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Eastern Region Recent News

 

Volunteering Just Got Easier

British Naturism is an organisation run by volunteers. The nation is split up into Regions and our Region over the past few years has run many well attended meetings including (picture) a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker near Brentwood, Lido swims in Peterborough, Christmas Meals in St.Albans, Naturist Walks all over the Region almost every month in the summer, and Naked Heart Walks at three different locations to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
In September a working party got together to see how we can arrange more naturist opportunities for next year and beyond. British Naturism is a respected organization so an official approach to a venue if often favorably received. Some places say “no”, but many want to find out more. That is where our team of Eastern Region Volunteers step in. To identify venues through their local knowledge, make contacts and organise naturist opportunities …. and here’s the important bit …. convenient to where they live.
We’re talking museums, art galleries, cafes, studios, parks, gardens, zoo, pubs, special interest groups and all the things you will have seen being arranged by BN volunteers around the country. The working group, with the invaluable assistance of John Gelder, the National Volunteering Officer, has just made this considerably easier to do. Rather than take on a role that covers the whole region, you can now take on a key role just for the area where you live.
Support will be provided to those taking on the role, including resources such as BN's Volunteer Handbook, one-to-one support from other regional volunteers, shadowing and mentorship, as appropriate to the individual. You will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are promoting the benefits of naturism in a very practical and appreciated way. See this link to find out more.
https://www.bn.org.uk/forums/topic/38107-make-it-happen-in-the-eastern-region/
My first Naked Heart Walk during the early evening of 6th Sept 25 was a perfect way to visit the stunning College Lake Nature Reserve, near Tring in Hertfordshire.
College Lake, once a chalk quarry, is now one of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserves, supporting more than 1,000 different wildlife species.
Providing three different walking routes the longest ‘Wild Trail’ is a two-mile self-guided walk around the edge of the lake. Although you could easily choose to make up your own route and wander. For those that joined us, it provided a stunning backdrop as the sun slowly set over this picturesque location.
Key BN members present included; The Chair of BN, the Eastern Region Organiser, BN’s Marketing Consultant and BN’s national lead on Volunteering.
As everyone was welcomed and briefed, Justin Dealey of BBC Three Counties Radio was also introduced, with the event having caught the eye of the local media. Justin, although not joining in with the naturism, was fully enthused, and took the opportunity to interview a few of our willing participants. This media interaction created a brief but positive and engaged piece on the radio the next morning. You can listen back via BBC Sounds here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002htgp (approx. 1 hour 8 mins in).
The venue staff didn’t seem to be fazed in the slightest and were a delight throughout. One was more than happy to host one of the bird hides, and most importantly, venue volunteers were also happy to keep the café running for teas, coffee and some amazing cakes – all vital for replenishing those burnt-off calories! 
Well done to all those involved making this happen and supporting my first Naked Heart Walk and the first British Naturism visit to this venue. It brought in both members and non-members of British Naturism, including several people that had never experience any form of naked walks before – and importantly only positive reactions and words were shared afterwards.
This Naked Heart Walk, generated a substantial donation for both the Nature Reserve and the British Heart Foundation, with one personal donation to BHF from a participant of £100. Such generosity is hugely appreciated.
A complete success for all involved, the British Heart Foundation and for naturism overall. Please check out the diary for the next Naked Heart Walks. If you are yet to try one, give it a go. They are welcoming, easily self-adapted to all fitness levels, a great place to chat with fellow naturists, and doing wonders for an important charity.
For additional information or to ask questions, contact: nigel.newman@bn.org.uk
 Tom (joined BN in July 25)

Sunday 14 Dec 2025: "The Gate" Bricket Wood, Station Road, AL2 3PW (nr St.Albans)
Doors Open from 6pm. Sit down for 7.30pm. Closes 11pm
£40 BN members. £43 non-BN members.
Sales Close: Sunday 7 Dec 23:59. But we need to have minum number of sales by 9 Nov to confirm the booking.
It's a naturist event so most people will be naked, but partners can be clothing-optoinal so they join us. Please arrive and depart clothed.
Full details of the meal options and how to book, can be found here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/nakedticketstore/1796517
As a result of connections made through BN there was an interfaith naturist mediation day held at Springwood Sun Club (nr Colchester) in August 25. Possibly the first of its kind anywhere in the world. This included practioners from the Buddhist, Shaman, Humanist Quaker, Pantheist and Christian traditions who each led a session.
You’ll be interested to know there is a twice weekly naturist meditation group led by Katherine and Andrew, called “Natural Wellbeing Meditations Group”. Booking is via Eventbrite where you can donate per session or with a weekly or monthly discount. A monthly subscription is also available by contacting: naturalwellbeingmeditations@gmail.com
Every Sunday 9am “Earth Meditation” information and tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1487235012959
Every Thursday 9am “Mindfulness Meditation” information and tickets are available here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1487229315919
College Lake is one of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserves. This thriving nature reserve supports more than 1,000 different wildlife species.  The venue is ideal for a Naked Heart Walk as it is a circular self-guided walk on a gentle footpath with way markers. There is a shop, ample parking and toilets. These walks are clothing optional and you are welcome to complete the walk by yourself or join with others. There are three walks to choose from:
“Time Trail”: 1 ¾ mile which takes you through the geology and history of the Lake
“Bird Trail”: ¾ mile past five bird hides with different views of the lake
“Wild Trail”: a full 2 miles to circumnavigate the Lake (allow 1 hr).
You are welcome to bring binoculars and cameras, but no photographs of people without their explicit consent.
Due to its popularity, and as a special concession to us, the venue will close early to the public but we must not arrive in the car park before 5:15pm. You are welcome to get undressed in the car park but valuables are left at our own risk. Registration starts at 5:30pm. The shop will remain open until 7.30pm but the site must be cleared by 8pm (when it gets dark). There is a local pub a few minutes’ drive away if you arrive early or as a venue for afterwards.
Tickets are limited to a maximum of 50 attendees, so early booking is recommended.
The tickets prices: with options for British Heart Foundation (BHF)
£15 with an attempt to raise funds for BHF
£25 to include a donation for BHF
£35 to include a larger donation to BHF
Notes:
Two motorized mobility vehicles “trampers” are available, but you need to check and reserve one direct with collegelake@bbowt.org.uk saying you are attending the NHW.
The shop will be open until 7.30pm where you can buy cold drinks and snacks.
You can bring your own food onto the site.
Due to the wildlife on site: no dogs are allowed except assistance dogs.
 Tickets here by following the link below...
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/college-lake-nature-reserve-naked-heart-walk-tickets-1455040989769
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
Any questions: nigel.newman@bn.org.uk
https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/college-lake
Post Code: HP23 5QG
What Three Words: ///broadens.ends.pebbles
 
College Lake Map.pdf

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