NEWS

Naturists reveal the naked truth

Naturist on Hokham beach.

15 August 2006 06:45

It turned out to be rather a nice day to strip off on a Norfolk beach . . . if that's your thing, of course.

After a night of heavy rain and high winds, a group of naturists who held a "come and try it" day at Holkham, near Wells, were delighted to be welcomed by blue sky, warm sun and only a light breeze.

While sporting just your birthday suit in public is certainly not the done thing for the vast majority of the nation, British Naturism now boasts a membership of 16,000 nationwide.

The event at Holkham - which is already a recognised naturist beach - was one of five "taster days" around the country this summer which BN is using to tell and show people more about what they do.

Beach volleyball, bowls, and kite flying were among the activities the participants got up to on Sunday, as well as having a chat and soaking up an all-over tan.

But isn't naturism offensive to the majority of people and just an excuse for exhibitionism?

"Not at all," said national BN president Pat Thompson, who was one of about 20 people at Holkham.

"We have respect for others, respect for ourselves and respect for the environment.

"Naturism is a lovely feeling and it is about being at one and there are no social barriers. We have everyone from a vicar to street cleaners to teachers to doctors and dentists who belong."

Mrs Thompson said the so-called "buff pound" - what naturists spend around the country each year - was worth tens of millions of pounds to the economy.

Her husband Steve, who works for BT, is BN's photographer and he said: "When you go on to a textile beach (the description for a "normal beach") no one speaks to you. When you go on to a naturist beach everyone welcomes you."

Mr Thompson said he had never heard any adverse reaction from passers-by on beaches.

David Blake, a 42-year-old call centre worker from Leicestershire, tried naturism for the first time and concluded: "It is fun and feels quite normal and very comfortable."

Carol Lindill, 55, and her husband Mick, 60 emigrated to Spain two years ago but are back in England for a holiday. She said: "It is not dirty and there is nothing sexual about it - just freedom."

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