East Sussex Naturists Update
Folklore used to tell that bluebells ring at daybreak to call fairies to the woods. Naturists however get a silent call to get out into nature.
Regular Swim
I received just 24 replies in answer to my question about the later time that Hailsham have offered to see if they can provide (21 in favour).
If and when the Leisure Centre confirm that we are able to go at the later time of 6 p.m. on a Sunday then I will put up an event on our website at https://naturists.wixsite.com/eastsussexnaturists/calendar . The first proposed date is May 23rd.
If Hailsham can't get the staff to extend their opening then I don't know where we could swim. We can find nowhere else in our area.
May Bank holiday weekend
Our club may be able to join a camping rally near Battle as day visitors over the next bank holiday during the period 28th May to June 1st. Day visits will be £7.50 a day. There won't be access to a swimming pool for this trial visit, but it is hoped that some sort of BBQ will be available and a large marquee and of course convivial company. If we get a good turnout then this could be a regular event. A swimming pool may be available in the future if we get on well with the owner and his non-naturist family.
Garden visit - Houghton Lodge near Winchester 17:30-20:30 Thursday June 10th
This British Naturist event open to all is on June 10th this year. I think the price is the standard entrance of £9. Alan and I may be going. Car share(s) possible. Journey time 2 hours each way.
Houghton Lodge is a Grade II* listed “Cottage Orné”, surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test and is arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned gardens to visit in Hampshire. 14 Acres.
Knepp visit Thursday August 19th 2-5 p.m.
You will also see from our events page that I have organised a trip to the Knepp estate for a walking safari in August to view the wildlife. I now have 10 people signed up, but I have to option to have a second group of 10 so I have a provisional list if you are interested.
Max’s garden August 18th & 19th (Wed/Thu)
5 people are staying at Max’s garden (www.maxsgarden.net) with 4 visiting Knepp. If there are sufficient people from our club who want to visit for the day on the 19th and optionally have dinner there then I may be able to get a discount on the day visitor price, so please email me if you would like to join us. Small swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi and sunbathing lawn available. I don’t have a cost for dinner as the availability of catering may depend on the numbers attending.
There may be spaces for motorhomes and tents if you wish to book. Call Karen on 07746 698206.
Late June or early July beach day(s)
Contrary to the current below average weather – though it didn’t stop we having a refreshing walk at Normans Bay on Wednesday while my car was being serviced – the long range forecast for the summer is to be average. June often has long spells (i.e. a few consecutive days) of warm sunny weather. In past years the club has had a beach day in June and in 2018 I think 19 people came.
Please let me know if you would attend a beach day at Normans Bay if I arrange one.
There is also the suggestion that we test the water on a non-naturist beach at Winchelsea beach before the school holidays – so in June or early July. The attractions of this pebble beach are ample parking, relatively easy access (steps or ramp) to the beach with little further walking and no nearby housing. We are in within our legal rights to be there, but people will not be expecting us. I would suggest taking windbreaks to cause least offence.
June 25th naturist walk
Stark Trekkers were walking last week and the next in their monthly series is June 25th. Please register your interest at you are able to register on our event page https://naturists.wixsite.com/eastsussexnaturists/calendar. Details here http://www.justwearasmile.co.uk/natram/prog/prog.htm . Numbers may be restricted if Covid restrictions remain on that day.
Other possibilities
Naked dining
We were unable to have our Christmas dinner at Robertsbridge last year, but we have an open invitation to take over the whole pub on a Monday for a meal. The rule of six applies at least until June 21st so this may be better pencilled in for late July or September. Please let me know if you would like to come and on what dates so I can arrange as soon as we know that restrictions are to be definitely relaxed to allow a group of at least 30 to meet indoors.
Tenpin bowling
For the autumn time we may be able to arrange a tenpin bowling event at Ashford (Kent) and/or Hailsham. Please let me know if this is of interest as we would need good support to arrange this. Ashford would need the support of British Naturism to get to 50 participants.
Ad hoc events
We do have a Signal group (for smartphones) for ad hoc arrangements i.e. walks, beach trips at a few days notice. This has the advantage that we can (attempt to) choose good weather. Let me know your phone number if you wish to be added.
Ideas for events always welcome, as is help. Some of us are tied up organising the Naked Heart Walk on July 3rd and there may be a Great British Skinny dip at Arundel Lido on 17th July. I hadn’t time to do the latter as the Lido are not planning very far ahead so the planning has been passed to Jon Williams of British Naturism. A new image of the Naked Heart Walk poster is now available and I attach it. Please circulate to anyone who might be interested.
All good wishes for a socially naked summer,
Philip, Chairman