Overall appearance of the most recent issues of BN magazine impresses me; yes, they have been attractive, superficially at least. Since Andrew Welch took charge, layout has improved and the tone is upbeat. For those who heard Andrew’s presentation at the AGM, the future is going to be better than ever before. It needs to be; but it’s not the same one that I see.

BN membership has declined by more than 15% over several years. Not a lot perhaps, but it has been steady attrition, despite the influx through online joining facilities. The rate accelerated in 2003 and 2004 to the extent that the massive hike in subscription fees to bring in more revenue, was far less effective than intended; and the disaffection rate rose again. The reduced numbers since 1998 means, at current levels, a reduced income of around £70,000.

There is no evidence of emerging crisis in BN for the individual member to discern; not yet anyway and not when performance information remains inadequate. No reason to bother, given prevailing attitudes, sunshine to enjoy and somebody else doing the work. In five years subscription rates have risen 50% for couples, 35% for singles, proportionately more for those above retirement age. Some of us are very concerned.

What’s happening?

The accounts for 2003, and the supplement with the winter 2004 BN magazine, tell a sorry tale for those reading them, together with other items in that same edition. Richard Burnham's succinct assessment articulates BN's problems, with positive pointers on the way to go. One can savour too, the dry wit of Rex Watson, the new SR representative who is set to open windows, blowing away dust and decay. We must not be afraid of the fresh air, however chill it may be.

Lesley Byrne took half a page, coming over well, but was she really saying anything? Unable to plan or commit even a summer ahead, her potential fades and, though innately capable, can never be taken seriously again. Important issues demand meaningful commitment. Her intervention and withdrawal has delayed another capable individual from contributing.

Reality intrudes on the letters page. Duncan rightly castigates the reluctance to pay a fair price for our lifestyle and Colin’s carefully phrased exposé supports this. It goes nowhere near far enough, however, towards offering greater understanding of the state we are in, or proposing any ways out of it.

What’s it all about – why should anyone care?

A page and a half about marketing looks good but was better in the hearing than the reading. On solid underpinning to organisational operation, it is insubstantial. Light on costs, it does not suggest that sound finance and management must support the promise. Personal experience suggests much work is yet to be done. There was no mention of a business plan, not even an attempt. The compelling want is not just for extra revenue, essential though that is, but for a resurgence of belief in BN as the body that can, does and will represent effectively the aspirations of all naturists in Britain.

For these hopes to be met, social naturism must rest on a foundation of sustainable good business; we do not have that base. Worse still, what little we do have is being eroded rapidly. The 2005 AGM will see yet another call for massively increased subscriptions. Pay more for what? The budget presented to the last AGM implied a surplus of £99,000 whilst the recent version offers no more than £8,300 and still has areas of anxiety. Nothing inspires confidence, because those now in charge of BN affairs are blundering into a crisis of their own making, which they cannot control and from which they appear incapable of escape.

How long may be left?

Not long. Applaud the attainment of forty years of history. It may soon ring hollow. Listen for the words << increased value of property, mortgage allows realisation of opportunities, etc. >> for they will presage subsequent decline into oblivion. It need not be so. It must not be so.

Essential change can come only on the back of fundamental reform, disposing of old, tired ideas that have brought us to the brink. The exercise of democracy will let us step back.

What reasons to doubt the future?

Only history shows actuality. Forecasting on trends and estimates is an inexact science, but analysing the information supplied with the winter’s magazine, I offer comment on that sheet of 2005 budget and other data ~

1. The losses quoted for insurance (on the figures shown) indicate a total cost for public liability cover to clubs during the last four years of almost £20,000, an organisational loss borne by the general membership.
2. Payments to the INF in 2005 are less than in 2004, despite a suggestion of 20% (don't laugh) more members. Advertising revenue is shown 61% up on 2004 but is this before or after up to £20,000 on fees for an advertising agency?
3. Why should 18,000 members @ £14.00 bring in only £252,000 when 2004 realised an average of almost £2 more per member? It could be VAT implications or just ineptitude somewhere; will the Treasurer tell all, eventually?
4. Depreciation is not shown, a major flaw. Additional capital expenditure generates more of it, but none is shown. Has something been missed – and why?

The balance of opinion suggests that the end of 2005 will see a very different result from anything envisaged at its start. It is unlikely to be a better one, I surmise. Ordinarily the AGM would not concern itself about the current year – in 2005 it must.

What is to be done?

Sound finances are central to the survival of BN as a viable entity, along with modern management practices. If membership and advertising targets are met, then all will appear to be fine, but the need for deep reform will still exist.

With a budget lacking much in the way of credibility, the inevitable conclusion is that BN resembles a ship drifting towards the rocks, with a dead hand on the wheel and no ghost of a chance to stay afloat, not with the present captain and his crew anyway. It does not need an expensive commercial manager; it needs sensible and relevant commercial management.

The 2005 BN elections should be made the last before root and branch reform initiates a fresh era in its affairs. With a modern constitution adopted and competent government in place, it can go to destinations beyond the present horizon. Impelled like at no other time before, every concerned member of BN should exercise a vote for change this year.

Mike O'Neill
Last Vice President of CCBN 2002-04
Honorary Treasurer CCBN 1993-98
CCBN member 1988-date
Sunday, 10 April 2005

Based on an article published in "Naturist Life", issue 113 April 2005

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