08/01/2010 by David.

David has been hard at work drinking tea slaving over a red hot MacBook Pro and iWeb to produce a new shiny web site.

Take a look, let us know what you think. If you spot any typos or other problems drop us an email please. We would be interested to hear from users on Windows or Linux with ‘unusual’ browsers.

Thanks
David

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28/11/2009 by David.

28 November Alton Leisure Centre evening - There are a large number of wet and dry facilities so this represents good value for money.

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09/11/2009 by Suzanne.

Advertise in Naturist Life magazine!
It does not cost as much as you may think!
Advertising in Naturist Life magazine will not break the bank. Because all advertisers pay in advance we do not spend time and money chasing bad debts. Because we do not pay advertising agencies we do not have to cover their costs. Our articles remain independent because we do not offer advertorials (where an article is offered if someone purchases advertising space).

A quarter page display advertisement only costs £67.50 with discounts for multiple insertions and additional for subscribers.
An advertisement half this size costs just £40 (with the same discounts as above).
Classified advertisements are also very reasonably priced at 20 pence a word (minimum 20 words).
A classified advertisement on our website which is visited by thousands every week is only £10 (up to 50 words and for 3 months).

So why not contact us to discuss advertising your business, holiday accommodation, personal advertisement. We are available during many evenings and weekends.

Call Suzanne on 020 3239 9538 now to ensure space in the next issue which is due to go to the printers shortly.

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01/11/2009 by David.

La Grande Cosse has joined France 4 Naturisme.

If you were thinking of taking a holiday there then Suzanne can now do the booking for you. Accommodation and pitches. Open from 27 March 2010 until 2 October 2010. Sunday, Wednesday or Saturday arrival days in high season with a minimum of seven nights stay.

Call Suzanne for more information. 020 3239 9538

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11/10/2009 by Suzanne.

When David (my husband) applied to be on The Plinth I was mildly interested but not enough that I wanted to participate, after all it was London (pollution) and it could be in the middle of the night (antisocial hours wreck me). As the time drew nearer and I saw the project unfurl I became more interested especially when he got that email awarding him a place in week 2.

Oh heck why not apply, not likely to get a place - after all two people in one household. But one thing I decided right from the start that this little old pensioner with her fragile health would definately be nude, whatever the time. The draw for August - the sorry you’ve not been chosen email. Then there was the draw for September - no email, what was happening? Then a few days later the sorry one. Last chance was the draw for October and David was asking whether I had received anything, no and I was about to go to bed. But then an email dropped in and yes, against all the odds I had my place, during the evening of the 7th October.

Do I accept? Do I do nude? There was no question about that, after all we filmed on Studland beach on wet sand with sand flies in October, so why not central London? I filled in the acceptance straight away and included a nude photo of me for my profile - right from the start I told people who I was and what I intended to do.

So I was going to be nude, what would be practical? Well I was lucky in that I had been able to watch other plinthers over the previous couple of months and also David’s experience. The set up he had used worked. Given the practicalities of communicating with those actually in the Square especially with my extreme deafness and the background noise from traffic and fountains and the bright lights which would make it almost impossible to see anyone I decided to also take the techie route. A few rehearsals took place, but it was proven technology so with a few refinements with speakers, dongle and mouse gaffer taped together into a hub it meant there was only one lead to plug in. So I should be set up and ready to talk to people from around the world via Skype within 5 minutes of landing on top of the plinth.

Before the event the thing that held the most concerns was the height of the plinth and the journey there in the cherry picker and I was teased about that, but I really do not do heights. It was yet another challenge, but the show must go on.

We went up the week before to see Lady Godiva for her 5-6am slot, to give her support (she needed it given the crowd gathered) and for me to see how it worked. So we were all ready. About the only thing we couldn’t plan for was the weather and the day before, with it looking as though it would be dismal David went out and got a huge fishing brolly to make sure the computer equipment was kept dry!

On the day we watched the forecast, there was to be a window somewhere between 19.00 and 22.00 - we were hoping the brolly would keep it away untill 22.00. Allowing plenty of time for the 23 mile journey it was pretty smooth until we got to the Edgeware Road - burst water main, diversions through streets not designed for the traffic, SATNAV and a nose for direction became helpful. I made a call to One and Other to let them know we could be late. (We had to be there 90 minutes before). Eventually arriving, and only a few minutes late, and needing to just sit down and relax we were kept outside the One and Other office in the rain for several minutes by an over officious security guard. I was really getting angry, as I was wound up by the journey - if it had not been for all my supporters on the ground in the Square and on the internet I could quite easily have turned round and gone home. So I was then allowed in, but made to stand whilst a security check of me and my bags was made. The same officious security guard I felt was over intrusive and I was very concerned about my carefully gaffer taped equipment and laptop which was precariously perched on a stool. I felt like a criminal. Then I was allowed to sit down and the atmosphere became a little more relaxed - a cuppa helped. There was a plethora of paperwork to complete, much the same as I have seen in the past though for television - in other words they can do what they like with the material they shoot. You sign your life away.

Then I was taken into a little room by a charming crew member for a short interview which, along with everything else from the project, would be held in the Wellcome Archives for posterity. That was very easy as I can ramble on for hours, ten minutes was far too short. Then she took a photo of me and then after yet another security check of the same items and me as well as a short H&S briefing it was show time!

So it was outside and into the dreaded cherry picker. It felt a bit weird as the basket lifted off the ground and the crew member was reassuring me that it would be fine but that I wouldn’t belive her until I was actually on the plinth - much like naturism was my remark, whatever I say, until you actually get your clothes off you will not believe how comfortable it is and then within five minutes wonder what all the fuss was about.

I was vaguely able to make out a few people as we trundled across the pavement, lights flashing and beepers going and then we were taking off. And I didn’t really notice it! But I didn’t look down either!

The previous plinther was off, me on, no rain (brolly worked), table up, laptop out, peripherals plugged in, boot up, banner out (turned that round later), chair opened up, sit down and wait to log into internet and Skype and then we were ready to rock and roll.

It seemed ages before the first call, although it probably wasn’t, Kerry from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, somebody David works with and who shares our love of cats. Like many people from around the world he has become entranced with the One and Other project. Then the calls all came in at once so I dealt with them as best I could ringing back missed calls when there was a lull. We covered many aspects of naturism and the fact it is for everyone and that it is the person, not appearances that matter. I hope that during my hour I convinced people that there is more to me than the exterior body. We also chatted about naturists perspectives of naturism in other countries. With so many international calls our home grown naturists were outnumbered, were they so shy?

In between calls I chatted on into the mike about naturism and Spielplatz where we live as well as chatting to Captain John down in the Square. He has become something of a fixture during the project and the sweetie was running to keep me warm and he always ensures that each plinther gets a rousing send off. He was true to form but didn’t need to work hard at it. It was lovely that some former plinthers, some of whom had gone nude, some not, some of the twecklers who actually were very kind about me when they saw my ‘performance’ were there along with friends, some of whom had travelled a fair distance especially for my hour. Special mention must be made of Sid who came all the way up from the west country for the day specially for me.

Then it was almost over, Captain John was asking if I had an alarm clock and David was sending me a Skype message, but I had been wathing the time on the Mac Book. I stood up and there I could see the flashing lights of the cherry picker - my timing was just right - no delay for the following plinther. I’d had my hour. Back to the office, offers of cups of tea, and privacy to change - I just took my dressing gown off and dress on - well they’d seen me! And I now have the T shirt!

Then it was off to the pub, Mark and Tina knew just where we could find decent drink, not one of those fancy places. A few people recognised me and shook my hand. And then it was home, by way of, well I’m not quite sure where, as the Edgeware Road was still closed.

A few days on I am still recovering. At least I’ve gone from cotton wool brain to shivery and slightly headachy. Tomorrow will be better. But was it worth it? - yes I believe it was, if only a few people realise that it is the person within that is more important than external appearances and even more people realise that nudity is not illegal in England then we will have helped the world become a better place for naturists.

And my favourite plinther - the lady, Susannah M, not a naturist, who went up in her dressing gown, took it of and sat for the hour, simply being … herself.

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07/10/2009 by David.

Suzanne is on the Plinth tonight 7 October at 21:00

You can follow events via my Twitter feed:

http://twitter.com/Dave_Piper

And Suzanne’s page on the One & Other site:

http://www.oneandother.co.uk/participants/suzanne_p

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22/09/2009 by Suzanne.

Good article

http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/living/features/the-naked-truth

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16/09/2009 by Suzanne.

CCBN AGM ~ use your vote
Suzanne Piper will be attending the CCBN AGM this year. Very few people actually exercise their vote because they cannot get to AGM and do not know anyone to be their proxy. I am willing to hold your proxy vote/s this year.
In order to represent you I must have your fully completed proxy forms with me by October 7th at the latest so that I can send them to CCBN by special delivery to arrive by October 9th. You can tell me how to vote on all motions, or leave it to my discretion, but I would like to vote in favour of postal voting which means that in future you will be able to vote directly.
Forms to me please at 49A Spielplatz, Lye Lane, Bricket Wood, St Albans AL2 3TD. If you have any queries at all do please call me on 020 3239 9538 as it would be a shame if your vote was lost because you failed to complete the forms correctly.
Suzanne Piper

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15/09/2009 by Suzanne.

We have received this email and have been asked to publicise.

Dear Sir/Madam
I am a researcher from ITV and I was hoping you might be able to help me find some nudist couples who are getting married or renewing their vows between now and March 2010 for a UK TV Show called “Four Weddings”.

Below is a synopsis of the show:
We are casting for a second series of the hit TV show for LIVING, called “Four Weddings”. We are looking for more brides-to-be to attend and score each others big days, scoring the venue, the dress, the food and the overall presentation. The scores are not disclosed amongst the other brides until after all the weddings when it will be revealed whose wedding has been judged the best! The winning bride will win a LUXURY Honeymoon!
We want to include a nudist wedding because the British public are one of the most conservative European nations, and nudity is still rather taboo and therefore misunderstood. We would like the opportunity to show nudity as a lifestyle, and something that is not about exhibitionism, but a choice that is no different from wearing biker gear or polo shirts! It will also be a good chance for those who follow the nudist lifestyle to promote its freedom, sense of community and friendship – and where better to do this than at a wedding!
We are looking for UK based nudist couples who are getting married, either in the UK, or abroad (due to the inhospitable English temperatures we understand the practical option of choosing warmer weather over cold English winters), and would be interested in coming on the show. Alternatively, do you know of any locations in the UK/Europe that offer facilities for couples to get married or renew vows in the nude? I would be most grateful for any assistance or advice you could give me!
I have also attached a flyer for the show, and I would really appreciate it if you could talk to and forward this onto any brides who are getting married. If you could post the flyer in your magazine too that would be fantastic!
I understand that this show might not be to every ones taste, but is a fantastically fun show, where viewers really feel part of the special day!
We are very experienced film makers, and as it’s the second series, we are fully aware of how to do the filming respectfully, and we are constantly in communication with the bride, groom, church and venue, so that we are as un-intrusive as possible!
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Many thanks in advance!
Steve Harwood

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03/09/2009 by Suzanne.

An ex det CONSTABLE now Criminologist, expert of on Child protection, TV adviser and also with TV appearances made a complaint about the appearance of a nude man on the plinth citing common law. When the local bobbies did not take action against the nude man he made a complaint to the Met. A a result he got a number of media interviews - was this all a publicity stint by him one must ask?
This from Lady Godiva’s blog re the plinth (Lady Godiva will be on the Plinth 5-6am on 30 September)

Here’s a letter sent to us from the police, along with some ‘official’ bumph on the legality of nudity:

“4Th Plinth - Public Nudity - Incident 12 August 2009

I have seen your report concerning the above incident and am concerned that there continues to be confusion about the legal position concerning public nudity.

I have prepared a separate document highlighting the legal position specifically looking at two pieces of current legislation:

• Common Law - Outraging Public Decency
• Section 66 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Any offence under Common Law must be of a lewd, obscene or disgusting nature. It has been held (by the courts) that the nakedness usually must be accompanied by either masturbation or sexual intercourse.

Section 66 replaces ‘Indecent Exposure with Intent to Insult a Female’ under the Vagrancy Act 1824. To commit an offence under S66 then two elements need to be present - the exposure of sexual organs and, the Intent to cause alarm or distress.

Unless your plinthers intend to cause alarm or distress or their behaviour is accompanied by other overt sexual actions, then they do not commit an offence.

This is a live Art exhibition and you cover this in your briefings with the plinthers. Without some sexual content attached to the nakedness then it is unlikely that any offences are committed. You only need to visit many of London’s art galleries to see numerous examples of the naked body.

However, it has to be judged on a case-by-case basis and my expectation is the officers use the law guide as a starting point rather than an assumption that the activity is unlawful and must be curtailed at the outset.

There have been other incidents of public nakedness within London - naked bike rides and a naked model in Selfridge’s window. The same issues were considered and we took the same view. The challenge is how best to deal with the person making the complaint and managing their expectations.

I have raised the issue internally to hopefully best inform our staff.”

‘Outraging public decency’ is one of very few common law offences remaining in the criminal justice system:

It is an offence to commit an act of a lewd, obscene and disgusting nature, which is capable of outraging public decency, in a public place where at least two members of the public could have witnessed it.

The different elements of the offence can be summarised as:
(a) The act committed must be of a lewd, obscene and disgusting nature (the meanings of these terms overlap); “Lewd” means ‘lustful or indecent’; “Obscene” - means ‘morally repugnant or depraved’ and “Disgusting” - means ‘repugnant or loathsome’.
(cool.gif The act must be capable of outraging public decency.
© More than one person must have been able to witness the act.
(d) Reasonable people must be able to venture out without the risk of outrage to minimum standards of decency, therefore the act must be in a place where there is a real possibility that members of the general public might witness it.

It has been held that, in order to outrage, exposure of the naked body (male or female) must grossly transgress accepted limits of decency and be likely to gravely offend a reasonable person, thus this offence will usually only be suitable if masturbation or sexual intercourse also occurs.

The following act is now obsolete:

Indecent exposure with intent to insult a female - Vagrancy Act 1824

This offence is now OBSOLETE as a consequence of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 now see section 66 of that Act.

Section 66 makes it an offence for a person intentionally to expose his genitals where he intends that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress. It is not necessary for the defendant’s genitals to have been seen by anyone or for anyone to have been alarmed or distressed. For example, if a person exposes his genitals to some passers-by, he may (depending on his state of mind) commit the offence regardless of whether they actually see his genitals or whether they have been alarmed or distressed by seeing them.
“Genitals” refers to male or female sexual organs.

Note
The offence would not apply to a naturist who intentionally exposes his genitals in the knowledge that they may be seen by others but without the intention to cause alarm or distress. Similarly, it would exclude an exhibitionist streaker at a sports occasion.
This offence can be committed by a male or female against a male or female.

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