Waterworld Stoke has made the decision to ban all family nude swim events in the future after receiving fierce backlash from members of the public.
The waterpark has confirmed a change in its policy to restrict the events to those over 18 years of age only.
It comes after the controversial event – which is organised by British Naturism and is open to adults and kids of all ages – was confirmed to still be going ahead last weekend despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the criticism faced in previous years.
The event usually attracts 300 people to the Staffordshire city, but in previous years has garnered widespread criticism among members of the public stating that it could attract people looking to prey on youngsters, and one session held last year saw even around 20 protesters gather outside the entrance to Waterworld with the police in attendance.
A petition was also set up.
Now, after “extensive dialogue with its customers”, Waterworld has made a u-turn on its policy following two decades of hosting British Naturism events.
Waterworld
Speaking on the policy change, Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry said: “British Naturism is a perfectly law-abiding organisation which has been hiring our venue – and many similar sites across the UK – for private events for over 20 years.
“In all that time, the sessions have taken place happily and peacefully with all appropriate health, safety and safeguarding policies in place, giving our team no reasons for concern. However, it has become clear following extensive dialogue with our customers that a growing number are unhappy with these sessions being open to children and young people.
“So, while we are happy to continue hiring out our venue to naturists, the board of directors have decided to amend our company policy – future events must now be restricted to over 18s.”
Waterworld
He continued: “Having arrived in the UK from Pakistan as a young boy, unable to speak a single word of English, I know precisely what it feels like to be discriminated against. And that is why, throughout my years in business, I have always been determined to treat everyone equally, and fairly.
“Although I do not personally share the views of naturists, I feel it is important to acknowledge the freedom of choice for all people providing they abide by the laws of the land. However, my staff have been subjected to unacceptable and unwarranted abuse from those protesting against the event that took place this weekend.
“This is something that I cannot allow to continue in the future.
“And from our point of view, we have always prided ourselves on listening to the wide-ranging views of all our customers.
“British Naturism is welcome to continue hiring Waterworld outside of public opening hours for its private events. But in future, it will simply be on the condition that these sessions are only open to people aged 18 and over.”
Trending
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
Chester Zoo confirms sex of viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check
Emily Sergeant
It’s the news we’ve all been for… Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check.
In case you need bringing up to speed, the new baby arrived to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, who are both three-years-old, earlier this summer on 10 June, and since then, keepers at Chester Zoo said mum and cub had mostly spent their time quietly tucked away in a cosy den, away from the eyes of the onlooking public.
But just last week, it was time for the little one to see what the outside world is all about, and the zoo’s cameras captured it venturing outside for the very first time.
Back then though, we were still awaiting confirmation of the cub’s sex.
Now, Chester Zoo has confirmed that the adorable ball of fluff was taken to the zoo’s specialist vets and carnivore keepers this week to be examined, weighed, vaccinated, and most importantly, ‘sexed’ – and finally, it has been revealed as a female.
Keepers say the playful new arrival is now eight weeks old and growing in strength and confidence every day, with mum Nubra watching over closely.
“At eight weeks old, the cub has undergone the first of two all-important health checks,” explained Mark Brayshaw, who is the Head of Mammals at Chester Zoo.
Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check / Credit: Chester Zoo
“These quick examinations by the zoo’s vets are really important for us to make sure the cub is healthy and in good physical condition.
“We recorded the cub’s weight, checked its heartbeat, eyes, and teeth before swiftly returning the cub to mum Nubra, [and] we’re very happy to report that the cub was given a clean bill of health and we can finally reveal that it is indeed a female.
“Now comes one of the toughest tasks of all – choosing a name worthy of such a special arrival.”
Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it’s believed there are as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.
Stay tuned to find out the little one’s name, expected to be revealed very soon.
In fact, you might as well throw in your own suggestion – we’ve already offered ours…
How about Medo? 🥹
It means ‘little flower’ in Tibetan, the same as her mother’s tongue. 🌼