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Regional News and Information

BN has seven regions that provide a vital local focus to BN's members and activities. To find out about news and events in your region please visit one of our regional pages:

Regional News

News and information about BN's regions
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LASER Christmas Lunch at The Mill Arms 14 December

Tickets are now on sale for our regional Christmas Lunch at The Mill Arms, Dunbridge. 
We will have exclusive use of the function room at the pub. This is a fully self-contained area with its own bar and toilets which means that it will be possible to be naked throughout the event. Car parking is available behind the pub, but it is only two minutes’ walk from Dunbridge & Mottisfont Station, so why not leave the car at home and enjoy a few drinks!
You’ll be able to choose from a delicious festive two or three course menu ahead of the event, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. From £37. You will be asked on booking for your menu choices so take a look at the menu before booking.
Details and links to menu options are on the calendar listing, below but to go direct to tickets click here.
 
 

What's happened and what's going to happen in Eastern Region 2024

Every month there is a Regional Newsletter listing all the naturist opportunites taking place. If you're not on the mailing list then you need to sign-up. These newsletters are quite long as they are so informative, so a one-page version is produced to go on club notice boards to reach a wider audience than just BN members and so that club members can join in BN events. These also act as a useful archive. 
If you are not on the mailing list and not sure how to sign up, or if you have an event coming up you would like to be included in the newsletter letter, or have a report on how an event went - then let me know so I can include it for the information of everybody.
Contact: Regional Organiser: nigel.newman@bn.org.uk
BN ER Newsletter April 24.pdf BN ER Newsletter Aug 24.pdf BN ER Newsletter July 24.pdf BN ER Newsletter June 24.pdf BN ER newsletter March 2024.pdf BN ER Newsletter May 24.pdf BN ER Newsletter Oct 24.pdf BN ER Newsletter Sept 24.pdf
BN ER Newsletter Oct 24.pdf BN ER Newsletter Nov 24.pdf
BN ER Newsletter Dec 24.pdf

2024 Eastern Region Christmas Meal

Cut off date for bookings is 24 Nov: so get in quick before the deadline or it is sold out.
British Naturism is split up into regions for convenience, but people who live in one region are welcome to attend events that take place in another region. The Eastern Region Christmas Meal will take place at "The Gate", Bricket Wood (nr St Albans) during the evening of Sunday 1st December. This will be a great opportunity to meet your fellow naturists for a festive meal.
Booking via BN is mandatory and more information can be found on the BN Eastern Region Calendar as a single point of reference:
Any questions, please contact: nigel.newman@bn.org.uk
 

Durley House

As the Laser PRO I received the following from one of the organisers of the Durley House GBSD at Dudley near Southampton:
Following the feedback  after the recent GBSD at Durley House I have contacted the owners about the possibility of a regular naturist swim at the venue.
This would probably be a quarterly meet up as access is fairly limited due to a swim school that uses the venue 7 days a week although the venue can be available any day after 8.30pm. What day would be best for most people?
I have suggested a quarterly meeting as there are several local monthly naturist swims and I would not wish to tread on anyones toes.
The current cost to hire the pool is £75.00 per hour so I would say that we would need at least 12 people to attend each swim at £7.00 per head to cover costs.
Please let me know if you would be interested to laserpro@bn.org.uk

The Return of the Dover Swim

Naturist Swimming at Dover Leisure Centre 
The Dover Naturist Swim Club is a friendly group of mixed ages and genders, open to all naturists over 18. 
We meet for a naturist swim at Dover Leisure Centre on Sunday evenings between Autumn and Spring from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. 
We have exclusive use of the pool, together with the sauna and steam rooms beside it. 
You don’t need to be a good swimmer - many of our members go for the social aspects of swimming and stay in the shallow end. One of our members has learnt to swim at our sessions with the help of other members; on the other hand we have a record breaking Channel swimmer in the club so you can hack out the lengths if that’s your thing. 
Swim dates 
The first swim of the season will be on Sunday 6th October 2024, after which it will be each Sunday until the last swim before Christmas on Sunday 15th December. Swims will restart on Sunday 5th January 2025 and run until the final swim of the season on Sunday 13th April. 
In all cases, the swims will be from 8:30 to 9:30pm. Please arrive by 8:15, latecomers may not be admitted. 
Cost 
The fees for the 2024/25 season will be £8 per swim and £7 annual membership (new members do not need to pay the membership fee on their first visit, just when they return for another time). 
At present, we operate on a cash only basis. 
Location 
Dover District Leisure Centre, Fitness Fields, Whitfield, Dover, CT16 3FZ 
Facilities 
Dover leisure centre is very modern, with good changing facilities and a 25m pool with some lanes and some free swimming areas. We also have use of the sauna and steam room adjacent to the pool. 

HIGH BEECHES.... a trip report

As PRO for the Laser region I was sent a trip report from an attendee of the High Beeches Gardens visit in September. High Beeches is in West Sussex on the High Weald and claims to be one of the finest gardens in Sussex. Here's the report:
I went on the High Beeches visit yesterday afternoon, only my second-ever naturist garden event after Leonardslee in June.  Not surprisingly, there were only about a dozen of us, on and off, during the afternoon, including one lady.  The weather forecast was decidedly unpromising, with stiff breezes and cool temperatures predicted.  However, I'm really glad I went because I had a magical afternoon.  High Beeches is a lovely garden, with distant views of the South Downs and lovely paths for bare feet among the trees down the little valley.  The valley was quite sheltered and we avoided the worst of the rain.  Indeed, it became quite warm during the reasonably lengthy sunny periods.  I would also like to particularly highlight the very warm welcome we received from the friendly couple manning the ticket office and cafe.  All-in-all, it was well worth braving the forecast and making the trip.

Photo from the recent South Western Outdoor Club (SWOC) July Walk

I caught up with Howard Dymock recently and he told me all about the recent joint walk with the South Western Outdoor Club (SWOC) during July. “Sixteen hardy walkers joined the walk which fortuitously turned out to be a rare fine day, perfect for naturist waking, dry with a warm breeze and sunny intervals”. Howard went on the say “Thanks to a collaboration between several BN volunteers, BN and NatRam members and the Club, we appreciated SWOC’s facilities and hospitality before and after our nine-mile hike through gorgeous west Dorset countryside. It was predictably hilly and not the easiest going in places, but the views were rewarding and the company pleasant. A mix of those experienced and new to naturist walking enjoyed the day. In view of the success of the venture, we hope to repeat a similar walk in future years. A big thank you to all those involved in the organisation and leadership of the day, and to SWOC for their warm welcome and hospitality”. Howard provided me with a great photograph which will be uploaded and he said “Keen-eyed viewers of the group photograph might just be able to spot the seventeenth naturist, the famous Cerne giant, an enigmatic 180’ tall figure of disputed origin cut into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas village”. 
 


Naked Visit to the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester on 17th September 2024

The next Naked event organised by the Southwest Regional Team is a visit the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester on 17th September 2024. 
Discover the life and work of Dorset’s famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy and dive into key themes of his personal and professional life. Enjoy a beautiful gallery full of the Museum and Art Gallery’s superb collections of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, and fine and decorative art. Marvel at the historic Victorian Hall as well as the modern Acheson’s Atrium adorned by Roman mosaics on the walls and floors of these spaces.  This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the museum NAKED. 
 
The ticket entitles you to a glass of wine or other beverage on arrival; changing facilities; a locker for clothes and other personal possessions and entry to all the galleries.  The museum is situated right in the centre of Dorchester where there are many wonderful eateries to tempt you and keep you sustained after your visit.  Plenty of pay parking is available nearby.  If you need more information or have a question to ask, please contact us at: southwestrep@bn.org.uk.
You can purchase tickets by clicking here. 
More details can be found here:
 
 

Bristol Naked Swim - now every Tuesday 8pm to 9pm

New day and time from 3rd September 2024.
Bristol Naked Swim meets every Tuesday at Jubilee Pool, Jubilee Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2LP from 8pm to 9pm.
Everyone is welcome to swim and chat!!
The cost is £7 (£6 for members of Bristol Naked Swim) per person, payable in cash.
If you are new to the swim, please contact us in advance by email to terry.lane@bn.org.uk or andrew.dyer@bn.org.uk.

Southwest Events in September and October 2024

On the 17th September 2024 we have a visit to the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester. At the Museum, 250 million years of natural history come alive to reveal the secrets of geology, landscapes, habitats, and wildlife that surrounds us every day. You can also discover the life and work of Dorset’s famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy and dive into key themes of his personal and professional life. Enjoy a beautiful gallery full of the Museum and Art Gallery’s superb collections of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, and fine and decorative art. Marvel at the historic Victorian Hall as well as the modern Acheson’s Atrium adorned by Roman mosaics on the walls and floors of these spaces.  This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the museum NAKED.  You can find out more here.
On Friday 27th September we are holding a Naked Heart Walk in aid of the British Heart Foundation at Court Farm Lakes in Gloucestershire. Whilst the walk is only about half a mile long you may stroll along the level route at your leisure as many times as you wish. There will also be food available to purchase. You can find out more here.
On Saturday 19th October, we have a naked quiz and social evening in a modern, vibrant and well-regarded café-bar in the Triangle, adjacent to the central library. Ticket holders will be welcomed from 7pm. A changing area with coat racks will be provided: please bring a towel on which to sit. Windows will be covered and there will be door security to ensure privacy. The cover charge for entry to the event and the quiz includes a welcome drink (choice of bottled beers, 175ml glass of house red, white or rose wine, soft drink or any hot drink). The kitchen and bar will be open for those wanting to eat and drink. It will be the normal evening menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options plus a special hot dish (links below). You don't have to eat if you don't want to: it will be normal counter service and pay-as-you-go, after the initial welcome drink. You can find out more here.
 
 

LASER - Last Chance to Trek with Llamas!

This really is a last chance to trek with llamas at Bluecaps Farm in the High Weald. The farm have announced their decision to stop trekking due to new licence requirement being introduced shortly. If you were thinking of joining the LASER event on 24 August there are still a few tickets available. Bluecaps' website and Facebook page announces that the trekking has finished but they have confirmed they will honour our booking. So it really is your last chance at this venue! Details of the event and booking link are below.
Clothing-Optional Llama trek and picnic in the countryside of the High Weald
LASER region are pleased to present a an opportunity to have a group walk with llamas through private woods at Bluecaps Llama Farm at Cousley Wood near Wadhurst, in East Sussex, followed by a picnic (bring your own) in a clearing. The farm is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the High Weald, near to Bewl Water.
We will take it in turns to walk the 8 llamas through the woodlands, clothing optional and finish with a picnic whilst the llamas return home, in the clearing close to the start/finish. Our host Tina recommends strong footwear and protection from the sun and insects. 
Numbers are restricted to just 20 so if you are interested don’t delay – book your places now!
Tickets are priced at £26 (BN Members) and £31 (non-members) available through the BN Shop by clicking here.

Event possibly cancelled

In the recent Laser newsletter I listed an "End the Summer with Nothing On" event in Covent Garden on August 31st which was on the BN calendar. I've now been informed the event is cancelled but the website for this event still shows it as on.  The event is organised by Nothing on Events and I'm seeking clarification.

Swimming in the M25 Noah's Ark and Watford

In the last Laser newsletter I described London as being a naturist desert. Many thanks to Malcolm, Mark and Andy who have written to correct me on this!
First of all the Noah's Ark swim is inside the M25 in Ewell, Surrey. That mistake was ignorance on my part! I thought it was just outside. However, it's a great swim to visit with first class facilities. The swim is every Sunday between 4 and 6pm. If it's your first visit you must call them on 07940 881 100 in advance. There's a pool a sauna and often activities out of the pool. 
https://noahsark.jimdofree.com
 
Every Friday between 8.45pm and 10pm (except bank Holidays) the Watford Naturist Swimming Club hold their swim at the Watford Leisure Centre. It's a family friendly event with sauna and steam room. The pool is 25 metres with a dedicated swimming lane. Once again this swim is inside the M25 but this time in North London! Email  info@wnsc.org.uk for more details.
www.wnsc.org.uk

Naked Cruise in Poole Harbour / this Friday 16th August 2024!!!!

Come and join us for a Naked Cruise around Poole Harbour and beyond right in the heart of Dorset?  Climb aboard MV Solent Scene at Poole Quay then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dorset Riviera as you cruise around Brownsea Island, past Sandbanks and Old Harry Rocks then along the Jurassic coast towards Swanage, returning past Millionaire’s Row before arriving back at Poole Quay.  Solent Scene has the bar and quiet lounge on the lower deck and the dancefloor on the upper deck. In addition, it has two large outside decks.  The bar will be open throughout so you can purchase drinks for cash or card payment.  Boarding is from Poole Quay at 19.15 hrs with departure at 19.30 hrs and return will be by 22.30 hrs.  You must be dressed to embark and debark the vessel but you will be able to undress after departure and remain naked until just before mooring at the end of the cruise.  This is an adult only cruise.  Several pay car parks are available within easy walking distance of the quayside but beware, there is very little free roadside parking nearby.
Please contact Keith Bowman at keith.bowman@bn.org.uk with any questions.
To book, please click here.
Please note: Booking for the Fish & Chip supper has now finished as we have provided the food numbers to the boats owners! However, it is still possible to join us on the cruise (with no food provided) at the the reduced price £25.25 for BN Members and £27.25 for Non-Members!
The weather forecast looks great for Friday evening!!!

Houghton Lodge Gardens Visit 14th August

Another visit to this beautiful garden site on the banks of the River Test on 14 August from 5:30pm The tea rooms aren't open but you are encouraged to bring a picnic and soft drinks will be available, or why not pre-order a luxury picnic hamper from Wild Events (the onsite caterer's sister company)?
Accommodation is available too. Visit https://www.theapplerooms.co.uk/ to check availability and prices at Houghton's Apple Rooms
Hampers must be booked 48 hours in advance and can be picked up on the evening.
Classic Picnic Hamper for One: Order online at https://www.wildsevents.co.uk/kingfisher-hampers/
 
 This stunning hamper contains a fully prepared and chilled picnic for one guest. The picnic includes mineral water and a choice drinks. Also included are napkins, high quality disposable glassware, ice packs and the Cool Bag is yours to keep, therefore no need for any returns!
SAVOURY SNACKS
Natural & Delicious Brown Bag Crisps (V)
Home-made Pork, Mustard & Sage Sausage Roll Bites
Premium Pork Pie wedge
HOME-MADE SANDWICHES
Wiltshire Cured Ham with Rocket Salad & English Mustard Mayonnaise
Extra Mature Farmhouse Cheddar, Plum Tomatoes, Abbotts Ann Watercress & Red Onion Marmalade (V)
Smoked Trout with Cream Cheese & Black Pepper
Roast Beef with Fiery Horseradish, Abbotts Ann Watercress & Vine Tomatoes
Free Range Buff Orpington Egg Mayonnaise (V)
TO FINISH
Dark & White Chocolate Tiffin
Crunchy English Apple
DRINKS
Delightfully Still Hildon Mineral Water
2x Estrella Damm Lager / Alcohol Free Lager (please specify in the order comments your requirements)

All year naturist swims

Did you know that there are eight naturist swims in Eastern Region alone; and if you live near another Region then there are more there too that might be within easy travelling distance. Eastern Region has swims in or near:
Didcot : Colchester x 2 : Bury St.Edmunds : Northampton : Watford : Norwich : Leicester
The way to find them is via the BN website then filter down: Places to Go > UK > ER (Eatern Region) > Swims.
What happens at a naturst swim? The monthly Mid-Anglia Swimming Club is held at the public swimming pool in the town centre of Bury St.Edmunds. Only a few minutes off the A14, so very easy to access. There is a large bright swimming pool with swimming lanes, life guards, and piped music. Upstairs there is a Sauna and Steam Room. Some people are serious swimmers and others enjoy the social atmosphere. Booking is mandatory. You dont have to be a member of BN.
Map source: Google
 

Cardiff Coffee Meet up - 4th August

Linda’s next coffee meet up is on 4th August. As in past months this is a clothing optional event at the Little Man Coffee Shop, Bridge Street, Cardiff, CF10 2EE and new members are very welcome but as usual Linda asks that attendees drop her an email or call her on 07812 486380 for any further details. Linda also says that “there is just one ticket due to a cancellation for the naked cruse on 27th July” – contact her direct for the most UpToDate news and booking info.

Studland Beach Day Feedback

Gary caught up with Howard recently and he said “we were blessed with unexpectedly sunny weather for the Beach Day at Studland on 16th June, especially given how cool and wet it had been up until then. The National Trust provided equipment for a leisurely hour or so of litter-picking, which somewhat depressingly resulted in three large sacks full of rubbish, so we did some good as well as meeting and chatting. The sea was not as cold as expected. Next Beach Day is Sunday, 25th August”.

Southwest Events in July, August & September

This is a quick summary of events in the Southwest during July, August & September:
Shaftsbury Lido Swim - Tuesday 9th July
Naturist Walk from SWOC - Wednesday 10th July
Bristol Naked Swim - Wednesday 10th July (and every Wednesday in July & August)
Western Swimming Club - Friday 12h July - (and every Friday in July & August)
Nudie Dudie Swim followed by South Wales Meet n Greet - Sunday 21st July 
Torbay Sun Club @ Lamorna - Sunday 21st July
Torbay Sun Club - Heated Outdoor Swim - Bovey Tracy - Saturday 27th July
Cardiff's Naked Dine Cruise - Saturday 27th July (SOLD OUT)
Cardiff Coffee Group Meet-up - Sunday 4th August
Torbay Sun Club @ Lamorna - Sunday 4th August
Plymouth Sun Club - Monday 5th August
Natram Walk over Sugar Hill - 6th August
Natram Walk Ackling Dyke - Tuesday 13th August
Naked Cruise Pool Harbour - Friday 16th August
Splashdown Naturist Waterpark - Saturday 17th August
Torbay Sun Club - Naturist Garden Visit - Sunday 18th August
Torbay Sun Club - Heated Outdoor Swim - Bovey Tracy - Saturday 24th August
Studland Beach Day - Sunday 25th August
Cardiff Coffee Group Meet-up - Sunday 1st September 
Torbay Sun Club @ Lamorna - Sunday 1st September
Plymouth Sun Club - Monday 2nd September
Bristol Naked Swim - Tuesday 3rd September (and every Tuesday from September)
Museum Visit - The Dorset Museum - Tuesday 17th September 
Neath Abbey Camping Weekend - 19th to 22nd September
Torbay Sun Club @ Lamorna - Sunday 22nd September
Naked Heart Walk (Location To Be Confirmed) - Friday 27th September
Torbay Sun Club @ Hydrohub - Saturday 28th September
More details can be found in the Southwest Calendar.

Walking naked with llamas or walking naked with naked llamas??

Yet another unique opportunity has now come up in the LASER region. It’s a naturist trek with llamas. Whether or not the llamas are joining in with the undress code will depend on the farmer I suspect.  We will be taking it in turns to lead 8 llamas through private woods at Bluecaps llama farm near Coulsley Wood near Wadhurst. This is in the beautiful High Weald area of East Sussex. There’s only twenty tickets available so book early. At the end of the walk there will be a picnic. The event takes place between 3 and 6pm. Tickets are £26 for BN members and £31 for non members. This is a clothes optional event. See the link here:  LLAMA WALK LINK
Fun facts about llamas:
1 Baby llamas are called crias.
2 Mother llamas bond with their baby by humming.
3 Yes they spit but only when really upset. If their ears go back watch out!!
4 Llamas have a split upper lip to enable them to select the tastiest nibbles.
5 Llamas have a designated bathroom area!!!
6 Llamas are from the Andes region of South America.
7 Llamas are very sociable animals.
8 They are strong and can carry 90kg all day... but if you overpack them they refuse to move.

The Cuckoo Trail charity walk report by Keith Palmer

The purpose of my two (so far) annual clothes-optional charity walks along part of the Cuckoo Trail in East Sussex (a former railway line  used frequently by walkers, cyclists and even horse riders) was to try  to demonstrate that naturists are normal citizens who simply prefer to spend their down-time without clothes (perfectly legal as we all know) but who, like any other grouping of like-minded people, might wish to raise money for a charity by a sponsored walk (again a common-enough event).

To attract more women, I chose a charity, Breast Cancer Now, which is concerned with a disease, though by no means unknown in the male population, is much more prevalent among women. This year at least we had one brave lady, Dee, who arrived with her husband for the walk, and stripped off readily from the start and remained naked throughout in spite of the indifferent weather. But where were the other ladies ?  It would have been great to have had more women as a more equal mix of the sexes leads to better public perception. Hopefully Dee will report to other women of her acquaintance that the experience was a positive one and that, in 2023, people met us in a friendly, cheerful and accepting way even donating cash to the cause there and then.
Of course being very much in the public eye we were often meeting passers-by but the overwhelming attitude was of almost joining in with the spirit of the occasion.  The route this time was shorter but the four and a half miles from Horam to the Cuckoo Trail car park at Hellingly seemed just right for those who participated. And if it wasn't far enough, then they  walked back as indeed several did. The remainder dressing and returning to the start by bus. Altogether we raised in excess of £400 for Breast Cancer Now.
 I know that June represents the start of the all too short summer season when naturist events crowd alarmingly together but would love
 to see more walkers (and I know of plenty from all my walk leaderships) including particularly more representatives of our female
membership,  in 2025.

 Keith Palmer

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