Over the past year, with several national lockdowns, many people have ditched their clothes and have been in the nude at home, according to a Bucks naturist club which has reported a huge increase in member enquiries this year.
Diogenes Sun Club, in Shire Lane, Chalfont St Peter, says naturism – the practice of social nudity – is on the rise nationally, with British Naturism reporting 1,100 new members in the last year, which is reportedly more than three times as many as is considered normal.
The Bucks Free Press asked readers in a poll whether they would join a naturist club, and 80 per cent said they would – so what is it all about?
Spokesman Andy Cross spoke to the BFP about the practice itself and the Diogenes Sun Club, explaining that being naked socially is nothing to be embarrassed or nervous about, and it is an “amazing” body confidence builder.
He said: “We’re one of the first wave of naturist clubs that were formed in the 30s when it became really popular.
“Our members come from across the country, even though there are plenty of clubs across the country, because for some they may have friends here, they like the facilities and atmosphere we’ve got.
“Naturism in this country has been around for about 100 years now so it’s certainly established.
“Acceptance has grown hugely over the last few years and certainly over lockdown, there’s been an unprecedented level of interest.
“Over the last 18 months or so, we have been inundated with new membership enquiries, and people can join British Naturism as well as local clubs.”
Speaking about why there has been a rise in people wanting to explore social nudity, Mr Cross said: “The thinking is because we’ve not been able to socialise, but also because we’ve been locked down people have had more of a discovery of nature and what’s around them.
“Perhaps there has been less importance attached to dressing up to go to work, for example, people are dressing different at home. It’s more relaxed, more informal.
“It’s led to that leap in interest. Also, British Naturism do more events online now so there’s a lot going that has really got people interested. It’s much more popular now. And it’s particularly more so in the younger demographic than we’ve had in the past.”
Established in the 1930s, the club, one of the oldest in the country has been at its current location on the Bucks/Hertfordshire border since 1964 and has around 300 members.
It features six acres of land surrounding a country house, with outdoor and indoor heated swimming pools, a sauna block, lawns, camping facilities and tennis courts.
Mr Cross added: “It’s a great place to come.”
Fifteen per cent of readers who took the BFP’s poll said they would not join out of embarrassment, while five per cent said they were not sure and would need to find out more about it.
Addressing concerns about awkwardness and shame, Mr Cross said the most nerve-wracking part “is the trip to your first experience”.
He said: “I remember mine back in the 90s, my wife and I were both absolutely terrified on our way there and about two minutes after we got there, we felt perfect at ease. And that’s a completely normal reaction we get.
“So people have nothing to lose except their inhibitions.
“It’s an amazing body confidence builder, it’s the best thing for it really. It’s great for personal wellbeing, it’s great for making friends, it’s a great social life and it’s an escape from the world.
“When we shut the gates behind us at the club, we leave the rest of the world outside to an extent. It’s just a lovely tranquil relaxing environment, and nothing to be nervous about at all.
“It’s understandable that people might feel embarrassed, but there’s really no need to be.”
Mr Cross added: “The one thing you learn is bodies do come in all shapes and sizes, and with scars, lumps, bumps and whatever else life throws at us – and that we’re not all so different underneath.
“There’s nothing to be worried about and it’s a fantastic body image builder. Body confidence increases hugely.
“Research from the University of Goldsmith has shown that people who are comfortable in a naturist environment are generally happier, more fulfilled and more content.
“We are constantly bombarded by pictures in fashion magazines about what the perfect bodies should look like, photoshopped and enhanced images – that can cause great damage, especially to younger people, and naturism is the perfect antidote to that.
“It teaches you that we’re not all so different and it’s nothing to worry about.”
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