FREE BEACH GROUP Inc

P.O. BOX 41-171 ST. LUKES AUCKLAND 3

NEWSLETTER

January - February 1994

Clothing's Optional, but Rules are not

When you find the perfect beach on the perfect day, when you throw off all your clothes in a gesture of freedom, it may occur to you that you are thumbing your nose at the rules of our society. "Thou must stay attached to thy swimsuit" may not have made it to the ten commandments, but it is a rule dearly attached to the conscience of the majority of beach-goers in this beautiful natural wonderland in which we live. Before you get too convinced of this, remember that other little rule: "There's nothing new under the sun" - particularly when it comes to organising committees and writing rules.

Nudists join clubs for security. Clubs join federations for security. Federations link up internationally for security. Security may mean rules, regulations, policies and procedures, but it also means support, solidarity and protection. Somehow this recipe may be missing a few ingredients for Free Beach Group members.

As members of the Free Beach Group, all of us question that rule about the need to always wear a swimsuit at the beach. More than just questioning it, we put money, in the form of our subscriptions, behind a lobby to protect beaches and other public space where clothes are not compulsory. Part of that money goes to the Nudist Federation, whose rules require it to "foster and promote the practice of nudism in New Zealand". As part of the largest per capita club within the Nudist Federation, Free Beach Group members are entitled to a commitment of support from the Federation.

Often nudist clubs get lost looking inwards. They see all issues in terms of recruiting more members, or improving the club's local image. They have difficulty seeing that it is more often the "public" nudists on the beaches, parks, and bush tracks, who make the converts and who change public opinion about nude recreation. A strong, organised Free Beach Group is a fundamental key to the Nudist Federation becoming a more accepted part of society in Aotearoa. In its organised programme of promoting public nude recreation in a safe and friendly way, the FBG deserves the full support of the Federation.

Sometimes nudist groups are an easy target for negative media attention. The popular image of nudists is sufficiently dubious that we are easily made characters of less morals or common sense than textiles. When most of the population only get nude for showers or sex, more often we get labelled as sex perverts than people who bathe too often.

Continued on page 4

FREE BEACH GROUP Newsletter

January - February, 1994

Page 2

From the President / Secretary

Well where do we start??? How about...

A thank you to all those members who felt the Free Beach was important enough to come to the special AGM and save the group.

A thank you to the past executives who have worked so hard over the past years to preserve the Group.

A thank you to those who voted in the new executive. I hope we can live up to your expectations.

Well to say that we (the new executive) had a tough start, would not be exaggerating. Getting people in place, assigning priorities, and trying to do it with the flair of the previous executives, has proven to be exhausting, exasperating, but fun.

I am sorry for the poor summer so far, but it had to be; until I had completed all the initial work. You folk cannot be sitting out in the sun while I have to sort out policy and procedures. But since it now appears that the work is under control? - LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!

Frank Peek has found that the time available to him, and the time required to work on the Free Beach were incompatible, so he asked to be relieved of the task. As the rules do not allow him to resign, all he could do is appoint an acting President. I have taken up this task for him.

Earlier, Jackie Caldwell stepped down as the Secretary. At the November 9 Committee meeting, I was made the Group Secretary (official). Luckily I have found a couple of spare hours in the day and the help of some very good people (2 Johns and a Bob). Add the help of some new Auckland friends, a supportive Jackie and the NZNF.

Where to now? Well part of that is easy... THE BEACH. That is why we exist. NO, not quite! You see, anyone in New Zealand can go to the beach, and if discreet they can be nude. But the Free Breach offers more... It offers companionship, it offers safety, and it offers security.

Companionship ... "Those who share bread". Friends who share a common desire, the beach and nudity. We have a great many friends from sun clubs, who like to break away from the compounds and spend a day at the beach. We welcome you all, we encourage you to be with us, to be one of us.

Free Beach Group Rule (2a) states...

"To promote, encourage and support the practice of recreational nudity in public places when appropriate and desirable, such nudity being at the discretion of the individuals participating."

As you can see, we are no longer solely "beach bums", but have come to realise that since ALL beaches in New Zealand are FREE, and that the ideal of the Group is to recognise the wider scope of nudity throughout New Zealand.

Safety... Safety in numbers, means safety to the families, the women, and children of the Group. It means that children can play safely, that swimmers can swim safely. It provides the environment to enjoy company, play volleyball, sand cricket etc. It means that people who pester or voyeur are less likely. It also forces the undesirable activities to be better controlled or forced away.

Security... We need to protect our beaches from the authorities, who with little reason are attempting to close the beaches. It is the numbers allocated to specific beaches (let the textiles have some) which will protect us from the current actions occurring in the USA. Our numbers increasing, makes the textiled feel out of place.

If you read this and feel that I am being optimistic, well I am not. It is the vision I have about were we can go and become. But to do it requires bodies, if you have not yet renewed your sub, or know someone who may be interested, get involved.

Traven Searle

Subscriptions

Subscription renewals have been flowing in at a regular rate. There has been a good response, but there are still a few to come, so if you have not renewed yet, please complete the yellow form and get it to us without delay.

Receipts and membership cards processed at the time of mailing, have been included with this Newsletter, but if yours has not, please be patient.

If you are ordering anything from the shop, please include $4 to cover postage on a parcel of towels and T-shirts, but if you don't order any of these, only $2 is needed to cover the cost of sending any of the other items.

The   DEADLINE   for   the   next   Newsletter   will   be   15   FEBRUARY,   1994

FREE BEACH GROUP Newsletter

January - February, 1994

Page 3

Committee Report

The Committee elected at the 1993 AGM is determined to keep the Fred Bear flag flying and to make the Free Beach Group bigger and better.

A two-tiered structure is proposed, with the National Executive being an 'umbrella', under which there can be any number of local committees, each organising functions in their region. Local committees could also arrange their own publicity and advertising, and perhaps handle enquiries from prospective members in their area. we hope that local committees will tell us what they want, rather than having the National Executive hand down directives from on high.

The National Executive will be responsible for general administration, policy, finance, membership, newsletters, public relations and the beach guide.

This restructuring will require a revision of the Rules, and since any change to the Rules is a major undertaking, we intend to make haste slowly, with plenty of input from members.

Committee meetings are open to all members, and we invite you to attend, or otherwise let us know what changes you would like to see put in place.

Jackie Caldwell

Joke

A permanent cure for baldness; have a few rabbits tattooed on your scalp. From a distance they look like hares.

Ngatuhoa

Registrations for Ngatuhoa have been coming in for the great Auckland Anniversary weekend experience at Ngatuhoa Lodge. If you have not made your booking, there is still time to get your green slip back to us. All the detail were covered on the green form included with the last Newsletter, but if you need any more information, phone:

A cell phone will be turned on for one hour, starting half an hour before the meeting times listed on the green form, and for a period each evening. The number of the cell phone will be 025 986 986.

Please DO NOT mail bookings/fees after 10 January, you can pay at the Lodge.

We have arranged for King William to cook an 80lb pig on spit on Friday night. Please bring $5 to help pay for your share, and some vegetables or salad for a pot luck course at the feast. You don't have to join in, but the aroma is sure to get your taste buds stimulated.

Saturday night will feature a disco/fancy undress party, and this year's theme will be

HATs

(Headgear)

See you all there

Visitors Welcome

Bob Dyett of 12 Ashwell Drive, Port Waikato (just past the Motor Camp) says that members visiting the area are welcome to drop in. You can enjoy nude sunbathing and swimming. There are one or two primitive secluded camp sites nearby.

Nude Boat Trips

Malcolm takes his 35 foot boat for occasional day trips to Palm Beach, Waiheke Island on spring and summer weekdays when wind and weather allow. He can take 3 or 4 Free Beach members on these trips, returning the same day. Anyone interested should phone Malcolm at 09 534 2941.

Directory

Members who have elected to be listed in the Directory, will find a copy with this Newsletter. The Directory is based on last year's membership details, but it was decided to get one out now since a Directory was not published last year.

Because of the late AGM, and subsequent late mailing of Renewal Forms, some details may have changed, so care should be taken when making contact with other members.

An up-dated Directory, or a supplement may be published later.

South Island

Unfortunately we have not received any news from the South Island for this Newsletter. If you are travelling around the 'Mainland', then take the phone numbers of the local contacts to find out what's happening. Refer to the front page.

FREE BEACH GROUP Newsletter

January - February, 1994

Page 4

Auckland Report

Not much to report from the Auckland Group this month as the weather has not been in our favour for getting to the beach.

A well attended last swim night for 1993 was held at the Palm Springs Hot Pool, Parakai, in November and we are looking forward to 1994, when the swim nights resume on the last Saturday of February.

The number of members going to the Sunday evening sauna at Alladin's Bath House, 433 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, has steadily declined during 1993, with only a minimum attending. If our numbers do not increase in the near future it is possible the Group may lose the privileged low entrance fee. Use it, or lose it!

Regular campers, along with a number of newcomers, have arranged to meet up before, during, and after the Christmas/New Year holiday period at Uretiti Beach Recreational Reserve. For those who have never been to Uretiti, try and make the effort this holiday season and see what you have been missing for the last decade or more.

The Reserve is under the control of the Department of Conservation, and has good tap water, showers, flushing toilets, and a beach which goes kilometres to the left and right. Swimming is safe, the fishing very good, and last, but not least, you can enjoy being a 'Free Beacher' in a relaxed and pleasant environment. See YOU there?

The Uretiti Reserve is located on SH1 about 6Km north of Waipu, 3Km south of Ruakaka. Make the effort, you won't regret it!

We wish you all a Merry Festive Season, a Happy New Year and a great time on your beach where ever it may be.

Bob Williamson

Clothing's Optional, but Rules are not ... continued

When we come under this sort of attention, it's up to the Federation and the executive of the FBG to work together to use media attention as a platform to promote the benefits of social nudity, and the benefits of more legitimate nude beach users to out number the real perverts that occasionally share the sand with us (or at least share the peripheral bushes). From time to time, the Federation has a role in challenging the FBG on its organisation, its strategy and its goals. It is only reasonable that the FBG should provide an account. It is also only reasonable that the FBG and other aspects of public (non-club) nudism should be integrally incorporated into the plans of the Federation.

Next time you pull off your clothes on a public nude beach, remember that you're not breaking the rules of society, you're helping to forge some new ones. While you're making changes, think about opening the eyes of other nudists at the nationally Rally at Palmerston North Sun Club. The Federation is the home of free beach nudists. The Rally is our celebration too. The FBG will be accountable to the Federation - but you can make sure that the Federation is accountable to us too.

Brent Thompson

Annual Accounts

Jim Peddiesen, the immediate past Treasurer, states that he has not yet completed the Annual Accounts for the year ending July 1993, and therefore they cannot be published in the Newsletter as promised at the Annual General Meeting.

Rule 8c states that it is the duty of the Treasurer to duly account for all moneys, and that he/she shall submit to each Annual General Meeting a Balance Sheet, together with a full statement of income and expenditure.

This is a very serious matter.

The Committee has not received any explanation, and is very concerned about the four month delay.

The Committee has now made a formal request that all relevant documents be forwarded to the Committee without further delay so that the Group's finances can be put in order.

To our Life Members

The Subscription Renewal Form we sent you should have had the subscription fee deleted, we hope the error did not offend anyone, apologies.

Newsletter

This Newsletter has been compiled from information supplied by members. If you have any topics of interest to share with others, or if you have any ideas or concerns, now is your opportunity to express them.

Newsletter contributions may be sent to the official address, or direct to the Editor,

John Groombridge, PO Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT