Taking the plunge as nature intended
A pastime more suited to Spain than the Fens has taken off in Mildenhall since starting two years ago.
On average, 43 British Naturism members from East Anglia and beyond shun their textiled ways for a night in their birthday suits at the town's swimming pool and sauna.
For some, it has taken 40 years to strip, others have found it second nature.
John, 71, runs a transport firm in Huntingdon. He said: "It took me 40 years to do it.
"I had done it in Spain and then had a lady friend who wondered if there was anywhere to go in England.
"I enjoy the freedom and sociability. You get to know so many pleasant people from all walks of life.
"No-one bothers about their figures, you just accept people as they are."
Other than their birthday suits the group could not have less in common.
Members include engineers, a Bedfordshire market gardener, a 29-year-old Norwich IT consultant and a 41-year-old Mildenhall storeman.
There's also a Newmarket carer, a librarian and a farmer.
Allan Kidney, 63, an engineer from Welwyn Garden City, said: "I like the freedom of swimming and being naked in the open. The friendship and totally different atmosphere is a different way of life.
Another man said he liked not having to worry about losing his trunks in the pool.
Average sessions draw around 45 people and last week three new members joined, taking the membership to 85.
Affiliated to British Naturism, the members-only club usually meets the last Saturday in the month.
elaine.maslin@buryfreepress.co.uk
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -7 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -5 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
