British Naturism
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British Naturism (formally Central Council for British Naturism, but almost never known by this name now), is the official naturist movement in the United Kingdom, as recognised by the International Naturist Federation.
It traces its origins as far back as 1891 to a short lived society, 'Fellowship for the naked trust' which existed in British India. This trust had ideals and principles very similar to many later organisations.
Harold Booth published articles pertaining to naturism in many magazines at the turn of the century, and in 1922 the 'English Gymnosophist Society' was formed as a direct result of his work. It had a site in Wickford, Essex, which it used during the summer, and in winter it held meetings in London. By 1926 the E.G.S. was called the 'New Gymnosophy Society' and had a site at Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire which has subsequently been used by many different clubs.
Concurrent to this, naturism was also practised at the Welsh Harp in Hendon, apparently from as early as 1921. From this sprang the 'National Sun and Air Association' which ran national advertisement campaigns, as well as running a gym in Westbourne Grove, London. By 1937, membership of this society was running at over 2000.
N. F. Barford had also formed his 'Sun Bathing Society' which promoted sun and air bathing for families, during the same timeframe.
However, despite all this activity, it wouldn't be until 1943 and the formation of the 'British Sun Bathing Association', that there was any recognised national federation of clubs. By 1951, there were 51 member clubs or groups. However by 1953, personal and ideological differences led to the formation of the rival 'Federation of British Sun Clubs'. Both these organisations were in existence until the 1964 formation of the CCBN.
Memorable dates in the history of British naturism (as opposed to British Naturism) have been
- 1957 Naturist films shown in cinemas
- 1958 International Naturist Federation congress in Britain
- 1965 The hire of public baths for naturist swimming began
- 1970 International Naturist Federation congress in Britain
- 1978 International Naturist Federation congress in Britain, and the setting aside of officially designated naturist beaches
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