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BN Membership figures.

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Duncan Heenan

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Sep 30, 2010, 4:57:25 PM9/30/10
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I quote below a short history of BN membership figures, and invite comment
as the AGM is due soon.
--
Duncan Heenan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CC)BN Membership figures as published

1994 - 19.769 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
1995 - 19.905 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
1997 - 19,511 (from BN137, Autumn 1998)
2000 - 18,524 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
2001 - 18,631 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
2002 - 18,070 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
2003 - 17,534 (from BN 159, Spring 2004 - but see note 1 below)
2004 - 15,329 (from BN 161, Autumn 2004 - but see note 2 below)
2005 - 15,898 (from EC Minutes 25 February 2006 - but see note 3 below)
2006 - 14,955 (from EC Minutes 17 February 2007)
2007 - 12,315 (from EC Minutes 15 April 2007)
2008 - 12,627 (from "Naturist Life" briefing on 2008 AGM - but see
note 4 below)
2009 - 11,586 (from EC Minutes 17.8.09) [ "about 11,700" announced by Andrew
Welch at the AGM on 18.8.09]
2010 - 9,974 (at May 2010 , from EC report in BN185)

NOTES:

1 - The 2003 figure given in BN 159 conflicts with one published later
in BN 165 claiming 16,611 members

2 - The 2004 figure given in BN 161 conflicts with one published later
in BN165 claiming 16,138 members

3 -The 2005 figure from the EC minutes conflicts with one published
later in BN165 claiming 16,256 members (later revised in BN166 to
15,856 members

4 - I believe a somewhat different figure for 2008 membership appeared
in H&E's report of the AGM but cannot find the relevant copy at the
moment

Figures quoted by Mick Ayers at 2005 AGM:
"The BN Annual Report was then presented by BN Chairman Mick Ayers. He
admitted that the membership figures quoted in the report were not
wholly accurate, and that recent database figures showed that new
memberships in 2005 were actually some 400 below the previously
reported level. He maintained that the figures up to 2004 were accurate
however. These showed in graphical form the numbers he had quoted in
his BN 164 article a couple of months ago.
Date Total Membership
31.12.00 18,524
31.12.01 18,631
31.12.02 18,070
31.12.03 16,611
31.12.04 16,138
He went on to say that a further examination of the records showed that
at 7.9.05 BN membership was made up of:
12,080 people in couples
3,145 people as singles
196 non-paying 'phantom members' - i.e. free magazine
recipients etc
67 non-paying honorary members
15,488 total membership
He could not explain this 650 drop in membership during 2005, nor why
he had claimed it as a sign of success. He said they had had trouble
with getting statistics out of the database. On the suggestion of Colin
Gorham, the Report was withdrawn due to the admitted inaccuracies in
it. "

AndyC

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Oct 1, 2010, 6:01:53 AM10/1/10
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"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i82tjr$17s$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

>I quote below a short history of BN membership figures, and invite comment
>as the AGM is due soon.
> --
> Duncan Heenan
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> (CC)BN Membership figures as published
>
> 1994 - 19.769 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
> 1995 - 19.905 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
> 1997 - 19,511 (from BN137, Autumn 1998)
> 2000 - 18,524 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2001 - 18,631 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2002 - 18,070 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2003 - 17,534 (from BN 159, Spring 2004 - but see note 1 below)
> 2004 - 15,329 (from BN 161, Autumn 2004 - but see note 2 below)
> 2005 - 15,898 (from EC Minutes 25 February 2006 - but see note 3 below)
> 2006 - 14,955 (from EC Minutes 17 February 2007)
> 2007 - 12,315 (from EC Minutes 15 April 2007)
> 2008 - 12,627 (from "Naturist Life" briefing on 2008 AGM - but see
> note 4 below)
> 2009 - 11,586 (from EC Minutes 17.8.09) [ "about 11,700" announced by
> Andrew Welch at the AGM on 18.8.09]
> 2010 - 9,974 (at May 2010 , from EC report in BN185)

If there is any truth in these figures, the overwhelming trend over the past
16 years appears to be an acceleration in the reduction in membership.

I used to be a member. I ceased to be a member when I felt that BN's ideals
and objectives to not meet my expectations and they did not support the
things I thought that they ought to support. That in no way is a criticism
of BN, it just that BN was not the type of organisation that I felt I wanted
to be part of.

There will of course be a natural turnover of membership. Sadly people die
and people move on to other things. This means that any member organisation
needs new members to just replace the ones leaving and to keep going with
the same membership numbers. I also know plenty of other people who "used to
be members of BN" but left for various reasons. The question is, why is it
that new members are not joining BN?

Anyone care to speculate why?


Sheila & Les

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Oct 1, 2010, 6:54:08 AM10/1/10
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"AndyC" <web-...@andycrawford.net> wrote in message
news:i84bik$ftt$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>Could it be that people no longer feel there is any need to be in this
>organisation any more, you can holiday anywhere without an INF card these
>days, very few feel the need to be members of clubs now (club membership
>would seem to be on the decline).


Message has been deleted

AndyC

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Oct 1, 2010, 12:49:16 PM10/1/10
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"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i84stn$kn6$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
> >snip< If there is any truth in these figures, the overwhelming trend over
> >the past 16 years appears to be an acceleration in the reduction in
> >membership.
>>
> These are the figures published by BN itself.

Aren't they getting worried?


Duncan Heenan

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Oct 1, 2010, 1:24:03 PM10/1/10
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"AndyC" <web-...@andycrawford.net> wrote in message
news:i853eh$qij$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
Who are 'they'?
The EC and activists within BN still get what they want from it - subsidised
fun & games type events. The others just leave and get on with their lives,
To those who enjoy "hobbyist ghetto naturism" BN is fine. Those who expect
BN to push back the boundaries of naturist acceptance, so people can be
naked when and how they wish, are giving up on BN as the vehicle to do that.
BN will tell you that it is an international trend, which is true (though
more pronounced in the UK). However that's because all the National Naturist
Associations have the same mindset, and the same things which are happening
here (or not happening) are happening elsewhere.
--
Duncan Heenan

AndyC

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Oct 1, 2010, 4:02:25 PM10/1/10
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"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i855fh$e28$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

> "AndyC" <web-...@andycrawford.net> wrote in message
> news:i853eh$qij$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>>
>> "Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
>> news:i84stn$kn6$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
>>> >snip< If there is any truth in these figures, the overwhelming trend
>>> >over the past 16 years appears to be an acceleration in the reduction
>>> >in membership.
>>>>
>>> These are the figures published by BN itself.
>>
>> Aren't they getting worried?

> Who are 'they'?

Those who are involved with BN.

> The EC and activists within BN still get what they want from it -
> subsidised fun & games type events.

That's fine then, if that's what they want, and that's what they get, then
everything is just fine.

The others just leave and get on with their lives,
> To those who enjoy "hobbyist ghetto naturism" BN is fine.

Again, all is fine with the hobbyist naturist.

Those who expect
> BN to push back the boundaries of naturist acceptance, so people can be
> naked when and how they wish, are giving up on BN as the vehicle to do
> that.

As far as I can tell, BN never has seen itself as an organisation which
pushes the boundaries, those that expect it to be that will be disappointed
as they are expecting too much.

> BN will tell you that it is an international trend, which is true (though
> more pronounced in the UK). However that's because all the National
> Naturist Associations have the same mindset, and the same things which are
> happening here (or not happening) are happening elsewhere.

People come and go. Organisations come and go. BN had it's hey-day when
naturists wanted to belong to it and they supported it in their masses.
Those days are over now and BN exists to support those who have fond
memories of how things were in yesteryear. BN is in it's autumn days. Either
they will follow that natural process of all things and die, or they will
evolve into something that naturists of the 21st century will want to be
part of. Time will tell, but unless they actually take a good long look at
themselves, they will fade away wondering where all the members have gone.

Duncan Heenan

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Oct 1, 2010, 5:01:13 PM10/1/10
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"AndyC" <web-...@andycrawford.net> wrote in message

news:i85eok$v0b$1...@news.eternal-september.org...

Yes I can agree with what you say, but it does annoy me that BN does claim
to be something that it's not in that it claims to be the National
Representative Body for naturists, which it is not. It represents its
members (and not even al of them IMHO). It claims to be a campaigning
organisation, but really only pays lip service to that. And it claims to be
changing, but in fact it's not.
--
Duncan Heenan

Steve Doerr

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Oct 2, 2010, 6:33:33 AM10/2/10
to
"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i82tjr$17s$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

> (CC)BN Membership figures as published
>
> 1994 - 19.769 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
> 1995 - 19.905 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
> 1997 - 19,511 (from BN137, Autumn 1998)
> 2000 - 18,524 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2001 - 18,631 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2002 - 18,070 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2003 - 17,534 (from BN 159, Spring 2004 - but see note 1 below)
> 2004 - 15,329 (from BN 161, Autumn 2004 - but see note 2 below)
> 2005 - 15,898 (from EC Minutes 25 February 2006 - but see note 3 below)
> 2006 - 14,955 (from EC Minutes 17 February 2007)
> 2007 - 12,315 (from EC Minutes 15 April 2007)
> 2008 - 12,627 (from "Naturist Life" briefing on 2008 AGM - but see
> note 4 below)
> 2009 - 11,586 (from EC Minutes 17.8.09) [ "about 11,700" announced by
> Andrew Welch at the AGM on 18.8.09]
> 2010 - 9,974 (at May 2010 , from EC report in BN185)

2011- 10,700 (budget estimate)

--
Steve

Jerry

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Oct 2, 2010, 6:51:38 AM10/2/10
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"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i855fh$e28$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
: "AndyC" <web-...@andycrawford.net> wrote in message

: news:i853eh$qij$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
: >
: > "Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
: > news:i84stn$kn6$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
: >> >snip< If there is any truth in these figures, the
overwhelming trend
: >> >over the past 16 years appears to be an acceleration in the
reduction in
: >> >membership.
: >>>
: >> These are the figures published by BN itself.
: >
: > Aren't they getting worried?
: Who are 'they'?
: The EC and activists within BN still get what they want from
it - subsidised
: fun & games type events. The others just leave and get on with
their lives,
: To those who enjoy "hobbyist ghetto naturism" BN is fine.

Pandering to the "hobbyist ghetto naturist" is probably the only
viable business model for BN, there is no money nor members in
just free beaches or INF cards, surely even you will accept that
opportunities such as Alton Towers and the Eden Project have been
largely a success (even if they have had to go into partnership
with commercial companies)?

Those who expect
: BN to push back the boundaries of naturist acceptance, so
people can be
: naked when and how they wish, are giving up on BN as the
vehicle to do that.

<snip>

Oh come off it Duncan, if all these ex-members were the "In your
face" *non* ghetto naturists you appear to be suggesting they are
had they remained members of BN then BN would be pushing for what
you want, the fact is the majority of people who have left BN are
either dead or simply do not need or are not bothered in being
members - as "Les" pointed out, the need for being a member of BN
to get into naturists clubs or resorts has long past (especially
in Europe), these clubs and resorts being far more commercial in
their outlook these days, if someone wants to visit and are
prepared to hand over hard cash then only a fool would demand
prior membership of some (inter)national club whose membership
card proves nothing about the motives of the member and might not
even prove the members name or abode!
--
Regards, Jerry.


Jerry

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Oct 2, 2010, 6:46:54 AM10/2/10
to

"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i85i6l$ig3$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
:
:
<snip>
: but it does annoy me that BN does claim

: to be something that it's not in that it claims to be the
National
: Representative Body for naturists, which it is not.

Err, as it has a nationwide membership it is the national body
for naturists [1] (it was also recognised as such by Parliament
at the time of the SOA/SOB), just because you personally do not
agree with how it is run doesn't change that fact!

[1] just as both the AA and RAC (clubs) are both recognised as
national motorist clubs/organisations even though there are other
(local and/or specialist) motoring clubs in the UK.

It represents its
: members (and not even al of them IMHO). It claims to be a
campaigning
: organisation, but really only pays lip service to that. And it
claims to be
: changing, but in fact it's not.

IYO, but the truth of the matter is, if the membership actually
wanted BN to do things differently then the membership would have
made the changes happen, and when they do elect people onto the
EC with a promise of 'change' what happens, these people just
engage in personal grudges and/or resign half way through their
tenure of office, yes I know you (Duncan) had family issues to
deal with but your fellow 'Vote for Change' gang of three didn't,
the kitchen just seemed to get to hot for them...
--
Regards, Jerry.


Marc

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Oct 2, 2010, 8:39:55 AM10/2/10
to
On 02/10/2010 11:51, Jerry wrote:
> "Duncan Heenan"<duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:i855fh$e28$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
> : "AndyC"<web-...@andycrawford.net> wrote in message
> : news:i853eh$qij$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
> :>
> :> "Duncan Heenan"<duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
> :> news:i84stn$kn6$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
> :>> >snip< If there is any truth in these figures, the
> overwhelming trend
> :>> >over the past 16 years appears to be an acceleration in the
> reduction in
> :>> >membership.
> :>>>
> :>> These are the figures published by BN itself.
> :>
> :> Aren't they getting worried?
> : Who are 'they'?
> : The EC and activists within BN still get what they want from
> it - subsidised
> : fun& games type events. The others just leave and get on with

> their lives,
> : To those who enjoy "hobbyist ghetto naturism" BN is fine.
>
> Pandering to the "hobbyist ghetto naturist" is probably the only
> viable business model for BN, there is no money nor members in
> just free beaches or INF cards, surely even you will accept that
> opportunities such as Alton Towers and the Eden Project have been
> largely a success (even if they have had to go into partnership
> with commercial companies)?
>
> Those who expect
> : BN to push back the boundaries of naturist acceptance, so
> people can be
> : naked when and how they wish, are giving up on BN as the
> vehicle to do that.
> <snip>
>
> Oh come off it Duncan,

Can we cut straight to the bit where, you say "Fuck off and die!" and
then flounce out vowing never to return? It would save so much time and
would save having to read all those sentences that everyone else in the
world are misreading (Apart from you).

vg4cysss7001

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Oct 2, 2010, 1:59:24 PM10/2/10
to
In article <h5jpo.18729$LP2....@newsfe22.ams2>, Sheila & Les
<fat...@hotmail.com> writes

>
>"AndyC" <web-...@andycrawford.net> wrote in message
>news:i84bik$ftt$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>>
>> "Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
>> news:i82tjr$17s$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
>>>I quote below a short history of BN membership figures, and invite comment
>>>as the AGM is due soon.
[snip]

>>
>> If there is any truth in these figures, the overwhelming trend over the
>> past 16 years appears to be an acceleration in the reduction in
>> membership.
>>
>> I used to be a member. I ceased to be a member when I felt that BN's
>> ideals and objectives to not meet my expectations and they did not support
>> the things I thought that they ought to support. That in no way is a
>> criticism of BN, it just that BN was not the type of organisation that I
>> felt I wanted to be part of.
>>
>> There will of course be a natural turnover of membership. Sadly people die
>> and people move on to other things. This means that any member
>> organisation needs new members to just replace the ones leaving and to
>> keep going with the same membership numbers. I also know plenty of other
>> people who "used to be members of BN" but left for various reasons. The
>> question is, why is it that new members are not joining BN?
>>
>> Anyone care to speculate why?
>>
>>
>>
>>Could it be that people no longer feel there is any need to be in this
>>organisation any more, you can holiday anywhere without an INF card these
>>days, very few feel the need to be members of clubs now (club membership
>>would seem to be on the decline).
>
>

I do not think that Andy wrote the last paragraph.
Why have you implied, by incorrect attribution/quotation that he did?
--
Misha
Free on-line, off-site backups?
<https://mozy.com/?ref=UK45Y5>

bob

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Oct 4, 2010, 5:56:46 PM10/4/10
to
On 2 Oct, 11:33, "Steve Doerr" <REVERSEdoerr.st...@blueyonder.co.uk>
wrote:

> 2011- 10,700 (budget estimate)

Duncan. H&E report on 2008 AGM gave figures for 2007 as drop of nearly
1000 to 14,032. As against your figure of 12,315. Report on 2009 AGM
gave no figures for 2008 membership.

So, Steve. I'm quite into market analysis and Elliott Wave stuff, and
against a 16 year history of a 50% decline, in the present climate, a
predicted upswing next year of some 7% is pretty dramatic. Do you
think AW could flesh that out a bit before I invest? Or will the
flying pigs gobble up that pie in the sky before I can get my cheque
book out?

Bob

Steve Doerr

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Oct 4, 2010, 7:22:47 PM10/4/10
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"bob" <bobj...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:c5f15b25-d64f-4b09...@i13g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

Sorry, Bob, you've lost me there: where's the upswing? (10,700 is *lower*
than either of the figures you quote there.)

--
Steve

Duncan Heenan

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Oct 5, 2010, 1:39:23 AM10/5/10
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"bob" <bobj...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:c5f15b25-d64f-4b09...@i13g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

Thanks Bob. Spot on as usual.
AW? Oh yes, Andrew Welch! He'd be the chap who, six years ago said his aim
was to increase membership by 20% and thereby pay for the cost of employing
him, since which membership has actually declined by approaching 40% and AW
has trousered about £300,000 of members' money.
His regular cry of .."but it's not my fault", fails to distinguish between
something being his fault, and something being his responsibility. His
acolytes say, ..."but without AW it could have been worse". Could it?
Really? At least without AW, BN would have £300,000 more in the bank to do
something about it, or even better to do something about naturist
acceptance. As it is, the EC this year considered and then refused to employ
a paid campaigns manager to help the hard pressed, unpaid, Malcolm Boura to
do something on that front. The reason? They say they don't have the money.
Now let me think, where could all that money have gone? Anyone have any
idea?
--
Duncan Heenan

Susan Hassett

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Oct 5, 2010, 3:15:43 AM10/5/10
to

"bob" <bobj...@btinternet.com> wrote

> So, Steve. I'm quite into market analysis and Elliott Wave stuff,

I know nothing of Elliot Wave, whatever it may be - all I can see are
the figures that Steve presented. From these, I can see that, since
2000, membership numbers have increased in only 3 years. In 2001, they
increased by 107 on the previous year, in 2005 they increased by 569 and
in 2008 they increased by 312.

(Do any of these years coincide with the "new people at the top" period,
which briefly flowered and then died? Just wondering....I rejoined at
that point, then left again.)

Anyway - given the historical evidence, how is it expected that
membership numbers will rise by 726 in 2011?

Susan


Duncan Heenan

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Oct 5, 2010, 6:49:19 AM10/5/10
to
"Susan Hassett" <idontrep...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ANidnTyCEow9TTfR...@bt.com...
BN's strategy is set out in their 3 year plan, available to members only at
http://members.british-naturism.org.uk/index.php?automodule=downloads&showfile=334 -
but as some readers might be considering joining to witness this miracle up
close, here it is in full (I hope you're sitting comfortably).
Don't hold your breath though. the plan does not include any actual
implementation, resourcing or budgetary plans, so how it is to come about is
still a mystery to me.
-- Duncan Heenan
------------------------------------------------------------
THREE-YEAR PLAN
Published May 2010
SUMMARY
This document sets out the aims of British Naturism (BN) and the action that
will be taken over the next 3 years towards achieving them.
It draws on a variety of sources, namely our own experience, ideas and
discussions in meetings - including two "away-days" dedicated to looking at
the future - and ideas, comments and feedback from members and others,
including from the forum, and the discussion sessions held at Nudefest and
Alton Towers in 2009.
Whilst radical in places, it is not intended to criticise the past, nor make
wholesale changes for the sake of it. BN's original reason for existence was
to
provide support and services for naturists, and that hasn't changed. The
Three Year Plan (3YP) builds on those strong foundations to provide the
organisation and activities we need today. It will help officers to better
fulfil
their individual and collective roles in an organisation-wide context, show
clearly what they are doing and what further activity is needed. It will
also help
members to become more easily involved and to support the effort.
Fundamentally, it provides a framework for all of us to work together
towards
common goals.
We don't expect that everyone will agree with all of it, and some may
consider
that important tasks have been omitted, but we need to be realistic in what
can be achieved in the timescale. It is a "rolling" plan in that it will be
revised
each year so that it is always current and meaningful, and covers a
three-year
period.
2
THE CURRENT SITUATION
Plenty of people in BN - both elected officers and members - are working
hard, but often being criticised, and seeing membership fall, despite doing
more than ever. At national level, BN is sometimes perceived to be
oldfashioned,
stuffy, poor at communication, and hamstrung by rules and
procedures - and we do acknowledge that improvements can be made. Most
people work for BN in their spare time and progress can be slow. We're not
short of ideas for action or improvement, but lack pairs of hands to
implement
them.
We're operating in a changed (and changing) environment - even from 10
years ago. It has led to advantages and also new challenges. Some of the
following are both:
. Naturism is more acceptable/tolerated
. Nudity in the media is an everyday occurrence
. In law, simple nudity is not an offence
. Communication and access/flow of information is instant and mostly free
. People are busier which means 1) they are reluctant to join organisations
or clubs, devote themselves to causes, or take on commitment in their
leisure time, and 2) that they have a wide range of interests and so may
want to enjoy naturism only occasionally
. Some people don't seek out naturist experiences, but are happy being
nude in social settings if the occasion arises.
. Some people are reluctant to be labelled, especially if it is an "ist" or
"ism". This creates a perception that getting involved in naturism needs
much thought, forward planning, and radical changes to one's lifestyle.
. Despite the erosion of taboos surrounding nudity, individual body image
is low and body shame is high.
. The pace of daily life means people are looking for ways to relax and
de-stress and are more open to new experiences
. There is a more significant divide between naturists who believe naturism
is private, for dedicated locations only, and naturists who desire more
freedom in public places.
3
OUR AIMS
These are what we believe our members and others want from the national
organisation for naturism.
They are continuous and timeless and, therefore, exist beyond the period of
this 3YP
. We will work for greater acceptance of naturism, with more places -
private and public - available for our use
. We will provide social and networking opportunities, information and
assistance
. We will work to protect naturism and naturists, and challenge threats to
our
lifestyle
. We will work to provide a safe environment for adults and children to
enjoy
naturism without ridicule or fear
. We will facilitate, coordinate and support naturist activity.
. We will set high standards for the integrity of naturism, and monitor and
maintain them.
. We will ensure that our organisation is best structured to secure the
progress of naturism.
. We will welcome participation in naturism by all without discrimination.
4
AREAS OF ACTION
The EC considered that if there were no such organisation as BN and it were
decided to create one, what would it do?
Happily, we're not starting from scratch as we have the history and
experience of more than 45 years, a high profile and many thousands of
members - past and present. We also have a well-developed infrastructure
and an annual income (plus the value of the office premises) that exceeds
that of many commercial businesses.
The community aspect of a "members' organisation" must not be lost, but we
must reflect our status and see ourselves as a small business. That means
that elected officers, paid staff and consultants must display strong
leadership, show authority, give clear direction, lead from the front and
ensure
progress in pursuing our aims.
The nature of the organisation, however, means that BN is all of us, and
everyone, elected, paid or otherwise, needs to be involved in tackling all
the
important work that needs to be done.
OUR AREAS OF ACTION
Four Main Services:
. COMMUNITY - bringing naturists together - both individuals and
groups.
. INFORMATION - providing a point of contact, and a place where
information can be gathered, used and disseminated.
. CAMPAIGNING - all that we do in promoting and protecting naturism.
. STANDARDS - maintaining the integrity and serving the best interests
of naturism.
Two Internal Operations:
. FUNDING - essential for the provision of meaningful services and
action.
. ADMINISTRATION - everything that goes with being a well-run,
effective organisation.
5
OUR TASKS AND PLANNED ACTION
The remainder of this document sets out the tasks and planned action for
this
3YP, separated into the Areas of Action.
Some tasks clearly influence results in more than one area, but to save
space
are only listed once. "Community" and "Information" are not included, as new
tasks are not planned, although those areas will also be affected by
tasks/action listed elsewhere.
Note: To keep 3YP as short as possible, we've not listed all the things we
currently do. We expect that activity to continue, though it will be clear
from
the tasks and planned action where changes are expected. The tasks are not
numbered/listed in any particular order.
We want to encourage you to get involved and help turn the Plan into
reality,
so please:
1. Let us have your views on the Aims, Areas of Action, Tasks and Planned
Action.
2. Make suggestions for improvement.
3. Offer to help with any task that appeals to you.
.and particularly;
4. Let us know if you have expertise or experience relevant to the tasks or
planned action, or know someone who has.
6
1. CAMPAIGNING
1.1 A clear message
It is important for all naturists to be heard, saying the same things
repeatedly and reinforcing
the same clear message about who we are and what we do (and what we're not,
and don't
do) and why people should treat us fairly and according to the evidence
and/or get involved.
We will publish these messages for everyone to use to educate the outside
world. We will
work towards creating a more comfortable environment (especially in the
workplace) in which
existing naturists are confident/less fearful to speak up and reveal to
people what they do.
1.2 Campaigns Manager
We will recruit and pay a professional campaigns officer who will be
expected to concentrate
on national issues and to provide support to the regions and local groups
over local issues.
The title of "Research and Liaison Officer" - the elected volunteer
currently responsible for
campaigning work - will be changed to better reflect the role.
1.3 Portable legal advice
We'll develop information and advice in a number of formats, including
credit card-size for all
members to carry. It will provide advice on what to do (and what not to do)
if trouble occurs
when practising naturism.
1.4 Pro-active Media/promotional work
We enjoy a high profile and get much attention both from our Press Releases
and in an
unsolicited way, owing to the nature of our subject matter. We will build on
this by writing and
placing our own articles; making a short promotional film for our website
and others; pitching
a documentary concept/script to TV production companies with members ready
and willing to
appear; taking more pictures expressly for media use and making them
available for free
download; updating our downloadable Media Pack more regularly; encouraging
more
members to get involved in the media work and helping them via the media
Crib Sheet,
advice based on our expertise, and workshops on "Dealing with the Media" at
big events.
1.5 Press cuttings and online links
We subscribe to a newspaper cuttings agency, though much is online these
days. We need
to review things to make sure we are getting the best value and flow of
information. The
Nudes in the News section of the forum will be resurrected. It is an
excellent resource for us
all.
1.6 Publicity materials
We will encourage more people to distribute our "What is Naturism?"
leaflets. It is aimed at 1)
educating the textile market (including friends, family, work colleagues,
neighbours, venues
and authority figures) about naturism; 2) raising awareness of BN to
existing naturists; and 3)
making the people who take part in naked events, such as the World Naked
Bike Ride and
Spencer Tunick photo shoots, aware of naturist opportunities, in the UK and
beyond.
1.7 Rebranding
A big project, aimed at modernising the image/impression we give through our
communications/interactions. This includes intangible aspects such as our
attitude and
approach, as well as the more obvious design/logo elements.
7
1. CAMPAIGNING (Cont.)
1.8 Improving the BN presence
We're stretched, but are not exploiting as effectively as we could all the
opportunities we have
to attend events and meet people, hear feedback, raise the profile, and sell
goods and
memberships. It's always useful to have EC members in attendance, but any
member can be
part of an event team, to help things run effectively. We will ensure that
attendance is better
planned. Once at an event, we need to improve our on-site presence and will
display posters
advertising future events, press cuttings/articles about events that we've
helped with, and
other devices to draw attention - for example the BN beach tent and the
individual orange
beach-shelters that each EC member will have.
1.9 An alternative website
We will create a new online "product" to capture the imagination of the
Internet generation
that can do what BN (officially) doesn't (or can't). A good analogy is the
motor industry - we
need to keep selling our steady, dependable family estate, but it's time we
brought out a
sports car. The new product will be a simple website that can support and
publicise a variety
of nude events, even perhaps extreme ones, and provide information with the
emphasis on
"casual" naturism and the benefits of going without clothes - health, body
image, fun, destressing
etc. It will not be apparent that it is run by BN. There would be no
memberships or
fees but perhaps a forum or newsletter sign up, all with the intention of
raising the profile and
getting more people involved/trying naturism - and eventually joining BN.
1.10 Social networking websites
We already have a profile on Facebook, Twitter and Skinbook, but as online
activity and
public participation grows, we will keep abreast of changes and additions,
and promote
ourselves in as many places as practicable.
8
2. STANDARDS
2.1 Accreditation
We will award a certificate and give special promotion to any BN club or
swim that agrees to
provide day visitor and/or holiday visitor access to all BN members. We will
award a certificate
and give special promotion to any BN club or swim that specifically adopts
and applies the BN
Child Safeguarding and Vulnerable Adults policy. Training will be required.
Similar certificates
will be awarded to textile venues with which we have developed
relationships. Note that a
system of varying degrees of merit may be adopted.
9
3. FUNDING
We acknowledge that membership is falling and could continue to do so.
Whatever the number of members and trends, our Aims and Areas of Action
will always be relevant. That doesn't mean reducing the effort in recruiting
and
retaining people (far from it), but a need to work hard on all methods of
funding, as follows:
1. Membership Fees
2. BN Shop
3. Advertising
4. Events
5. Bequests/donations/appeals
6. Commissions and Affiliate schemes
7. Charity Grants
3.1 MEMBERSHIP FEES
Equal focus on recruiting new and retaining existing members
3.1.1 Targeting specific groups
There are particular groups that we will focus on for recruitment:
"Synergistic" - places/groups who do what we do but with clothes.
Suggestions include,
spas/holistic/health and beauty/yoga etc., holidays/travel - primarily
sunshine/beach, surfing,
camping, caravanning, walking, and swimming. A start could be made with
articles in
appropriate magazines, but the aim would be to build relationships.
Youth/YBN - there will be lots of encouragement given to young people to get
them into
naturism and BN. Specific initiatives are: raising the profile via YBN pages
on social
networking websites; mention of competitive sports, dancing, late nights in
publicity - i.e. it's
more than just idle sunbathing; and hosting a stand at a big University
during their October
"Freshers' Week". This will need photo display stands, a specific leaflet
directing students to
local events/clubs/swims, and lots of YBNers to run it and to talk to
people. YBN is also 10
years old in 2010 and events to celebrate the anniversary are being
arranged, which provides
a useful hook for publicity leading to bigger attendance.
Women
In the main, men seem to be drawn more easily to naturism, whilst women need
to be
persuaded - though are glad they were. We will encourage our women members
to become
ambassadors - talking to female friends/colleagues about the benefits,
dispelling the myths,
and helping to overcome the usual barriers. We will join with other women's
groups to support
profile-raising causes. We will create a notice which can be downloaded and
completed with
dates/details/contacts of local clubs/swims/events and which women can then
pin up in gyms,
leisure centres, community and supermarket notice boards, etc. The notice
will emphasise the
active/health/body image aspects - and mention naturism only in passing.
10
3. FUNDING (Cont.)
Others
Other suitable target markets/groups include families/parenting/children,
gay/lesbian,
breastfeeding and communities of foreign nationals resident in the UK.
3.1.2 Develop a Membership Pack
Currently, new members simply get a letter and a copy of the magazine. This
will be improved
to include: a booklet that introduces BN - aims, history, statistics,
activities, campaigning,
events, volunteering etc.; aimed at making people feel part of something at
the start of their
membership and learning quickly about us; clear advice on what to expect for
people new to
naturism; an "Entrance Poll" questionnaire to find out more about their
experience of naturism
and their expectations of membership - with a £5 gift voucher for the BN
shop for those that
complete and return it; and an introduction from their Region with info on
what's going on
locally. The last item is already done, but inconsistently around the
country - sending with the
Membership Pack will also save volunteer time and money.
3.1.3 Overseas poster
Cheap/easy to create and post to overseas resorts for them to display on
reception and other
notice boards. It would be aimed at capturing the many thousands of
non-members who
practice naturism only on holiday, some of whom probably don't even realise
naturism goes
on in the UK. Copies will be available for holidaying members to take with
them.
3.1.4 Lapsed mailing
Already done, but irregularly - we will now write to recent past members
every year mid-year
and invite them to return for a reduced price. In addition, we will ask
people who leave for
their reasons for doing so, by way of a formal "Exit Poll" questionnaire.
3.1.5 Payment methods
Making the financial side of joining as easy as possible - including making
the decision to do
so. We will investigate: Anniversary membership - 12 months membership from
the date of
joining; the first-year discount for those paying by Direct Debit to be
applied every year;
monthly/quarterly payments; and use of PayPal, MobilCash etc. Additionally,
members will be
reminded by email to renew and directed to the secure joining section.
3.1.6 Members only/Single person group holidays
Not new, but not done for a while. We will run a pilot and if successful
will make it a regular
facility. It is expected that the pilot will be run by a member or an
existing group, with the
support of BN, though not financial support. Later, a naturist holiday
company may be
persuaded to run them.
11
3. FUNDING (Cont.)
3.2 BN SHOP
3.2.1 Add more goods for sale
All items in the shop are priced to make a profit and so every purchase
leads to additional
funding. We have a long list of desirable items, but significant costs are
associated with
having them produced and buying enough to make the selling price affordable.
Sales are
generally poor, making us cautious. We appreciate that BN branded goods need
to be
attractive and it is hoped the rebranding of BN - especially in terms of
designs and slogans -
will help. We will continue to make back numbers of British Naturism
magazine available for
sale to members only. We would particularly like a member with retail
experience to help us
manage all aspects of the shop.
3.2.2 Make goods available on eBay/Amazon
Lots of small businesses have a shop front on such sites for the goods they
sell.
3.2.3 Licence: The Invisible Swimsuit
Quirky and well put together - just the sort of "unusual" item many gift
catalogues include. We
will need to obtain protection for the idea.
3.3 ADVERTISING
3.3.1 Obtain sponsorship for more of our events
Not just the big ones as happens now. An easy way to offer promotional help
and defray our
costs
3.3.2 Spot-on ads on the website
Add a classified section for small, non-commercial adverts.
3.4 EVENTS
3.4.1 Commissions from venues
For every event we run (including YBN and regional) in someone else's venue
(including
clubs) where an admission/accommodation fee is charged, the owners/operators
will to be
asked to consider paying us a commission, since we do all the promotion and
bring them
customers. It may not be possible on the first such event but should be part
of the package
thereafter. Such a scheme has been in place at some of the bigger events for
some years,
helping us to reduce our costs of putting on the event, and in some cases,
turning a profit.
12
3. FUNDING (Cont.)
3.4.2 Regional events with National help
We want to encourage more events to be run all around the country and can
offer help and
support - and attendance if needed. We've got lots of experience of events
big and small,
now including many contacts for activities, but would find adding more big
events to the
calendar difficult if they have to be organised entirely by us. Successful
events could be
cloned and run in other locations - Maize Mazes is an example of where
members could
approach local farmers and use the success of others to sell the idea.
3.4.3 Central London swim
Naturist activity is scarce in big cities but some of the millions of people
living and working
there would be interested in a skinny-dip on the way home. BN members
welcome, but the
main aims would be to raise the profile, create a naturist location in a
heavily populated place
and earn money from attendance. People might join us, but that would be a
bonus. Other
cities would follow if successful in London.
3.4.4 London Olympics 2012
An obvious event for us to exploit. A group is needed to work with the
Sports Officer, to plan
sports event(s) (national and local), promotion, media spots and more. We
will also help to
promote UK naturist locations as bases for overseas naturists attending the
Games.
3.4.5 BN's 50th birthday - 2014
A group is needed to start work on making the most of this landmark, to plan
special events,
promotion, media spots and more, throughout the year in question.
3.5 BEQUESTS/DONATIONS/APPEALS
3.5.1 Bequests
We will raise awareness amongst members and others of the possibility of
leaving money in a
will to BN and produce information on how to go about it. Suspecting that
many people don't
do so at present for fear of relatives finding out they are naturists even
after they've gone, we
will create a fund with two names, one without an obvious link to naturism
and the other that
makes no secret of it.
3.5.2 Donations
We will raise awareness amongst members and others of the possibility of
making ad hoc or
regular donations to BN. We will encourage members who have fund-raising and
charity
experience to help. This is a long term project as it can take time to take
hold. History shows
that people are willing to increase the level of their donations as time
goes by. We will also
arrange for donations to be made via the online shop.
3.5.3 Specific appeals for individual projects
We will isolate projects for which we seek funds, and undertake to dedicate
the monies raised
for that and no other purpose. We will also appeal to those that can - and
are willing - to pay
more than the prescribed fees each year.
13
3. FUNDING (Cont.)
3.6 COMMISSIONS/AFFILIATE SCHEMES
3.6.1 Sales commissions
We will develop arrangements with third parties who will pay us for sending
people their way.
These would include sales of goods online and click-through advertising
buttons on our
website.
3.6.2 Group money-saving schemes for members
We will investigate health insurance, utility companies etc. who will pay
fees to be able to
promote themselves to our membership. (NB We will retain control of the
information and not
"sell" the membership database!)
3.6.3 BN Credit Card
Well established in the charity/fund-raising world, we will develop a credit
card for members to
sign up to - with discreet branding - that will return funds to BN each time
it is used.
3.7 CHARITY GRANTS
3.7.1 Charity Grants
We will develop relationships with charities and other groups who have aims
that overlap with
ours, and who are seeking ways of spending their money in grants for
specific projects or
research.
14
4. ADMINISTRATION
4.1 Agreed policies, processes and procedures
We will work harder to create internal arrangements to streamline debates,
and make
decisions that are consistent for similar issues. We will bear in mind
comments made at the
first away-day, about how meetings could be more efficient and productive.
We will dedicate a
part of each EC meeting to discuss 3YP progress, or have an away-day every
year if time in
meetings doesn't allow it.
4.2 Effective use of technology
We will make better use of online methods of correspondence, discussion and
document
creation to progress things outside of meetings and to distribute papers for
them. This
includes enhancing and making better use of sections of the forum accessible
only to EC
members, to promote communication, teamwork and understanding.
4.3 EC as a Cabinet
Collective responsibility, one voice, regular reinforcement of the same
messages by
everyone. Members of the EC are expected to accept 3YP as the future policy
of BN in the
same way as they accept other policies adopted by the EC. An acknowledgement
that better
succession planning is important.
4.4 Higher individual profile of officers
In the magazine, the forum and in person at events and other locations,
especially club visits.
We need to make it easy for members to engage with officers while ensuring
that officers
respond promptly to approaches and messages received from members.
4.5 Intro pack for new officers
To be issued to new officers and other volunteers. At present it takes too
long for people to
settle in and understand what has happened, what's planned, and what they
are supposed to
do. We will also end the present inconsistency in email addresses and forum
profiles used by
members of the EC.
4.6 Organisational structure/Regional Review
We will work towards developing an appropriate, modern organisational
structure for BN
including a review of the Regions. The way both BN and the regions are
currently structured
doesn't provide for the most efficient way of doing things and the lack of
role holders in many
regions indicates that they don't inspire members to become involved
officially either. There
has, however, been some success in getting ad hoc help, with members seeming
willing to
undertake something that does not require long-term commitment or
bureaucracy.
Discussion has already taken place on these issues within the EC.
4.7 More paid help
Financial aspects must be considered, but as we get busier, more paid help
becomes
necessary if we are to keep up with the volume of work and act as quickly as
we need to. In
addition to the "Campaigns Manager", at the top of our list is a "Volunteers
Manager", a
naturist based in Head Office, who would assist and manage all volunteer
effort, help with
event management, and provide a helpline for general enquiries.
15
4. ADMINISTRATION (Cont.)
4.8 Negotiate new maintenance arrangements for the website/forum
The BN website and forum are both crucially important and we need reliable
hosting and
maintenance support with 24/7 attention, for which we will pay a commercial
company. There
are many desirable improvements to be made to the BN website, and to a
lesser extent the
forum. The first steps will be to improve the out-of-date system of updating
the content, and to
make that updating more collaborative by giving people access to relevant
parts of the
administration site with responsibility for keeping them up to date. We have
a long list of
desirable improvements to the website, including the addition of a search
facility, a site map,
and a new front page/general design. This last item is likely to come from
the rebranding.
4.9 Membership database online
A secure site allowing members to update their own information, saving
office time and
matching current practice elsewhere. It would also enable new data to be
added direct to the
database without the retyping currently necessary. The analysis of current,
historical and
trend information from the database will also be improved.
4.10 Exploiting the INF network
There is an intrinsic value in being a recognised part of a global
organisation for the purposes
of learning, sharing and working together across borders for the common
good. We will work
harder to exploit that, to provide more information to members and to make
the INF more
effective. We will also ensure that information about clubs, beaches etc. in
Britain are kept up
to date, so that the database maintained by the INF is as accurate and
comprehensive as
possible. It is recognised that maintenance of this database, and
organisation of annual youth
and sports events in Europe, are funded from membership fees paid to INF.
4.11 Benchmarking/sharing with non-naturist UK societies
As well as getting useful information on membership numbers and trends, we
can learn from
other similar societies. We will encourage members to help with information
about these other
groups of which they are members.
4.12 Incorporation
We will complete our recent work in making British Naturism a Company
Limited by
Guarantee to avoid any difficulties that might arise in the future from our
current unlimited
liability status.

Steve Doerr

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 8:49:40 AM10/5/10
to
"Susan Hassett" <idontrep...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ANidnTyCEow9TTfR...@bt.com...

> I know nothing of Elliot Wave, whatever it may be - all I can see are the
> figures that Steve presented.

I've only presented one figure, which was the budget projection for 2011.

--
Steve

Jerry

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 10:10:58 AM10/5/10
to

"Susan Hassett" <idontrep...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ANidnTyCEow9TTfR...@bt.com...
:
: "bob" <bobj...@btinternet.com> wrote

:
: > So, Steve. I'm quite into market analysis and Elliott Wave
stuff,
:
: I know nothing of Elliot Wave, whatever it may be - all I can
see are
: the figures that Steve presented. From these, I can see that,
since
: 2000, membership numbers have increased in only 3 years. In
2001, they
: increased by 107 on the previous year, in 2005 they increased
by 569 and
: in 2008 they increased by 312.
:
: (Do any of these years coincide with the "new people at the
top" period,
: which briefly flowered and then died? Just wondering....I
rejoined at
: that point, then left again.)

The drop in membership does seem to tally with infighting or
significant change in how CCBN is run/managed, as much as Duncan
dislikes the "hobbyist ghetto naturist" (or indeed the club
affiliated member) since BN has attempted to panda to 'free
ranging' naturist interests rather than be a central council for
UK naturist clubs the membership has seen steady decline - from
the "Central Council for British Naturism" changing it's trading
name to "BN [British Naturism]" through the 'one member, one
vote' revolution to the attempted take over by the 'Gang of Four'
(that petered out with a secession of resignations from the three
that got elected) [CC]BN has been haemorrhaging members...

Are there any figures for individual naturist club membership
figures, or at least verified trends *at a per club level* [1],
this might give a clearer idea if the problem is with BN or with
UK 'organised' naturism.

[1] not the total UK club membership figure or at least adjusted
figures, IYSWIM, as we all know that some clubs have closed in
the last 15 years for reasons beyond ordinary members control and
thus is not relevant to members voluntarily not renewing.
--
Regards, Jerry.


Sheila & Les

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 12:57:31 PM10/5/10
to

"Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message
news:i8fd07$j44$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>

Snip


>
> The drop in membership does seem to tally with infighting or
> significant change in how CCBN is run/managed, as much as Duncan
> dislikes the "hobbyist ghetto naturist" (or indeed the club
> affiliated member) since BN has attempted to panda to 'free
> ranging' naturist interests rather than be a central council for
> UK naturist clubs the membership has seen steady decline - from
> the "Central Council for British Naturism" changing it's trading
> name to "BN [British Naturism]" through the 'one member, one
> vote' revolution to the attempted take over by the 'Gang of Four'
> (that petered out with a secession of resignations from the three
> that got elected) [CC]BN has been haemorrhaging members...
>
> Are there any figures for individual naturist club membership
> figures, or at least verified trends *at a per club level* [1],
> this might give a clearer idea if the problem is with BN or with
> UK 'organised' naturism.
>
> [1] not the total UK club membership figure or at least adjusted
> figures, IYSWIM, as we all know that some clubs have closed in
> the last 15 years for reasons beyond ordinary members control and
> thus is not relevant to members voluntarily not renewing.
> --
> Regards, Jerry.
>

>To me, some of the decline in membership statistics is down to the
>following.

A. You get very little out of BN in return for your hard earned cash
B. At one time you needed a BN card to visit clubs, this in the most case is
not needed now as those clubs left just need your cash
C. No longer abroad are you asked for an INF or BN card.
D. As the older generation fade away and younger generation people come into
play, many now use beaches or go abroad and are naked whilst on holiday but
do not feel the need to pursue this in the UK plus the newer generation do
not want to shiver in some woodland grove with rules and regulations round
there necks

In other words unless BN start to offer things worthwhile to a new
generation, the membership will continue to decline more and more each year.

Just my own thoughts and opinion on this
Regards
Les


Duncan Heenan

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 2:25:52 PM10/5/10
to
"Sheila & Les" <fat...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:YNIqo.37409$S6.1...@newsfe06.ams2...

>
> "Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message
> news:i8fd07$j44$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>>
>
> Snip
>>To me, some of the decline in membership statistics is down to the
>>following.
>
> A. You get very little out of BN in return for your hard earned cash
> B. At one time you needed a BN card to visit clubs, this in the most case
> is not needed now as those clubs left just need your cash
> C. No longer abroad are you asked for an INF or BN card.
> D. As the older generation fade away and younger generation people come
> into play, many now use beaches or go abroad and are naked whilst on
> holiday but do not feel the need to pursue this in the UK plus the newer
> generation do not want to shiver in some woodland grove with rules and
> regulations round there necks
>
> In other words unless BN start to offer things worthwhile to a new
> generation, the membership will continue to decline more and more each
> year.
>
> Just my own thoughts and opinion on this
> Regards
> Les
>
I wouldn't disagree with that
--
Duncan Heenan

Duncan Heenan

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 2:31:09 PM10/5/10
to
"Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message
news:i8fd07$j44$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
> snip<

> The drop in membership does seem to tally with infighting or
> significant change in how CCBN is run/managed, as much as Duncan
> dislikes the "hobbyist ghetto naturist" (or indeed the club
> affiliated member) since BN has attempted to panda to 'free
> ranging' naturist interests rather than be a central council for
> UK naturist clubs the membership has seen steady decline - from
> the "Central Council for British Naturism" changing it's trading
> name to "BN [British Naturism]" through the 'one member, one
> vote' revolution.......
>snip<

I think you are mixing up cause and effect. I, together with many others,
interpret the loss of members and the various bits of infighting to be a
result of BN being out of touch with social trends in naturism, rather than
pandering to them. It is the very fact that BN claims to be changing, but
doesn't actually which annoys many people and makes them leave.
How long is it since you were a member Jerry, and how long were you a member
before you left?
--
Duncan Heenan

bob

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 4:03:08 PM10/5/10
to
On 5 Oct, 00:22, "Steve Doerr" <REVERSEdoerr.st...@blueyonder.co.uk>
wrote:

> Sorry, Bob, you've lost me there: where's the upswing? (10,700 is *lower*
> than either of the figures you quote there.

I suspect you are being deliberately obtuse, although as I believe you
once held office at BN perhaps not.

The EC's figure for 2010 is 9,974. You say the prediction for 2011 is
10,700. That's a year on year increase of 7% against an historical
decline since 1994 of 50%. Is that not an upswing?

It's not going to happen of course, but I just wondered what was AW's
rationale in predicting such a dead cat bounce?

Bob

Jerry

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 5:20:01 PM10/5/10
to

"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i8fqta$hlb$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
: "Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message

: news:i8fd07$j44$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
: > snip<
: > The drop in membership does seem to tally with infighting or
: > significant change in how CCBN is run/managed, as much as
Duncan
: > dislikes the "hobbyist ghetto naturist" (or indeed the club
: > affiliated member) since BN has attempted to panda to 'free
: > ranging' naturist interests rather than be a central council
for
: > UK naturist clubs the membership has seen steady decline -
from
: > the "Central Council for British Naturism" changing it's
trading
: > name to "BN [British Naturism]" through the 'one member, one
: > vote' revolution.......
: >snip<
:
: I think you are mixing up cause and effect.

Not at all, I was attempting to point out (in the bit you snipped
out [1]) that no one appears to have done any real spade work on
such "cause and effect", thus far each of the in-fighting
factions are simply banding about what ever collection of figures
best fit their own argument.

[1] <quote>


Are there any figures for individual naturist club membership
figures, or at least verified trends *at a per club level* [1],
this might give a clearer idea if the problem is with BN or with
UK 'organised' naturism.

</quote>

: I, together with many others,


: interpret the loss of members and the various bits of
infighting to be a
: result of BN being out of touch with social trends in naturism,
rather than
: pandering to them.

Indeed, in some respect I to believe that the problem has been
that BN stopped pandering to social naturism and attempted to
embrace - what can probably be best called - the "free range
naturist", is it the job of the Central Council for British
Naturism to actually campaign, or should it act more as an
facilitator, bringing the various sides either within or outside
of naturism together?

: How long is it since you were a member Jerry, and how long were

you a member
: before you left?

Is that relevant to the problems faced by BN, if so, how?
--
Regards, Jerry.


Jerry

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 4:44:44 PM10/5/10
to

"bob" <bobj...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:9075f022-5b09-4311...@n26g2000yqh.googlegroups.com...

<snip>
:
: The EC's figure for 2010 is 9,974. You say the prediction for

2011 is
: 10,700. That's a year on year increase of 7% against an
historical
: decline since 1994 of 50%. Is that not an upswing?
:
: It's not going to happen of course, but I just wondered what
was AW's
: rationale in predicting such a dead cat bounce?

:

You slag off SW for making a prediction but then make your own
unsubstantiated prediction...
--
Regards, Jerry.


Duncan Heenan

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 5:43:53 PM10/5/10
to
"Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message
news:i8g4qp$h9u$2...@news.eternal-september.org...
>snip<

> : How long is it since you were a member Jerry, and how long were
> you a member
> : before you left?
>
> Is that relevant to the problems faced by BN, if so, how?
> --
> Regards, Jerry.
>

It is relevant to know what experience your comments and speculation are
based on. That is relevant to the problems, as, if your comments are based
on little recent experience of being a BN member, they are less likely to
have validity than if they were - IMHO.
--
Duncan Heenan

Jerry

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 5:59:25 PM10/5/10
to

"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i8g66n$9g9$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
: "Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message

: news:i8g4qp$h9u$2...@news.eternal-september.org...
: >snip<
:
: > : How long is it since you were a member Jerry, and how long
were
: > you a member
: > : before you left?
: >
: > Is that relevant to the problems faced by BN, if so, how?
: > --
: > Regards, Jerry.
: >
: It is relevant to know what experience your comments and
speculation are
: based on.

So it's not relivant at all other than as a possible brick-bat...

That is relevant to the problems, as, if your comments are based
: on little recent experience of being a BN member, they are less
likely to
: have validity than if they were - IMHO.

You don't need be trapped in the fire to know how it started, in
fact being some what remote to a problem can often allow a much
wider view of the issues. After all, prior to your - eventual -
election to the EC you considered that you knew were the EC was
going wrong, by your own logic the only people who should have
been allowed to have a view/voice would have been existing or
past EC members!
--
Regards, Jerry.


Jerry

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 5:47:50 PM10/5/10
to

"Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message
news:i8g4qn$h9u$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
:
<snip>
:
: You slag off SW <snipped>

Oops, typo should read AW


bob

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 6:20:59 PM10/5/10
to
On 5 Oct, 21:44, "Jerry" <mapson.sca...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote:

> You slag off SW for making a prediction but then make your own
> unsubstantiated prediction...

I think I'm a bit lost in your metaphysics. You can't make a
substantiated prediction surely?

My personal view is based on observing the trend over the last 16
years, and more-or-less drawing a straight line graph through the
figures.

I was asking on what basis AW predicts that straight line becoming a
hockey stick.

Any ideas?

Bob

Richard Burnham

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 11:25:04 PM10/5/10
to

It's clearly not a straight line. If you interpolate the missing years
(assuming those years were between the years on each side) the graph
appears to be exponential decline - an accelerating rate of decline,
with some random variation.

RB

Richard Burnham

unread,
Oct 5, 2010, 11:32:47 PM10/5/10
to
On Oct 5, 11:49 am, "Duncan Heenan" <duncanhee...@tiscali.co.uk>
wrote:


>
> BN's strategy is set out in their 3 year plan, available to members only athttp://members.british-naturism.org.uk/index.php?automodule=downloads...-


> but as some readers might be considering joining to witness this miracle up
> close, here it is in full (I hope you're sitting comfortably).
> Don't hold your breath though. the plan does not include any actual
> implementation, resourcing or budgetary plans, so how it is to come about is
> still a mystery to me.
> -- Duncan Heenan
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> THREE-YEAR PLAN
> Published May 2010
> SUMMARY
> This document sets out the aims of British Naturism (BN) and the action that


Spot the difference since 2006:
http://clothesareoptional.wordpress.com/historical-documents/bn-memories/bn-memories-8/

RB

Susan Hassett

unread,
Oct 6, 2010, 1:57:04 AM10/6/10
to

Duncan Heenan wrote

> BN's strategy is set out in their 3 year plan, available to members
> only at
> http://members.british-naturism.org.uk/index.php?automodule=downloads&showfile=334 -
> but as some readers might be considering joining to witness this
> miracle up close, here it is in full (I hope you're sitting
> comfortably).
> Don't hold your breath though. the plan does not include any actual
> implementation, resourcing or budgetary plans, so how it is to come
> about is still a mystery to me.
> -- Duncan Heenan

<huge snip>

> 1.2 Campaigns Manager
> We will recruit and pay a professional campaigns officer who will be
> expected to concentrate
> on national issues and to provide support to the regions and local
> groups over local issues.

<another huge snip>

Is this person in addition to Andrew Welch, or a shoo-in for him? If
the former, how is h/she to be paid? The projected rise in membership
numbers is hardly likely to pay his/her salary.

Susan


Duncan Heenan

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Oct 6, 2010, 3:19:25 AM10/6/10
to
"Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message
news:i8g74d$21a$2...@news.eternal-september.org...
So the best train spotters are people who have never seen a train? (Where is
Marc when I need him??)
I'm afraid I don't agree with your assertion that it is better to have no
experience of the subject you are pontificating on. But, of course, being a
constant contrarian, you'd have said it wasn't I I had said it was!
--
Duncan Heenan

Duncan Heenan

unread,
Oct 6, 2010, 3:21:28 AM10/6/10
to
"bob" <bobj...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:bf0a4b44-d640-4c6e...@d17g2000yqm.googlegroups.com...

AW has been making the same prediction each year for the last 6 years, and
has been wrong every time so far, but I don't think the EC can have noticed
as they've done nothing about it.
--
Duncan Heenan

Duncan Heenan

unread,
Oct 6, 2010, 3:26:42 AM10/6/10
to
"Susan Hassett" <idontrep...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2MudnWaDaaUtkjHR...@bt.com...
The proposal to appoint a paid Campaigns Manager was thrown out by the EC
earlier this year on the grounds that BN could not afford it (see earlier in
this thread). This decision was taken shortly after the publication of the
'3 year plan'. I think it illustrates how well thought through the 'plan'
was.
--
Duncan Heenan

Duncan Heenan

unread,
Oct 6, 2010, 3:30:06 AM10/6/10
to
"Richard Burnham" <c...@xemaps.com> wrote in message
news:69e271a0-492d-4099...@d17g2000yqm.googlegroups.com...

RB
------------------------------
I read this with interest, and an all too familar feeling of deja vu. It's
true, you told them so; but they weren't listening then, and they aren't
listeneing now.
--
Duncan Heenan

Steve Doerr

unread,
Oct 6, 2010, 4:10:08 AM10/6/10
to
"bob" <bobj...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:9075f022-5b09-4311...@n26g2000yqh.googlegroups.com...

> On 5 Oct, 00:22, "Steve Doerr" <REVERSEdoerr.st...@blueyonder.co.uk>
> wrote:

> The EC's figure for 2010 is 9,974. You say the prediction for 2011 is
> 10,700. That's a year on year increase of 7% against an historical
> decline since 1994 of 50%. Is that not an upswing?

Apples and pears, Bob. Whatever the date of that 2010 figure, it is clearly
not a final figure (as 2010 is not over). So you can't compare that with an
estimate of how many people will join or renew in the whole of 2011 and call
it an 'upswing'.

Remember, BN paid-up membership starts at close to zero every January 1st
and rises throughout the year to its eventual figure for that year. So
anytime you compare (say) a February figure against a December figure, you
will see a dramatic difference.

--
Steve

Steve Doerr

unread,
Oct 6, 2010, 11:33:14 AM10/6/10
to
"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i82tjr$17s$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
> I quote below a short history of BN membership figures, and invite comment
> as the AGM is due soon.
> --
> Duncan Heenan
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> (CC)BN Membership figures as published
>
> 1994 - 19.769 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
> 1995 - 19.905 (from BN128, Summer 1996)
> 1997 - 19,511 (from BN137, Autumn 1998)
> 2000 - 18,524 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2001 - 18,631 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2002 - 18,070 (from BN 165, Autumn 2005)
> 2003 - 17,534 (from BN 159, Spring 2004 - but see note 1 below)
> 2004 - 15,329 (from BN 161, Autumn 2004 - but see note 2 below)
> 2005 - 15,898 (from EC Minutes 25 February 2006 - but see note 3 below)
> 2006 - 14,955 (from EC Minutes 17 February 2007)
> 2007 - 12,315 (from EC Minutes 15 April 2007)
> 2008 - 12,627 (from "Naturist Life" briefing on 2008 AGM - but see
> note 4 below)
> 2009 - 11,586 (from EC Minutes 17.8.09) [ "about 11,700" announced by
> Andrew Welch at the AGM on 18.8.09]
> 2010 - 9,974 (at May 2010 , from EC report in BN185)

Here's what I believe is a rather better series of figures from 2000 on:

Dec 2000 18524Dec
2001 18631Dec
2002 18070Dec
2003 16611Dec
2004 16138Dec
2005 15711Dec
2006 14768Dec
2007 13899Dec
2008 12753Dec
2009 11677Dec
2010 11000 (budget estimate)
Dec 2011 10700 (budget estimate)

This should not be taken as implying that I think the last two figures will
be met!

--
Steve

Steve Doerr

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Oct 6, 2010, 11:56:39 AM10/6/10
to
"Steve Doerr" <REVERSEdo...@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3L0ro.79125$y24....@newsfe07.ams2...

I don't know what went wrong with the formatting in the previous note. I'll
try again...

Jerry

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Oct 6, 2010, 12:46:39 PM10/6/10
to

"Duncan Heenan" <duncan...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:i8h7tr$kkv$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
: "Jerry" <mapson...@btinternet.INVALID> wrote in message

Did you need to be a ocean liner captain to know what a sailing
boat looked like?...

: I'm afraid I don't agree with your assertion that it is better

to have no
: experience of the subject you are pontificating on. But, of
course, being a
: constant contrarian, you'd have said it wasn't I I had said it
was!

You logic is utterly flawed, according to your logic you should
not have pontificated on how BN should be run as you had no prior
experience of running BN prior to your - oh so short - time on
the EC, but then again your motto seems to be some where along
the lines of "Do as I say, not as I do".
--
Regards, Jerry.


Marc

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Oct 6, 2010, 1:50:32 PM10/6/10
to

"Oh Vincent, perhaps they never will"?

Marc

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Oct 6, 2010, 1:52:52 PM10/6/10
to

Waves...


Not that I have a clue what your on about... or why you are trying to
reason with an amoeba.

Rob Candlish

unread,
Oct 9, 2010, 8:32:25 PM10/9/10
to
On 2 Oct, 13:39, Marc <webtr...@skye.com> wrote:

<snip>

> Can we cut straight to the bit where, you say "Fuck off and die!" and
> then flounce out vowing never to return? It would save so much time and
> would save having to read all those sentences that everyone else in the
> world are misreading (Apart from you).

It would deprive us though of an outing for two famous clichés -
"<snip rubbish> fuck all left to reply to" and "X talking about
himself again" which "Jerry" is very fond of using in advance of
"FOAD" followed by a dramatic exit.

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