Martin Warrillow of British Naturism, meets a man of many talents:
A lifetime in journalism has taught me that some interviews are best done over the phone. You ask a reluctant interviewee several leading questions, get the answers you want (probably in less than three sentences each), add your own ‘spin’, write up the interview in a few hundred words – job done.
I travelled all the way from Tamworth in Staffordshire to Totnes in Devon by train to interview Peter Thurley in person – and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Motorcyclist, church organist, campaigner, retired chemist, lifelong naturist, secretary of British Naturism’s south-west region, BN’s representative on the Studland Beach Users Action Group; there are so many facets to this man that I could have happily interviewed him about every one of them separately and come up with a worthwhile and entertaining piece....
CONTINUE READING
Showing posts with label British Naturism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label British Naturism. Show all posts
Don't Forget About The The Great British Skinny Dip 2011 TOMORROW!
Sunday 17 July 2011 - Nationwide!
What is it?
British Naturism’s The Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) is a big, fun event happening across the UK in July. Many locations – including some traditionally clothed venues – will host skinny dips so that anyone can experience the joy of swimming without clothes.
Strip off into something more comfortable
There is nothing quite so liberating and life-affirming as swimming without clothes and the wonderful sensation of the water over your whole body. In fact, the swimsuit is the most pointless item of clothing invented – it neither keeps you warm nor dry! Modern designs also serve to draw attention to the very parts of the body that costumes intend to hide.
Give your birthday suit an airing
We’ve all got one - and it wasn’t designed to be wrapped up in clothes 24/7. Yet cultural issues often mean that simple human nudity is treated with shame, or seen as provocative or dirty. In fact, it’s all good. We all benefit – mentally, physically and psychologically - from shedding our clothes. It’s fun, liberating, relaxing, healthy to be in the fresh air and sunshine, de-stressing, bringing a sense of well-being, and an escape from daily life and social convention.
See more of your friends
You can skinny dip alone, but it’s better with others. We know that newcomers can be hesitant or even embarrassed about being nude in front of others – especially people they know - for the first time, but it quickly becomes normal to be naked among naked people. Poor body image is improved as no-one has a “perfect” body and we’re all different anyway. It is surprising how quickly confidence grows and self-consciousness fades.
Where to bare
If you are ready for a thrilling and different experience that might well change your life, where can you go? We’re in the process of gathering the locations that will feature, so bookmark this page now and keep checking back. You’ll also find a page devoted to the event on Facebook. Anywhere that you can swim can be included such as beaches, lakes, rivers, leisure centres, and municipal/school pools. Many of British Naturism’s member clubs and swims will be hosting sessions.
Participating locations for Sunday 17 July
Corton beach, Lowestoft, Suffolk – hosted by British Naturism. From 10am.
Candy Farm, Wroot Road, Finningley, Doncaster, DN9 3DZ - contact Colin 01302 770861 mob 07751699061, colinatcandy@yahoo.co.uk, web - www.candyfarmcampsite.co.uk. All day, no need to book, just turn up.
Dorset - keep an eye on the website for Naked Swim.
Also, on Saturday 16 July
The Midsummer Skinny Dip, The Pells Pool, Lewes. 7.30 pm – 10.30pm.
South Forest Leisure Centre, Robin Hood Cross-Roads, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9JF (*For sat-nav use postcode: NG21 9JA*) - contact Colin 01302 770861 mob 07751699061 colinatcandy@yahoo.co.uk. 7 30pm to 10 30pm, followed by a drink in the bar - no need to book, just turn up.
...and on Friday 15 July
Western Swimming Club, Chepstow Leisure Centre. 8.15 - 10.15pm - contact 07804 309130 enquiries@westernswimclub.org.uk - no need to book, just turn up, though please bring Photo ID.
Why not arrange one yourself?
For further information, help, advice, or to make suggestions for locations please contact us:
GBSD National Co-ordinator David Ross: david.ross@greatbritishskinnydip.info
British Naturism Commercial Manager Andrew Welch: media@greatbritishskinnydip.info
Get involved and tell us what you think about this event on Facebook!
THE GREAT BRITISH SKINNY DIP – YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR CLOTHES...
**Links** Suntreckers
Today we have added a new link on our Links page for Suntreckers, who are a UK based naturist caravan and camping club:
"Suntreckers was formed in 1982 as a naturist caravan and camping club which has grown to become the UK's largest naturist camping club, with a nationwide membership. We have no permanent site, but hold rallies across the country at both naturist clubs and commercial sites. All under the terms of our Natural England Exemption Certificate on suitable farm sites and private estates.
We have an annual programme of approximately 95 rallies between April and October in 2011,from Cornwall to Cumbria, with a further small number of rallies during the winter months. Rallies vary in duration from a weekend, to 14 day holiday rallies in the UK and on Mainland Europe.
At the beginning of each year members receive a rally year book setting out the programme. With a detailed description of each venue, how to get there, and some information about the surrounding area. All this is backed up by our newsletter "The Trecker", which is posted three times a year free to all members.
Whether you are a seasoned naturist or trying it for the first time, you will be made welcome, we only require that you have a genuine commitment to naturism.
Of course as a camper you must have your own self contained unit be it Tent, Caravan,or Motor home."
Suntreckers are affiliated to the Central Council of British Naturism (aka British Naturism).
So if you love camping as nature intended, get in contact with them!
http://suntreckers.org.uk/
I'm New To This, Me! - A Beginner’s Guide To Naturism
Here's a guide for first-timers to naturism from Roni Fine of British Naturism.
So you’ve decided to become a naturist, now what? Is it that simple - you take your clothes off and that’s it? Well, yes, in principle that’s all you need to do, but there is a whole lot more out there to make naturism an enjoyable way of life.
To be reading this you have obviously got as far as joining BN, or know someone who has, and that is a good way of sourcing information. You can find details of clubs and swims, days out and holiday destinations. Next, you decide to head off to one of these places, but what does this involve? Do you just turn up? What is expected of you? If I had to write a naturist law, I would say, “Do not do anything to upset or offend another person.” But isn’t that a good rule for any community?
There is social etiquette, as in any way of life, but first of all, relax! Naturism is all about the feel good factor, so don’t get stressed out worrying how you are to do it! Just be yourself, only, when it is warm enough, remove your clothes. It is as simple as that - well, okay, there might be a few unwritten rules...
CONTINUE READING
Stripping Our Way Through The Jungle Of (UK) Equality Laws
Roni Fine of British Naturism tries to find a path for naturist clubs through the new Act.
I suspect we have all heard about the “Equality Act 2010” but do we all understand how it might affect us?
Whilst it ought to be enough to think before we speak and respect one another, we now have to be reminded to do so by a law and if we forget our manners, or have no conscience, we pay for it in the courts when we are sued. Maybe we deserve it? But it could be that we just don’t realise we are doing wrong, though that excuse would not be accepted in court.
Laws are frequently written for the workplace and are often not applicable in other areas but restrictions are constantly changing. Private members clubs, (deemed to be so when they have 25 or more members and a selection process for membership) which some naturist clubs are, used to fall outside the area of many rules but are now included along with other associations, so we must all be familiar with current legislation and be ready to make changes to keep within the boundaries. The law protects both club members and those employed within naturist businesses.
The law is a minefield for most of us and what is worse is the fact that politicians seem to forget where they laid their mines, because when you try to find a map of their explosives you find yourself in a maze of references to schedules, sections, paragraphs and dates but never one piece of straightforward advice in everyday English that answers the particular question you presented to them!
Here is my attempt to rectify that! First, you must be aware of the protected characteristics for “Private clubs and other associations”.
These are: race, disability, religion or
belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender
reassignment and pregnancy & maternity.
Race: this includes ethnic or national origins, colour and nationality.
Disability: this is perhaps the easiest one to understand. Having a disability must not affect the way you are treated or your access to places and work. Businesses and service providers need to make “reasonable” adjustments to cater for disabled people such as replacing steps with ramps for wheelchair access, providing specific equipment and allowing “working dogs” into premises.
What is deemed “reasonable” will depend on factors such as practicability and the cost of making the adjustments.
We at Blackthorns have included a disabled accessible toilet (with a wider door and suitably placed grab handles and an emergency alarm pull cord), when we built the extension to our clubhouse and we have drawn up plans to replace existing steps with a ramp to access the static caravan we have for hire.
Religion or Belief: a person must not be made to suffer for their beliefs and it should make no difference to how they are treated. Their needs should be met where possible; if a person of a certain faith asked for a quiet room in which to conduct their prayers and there was one available, it would be deemed reasonable to allow its use.
Sex: Males and females should be treated equally. The obvious example is perhaps equal pay for equal work, or the right for women to vote. Golf clubs can no longer have days on which the ladies cannot play but the men can. However, sporting events can be segregated by gender because the physical strength, stamina or physique of an average woman would put her at a disadvantage compared with an average man. This means we can continue to have separate teams for Petanque and Miniten tournaments, if we choose to.
Sexual Orientation: it must make no difference whether you are heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bi. One’s personal view on this should remain just that and the people involved treated the same as any other. Paternity leave for either parent is now happening in the work place and it would apply to same-sex parents too.
Gender Reassignment: those making a switch from one gender to another must not be persecuted. Suitable facilities such as changing rooms and toilets must be discussed and agreed upon. At least in the naturist community it would be clear who was what, as it would be unlawful to discriminate against someone because they are thought to be transsexual when they are not!
Pregnancy and Maternity: it should make no difference to how women are treated unless there is reasonable belief that it is done in the interest of her, or the baby’s, health and safety. Sick leave from work that is pregnancy-related should not be held against the person or affect their work record. Whilst breastfeeding will be more acceptable in public places, or restaurants, there is no automatic right to do so in the workplace. I think this is one aspect that would be totally acceptable within a naturist club as we are already body-accepting so no-one would be shocked at the sight of a breast or nipple!
british-naturism: this is one more category but it is only in effect within the workplace and not in clubs or businesses who sell services unless, of course, the club or business employs people. A civil partner elsewhere, treated less favourably than a married one, could bring a claim under sexual orientation discrimination.
The Equality Act includes provisions enabling introduction of a ban on Age discrimination by private clubs against their members, associates and guests but these have not been brought into force yet. The Coalition Government is currently considering further how these provisions can be implemented in the best way for businesses and others affected. Things such as child bus tickets and Senior Citizens discounts will have to be considered. It’s been common practice for car insurance to cost more for young males than young females as they are known to have more accidents and cost the companies more in pay-outs, but it might become unlawful to differentiate unless they decide to make exception due to the recorded proof of this fact. There are so many examples that would become unlawful if not carefully considered and allowed for. Clubs can, for the moment, offer concessions where they see fit, but be prepared for change!
There is also, of course, the category of Harassment The law says that“Businesses which provide goods, facilities or services must not allow their customers to be subjected to harassment.” The Equality Act 2010 names two main types of harassment, “unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic” and “unwanted conduct that is sexual in nature”. “The conduct must have the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them”. Harassment only occurs when the conduct is unwanted.
This can involve something directly or indirectly aimed at a person but in hearing it, they can make a claim of harassment.
There is something called “Positive Action” which is done specifically to help someone who has a protected characteristic, such as being underrepresented in an activity or a type of work. I have seen the Fire Brigade advertise for recruits saying “applicants from female ethnic minorities would be favoured” and this would be acceptable if their records showed an under-representation in that category. Of course, all other conditions for the vacancy would have to be equal, such as qualifications and experience. If a golf club has fewer lady members, they could hold an open morning exclusively for women to try the sport. Whilst Positive Action is allowed, it is entirely voluntary. It follows that naturist clubs that have a plentiful supply of single males could also use this proviso and run an advertising campaign to attract single females to balance the numbers. Of course, this would need to be supported by evidence so they would need to consult their records and have facts and figures ready if challenged. They too could hold an open day to welcome women and encourage them to embrace the naturist lifestyle.
Throughout the documents the most common examples refer to a golf club and I do wish naturist clubs were held in the same esteem, but I think the day will come; it’s up to us to portray naturism as a respectable pastime and then maybe we will be used as an example in future!
I think we are all aware there is either a real, or perceived, problem regarding the number of single males in naturism and that is the main area you might need to rethink. So many clubs complain that there are too many single males asking to join and some clubs have, in the past, flatly refused to accommodate them. Private Members Clubs could do this, but always at the risk of being challenged and taken to court where you would have become the test case and the outcome would have depended on who the judge was on the day and what they thought of naturism. Now that there are “Quick Start Guides “ for “Private clubs and other Associations” and for “Businesses who sell goods and services” there really is no excuse to break the law and it would be unwise to think you could get away with it.
Refusing membership to single males will no longer be acceptable. Of course, you can refuse membership for other reasons which you deem will make them unsuitable but it must not involve any of the protected characteristics. (Single membership is not necessarily a reference to marital status but the alternative to a joint membership for two people).
It appears that you could refuse membership for people of single status, as that is not a protected characteristic but it would have to cover both males and females and although the majority of single applicants seem to be male, it would be a shame to turn away single females, but that is for individual clubs to decide.
It also seems you could lawfully recruit within a specified catchment area, but it would have to apply to every member.
Hopefully clubs will allow all genuine, decent, well behaved naturists to join and take the protected characteristics in their stride and not see the new law as a problem, after all, you have nothing to fear if you are on the right side of the law and treating your fellow man, I mean woman, no......I mean people, fairly!
This is my own summary of the Equality Act 2010 as I understand it but I do advise you to view the sites from which I have quoted as they give further explanations and examples:
www.equalities.gov.uk from the GEO
(Government Equalities Office)
www.equalityhumanrights.com
None of the information contained in this feature constitutes legal advice.
I suspect we have all heard about the “Equality Act 2010” but do we all understand how it might affect us?
Whilst it ought to be enough to think before we speak and respect one another, we now have to be reminded to do so by a law and if we forget our manners, or have no conscience, we pay for it in the courts when we are sued. Maybe we deserve it? But it could be that we just don’t realise we are doing wrong, though that excuse would not be accepted in court.
Laws are frequently written for the workplace and are often not applicable in other areas but restrictions are constantly changing. Private members clubs, (deemed to be so when they have 25 or more members and a selection process for membership) which some naturist clubs are, used to fall outside the area of many rules but are now included along with other associations, so we must all be familiar with current legislation and be ready to make changes to keep within the boundaries. The law protects both club members and those employed within naturist businesses.
The law is a minefield for most of us and what is worse is the fact that politicians seem to forget where they laid their mines, because when you try to find a map of their explosives you find yourself in a maze of references to schedules, sections, paragraphs and dates but never one piece of straightforward advice in everyday English that answers the particular question you presented to them!
Here is my attempt to rectify that! First, you must be aware of the protected characteristics for “Private clubs and other associations”.
These are: race, disability, religion or
belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender
reassignment and pregnancy & maternity.
Race: this includes ethnic or national origins, colour and nationality.
Disability: this is perhaps the easiest one to understand. Having a disability must not affect the way you are treated or your access to places and work. Businesses and service providers need to make “reasonable” adjustments to cater for disabled people such as replacing steps with ramps for wheelchair access, providing specific equipment and allowing “working dogs” into premises.
What is deemed “reasonable” will depend on factors such as practicability and the cost of making the adjustments.
We at Blackthorns have included a disabled accessible toilet (with a wider door and suitably placed grab handles and an emergency alarm pull cord), when we built the extension to our clubhouse and we have drawn up plans to replace existing steps with a ramp to access the static caravan we have for hire.
Religion or Belief: a person must not be made to suffer for their beliefs and it should make no difference to how they are treated. Their needs should be met where possible; if a person of a certain faith asked for a quiet room in which to conduct their prayers and there was one available, it would be deemed reasonable to allow its use.
Sex: Males and females should be treated equally. The obvious example is perhaps equal pay for equal work, or the right for women to vote. Golf clubs can no longer have days on which the ladies cannot play but the men can. However, sporting events can be segregated by gender because the physical strength, stamina or physique of an average woman would put her at a disadvantage compared with an average man. This means we can continue to have separate teams for Petanque and Miniten tournaments, if we choose to.
Sexual Orientation: it must make no difference whether you are heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bi. One’s personal view on this should remain just that and the people involved treated the same as any other. Paternity leave for either parent is now happening in the work place and it would apply to same-sex parents too.
Gender Reassignment: those making a switch from one gender to another must not be persecuted. Suitable facilities such as changing rooms and toilets must be discussed and agreed upon. At least in the naturist community it would be clear who was what, as it would be unlawful to discriminate against someone because they are thought to be transsexual when they are not!
Pregnancy and Maternity: it should make no difference to how women are treated unless there is reasonable belief that it is done in the interest of her, or the baby’s, health and safety. Sick leave from work that is pregnancy-related should not be held against the person or affect their work record. Whilst breastfeeding will be more acceptable in public places, or restaurants, there is no automatic right to do so in the workplace. I think this is one aspect that would be totally acceptable within a naturist club as we are already body-accepting so no-one would be shocked at the sight of a breast or nipple!
british-naturism: this is one more category but it is only in effect within the workplace and not in clubs or businesses who sell services unless, of course, the club or business employs people. A civil partner elsewhere, treated less favourably than a married one, could bring a claim under sexual orientation discrimination.
The Equality Act includes provisions enabling introduction of a ban on Age discrimination by private clubs against their members, associates and guests but these have not been brought into force yet. The Coalition Government is currently considering further how these provisions can be implemented in the best way for businesses and others affected. Things such as child bus tickets and Senior Citizens discounts will have to be considered. It’s been common practice for car insurance to cost more for young males than young females as they are known to have more accidents and cost the companies more in pay-outs, but it might become unlawful to differentiate unless they decide to make exception due to the recorded proof of this fact. There are so many examples that would become unlawful if not carefully considered and allowed for. Clubs can, for the moment, offer concessions where they see fit, but be prepared for change!
There is also, of course, the category of Harassment The law says that“Businesses which provide goods, facilities or services must not allow their customers to be subjected to harassment.” The Equality Act 2010 names two main types of harassment, “unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic” and “unwanted conduct that is sexual in nature”. “The conduct must have the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them”. Harassment only occurs when the conduct is unwanted.
This can involve something directly or indirectly aimed at a person but in hearing it, they can make a claim of harassment.
There is something called “Positive Action” which is done specifically to help someone who has a protected characteristic, such as being underrepresented in an activity or a type of work. I have seen the Fire Brigade advertise for recruits saying “applicants from female ethnic minorities would be favoured” and this would be acceptable if their records showed an under-representation in that category. Of course, all other conditions for the vacancy would have to be equal, such as qualifications and experience. If a golf club has fewer lady members, they could hold an open morning exclusively for women to try the sport. Whilst Positive Action is allowed, it is entirely voluntary. It follows that naturist clubs that have a plentiful supply of single males could also use this proviso and run an advertising campaign to attract single females to balance the numbers. Of course, this would need to be supported by evidence so they would need to consult their records and have facts and figures ready if challenged. They too could hold an open day to welcome women and encourage them to embrace the naturist lifestyle.
Throughout the documents the most common examples refer to a golf club and I do wish naturist clubs were held in the same esteem, but I think the day will come; it’s up to us to portray naturism as a respectable pastime and then maybe we will be used as an example in future!
I think we are all aware there is either a real, or perceived, problem regarding the number of single males in naturism and that is the main area you might need to rethink. So many clubs complain that there are too many single males asking to join and some clubs have, in the past, flatly refused to accommodate them. Private Members Clubs could do this, but always at the risk of being challenged and taken to court where you would have become the test case and the outcome would have depended on who the judge was on the day and what they thought of naturism. Now that there are “Quick Start Guides “ for “Private clubs and other Associations” and for “Businesses who sell goods and services” there really is no excuse to break the law and it would be unwise to think you could get away with it.
Refusing membership to single males will no longer be acceptable. Of course, you can refuse membership for other reasons which you deem will make them unsuitable but it must not involve any of the protected characteristics. (Single membership is not necessarily a reference to marital status but the alternative to a joint membership for two people).
It appears that you could refuse membership for people of single status, as that is not a protected characteristic but it would have to cover both males and females and although the majority of single applicants seem to be male, it would be a shame to turn away single females, but that is for individual clubs to decide.
It also seems you could lawfully recruit within a specified catchment area, but it would have to apply to every member.
Hopefully clubs will allow all genuine, decent, well behaved naturists to join and take the protected characteristics in their stride and not see the new law as a problem, after all, you have nothing to fear if you are on the right side of the law and treating your fellow man, I mean woman, no......I mean people, fairly!
This is my own summary of the Equality Act 2010 as I understand it but I do advise you to view the sites from which I have quoted as they give further explanations and examples:
www.equalities.gov.uk from the GEO
(Government Equalities Office)
www.equalityhumanrights.com
None of the information contained in this feature constitutes legal advice.
Parallels in Censorship
By Cathryn Jiggens, Tantra practitioner
I am a proud new member of British Naturism! And here is my story of why. Until fairly recently I hadn’t thought of British Naturism as a cause that might be relevant to me, as something I might actively vote through membership to support. I have, though, quite naturally and spontaneously for many years enjoyed the liberating feeling of being naked in nature, mainly during my many years of travel abroad. The desire to actively support BN as a cause has come about through my own personal experiences of increasingly prohibitive and censorious attitudes to the body, and the extent to which I now see this infringing upon my personal choices. BN information about censorship and briefing papers such as “The Health and Wellbeing of Young People” (see here) on the BN website really spoke to my own experiences, and gave me a feeling of being aligned with the aims of the group.
A six-month spell living in Berlin in 2007 really sealed it for me as a naturist. Entering the sauna in my local health club I encountered a naked man. Assuming it must be ‘men's day’ I promptly left for a swim instead. Only on the third occasion of this happening did I realise it was quite normal to be naked in a mixed-sex sauna in Germany! I happily settled into this new paradigm, so different from the body self-consciousness of my Catholic school upbringing. After all, it seems ridiculous to cover opening and detoxifying sweat glands with synthetic, chemical-based fabrics. Also, walking in forests such as the Grunewald I really enjoyed the sight of whole naturist families – parents and young children – happily hiking along. This expression of naturism particularly touched me, speaking as it did of a loving ease, naturalness and innocence of being – so striking by its absence in the world we have in general created.
Leaving Berlin, I settled in London and was hit by the contrasting attitudes to nudity. At the London Fields Lido and Hampstead pools I have longed to strip off and plunge refreshingly naked into the water as I did so often in Berlin and elsewhere. I spent some time looking on the Internet for a naturist area but apart from the men's area at Hampstead was unable to find anything obvious or designated where I could turn up alone and feel safe to strip off. For reasons of both health (vitamin D intake) and indeed civil liberty, I have felt somewhat aggrieved at this infringement upon my right to choose to be naked. Especially as I, like so many Londoners, have no access to a garden, where I might at the very least exercise this right in private. Even if I did have this private facility though, I feel that what is being discussed here is nothing less than a national public health issue. To cultivate collective health and wellbeing – physically, spiritually and mentally – there is I believe a pressing need in the UK to create an intelligent and considered public sphere for the expression, experience of and dialogue about, the naked human form.
Parallel to my journey into naturism I have for many years been studying and practising Tantra. Tantra is an ancient spiritual discipline no different in its origins to any yoga, Buddhist or meditation class you might find in your local community centre. Because various forms of Tantra incorporate sexual practices though, it is subject to much misunderstanding and misrepresentation. There are many different kinds of Tantra and many different ways to practise it. A genuine Tantra practice is a discipline that involves regular yoga and meditation-style practices, enhancing our capacity to feel aliveness, and cultivating an approach to life rooted in consciousness. Consciousness means that we see life more deeply: we understand ourselves to not be separate from or different to that which surrounds us, and so act with greater integrity towards our fellow beings and the world in general. I have studied mainly neo-Tantra – an evolvement of original Tantra teachings to forms suitable for the western practitioner. These teachings generally place an emphasis on Red Tantra, which includes the cultivation of sexual energy within the context of meditation and breathing practices that increase consciousness.
Put in simple terms, in the West we have been taught for generations that heaven is above us, and hell is down below. For salvation and all that is good, look up; for all that is dirty, sinful and shameful, look down. As pointed out in the BN paper Health and Wellbeing of Young people this leads to shaming euphemisms such as ‘naughty bits’. How sad that this should be the way in which so many conceive of the generator of new life, our sex and reproductive organs. An open approach to sexuality and the body is taboo to varying degrees in much of the West, and particularly so in the collective psyche and attitudes of the UK. It is interesting however to note that the original Polynesian and South Pacific origin of the word ‘tabu’ actually refers to that which is sacred: the application of a taboo actually designating that which is holy. However, it is how we choose to exercise a taboo that has massively varying consequences.
Because something is designated sacred and holy, do we give it a special and thoughtful place in our collective consciousness? Or do we seek to banish, prohibit and outlaw that which is taboo from the public realm? Our society and lawful structures seem to labour under a collective misapprehension of how to approach the taboo. Instead of creating a sacred space for our life force as expressed through the amazing wonder that is our body and sexuality, the force of our law seeks instead to banish that which is most precious from the public realm. The consequences of this are well stated in the BN paper cited above when it states:
“There are thousands of censors, official and unofficial, but there is absolutely nobody with responsibility for combating harmful censorship. Censorship mainly serves to restrict the content of the mainstream media but it does little to restrict the availability of pornography, poor role models or erroneous information.”
The practices of neo-Tantra have evolved in ways that address the circumstances and the collective attitudes towards the body and sexuality prevalent in the West. Tantra is not about sex. It is about how we awaken the energy and aliveness of our spirit, the joyfulness of our being. How we drop into being completely our natural selves without censorship, and without falling into automatic and unquestioned patterns of behaviour that may no longer serve us. And most of all, Tantra is about how to do this fully with consciousness and awareness: in integrity within the context of our relationships with ourselves, our families, fellow beings and the rest of the world.
The experience of ‘energy’ is central to an understanding of Tantra. You may be familiar with concepts of energy through having seen diagrams of the energy centres known as the chakra system, or perhaps you have experienced acupuncture, tai chi or chi gung which all work with the energy body. This may all seem a bit esoteric (or potty!) if they are concepts you are not familiar with…
But the expansion of energy is something that naturists experience every day!!!
In fact from my perspective as a Tantra practitioner, it seems clear that the experience of an expanded energy body is fundamental to the benefits that naturists receive from the experience. A seasoned naturist said to me something like "I can't say what it is about naturism I love. But I just feel so alive, so good about it, I don't know why - but I just do". Tantra and its teachings about energy can help us to understand why this is so. All feelings such as meanness, separation and depression have a tendency to express themselves as a contraction of the energy body. Our energy body quite literally shrinks away from the world, contracting to hide in a safe place deep in the core of our body where no one else can reach it. When we feel open and loving on the other hand, our energy body tends to expand outwards to reach and meet other people. Imagine an open and loving person that you know and think how ‘big’ they feel when they enter the room. How their presence and warmth often announces itself even before we shake their hands. This is the expanded energy body in action! Through our energy body love reaches outwards to meet the other, fear on the other hand contracts energy deep within and away from the other.
Through the act of taking our clothes off, and interacting communally in this way, we tend to stimulate an opening of the energy body. Where collectively we contract and hide away behind clothes, protecting ourselves from what may seem a fearful and chaotic world, the fact of coming together openly in our nakedness tends to have the opposite effect. It encourages the energy body to expand and to open. Stimulated by the sun, fresh air and especially contact with nature and each other, our energy body is encouraged to come out of hiding and to fully meet the world. So a naturist meeting between people can feel much more open, alive and positive than the alternative! And as naturists will know, this is not about sex as some ‘textiles' will perceive naturism to be. It is simply about feeling more alive and connected with the wholeness of our being. You don't have to believe what I am saying about energy, Tantra is not a religion and does not ask for belief. It is an experiential path that asks you simply to notice and observe your experiences, and to draw your own conclusions.
I now work with people offering experiential Tantra work. Most of the one-to-one work that I offer is conducted nude. Because of the taboos of our society, the area where people have contracted most through guilt and shame is generally around the sex centre. My work deliberately includes sexuality in the context of a healing, learning, pleasurable and often transformative experience. The techniques that I draw on incorporate tantric practices utilising breath, movement, sound, meditation and touch. I am also interested in and teach how our capacity to be creative and to play contributes to our overall sense of health and wellbeing. People who come to me may feel that something in their aliveness, naturalness and capacity to feel 'whole' has been blocked. I support them on a creative journey of discovery to move beyond their current conditioning and experience.
Tantra shows us our sexuality not as something isolated and separate, but as a natural and integrated part of a healthy whole. It is probably easiest to understand if you think of receiving a regular massage, during which the whole of our body is treated to healing and attention with the exception of one or three triangular bits depending if you are male or female! There are many studies that show how touch, contact and the feeling of being seen and appreciated are essential to our general health and wellbeing. Yet many people grow up with their whole being appreciated and validated, with the notable exception and exclusion of their sexuality. Mirrors for young persons, in particular when learning about their sexuality, will often come - if at all - in distorted forms through pornography or playground rumour. Using the tools of Tantra, I work with adults of all ages and genders to help them address and move past the consequences of these unhealthy, yet shockingly prevalent attitudes to sex and the body in society.
A final note on censorship - I used to freely advertise my work within the context of health and holistic therapeutic listings through a few popular free sites on the Internet. Recently and without warning, myself and other Tantra practitioners have found their adverts being removed. The only place I can now promote my work on these same sites (if at all), is in sections reserved for prostitutes. It is true that much of what masquerades as Tantra on the Internet is little more than a euphemism for sex services. These misrepresentations are a distortion in the absence of widespread knowledge or understanding about Tantra, set within the context of societal wide prohibitive attitudes to the body and sexuality. These distortions have absolutely nothing to do with Tantra as an authentic path of disciplined learning and growth.
Similarly, the naked body in itself is not about sex, it is simply the naked body in all its natural and wonderful beauty! But somewhere between pornography and 'page 3', the naked body and sex as portrayed in the public sphere has largely become corrupted and corrupting. It is against this backdrop that interests such as Tantra and naturism - which seek to be either body- or sex- (in the case of Tantra) positive - become tainted with suspicion and fear. This has nothing to do with naturism or Tantra at all, and has everything to do with the fears and prejudices of a society that has collectively forgotten how to simply honour and be a person naturally and at ease in the body.
Thus I find myself signing up to the BN cause as I find so many parallels between BN values and that which I promote through my Tantra practice. In fact the potential for body-positive experiences through both Tantra and naturism are so numerous that a cross-fertilisation of ideas, discussion, participation and membership between the two communities seems to me to be a very fertile endeavour. Because naturism has been so misrepresented in various ways in the UK, it has taken me some time to really get to the truth of it. I hope that fellow members of BN will apply the same consideration and take time to understand the real truth of Tantra.
I will be happy to answer questions anyone may have in the BN forums! And I look forward to my participation in BN, particularly the proposed London naturist swim - that gets my vote for sure, and I'm sure many people from the Tantra community will be eager to come along with me!
Visit my new website at www.tantra4tigers.com.
I am a proud new member of British Naturism! And here is my story of why. Until fairly recently I hadn’t thought of British Naturism as a cause that might be relevant to me, as something I might actively vote through membership to support. I have, though, quite naturally and spontaneously for many years enjoyed the liberating feeling of being naked in nature, mainly during my many years of travel abroad. The desire to actively support BN as a cause has come about through my own personal experiences of increasingly prohibitive and censorious attitudes to the body, and the extent to which I now see this infringing upon my personal choices. BN information about censorship and briefing papers such as “The Health and Wellbeing of Young People” (see here) on the BN website really spoke to my own experiences, and gave me a feeling of being aligned with the aims of the group.
A six-month spell living in Berlin in 2007 really sealed it for me as a naturist. Entering the sauna in my local health club I encountered a naked man. Assuming it must be ‘men's day’ I promptly left for a swim instead. Only on the third occasion of this happening did I realise it was quite normal to be naked in a mixed-sex sauna in Germany! I happily settled into this new paradigm, so different from the body self-consciousness of my Catholic school upbringing. After all, it seems ridiculous to cover opening and detoxifying sweat glands with synthetic, chemical-based fabrics. Also, walking in forests such as the Grunewald I really enjoyed the sight of whole naturist families – parents and young children – happily hiking along. This expression of naturism particularly touched me, speaking as it did of a loving ease, naturalness and innocence of being – so striking by its absence in the world we have in general created.
Leaving Berlin, I settled in London and was hit by the contrasting attitudes to nudity. At the London Fields Lido and Hampstead pools I have longed to strip off and plunge refreshingly naked into the water as I did so often in Berlin and elsewhere. I spent some time looking on the Internet for a naturist area but apart from the men's area at Hampstead was unable to find anything obvious or designated where I could turn up alone and feel safe to strip off. For reasons of both health (vitamin D intake) and indeed civil liberty, I have felt somewhat aggrieved at this infringement upon my right to choose to be naked. Especially as I, like so many Londoners, have no access to a garden, where I might at the very least exercise this right in private. Even if I did have this private facility though, I feel that what is being discussed here is nothing less than a national public health issue. To cultivate collective health and wellbeing – physically, spiritually and mentally – there is I believe a pressing need in the UK to create an intelligent and considered public sphere for the expression, experience of and dialogue about, the naked human form.
Parallel to my journey into naturism I have for many years been studying and practising Tantra. Tantra is an ancient spiritual discipline no different in its origins to any yoga, Buddhist or meditation class you might find in your local community centre. Because various forms of Tantra incorporate sexual practices though, it is subject to much misunderstanding and misrepresentation. There are many different kinds of Tantra and many different ways to practise it. A genuine Tantra practice is a discipline that involves regular yoga and meditation-style practices, enhancing our capacity to feel aliveness, and cultivating an approach to life rooted in consciousness. Consciousness means that we see life more deeply: we understand ourselves to not be separate from or different to that which surrounds us, and so act with greater integrity towards our fellow beings and the world in general. I have studied mainly neo-Tantra – an evolvement of original Tantra teachings to forms suitable for the western practitioner. These teachings generally place an emphasis on Red Tantra, which includes the cultivation of sexual energy within the context of meditation and breathing practices that increase consciousness.
Put in simple terms, in the West we have been taught for generations that heaven is above us, and hell is down below. For salvation and all that is good, look up; for all that is dirty, sinful and shameful, look down. As pointed out in the BN paper Health and Wellbeing of Young people this leads to shaming euphemisms such as ‘naughty bits’. How sad that this should be the way in which so many conceive of the generator of new life, our sex and reproductive organs. An open approach to sexuality and the body is taboo to varying degrees in much of the West, and particularly so in the collective psyche and attitudes of the UK. It is interesting however to note that the original Polynesian and South Pacific origin of the word ‘tabu’ actually refers to that which is sacred: the application of a taboo actually designating that which is holy. However, it is how we choose to exercise a taboo that has massively varying consequences.
Because something is designated sacred and holy, do we give it a special and thoughtful place in our collective consciousness? Or do we seek to banish, prohibit and outlaw that which is taboo from the public realm? Our society and lawful structures seem to labour under a collective misapprehension of how to approach the taboo. Instead of creating a sacred space for our life force as expressed through the amazing wonder that is our body and sexuality, the force of our law seeks instead to banish that which is most precious from the public realm. The consequences of this are well stated in the BN paper cited above when it states:
“There are thousands of censors, official and unofficial, but there is absolutely nobody with responsibility for combating harmful censorship. Censorship mainly serves to restrict the content of the mainstream media but it does little to restrict the availability of pornography, poor role models or erroneous information.”
The practices of neo-Tantra have evolved in ways that address the circumstances and the collective attitudes towards the body and sexuality prevalent in the West. Tantra is not about sex. It is about how we awaken the energy and aliveness of our spirit, the joyfulness of our being. How we drop into being completely our natural selves without censorship, and without falling into automatic and unquestioned patterns of behaviour that may no longer serve us. And most of all, Tantra is about how to do this fully with consciousness and awareness: in integrity within the context of our relationships with ourselves, our families, fellow beings and the rest of the world.
The experience of ‘energy’ is central to an understanding of Tantra. You may be familiar with concepts of energy through having seen diagrams of the energy centres known as the chakra system, or perhaps you have experienced acupuncture, tai chi or chi gung which all work with the energy body. This may all seem a bit esoteric (or potty!) if they are concepts you are not familiar with…
But the expansion of energy is something that naturists experience every day!!!
In fact from my perspective as a Tantra practitioner, it seems clear that the experience of an expanded energy body is fundamental to the benefits that naturists receive from the experience. A seasoned naturist said to me something like "I can't say what it is about naturism I love. But I just feel so alive, so good about it, I don't know why - but I just do". Tantra and its teachings about energy can help us to understand why this is so. All feelings such as meanness, separation and depression have a tendency to express themselves as a contraction of the energy body. Our energy body quite literally shrinks away from the world, contracting to hide in a safe place deep in the core of our body where no one else can reach it. When we feel open and loving on the other hand, our energy body tends to expand outwards to reach and meet other people. Imagine an open and loving person that you know and think how ‘big’ they feel when they enter the room. How their presence and warmth often announces itself even before we shake their hands. This is the expanded energy body in action! Through our energy body love reaches outwards to meet the other, fear on the other hand contracts energy deep within and away from the other.
Through the act of taking our clothes off, and interacting communally in this way, we tend to stimulate an opening of the energy body. Where collectively we contract and hide away behind clothes, protecting ourselves from what may seem a fearful and chaotic world, the fact of coming together openly in our nakedness tends to have the opposite effect. It encourages the energy body to expand and to open. Stimulated by the sun, fresh air and especially contact with nature and each other, our energy body is encouraged to come out of hiding and to fully meet the world. So a naturist meeting between people can feel much more open, alive and positive than the alternative! And as naturists will know, this is not about sex as some ‘textiles' will perceive naturism to be. It is simply about feeling more alive and connected with the wholeness of our being. You don't have to believe what I am saying about energy, Tantra is not a religion and does not ask for belief. It is an experiential path that asks you simply to notice and observe your experiences, and to draw your own conclusions.
I now work with people offering experiential Tantra work. Most of the one-to-one work that I offer is conducted nude. Because of the taboos of our society, the area where people have contracted most through guilt and shame is generally around the sex centre. My work deliberately includes sexuality in the context of a healing, learning, pleasurable and often transformative experience. The techniques that I draw on incorporate tantric practices utilising breath, movement, sound, meditation and touch. I am also interested in and teach how our capacity to be creative and to play contributes to our overall sense of health and wellbeing. People who come to me may feel that something in their aliveness, naturalness and capacity to feel 'whole' has been blocked. I support them on a creative journey of discovery to move beyond their current conditioning and experience.
Tantra shows us our sexuality not as something isolated and separate, but as a natural and integrated part of a healthy whole. It is probably easiest to understand if you think of receiving a regular massage, during which the whole of our body is treated to healing and attention with the exception of one or three triangular bits depending if you are male or female! There are many studies that show how touch, contact and the feeling of being seen and appreciated are essential to our general health and wellbeing. Yet many people grow up with their whole being appreciated and validated, with the notable exception and exclusion of their sexuality. Mirrors for young persons, in particular when learning about their sexuality, will often come - if at all - in distorted forms through pornography or playground rumour. Using the tools of Tantra, I work with adults of all ages and genders to help them address and move past the consequences of these unhealthy, yet shockingly prevalent attitudes to sex and the body in society.
A final note on censorship - I used to freely advertise my work within the context of health and holistic therapeutic listings through a few popular free sites on the Internet. Recently and without warning, myself and other Tantra practitioners have found their adverts being removed. The only place I can now promote my work on these same sites (if at all), is in sections reserved for prostitutes. It is true that much of what masquerades as Tantra on the Internet is little more than a euphemism for sex services. These misrepresentations are a distortion in the absence of widespread knowledge or understanding about Tantra, set within the context of societal wide prohibitive attitudes to the body and sexuality. These distortions have absolutely nothing to do with Tantra as an authentic path of disciplined learning and growth.
Similarly, the naked body in itself is not about sex, it is simply the naked body in all its natural and wonderful beauty! But somewhere between pornography and 'page 3', the naked body and sex as portrayed in the public sphere has largely become corrupted and corrupting. It is against this backdrop that interests such as Tantra and naturism - which seek to be either body- or sex- (in the case of Tantra) positive - become tainted with suspicion and fear. This has nothing to do with naturism or Tantra at all, and has everything to do with the fears and prejudices of a society that has collectively forgotten how to simply honour and be a person naturally and at ease in the body.
Thus I find myself signing up to the BN cause as I find so many parallels between BN values and that which I promote through my Tantra practice. In fact the potential for body-positive experiences through both Tantra and naturism are so numerous that a cross-fertilisation of ideas, discussion, participation and membership between the two communities seems to me to be a very fertile endeavour. Because naturism has been so misrepresented in various ways in the UK, it has taken me some time to really get to the truth of it. I hope that fellow members of BN will apply the same consideration and take time to understand the real truth of Tantra.
I will be happy to answer questions anyone may have in the BN forums! And I look forward to my participation in BN, particularly the proposed London naturist swim - that gets my vote for sure, and I'm sure many people from the Tantra community will be eager to come along with me!
Visit my new website at www.tantra4tigers.com.
Pride and Fighting Prejudice
Brian Taylor of British Naturism on how we can all argue for naturism
We should all learn to be proud of our Naturism, because there is much to recommend our way of life. The world would be a better place if everyone were to adopt our lifestyle and beliefs. There is evidence that sexual crime would reduce as well as teenage pregnancies, just for starters. This evidence comes from those nations where social nudity is far more widely accepted, Germany, Denmark and Sweden are all good examples, but are by no means the only ones.
My own experience and one I have heard many other Naturists agree with, is that stripped of the mask of our clothing we become nicer people; more able to relate to one another. The bin man can talk to the barrister without being aware of their different status in society and therefore without being intimidated by those differences. I was asked recently how I defined a Naturist. After much thought, I arrived at Naturists being people who are open and honest enough to simply be themselves. When you have no designer labels to hide behind, what else can you do?
It is with this sense of pride in the benefits of Naturism that I set about trawling through the prejudice shown by the media and some members of the public. Not all media reports are prejudiced and there are signs that things are getting better. A radio presenter I was talking to recently claimed to have noticed a marked improvement over the last five years.
There is still a long way to go and even when a press report is good, it often draws bigoted online comments from a highly prejudiced minority. We know it’s a minority because our survey ten years ago revealed that 88% of the public considered Naturists ‘harmless’ and only 8% thought us ‘disgusting’. It just seems as though that 8% are the most vocal!
An opinion formed without knowledge of the facts, is a prejudice. Here are some of the more common prejudices I encounter and some of the ways I attempt to use facts to counter them:
I don’t mind it myself, but think of other people...
This one is quite easy: If you don’t mind it, what makes you think others will? Our survey results, as mentioned above, are useful here as it shows that the vast majority of people don’t mind it. A variation of this is to say that older people might be shocked; I think it is safe to say that the majority of the older generation have seen it all before and know what a naked person looks like!
A further variation, and a particular favourite, is:
"Not in front of children".
This always warrants special treatment. Firstly I establish that children are not born afraid of nudity – why would they be? I point out how babies and toddlers revel in the freedom of their own nakedness and are completely unfazed by the nakedness of others, of any age. At this point it is always worth pointing out that it is parents’ and society’s prejudices that condition a child into being ashamed of their body and therefore shocked if anyone else reveals their’s. This shame can have very negative consequences in the form of eating disorders or demands for plastic surgery when these children become teenagers. In the course of my work as PRO I sometimes come across quotes that ring so true, I store them away for later use. Here is one of my favourites:
“It’s been shown that young boys raised in a puritanical environment have a greater interest in pornography. Girls raised in a puritanical environment tend to be more ashamed or fearful of their bodies. Children raised in a nudist family are comfortable with their bodies and the bodies of the opposite sex. They’re more likely to understand that the portrayal of the nude body in the media is hyped and false.”
This has lead to many a discussion when I have posted it on someone’s blog or in answer to a question on sites like Yahoo! Answers. Most are convinced by it. It also could give a clue as to why a prudish society might suffer a higher teenage pregnancy rate with curious boys putting pressure on insecure girls...
Whilst on the subject of children:
I’m a Christian, it’s against my religion
For this there is another quote, so useful that I am in danger of over-using it. Pope John Paul II wrote in his book The Theology of the Body:
“The human body can remain nude and uncovered and preserve intact its splendour and its beauty... Nakedness as such is not to be equated with physical shamelessness... Immodesty is present only when nakedness plays a negative role with regard to the value of the person...The human body is not in itself shameful... Shamelessness (just like shame and modesty) is a function of the interior of a person.”
Having said that, I didn’t use it once in all the replies I made to the recent debacle about Manchester Cathedral promoting the Christian Naturists group; surely, the very existence of a Christian Naturist group speaks for itself! I frequently refer people to their website.
Public Nudity is/should be Illegal
Firstly I point out that it isn’t illegal in the UK, although I have to sound a word of caution for Scotland where a more prudish attitude leads to an over-zealous application of the Public Order Act or common law of Outraging Public Decency despite published guidance south of the border that indicates it requires more than simple nudity to secure a conviction.
Another of my favourite quotes, this time from Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, a former home secretary:
“If you want to stop people doing something which they enjoy doing, which they believe is within their liberty of action, then you’ve got to have an overwhelming social case. If you’re going to stop them, you shouldn’t do it out of prejudice or out of habit, but only because you can show that a definite social evil results.”
I then go on to describe many of the social benefits evidenced by those nations where social nudity is more accepted and common and I challenge anyone to come up with a proven social evil. No-one ever has, of course.
All Naturists are old/fat/ugly
If the complainant is any of these things themselves, I sympathise with them over their very poor self-image and point out that Naturism is known to build body- confidence. If they are young, slim and good looking, then I point out that with their attitude they have a sorry life ahead of them as we all get old eventually, or at least the lucky ones do. Mostly I point out that Naturists are more representative of the population as a whole than the photo- shopped models in the media and that their view of humanity has clearly been distorted by that media.
Naturists are all voyeurs/exhibitionists
How then do you explain the joy of stripping off on a sunny day on your own in a secluded place with no-one else about? I suggest they try it sometime, to find out what I mean.
I could go on, but I will conclude by saying that I shouldn’t be a lone voice and would like to encourage all of you to refute prejudice whenever you come across it and have the pride to speak up for the benefits of Naturism. To those who do, I say well done and thanks. BN
We should all learn to be proud of our Naturism, because there is much to recommend our way of life. The world would be a better place if everyone were to adopt our lifestyle and beliefs. There is evidence that sexual crime would reduce as well as teenage pregnancies, just for starters. This evidence comes from those nations where social nudity is far more widely accepted, Germany, Denmark and Sweden are all good examples, but are by no means the only ones.
My own experience and one I have heard many other Naturists agree with, is that stripped of the mask of our clothing we become nicer people; more able to relate to one another. The bin man can talk to the barrister without being aware of their different status in society and therefore without being intimidated by those differences. I was asked recently how I defined a Naturist. After much thought, I arrived at Naturists being people who are open and honest enough to simply be themselves. When you have no designer labels to hide behind, what else can you do?
It is with this sense of pride in the benefits of Naturism that I set about trawling through the prejudice shown by the media and some members of the public. Not all media reports are prejudiced and there are signs that things are getting better. A radio presenter I was talking to recently claimed to have noticed a marked improvement over the last five years.
There is still a long way to go and even when a press report is good, it often draws bigoted online comments from a highly prejudiced minority. We know it’s a minority because our survey ten years ago revealed that 88% of the public considered Naturists ‘harmless’ and only 8% thought us ‘disgusting’. It just seems as though that 8% are the most vocal!
An opinion formed without knowledge of the facts, is a prejudice. Here are some of the more common prejudices I encounter and some of the ways I attempt to use facts to counter them:
I don’t mind it myself, but think of other people...
This one is quite easy: If you don’t mind it, what makes you think others will? Our survey results, as mentioned above, are useful here as it shows that the vast majority of people don’t mind it. A variation of this is to say that older people might be shocked; I think it is safe to say that the majority of the older generation have seen it all before and know what a naked person looks like!
A further variation, and a particular favourite, is:
"Not in front of children".
This always warrants special treatment. Firstly I establish that children are not born afraid of nudity – why would they be? I point out how babies and toddlers revel in the freedom of their own nakedness and are completely unfazed by the nakedness of others, of any age. At this point it is always worth pointing out that it is parents’ and society’s prejudices that condition a child into being ashamed of their body and therefore shocked if anyone else reveals their’s. This shame can have very negative consequences in the form of eating disorders or demands for plastic surgery when these children become teenagers. In the course of my work as PRO I sometimes come across quotes that ring so true, I store them away for later use. Here is one of my favourites:
“It’s been shown that young boys raised in a puritanical environment have a greater interest in pornography. Girls raised in a puritanical environment tend to be more ashamed or fearful of their bodies. Children raised in a nudist family are comfortable with their bodies and the bodies of the opposite sex. They’re more likely to understand that the portrayal of the nude body in the media is hyped and false.”
This has lead to many a discussion when I have posted it on someone’s blog or in answer to a question on sites like Yahoo! Answers. Most are convinced by it. It also could give a clue as to why a prudish society might suffer a higher teenage pregnancy rate with curious boys putting pressure on insecure girls...
Whilst on the subject of children:
I’m a Christian, it’s against my religion
For this there is another quote, so useful that I am in danger of over-using it. Pope John Paul II wrote in his book The Theology of the Body:
“The human body can remain nude and uncovered and preserve intact its splendour and its beauty... Nakedness as such is not to be equated with physical shamelessness... Immodesty is present only when nakedness plays a negative role with regard to the value of the person...The human body is not in itself shameful... Shamelessness (just like shame and modesty) is a function of the interior of a person.”
Having said that, I didn’t use it once in all the replies I made to the recent debacle about Manchester Cathedral promoting the Christian Naturists group; surely, the very existence of a Christian Naturist group speaks for itself! I frequently refer people to their website.
Public Nudity is/should be Illegal
Firstly I point out that it isn’t illegal in the UK, although I have to sound a word of caution for Scotland where a more prudish attitude leads to an over-zealous application of the Public Order Act or common law of Outraging Public Decency despite published guidance south of the border that indicates it requires more than simple nudity to secure a conviction.
Another of my favourite quotes, this time from Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, a former home secretary:
“If you want to stop people doing something which they enjoy doing, which they believe is within their liberty of action, then you’ve got to have an overwhelming social case. If you’re going to stop them, you shouldn’t do it out of prejudice or out of habit, but only because you can show that a definite social evil results.”
I then go on to describe many of the social benefits evidenced by those nations where social nudity is more accepted and common and I challenge anyone to come up with a proven social evil. No-one ever has, of course.
All Naturists are old/fat/ugly
If the complainant is any of these things themselves, I sympathise with them over their very poor self-image and point out that Naturism is known to build body- confidence. If they are young, slim and good looking, then I point out that with their attitude they have a sorry life ahead of them as we all get old eventually, or at least the lucky ones do. Mostly I point out that Naturists are more representative of the population as a whole than the photo- shopped models in the media and that their view of humanity has clearly been distorted by that media.
Naturists are all voyeurs/exhibitionists
How then do you explain the joy of stripping off on a sunny day on your own in a secluded place with no-one else about? I suggest they try it sometime, to find out what I mean.
I could go on, but I will conclude by saying that I shouldn’t be a lone voice and would like to encourage all of you to refute prejudice whenever you come across it and have the pride to speak up for the benefits of Naturism. To those who do, I say well done and thanks. BN
The Great British Skinny Dip 2011
Sunday 17 July 2011 - Nationwide!
What is it?
British Naturism’s The Great British Skinny Dip (GBSD) is a big, fun event happening across the UK in July. Many locations – including some traditionally clothed venues – will host skinny dips so that anyone can experience the joy of swimming without clothes.
Strip off into something more comfortable
There is nothing quite so liberating and life-affirming as swimming without clothes and the wonderful sensation of the water over your whole body. In fact, the swimsuit is the most pointless item of clothing invented – it neither keeps you warm nor dry! Modern designs also serve to draw attention to the very parts of the body that costumes intend to hide.
Give your birthday suit an airing
We’ve all got one - and it wasn’t designed to be wrapped up in clothes 24/7. Yet cultural issues often mean that simple human nudity is treated with shame, or seen as provocative or dirty. In fact, it’s all good. We all benefit – mentally, physically and psychologically - from shedding our clothes. It’s fun, liberating, relaxing, healthy to be in the fresh air and sunshine, de-stressing, bringing a sense of well-being, and an escape from daily life and social convention.
See more of your friends
You can skinny dip alone, but it’s better with others. We know that newcomers can be hesitant or even embarrassed about being nude in front of others – especially people they know - for the first time, but it quickly becomes normal to be naked among naked people. Poor body image is improved as no-one has a “perfect” body and we’re all different anyway. It is surprising how quickly confidence grows and self-consciousness fades.
Where to bare
If you are ready for a thrilling and different experience that might well change your life, where can you go? We’re in the process of gathering the locations that will feature, so bookmark this page now and keep checking back. You’ll also find a page devoted to the event on Facebook. Anywhere that you can swim can be included such as beaches, lakes, rivers, leisure centres, and municipal/school pools. Many of British Naturism’s member clubs and swims will be hosting sessions.
Participating locations for Sunday 17 July
Corton beach, Lowestoft, Suffolk – hosted by British Naturism. From 10am.
Candy Farm, Wroot Road, Finningley, Doncaster, DN9 3DZ - contact Colin 01302 770861 mob 07751699061, colinatcandy@yahoo.co.uk, web - www.candyfarmcampsite.co.uk. All day, no need to book, just turn up.
Dorset - keep an eye on the website for Naked Swim.
Also, on Saturday 16 July
The Midsummer Skinny Dip, The Pells Pool, Lewes. 7.30 pm – 10.30pm.
South Forest Leisure Centre, Robin Hood Cross-Roads, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9JF (*For sat-nav use postcode: NG21 9JA*) - contact Colin 01302 770861 mob 07751699061 colinatcandy@yahoo.co.uk. 7 30pm to 10 30pm, followed by a drink in the bar - no need to book, just turn up.
...and on Friday 15 July
Western Swimming Club, Chepstow Leisure Centre. 8.15 - 10.15pm - contact 07804 309130 enquiries@westernswimclub.org.uk - no need to book, just turn up, though please bring Photo ID.
Why not arrange one yourself?
For further information, help, advice, or to make suggestions for locations please contact us:
GBSD National Co-ordinator David Ross: david.ross@greatbritishskinnydip.info
British Naturism Commercial Manager Andrew Welch: media@greatbritishskinnydip.info
Get involved and tell us what you think about this event on Facebook!
THE GREAT BRITISH SKINNY DIP – YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR CLOTHES...
"I'm New To This, Me!"
Roni Fine of British Naturism gives a beginner’s guide to naturism
So you’ve decided to become a naturist, now what? Is it that simple - you take your clothes off and that’s it? Well, yes, in principle that’s all you need to do, but there is a whole lot more out there to make naturism an enjoyable way of life.
To be reading this you have obviously got as far as joining BN, or know someone who has, and that is a good way of sourcing information. You can find details of clubs and swims, days out and holiday destinations. Next, you decide to head off to one of these places, but what does this involve? Do you just turn up? What is expected of you? If I had to write a naturist law, I would say, “Do not do anything to upset or offend another person.” But isn’t that a good rule for any community?
There is social etiquette, as in any way of life, but first of all, relax! Naturism is all about the feel good factor, so don’t get stressed out worrying how you are to do it! Just be yourself, only, when it is warm enough, remove your clothes. It is as simple as that - well, okay, there might be a few unwritten rules
It can seem a little daunting to undress in front of perfect strangers – and if it is your first time, no one is going to force you until you are ready - take your time and feel comfortable. Once you are with a group of naked people, you often feel the odd one out if dressed. Once you strip off, you feel one of the crowd and it feels completely normal! You can generally choose where to undress - not necessarily with an audience! It is best to choose clothing that is easy to deal with, so as not to attract attention to yourself - something simple that pulls off and on with little effort. T-shirt and shorts for the men. A simple sun-dress for the ladies. Women often feel very exposed when first going naked, so it can be a good idea to wear a sarong. You can very simply loosen and drop the sarong as you sit down and tie it again as you get up, without drawing attention to yourself. You will soon be able to get up and walk without even thinking of replacing it.
Don’t worry that you will no longer have the need to buy a new dress – sorry, gentlemen, but when your lady says she has nothing to wear, she isn’t joking! Naturist venues mainly involve evening socials to be clothed events, as handling food or each other on the dance floor is generally considered to be best carried out fully clothed.
You might well be wondering where to look and thinking it will be embarrassing to be close to other people when undressed. Don’t fret - it will be easier than you imagine. There is far more eye contact between naturists and perhaps this concentrates the mind on the conversation, as it is often said how friendly and approachable naturists are. It is obvious etiquette not to stare at people, but as always, “Do unto others as you wish to be done by” stands fast.
The biggest fear of taking part as a naturist is usually the person’s own lack of self-esteem. They think their body is not good enough to be seen. Am I right? Is that what you have been thinking? That it is all right for those who are slim, trim and toned, beautifully tanned and attractive? Well, think again! Naturists are not that small a section of the population, we are a whole cross-section of all shapes and sizes, from all backgrounds and of all ages: a thoroughly mixed bunch of people, so yes, you too can be a naturist! Do not worry that you have a body problem that might stop you from being unclothed, as the naturist community is the one place that is totally accepting and you will not find prejudice or ridicule. I have witnessed this and been told directly by people with artificial limbs, mastectomies, cellulite and scars.
What I hear time and again is that naturism is a great leveller, by which people mean that once the clothing identity is removed, we see the real person and take more notice of their true self - their attitude, their intelligence, their friendliness, their sense of humour and their feelings. Gone is the need to dress to impress and hide behind a false persona.
People often worry about the effect naturism has on children, but it is the children who love to be free of clothing and it is only the grown-ups who finally make them feel ashamed of their bodies. By raising children in a naturist community you will be raising them with fewer hang-ups and greater understanding of their peers.
And no white bits! What could possibly persuade you to be a naturist more than having no white bits?! Bodies look best when they have an all-over colour! But don’t worry if you are a redhead and burn easily - naturism isn’t just about getting a suntan, it is about being natural and feeling good, and you can do that in the shade, too!
Many men are genuinely worried that they might suffer a natural reaction to an attractive female, but they soon appreciate that we are dealing with non-sexual nudity and it is the addition of clothing that adds the sexual connotation. Having said that, it is a good idea to carry a towel. It can be held in front of your body if you feel rather exposed, and it also provides you with something to do with your hands when standing around, initially feeling very much on show. You will soon feel totally at ease and just drape it over your arm or shoulder. Of course, it is a compulsory accessory for every naturist as it is etiquette, for obvious reasons, to sit on your own towel when using communal seating.
Ladies, you might wonder what to do when you have a period and the answer is simple – wear whatever is comfortable for you. Of course, it would soon be noticed in most clubs if you never uncovered, as the majority are not clothes- optional. You do need to have the intention to be naturist whenever possible. This leads to another frequently asked question: “What do you do when it gets cold?” The answer to this is more obvious than people imagine: we get dressed! It is strange how people still think naturists remain naked whatever the weather, and I always explain that we are naturists, not masochists! What you will find is that you need to carry something warm but easy to slip on, as the temperature in this country changes, like the…er…weather!
There are many jokes about what to do with your money and keys, as you have no pockets, and there are no prizes for realising that the female half of a couple always ends up with everything in her handbag – but isn’t that always the case, anywhere? It goes almost without saying that cooking, especially barbecueing, is best done wearing an apron, if only to dispel those silly jokes about cooking the wrong sausage, but also to protect oneself from spitting fat!
Body piercings and tattoos are often a cause for concern. I have never heard of objections to tattoos - just the occasional cringe at the thought of the pain involved in obtaining them! I believe nipple jewellery is generally accepted, but some clubs frown on genital piercings, especially if they are not discreet, so it might be wise to make enquiries before turning up fully adorned.
Naturism can mean different things to different people and you need to decide what the right path is for you. Some people are happy to throw off their clothes when home alone or in the privacy of their own secluded garden (lucky things!), and this is enough for them, but others want to be part of a community and use naturism to meet like-minded individuals. This can open up a whole new world to you, full of new friends and activities linking you with people all over the country, indeed, the world.
For some, naturism is more of an outdoor pastime and they find somewhere to walk off the beaten track. You need to carry some instant clothing to ensure a quick cover-up, but the worry of meeting someone who objects does rather spoil the tranquillity of the moment. Hence people visit beaches that have been set aside, although some involve a hike to reach them, so you must be fit! However nice these designated beaches are, the other problem I must warn you of is that they are still public and there is the chance of people attending for the wrong reason. I am, of course, referring to the presence of ‘meerkats’. If you have ever watched a nature programme about these animals, you will instantly recognise the similarity between them and the rogue males who bob up and down in the sand-dunes to view naked bodies. When behaviour gets beyond that which can be ignored it needs reporting. Regrettably, naturists are loath to do this for fear of local people and council officials using these incidents to close these beaches to them. We don’t want these people polluting our beaches either, so please report them to the police or get advice from BN. Please don’t think all single males are prone to this behaviour - it is a minority group. There is safety in numbers, so place yourself near others and you will find true naturists are a friendly group and that it is easy to engage in conversation. You will soon have someone to watch over your belongings whilst you wander down to the water’s edge.
If a trip to the beach is too far to be worthwhile as the weather might have changed before you get there, then a club is your best bet. You might not have the waves lapping and the sand under your feet, but you will find yourself in a friendly, relaxed, comfortable and safe atmosphere. Does that sound like I am biased towards clubs? Well, maybe I am, because I love what I have at Blackthorns and I don’t deny it! But I also love to visit the Welsh Morfa Dyffryn beach. I will put up with the slight possibility of ‘meerkats’ for the beauty of the sea and sand and if I lived closer, I would be there every weekend. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, by joining a club you are instantly in a safe, secluded environment where everyone is there for the right purpose and this creates a relaxed atmosphere, enabling you to get on with feeling good! Most clubs consist of a pool and sunbathing lawns and a good social scene, with dances and gatherings as well as sporting facilities, which can be for fun or competition. By belonging to CCBN you can join teams and compete against other clubs.
A lot of people discover naturism when holidaying abroad and finding themselves on a naturist beach by accident - or so they say! Perhaps it is their way of trying it out without admitting that it has been their lifelong wish!
There are a growing number of classy holiday destinations for naturists, whether at naturist hotels, near naturist beaches or at a proper naturist complex where you can literally remain undressed day and night for the whole of your stay, whether on the beach, at the bar, in the restaurant or at the supermarket. There is a whole world of naturism to discover out there.
Well, there you are - all set to face the naturist population with pride and confidence. Now I must dash out and buy a new towel as I have just realised that I haven`t any to go with my new red shoes. Oh, and I need a red hat, too…or should I get purple? Oh dear! I just have NOTHING to wear!
Shark Naked!
A hundred and fifty people visited a Cornish Aquarium naked this week to promote Naturism.
The event at Blue Reef in Newquay, part of Nudefest 2011, was one of the largest ever nude group visits to a UK aquarium.
Naturists will be attending organised events right across the county all this week.
Hundreds of committed nudists are staying at a North Coast campsite who’ve extended their holiday time for 2011.
British Naturism’s Commercial Manager Andrew Welch said: “Nudefest is a well-established and hugely popular event in the naturist calendar... Read More.
TEXT SOURCE URL: http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2011/06/16/shark-naked/
Naked Britain
This three part series [made in 2009] follows Dr Jack Lewis as he travels the breath and length of Britain to see if Blighty really is as prudish and squeamish as our stuffy-nosed international reputation suggests.
That isn't to say Dr Jack is a bastion of hippy, free-loving, 'get-your-kit-off' exhibitionism though and he's forced to not only attempt to make the great British public open up about their bodies, but confront his own prejudices along the way.
This light-hearted, highly amusing series sees Dr Jack explore the world of naturism, the relationship between nudity and art, and the seemingly geneological nationalistic inherency of finding everything nudey very very naughty.
As Jack himself says: “Nudity is such a complex subject. When you’re a kid, you have no inhibitions, but then puberty happens and the shyness kicks in. Britain also makes an unwavering connection between nudity and sex. Scandinavian countries are more open-minded, and are able to separate non-sexual nudity from the sexual. The British can’t, it’s the Victorian hangover.”
TEXT SOURCE URL: http://tv.sky.com/naked-britain-review
Naturism is not a spectator sport
Roni Fine of British Naturism asks: “Can clothes be a choice?”
How many times have you been caught up in the old argument amongst naturists regarding whether places should be naturistonly or clothes-optional? Would it attract the voyeurs or entice the hesitant person to take part? In an ideal world, it shouldn’t matter who is clothed and who isn’t, but we are not there yet!
Which side of the argument do you take and have you considered it from all angles?
Public beaches that allocate us a sectionwhere we can undress, without being marched off to the local police station because someone stopped to look and then got embarrassed by what they saw, are very pleasant. What better pastime than to laze on the sand, take a leisurely naked walk, fresh air caressing the skin, to the water’s edge? Ah, but some beaches attract the local “meerkats” and the tranquillity is broken by their antics. The few, but nuisance, rogue males who haunt the dunes and pop up and down peering at naturists have been reported to actually position themselves within close proximity to others, even families, and do things to themselves that I think should only be done in private!
This behaviour gives true naturists a bad reputation and frightens away many a reluctant female when her partner had been keen for her to try it out. If naturist beaches attract the “wrong sort” of person, who is taking the opportunity to view the human body with a little more enthusiasm than seems comfortable, then maybe they should not be allowed to share the same areas. We need to protect these beaches, as the local councils will decide to close them to naturism for the slightest of reasons. Even the police can seem to be ignorant of the law and tend to think removing the naturist is the easy option, as not many of us dare to fight back.
Holiday destinations, especially in warmer climes, are popular but beware of the more liberal-minded resorts that permit quite extraordinary antics on the beach! I am not totally against such behaviour, but we advertise naturism as a safe family lifestyle and a non-sexual nudity, so it harms our reputation to have swingers and promiscuous behaviour taking place under the guise of naturism. Let’s segregate ourselves from them for our own protection.
Naturist swimming events at public pools seem to work best when they involve membership, as I often hear open events are overcrowded with men, especially those that make women feel uncomfortable as they seem to be there to look rather than swim. Naturist women don’t object to men; it’s only their behaviour that might worry them, not their presence.
I believe clubs are the best place to practise our lifestyle, as they provide uswith a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
Where else can you strip naked and feel at total ease? We are all there for the same reason and the correct one: to relax in a naked state without upsetting or offending a single soul. It follows then, that no one should be upsetting or offending us either! We are in the age of “equality”, are we not?
I am sure we are like many clubs in that we encourage people to attend Blackthorns hoping they will gain confidence and understand why we do it, but if they flatly refuse to try, then why would they want to continue attending? I’ve heard many say they don’t object to us being naked, but it is not for them. But why would we accept this? You don’t join a golf club and walk round the green dragging a set of golf clubs, but never using them! You walk elsewhere.
You don’t join a weight-watchers group and go along each week munching away on pizza, chocolate cake and ice cream whilst watching the others step on the scales trying hard not to be tempted by these tasty foods! You go to a restaurant.
Naturism is not a spectator sport and though I don’t want to appear paranoid, I feel uncomfortable if people turn up to watch us rather than join in. I would question their intentions. Wouldn’t you?
We get quite a few men with reluctant partners and these men are the ones who wish it was a clothes-optional club, so that they could bring their partner and she need not undress and I do understand that. But, (and there is nearly always a “but”, isn’t there?), this is a situation that can easily get out of hand.
Don’t forget, whilst both sexes might not object to a few clothed women attending, clothed men do not seem to be so readily accepted by either sex.
With today’s equality acts governing all aspects of our lives, if we allow men to bring non-naturist women then we could not refuse women bringing non-naturist men, and how comfortable would we be with them sat on our patio, gleefully enjoying the view? We have to remember we can no longer legally make exceptions. We have to treat everyone the same!
We couldn’t say it’s all right for couples to be clothes-optional, but not allow single people the same choice so we could be inundated with clothed males: again, I am drawing on my experience of membership requests at Blackthorns. We have few single women join, but many single men and a fair amount of single men apply who seem to want to view rather than participate. (If any of you are long-standing BN members you might recall my article campaigning for the acceptance of single men, so please don’t think I am anti!) I am all for anyone joining, just so long as they are naturist-orientated and not thrill seekers!
Try as I might to accept it, I know I feel uncomfortable if there are clothed people amongst us, and my ability to relax is disturbed by those who do not understand naturism and whose views are reflected on their judgmental faces.
It isn’t that we don’t sympathise with nervous prospective members, and we give them ample time and understanding and a little privacy to try it out at their own pace, and very often they take to it and wish afterwards that they had done it sooner!
Strangely enough, it is often the clothed person who feels out of place if they attend on a particularly sunny day when everyone else is naked! If that doesn’t make them undress, then maybe nothing will!
We also welcome friends and relatives to evening socials when we are dressed and always hope they see the normality of naturists and overcome their initial doubts and fears!
We make allowances for the children, as they are brought to the club by their parents; all we ask is that they are encouraged to enjoy the freedom that this lifestyle brings and most of them do. It is then for them to decide if they wish to join in their own right, as naturists, when they turn eighteen.
Like it or not, we have to be realistic and accept that there are always the few proverbial rotten apples in the barrel and there will always be people who try to join clubs for the wrong reasons.
The erratic British weather is another consideration. Isn’t it funny how many times we are asked, “Isn’t it cold in the winter?”, but we mustn’t take it for granted that they know what we do, as it is usually done behind closed doors! I am not of the old brigade that insisted members stripped on entering the gate and remained undressed until they left, whatever the weather!
People’s tolerance of temperature varies and whilst some are wearing jumpers when others are in t-shirts we would expect them to undress when the sun is shining and temperatures are in the eighties! Likewise, when people insist they cannot undress as they are fair-skinned and burn easily, we point out they need not sit in direct sunlight, but can enjoy their nakedness under the shade of tree or parasol. To sit in the sun fully clothed, complaining of the heat seems a little weird in a naturist environment.
So do you really feel there is a need for naturism to become clothes-optional?
Please think about the consequences!
Clover Spa - The new high-quality naturist venue in the West Midlands
Martin Warrillow enjoys a warm welcome on a cold afternoon at an exciting new naturist venue in the West Midlands.
In a previous life, I used to work on the sports desk of a well-known daily newspaper in Birmingham. It was an evening job, meaning I started my shift at 3pm and travelled the 20 miles home on near-deserted roads, watching out for bored policemen carrying speed cameras and breathalyser testers, at around 12.30am the following morning.
I did that journey five nights a week for the best part of 17 years so that it became second nature, the surroundings flashing by as I made my way home. I wonder what I would have thought had I known that now, just over two years after I stopped making that daily trek, one of the smartest, best quality indoor naturist venues in the country would lie a matter of 100 yards off my regular route?
The brainchild of Tim Higgs, a long-time farmer and hotel owner from Warwickshire, Clover Spa pushes the boundaries of these kinds of venues. Appealing to both overnight guests and day visitors, it is already attracting positive comments from naturists all over the country for its classy ambience and welcoming atmosphere.
On the January weekend when my wife and I paid a visit, couples from the north, south and west of the UK had stopped overnight and we met one man from Glasgow who was on a three-day stay. He loves Clover Spa so much he plans to return for another weekend in the autumn.
Once guests have undressed, it’s into the hotel itself and a spa area with spotless showers, steam room, sauna, plunge pool and heated beds; yes, the beds and the floor are warmed to just the right temperature. How many other venues have thought of that?
The sauna was nicely hot but not overwhelming – it was only on my third visit that I realised I needed to remove the chain I wear around my neck, for fear of scalding myself!
From there, it’s on to the bistro area with a satellite television on the wall, a central bar from where food and drink is served by friendly and welcoming staff, with smartly appointed chairs and tables where guests can relax.
We chose not to eat, having a meal waiting for us at home, but we spoke to guests who had sampled the food and ‘Twelve out of Ten‘ seemed to be the verdict.
Just off the bistro area is the room where beauty treatments including facials, manicures, massages, reflexology and healing therapies are on offer at reasonable prices.
Clearly, a huge amount of thought and effort has gone into this venue, an impression confirmed by a chat with Tim. A naturist since experiencing saunas in Finland, while on holiday as a teenager, “a good many years ago!” Tim was a farmer in Warwickshire before moving into the hotel business 18 years ago. He managed the building in which Clover Spa is now housed, as well as a sister hotel next door, for well over a decade before deciding that ‘it was now or never’ to fulfil his dream of launching this kind of venue. Building began in the summer of 2009, the ‘old‘ hotel closed at Easter 2010 and Clover Spa opened just before Christmas, shortly after some of its staff had visited BN’s Alton Towers weekend where Clover Spa acted as main sponsor and put on a display in the exhibition centre.
Since then, reaction has been nothing but positive. “We’ve had people come from all over the country and some really good comments,” said Tim. “We hope to be able to appeal to more than just established naturists, because this kind of thing can be a very good introduction for those just thinking of getting into naturism.”
Pleasingly, the neighbours in what is one of Birmingham’s smarter middle-class suburbs have also been friendly. “When we were first thinking of doing it and went around the neighbours, some people did jump to the wrong conclusion but that quickly died away,” said Tim. “We made it clear that we maintain high standards, we have fences all around the property and in the summer, when the trees are in full bloom, no-one will be able to see into the garden. The hot tub can’t be seen anyway.”
In my opinion, Clover Spa is one of the most innovative, interesting naturist venues to open in a long time. It deserves to succeed and the reactions of those who have already been seem to agree with me. If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend you do – and don’t let distance put you off!
Clover Spa Website
Book Online Today!
Clover Spa on Facebook
Clover Spa on Twitter
Clover Spa - The new high-quality naturist venue in the West Midlands
Martin Warrillow enjoys a warm welcome on a cold afternoon at an exciting new naturist venue in the West Midlands.
In a previous life, I used to work on the sports desk of a well-known daily newspaper in Birmingham. It was an evening job, meaning I started my shift at 3pm and travelled the 20 miles home on near-deserted roads, watching out for bored policemen carrying speed cameras and breathalyser testers, at around 12.30am the following morning.
I did that journey five nights a week for the best part of 17 years so that it became second nature, the surroundings flashing by as I made my way home. I wonder what I would have thought had I known that now, just over two years after I stopped making that daily trek, one of the smartest, best quality indoor naturist venues in the country would lie a matter of 100 yards off my regular route?
The brainchild of Tim Higgs, a long-time farmer and hotel owner from Warwickshire, Clover Spa pushes the boundaries of these kinds of venues. Appealing to both overnight guests and day visitors, it is already attracting positive comments from naturists all over the country for its classy ambience and welcoming atmosphere.
On the January weekend when my wife and I paid a visit, couples from the north, south and west of the UK had stopped overnight and we met one man from Glasgow who was on a three-day stay. He loves Clover Spa so much he plans to return for another weekend in the autumn.
Once guests have undressed, it’s into the hotel itself and a spa area with spotless showers, steam room, sauna, plunge pool and heated beds; yes, the beds and the floor are warmed to just the right temperature. How many other venues have thought of that?
The sauna was nicely hot but not overwhelming – it was only on my third visit that I realised I needed to remove the chain I wear around my neck, for fear of scalding myself!
From there, it’s on to the bistro area with a satellite television on the wall, a central bar from where food and drink is served by friendly and welcoming staff, with smartly appointed chairs and tables where guests can relax.
We chose not to eat, having a meal waiting for us at home, but we spoke to guests who had sampled the food and ‘Twelve out of Ten‘ seemed to be the verdict.
Just off the bistro area is the room where beauty treatments including facials, manicures, massages, reflexology and healing therapies are on offer at reasonable prices.
Clearly, a huge amount of thought and effort has gone into this venue, an impression confirmed by a chat with Tim. A naturist since experiencing saunas in Finland, while on holiday as a teenager, “a good many years ago!” Tim was a farmer in Warwickshire before moving into the hotel business 18 years ago. He managed the building in which Clover Spa is now housed, as well as a sister hotel next door, for well over a decade before deciding that ‘it was now or never’ to fulfil his dream of launching this kind of venue. Building began in the summer of 2009, the ‘old‘ hotel closed at Easter 2010 and Clover Spa opened just before Christmas, shortly after some of its staff had visited BN’s Alton Towers weekend where Clover Spa acted as main sponsor and put on a display in the exhibition centre.
Since then, reaction has been nothing but positive. “We’ve had people come from all over the country and some really good comments,” said Tim. “We hope to be able to appeal to more than just established naturists, because this kind of thing can be a very good introduction for those just thinking of getting into naturism.”
Pleasingly, the neighbours in what is one of Birmingham’s smarter middle-class suburbs have also been friendly. “When we were first thinking of doing it and went around the neighbours, some people did jump to the wrong conclusion but that quickly died away,” said Tim. “We made it clear that we maintain high standards, we have fences all around the property and in the summer, when the trees are in full bloom, no-one will be able to see into the garden. The hot tub can’t be seen anyway.”
In my opinion, Clover Spa is one of the most innovative, interesting naturist venues to open in a long time. It deserves to succeed and the reactions of those who have already been seem to agree with me. If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend you do – and don’t let distance put you off!
Clover Spa Website
Book Online Today!
Clover Spa on Facebook
Clover Spa on Twitter
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