The NZNF bi-monthly supplement
Based on a paper delivered to the NZNF North Island Seminar in June by Norm Wilkinson SIVP
In an attempt to discover a philosophy of social nudism, where better to begin than at the beginning. Germany at the turn of the century.
First however we must ask, do we need a philosophy. A philosophy is an explanation for or a reason for being. Is such a statement possible, given the wide diversity of reasons for being a nudist. Having uncovered this central statement of belief, would it be a unifying or disruptive force?
Why do we have to intellectualise everything we do? Once we try to capture something valuable, put it in a box to keep it safe from thieves and detractors it evaporates like the morning dew before the rising sun.
If we ask golfers why they play golf, the answer may be "because we like it" and most would be satisfied with that explanation.
Is not social nudity simple and normal? If it was so we would not be considering a philosophy that tries to convince ourselves and others. We would not need to hide ourselves behind fences and have complicated rule books to keep undesirables out and make us respectable and acceptable.
So the answer must be yes, we do need a definitive statement which will explain our actions to ourselves and to others.
Do we know what madness is? Briefly it may be described as the gap between image perceived and image projected. The wider the gap the more crazy we are. Conversely the closer we are to the image we have of ourselves and the one recognised by others, the saner we are, and we feel more intouch with reality. A philosophy may help us to achieve that.
This attempt at producing a philosophy which hopefully will close the gap between how we see ourselves and how the textiles out there perceive us as a group.
So back to the beginning. Who or what was responsible for this crazy idea of taking ones clothes off in certain circumstances. What is a nudist anyway? "If you take your clothes off in mixed company of people you don’t know, you are an exhibitionist; but if the other people are naked too, you're a nudist."
The person responsible for organised social nudity was Napoleon. In 1806 he defeated the Prussian army at Jena. This defeat prefaced the devastating conditions of social and economic hardship which gave rise to the practice of naturism which, over the next 100 years was to become a national cult in Germany.
As early as 1811 Friedrich Ludwig Hann persuaded people to exercise to music in a park which is now Templehoft airport. Basking naked in the sun was also popular, an antidote to the crowded tenements and hot dirty factories of the burgeoning industrial revolution.
The other significant thing Napoleon did to help things along was to forbid military training. Significant because nude exercising was away of strengthening the sinews of German Youth with which to rid themselves of the oppressor. This continued, so much so that soon barely a single young person did not belong to a youth
league. Most notable perhaps was the Wandervogel of 1890. Here was a whole nation preoccupied with physical fitness and beauty and oneness with nature, exemplifying the health and purity of the Nordic races. Not since the Greeks 1000 years before had there been this recognition of the beauty and grace of the human body. The 1936 Olympic games was, I'm sure, a direct result of this national sovement.
Oddly it was Hitler in 1933 who put a stop to all this nudity, not because he was morally opposed to it, but perhaps because it represented a freedom he couldn’t control. (As early as 1948 Germany became the leader once again, with 30 clubs registered).
From the mid 1850's the nudist idea was spreading across Europe to France and England.
Writers and Philosophers were commenting, explaining and propounding. Names such as Henry Pudor in 1890 wrote "The Cult of the Nude". Freud, Havelock Ellis and many others wrote about the effects and significance of this social phenomenon. Medical men too advocated the benefits of sun and air cures for everything from TB to athletes foot. From Timaru to Timbucktoo people were getting their gear off!
Before we leave Germany and get closer to the New Zealand roots, we must mention Freilicht Park, started by Paul Zimmerman in 1903. The forerunner of nudist clubs as we know them. Proof of good faith lay with the visitor.
Clothes were optional except on the Beach. No booze or baccy and membership could be revoked without explanation. Already this is beginning to sound femiliar, isn't it?
Writing about Freilicht Park, two Americans, Mason and Francis Merrill (1930) said after their visit, "Sensuality has lost its nastiness in the atsosphere of nude mixed bathing." It should be noted that FL Park closed in 1980, being so successful in prcimting social nudity, everyone has gone to the beach.
Part 2 in next In-Touch
"One dragline, three Kennelworths and a sawmill, ready when you are Michelangelo."
IN-TOUCH, edited by Roy Cox is published bi-monthly by the New Zealand Nudist Federation P.O. Box 957 Auckland. All correspondence to this address.
Cultivating Self Confidence
Self confidence is probably the single most important quality required for job and personal success.
To develop an "I can do it mentality":
1 Believe strongly in what you’re doing and in your set of values.
2 Enjoy your accomplishments.
3 Appreciate your strong points and refuse to play down your efforts and achievements.
4 Cultivate a feeling of well-being about your successes rather than one of self-consciousness and guilt.
5 Believe that your work makes a useful contribution to your society.
Dear Roy,
After the destruction by arson of our club house early this year, we are pleased and proud to announce that the official opening of our new and spacious replacement building is scheduled for 5 December 1987.
This is as a direct result of a period of hard work by committed club members.
The messages of support and fund raising activities carried out by friends in other clubs were deeply appreciated and encouraged us during the re-building exercise.
Thanks to everyone.
Lee & Garry
Bay of Plenty Sun Club
MEETING
PROGRAMME OF A SUCCESSFUL CLUB
DATE ITEM
2/6 1st commnittee meeting
duration 4 hours
14/6 Special tour of grounds
duration 3 hours
14/6 Membership topics
duration 3 hours
27/6 Income/budgets meeting
duration 4 hours
25/6 Membership meeting again
duration 3 hours
All this took place in the first
month of the new committee!!
Taken from "Pineglades"
(Canterbury) newsletter.
QUOTE FROM QUEENSLAND ASSOCIATION
"Another change we have made is to add an extra category to our miniten competitions.
The new category is Over 40’s for mans, womans and mixed. Miniten is very popular here but naturally the younger people are able to outpace us oldies on the court.
So we decided that it would balance the competitions up better by creating this category.
It will give more people the opportunity to compete."
THOUGHTS
The greatest financier of all time was Noah.
He floated his stock while the world was in liquidation.
Start thinking about what you can contribute to the NZNF. Have you considered standing for a position next year?
I will be looking for an assistant editor. Are you interested.
"Progress with our two page membership drive feature in the Christchurch 'Star' and 'Press' is positive and we have an excellent response from many companies for supportive advertising," says Canterbury club Pinecones. "Towards the end of this month reporters and photographers from both papers will visit our grounds to put together our vital selling story." Sounds very positive doesn't it?
A 60,000 mail drop is also planned. They write "a healthy increase in membership decreases the workload and costs, and, allows for continued club improvements." The recently held Brass Monkey Ball was attended by 114 members and friends. How do they do it you ask? Well the club is committed to having a successful club and that doesn't mean just tallking about it.
Hawkes Bay have invited the Napier Volleyball Club to their open day in November. The volleyball club will be demonstrating and also playing a few games with the host club. The cartoon on the front page is 'borrowed' from their newsletter.
Ro-To-Ta editor Tom quotes President Graham as saying "We need our members to promote and support the club, and not criticise the genuine efforts of others, or trying to restrict advancement of the club by the creation of a private sanctuary."
Wanganui have just launched the "Wednesday Club" at their grounds. Every Wednesday after work in the clubhouse, social sports are to be organised including miniten, table tennis and darts. Drinks will be available. Barbecue teas etc!
Making good use of the club house is also on the minds of other clubs. AOHC organised a 3 course meal in their club house recently and attracted 100 members and friends. An excellent way to keep intouch during the colder part of the 12 month season. Most clubs I see are also installing heaters in their facilities.
Waikato have a new team and a new look newsletter which is packed with information. Well done editor Ray. I note they have replaced their single male quota system with an 'on merits' selection system. Retired members will enjoy reduced membership fee privileges too, thanks to a change in their rules.
Bay of Plenty now have a new club house to replace the one which burnt down. That was quick work. Well done.
Can you remember all the emotional discussion which took place when Free Beach Group were being considered for membership of the NZNF several years ago. Of how their votes could upset the balance of power at national level. Well it never happened. In fact they quickly became just like any other club, taking an active interest in the well-being of both the NZNF and other clubs. This was witnessed recently by their donation to the Bay of Plenty club for their clubhouse project. Has your club considered making a donation yet? It doesn't matter what size the donation is, it's the thought and unity that counts.
And finally, the Polar Bear Swim organised by Palmerston North Club was a huge success. Prizes were awarded to participants in the following categories; quickest dip, most mentally deficient (one member jumped in twice), funniest reaction, the brass monkey award and a prize for the first junior member to jump in. It’s all happening in the progressive clubs!
