Time for a Skinny-Dip?
The sun is shining (for the moment!), fluffy clouds are scudding across the blue sky – and Great British Skinny Dips are packing the BN calendar!
We’ll dip our toes into what’s been happening recently, but first, a reminder: GBSDs are not only lots of fun, they’re also a terrific way for us Naturists to raise much-needed funds for our charity partner, the British Heart Foundation. The BHF wants us all to be heart-healthy, a worthy goal!
An event that really took off this year (June 7) was the Great British Synchronised Skinny Dip (GBSSD). No, it wasn’t about people floating around in glittery costumes and too much makeup! It was about having a specific day set aside for holding as many GBSDs as possible.
Here’s a taster:
Newly refurbished British Naturism: Sunfolk officially opened on the day, and a big noise was made about the synchronised swim. There were lots of people in the pool, playing a version of volleyball – including some of the people who came to the event from the media!
BN member Mark Simmons got into the full spirit of the GBSSD by visiting three North West clubs to take part. He drove from his home in South Manchester to the Ribble Valley club in Lancashire, then to Lancashire Sun club at Rufford, then to Liverpool Sun & Air in Merseyside.
During his 100-mile epic journey, Mark encountered dismal weather and motorway closures (quelle surprise!). Nevertheless, he persisted, and he raised money for the BHF. Mark awarded Ribble Valley the prize for the warmest pool. The coldest was Lancashire Sun, “but that was made up by those delicious scones with jam and cream!”
Nottingham Sun Club, which rejoined BN last year, was keen to re-establish links with the Naturist community and boost membership. What better way to do that than to host a GBSSD?
The actual dip took place at noon with 27 nudies in the pool. The event made the local press – and drew in several first-time skinny dippers. Everyone said they felt relaxed and made welcome, and some enquired about joining the club. Naturally, there was food. And to top it all off, the GBSSD raised over £500 for the BHF!
Let’s not forget the regular GBSDs, which take place all around the country all year round.
“On a warm, sunny evening, with blue skies and few clouds, 25 skinny dippers jumped in in aid of BN’s GBSD at the Helmsley Open Air Heated Swimming Pool,” reported John Oliver. During the June 14 event, participants enjoyed views over rolling countryside, a lovely, warm pool – and refreshments from the onsite café. “All in all, a great event,” with a return visit set for August 17.
And here’s a plug for my “local” GBSD, the Withington Baths swim in Manchester. It’s now a popular monthly event. The toasty-warm pool and hot sauna are welcome at all times of the year. But the best part is simply all the amazing chats one has while floating around in the water. We nudies are a sociable bunch!
Keep an eye on all Great British Skinny Dip events on the British Naturism website calendar