Ref. 23327-26SWINDON is fast becoming a nudist haven after a naturist group which set up earlier this year has tripled its membership.

The naturists hire out facilities at the Health Hydro in Milton Road every week after Swindon Council stopped holding naked swimming sessions.

Every Saturday evening, people travel from Oxford, Gloucester, Bristol, Bath and Trowbridge, as well as many from Swindon to make use of the pool, sauna, steam room and lounge, which are available exclusively for naturists.

Mike Gould, 62, of Greenmeadow, one of the event's organisers, said there are now 70 members on the list compared to 20 or 30 in March. In March the club appealed through the Advertiser for new members.

He said: "They don't all turn up at the same time. We get between 20 and 30 people and it seems to be going well," Mike said.

"The article in the Adver helped tremendously.

"Quite a lot of people saw it and now everybody knows we are naturists but we haven't had one single problem with that.

"There are a huge number of folk quite happy with naturists but don't necessarily want to take part themselves.

"We used to have a break through the summer but this year we decided to run it through the summer because it is quite popular.

"Anyone is welcome at the sessions but we do ask that they let us know they are coming in advance.

"We can't do a police check or anything so we have to take people at face value. We do check people's addresses and take their telephone number.

"They have a trial to see how they get on and if they like us.

"As long as people behave impeccably during the three hours they are at the swim then they are welcome to join us."

The explosion of interest in the nude bathing club comes a fortnight after the Advertiser revealed the Ridgeway was a favourite route for naked ramblers.

Mike says naturism is all about having a healthy lifestyle and getting back to basics

He is worried about the Sexual Offences bill currently passing through Parliament because certain clauses might impinge on a naturist lifestyle.

"Naturist are just normal people, not perverted in any way at all," he said.

"Theoretically the bill has nothing to do with naturists but the knock-on effect could be a problem for us.

"There might be areas that people will not be able to go naked including controlled areas like their back garden. We just have to have our fingers crossed that they come up with a sensible solution."

For more information about the sessions at the Health Hydro call Mike on 01793 520211.