FAQ
1. As I have never swum nude before, can I wear swimming trunks on my first visit?
This question is often asked but the answer has to be that it is a rule of the club, being a naturist group, that no trunks are worn at our swimming sessions. You may feel that this is a little harsh but unless we make this rule we are wide open to visits by voyeurs who have no intention of joining us or of ever swimming nude themselves. In any case most people feel more embarrassed to be the only one wearing anything and they are automatically treated with suspicion by all those who are nude.
2. Do I have to become a member before taking part in a swimming session? I would like to try it first before deciding whether I wish to join.
You can swim as a non-member (at a higher fee per swim) and you can do this as often as you like. For the session at which you decide to join you only pay the members fee even if you join at the end of the session.
3. What happens if my worst fear happens - I get an erection? Will I be told off, criticised or even told to leave?
Getting an erection is a perfectly natural occurrence and happens to all men at times. No one will mind and you will not be told off, criticised or asked to leave. In fact nothing will happen at all as nobody takes any notice. It is just one of those things that happens. It can happen at a swimming session and at a social function but the same thing applies - it does not matter and there is no need to feel embarrassed.
4. I live with my parents and would not want them to know that I have joined Gymnos. Do I have to give my name and address?
You can join and give your name and address but stipulate that you want nothing sent to you through the post. If even this worries you you can give no address and even use a false name but please remember what name you have used! This precludes us sending you your membership card (unless you allow this as an exception). It is not possible to collect your membership card at the door next time you swim or at a social event. However you will not receive the newsletter which advises you of such things as changes of swimming times for example or of the baths being closed and not available for a swimming session. Such occurrences are rare and if you swim regularly with us you will hear by word of mouth. If you wish to attend the social events you will not hear about them either but this can be overcome if you have a friend to whom your mail can be sent or you can have your newletter sent by e-mail.
5. How confidential is the list of names and addresses and phone numbers of all the members?
The club’s records are kept on a computer which is only available to the very few senior officials of the club. We are very strict in seeing that a member’s address, phone number or even full name is never disclosed to anyone even if he is also a member and has a plausible reason (I was given it last night at the pool but have lost the piece of paper). On rare occasions we contact the person whose name is being asked for and leave it to him to contact the enquirer if he wishes. The enquirer has to give us permission before we will do this.
6. I see that you have a contact list. Do I have to fill in an application form if I wish to join this list?
No - there is no special form for this purpose. Just write to us at the Gymnos box number address or send us an e-mail saying what you wish to appear on the contact list about yourself. You must send us a copy of the wording you wish to appear as your entry in the contact list. It normally includes something about yourself and your interests together with an indication of the sort of person with whom you wish to make contact or meet. You can change your entry once you have seen the contact list and get inspiration from what others have said.
7. Will I receive a copy of the contact list as soon as I ask to be put on it?
No - you will receive your first contact list when the first one with your entry on it is published. Each contact list is only available to those members who have an entry in it.
8. How often is the newsletter published?
Our aim is to publish a newsletter every two months. The new social events diary and contact list are published and sent out at the same time. The newsletter, at the request of the members, is only available to paid up members. For this reason it is not sent to other similar groups as tends to happen in USA but not in UK.
9. What do the letters GYMNOS stand for.
They do not stand for anything. Gymnos is a Greek word meaning “naked”. The words “gymnastics” and “gymnasium” are both derived from it as the Greeks very sensibly wore no clothes when taking part in any sport or exercise.
10. What was the significance of the 88 that used to be after the name?
Gymnos was originally started in the early 1980’s or earlier but because the Haggerston pool was closed for refurbishing in 1986 the group was also closed down. In March 1988 when the refurbished pool was reopened Ron Murch, who had founded the group, advertised it and tried to get it started again. However he was only partially successful as he was already a very sick man. He died in September 1988 and Brian took over the running of the group. Ron Murch named the reformed group Gymnos 88 to distinguish it from the original group. We have dropped the “88″ part of the name as it now has little meaning.
11. I am very safety conscious. Do you have lifeguards in attendance and are they naturists?
Yes - we do have lifeguards in attendance when we run our own swim sessions and they are naturists/club members. However to conform to lifeguard rules they wear a uniform whilst on duty so that they are recognisable. We run lifeguard courses for those of our members who are interested. They pay nothing towards the cost but are expected to join the rota of lifeguards and thus provide the lifeguards for our swimming sessions. If they wish to be trained as a lifeguard but are unable to give a committment to join our lifeguard rota (usually owing to work committments) they can still be trained but are asked to contribute to the cost of the training. This facility cannot restart until we have our own swim sessions.
12. Can I have my newsletter, social events diary and, if applicable, contact list, sent to me by e-mail?
Yes - we now have the facilities to send all these things by e-mail as pdf files. We cannot send your membership card by this means but can advise you of your membership number. This should suffice for most purposes. Send an e-mail to gymnosuk (at) lycos.com if you wish to receive your newsletters by this means.
