so we are encouraging them to tell ‘Just One Person’. This is potentially our most important marketing tool. Where people in other misunderstood minorities have succeeded has been by being visible and being unafraid to stand up for themselves. See the topic over in the Members' Area - please get out there and talk about it!
Women in Naturism
There will be ongoing encouragement to make women aware of the advantages of clothes-free recreation. We’ll keep encouraging women to ‘Tell their stories’, publish help and advice for the guys who are ‘not really single’, (but whose partners shrink away from Naturism) and link with women's groups and body confidence champions. This also has an effect on the next generation - more women means more families growing up in Naturism leading to better attitudes in the future - and more Naturists.
A better experience for new members
With over 3,500 new members since 2014, we can be confident that there is something about joining BN that is attractive. What’s not so good is to see a greater number decide not to renew. We’re doing more these days to help new people to BN along the journey to year two and beyond.
‘Join Us’ flyer/poster
Our new ‘Join Us’ flyer folds out into a poster for display. It goes further than the ‘What is Naturism?’ leaflet. It actively sells the reasons Naturists should become BN members. Please use it! Spread the word. Order it from the BN shop.
Events
Our Event Programme, is of crucial importance to our community for bringing like-minded people together, and for providing low-effort experiences for new members to get involved. This is now improving thanks to the appointment of Mark Walsh. Expect to see new and different events, in new locations. We’re also introducing a standard discount on entry for members, making it a no-brainer, in many cases, for people to sign up to BN first.
City Centre swims
The London swim has quickly become the most popular swim in the country. It’s open to all, no membership or advance notice required and generates a healthy income for BN. Glasgow Continental is also a hit. They each give us a profile and venue in a major city where there are thousands of potential skinny dippers. We encourage everyone to help us replicate it in Bristol, Liverpool, Birmingham…all over the country, in your area.

Every single one of you is important to BN and we need you to be open about your Naturism,
to talk about it and to support the cause you love!

The 5th 'The Gathering' in Scotland enjoys great weather!

Hard to believe that Dunoon on May Bank Holiday was one of the warmest locations in Britain and enjoyed by maximum capacity guests, despite some sun burn!

BBC Scotland Television and Radio gave excellent coverage of the event which for the first time offered a three night extension. This proved popular with first timers and several who had to journey some distance to attend. Visiting guests came from Germany, Belgium, Ireland as well as the British Isles, including the Scottish Hebridies and Skye.

The Casino Night proved a great success, especially for one lady staking all her 100 'Buff pounds' on one number! Extending our naturist swim at the local pool to one and a half hours also proved popular with 87 attending! But there can be no doubt that the weather won the day enabling guests to walk freely in the glens and forests of Argyll, with the warmest day enjoyed at a Community Forest followed by an afternoons sunbathing on the Argyll Secret Coast. No less than five boat trips were booked through the Kyles of Bute this year, an all time record.

And talking of records, guests raised a staggering £300 for the local hospice, £75 for the Community Forest AND £50 for Wateraid UK!

There is no doubt about it that Gatherers this year enjoyed a very special event, just like every other year!

Next years Gathering will be from 4th May to 7th May, and once again there will be the opportunity to book a three night extension until 10th May 2018.

Haste Ye Back!......and May the Fourth be with you!

Waterworld – A big night out!

Saturday night saw almost 300 Naturists head to Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent for a night of family fun.
A great time was had by all as they took to the slides and flumes and relaxed in the tropical atmosphere. The nice thing about Waterworld is that there is something for everyone, from the thrills of the big rides to the hot-tub and wave pool, plus there is plenty of space to lounge around too.
It was great to see so many new faces attending too. There was a good mix of families and a definite resurgence of YBN’ers (Young British Naturists) there too.
I was chatting to the manager on the night – the capacity of Waterworld is 1800 – can you imagine if we can get anywhere near that!
The next stop on the Waterpark tour is Splashdown on Saturday June 24th – booking is now open…
British Naturism are back at Waterworld on September 30th as the final event of the Great British Skinny Dip #GBSD17 #Septembare

Feeling fabulous at being 50 and naked!

A month after my 47th birthday I found myself for the first time living completely on my own. I had a little apartment above a shop in a little village and in a “light bulb” moment I realised that I was my own boss, I could do anything I want to.
Unfortunately, 6 months later I was made redundant from the job I really loved, that of an ambulance driver and crew.
Now what was I going to do?
At 48 I went back to college to study for a qualification in complementary therapies, one year on enrolled gain for another 2 years to now study for the HNC/D in Spa Management.
Phew what a busy 2 years, but still I felt that there was something missing in my life – what I needed was a hobby or interest.
Naturism was going to be the answer.
I had been fascinated and intrigued for a few years but never had the courage or time – but now – I had nothing holding me back – so I took the plunge!!
I first read many articles in the BN magazine online, looked up places to go and chose Acorns Campsite in Devon.
May 3rd 2016 – OMG I felt sick for the whole 2-hour drive to Devon, what was I doing I am 49 ½ years old going on my own to a nudist campsite.
But how my life was to change that day.

Andy and Kathy Eke welcomed me to their site and showed me around, yes I was fully clothed but Andy was not – I was not sure where to look – focus on his face do not glance anywhere else – so I mastered that – back to my room to get well…… undressed!
I stood wrapped in my pashmina and dressing gown looking through the window for the longest 10 minutes of my life! – It’s now or never, deep breathing I can do it. Picked up my book and trying to look so nonchalant and unfazed walked outside.
I chose a seat by the pool alongside a few others – OMG they are naked I’d never seen so much bare flesh on show at any one time before.
Ironically I felt very out of place and embarrassed as I was still all wrapped up.
So yet another deep breath, looked around and carefully unwrapped my very white and bare body – and do you know – there were no bells ringing, no sirens went off, no police came to arrest me – OMG I was naked and in public in front of complete strangers!!!!!
I stayed there for 2 nights – went home, 2 days later bought a tent and camping equipment and went back the following weekend.
The next big step for me was to find a club much closer to home, but if I find one will I see someone that I know or that I used to work with – how embarrassing could that be?
But with my head held high and with my newly found confidence off I went – yes I did meet someone who lives near me and indeed a lady who I was in high school with, but everything is just fantastic, everyone is just so friendly and kind.
I am now a provisional member of the Vale of Glamorgan Sun Club in South Wales, I have a whole new circle of friends and am loving every minute of it.
My advice to other single women who have ever considered or thought “I wonder” about naturism – go for it, I’ve not had one negative response, everyone that I have met has been so kind and helpful and have given me lots of very useful advice and guidance.
I’m definitely feeling fabulous at being naked and 50 !!
Jane Baker

Find more information on our 'Women in Naturism' initiative including help for those guys out there with a hesitant girl! https://www.bn.org.uk/news/news/women-in-naturism-r332/

10 years of BN at Alton Towers

BN’s new Events Manager Mark reports on our a fantastic event - an adrenaline-rush filled weekend in the Splash Landings Hotel at Alton Towers, and this year we had something to celebrate - a landmark tenth year at this prestigious venue.
For those who haven't been (and I hadn't until this one) Splash Landings is a hotel with waterpark that British Naturism take over for a weekend of clothes-free fun…and by fun, I mean fun! I had read about the event with envy and longed to go but always had work commitments. However, this year it was all change; not only could I go, I had just taken up the position of Events Manager for BN.
Having never been to the venue and it being my first BN event to organise I was keen to make this a good one, particularly as it was the big 10th anniversary. Fortunately, the majority of things were organised; my predecessor had booked some great acts (more on that in a bit) all I had to do really was fill a few gaps and pull it together.
My background is in events - my company run several major events all over the UK. It's what makes me tick so seeing a happy bunch arriving to Alton Towers on the Friday night ready for clothes off at 6pm was just fabulous!
Friday evening was a somewhat relaxed affair with people catching up with friends and meeting new faces along the way. Linda and Ian hosted their quiz in the main bar whilst some took their first adventure at the waterpark. As it so often does, this weekend coincides with Children in Need and through a quick collection over £200 was raised for this worthy cause. It was then on to the disco with Richard who ended up spinning the tunes until 2am! (We had a few party animals on our hands…you know who you are!)

I'm not sure how many of the 2am revellers made it to the first activity on Saturday morning but Andrew and Sheryn led a brave few into the near-polar conditions for a brisk morning run whilst the majority of guests stuffed their faces at the all you can eat fry-up selection in the restaurant. The food at Splash Landings was delicious. In buffet-style you could eat your way around the world in 20 dishes. Although if you were after a light bite there were fewer options (something we are working on for this year).
I really enjoyed putting the program together for Alton Towers and from feedback I think we got it spot on. There literally was something for everyone. There were several wellness sessions across the weekend including yoga, tai chi and reiki plus we were the privileged hosts to the launch of the now famous Nude-ercise, with Helen joining us to host her first ever session. Sports and fitness were well represented, Aqua Zumba in the waterpark and belly dancing made a welcome return. There was a bit of rough and tumble in the pool with water polo (I think some will still have the bruises!). The highlight for me was the indoor archery session though, this was great fun and subscribed to the max.
There is plenty of space at Splash Landings so despite there being hundreds of naked bodies in the building there is plenty of room to get away from it all, have a read or sit in the outdoor hot tub and relax.
Saturday night was the highlight of the weekend for many - a Masked Ball to celebrate our 10 years at Alton Towers in style. All through the day the mask-making craft table had a constant stream of visitors eager to create a bespoke face mask for the party and they did not disappoint either; there were some amazing creations on display.
As the evening approached we cracked open the UV reactive body paints to prepare for the night ahead. The activities started with a family fun quiz hosted by Andrew and Sheryn followed by our first act of the night; the awesomely talented and equally charming Sunjay, an award winning folk artist, who enraptured the audience - he really was incredible.
After a brief break for the all-important 10-year anniversary cake it was time to get dancing to The Swallows, a young four piece from Birmingham, all still at university, who really did rock the dance-floor - and hats off to them too for getting into the naturist spirit, I'm sure it will be a gig they won't forget in a hurry…
During this the UV lights were thrown on and the bodies glowed! It was fab - some of the most imaginative designs I have ever seen. I must at this point thank Andy and his team for all the sound and lighting plus Richard our naked DJ who had everyone dancing to the wee small hours.
As you can tell it was a great weekend, however I can imagine many people reading are wondering ‘is it for me?’. In all honesty, I was apprehensive, having never been to a hotel-based event before. To my delight, I had a superb time and met some lovely people too. There was a good number of younger couples in their 20's and 30's and groups too. This was encouraging to see and hopefully something that will continue to build. I have to admit I was a little disappointed to see so few families there, particularly with the waterpark being a huge part of the weekend. We had 11 children in total but it could have been so many more. I am really keen to work on developing family links to encourage them to be a significant part of the demographic at events such as these.
The sign of a successful event is when, even as an organiser, you are sad when it all comes to a close and this was the case with Alton Towers - on Sunday morning at midday I felt sad to be leaving. I really can't wait for this year #11 in November.
Booking is already open and it will be another sell-out event. £50 will secure your room (up to 2 adults / 2 children) and the balance isn't due till much later in the year. Book to guarantee it now, get saving and see you in November.

BN211 Spring 2017

Your full colour round up of all that makes Naturism special is now available - yes BN211 for Spring 2017 is out.. In this edition:
Health and fitness - a special feature on those innovators who are moving Naturism in new and exciting directions by introducing new activities to our world, such as naked Yoga, running and exercise classes. Alton Towers? Don't mind if we do! Read all about the fantastic 10th BN weekend enjoying the wonderful facilities and atmosphere. We meet our new Families Officer, Ben Rose, and read about his exciting plans for the future of family Naturism. YBN - still fun of fun and growing! We catch up with our 18 to 30 year olds after a couple of low profile years. Women in Naturism - Fiona and Jane tell us of their experiences and journeys. Advice for the ‘Not really single’ guys too to persuade their girls to give it a go. Naturists on TV - find out how Sheryn and John coped with their TV debuts on the Great British Skinny Dip documentary - and the launch of #septembare for 2017 Micro-campaigning - no need to march on Downing St - tell Just One Person A report from the 35th International Naturist Federation Congress in New Zealand A profile of some of our Special Interest Groups An update on the important area of our campaigns - promoting and protecting Holidays - a whizz round several top quality Spanish resorts - we're feeling the rays already. Several more BN Members’ Holidays are announced too. All this and much, much more, including event listings, news and our very last 'club update' section. Enjoy!
BN Magazine is available to members only and issued four times a year as part of the annual subscription. Members can also download a full PDF of the magazine BN211 Spring 2017. If you are not a member, you can join us at http://www.bn.org.uk/membership and get your own copy and other benefits as well.

Thanks for the attention!

Happily, we've been inundated since the first broadcast of The Great British Skinny Dip earlier this week on Channel 4 - and the attention increases each time it is broadcast and people watch on catch up. We've had many messages of praise and requests for more information - across social media, email and via the contact forms on our website. Apologies if you've not had a reply yet, but we'll get to you.
Oh, and thanks to everyone who has become a member!

Make a date with your telly…

Click here to watch again On Demand for 30 days
This Valentine's Day, fall in love with your body...
The film we contributed to about last year’s The Great British Skinny Dip will be aired on Channel 4, 10pm, 14 Feb…
You can see the trailer here -
Click here to watch again On Demand for 30 days
The Great British Skinny Dip
In 2016 British Naturism, Britain’s largest group devoted to the naked lifestyle, organised a mass event to encourage more people to give it a go, challenging British attitudes to nudity along the way. “Septembare”, the brainchild of the organisation’s Andrew Welch, offered the British public the chance to join a mass skinny dip in pools, lakes and beaches across the country, over one weekend in September.
Filmed over 8 months, this documentary follows the attempt to co-opt venues and drum up support, and explores what the appeal is – why a range of people from all walks of life enjoy spending their spare time in the buff and how they manage to do it in a country where the climate doesn’t naturally lend itself.
Naturism is increasingly being sought out online by young people seeking escapism, fun and freedom – choosing to lay themselves bare at a time of increased body consciousness and airbrushing. With access to nudist clubs across the country as well as wilder activities off the beaten track, this film lifts the lid on the world of naturism, climaxing with the skinny dip weekend which may or may not bring new converts to the faith.

Science proves Naturism is good for you

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.

News and Articles

The Launch of Naked Britain

We've got a Good Thing going....

The Vision Day - a great success

Growing Up as a Naturist

The Great British Skinny Dip - going swimmingly - part II

Don’t forget our night out at…WATERWORLD!

BN 213 - Autumn 2017

The Great British Skinny Dip - going swimmingly...

Nudefest - what a festival!

Just One Person

A Weekend on the English Riviera

Is it legal to sunbathe naked in my garden?

The Resurgence of YBN

BN212 - Summer 2017

New to Nudity?

Naturist Hiking – the skinny…

Up for the challenge!

The 5th 'The Gathering' in Scotland enjoys great weather!

Waterworld – A big night out!

Feeling fabulous at being 50 and naked!

10 years of BN at Alton Towers

BN211 Spring 2017

Thanks for the attention!

Make a date with your telly…

Science proves Naturism is good for you

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