An 80-year-old naturist appeared in court yesterday accused of indecent exposure – after washing his car on his driveway in nothing but a blue hat.
Kevin Lavelle, of Heald Green, Manchester, upset his neighbours by gardening in the nude. But the final straw was when he began parading about in front of his home, Stockport magistrates heard.
He got an eight-week suspended sentence after admitting three charges of indecent exposure.
SOURCE: mirror.co.uk
Showing posts with label UK News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK News. Show all posts
Naked Gardener, 80, Who Wore Nothing But A Hat
An elderly naturist shocked his neighbours by gardening naked – and even cleaning his house guttering and changing a car wheel with nothing on.
Kevin Lavelle, 80, was hauled before magistrates after long-suffering residents compiled a dossier of evidence against him.
His victims, many of them elderly, told how his antics left them upset and extremely distressed. Lavelle was reported to police last month after neighbours saw him gardening in the front garden of his bungalow wearing nothing but a blue hat...
CONTINUE READING
SOURCE: Manchester Evening News
Kevin Lavelle, 80, was hauled before magistrates after long-suffering residents compiled a dossier of evidence against him.
His victims, many of them elderly, told how his antics left them upset and extremely distressed. Lavelle was reported to police last month after neighbours saw him gardening in the front garden of his bungalow wearing nothing but a blue hat...
CONTINUE READING
SOURCE: Manchester Evening News
Danielle Lloyd does a 'Demi' as she shows off her bump in nude photo shoot...
Many expectant women in their final trimester can be forgiven for feeling tired and weary.
But pregnant model Danielle Lloyd is feeling so confident about her body, she has peeled off for a nude photoshoot in the style of Demi Moore.
Taking inspiration from the Hollywood star's iconic naked shoot for Vanity Fair magazine in 1991, the 27-year-old brunette poses in nothing but her make-up and jewellery in the new issue of Closer...
CONTINUE READING
SOURCE: Mail Online
Mystery Of Nude Pair Who Braved Floods To Push Car
These two cheeky motorists appeared to take the term flash flooding literally as they rescued their stricken vehicle from the water.
The daring duo were pictured by stunned passers-by after they stripped off entirely to avoid soaking their clothes as they attempted to push their Ford people carrier at around 3pm on Friday on Mayfield Road, Liberton.
The pair were captured in the act by insurer Stephen Loy, who was taking pictures of flood damage at the scene...
CONTINUE READING
SOURCE: scotsman.com
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.
Breast-Feeding Mother 'Told To Leave Council Headquarters Because She Would Offend Muslim Visitors'
A breast-feeding mother has been ordered out of council offices after staff said it would 'cause an uproar' among Muslim visitors, it has been claimed.
Emma Mitchell, 32, was about to feed her 19-week-old son, Aaron, when a receptionist at Oldham Civic Centre told her it was a 'multicultural building'.
When she was told to use the toilets of a nearby shopping centre she argued with a manager before being offered an empty room under supervision.
Ms Mitchell, a carer who is currently on maternity leave, said: 'It was just awful. I felt humiliated, intimidated and guilty through the whole thing.
'We all live in Oldham and we all use this building, and I was doing what was one of the most natural things a mum can do....
CONTINUE READING
SOURCE: Mail Online
Mothers Arrange Mass Public Breastfeeding Session
Rose Tolhurst and Anna Higgs persuaded 170 mothers to go along and feed their babies simultaneously in the main concourse to mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
The campaign is supported by mother-of-three and former page 3 model Melinda Messenger.
The women were recruited through Facebook and a “call to arms” on parenting and pro-breastfeeding websites such as lactivist.net.
Although the NHS recommends breastfeeding babies until six months, only three per cent of babies in Britain are breastfed at five months old...
CONTINUE READING
SOURCE: Henley Standard
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
Naked Gardening! Oo-Er! Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Springs Into Life
For the first attendees of this year's Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, the sight of a few scantily clad models - wearing little more than a few blooms - was perhaps not what they were expecting from what is being billed as the largest gardening event of its kind.
The reason for the near nudity? To highlight The Naked Garden, a 'minimalist' show garden designed by David Domoney which brings cubism, space and vision into a horticultural environment.
There are 12 gardens on show this year in the regal grounds of Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace with themes such as environment, education and community taking centre stage...
READ MORE
SOURCE: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2011486/Hampton-Court-Flower-Show-2011-blooms-life.html
Embarrassing Bodies: Teen Special - titillation, education and constipation
TV review: 'Embarrassing Bodies: Teen Special contains graphic scenes of surgery and full frontal nudity from the start and throughout’ we were told before Embarrassing Bodies - less of a warning than a challenge...
READ MORE
SOURCE: http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/reviews/868318-embarrassing-bodies-teen-special-saw-titillation-education-and-constipation
Nude swimmers bear all to attempt world skinny dipping record
Hundreds of people strip off and jump into the freezing cold sea off the Welsh coast in an effort to break the world record for a naked dip.
Skinny-dippers grin and bare it in record attempt
Naked swimmers brave chill waters of Rhossili beach in Wales in fundraising attempt to break world record for mass skinny-dip
Four hundred people stripped naked and plunged into the sea off Wales on Sunday in an attempt to break the world record for the biggest skinny-dip.
The swimmers came from across the UK to brave the chill waters of Rhossili beach, on the Gower peninsula.
The existing record is believed to stand at 250 naked bathers in one location, and organisers plan to submit today's event to adjudicators at Guinness World Records in an attempt to claim the title... Read More.
TEXT SOURCE URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/19/skinny-dip-record-attempt-wales
London and Brighton Naked Bike Ride
A peaceful, imaginative and fun protest against oil dependency and car culture. A celebration of the bicycle and also a celebration of the power and individuality of the human body. A symbol of the vulnerability of the cyclist in traffic. The world's biggest naked protest: 50+ cities and thousands of riders participate worldwide, including around 3,000 in the UK in 2011
A Bedfordshire naturist tells the naked truth
A Bedfordshire naturist says there is a common misconception that all naturists are exhibitionists.
Roni Fine, who was first introduced to the lifestyle by her husband Deane, has been a naturist since 2004.
The couple regularly practise their pastime at the Blackthorn Sun Club near Sharnbrook.
"It's a wonderful feeling of freedom, to be outside on a warm day and feel the air on your body" said Mrs Fine.
According to figures from British Naturism, the UK's national naturist organisation, about 1.2 million people describe themselves as a naturist, with between 10 and 20 times that number admitting to have sunbathed nude or "skinny dipped"... Read More.
TEXT SOURCE URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-13809624
Roni Fine, who was first introduced to the lifestyle by her husband Deane, has been a naturist since 2004.
The couple regularly practise their pastime at the Blackthorn Sun Club near Sharnbrook.
"It's a wonderful feeling of freedom, to be outside on a warm day and feel the air on your body" said Mrs Fine.
According to figures from British Naturism, the UK's national naturist organisation, about 1.2 million people describe themselves as a naturist, with between 10 and 20 times that number admitting to have sunbathed nude or "skinny dipped"... Read More.
TEXT SOURCE URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-13809624
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/
Great British Skinny Dip at Clover Spa & Hotel in aid of Prostate Cancer Research
From 5pm Friday 15th July until 5pm Sunday 17th July
The aim is to get as many people as possible to join in and have a bit of fun. Enjoy the Hot tub whilst you summon up the courage for a few seconds in the cold plunge pool!
If you feel like taking part why not bring some friends too? The more the merrier, we expect the busier times to be between 2 and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
If you just want to come and take a quick skinny dip then entry is free and all we ask is for a donation to the charity.
However if you want to enjoy our facilities to the full, eat, drink and stay for the social then our normal entry fees apply but £10 from each fee will go straight to the charity.
You don’t have to book, but it would be helpful to know from a catering point of view if you are thinking about it.
Just for the fun of it - a Quick Skinny Dip - no charge, just a donation to Prostate Cancer Research please.
CLOVER SPA & HOTEL CHARGES
Half Day Spa session (up to 4 hours) £ 25 per person or £ 40 for two people
Full Day Spa relaxation session £ 40 per person or £ 60 for two people.
2 night Weekend breaks from only £ 180 for two people including full spa use, food, drink and VAT !
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
Clover Spa on Chinese YouTube Video
The Clover Spa and Hotel is a luxury retreat for naturists based in the heart of the Midlands and the perfect place for anyone wishing to try the naturist lifestyle for the first time. Their mission is to promote this unique lifestyle, so that more people can experience the wonderful feeling of liberation from today's material world. They provide superb spa facilities with sauna, steam room, hot tub, cold plunge pool, heated stone loungers and foot spa are complimented by a comfortable lounge and cafe bar serving quality drinks, snacks and light meals. Two treatment rooms for beauty and body therapies.
Clover Spa Website
Book Online Today!
Clover Spa on Facebook
Clover Spa on Twitter
All new RSS address
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Cool or what?
Naked bikers sing Queen birthday song
Cyclists taking part in London's Annual Naked Bike Ride sang Happy Birthday for the Queen outside Buckingham Palace.
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