Just before this BBC podcast gets underway, here's something you may not know.

My name's Linda Davies and I Commission Podcasts for BBC Sounds.

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What you may not know is that the BBC makes podcasts about all kinds of things like pop stars,

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Hello, you're listening to the Witness History Podcast from the BBC World Service.

We're taking you back to August 1979 when Britain's first nudist beach was given the green light. In April the following year the

seaside resort Brighton officially became the first place in Britain to allow

naked bathing. In 2011 Madeline Morris spoke to local newest enthusiasts and some people who preferred

that everyone kept their clothes on. I do like to be beside the sea style.

I do like to be inside the sea. I'm 100% behind new bathing. Let's be democratic and for once let people decide for

themselves what's right for them. After all it's all in the mind.

I'll be to sign myself quickly.

Every major resort in this country is watching with a great deal of concern over the whatever

is decided here in this council chamber tonight because we have gone as far as we dare go in the role of traditional modesty.

It's 1979 and the seaside town of Brighton is debating what would be a first for Britain, an officially

sanctioned nudist beach.

I think Brighton tries to lead the way with everything and this is what the female counselor wanted to do.

David Johnson, a Brighton resident and a nudist, remembers how the community was split in its support for two local politicians.

There was two councillors, one female and one male, Eileen Jakes and John Blackman.

Eileen was for it, John was against it.

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