Jump to content
  • Guest

    Naked Christmas Dining

    By Guest, in London and South East,

    The BN LASER region took place at the Mill Arms, Dunbridge. The Mill Arms is a cosy pub in a little village in the Hampshire countryside. About forty BN members attended for a three course meal. The staff at the Mill Arms were cheerful and welcoming. BN chairman Colin Taylor announced at the beginning that a Sun reporter had changed her mind about about attending …. and she had promised to follow the BN dress code!

    It was a pleasant meal with lots of good conversation. For some of us the heating could have been turned up a little and a visit to the toilets was an ‘Arctic’experience!! 

    The skittle alley was enjoyed by a few of us but the novelty wears off when you are used to playing ten pin bowling and the machine picks up the pins for you. Father Christmas also attended but seemed oddly cold and unmoving! 

    For us it was a second naturist Christmas party in a week having attended the Prested Hall party. Just one more at Springwood club for New Year’s Eve!

    Anyway, thanks to the organisers for a fun afternoon and thanks also to social media star Simon Berryman for the photography. A full set of photos can be found on the BN Official Gallery and future events can be found on the BN regional events page.
    • Guest
    This was put on the forum by El Presidente Mark Bass but just in case it has been missed we have a new regional organiser in London and the South East. After our Organiser and Deputy Organiser  had stood down we  had a vacuum of leadership and we now welcome Tony Lehrer-Fry into the post and wish him well. Tony has a wealth of experience as a naturist, city councillor, volunteer and event organiser.
     
    In Tony's own words, " I've been a naturist since the 1980s and a member of BN since 1996. I retired two years ago. My most recent job before I retired was as a manager with Border Force at Heathrow. I have also worked during my career for a couple of software houses, IBM and for an MP. I live in Southampton but grew up in London so I have lived in both extremes of our region."
    Remember folks that we are still looking for a deputy organiser. Check out this link for all volunteer opportunities in BN.
    Link for volunteering
    Or contact me Andy at  laserpro@bn.org.uk
    Guest
    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.
     
     
    Guest

    Durley House

    By Guest, in London and South East,

    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
    Guest
    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. 
    Guest
    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.

    Guest
    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.
    Guest
    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.
    Guest
    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
    Guest
    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)
    Guest
    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.
    Guest
    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
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.