Christmas laid bare!

10:31am Wednesday 24th December 2008

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With just a few strings of tinsel and some cleverly-placed baubles, Oxnat — Oxfordshire’s naturist club — is celebrating Christmas without their trimmings.

The 140-strong club, which is based at a specially-built woodland hideaway on the outskirts of Oxford, held their Christmas dinner last week, with turkey, pudding – and not a stitch of clothing.

Chairman Jim, a retired software expert from Didcot, said: “It was a sit-down affair for 50 at our clubhouse and it was a great party.

“We hold socials once a month, almost always including food and drink, but with various themes according to the time of year — including quiz nights, barn dancing, Desert Island Discs, indoor or outdoor games and country walks.

“Although if we are walking, or working outside in the cold, we will dress accordingly and we also take precautions when barbecuing.

“We also hold regular sauna evenings and most Saturdays hold a naturist swim at a privately-hired swimming pool.”

“Oxnat has members of all ages, from teenagers to senior citizens, and offers a relaxed environment to all.”

Formed in 1979, Oxnat’s 200 members paid for their 11-acre site and its clubhouse by fundraising.

It hosts a range of activities, from table tennis to art classes and amateur dramatics. The club has also raised money for charities, including Cancer Research UK.

Before buying their own site, the club rented premises, including a building next to an Oxfordshire police station.

Oxnat members are used to lewd jokes at their expense and some people taking offence to their views.

But they all insist their penchant for nudity is natural and not naughty at all.

Oxnat members Jenny and Leonard Harris have been naturists for decades. Leonard, 67, a retired civil servant, was even listed as a naturist in Who’s Who.

He said: “All Oxnat does is provide a safe and friendly environment where people who are comfortable being naked in the right circumstances can enjoy the same benefits that we do.  “These include the innocent enjoyment of sun and air on the body, the freedom from swimming wrapped in damp cloth and generally having the privilege of being ourselves.”

Following its Christmas get-together, Oxnat will be holding a Naturist New Year’s Eve Party at their clubhouse, but none of the members will have a problem deciding what to wear.

Chairman Jim said: “No-one seems to notice whether you’re old or young, fat or thin. And if you’re not dressing up, you don’t have to ask ‘Does my bum look big in this?’”

People interested in finding out more about naturism can visit oxnat.org.uk or call 07941 435021.

dwaite@oxfordmail.co.uk