Frequently Asked Questions ...
On this page we try and answer questions that people ask most often. If you have any questions not answered here, please pop us an e-mail
or via our website form or telephone 07092 031130 for more details.
A useful guide and introduction to naturism can be found on the BBC h2g2 site
| A. Madnat is an established naturist club operating in the Wiltshire area. We have members from Swindon, Marlborough and surrounding villages, and even visitors from much further afield. You will find us friendly and welcoming. |
| Q. What makes you different from other naturist clubs nearby? |
| A. We are open to anyone - couples, families, ladies only and single men. We are not a 'Private Members' club. We don't have rules about where you can and can't get undressed, or forcing you to go naked on your first swim. You can go nude (or not) as you wish. Some of our members do use our facilities whilst remaining clothed (for example when playing sports) - you go as you choose. We aim to make your introduction to naturism as gentle as you wish. |
| Q. We are a family but we have children who don't wish to go nude. Can we come? |
| A. Yes of course you can. We would like at least one person in the family to be nude. If you practise naturism at home in a family environment as many of us do, then your children may be used to seeing you naked. If they are uncomfortable about going nude themselves, then we won't make them do anything against their wishes. There is absolutely no requirement for children to swim nude. It is left to the parents/ guardians or even the children themselves to decide if they want to and there is no expectation from the Club for them to do so. Also see the question later about young children (under 16's).
It's worth noting though, according to Dr Lee Salk, Psychiatrist - "Being natural and matter-of-fact about nudity prevents your children from developing an attitude of shame or disgust about the human body. If parents are very secretive about their bodies and go to great lengths to prevent their children from ever seeing a buttock or breast, children will wonder what is so unusual, and even alarming, about human nudity". |
| Q. Do you have a lot of single men. I'm a single woman who is put off by a lot of single men? |
| A. Like many naturist clubs, we do get a few 'unaccompanied' men attending. Our policy is not to define who can and cannot come - we are open to anyone. We do try and keep a reasonable balance of numbers between males and females but inevitably there are a lot of married men who can't seem to persuade their partners to come, so they come on their own. Our marketing to new naturists targets couples in preference to single males, hoping to redress the balance. In association with the Leisure Centre staff, we operate a strict code of conduct on behaviour. If any person is proven to be a nuisance or exhibits inappropriate behaviour, then they are expelled from the club. We want to make everyone feel comfortable in the company of other naked people. If you are unsure, why not leave your swimming costume on until you feel completely happy? |
| Q. I'm a bit shy and may not want to go naked the first time I come. Is that OK? |
| A. Most if not all people come because they enjoy the freedom of being naked. You can wear your swimming costume but you'll soon be going naked like the rest of us, once you realise that no-one's the slightest bit interested in your body or how you look. Naturism is about accepting people just the way they are, but if you want to wear some clothes on your first visit then you can. |
| Q. What essential items do I need to bring with me? |
| A. If you want to use the Sports Hall facilities then you will need to bring non-marking shoes - like squash shoes. You can bring your own racquets and other gear if you wish, but the Leisure Centre provides basic equipment for you to use.
If you wish to use the Sauna, then a small towel will be needed to sit on while you are in the Sauna (for hygiene reasons). Also bring a big towel to dry yourself off, perhaps after a shower. You may also want to bring shower gel, shampoo etc for a good scrub down while you are there.
You may also bring a few snacks to eat afterwards, but we need to vacate the Centre by 9.30pm - so if you want to eat you'll have to finish your activities a little earlier perhaps. |
| Q. Is the Leisure Centre a totally nude environment? Can the public come in during your swims? |
| A. Madnat has exclusive use of the Leisure Centre between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on our swim nights. This means that the public is not allowed access and that nudity is allowed in all areas we use except in the reception area. Since the Sports Hall and Squash Court (used for Yoga) are in a separate area from the health suite and changing rooms, it is necessary to cover up with a towel when crossing the reception area between the facilities. Once inside the Sports Hall, you can go nude.
The Leisure Centre staff and management are fully clothed - the lifeguards on duty are very used to us as we have been using the Centre for many years. |
| Q. I have an intimate piercing. Is that a problem? |
| A. Many more people than perhaps you would realise have piercings in some odd places. This seems to be more common in the UK nowadays than in Europe. Some of our members do have piercings and these are accepted just as are tattoos. We treat those as just another piece of 'body art'. |
| Q. Many Leisure Centres have CCTV installed - what happens at a Madnat swim where everyone is naked? |
| A. There is a CCTV installed which monitors the secure locker area. However, we are assured by Kennet District Council who manage the Leisure Centre that the sole purpose of this CCTV camera is to monitor the locker area only (where of course we can put our valuables). We have been assured that the images are not kept on file but stored on a local hard drive which is refreshed on a regular basis. If you are particularly concerned, then you may use a towel to cover up, just as you would in moving through the reception area to the Sports Hall. |
| Q. We are a family with young children? As they will be with naked people, are there any things we need to be aware of? |
| A. The responsibility for the welfare of your children will be primarily with you, as a parent or legal guardian. The Club of course takes a serious view on protecting children, and our Committee members are especially vigilant and observant. However, There are a couple of things to consider when bringing young chlidren (under 16). Firstly, it is a Leisure Centre requirement that children under 16 are accompanied at all times by a parent or legal guardian. This means that you need to be with them when in the pool, in the sports hall, getting dressed or undressed, or wherever. In practice, this means that you must be able to observe their behaviour (and the behaviour of others towards them) at all times. Secondly, children under 16 are not allowed to use the sauna or steam room (this is a Health and Safety requirement), so if you are a single parent then you won't be able to use these particular facilities. |
If you have a particular question, then please e-mail us and we'll add it to the FAQ list ...
Marlborough and District Naturist Club
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