It has been in existence in various forms for more than a century, dating back to 1902. H&E originally stood for 'health and efficiency', the theory being that exposure to the sun and air, and a good diet and regular exercise, was beneficial to health and made the body work more efficiently. Nowadays, naturism is more of a lifestyle choice with much less importance placed on the perfect body image
- and more emphasis on travel, sunbathing, naked activities and, most of all, enjoyment. Sam Hawcroft has been the editor since 2008; in 2012 she took over the business and publishes H&E under her own company, Hawk Editorial Ltd, which is based in Hull, East Yorkshire. H&E is sold online and in selected WHSmith stores, as well as hundreds of independent UK newsagents.
