So the big night arrived. I had telephoned the organizer in Taunton earlier and confirmed that it was still on, and that I would be welcome as a lone male. I traveled the 20 miles to Street, and found the pool. I was too early, and so I sat in the car park waiting to see if anyone else arrived. Shortly a car with four people arrived, and they all went over to the pool. Seeing one other lone man waiting, I decided that I looked a little furtive, and so grabbed my towel and marched boldly over to the pool. Inside I found a dozen people already waiting around a table where the club secretary was chatting and joking as everyone paid their entrance fees. I waited my turn and then explained that I had called earlier. Immediately, Bob the Taunton organizer of this swim shook my hand and welcomed me warmly. I felt so much more at ease to know that I was in the right place and wouldn�t be asked to leave.

I had read that communal changing was the norm, so when everyone went into the Ladies changing room I followed. Bob showed me where the Sauna was, and within a couple of minutes I was undressed and in the pool. I enjoyed a few minutes of vigorous swimming, and then took a break at the shallow end. I was surprised to see that the number of people had grown to around forty, with almost all ages from an almost new born baby (not swimming) through small children, young and old adults. There were, however, no teenagers - that came as no surprise. I talked to a couple of other people there, both very friendly and welcoming. The Sauna was most enjoyable, relaxing muscles and soothing tired joints. I didn�t know that one is expected to take a towel into the sauna to sit upon, but once inside it was obvious that everyone else had! No one mentioned it, though, and I will know for next time.

All in all, I found the experience a great pleasure; not least to know that there are a large number of people who believe naturism is normal. My only slight criticism would be to ask all regulars to talk more to 'newbies' they were new once and a welcoming word makes all the difference.

My decision to be open about naturism has taken a setback. When I told a close relative where I had been I was called �A dirty little pervert�, and told that �Adults have revolting bodies�. Well, I believe differently, and I think that my relative is all the poorer for not experiencing the simple pleasure of naturism. I know I shall be returning to the next evening at Burnham on Sea.

A pool of naked ambition

The curtain will drop tomorrow night as the clothes come off at the Canada Games Pool for a two-hour nude swim.

To protect the splashing nudists from the lecherous gazes of voyeurs - or anyone else interested in gawking at bodies in the buff - the city's parks and recreation department required the Cariboo Nudist Society to draw the curtains for the duration of the event. From 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., the pool's windows will be blocked.

For a nudism greenhorn, Saturday's swim could be an experience that may liberate the novice from more than just the clothes. After all, human beings are born nudists, says Teddy van Geemen, an event organizer.

"It's a great sense of liberation and freedom when you first try it," he says, especially when it is done with a group.

"Social nudism is characterized by great acceptance. Nobody cares whether you are fat or skinny."

Van Geemen's friend, Connie Robson, was initiated about six years ago when she went skinny dipping in a lake.

"It was an exhilarating feeling of freedom," she recalls. "You can be yourself when you're clothes-free."