# 165 - June 1998 

It's a...

Woman's World

"Curves flattened in chamber of horrors." Would you believe it? This is the headline that leaped out at me from the pages of a freebie monthly publication left in the letterbox of one of our country members. The author went on to advise readers that when she was a child in the 1950s the bathing costume for the woman with a mature figure was designed for a woman with a mature figure.

Today's stretch-fabric suits are designed for the prepubescent girl with a figure chipped out of marble. The woman with a mature figure has little choice. We can either front up at the maternity-wear department and try on a floral costume with a skirt and come away looking like a hippopotamus that has escaped from Fantasia, or choose a trendy Lycra leopard skin bathers with a ragged frill and come out looking like Tarzan on an off day.

Among the problems encountered with modern bathing costumes is they have no bra-cups. The mature woman is meant to wear her bosom spread across her chest like a speed hump and unfortunately they only fit those bits of you willing to stay inside it. Seats ooze out of the bottom and sides and we can end up looking like a lump of play-dough wearing an undersized cling-wrap. After all that the label will probably read, "Material may become transparent in water".

It then becomes a health hazard. After swimming you have to wash your swimsuit and let it dry well. Think about all those people sunning themselves in wet swimsuits containing who knows how many spores (germs at rest) which are only waiting a favourable moment to increase in number and trigger painful infections such as thrush and cystitis.

So why wear them in the first place?

Forget the hassle of wet, clammy togs. Take the easy, natural way - swim in the nude! In fact skin is about the best suit I know of that is practical for any number of occasions, especially in hot weather.

Which brings me to my next question. What is the best way to persuade women to take that first step and experience the freedom of clothes free recreation? As women we are all aware that the first step in social nudity is the hardest; taking off our clothes (or not putting them on in the first place).

Get past that first step and most of us never look back. We're nudists for life. Think about your first introduction to social nudist activities. How did you learn about it, did a friend introduce you, were you comfortable, were you self-conscious, do you now feel more positive about your body?

We all feel pretty good about our club, so why not share it with others? Invite all your women friends, whether they be married or single, mothers, daughters, aunties, cousins, work colleagues, friends from other women's clubs. Send flyers such as the one used by the women at Pineglades "An Invitation to Women".

Find out if your committee is willing to let you have the Club to yourselves on Saturday 10 October, from say 11.00am to 3.00pm for a national promotion for women. An ideal opportunity for women of all ages and young children who may be hesitant to try clothes free recreation for the first time.

Statistics have shown that once someone visits a nudist club, they almost always come back again, and again. "An Invitation to Women" will be a unique event with the emphasis on stress reduction and body acceptance in a relaxed atmosphere.

To wear or not to wear clothes will be entirely yours or your guests choice, the only exception being nudity of course in the pool and spa/sauna, if your club has one.

Natural health and relaxation should be a feature of the afternoon. Arrange to have members with relative interests, crafts or hobbies which could be demonstrated or discussed. Volunteers would also be required to meet visitors at the gate and direct them to car-parks.

To enable our visitors to feel completely at ease, and to achieve credibility, we ask with respect, that menfolk absent themselves from the clubs during this short time. We would appreciate your cooperation and thoughtfulness. Why not suggest a "blokes fishing contest" as an alternative to a day at the club. This promotion is not about excluding men, it is about a genuine effort by all members to show social nudity as an accepted and valuable choice among women.

So forget the "Chamber of Horrors", share your club with women, give them confidence, health and vitality and most of all self esteem that they will not find elsewhere. Introduce your friends and family to clothes free recreation. Allow them to feel good about being women.

Question: "Do you think there are too many men in the club?" and conversely "Do you think there are not enough women in the club?"

"An Invitation to Women" could make a difference. It's up to you.

Kay Hannam - President

NEW ZEALAND NUDIST FEDERATION

Sydney's first nude beach wedding in 15 years was an emotional and moving experience for the 50 plus naturist friends who gathered on Cobblers Beach in Sydney on a hot cloudy day on the 20th December to witness the simple no-frills wedding ceremony of Elizabeth McGinty and Peter Schubert.

The bride wore a garter, and a choker ringed with pearls, and a crown of finely woven natural flowers on her head. Her engagement ring holds an Alexandrite sapphire and two diamonds. The sapphire is a very rare type that I cut myself over 15 years ago when working as a gem cutter on Queensland's sapphire field. It looks like an emerald by day, but at night changes to mauve-pink in colour. I feel it represents how rare that "special someone" is that can make both of you always happy.

We met in April of last year at a popular naturist beach at La Perouse where we found we had many similar interests in life.

The friendly nature of nudism helped our love blossom and soon we were in love and inseparable.

I have been married before so I agreed it was best to keep it simple with a minimum of preparation. "This time we'll do it our way." I wore a bow tie and ruffe my friend Kevin donated.

Elizabeth was escorted down the beach by best man Bob Reed followed by bridesmaids Paula and Jan. Bob is President of the Free Beach Association of NSW.

Marriage celebrant Jill Ferguson, dressed in a Sari, read the vows as all the gathered naturists listened in silence as the sky cleared and the sun shone down.

"Today I marry the one I love, the one I have chosen to support and to give myself to.

"I promise to give you many sunny days at the beach to show how much I love you, everyday, in sickness and in health for all the days to come."

This was the first part of the vows I chose to promise my bride.

Finding a celebrant willing to perform a nude wedding was more difficult than expected. Most said they felt "uncomfortable with the idea of a nude wedding" even when we assured them they were not required to undress.

Bob came to our rescue introducing us to Jill who was thrilled with the idea, even though it was "a first nude function" for her. Jill thought the marriage took the cake for originality. "I have done about 150 ceremonies but this is certainly the most unusual," she said.

The wedding also attracted the presence of reporters and cameramen from both Sydney Sunday papers. Their conduct was quite friendly and courteous, and they even seemed to enjoy the occasion, albeit shyly.

On that evening, some of the guests joined the wedding party for a dinner party at a popular club restaurant where unfortunately all had to be dressed, but it was a very enjoyable evening with traditional wedding cake.

Next day we started our honeymoon at River Island Nature Retreat as guests of proprietors Colin and Katina Sell who generously provided their best newly built cabin for us to enjoy this great resort.

Many thanks to them and to all those who helped to make this wedding the wonderful experience we all enjoyed.

Liz and Peter exchange their vows whilst the lovely bridesmaids look on admiringly.

Special thanks go to Charles MacFarland of Synetech Video and his assistant cameraman Peter for creating a video of the occasion for us.

This should also be available to purchase from his range of Naturist titles now, and shows just how much fun we all had on this special day.

The rest of our Xmas holidays were spent on various clothes optional beaches where I provided the "many sunny days at the beach" I promised in my vows. Our bridesmaid Jan having had such a wonderful time at our wedding, recently announced her intention to marry her partner Chris in a nude ceremony to be held at Bardots Nude Village Resort in November. Elizabeth and I look forward to giving our love and support to them on this special day, which I'm certain will be spectacular.

Now you can also see our wedding, as reported by Australia's largest newspaper, on the Internet courtesy of the Free Beach Association of NSW. Check it out, the address is http://www.aswm.com. au/freebeachnsw.

by Peter Schubert

Photos: Peter Schubert

Though the colonial countries of the British Empire each had different origins and have followed their own paths to independence, one unsung part of their history that most have in common is that of the remittance man.

While the oldest son of a Duke or Earl inherited the title and the land and the income that came with it, the younger sons' prospects were more limited. They might enter the church or the military or perhaps find a position in business.

But for the ones with a spirit of adventure, opposed to the rigid atmosphere of the previous mentioned occupations and perhaps landing themselves in a spot of trouble because of their high spirits, it was often decided that a jaunt to one or another of the colonies would be best for all concerned. Basically, they were given a wage - a remittance - from the family estate and told to make the best they could with it somewhere outside of Britain.

Here in our sparsely settled area of northeast Ontario, several hours drive from Canada's capital city of Ottawa, we have a beautiful memento of the spirit and work of one of these remittance men that is visited and used by naturists and non-naturists alike. Along with it comes a lovely legend that may even have an element of truth in it.

It is told that John R. Watson, a son of the Earl of Rockingham in North Hamptonshire, England, fell in love with the scullery maid and was told that Canada might be a good place to live with his lower class wife. He would of course, receive a remittance.

Rockingham Mill Pond and Dam

With that remittance, his wife and the veterinarian, (a stockman perhaps, who eventually became the local doctor here), he followed the development road opened up in the 1850s from the Ottawa River to the heavily forested Canadian Shield and founded the thriving village of Rockingham. At its peak, it boasted two mills, two hotels, a school and a church.

Today, only the school, the church and the mill pond and waterfall are left. The school is a private home and the simple, beautiful old clap-board church building, long decommissioned, is undergoing its second restoration process in the last 20 years carried out by a group of volunteers.

Every year, hundreds of visitors walk up the steep hill to view this piece of remittance history and tour the cemetery's tombstones, including Watson's magnificent marble that stands closest to the church.

The most natural remnant of Watson's work lies hidden from the road in a five minute walk from the church. At the bottom of a steep, twisting path lies the mill pond, where local people, especially the youth, know a good skinny-dipping spot when they see it. After a cooling dip on a warm summer day, the more adventurous of them will climb the steep walls of the stream bed and cross the top of what is left of the old dam that once controlled the flow of water that ran the mill. In the springtime, or after heavy rain, this can be quite an exciting and exhilarating experience.

One can imagine that the spirit of John Watson, the old remittance man, who no doubt followed the Victorian custom of male skinny-dipping, vicariously joins in the enjoyment of the modern day young naturists.

For those who might want to share in this naturist-heritage experience and are visiting the Ottawa Valley near Algonquin Park, they could write to me - Bernard McCaffrey, Cl- Friends of Rockingham Church, Box 271, Killaloe, Ontario, Canada KOJ 2A0.

By Bernard McCaffrey

Photos: Bernard McCaffery

In February, over the long weekend provided courtesy of Waitangi Day, Wellington Sun Club hosted the Grand Miniten Tournament. This was a three day miniten fest for miniten addicts and their cohorts. We were fortunately blessed with a number of players from clubs around the country - the bulk of the visitors coming from the larger clubs - Canterbury Sun, Auckland Outdoor and Manawatu Outdoor.

For many years the annual national rally has provided a venue and set format for the annual miniten base - however, with Rotota opting for a gathering rather than a rally, it gave us the chance to hold a separate sports event - and we grabbed it.

We had to get in early though - since long weekends are opportunities to go hither and thither - but we sent out a notice almost a year in advance and reminders after that and even flying visits in an effort to gain "support for our sport".

Promises of presenting the national trophies and great entertainment and hospitality from Wellington Sun, and in addition, personal trophies for the winners must have helped. So now the players were descending on us - literally - someone had to pick them up at the airport.

What was foremost in my mind as sports co-ordinator for the Wellington Club was that the miniten champs normally run across five or six days of a rally with little let up - and we wanted to run it in three. What happened if a day was lost to the weather? So the plan was to kick off as early as possible on day one and remain very "focused". Entries closed on Thursday night, so following the draw, the early combatants on Friday morning knew who they were opposing and on which court.

I was impressed that we managed to have all courts filled by soon after 9.00am despite the official start time being 10.00am - keen players!

Well, there are nine miniten events in total, and over half were at the semi-final stage by the end of day one. The weather forecast was good - now the possibility presented itself of finishing on Saturday, which would allow plenty of time for social miniten on the Sunday. Along with others, I find I miss most of some of the best games - either I'm playing or watching a game on another court. So, with the time pressure off, I relaxed a little and let spectators cheer on their fellow competitors rather than push the remaining games through fast.

Saturday evening saw the now famous Wellington Sun Club Spit Roast Lamb to be followed by a "Night at the Races".

I guess we had all been working up a hunger on the courts and watching Bevan and Barry turning the lamb and feeding the fire. But Alan and Stephen were battling out for the men's single title - so nibbles were served around the court and everyone was happy - even the lamb!

The meal was superb and the entertainment, compered by Howard, was great. The finals (up to three sets) can last considerably longer than the previous rounds (one set) and, as always players get to the finals in multiple events.

The recent addition of the Over 50s events has meant that some of our older players get to workout far more than some of the younger participants. One of the seniors played 60 games - no wonder us sports crazies think we lead a healthy lifestyle.

Sunday we had the junior, senior and ladies events to bring to a conclusion. The juniors put on a fine display of talent and sportsmanship on centre court - I think some of these guys and gals are going to give us older players a bit of a shock sooner than we'd like to think.

The trophies were presented on the main lawn early afternoon and just for a moment the wind came up and blew the trophies over and the sun umbrellas down.

So back to the airport for the Cantabrians and an extended stay for others and a long drive home for the Auckland crew. Just a shame that the newest, biggest museum in the southern hemisphere opened its doors the following weekend. (Yes, that's an unashamed plug for Wellington.)

by Chester Holmes 

Earth, water, air, fire. The essential elements. Earth, water, air and fire - where I relax, where I settle and find perspective.

Unfettered from the clutter and insult of timepiece telephone TV fax, computer, horn, stereo, school bell and Eftpos, I slow down to the rhythms and pulses of the natural world. Mother Earth nurtures me.

I wriggle into hot sand, belly merging, limbs spread eagled and drowse in the heat of the sun. Sea provides a background pulse punctuated by the call of gull and furtive oyster catcher. I am no observer here. I am no visitor. I am part of the beach. Where does sand end and I begin? As I drowse the interface between sun and self blurs. I walk the beach. Warm air separates for me to pass through. Effortless, rhythmical, at one.

"I am the walrus . . ." sings John Lennon. "I am he as you are he as you are me as we are altogether." I want to talk with John Lennon. We share a knowledge of the connectedness of all things. I struggle to find words to express my experience. I am the walrus, I am the beach, I am earth, water, air and fire.

Last summer Bill and I sunbathed with Hooker Sea Lions at Victory Beach. As mother and pup rolled and played and suckled we rolled and played and suckled. Our worlds merged for that moment.

Why mourn the passing of summer? Such sorrow separates me from the glory of autumn colour and the warmth of winter duvet and eucalyptus fire. A time of hunker down and share soup with friends. A time to cut kindling and stack pallets of wood in splendid formation.

Being embraced by the natural world soothes and grounds me. I feel better equipped to join with my tasks and responsibilities in urban Dunedin in the late 90s. I become more meditative, less dualistic and better placed to embrace my tasks. I am the walrus, I am the salt spray, I am the time piece, I am a grey Otago day, I am our tight budget, and I am my adolescent daughter's stereo.

I AM THE WALRUS

by Lois Mead

Having done this venture twice now I am still looking forward to my next opportunity to travel down the Clutha the pioneer way and perhaps take in more of the ecology side of the venture.

Downstream, on returning to camp, still more interest lay ahead. After pulling into shore at our camp- side, much of the evening was spent with a local journalist who just couldn't hear enough about our wonderful lifestyle and the way we use naturism to draw as much pleasure from life as possible. Desperately trying to stay objective and open minded, her subsequent newspaper report produced many of the positive aspects of nudism. She noticed that nudists are just ordinary people who do the same things as any other people but simply don't have their clothes on most of the time.

When camping out, what can be better than to do it the natural way, especially in the middle of a heat- wave. We showered under solar showers and bathed in the cooler Clutha. We had many adventurous games of petanque using varied surfaces of sand, grass, weed and gravel. We relaxed under willow trees with a good book, a game of scrabble and also some wine and cheese.

A variety of meats, including goat, venison and turkey, appeared for the communal evening meal, all obviously brought into camp. It seems that people recalled how last year our dedicated hunters and fishermen failed to provide food from the land and fish from the swift flowing waters.

Gas lanterns were lit whilst sitting in the warm air of the evening but it was soon realised that it was better to turn out all the lamps and gaze into the clear night sky and discuss stars, satellites, and other astral topics of our dreams.

When the new day dawned wit the promise another warm, lazy day ahead a group of campers embarked on a 4WD trip to the Bendigo go1d mining area where there are still ruins of the old stone houses, a stamping battery, mines and shafts. But that is another experience and another story.

Already we were setting the dates next year's camping weekend with a promise to bring more friends along. So before you go to sleep tonight mark 30 and 31 January 1999 as booked up as coming to the Fifth Annual Camping by the Clutha weekend.

Photos: Steve Patrick

The Clutha, New Zealand's largest river, the world's second richest gold bearing waters, eighth swiftest and 15th highest volume river, also the focus of Alpine Lakes' Fourth Annual Camping by the Clutha weekend.

These rafters enjoyed a unique experience encompassing a 55km stretch of Central Otago yielding views that can only be appreciated by travelling the great water way. A most pleasant and captivating way to spend five hours on a hot and breezy Saturday afternoon.

Our guide on the mighty oars spieled many true historical stories (and some real shaggy ones too I suspected). The 12 rafters alternated on the four paddles obeying directives such as "Left forward paddle, right back paddle, drift". The boogie boarder, struggling to keep up with the raft, was forced to accept a tow then "hitch" a ride once the chilly temperature of the water seeped through. Further downstream however, in a calmer stretch, another rafter took a turn at "riding the board" and yet another leapt overboard for a swim; in club uniform of course; and all this obviously a foreign sight to the fisherman and his family out for a picnic. (We think he dropped his bait.)

At one particular point, a glance to the rear reveals a magnificent view of the Southern Alps. Mt Roy, Treble Cone, Black Peak, Fog Peak, Niger Peak and just around the corner stands Rob Roy Glacier and Mt Aspiring in all their splendour.

When it was time to pull in for a picnic and a bask in the sun on an otherwise inaccessible beach, the thermette was lit for a cup of tea and the next directive was "who wants to come help pick the tea leaves?" Once the sweet young tips of the new growth of manuka were selected for the brew, a clever display by our guide of swinging the billy helped to speed up the draw of the brew of a wonderfully subtle sweet natural tea.

Returning back to the waters it wasn't all "smooth sailing". Considering there was a 70 metre drop (not all at once) over the 55km travelled, there had to be some rapids and holes.

This was not a white water, hair raising rapids kind of adventure, but some bow diving into huge holes avoiding the sucking eddy, some snags and rock faces which kept the trip interesting enough. Twice, in the face of a sudden breeze, hats were lost overboard. Our guide displayed his skill and knowledge of the waterway in his way of retrieving them over a length of water.

The Clutha is the cleanest of the large flowing rivers in the world and cleaner than tap water from any city in the world. One can never tire of Central Otago's clean and beautiful scenery, the more one looks the more there is to see. It seems to be forever changing. I have an awesome respect for this river.

Imagine a 2.6 hectare property in a rural setting surrounded by green trees and hedges. The sun burned grass contrasting with the green. A 103-year-old classroom and outbuildings as well as the normal school pool. This was the place for the South Canterbury Sun Club's 25th birthday held in the worst drought for 18 years during 3-11 January, 1998. With multi-coloured tents, caravans and camper-vans set up, we were ready for the festivities in our little piece of paradise. Good weather was ordered and received with temperatures between 20° and 34° Celsius.

Friday night saw new friendships made and old ones renewed. Saturday - Scouting Day saw many fake injuries being attended to by every means; even a broken elbow supported by a pair of knickers!

"Whose Line is it Anyway" was quite hilarious with people submitting to many forms of humour. Great to get the face and stomach muscles sore through laughing too much.

The fondue night was new for some, but the time and effort put into, it ensured there was more than the usual full stomach that night.

Karaoke followed the dinner. Voices of all kinds, not all in the same key; raised the roof on the clubhouse. Not many songs were sung but by night's end we all knew the words to the songs that some older members knew before hand. Next morning everyone turned out for a wonderful champagne breakfast. Who said champagne doesn't go with bacon and eggs?

Photos: Lester Pulley

Party scarf night was great fun which saw many uses made of scarves; none of which they were designed for. Finally a very veiled dance left many eyes popping.

With the week coming to a close, the spit was set up and "Cecil" attached. Whilst we were able to slip, slop, slap our sunscreen to stop getting burnt, "Cecil" didn't have that option. Certainly not when the excess of fat dripped into the tray creating flames five metres high.

There was certainly no complaints when the meal was served and one sheep for a meal is pretty good going for any party.

It's surprising that after this meal there was still enough energy for our tutors to get everyone up on the floor for a session of sequence dancing. A first for some it seemed.

Most "Club uniforms" from Canterbury, The Orchard and Alpine Lakes Club had changed colour over the week. Some may have even picked up the odd stretch mark or two as a result of the good food and frequent barbecues.

We are all the better for the week's enjoyment and our club received birthday wishes from afar and birthday presents that we can all enjoy.

Our final event was the planting of a tulip tree by Hellen our President. Maybe at our next anniversary, we can sit underneath it.

So to one and all, thanks for the help in making it the great week that it was.

Wayne Whitmore

Photo: Joyce Fleming

At last, after weeks of preparation, our team of players representing the Canterbury Sun Club assembled at Five Acres in Wellington for the NZNF National Miniten Championships.

This was to be no ordinary miniten championships. Unlike former competitions normally held during national rallies, we did not have to compete with other sports vying for our time and energy, nor for us the distraction of noisy loudspeakers. With Friday being a public holiday, the long weekend was to be devoted entirely to playing miniten with players representing Wellington, Canterbury and The Orchard Sun Club, Manawatu Outdoor Leisure and Auckland Outdoor Health Club.

Of course the Wellington Sun Club members, being true to form, had also ensured that our evenings were to be equally energetic as well as entertaining, with a well planned social programme beginning with Bevan's Birthday Bash. The preparation of the delicious spit roast and pot-luck barbecues saw a number of stayers enjoying each others company well after the twilight hours and we would have been easily forgiven for assuming a catering company had been hired especially for the occasion.

If you have missed "The Races" at Five Acres, then I urge you to attend the next meeting. Backing on sure- fire winners saw punters "champing at the bit", encouraging their somewhat stationary two-legged horses, complete with colours and mane, moving only on the roll of the dice to the sometimes raucous cheers of syndicates.

But I digress. Back to the miniten and particular interest at the 9.00am start, was given to the draw, which had been prepared the previous evening by Chester Holmes, organiser for the event.

Photo: Brian Williams

As you can see by the photo of Alex and Kay, overnight, the draw had somehow taken a new language, which was rather apt as the public holiday was to celebrate the "Treaty of Waitangi". My goodness, there goes another set of Maori ancestors rolling their eyeballs!

Now the team from Pineglades, eleven in all, were a pretty competitive bunch and had adopted a really positive attitude - Just Do It! While we spent considerable time and admiration viewing others tattoos and adornments, we just couldn't bring ourselves to "go under the needle" as it were and resorted to a felt pen for the big tick!

Team photos were taken at the completion of the finals (once Sue Nash had run out of water) and one bright spark even went so far as to suggest that sponsorship may be looked at by a certain sports apparel manufacturer. Now there's a good publicity stunt.

Not only are we competitive, but we admit to being very parochial as well, and by Saturday afternoon the competition was starting to hot up with "King of the Tiebreakers" Alan MacPherson taking his sixth Men's Singles title. Teaming up with Lynette McKnight was a sure-fire way of proving that the Pineglades Ladies Doubles combination were still tops, and at the prize-giving Stanton Burrows proudly received the trophy on our behalf for the Over 50s Open Doubles. Maybe I should act my age arid forget the punishment dealt out by Judith Mercer in the Ladies Singles final. The celebratory bottle of sparkling wine presented by none other than Mr Birdman himself was well worth any pain I may have felt during defeat. Like all the games that weekend, it was absolutely marvellous.

Where we failed, others played brilliantly and this was particularly the case with the Men's Doubles with Auckland Outdoor team members Kevin and Stephen showing brilliant form in taking the title.

As in all competitions in the Junior Section, it was great to watch the dogged determination of the young players and to hear the encouragement of the senior players ensuring their youngsters continued participation in years to come.

Sure it's competitive, but it's all part of the serious fun that many of us get such a buzz from.

A nudist club venue is the only place in the world that allows us to compete at this level without the discomfort, let alone the restriction, of clothing if we choose. So from the players from Pineglades - thanks Wellington Sun Club for hosting The Grand Miniten Tournament.

Not only did we bring home the bacon, but it gave the Glee Club another opportunity for a photo shoot with yet further recruitment. Best of all, we enjoyed a lot of good fun, good company and great miniten!

by Kay Hannam

Free Beach Group (South Island)

Greetings to skinnydippers throughout the world! It is summer in New Zealand as I write this. Warmer seas on the Canterbury coast and Banks Peninsula have been perfect for outdoor recreation this year and we have made the most of it. Our hearts, too, are warmed by the way we have been accepted at local beaches, where some "textiles" walk on by while others, including whole families, picnic close by or even join in with us. Can clothes-optional be catching on? Our yellow Fred Bear flag flies bravely, inscribed with the words "Bare on the Beach".

Two innovations at Woodend Beach this year: kite-flying and building sand castles with moats and channels to catch the incoming tide. On the latter occasion a passer-by smilingly said to us, "Not flying your kites this week?"

A highlight of our summer was the South Canterbury Sun Club's 25th Anniversary summer camp which provided most generously for all adults and children.

Ages ranged from 1 to 87 years and everyone had a great time. Champagne breakfasts, fondue supper, sheep-on-a-spit dinner, DIY evening entertainments, presents for the children and a fireworks display. At a "scarf" party on the final evening, we were treated to an impromptu dance of the seven veils in reverse (work that one out!).

It's very unusual to find anything non-commercial these days. This nine-day holiday was at nominal cost and was entirely social. Congratulations to SCSC and thanks from FBG for your hospitality. We hope the "Getaway" will become an annual event.

We will be into winter by the time this report appears and having our aquacise sessions on the fourth Saturday of each month. Further details in our newsletter.

Joyce Fleming

Photo: Joyce Fleming

Canterbury Sun Club

"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything." This quotation took centre stage in the March issue of our newsletter and could be a reference for any number of issues encompassed in our lifestyle. Alongside this the announcement at the Club's AGM in May, another committee formed of dedicated, enthusiastic members, some of whom are willing to promote their club.

Promotion is the name of the game at Pineglades recently, with a wonderful response to our latest "Invitation Day", resulting in many new members joining our club. A new and inventive membership drive called EMGAM "Every Member Get a Member" provides further incentive to existing members to spread the word to friends and family.

Given the opportunity to a live nationwide television interview added further fuel to my enthusiasm, but maybe I said something right, even though "coach" Norm Wilkinson advised the previous evening "just keep smiling Kay and it won't matter what comes out of your mouth".

With plenty to offer at Pineglades, together with a varied and entertaining social programme this summer has been the "best yet". Soaring temperatures in Canterbury have meant the petanque piste in the shade has provided a haven for enthusiasts for this increasingly popular pastime. The barbecue area still sees the sun sinking pretty late in the evening and has been well patronised by members and the many visitors to our grounds.

Just because it's winter now and some other clubs "shut up shop", this is not the case at Pineglades and many continue to enjoy playing miniten on a regular basis and luxuriate in the hot spa or sauna at the end of the day. So come on out and join us.

Letters to the Editor

Taranaki Naturist Club

Summer has finished and the club, with its lifestyle, has attracted several new members over the 97/98 season. During the winter months there will be an inside BBQ happening at the Club grounds and a shared evening meal with a theme on each Saturday prior to the first Sunday of the month. This is the date that the committee meets. Several will stay over night in their caravans enjoying the company in the clubhouse until the wee small hours in the morning.

The club has hosted some international guests over the past summer from as far away as Europe and Canada. Each has reflected on the warm nature of the members and of the standard of amenities available. The club is still in the process of landscaping a new BBQ site, which will be protected from the wind and play area by a fence and beer garden for adults that will overlook the pool.

Our Vice President and Treasurer attended the Easter meeting at the old Wanganui grounds enjoying the company of our neighbours, and the Taranaki Club wishes those Wanganui members a good future, we hope they find new grounds soon.

The Editor,

When I sent my resignation as Supporter Secretary to NZNF Inc in January I did so with much regret.

My involvement with SMG since 1986 was given with full-on commitment and I hope all our members have received good value for their participation in it.

With barely 60 member units initially, this rose over the years to double that now. Our last two AGMs at Katikati Naturist Park with its outstanding naturist environment, put a "new face" to Supporters Membership Group.

Many people responded to being included on our members list and I trust continuing interest will prevail in this aspect to membership.

I am in line for right shoulder replacement surgery, so I earnestly hope this does eventuate before the year 2000. But one never knows!

John Trotter

Dear Editor,

Hello! My name is Jim Walczak. I'm a single male naturist, 43, with medium brown hair and blue eyes, and live in the city of Buffalo, New York, United States of America.

I would like to correspond with a single female naturist lady (25-35) from New Zealand with medium or dark red hair, for romance, and who would like to share the naturist lifestyle with me. I speak English and may visit New Zealand in the future. I'm not looking for a perfect "10" lady, but someone who is sincere, has a loving smile, and soft, friendly eyes. Please send a photo with your first letter.

Address all correspondence to: 30 Paul Place, Buffalo, New York 14210, United States of America.

Wellington Sun Club

The notice board for our Waitangi Day Miniten Champs was written in the Maori language especially in recognition of the New Zealand national holiday.

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. 165 June 1998

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:

Les Olsen Tel/Fax (09) 444 5015

Business Manager:

Laurel Olsen Tel/Fax (09) 444 5015

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 101014,

NORTH SHORE MAIL CENTRE,

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

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

The Secretary NZNF: Peter Moosberger
P.O. Box 74-257, Market Rd PO,
Auckland 1005
Tel/Fax 09-520 0796
Email: mooseberg@sinesurf.co.nz

President: Kay Hannam
Tel/Fax 03-383 6023

North Island VP: Mike Kelley
Tel: 09-836 3610, Fax 09-836 3657

South Island VP: Christine Turner
Tel: 03-337 3464

Applications for membership of Clubs should be made direct to the Club Secretary (see Club Directory).

PHOTO CREDITS

Front Cover: Courtesy of Mirror Australian Telegraph Publications

Doug Cousins IFC, P6, P7, P8

Peter Schubert P2, P3, BC

Bernard McCaffrey P4, P5, IBC

Bill McEwan P9

Steve Patrick P10, P11, P12, P13

Lester Pulley P14a, P15, P16b

Winston Reid P14b

Joyce Fleming P16a, P20

Brian Williams P17, P18, P19

DEADLINES FOR COPY

166 September 1998 - 20 July 1998

167 December 1998 - 1 October 1998

168 March 1999 - 20 January 1999

169 June 1999 - 20 April 1999