Is naturism ready for take-off in this country?
A GLIMPSE of stocking used to be something shocking but, these days, boredom has sent those in self-isolation in search of new experiences.
British Naturism – the organisation that promotes nudity – has doubled its membership since Covid-19.
“When you shed your clothes you also shed just a few of the burdens of everyday life,” is a slogan from their website.
And, to encourage potential members to discover inner selves that have been regulated for years by stretch denim and corsets, they have declared tomorrow to be The Great British Take Off in an effort for folk to shed their inhibitions and their clothes.
Ooer, mum.
New members may have been enticed by online events such as naked yoga, naked pub sessions and naked coffee mornings.
Why wasn’t I invited? At least to the naked pub session. Just think of the people you drink with during that social hour or two in the local? Wouldn’t it be fun if everyone was nude? No, you’re right. It wouldn’t.
I have embraced nudity, on and off, all my life.
My first experience was at school when a lad turned up with a copy of Health and Efficiency in his satchel. This might be viewed as a coming-of-age publication but it was hardly exciting, unless you were interested in lumpy people playing tennis.
During the swinging 60s, nudity retained its innocence. Try playing naked rounders on a back lawn at midnight without lights and watch out for the hedgehogs. In those days, and after marriage, I even slept naked. It was only in later life I opted for warmer wear in the winter and became fond of Wee Willie Winky night shirts, which combined comfort and freedom.
I also opted for summer nudity after I claimed the loft conversion at our previous house as my office. It was cold in the winter and boiling in the summer which was when I sat starkers in front of my computer like a Monty Python piano player seeking inspiration.
Back in the 1970s I interviewed a delightful young woman naturist on the phone who invited me to go with her to a nudist club at Harrogate. I considered it if only because I might have got a round of applause when everyone sat down after she introduced me to her friends.
But I declined on grounds of height, as I’m five foot six. I didn’t mind being naked, but what if my lady guide was six foot tall? I wouldn’t have known where to look.
I’m still comfortable around the house with no clothes on, although I always make sure Skype isn’t switched on my laptop by mistake and I avoid frying eggs, just in case of accidents. But I’m not sure about going in the back garden with nothing on.
British Naturism may assure folk that being nude is not illegal, but I suspect it’s open to interpretation and circumstances. An offence can be committed if someone exposes themselves with the intention of causing alarm, outrage or distress.
On the positive side, a spokesperson said: “People have always enjoyed the thrill of a skinny dip or the relaxation of a spa but social isolation has caused an explosion in naked living.
For many, working from home means working naked, and nude sunbathing seems to be the new national pastime.”
Tomorrow’s event will, it is hoped, raise money for the British Heart Foundation by sponsorship or making a donation for people who “Take it off.”
Actually, if I was to go nude I might well raise a few quid. By people shouting “Put it back on.”