It is not with any pleasure that I read letters such as Eddy Nessim’s “Time to switch on” (H&E Naturist, January) when he says “My lady partner and I have become completely fed up and disenchanted with BN”, but I am delighted that you’ve picked up another subscriber to your excellent magazine.

As a family member of BN for twenty years – our children, now 18 and 16, have grown up with naturism – I know how Eddy and many others feel. Regular H&E readers will know I have actively championed the lifestyle, and along with others have wanted to push the boundaries. For some time I tried to further the cause of organised naturism through BN, standing for election to the EC in three consecutive years. Support was encouraging – 33% of the vote in 2003, 43% in 2004 and 47.5% in 2005. But a lot of people, many very competent, have tried to help BN and been rejected. Looking back, I judge myself lucky at not having been successful and remaining ‘free’, especially given recent events and the last two AGMs.

Anyway, that’s looking back and in 2006 I decided not to renew my membership and stand again, and to look forward to an alternative. I am delighted that the embryonic new organisation Naturists UK has captured the imagination of some of your readers who were prompted to phone and join there and then: on the basis of little more than our pledge to be a representative, campaigning and events driven organisation. Events open to all – not exclusively for “fully-paid up members” as Eddy refers – but still, of course, giving our members, those who choose to support us, discounted entry as part of their membership benefits. We are also listening and as many callers do not have internet access, we will send out regular newsletters to those who request them.

We hope to promote all clubs – swims and sited – and hope that through their association with Naturists UK, they will offer the same discounts to our members that they do their own, thus increasing visitors and potential new members to the clubs. A win-win situation for all naturists and those working for naturism in the UK.

One final and equally important point, referring to Charlie Bodicoat’s letter ‘Nude Beach Sewn Up’ in the same issue, Naturists UK will be writing to question the legality of the new MOD signs on Perran Sands relating to “No horse riding, cycling, barbeques and nude sunbathing”. If they are found to be “unlawful” – unsupported by relevant powers or by-laws – we will ask for their removal. The man responsible, Major Pawlak, had previously emailed the original naturists-uk.org site and asked us to “advise” our “members” to stop using that beach. With our new membership, and new site, we will be encouraging exactly the opposite.

Anyone who is interested in our campaigns or membership, is welcome to call me on 01954 212502 and I will be happy to answer their questions and sign them up.

Richard Collins
http://naturists-uk.org