07:01 > Tuesday 9th February 2010
Nudist club calls on families for support
23 March 2007
A SHORT-lived ban on children going along to a nudist swimming club almost led to its closure. Organisers are now hoping families will once again support the venture.
Numbers plummeted at Club Soleil when children were banned due to concerns over child protection issues.
Norman and June Calvert had already been running the sessions at Whittlesey's Manor Pool for eight years when the ban was imposed.
Mr Calvert said: "There was never anything remotely suspicious about the club and the children were looked after in a proper way. We had loads of nasty and abusive phone calls but nothing had ever happened.
"It caused us a lot of trouble and distress but in fact the children were better supervised than at ordinary swimming sessions."
After a three-month battle costing thousands of pounds, the ban was lifted but families failed to return to the club.
With numbers dropping and soaring hire charges, the couple were tempted to call it a day and close the club. Now with more people supporting the Saturday evening swims, they have decided to give it another go but are hoping families will go along.
Mr Calvert said: "If you are a naturist you are very welcome or if you would like to give naturism a chance then this is a good way to do it."
The meetings are on the first Saturday of the month at 7pm from May to September.
CONTACT: Norman Calvert on 01733 270270.
Share or bookmark this with...
All original material on this page, unless specified by another URL, is the property of Archant and may not be reproduced without permission. Click here to find out more...