# 143 - December 1992 

Joye is in her late thirties she discovered the nudist/naturist lifestyle nine years ago and finds the environment enriching and supportive. A divorced marketing professional, Joye enjoys the freedom of nudism/naturism to its fullest extent; she lives in a nudist/naturist community. She delights in rising each morning, running a comb through her hair, pouring a cup of coffee, grabbing her towel, and meandering to the pool. She greets the day and her neighbours as nature intended, wearing simply a warm smile. After all, one's birthday suit is always in style - a timeless original, custom-designed by Mother Nature for ultimate comfort, accented with a strong statement of self-esteem.

Whether playful time (splashing in the pool, spiking a volleyball, sharing a hot tub), or peaceful time (strolling a secluded beach, basking in the sun, walking in the rain), time spent in a nudist/naturist environment is quality time. It's a time to escape from the doldrums, the stress, and the roles society imposes upon us all. It's time for you; time to experience a whole new awareness of you. It's time to be yourself among people who accept you - the total you - as you really are.

Whether you have a day, a week, or forever to spare, there are plenty of NZNF nudist/naturist opportunities from which to choose. One of them is just right for you.

The first step...

  is the most difficult to take.

... What should I expect? ... Will I be stared at? ... Must I disrobe immediately? ... I'm overweight; will I be ridiculed if I am hesitant? ... I have an ugly scar; will others find that offensive? ... What about my stretch marks? ... Where should I look?

These are common concerns expressed by women prior to crossing the threshold into a clothing-free world. After that first apprehensive step, however, each concern is answered:

... It far surpassed my expectations! ... No one stared: they smiled and welcomed me!

... I was allowed to find my level of comfort in my own time: no pressure, no hassles! ... Nudists/naturists accept my physical imperfections, and take interest in the beauty of my soul and my mind! ... I found myself looking at smiles and happy eyes and, most of all, enjoying the sincerity of other warmth!

The question then becomes ... What took me so long?!

There is so much to explore - so much to do (or not do) in a nudist/naturist environment. Adding the element of nudity to recreation brings a whole new dimension to pleasure and freedom.

Nudist/naturist philosophy brings a new and deeper meaning to family. The uninhibited atmosphere of the lifestyle removes the fears surrounding maturity and "growing old". The generation gap is transformed into a meeting of hearts and minds that learn from one another. Nudists/naturists place emphasis on sharing of oneself through honest communication; thus, the young nudist/naturist woman gleans insight and encouragement from her maturing counterparts' wealth of experience. In turn, the more mature woman draws energy and enthusiasm from the optimism of her younger friends.

Nancy, a self-assured mother of four, enjoyed a long and intimate relationship with her husband prior to his death. Losing one's life-mate is a sorrowful, lonely experience. Her grieving is made easier with the support and love of many close nudist/naturist friends.

In spite of her great loss, Nancy knows that her golden years will be filled with the warmth of these relationships. She need never be alone.

A potential Olympic athlete, Charlotte's youthful dreams were shattered when World War II ravaged her homeland. She found and realised new dreams, however, with a post-war move and a lifetime commitment to her adoring husband. They have raised six children and sport pictures of several grandchildren. This is a very special time in their marriage. Retired and free of responsibility, it is a time to renew their closeness and enjoy themselves. Their togetherness is enhanced by the freedom they have found and the friendships they have nurtured in nudism/naturism.

Maturing women discover renewed vigour in the nude experience. They dance and play, living each day to its fullest with assurance that their tomorrows will be equally fulfilling.

Raising children, as a single parent or with the input of a significant other, comes naturally. Gail and Jerry have been married for 17 years and are raising their two beautiful sons in a clothing-optional environment.

Gail, like other nudist/naturist mothers, feels a special closeness to her children that she attributes to nudist/naturist philosophy.

Sarah and Linda, both single mothers with demanding careers, appreciate the spirit of extended-family they have found within nudism/naturism. Sarah's pre-teen sons divide their time between nudist/naturist and non-nudist/naturist worlds and are at ease in either. Linda finds comfort knowing her six-year-old daughter is safe and secure within their nudist/naturist community. They have many nudist/naturist friends to whom they can turn for support and companionship. As the generation gap closes, parent and child alike benefit from caring input from all ages.

Cathy and Kim share the joys and apprehensions of new motherhood. The nurturing and relaxing atmosphere of a clothes-free environment brought them peace of mind during pregnancy. And, without clothing, the breast-fed baby finds cuddly comfort in mother's arms.

The women you have read about in this article are but a sampling of those who have discovered nudism/naturism lifestyle. Nudists/naturists come in all shapes and sizes. They represent a broad cross-section of cultural, economic and religious backgrounds. Single, married, widowed or divorced, nudist/naturist women have found new meaning in self. They have discovered the nudist/naturist environment to be free of many of the social constraints surrounding womanhood.

Being a woman can be truly appreciated when one is "au naturel" - unencumbered by straps, stays, or confining pantyhose. The breeze caressing your skin and the sun warming your soul only scratch the surface of the overall feelings of well-being experienced in the nudist/naturist environment.

Nudist/naturist women have found a relaxing natural haven which fosters honesty, sincerity, love and understanding. They have come to enjoy aspects of humanness that are distinctly female or male while appreciating and respecting the uniqueness of themselves and others. Join thousands of women throughout the world who have discovered how grand it is to be a woman. Feel good about yourself, inside and out. Explore nudist/naturist lifestyles.

Reprinted from the INF Bulletin.

Finally, Full Light on the Benefits of the Sun

by Michael Vais

Dr Kime commences by recalling that all life on earth owes its existence and development to the sun. The effects of the sun are comparable to those of physical exercise. Studies prove that the following results of a programme of physical exercise are improved if the exercises are combined with sunbathing: lowering of the resting heart-rate, breathing rate, and level of lactic acid in the blood; increase in the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen, increase in energy, endurance and muscular strength; reduction of obesity, blood pressure and blood sugar level; increase in cardiac efficiency and tolerance to stress, improved appetite, sleep and feeling of well-being; a relaxing and calming effect on the stomach and intestines. As well, many studies on animals and humans have shown substantial lowering of cholesterol by solar radiation - in fact ultraviolet rays on the skin transform cholesterol to vitamin D.

In 1877 Downes and Blunt discovered that light killed numerous bacteria. In 1903 Neils Finsen won the Nobel Prize for the treatment of tuberculosis of the skin by heliotherapy. Since then many infectious maladies have been cured by sunlight. If one takes care to avoid burning, the sun increases the number of white corpuscles in the blood, especially the lymphocytes which produce antibodies; on the skin it produces sweat which by its acidity destroys harmful bacteria, and transforms skin oils to bactericides.

We know today that the sun has salutary effects on sexuality by the exposure of the eyes and skin. Sunlight on the skin produces hormones which regularise natural cycles, having more effect on men than on women.

In Canada the media have been active in promulgating a fear campaign against sunbathing. "Avoid the sun, use total block sunscreen, and always wear a hat." This advice is echoed by "wise" doctors, dermatologists and other scientists. Last year a Canadian television channel produced a programme in which a string of doctors outlined all the dangers of the sun, and to provide some balance of opinion, they invited me to reply to the doctors from the point of view of an original devotee. Now I am not a medical doctor, and I could only quote from certain of their foreign confréres of differing opinion.

Nevertheless, such a unanimity among our "specialists" left me wondering: are they all parrots? Can't they see the negative effects of their one-sided arguments? When will a credible scientist stand up and speak for the benefits of the sun? When will they stop making millions of sun-bathers, especially the naturists, feel guilty, and finally teach them why and how to take the sun?"

Some years ago a medical doctor, Zane Kime, MD, MS, wrote a book called "Sunlight Could Save Your Life", a World Health Publication.

On exposing the chest or the back the production of male hormones increases 120%, but on exposing the genitals the increase is 200%. Exposure of the back produces much more vitamin D than exposure of the chest. So it is important when sunbathing to exposure the whole body.

Bathing costumes cause imbalance between those areas of skin and glands exposed to strong light, and those others kept humid where bacteria thrive (especially in the body hair). The damp costume can cause nephritis, cystitis, and itching. Also, it is often near the elastic of the costume, which restricts the circulation, that one gets the worst sunburn.

"Primitive" populations who live more in the open air than we do, hardly know what hypertension is. Now we learn that a recent study of the Maryland Heart Association discovered a group of Americans who suffer half as much hypertension than the national average: the nudists.

Dr Kime quotes Dr Robert Bradley from his book, "Husband Coached Childbirth": "I had the honour to act as obstetrician for some professional nudists, and from the physical point of view it was impossible for me to argue with those mothers who had a total tan. They had skin decidedly more supple and less fragile. It goes without saying that the exposure to the sun needs to be progressive, starting with a few minutes each day. Too much sun and the dry skin flakes off. A poor diet, a deficiency of protective vitamins, and the skin ages more rapidly. No make-up can give the illusion of brilliant health that comes from the sun." Dr Kime concludes that if the tissues are saturated with the necessary vitamins, the sun will not age the skin, but increase its beauty.

It is true that UV rays are a factor in the appearance and development of skin cancer, moreover, those with darker skin are less at risk than those with light skin, and those who work outdoors or live in a sunny climate. Now it seems that the cause lies in repeated doses of sunburn. But the thing to avoid above all is the absorption of fat while sunning, either in food or via the skin - either way the effect is the same. The fat inhibits the immune system and predisposes cells to cancer which is then aggravated by the action of the sun. That is why solar lotions and creams are dangerous (they are mostly fats). They also permit us to abuse the sun, preventing us from feeling when we've had enough sun and should retire to the shade. It has even been discovered today that the famous PABA damages genes and chromosomes under the action of the sun.

Under the effects of the sun the polyunsaturated fats provoke cancer more than the saturated fats. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are also dangerous. It is therefore recommended to eat more whole foods, fresh and as little processed as possible. More often an ingredient removed by the refining process (such as vitamin E from corn), is precisely that which offers the best protection against cancer. Avoid refined sugar and white flour, and even saturated fats while sunbathing. The sun is dangerous for those who consume a diet rich in fat with insufficient vegetables, complete grains and fresh fruit. Fresh food + sun = danger. The best foods for sunbathers are those which contain plenty of antioxidant, (vitamin C and E and carotene). Eat plenty of fruit and green, orange or red vegetables. A vegetarian diet is always preferable for those who like tanning. Take little or no alcohol, cheese, tea, coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks or sweet desserts. It is better to eat poultry or fish than red meat.

Several medicines sensitise the skin to the point where it becomes vulnerable to the sun; sulpha drugs, tranquillisers, antibiotics, and antihistamines. Even some substances present in many soaps and cosmetics accelerate and aggravate sunburn.

Quite often you might think that you're allergic to the sun, when in fact a shampoo or a pill might be to blame.

Dr Kime does not advise the use of artificial sun lamps because he doesn't know of any which produce light of the same spectral composition as the sun. The recommended duration for a sun bath is that which just precedes burning. That duration will vary with the season, the time of day, and the complexion of the person. Those with dark skin not only can but should stay in the sun longer to reap its benefits. Spend less time on the beach where dry sand reflects 17% of UV, and be very careful on snow which reflects 85%. It is best to sunbathe early in summer, and better to exercise in the sun than to stretch out like a lizard. Avoid overheating, but do not be afraid of sweating which eliminates toxins, refreshes the skin, and absorbs certain harmful rays. Even in winter when it is cold outside you can take the sun if you avoid all movement of air around you.

I hope that his discourse will be taken on board by naturist doctors, dermatologists, biologists, naturopaths, or others who might wish to replace the dominant movement of panic and guilt by education and honest research of the truth. We have everything to gain from finally lifting the sun's veil.

It was at the 1964-5 Rally at Pineglades but it seems like only yesterday I said to Percy Cousins, "Why don't they play miniten here?"

Because it hasn't been introduced and taken up, he replied.

"Oh ... really?"

Food for thought! Miniten was something we had taken for granted in England as part of the naturist scene. As newly immigrant Poms we had been warned - keep your mouth shut for two years! But...

I discovered that they hadn't been playing correctly. Since the ground was rough and uneven they apparently tried to play a volleying game.

Club members at the time were very keen on volleyball and tenniquoits and had recently put in a lot of hard work constructing concrete and asphalt courts. But wouldn't it be a nice change, I thought, to have a game where the ball hits the ground. I wrote to the Central Council of British Naturism asking for advice on miniten. My letter was referred by them to the secretary of the newly formed British Amateur Miniten Association who sent me a detailed reply including their official rules, court dimensions and specifications for the construction of thugs (bats). A set of four thugs was made and we started playing.

I had previously mentioned in a letter to Doug Cousins that we were attempting to introduce the game. "For goodness sake," he replied, "don't try to introduce it into the rallies as we have enough trophies already."

At Pineglades, too, there was much resistance.

"We would give offence if we lowered the tenniquoit net, or perhaps we could mark out a court on the volleyball concrete?" I asked the committee.

"Don't you dare touch our new volleyball court or you will get shot!"

The net on the teniquoit court went up and down like a yo-yo! Naturally the Tenniquoit people resented our lowering of the net and persisted in raising the net whether anyone was using the court or not.

At the 1968 Rally at Pineglades we gave a demonstration of the game - on the tenniquoit court.

Before long both hard courts were marked out for mini ten. Both volleyball and tenniquoits are now played on grass.

No need to go on with this story.

Moral: always be willing to try something new.

P.S. In French naturists clubs they play Boules on the volleyball court. Have you tried Boules yet?

Although I had known about my trip to the United States for about six months, it wasn't until a few weeks before that I realised that I could squeeze in an extra few days holiday at the end. Several possibilities were quickly mulled over; Fiji, Tahiti, etc, though it soon became obvious that, given the tight schedule, I would have to go through Hawaii.

Now I am sure that an awful lot of people will disagree with me, but I do not enjoy Honolulu, it is big, brash and fake just like most holiday resorts. My first idea was to hunt through some old copies of H&E and I found an article by Petra Vieten which described her visit to a couple of places on Oahu (Honolulu's island). One place seemed geared up for the young but the other sounded a little quieter. Unfortunately the address given in the article made very little sense and the phone number didn't tally with the island of Oahu. When I tried to phone, the number was unobtainable. So it seemed I was doomed to a conventional holiday.

Fortunately I remembered seeing an advert in the NZ Naturist for holiday help from Roger Morris of Morris Enterprises. I made a quick phone call to his place in Hamilton to explain my predicament and he sent down some information about two places on the island of Hawaii (the big island).

The first place I phoned was full for the time I wanted it but the second had some accommodation available. I took it even though, travelling by myself, I didn't need or want a two-bedroom cottage.

Well, the conference in Seattle was very successful, so I travelled to Honolulu in good spirits. The timing of the planes was such that I stayed in Honolulu overnight then returned first thing in the morning to the airport to fly to Kailua-Kona on the big island, and just forty minutes away. I rented a car, and went off in search of my accommodation in Kealakelua some 30km south. The cottage was quite new and had everything I needed. I quickly unloaded my cases and made some enquiries about the local beaches. Apparently none was official but some were remote enough to allow me the freedom I wanted.

Photo: ?

I tried a remote-looking area between Napoopoo and Puahonua o Honauhau National Park and although I had to walk some way down a rough track I found a rocky area interspersed with some patches of sand. I saw nobody else down there during my stay and had a very relaxing afternoon sunbathing. There was no sand at the water's edge and the only way in was by jumping off the rocks, so I decided not to risk the water as the waves were quite big and the rocks were very rough. The rocks were all formed from lava from the many volcanoes on the island.

When I got back to the car I saw what the rocks could do to my shoes so I was glad I hadn't let them do the same to my body - it's not much but I can't get another one.

On getting back to the cottage I discovered that there were no other nudists around and I could not be as relaxed as I had hoped. I am not blaming anybody for this state of affairs as I had made the booking based on outdated (but the best available) information. As far as I can gather, the area has become more popular and many new houses have encroached near enough to make the place marginal for nudism.

The owner appears to have lost heart, and has rented out most of the other accommodation on a long term basis to people who are clearly not nudists.

The next morning I decided to try and make contact with other nudists and so I phoned the other place I had tried to stay in. My phone call was answered by a very friendly voice the owner of which invited me up to his place in the evening and also gave me instructions on how to get to the only official nudist beach on that side of the island.

Much reassured, I drove off to the nudist beach at Honokohau which is not far from the airport. The instructions were good, but just in case, I checked with a couple who were walking from the car park to the beach. From their comments, I understand that the land was given to the US Government by one of the last Hawaaian rulers, on the express understanding that nude bathing would be allowed.

This was because his people had always bathed there but, with the coming of the missionaries and their guilt complexes, nudity had been almost totally wiped out. Despite this, the future of the beach is not secure. The US is more prudish than most countries and disapproving noises are being made. There is no law against nudity in the national parks, so I have been informed, so I could not see the problem. However the federal park ends at the high water mark and the area between there and the water belongs to the State of Hawaii. Technically this means that everyone commits an offence by being nude when going between the dry beach and the sea. At present however this loophole has not been exploited by the local authorities and everyone is relaxed.

I spent a second day down on the beach, this time a sandy beach, and had lots of swimming in the warm water.

It was just as well that a heavy fall of rain forced me off the beach in the afternoon because that evening and night I realised that I had a lot more sun that my poor winter-white body should have had.

I went back to my cottage, tidied myself up and went off to see the accommodation I had missed. This was situated about 10km further south at a place called Honaunau near an interesting wooden painted church. The road up from the main road to 'Amalani Gardens' is rough and single lane with the odd passing point. It was here that I committed my only (known) mistake in the car. On meeting another vehicle coming the other way I pulled into the left to let it through and didn't understand the driver's strange look until later, when I remembered I should have gone to the right. I got lost in the maze of unsigned lanes but fortunately I was escorted to the correct destination by a local driver.

'Ainalani Gardens' is owned by Jim and Carolyn Wallace and they have made a beautiful environment to live in. The land consists of 4 or 5 acres of mainly coffee plantation. This was run down until they bought it and now they grow, pick, peel and dry the coffee beans. Judging from their descriptions, harvest time is quite arduous. Jim gave up his career as a lecturer at the University of Hawaii to get away from it all, but my impression is that they have gained a lot. They are a very contented couple who are delighted to talk to, and who enjoy the company of people from all over the world. Next time you drink Kona coffee, it may have come from Jim and Carolyn's plantation.

At present their accommodation consists of just one cottage which can take a family of four. Their other house is being used by their family. They are not connected to the electricity supply because of their remoteness, but instead use photovoltaic cells and rechargeable batteries to give 12 volt lighting to all their cottages. Provided it isn't needlessly wasted they have all they need, including enough for a black and white TV. Kerosene oil lamps augment the lighting and can make a very romantic atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Cooking and water heating are done by gas.

The grounds are available for guests to use and can be enjoyed in whatever state of undress which feels most comfortable. A garden has been created in the plantation where orchids and other colourful flowers grow on the terraces. Oh yes, they live on the side of a mountain and access is not easy without a vehicle.

Similarly the cottage is reached by a path and steps, but inside, and on the balcony, a lovely view of the sea is a great reward.

I talked with Jim and Carolyn for about an hour, first roaming around the garden and then in their 'coffee shack', until their guests from Holland arrived. Jon and Tineka Jorgensen and their daughter had visited them the year before and were eager for another week away from it all. Another long talk, I left them but we agreed to meet on the nude beach the following, and my last, day.

Normally, when I have had a good day in the sun, I prefer to spend the next day doing some sightseeing but in this case the thought of Christchurch in July the very next day, kept my enthusiasm for the beach high.

This second day at the nude beach was even more enjoyable. Carolyn and Jim arrived and soon afterwards so did the Jorgensens. The Wallaces knew a lot of people on the beach so I got to meet some of the locals. I wonder if many listeners know what one of their radio DJs does during his time off. It rained again in the afternoon but it was warm rain and not too heavy so we stayed. It soon passed and the rest of the afternoon was equally blissful. As the beach got quieter, turtles, which had been swimming further out, came close to shore. They were about ¾ metre round and I regretted not having a snorkel and face mask to get a better look at them. Eventually Jim and Carolyn, and then the Jorgensens, left.

I remained until after 6 o'lock as I had already checked out from my cottage in the morning and the flight back to Honolulu wasn't until 8 o'clock.

Well, I am back home now, and it is going to rain again. Not the sort you want to sit in but that's OK. I've got some very happy memories and I'm anticipating spring.

If you do go to the island of Hawaii and want to visit the nude beach at Honokohau (ask for the free beach and you will get some puzzled looks), you will need a car. A taxi will take you there but I didn't see a phone near the car park for the return journey. From the airport, go south for about 8km then turn right down a road leading to a harbour and boat yard. The boat yard is quite visible from the main road. Take another right to keep the boat yard to your left and follow this road through an area where boats are also stored and repaired until you come to a car park.

Don't drive past the warning signs. I think some local villagers don't like us. Painted on the tarmac is NB (for nude beach), so follow the painted arrow over a wall to the right and then walk along a not difficult path for about ½ km until you get to the beach. Walk to the right (north) away from the village and you will soon be at the correct place. I am told that the far end of the bay is where gays go but I have no evidence of this.

If, unlike me, you have some more time there are many places to visit including an active volcano, the place where Captain Cook was killed, coffee mills and nut factories, lovely scenery and of course, in true American style, lots of restaurants.

[See part 1]

Are you a free spirit, one who enjoys a challenge and the risks involved? Are you good at getting yourself out of awkward predicaments - driving the wrong way up a steep narrow one-way street or going anti-clockwise into roundabouts? Do you prefer driving through narrow winding by-laws and exploring out-of-the-way quaint old villages? Can you cope with unpredictability and frustration, with finding nowhere to stay the night when it's already getting dark, cooking your supper on a single gas burner at 10.00pm by starlight. Do you dare to be different - are you a nudist, perhaps? Then say no to package tours, yes to rental Eurodrive. You can go where and when you like, the options are endless. But our time in France was limited to five weeks. Decisions had to be made. Should we dash around looking for the five star landmarks recommended by the tourist handbooks, or find a good naturist club wherein to relax, absorbing the "spirit of place"?

Naturism seems to be recognised in France as an acceptable option, with many clubs signposted in the town or with FFN written in large white letters on the country road as you approach.

As for historic landmarks and spectacular views there is no need to consult the Michelin Vert or to seek them out; just meander along and they are everywhere around. Stop the car at village markets or 12th century churches and follow the trail to ancient megaliths. We were enthralled. And exhausted.

A chilly night in a tent at the Bois de la Pardiére was followed by a hot day. We swam in their lovely pool before heading west to the Atlantic coast, covering as much mileage as possible before stopping for lunch and groceries at midday. Frustration.

We tried to point out that being in the southern hemisphere the timing of the seasons is different and that we had not received the later sticker. At length, grudgingly, he conceded and let us have a caravan for 2 nights, total cost FF350 (over NZ$50 per night for 2). There were in fact plenty of vacant caravans but the season was winding down. The place had a tatty morning- after-the-night-before appearance, chairs and tables piled up by the café area, shutters closed on the food stall and few people around. No-one said 'Allo, but that did not matter. I needed a rest. The woodland setting was pleasant with various tree-lined avenues named after wild animals and birds, but we would not have liked to have been there in the height of the season with all 300 camp and caravan sites occupied. I lay in the caravan recuperating while Bertie sought the Atlantic Ocean. Bert had more energy than I. He even kept a journal:

Sept 3rd. Went to the naturist beach - almost a kilometre walk from the road on sandy pathways through scrub and blackberry bushes. Picked lovely blackberries. Clean sand, good swimming water, little waves. All sorts there - large, small, white, brown, singles, pairs, families, children, sandcastles, baligames, nudity accepted along the whole beach.

Sept: 4th. Drove to the Côte Sauvage, saw the long bridge to the Ile d'Oléron, signs warning of treacherous sandbars, snakes in the forest, lighthouses at several rocky points, mud-flats. Definitely not for swimming."

The next day we crossed the Gironde on the ferry and drove to Euronat which is (at 355 hectares) the largest, newest and possibly the most sophisticated commercial naturist resort in the world. Presenting our INF passports and letters of recommendation from our own (CSC) club secretary we enquired about accommodation.

"We can let you have a studio at FF240 per night (NZ$80)."

"Oh. Have you anything cheaper?"

The receptionist picked up the phone and conferred in rapid French with people in other offices. Eventually to our surprise, with the enigmatic instruction to "see Mr Engels in his office tomorrow" she handed us a key to Studio 51/N in "China", a street in "Asia", also a brochure showing us how to get there - no, not by slow boat but by car.

The layout of Euronat is like a vast flat suburbia of clone bungalows in which one would be completely lost without a map, or in my case, even with a map. The bungalows contain four studios at north, south, east and west and are separated by clumps of pine trees. Each area is named after a continent and subdivided into streets named after countries. The street next to us was named Siberia, which seemed out of keeping with the hot weather. Everywhere were golden skinned people on bikes, moving in the direction of the sea. We followed the crowd and found ourselves on a stretch of beach covered as far as the eye could see with naked people walking to and fro, sunbathing, playing pétanque, paddle-tennis, flying kites, throwing beach baIls. Some were in the water, but the breakers were a bit. daunting and cold, very much like those in Canterbury. We stayed 2 nights in our luxury studio, and before leaving went to seek out Mr Engels according to instructions. We felt very nervous, like schoolchildren approaching the headmaster's study. A pleasant surprise awaited us.

Mr Engels - an affable German speaking very good English - the big chief of Euronat, greeted us as his first guests from New Zealand, ambassadors in fact. The wording of our secretary's introductory letter must have impressed him. He seemed to think we were hoping to do business with him in arranging naturist package tours to Oceania (the one continent which was not yet represented in his international holiday city). He refused to accept any payment from us for our two days stay.

Following this unexpected boost to our budget, we treated ourselves to "Chambres d'Hôte" (bed and breakfast with French families in private rural homes) for the next two days which included some of the high points of our entire trip.

The impressive interior region of south-west France with its three romantic rivers of Dordogne, Lot and Tarn includes two of the Romanesque cathedrals we had come to see at Moissac and Conques. The approach was breathtaking. First the tree-clad river gorge and overhanging cliffs, then the quaint medieval villages and the ancient churches. At last we stood gazing at the semi-circular tympanum above the entrance doors - stone carvings depicting the Last Judgement - visual propaganda created in the 12th century to convey dramatic concepts of reward and punishment. In the middle sits the figure of Christ, on his right are the elect, on his left the damned. You had better look and see which group you belong to and correct your behaviour before the millenium! On the left is chaos, on the right order. Having previously studied these sculptures from books and slides, it was a thrill like no other to actually stand before the reality. It's like going to London for the first time after years of playing Monopoly. It really exists! But added to that is the time factor. These have been here for 800 years, so you become aware of your own smallness in the perspective of world history.

The climate was mellow. I walked barefoot on the worn flagstones of the streets which were warmed by months of sunshine - a sensual experience (which could be in itself a definition of naturism, n'est-ce pas?)

The spires of the Abbey at Conques rise like a dream or a fairy-tale from the densely wooded gorge of the valley of the River Lot. Our room at the inn was up a narrow winding staircase with a small window looking directly out onto the bell-tower of the Abbey.

Swallows wheeled about the tower before settling down to roost. We did not even mind too much the regular chiming of the abbey clock each of the 24 hours, twice over, in case one missed it the first time! True, and not only at Conques. Bertie had the foresight to bring earplugs, whilst I tried to think positively.

Our enjoyment of naturist facilities fizzled out from then on. First we struck a club which was beseiged by wasps, second a commercial club on the Mediterranean shore which although the weather was warm in mid-September was closing down for the season and would not let us in, and lastly a club which had gone out of existence.

This last, named "Naturist Friends of the Alpilles" was to us a fascinating enigma - so much so that I took the trouble to write in French to the FFN (enclosing plenty of French stamps for a reply) to ask if they could help me to find out why the club was no longer viable. This had obviously been, in its hey-day, a substantial members' club. In a magnificent setting amongst woodlands with alluring pathways, its pool and clubhouse (now empty and derelict) were of exceptional design and construction, the pool surrounded by a white tiled promenade commanding views of hills and treetops as far as the eye could see. One felt that this had been a gracious club, much loved by some dedicated person or persons who had built the classy pool and clubhouse. From a window in the clubhouse one could see what was going on under water in the pool. This could have been a lot of fun had there been water in the pool! Inside the letterbox built into one of the imposing stone gate pillars was a letter from a family in Holland asking if they could spend some time there in September, but there were no signs of habitation other than evidence of vandals and recent squatters. Who owns it now? This club has disappeared from the new INF handbook. The FFN did not reply to my letter other than to send a brochure with a list of naturist clubs in France.

I still remain curious about the demise of this club. Are the commercial clubs in the ascendant at the cost of do-it-yourself member clubs? Are the Alpilles too far from the sea, too far from the nearest city (Arles)? Probably. But what struck us was that someone had done much excellent work there in vain.

The south of France is a summer tourist industry area, and is ruthlessly commercialised, being full during July-August when the temperatures are murderously hot and the whole of Europe is on holiday. After that, zilch! By September, everyone has gone back to work. Everyone? Not quite.

Moving on to the Lac du Salagou - Bertie had carried all the way from NZ a magazine article eulogising this area (we now think that someone must have been paid to write it!) - we located a privately-owned club called Village du Bosc which turned out to be an enclave of elderly English couples. As we approached the office a large ferocious Rottweiler-cross dog greeted us. ("It's all right, she's only a puppy.") The cabins for hire were poky, stuffy and expensive, so we opted instead to pitch our small tent on a quiet hillside, having noted the proximity of fig trees with fruit ripe for the plucking. The proprietor supplied us with an outdoor table and chairs, and we began to set out a meal. At once a large wasp came down and boldly seizing a piece of our pork pie, carried it off into the distance. Within a minute his mates arrived to check us out and to particpate in our repast. In short, it was impossible to eat an outdoor meal in comfort. We mentioned our problem to one of the staff who came round setting (ineffectual) traps. "The wasps are not aggressive," he said. True maybe, but it felt to us like "WASPS RULE - OK?"

The countryside around us was red and shaly. It had a sort of stark out-of-this-world feeling, almost as if we had landed on the moon, to find there a colony of nudists who had escaped from England to spend their remaining years in a hedonistic limbo existence.

"This is a marvellous place. The best in France. We all meet here in September. Been coming every year since the place was started up." Well, I thought, 'chacun a son goût'. They had their own caravans. We had our small tent. Bertie's air bed developed a leak and every so often during the night he awoke to find himself lying on the hard ground. I slept in the back seat of the car with my legs on the rear window ledge.

In the pool the next morning we met a lady who had been down to the lake and while she was having a swim her car window had been smashed and the contents looted. (In fact a warning of just this had been provided in the magazine article!)

We decided to forgo the lake and drive to the Mediterranean where, as previously recounted, the naturist resort at Sérignan Plage which was advertised in the INF handbook as open all the year round, was by mid-September closed for the season!

It must be said that trying to decipher the INF handbook when one is travelling around France on a limited time-schedule is difficult and time-consuming; one is tempted to add, barely worth the trouble.

What have we learnt from our experience? We are totally enamoured of France in many ways which can hardly be expressed in this short article. We chose the right month - the 'season of mellow fruitfulness'.

We enjoyed the freedom of our rental car which enabled us to explore places completely different from anything in the Southern Hemisphere. We experimented with accommodation, trying out Youth Hostels, municipal and private camping grounds, inns and chambres d'hôte as well as naturist resorts and clubs. Were we to do this again, we would opt for the chambres d'hôte - staying with French families in country areas and villages. We were in France, after all, to experience what is French and can be found nowhere else.

But, for a NATURIST holiday, why travel 12,000 miles when we have here in New Zealand, lovely beaches and excellent clubs which are less crowded than in Europe?

In almost all naturist organisations that I know, whether clubs, federations or the INF, the constitution makes special provision for young people. From the youth leaders who deal with children and young people in the clubs right up to the INF Youth Commission which organised the International Youth Rally etc., all try to offer something to the new generation of naturists. However, most discussions concerning the theme of youth reveal a fact which anybody who takes our ideals to heart finds impossible to ignore: after a certain age, our young people leave us. Certainly, some come back into the clubs when they have found a partner, or when they have started a family, but we never stop asking ourselves about the errors we have made, or what we could change to avoid this desertion at the time when children become adults.

I recently raised this question in a circle of naturists and non-naturists, and was able to confirm that this problem is not limited to naturist clubs. In many clubs, from a certain age young people no longer take part in the life of the club in the hoped-for manner. In groups to which the young people belonged when they were children, there is a sudden break. Mostly there is a lack of readiness to take on duties; visits become irregular and interest turns more to other fields. Entry into working life and financial independence are certainly factors which encourage this development.

If this representation of young people's attitudes seems rather negative at first sight, it should not be considered so. It is precisely we who think ourselves tolerant, understanding and open-minded who should keep in mind that at this stage in their evolution towards adulthood that young people begin to orientate themselves towards the world, to widen their horizons and, in most cases, there is no reason not to do this or that.

If this tendency is particularly manifest in the case where families are the sustainers of the club, another element has to be added. The fact of separation from the family unit is a process which has to be considered as normal, not just to be accepted but to be welcomed. Now, seeing that in a naturist club, life is very closely linked to the family, to parents, brothers and sisters, this process of breaking of ties is also a breaking with the club and with familiar surroundings.

Should we not really accept this process, see it as part of normal human development and prepare ourselves for it?

At the present time, where naturism, or at least undressing, has never been so natural for young people, our children's chance of finding a partner with whom they can come back to the club have never been greater. Let us give them everything we can of our movement while they are still young. Let us build a life in the clubs which will make their return easy. If they are sensitive to our ideals, it is they who will continue to run our clubs and take our ideas further.

WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY INC.

The Spring is sprung,

The Grass is Riz.,

I wonder where the Boidies izz...

Hello! again, from the Heart of the Mighty Waikato.

And after a quiet lunch hour in our city's Garden Place, watching the people going about their business, it certainly is not hard to understand why Hamilton and the Waikato are the centre of the Dairy Industry in New Zealand.

Some of those Damsels!!

So this is Spring!

I travelled to the Waikato Club-grounds on a recent Sunday and was pleasantly surprised by the outstanding peace and tranquility of the afternoon. Just the distant sounds of traffic rumbling so many miles away. The sounds coming from the farmhouse a couple of gullies away as someone busily cut the evening kindling for the night's firing.

The birds that flitted and darted around, and about, the surroundings were a total delight.

From the two "Wax-eyes" that were more interested in tasting the droplets of dew that remained on the blades of grass after the heavy fog, than they were in me, reminded me that such simple things in life could bring pleasure.

The Fantails that darted about in the extreme top of the Macrocarpa trees, snatching at flying insects to sustain their diet, made it apparent that here was something that we, as humans, could never do.

With the warbling of the Magpies coming from various directions, it was difficult to pinpoint their actual locations, but what did that matter?

Should I share this blessing of Nature with others?

No way! ... I want this for myself.

No, I tell a lie!...

I would love to have shared this experience with the WORLD!!!

So there it is. A naturist who was fortunate enough to be in that situation on a day that could have belonged to anyone.

Since that day, however, we have suffered some VERY high winds and amid blustery conditions, our trees have lost a couple of tall branches, lots of smaller one, and more than anyone's share of leaves. (Now where did our pool cleaning volunteer go?)

After the monthly meeting, volunteers set about cleaning up some of the broken branches. Chainsaw buzzing, sawdust flying, pieces of branch and debris, being orderly, (disorderly?), removed from a very sad looking volleyball court, all appeared to be in hand, until some wiseacre said!

"QUOTE" Wher's your camera? "UNQUOTE" (Not a spelling mistake.)

Being the Club Photographer, I was at a bit of a loss for words.

I knew wher (oops! sorry, where) it was.

Back home, that's where.

Huh! Who gave me this task, anyway?

Never mind, with a little more experience, my memory might improve!

Thanks Rog!

Apart from that, we, the Waikato Outdoor Society's Committee, are looking forward to building a stronger and better Club for all our existing and future members to enjoy.

Don't forget, people, that the Welcome Mat is always out for visitors from other clubs and our Club Secretary will be only too happy to greet you 'At the Door' so to speak.

*            *           *

With the Hawkes Bay Rally drawing ever closer, I dare say that the activities of the various participating Clubs, practising the strange rituals which will be personified (I am sure), at this venue, must surely be driving the individual clubs almost to the points of distraction.

Again, I wish the team on the Hawkes Bay Organising Committee ALL THE BEST!

*            *           *

Venue ... Auckland Outdoor Health Club ... September 26???

To the most entertaining and wonderful evening I think I have ever experienced, I am sure that I extend, on behalf the Waikato Outdoor Society members who attended, a very big THANK YOU to our hosts for a most memorable night.

The occasion being the 'ARABIAN NIGHT FANTASIA' held at the A.O.H.C. clubrooms, and incorporating the celebration of Colin King's 80th Birthday, this very professionally presented night, not only was a night to behold, but also was so full of humour that this scribe awoke with sore ribs the next morning. The victims who had incurred the wrath of the 'KING' and were ensconced in the stocks, took their punishment as was to be expected. The lady, and of course, it's ladies first; demurely accepted her punishment for some misdemeanour. However, the same could not be said for the male prisoner. When the Palace Guards were called to place the felon in the stocks, he struggled and fought, and did justice to any modern day criminal. "Shame, Shame" cried the crowd, and with much mutterings and cursings, he was placed with due indignity to fulfil his sentence.

At some stage, one of the Guards was looking for a tray of Cheese Balls. The mind boggles! I don't quite know what he was going to do with them, but I have an idea that the prisoner might have been hungry...?

The KING was surrounded by, and attended to, by his adoringly beautiful concubines, and very beautiful and adoring they were. At one stage, when he was having his grapes peeled, ('Californian', of course) the KING was heard to remark, "YOU LOT WAIT UNTIL I TURN 100".

Time does not allow me to digress further, but I can assure all who did not take the opportunity to attend, missed a very wonderful evening's entertainment. Again, A.O.H.C., I thank you.

Congratulations, to Colin King, on achieving his 80th year, and to his lovely wife, Daphne, for the invite, it is one memory I will never lose.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish fellow Naturists the very best for the Festive Season which is almost upon us, and it is with optimism that we may see a renewed interest in our movement which can bring so much joy to so many for so little an outlay.

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB INC.

Warm winds of change for the Wellington Sun Club. Like other clubs, the Wellington Sun Club (WSC) has for some time been concerned about declining membership. There is strong competition from other leisure and lifestyle organisations and many people still have a rather negative attitude toward nudism.

This is not just because of the eccentric label that often goes with the word nudist but also because exposure to the sun does not have the healthy image it once had.

The committee of the WSC considers that the key to attracting more members to our wonderful low-cost lifestyle is to be much more open about nudism and to actually market what we have to offer. The days of hiding behind fences and locked gates must be placed in the past if the Club and the movement is to survive and the positive aspects of nudism must be spread through the community.

A marketing plan is being developed using a low cost combination of flyers, community radio and newspaper reporting and general contact with community groups.

The Wellington Sun Club has great amenities in a wonderful environment in Upper Hutt. We have just added a sauna and spa and these together with swimming pools, sports courts, volleyball, bush walks, social activities and so on make for a unique opportunity for people who believe that relaxing in the freedom of nudity is the way to go.

This change in outlook may cause difficulties for some. It is inevitable that change will involve some discomfort. However, if we don't change we can't move forward and that would mean a slow decline to eventual extinction. We prefer to take the path toward a future of growth and prosperity, even though that path might sometimes be a bit rocky.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB INC.

Hello everyone, WOW! That car rally was a bit of a puzzler, wasn't it? The route and map was well planned and a lot of thought must have gone into the observation points.

Many of us who started did not get around the complete course but had to open the brown emergency envelopes to get out of trouble. Still, most ended up at the final destination, one way or another, where a most enjoyable spa and pleasant meal was waiting for us. Congratulations, social committee. Must do this again sometime.

It was stated in last month's news that we were going to have our referendum on members' preference for spa or sauna. Due to a bargain that had to be snapped up immediately, we now have a spa installed, almost ready for use. At the same time the sauna room is being constructed. To fund the running of these amenities, a small charge, yet to be established, will be made on the user pays basis.

These two projects have depleted the building funds somewhat. The major source of these funds, for sometime now, has been the sale of sweets, chocolates and salted peanuts. Some people don't eat these delicious commodities for fear of putting on weight. There is a way of actually losing weight with sweets.

If you want to know the answer to this amazing fact, send a S.A.E. together with $5 to the editor. Remember, we not only sell sweets for members' consumption but you can always take some and sell to your friends, enemies and acquaintances. You may be surprised just how many you can sell when they try. As another of our members has just found out.

Last Saturday, once again. Lucky Strike Henderson, rang with the (in) expert bowling of the A.S.C. Someone suggested that the scores may have been higher if we played in club uniform. But, alas, this was not proven. After our game, we ended the evening at Wally and Edith's where a pleasant conclusion to a most enjoyable evening was terminated with a spa, supper and guess what! MUSIC!!

PELICAN POINT NUDIST RESORT

His boat shed (now the Bluebird Cafe) and a plaque being a reminder of his efforts. Barmera is around 230km from Adelaide, and is the gateway to various locations, north, south, east and west from here, and hence we can help any visitors with information, re their visits to these areas.

We hope that our Riverlands are as good as those in N.Z. and we would welcome any "Kiwis" to enjoy our Riverland with us.

Rex and Yvonne Bakes

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

Our club was greatly saddened by the loss of Johnny McDonald in September. He has guided the Club through many challenging years as President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Johnny was one of the most prominent members in the development and maintenance of our beautiful grounds. We especially marvel at the extensive landscaping he provided from scratch along the bank from his whare to the ablution block. Visitors will miss his chatty approach in welcoming them to the grounds and informing them of our activities.

Johnny's estate has given us a beautiful large framed photograph of a young girl facing the breakers. It typically illustrates the beauty and innocence of the nudist movement. He has left a memorable legacy for us to follow.

Preparations are slowly underway for next year's National Rally. We have been upgrading the entrance road with ten truckloads of gravel, building a concrete paraplegic ramp to the clubhouse, installing new power connections at all sites, and altering the clubhouse to meet fire regulations. We are amazed at the time, effort and expense required to provide safety features for our facilities. The results, however, should stand us in good stead for some time to come.

Pelican Point Nudist Resort

"The Lakeside Nudist Resort"

Box 799

Barmera

South Australia 5345

Another year is drawing to a close, a year which has been a busy and often frustrating one for us.

For some years we have been nudists and in more recent years we have hoped to spend more time pursuing the nudist lifestyle. To this end, after much searching, we were lucky enough to purchase 30 acres of land, adjacent to Pelican Point Nudist Beach.

Our land is situated at Barmera in the Riverland of South Australia (see article page 2, issue 141, written by Julie McCaw).

Pelican Point Beach gets a mention in the "Around Australia" article, the South Australian Riverland being renowned for its fruit growing and wine production.

The area is also said to have 400 more hours of sunshine per year than the Gold Coast of Queensland and hence is quite an attraction for nudists.

At present we are developing a small nudist resort, our hope being to be ready for opening during December 1992. Unfortunately due to a hold up, our project will be far from finished, but nudists will be welcome and we will make the most of any inconveniences. Those wishing to call on us should perhaps ring first, our telephone number in Australia being (085) 88 7366.

Enclosed is a post card depicting the Pelican Point Beach, the beach itself having been proclaimed for at least 20 years, and being around 1 km in length.

Lake Bonney lends itself to a variety of water activities, the late Donald Campbell attempting to break the world water speed record in his hydroplane "Bluebird" on the lake.

NEW ZEALAND CLUB DIRECTORY

The secretaries of these clubs will be pleased to hear from genuine inquirers. Please enclose return postage.

new zealand

naturist

No. 143 Dec 1992

The New Zealand Naturist is the Official Journal published quarterly by the New Zealand Nudist Federation Inc. Registered at the Chief Post Office Wellington as a magazine.

Editor:

Graeme Brown

Business Manager:

Frank Murphy

This magazine is protected by copyright, no part of it may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photographic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the editor.

In our desire to present different points of view we publish articles and letters which do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editor.

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST CLUB DIRECTORY

All correspondence should be addressed to:

P.O. Box 2925,
AUCKLAND.
NEW ZEALAND

General inquiries concerning nudism in New Zealand, or overseas, should be addressed to the:-

New Zealand
Nudist Federation Incorporated
P.O. Box 1359. Wellington.
NEW ZEALAND

President: Les Olsen
Auckland 444-5015

Applications for membership of clubs should be made direct to the club secretary (see Club Directory)

PHOTO CREDITS

Doug Ball - F.C., I.F.C. P2, P4, P18

Lindsey McLeod - P5

Freddy Karstensen - P16, P18

Leif Heilberg - P7

Joyce Fleming - P10, P12, P13, P14, B.C.

Graham McGregor - P16

Doug Cousins - P20

DEADLINES FOR COPY

144 March 1993 - 30 January 1993

145 June 1993 - 20 April 1993

146 September 1993 - 15 July 1993

147 December 1993 - 1 October 1993