IN the seven years I have worked at the Derby Telegraph I've covered some amazing stories.
I've been shot at by the Taliban in Afghanistan, ventured into Basra in Iraq under armed guard and cover of darkness, and I've even met Santa Claus in Lapland.
I've interviewed prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, actors, VIPs and, the one that my mother-in-law is most proud of – Cliff Richard.
But nothing, and I mean nothing, prepared me for a job I did this week.
Ian, our photographer, and I were chatting away to Stuart Haywood in his bungalow when the potentially slightly awkward issue came to the fore.
"So," Stuart said, "how do you want me in these pictures?"
Ian looked at the 77-year-old, shot a nervous glance at me and then stuttered out the words: "Well ... erm ... if you don't mind, I need to see you in your ... erm ... birthday suit."
Stuart, you see, is a naturist, a pleasure he has discovered over the past four years and he had, very bravely in my opinion, decided to pose for pictures and tell us his story.
"The feeling of freedom is fantastic," he told me.
"When people are younger they might be self-conscious about what their body looks like.
"But I'm past worrying about things like that, life is for living, and, love being in the nude.
"But I always keep my socks on as it's somewhere to keep my mobile phone."
It's fair to says that interviewing Stuart was a hoot and an absolute joy.
As he stripped off in his bungalow for the photographs, I wasn't really quite sure where to put my eyes.
"Can we just grab a few objects to cover your modesty please?" asked Ian, while I did everything I could to avoid looking at the naked man in front of me.
A teapot and two mugs came in handy to start with, then we moved to the kitchen where a tea towel did the job handsomely as well.
Finally, well we couldn't resist it, seeing as Stuart has been a contributor to our Bygones section for the past 12 years, we got him to pose clutching a copy of the Derby Telegraph.
Of course, all the time the blinds were pulled shut, keeping all of us free from potentially prying eyes.
British Naturism, the organisation that represents those who choose to go naked in the UK, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
On its website, it says: "Naturism is the practice of going without clothes.
"Whatever you may think about people who do such a thing, it is not shameful, embarrassing or ridiculous. In fact, when the weather is hot it's the sensible option – and great fun!"
I have to say that Stuart's enthusiasm and willingness to try, and ultimately enjoy, something new and, let's be honest here, a little controversial, is commendable to say the least.
While some in their retirement are happy to tend to the garden, read books, meet friends for coffee or maybe wander around the golf course a couple times a week, others, like Stuart, have embraced a new interest.
More power to his elbow, I say. I admire his bravery.
