National Committee

President John Groombridge

04 589-5461

Vice PresidentLinda Geeves

(North Island) 04 478-4820

Vice PresidentJoyce Fleming

(South Island) 03 322-7990

Secretary Ian Bushett

04 236-8297

TreasurerJohn Groombridge

04 589-5461

Members 

 Chris Arnold03 318-7622 

 Bill Baine04 562-8514  

 Barry Marten04 567-5216 

 Neil Green04 383-7806

Send all correspondence to the official address

LOCAL CONTACTS

Whangarei Roger Morris 

09 435 3623

Auckland Alison & Graham

09 817 8266

Tauranga Ted Lidgard 

07 542 2463

Taranaki John Lowe 

06 752 7915 

Hawkes Bay Murray Ennor 

06 879 6988

Sth Hawkes Bay Hugh Bowles 

06 374 6238

Wellington Linda Geeves

04 478 4820

Meryl Baker 

04 528 7010

Marlborough Ed Knowles 

03 574 2144

Nelson Dennis Moynihan

03 544 9550

Christchurch Joyce Fleming 

03 322 7990

Robin Gray

03 389 1919

First Nude Channel Crossing

Tuesday 6th July 1999

British Naturism's team of 6 relay swimmers left Shakespeare beach (Dover, UK) today at 05:10 landing on a French beach 13 his and 43 minutes later as reported by team leader Roger Johnson (BN's Sports Officer). Enthralled with the fun of the occasion four of the team swam ashore in France and their achievement was reported by mobile telephone from the support boat the 'Vivacity of Kent' immediately the swimmers landed at 18:53 British Summer Time.

The team, who did not wear any thermal protection throughout the swim, comprised a doctor, a policeman, two 15 year old girls and a lady grave digger. Initially sea conditions were perfect and calm progressively worsening during the crossing. This resulted in a rather rough ride back to Dover in the support boat - with a hint of sea-sickness taking hold on some exhausted swimmers!

The event was held under the rules and requirements of the Channel Swimming Association which require an official observer on the support boat. The race must start and end above the highest water mark, therefore to be certain they are not disqualified swimmers go to the 'top of the beach'. In a relay team event only one swimmer needs to land and go up the beach for the swim to officially qualify, which this swim has done.

Throughout the day the UK media have shown considerable interest and everybody has been thwarted by bad to impossible telephone communications during most of the crossing.

They returned to Dover to be greeted by the Press after 10:30pm wanting interviews and photographs - the swimmers most wanted a meal and a rest!

Roger Wright

(Research and Liaison Officer), British Naturism

Tesco's all-natural policy

Britain's largest supermarket chain, Tesco, may allow shop ping in the nude. After a request by the Central Council for British Naturism, the giant food chain is "seriously looking into" letting a supermarket near Hastings, close to a nudists' beach, stay open past its 10pm closing time for nature lovers to buy their bare essentials. The shop was waiting for an official health and safety all clear, a spokesman said. Fruit and vegetables, for example, would be packaged so they did not come into contact with naked bodies. Sales staff would be volunteers and remain dressed.

The count down to

Ngatuhoa 2000

           continues......

Year 2000 is fast approaching and the Free Beach Group Inc is planning the greatest Ngatuhoa celebration ever.

A week of magic in the Kaimai bush setting. Bush walks, Waterfalls, Glow-worms, Volley ball, Pétanque, Kayaking, Flying-fox, etc; or just enjoying the solitude.

Ideas for the Festival weekend will include Pig-on-the-spit, Hangi, Fancy undress Contest, Dine and Dance Disco, Dr Jazz live band, and much more. Got any suggestions?

South Island members, why not make up a party to join in the festivities. Check out bulk booking fares, it's a unique experience.

Saturday 22 January to Sunday 30 January

Twenty Nude Men Stage Palace Protest

The "Evening Post" of 9 June reported that twenty naked men demonstrated in front of Buckingham Palace, claiming the right to public nudity.

Five of the men, from an organization called The Right To be Naked, were arrested. Four were later released, but the fifth man, who had climbed naked on to a statue of Queen Victoria outside the palace, was still being held, a police spokesman said.

"There were about 20 men undressing in groups of five in a kind of shift system," the spokesman said.

One of the men stood quietly before a main gate, with his clothes at his feet and a smile on his face despite shivers brought on by the wind. "I'm here to protest against shyness," Edward Pope said as he was led away to applause from a crowd of onlookers.

Stickers appeared in the London Underground a few weeks ago, calling on people to protest in front of the palace for the right to walk naked in the street.

Pope had a thought for the woman living inside:
"I hope the Queen is not there."

She was though, according to a palace spokesman who added the monarch had not seen the show taking place outside.

Forum

Name Change & Fred Bear

Articles and comments within the last two Free Beach News concerns me in that there seems to be a drive to change our name merely to follow others. While I am not an "old timer" within the Free Beach Group, having membership of only 12 years or so, I have never been ashamed of my membership, and regardless of what Joyce (Fleming) has to say in her note, the current name IS relevant to those of us who care. Joyce has her opinion, and so too do the rest of us. I am opposed to any change just for the sake of change and totally opposed to such a verbose suggested new name.

Who cares what Traven Searle or any other Aussie thinks or does? We have our OWN identity and are not subservient to those over the Tasman.

In to Aaldert Verplanke's item "Name Change" - March-April 1999 Free Beach News, Page 2, 2nd para: if he were to read Sept-Oct 1994 Free Beach News, page 2, item headed Papamoa, he will see that as President of Free Beach Group, the same Traven Searle opposed a request from a local citizen to have a portion of Papamoa beach set aside as an area for nude bathing. No wonder the FBG has never "succeeded", Aaldert.*

As for Fred Bear, he is part of OUR identity and recognised as such. Why should we even consider offering this part of OUR identity to the Aussies who don't want to use him anyway.

Wake up friends, don't be led like a flock of sheep. You currently have a capable President who certainly deserves your support to rebut these proposals.

Patrick Simmons

Since the change in the law in 1981, the Free Beach Group has opposed the creation of designated areas for nude bathing, since this would imply that other areas could not be used for that purpose. Considering our vast coastline and the progressive acceptance by the general public of being clothes-free on a beach, we look forward to the time when all beaches will be clothes optional

Editor.

National Committee 1999/2000

The call for nominations for the National Committee advertised in the last newsletter was very disappointing. Only two nominations were received!

In an effort to excite more interest, the Committee extended the nomination -dead line a further month, and supplied nomination forms to make it easy.

The first to respond, was our founding Chairman, Robin Hoare from Rawene, who is also a Life Member of The Group. Robin was desolated that so few people were standing for the Committee.

Wellington members added another five nominations bringing the total to eight.

At the Committee Meeting held on 3 July, the Committee decided that because only eight nominations had been received, and this was after two attempts to call nominations, there will not be a ballot this year.

Therefore, the National Committee for the year 1999/2000 will be:

President John Groombridge
Treasurer John Groombridge
Secretary to be appointed by new Committee

Committee Chris Arnold, Bill Baine, lan Bushett, Linda Geeves, Neil Green, Robin Hoare, Lester Pulley

The new National Committee takes effect following the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on 25 September 1999.

Remits: Have your say

Enclosed with this newsletter is a voting paper to modify the Mission Statement of the Free Beach Group Inc.

Members are urged to participate in the decision to, or not to, amend the Constitution to reflect the current terminology used to describe our activities.

Complete the form, insert it in the window envelope provided, so that the return address on the reverse side of the voting paper shows through the window. Add a stamp and mail it to arrive at Free Beach Group Inc, PO Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT on or before 25 July 1999. Do not include any other material in the window envelope. The envelopes will be forwarded to the Secretary of the NZNF to be counted.

Polo Shirts

The Committee would like to receive feedback from members on what you think of the idea of stocking Polo shirts with a small Fred Bear emblem on the left breast.

It is felt that the present Tee-shirt is fine for wearing at the beach or pool side; whereas a polo shirt with a small logo would be more appropriate for other occasions.

Should the polo shirt be Free Beach yellow, or a neutral colour such as grey?

Would you buy a polo shirt if they were available?

Bay of Plenty

Nudvan invites Free Beach Group members to join their monthly Swim Night at Fernlands Spa, Tauranga, every second Saturday of the month; 7-30pm (winter), 8-30pm (daylight saving).

Phone Ros 07 544-1082 to confirm pool booking.

Wellington Spas

Wellington members meet at the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre at 6pm to 7pm, on the last Saturday each month until October, except July (closed for annual maintenance). It's a good idea to phone Linda (938-6074) to check who will be there and to let others know you will be there.

Wellington Winter Solstice

After eight or nine hardy soles braved the winter waters of Wellington harbour off Petone Beach, we all gathered at Baz & Shaz's warm home for a lovely evening and shared meal. Blazing fire in the lounge, warm spa in the conservatory, good company; what better way to spend a Mid Winter evening?

A big welcome to Phil & Carol, and kids Ivan & Dougie. And a big thank you to Barry & Sharon for hosting us.

Auckland Activities

Hibiscus Coast Sun Club swim nights

The last Saturday of each month -

29 May, 26 June, 31 July, 28 August,
25 September, 30 October,
and 27 November.

6pm until midnight at Palm Springs, Parakai, near Helensville; $8 per adult.

Take your own food and drink, or buy them there.

Auckland Sun Club invites visitors to their Spa and Sauna evenings, held every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm; $5 per person. Take your towel and FBG membership card. Phone 09 814 9973 for details.

Marlborough Region

SATURDAY NIGHT 24/07/99.
POT LUCK TEA & GET TOGETHER.

Mid-winter & counting down to summer days!

If you require more information phone:

Ed & Druscilla Knowles, (03) 574-2144

NZNF Rally

The 48th NZNF National Rally will be held at the Wellington Sun Club from 27 December 1999 to 3 January 2000. $85 per adult if paid before 31 October 1999. Visit the WSC web site at:

   http://www.nznaturally.org.nz/Wellington.

Registration forms available from Free Beach Group, PO Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT.