Kent & South-East Youth Officer

Leah Thomas takes on Kent & South-East!

Having been a naturist all my life, I feel as though I have walked quite comfortably into YBN. When I was younger I went on many holidays to naturist clubs around England. By doing this, I was able to form relationships with people on the way, and when I joined YBN I already recognised a few familiar faces.

am currently a member of Invicta Sun Club in Dover, and have been all my life. When I was younger, I was also a member of Adventurers Sun Club. Adventurers taught me many things. There were not many children there when I was a member, only about four of us, but we always found something to do. We often borrowed saws, hammers and nails from our parents, so we were able to go into the woods and build proper tree-houses. The chance for that sort of freedom and independence was amazing, and I feel as though memories like that have kept me in naturism.

At Invicta there were many more young members. We used to have children’s days every year with party games and food, as well as the traditional ‘fancy dress’. This was often a highlight, yet when looking back at old photos I wonder how I ever won, and how my mum was able to come up with such ideas!

There are not as many young members at Invicta now as there were ten years ago. YBN was able to open up so many doors to me. I now have a network of friends all over the country, all sharing a common interest that I hope to continue with, and eventually bring my own family into.

As the Kent and South-East regional youth rep, I hope to organise events that will aid in maintaining the interest of young people in naturism, so they too are able to join our growing network of naturists. Not only are the events for young people who are nearing 16, the age for joining YBN, but also for much younger children. Competitive games between clubs and parties with discos would provide excitement for young naturists, and hopefully encourage them to carry on, as I did, in naturism.

Close friends are hard to find, especially ones that can be trusted. I feel as though I have found nearly all of mine through YBN, showing just how much of a tight-knit group we are, and how much fun we are all able to have together. For that group to grow with young people would be great….

Leigh Thomas

Email me: kseryouthrep@british-naturism.org.uk

South West Youth Officer