Connections - Spring 2005

Once again the Christmas Festive season has passed but this year with great tragedy. Who would have thought a Tsunami in the Indian Ocean would have reared its ugly head on the morning of Boxing Day causing the death of so many. Is it God's will or simply a scientific disaster? This question will be debated for many a year by all religions and in all creeds. And, depending on the viewpoint, whether religious or scientific, there will be only one thought and that is the one of humanity. This disaster has seen the world coming together to support the helplessness of the inflicted with almost every country raising funds to rebuild the disaster areas or sending aid through supplies and workers. This is humanity at its best and one cannot but wonder about the relentless hatred that consumes so many religious cults and other ethnic characteristics. Why can we not live together in peace with harmony, helping and forgiving each other, to bring about a world of togetherness? Are we so different from one another? No, we are all intelligent humans who should be able to compete through sport and business enjoying society and leisure during a lifetime. Living this way should not curtail our individuality, character or direction; it should build our world society through sharing strengths and leadership for the lives of all. Using strong attributes to bring about wafare is a road to destruction with all its hate. So, was the Tsunami simply a scientific happening or God's way of saying there has been enough evil in this world; rebuild your love for each other and live in peace? This is a question all should seek to answer.

A great delight for me this Christmas was the performance of Cinderella on Ice at the Bracknell Ice Rink. Once again the cast performed magnificently and the producers and backroom personnel excelled themselves in putting on this great show. Praise was received from all guests on the last night , and the praise continued to come in through letter and contact for many a day. Of course, this occasion again gave me the opportunity to donate to a charity. This year, Berkshire Give a Child a Chance was selected as the recipient and I am proud to say that with the nightly collections and the cheque for £2,000 the charity benefited by over £3,000. Additionally, the parent charity, The Berkshire Community Foundation, was awarded a cheque of £5,000 to enable it to continue with it rewarding work.

Moving on, the Nike Group of Companies is busy preparing for the Easter celebrations and will be ready to keep the entire family entertained during this holiday period.

Children of all ages will be delighted at the array of activities on offer at the six John Nike Leisuresport centres. From ice discos on the rinks to sensational sliding' down the slopes you will be able to enjoy a visit to your local centre for fun in the school holidays.

John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell has its most exciting season ever planned as, for the first time, all slopes are now covered with PERMA-SNOW™, the new safer ski slope surface. If you live in the area, why not come down and try it for yourself?

If you are looking to have a break over Easter, then the Coppid Beech Hotel is teaming up with LEGOLAND to offer a break that promises to be fun for all the family. Or, for a country break, The Swan at Streatley is the perfect location from which to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Thames Valley.

2004 was a fantastic year for both Octagon Toyota and Lexus in Bracknell and Reading but this year promises to be even better with the unveiling of the new hybrid models of Lexus and, of course the new showroom on John Nike Way in Bracknell.

As a parting piece of good news for the Nike Group of Companies, I can confirm that the UK Patent for the Techmat 2000 Limited product PERMA-SNOW™ was received on the 16 February 2005. This new safer dry slope surface will in time replace the diamond mesh bristle matting and greatly reduce injuries from dry ski slope skiing and boarding.

I look forward to writing more in the summer edition of Connections, in a more peaceful and less disastrous time.

John Nike, OBE




March 2005 is a special month for LEGOLAND Windsor not only is the theme park re-opening after a winter break, it's also celebrating its 10th birthday with the launch of four new rides.

To mark the occasion, the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell, is offering family leisure break packages to LEGOLAND throughout the season, which ends in October a great idea for that Easter weekend getaway with the kids.

Packages include accommodation, breakfast and two-day passes to LEGOLAND for every family member. Prices vary depending on the size of the party, the number of rooms required and the length of the stay, but a one-night stay for a family of four in a family room costs £169, and a two-night stay £249.

LEGOLAND offers more than 50 attractions including the brand new Fire Academy, Dino Dipper and Jurassic Safari rides, and old favourites like Pirate Falls (you will get wet!) and the thrilling Jungle Coaster. 

There are also awe-inspiring models of London, Cape Canaveral and other landmarks made entirely out of Lego bricks, daily shows, and special events like laser displays and concerts by chart-topping acts (tickets to these events are not included, and will be subject to availability).

For more information or to book a package, call the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333, or email reservations@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk.



Top radio DJs and the UK's best live tribute acts are headlining at the Coppid Beech Hotel's twin night-spots this spring.

International ABBA tribute band Platinum ABBA will be returning to The Keller on Thursday 24 March. Their last appearance at the venue in September 2004 was a sell-out, so booking early is definitely the name of the game'.

Meanwhile fans of Robbie Williams can let themselves be entertained by his alter ego' Robbing Williams, who's performing on Friday 4 March.

From 60s pop to 70s funk to the latest rock, The Keller's spring schedule also features live covers bands to get anybody and everybody onto the dancefloor.

Aprés nightclub's special Friday line-up continues to give party people an opportunity to dance the night away to celebrity radio DJs, without the journey into London. Kiss FM's Chris Phillips, Capital 95.8 FM's Schooly, Heart 106.2 FM's Paul Hayes, 2-Ten FM's Ollie Hayes and Kick FM's Mark Watson will all be taking to the stage.

Those wanting to build up their stamina before letting their hair down can book a meal in The Keller a three course feast, plus entry to The Keller and Aprés, costs just £20.95 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Call 01344 303333 (ext 120) or check www.kellerandapres.co.uk to get full listings for both venues.



The Thames Valley Tigers basketball team has set its sights high for 2005 and, when Connections went to press it was placed in a respectable seventh position in the British Basketball League Championship.

New signing Chris Brown, centre, has made a promising debut at the club. Chris who measures a phenomenal 6' 9", moved to the Tigers from the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

Paul James, Tigers Head Coach, is happy that Brown will be a beneficial addition to the team. After his first appearance, in which he scored five points, Paul commented: Chris really showed that he can play. I am looking forward to him settling in and being a big factor for us for the rest of the season."

For tickets to catch the Tigers in action, call Sharon King on 01344 789008.



"The perfect picture postcard" that's how Jeff Ward, Manager of The Swan at Streatley, describes the riverside view families will enjoy as they eat Sunday lunch in the Hotel's two AA rosette Cygnetures restaurant.

Whether they choose to dine in the restaurant, or on the terrace outside among hanging baskets full of flowers, the scene is the same: the River Thames winding serenely past the Hotel's tranquil grounds.

The Swan offers a traditional three course English Sunday lunch, costing £16.95, and including coffee and something sweet. A sample menu might include: potted chicken pâté with toast and chutney made from apples grown in the Hotel's garden; roast topside of beef, Yorkshire pudding and pan gravy; and chocolate tart with rum and raisin ice cream.

The kids can have whatever they like whether that's a mini Sunday lunch, or chicken nuggets and chips and you pay according to the child's age, so for a three-year-old you'll pay £3, for a nine-year-old £9, and so on.

Jeff Ward says: "I challenge you to find a more stunning location to enjoy a fabulous lunch, and it's extraordinarily good value considering the quality of the service and food we make everything in-house, including the bread."

The Swan at Streatley is offering a complimentary bottle of house wine for every reader who mentions Connections magazine when booking a table of two or more for Sunday lunch – call 01491 878800.




Going into the New Year the Bracknell Bees ice hockey team were top of the Findus British National League and had reached the finals of the Winter Cup.

Accompanying the team's outstanding performance was news that the Bees had managed to bag the signature of Czech defenceman Jan Krulis, just before the transfer deadline. Jan joins the Bees from Elite League team the Nottingham Panthers. Prior to the Panthers Jan played in both the Czech and Austrian Leagues.

To book your tickets and see the new signing for yourself call 01344 789000.




We Britons work the longest hours in Europe so making the most of your leisure time has never been more important.

Whether your idea of a perfect break is a trip to a theme park with the kids, an action-packed weekend at the races, or a romantic stay in the country, the brand new Leisure Breaks brochures for the four-star Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley are packed with inspiration.

The Coppid Beech Hotel, situated in central Berkshire, is an ideal base for outings to LEGOLAND, Windsor Castle, Henley Royal Regatta, Wentworth Golf Club, Guards Polo Club, Newbury and Windsor Racecourses and numerous other attractions.

The Hotel itself boasts a wealth of outstanding facilities including a leisure complex, acclaimed restaurants one with two coveted AA rosettes and its own live music venue and nightclub.

The Swan at Streatley is a quintessential English country hotel nestling on the banks of the River Thames, in the picturesque Berkshire Downs. The Hotel's atmosphere is one of peace, tranquillity and intimacy, with 46 en-suite bathrooms, its own island in the Thames and a barge moored alongside, and a two AA rosette riverside restaurant.

There's plenty to enjoy in the surrounding area including clay pigeon shooting, coarse and trout fishing, horse-riding, miles of footpaths, several golf courses and National Trust properties. The hotel also hosts special black-tie Music at Leisure weekends.

Staff at both Hotels are happy to organise any activities guests choose from the brochures, and can arrange a shuttle bus to and from various local destinations for an additional charge.

To order the brochures, contact The Swan at Streatley on 01491 878800, sales@swan-at-streatley.co.uk; or the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333, sales@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk.




The Bracknell Bees ice hockey team and Thames Valley Tigers basketball team are running training camps for all those budding sporting heroes out there.

The camps offer kids the chance to train like professionals, with players and team coaches on-hand to offer their expert advice. There is even an opportunity to shoot some hoops or slap some pucks with the players themselves.

The Tigers camp, which will be held over the Easter Holidays, is a two-day event open to children aged between eight and 18 years old. Run by Paul James, Coach, and his players the camp will be held on 4 and 5 of April. Contact Sharon King on 01344 789008 to book a place, which are priced at £30 for members of the School of Basketball or Bracknell Sports and Leisure Centre or £35 for non-members.

For Bees fans Coach Mike Ellis' and his team's camp can be caught during the summer half term from 30 May until 3 June and is offered to kids aged five to 15. For further information or to book a place on the camp contact Jane McDougall on 01344 789000.



The Bracknell Bees ice hockey team and Thames Valley Tigers basketball team are running training camps this Easter school holiday for all those budding sporting heroes out there.

The camps offer kids the chance to train like professionals, with players and team coaches on-hand to offer their expert advice. There is even an opportunity to shoot some hoops or slap some pucks with the players themselves.

The Tigers camp is a two-day event open to children aged between eight and 18 years old. Run by Paul James, Coach, and his players the camp will be held on 4 and 5 of April. Contact Sharon King on 01344 789008 to book a place, which are priced at £30 for members of the School of Basketball or Bracknell Sports and Leisure Centre or £35 for non-members.

For Bees fans Coach Mike Ellis' and his team's camp can be attended on the X and X of X and is offered to kids aged five to 15. To book a place on the camp, which costs X contact Jane McDougall on 01344 789000.




The Bracknell Bees ice hockey team and Thames Valley Tigers basketball team are running training camps this Easter school holiday for all those budding sporting heroes out there.

The camps offer kids the chance to train like professionals, with players and team coaches on-hand to offer their expert advice. There is even an opportunity to shoot some hoops or slap some pucks with the players themselves.

The Tigers camp is a two-day event open to children aged between eight and 18 years old. Run by Paul James, Coach, and his players the camp will be held on 4 and 5 of April. Contact Sharon King on 01344 789008 to book a place, which are priced at £30 for members of the School of Basketball or Bracknell Sports and Leisure Centre or £35 for non-members.

For Bees fans Coach Mike Ellis' and his team's camp can be attended on the X and X of X and is offered to kids aged five to 15. To book a place on the camp, which costs X contact Jane McDougall on 01344 789000.



If you have a DIY project planned this summer, don't lift a finger until you have checked out the Jubilee Building Supplies open day in Bracknell.

The event, which is planned for mid-summer, will give customers the chance to find out just what Jubilee has to offer. There will be a variety of paving, decking and building supplies on display, special offers and a team of staff on-hand to give advice and help you plan your DIY project.

To find out more about the open day, or what Jubilee could do for you, visit www.jubileebuildingsupplies.co.uk or call 01344 789400.




John Nike Leisuresport centres across England and Wales went the extra mile to ensure a very merry Christmas for everyone that visited over the festive period.

The Bracknell and Bristol Ice Rinks hosted free skating on Christmas day a gift from John Nike OBE, Chairman, to the local communities. Bracknell also laid on half price skiing and snowboarding and welcomed over 1,000 visitors to the centre on the big day. The rest of the festive period was very busy with fondue parties and a huge uptake on the children's activity camps.

In December, instructors from Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre took to the streets of Derby, along with the mobile slope, to offer shoppers the chance to try a variety of alpine activities. The event was a huge success and attracted many visitors to the centre for lessons or to have a go on the popular sno-tubes.

John Nike Leisuresport, Chatham, experienced its best Christmas ever. The Cresta Run and the slopes were exceptionally busy and inside, the restaurant welcomed many customers for a variety of functions. The Around The World' themed events where guests were treated to an evening of food and entertainment from across the globe were so popular that they will now be available throughout the year.

Schoolchildren at Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre, welcomed Santa with a chorus of Jingle Bells as he arrived in style on a toboggan to hand out presents. Fondue nights were a big hit with bookings being taken for corporate functions and private parties throughout Christmas and New Year.

Fondue nights were also popular at John Nike Leisuresport, Plymouth, where more functions took place than ever before. The centre was also kept busy with the highly successful Are You Ready' campaign where participants can ensure they will be safe in the snow.




If your little chicks are egg-sited about the Easter holidays, then John Nike Leisuresport centres across England and Wales have a host of activities to give them a cracking time.

John Nike Leisuresport, Chatham, will be running Radical Kids' days where children between 10 and 16 can try their hand at skiing and snowboarding as well as taking part in activities such as sno-tubes and snow-bobbing. Mum and dad can even have a go as part of a family lesson. The centre is currently taking bookings for the summer school's activity weeks so get in early to avoid disappointment.

The Llandudno Ski and Snowboard centre is looking forward to a visit from the Easter Bunny who, as well as enjoying an afternoon's skiing, will be delivering eggs to local school children.

Swadlincote will also welcome the furry friend for an egg hunt and tobogganing egg-travaganza. And, if that doesn't wear the kids out, there are skiing and snowboarding days where they can pick up a certificate and badge for participating.

As the spring approaches, Bristol Ice rink will be getting ready for an Easter disco on ice. Taking place on Good Friday, 25 March, skaters of all ages and abilities will be able to strut their stuff from 8.30 to 10.30pm. Fancy dress is optional.

John Nike Leisuresport Centre, Bracknell, will also be hosting the Big Bash', an ice disco for kids to celebrate the last day of the school term. More ski, snowboard and skating activity camps will be taking place than ever before to give children the chance to experience a variety of winter sports. Bracknells three slopes are now covered in PERMA-SNOW™, a safer surface for children! Children at Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre, can get involved with extreme boarding or radical ski days which promise to be an exciting mix of tuition and games. The centre will also be hosting sensational sliding sessions a fun mix of sno-tubes, skiing and snow bobbing for kids (and parents if they want a go).

And remember, The Are You Ready' campaign is still in full swing at all of the Ski and Snowboard centres where instructors are on hand to make sure that you are fully prepared to hit the slopes and be safe in the snow.

For more information, contact your local John Nike Leisuresport Centre:

Bracknell: 01344 789000 Bristol: 0117 929 2148 Chatham: 01634 827979 Llandudno: 01492 874707 Plymouth: 01752 600220 Swadlincote: 01283 217200




After spontaneously booking a snowboarding holiday in France and realising that her fellow travellers were all capable boarders, complete beginner, Eileen Mitchell headed straight for John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell, to pick up a few tips.

Eileen signed up for a block of four lessons at the Bracknell Centre and has not looked back since. She explained: "The lessons were great fun and I learnt loads! My instructor was fantastic and really encouraging."

Not only was Eileen pleased with the lessons, but she was also impressed with the slopes at Bracknell, which are covered in PERMA-SNOWTM. She commented: "The surface looks like real snow and is so much more comfortable to fall on, which was important for me!"

The idea of hitting the authentic slopes is no longer a concern for Eileen. She said: "I feel a lot more confident about the trip now. I have mastered the basics and am happy that I will be able to cope on my own. I am so glad I booked these lessons and believe the holiday will be more enjoyable now that I have had a head start."




The true spirit of Christmas came alive when the Coppid Beech Hotel teamed up with Thames Valley Police and Age Concern to give 250 deserving pensioners a festive treat.

The event also doubled up as a community initiative, providing guests with important information about crime prevention and personal safety.

The hotel hosted the group including 14 who are wheelchair bound in December for its ninth annual CARE (Community Action for the Retired Elderly) Day.

Age Concern consulted the Bracknell Forest NHS Primary Care Trust to help select 250 pensioners who would really appreciate the trip those over 70 who had not attended the event in the past five years. They enjoyed a three-course traditional Christmas dinner, school choir, old time entertainment, bingo, a prize draw as well as an informative talk from Thames Valley Police.

Local businesses and the hotel's suppliers showed their support of CARE by donating, among other things, all the food and drink for the festive feast and a bottle of sherry for each guests to ensure that no-one went home empty-handed.




Fairytale fantasies came to life in Bracknell and Bristol with Emerald Cities and Fairy Godmothers all taken to the ice for the Christmas pantomimes.

At John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell, a cast of 140 skaters entertained audiences in a production of Cinderella, the most successful pantomime ever held at the centre in terms of ticket sales and audience feedback.

George Black, Complex Manager, said: "There were over 1,000 people at each show and the entire balcony was sold out every time. The special school performance was full and the excited pre-Christmas children really got into the spirit of things!"

John Nike OBE, Chairman, presented a cheque for £2,000 to Berkshire Give a Child a Chance, with a further X being raised from collections during the five-day run. A further cheque for £5,000 was presented to the Berkshire Community Foundation.

At Bristol Ice Rink, the ice-staged rendition of The Wizard of Oz went down a storm with audiences who helped to raise £400 for Babe's Big Appeal, a charity to help the families of children suffering with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition in the south west.



The Coppid Beech Hotel and John Nike Leisuresport made Pudsey's 25th birthday a truly happy one by raising nearly £6,000 for BBC Children in Need 2004.

The fundraising events included:

a sponsored swim where 30 people including a child of three years old took part. All were sponsored to swim a length of the hotel's pool in their PJs; Pudsey's Grand Prize Draw, where tickets were sold at £2 each for a variety of donated prizes including an overnight stay with dinner at the hotel, skiing lessons, LEGOLAND tickets and use of a Lexus car for the weekend; staff and guests being invited to guess the weight of Sam Achempong, Night Manager. £1 was charged to make a guess and the winner received dinner for two at The Keller; John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell, hosting a foam party on ice', with the sounds provided by local band, Soul Purpose. Skaters from the rink's Christmas pantomime performed pieces from the show and partgoers enjoyed a disco; and two car boot sales which were held in the car park of the ice rink and raised money from stall holder fees and entry charges.


Congratulations to the winners of the John Nike Leisuresport prize draw.

From everyone that entered the competition at the Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard Show, the following lucky seven picked up these fantastic prizes:

Kelton McDonald, Banstead, Surrey ski break weekend for two at the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell. James Coles, Camberley, Surrey pair of skis. Anna Timperley, Bracknell, Berkshire – snowboard. Ian Sanderson, Leatherhead, Surrey pair of snowblades. Graham Mayers, Guildford, Surrey three ski or snowboard lessons at a John Nike Leisuresport centre. David Miller, Carshalton, Surrey two tickets for a Bracknell Bees ice-hockey match. Donald Cousins, Maidenhead, Berkshire two tickets to a Thames Valley Tigers basketball match.

The winners were presented with their prizes by Martin Weddell, Director of John Nike Leisuresport at a champagne reception and lunch held at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell.



This spring, Bristol Ice Rink will play host to two high profile skating events.

The British Open Freestyle tournament, a key fixture in the skating calendar, takes place on 16 March. This distinguished competition attracts competitors from all over the country.

For local skaters, there is a club competition on 12 March open to both adults and children of all standards. Call 0117 929 2148 for details.




When The Swan at Streatley and the Reading Evening Post set out to give one lucky couple the wedding day of their dreams, they didn't expect to find anyone like winners Christine Blackmun and Dave Williams.

A competition was run to find: "A local couple who truly deserved to receive the wedding they've always dreamed of but which, for some reason, could not make the dream become a reality without help". Of the many worthy responses that were received, Chris and Dave's truly stood out.

In their three-year relationship, they have had to cope with Dave (a quartermaster in the British Army) being deployed to Kosovo and Iraq; depression; a family bereavement; and an horrific facial injury for Dave which resulted in him being unable to work, drive or even walk unaided since.

The lucky couple were told they had won a wedding reception for up to 60 guests at the four-star hotel worth £3,000 including bubbly, a three course meal, and the honeymoon suite for the bride and groom at the Hotel's wedding fayre in October.

Jeff Ward, Manager of The Swan at Streatley, said: "It was a hard decision but we knew it was the right one as Christine and Dave shed tears of joy when their names were read out."

To check out the facilities on offer at The Swan and its sister hotel the Coppid Beech Hotel, make a date in your diary to come to their wedding fayres on 9 and 30 October respectively.

For more information on weddings at The Swan at Streatley call 01491 878800



John Nike Leisuresport, Llandudno, demonstrated its commitment to developing the sportsmen and women of the future by sponsoring the Most Improved Sportsperson award at the Conwy County Borough Council Sports Awards 2004.

The winner was judo champion Sarah-Jayne Lyon and she was presented with her trophy by Nigel Treacy, Manager of Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre, and Olympic cyclist Nicole Cooke. Nicole was the Commonwealth Road Race Champion in 2002 and voted Welsh Sports Personality of the Year in 2003.



You've read about the fantastic Sunday lunches on offer at The Swan at Streatley on page X now experience it for yourself, courtesy of Connections.

In this fabulous competition, a three-course Sunday lunch for six people including two bottles of house wine (or equivalent soft drinks) in the hotel's 2 AA rosette awarded Cygnetures riverside restaurant is there to be won.

To be in with a chance to spoil your family or friends with this wonderful prize, just send your answer the following question, which can be found in the pages of this magazine, to the address below.

Question: Which race course is The Swan at Streatley teaming up with for its racing packages?

E-mail your answers to ab@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk marked Connections competition' by 22 April 2005. Dates are subject to availability. Prize to be taken by 31 August 2005 (terms and conditions apply).

If you are not the lucky winner, Cygnetures is open to guests and non-residents not only for Sunday lunch but every other day as well. See page X for details.

Congratulations to Sue Fraser of Reading who won a snowboard and lesson for four after she entered the competition in the last edition of Connections.




The Leisuresport World ski and snowboard sale has become an eagerly awaited fixture on the winter sports calendar for fans in the Berkshire area but now enthusiasts in Plymouth also have a chance to bag some bargains.

November saw the first ever sale of ski and snowboard equipment from the Plymouth shop, held at the Novotel in Plymouth.

Alan Connor, Manager of the Bracknell shop who oversees the sales, said: "Thanks to Colin Hanforth, Manager, and his team, the sale at Plymouth went so well we are already planning one for this year. We are also considering expanding the concept to the shops at other John Nike Leisuresport centres."

The Bracknell sale, held at the Coppid Beech Hotel, was as well attended as ever with skis, boards and clothing all selling well.

Particularly popular was the new Helly Hansen range, especially the men's and women's jackets.



Two regulars from John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell, have gained the highest recognition in snowboarding and skiing.

Sam Cullum, a 16-year-old Snowboard Instructor at the centre, spent time with the British Development Squad in the USA and Canada as part of his preparation to represent GB in the 2005 Youth Olympics in Monthey, Switzerland in January. Watch this space to see how he got on.

Ten-year-old Janey Rankin, who trains twice a week on the Bracknell Ski Slope, has been selected for the Southern Region's Ski Association's Under-11 squad.

She said: "I was amazed when my dad told me I had been selected. I'm really proud of myself."



Lightfoots petrol station in Crowthorne is keeping local motorists on the road!

With the closure of its only neighbouring station, Lightfoots has become the sole fuel provider in the area and an overnight sales increase of 45 per cent is a clear indication that the station is in great demand.

Despite the lack of competition, Greg Walsh, Manager, is committed to maintaining excellent standards. He explained: "It is important that we do not become complacent and we will continue to provide a high level of customer service."




The Phoenix Business Park is rising from the rubble. Nike Construction's work on the final stage of the building project on John Nike Way, Bracknell, is progressing well.

The ground floor of the brand new 17,610 sq ft building, which will be adorned from top to bottom in terracotta tiling, is now in place.

The ultra high-tech building's focal point will be the Lexus showroom, which will have prime position just inside the circular entrance hall. The building will also contain offices.

The project is set to be complete by August so keep your eyes peeled.



The building of the new Lexus dealership and offices facing the corner of John Nike Way and Beehive Road is progressing well and will be the final commercial building to be constructed in the Phoenix Business Park. The Lexus showroom will cover the whole of the ground floor with offices and archiving on the first, second and third floors.

The exterior cladding of the building will be spandrels of terracotta tiling between green glass curtain walling windows above a ground floor spandrel of polished aluminium. The continuous aluminium spandrel will contain the Lexus fascia separating the showroom windows from the offices above.

The architectural design is a focal point concept to meet the requirement of the Bracknell Forest Borough Council planners for a keynote building on this notable corner facing Cain Road and the Amen Corner IT Business Park.

The project is set to be complete by September 2005 when there will be a grand opening of the Lexus Showroom.



Nike Design (Wales) has been appointed for the first time as consulting engineer by national housebuilder Westbury Homes.

The company was commissioned to design the civil engineering works for a new residential development near Caerphilly, South Wales.

The 48-home building project is currently awaiting planning approval and work is expected to start on the site in March.



2005 looks set to be a great year for both Rainbow Colourprint and its clients thanks to new accounts and the return of a key member of staff.

Keith Campbell, Salesman, returned to the company late last year to take over the reins as the main point of contact for all customers.

Keith brings with him a number of blue chip clients including Hackney Social Services, Race Course Association and Reading University. This, added to a surge of new business from local schools, who are commissioning stationery, brochures and prospectuses, spells an exciting period for the print company.

Call 01344 789500 to find out what Rainbow can do for you.



The Toyota Prius has been voted 2005 European Car of the Year (COTY).

As the only Japanese manufacturer ever to win the title, this year's triumph is Toyota's second time at the top after the Yaris took first place in 2000.

The Prius received 406 points from the 58 COTY judges the runners up, Citroen's C4 and the Ford Focus gaining 267 and 228 points respectively.

The world's most environmentally friendly family car, thanks to its revolutionary hybrid engine technology, the Prius runs on both petrol and electricity therefore conserving fuel and energy and significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

As a result, the UK authorities have welcomed the Prius allowing it a lower road licence charge and making it exempt from the London congestion charge.

To test drive a Prius or any of the Toyota fleet, call your local Octagon Toyota dealership:

Bracknell 01344 789888 Reading 0118 9751300 Slough 01753 511900



Lexus swept the board on the survey stakes in 2004 and finished the year in pole position.

For the third year in a row, Britain's most well-respected car brand seized the ultimate prize when it was named as the highest-ranking car manufacturer in the UK by both the BBC's Top Gear and Auto Express Driver Power surveys. *

The Top Gear survey, which saw its biggest response ever with over 52,000 customer replies, included 34 manufacturers where Lexus was singled out for its superior standards.

Karl Schlicht, Vice President of Lexus and Corporate Planning, said: "Lexus strives for first class quality and customer care. The survey results are a reflection of the company's pursuit of superior quality and service."

And, just when things looked like they couldn't get any better, Lexus was awarded a perfect score in the What Car? Security Supertest. The LS430 model , winner for the fourth consecutive year, was joined by the SC430 with both vehicles receiving a full 100 per cent score.

To test drive any of the Lexus fleet, call Lexus Reading on 0118 975 8877 or Lexus Bracknell on 01344 789777.



A redesign of the John Nike Leisuresport website (www.jnll.co.uk) will make finding information on your local centre much easier.

Leslie Owensby, the Nike Group's web wizard, explained: "The overall design of the sites will be updated, making them more modern and, most importantly, easier to navigate especially for first time visitors."

As part of the change, all the information will be brought bang up-to-date, including a status report, which will be updated daily, to provide visitors with information about any problems with the rink and/or slope before they set out on their journey.

The new sites will be launched one by one so be sure to keep checking over the next few months.

The Jubilee Building Supplies website is also receiving Leslie's attention see page X for details.



Skiers and boarders in Lancashire couldn't tighten their bindings fast enough when PERMA-SNOW™ the revolutionary safer surface arrived in the county.

It was laid, for the first time, in the colour green to be aesthetically pleasing in the picturesque setting at Pendle Ski Club, Lancashire and attracted many winter sports enthusiasts before it was even finished!

Even after the sun set, the highly anticipated surface still had visitors queuing to try out the new slope and feedback on the attraction has been positive.

Back at the John Nike Leisuresport centres, PERMA-SNOW™ continues to be a big hit. Bracknell now has its main slope converted and nursery slopes at most of the centres are also covered with PERMA-SNOW™.

Watch this space for future PERMA-SNOW™ updates.



John Nike Leisuresport's Sno-tubes stole the limelight during their first appearance at the 2004 Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard show.

The new non-ski activity, which was launched across all five Ski and Snowboard centres during the summer, was part of John Nike Leisuresport's interactive display.

Hundreds of customers took to the carefully designed 400sqm PERMA-SNOW™ slope for ski and snowboarding lessons with the team of highly-skilled instructors.

Visitors to the stand were able to pick up one of the new John Nike Leisuresport gift boxes, which were launched during the five-day event. Each box includes a voucher for three lessons at any of the centres, a certificate to be signed when the lessons have been completed, a badge and a disposable camera to record the day's thrills and spills.

Passers-by were handed promotional freebies such as lip balms, balloons and furry bugs and there was also a prize-draw with fantastic prizes open to everybody at the show for the names of the winners turn to page X.



John Nike Leisuresport's Sno-tubes stole the limelight during their first appearance at the 2004 Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard show.

The new non-ski activity, which was launched across all five Ski and Snowboard centres during the summer, was part of John Nike Leisuresport's interactive display.

Hundreds of customers took to the carefully designed 400sqm PERMA-SNOW™ slope for ski and snowboarding lessons with the team of highly-skilled instructors.

Visitors to the stand were able to pick up one of the new John Nike Leisuresport gift boxes, which were launched during the five-day event. Each box includes a voucher for three lessons at any of the centres, a certificate to be signed when the lessons have been completed, a badge and a disposable camera to record the day's thrills and spills.

Passers-by were handed promotional freebies such as lip balms, balloons and furry bugs and there was also a prize-draw with fantastic prizes open to everybody at the show for the names of the winners turn to page X.




Ascot Racecourse may be closed for redevelopment until next year, but Newbury Racecourse is staying well and truly open for business throughout 2005 and it's within easy reach of The Swan at Streatley, making it the ideal choice for a Leisure Break package.

Hosting some of the very best horseracing, both on the flat and over jumps, Newbury's calendar is bursting at the seams with exhilarating events for followers, first-timers and families alike.

Highlights include the 49th running of the famous Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (Friday 25 to Sunday 27 November); the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes Day (Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May); Ladies' Day (Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August) and the high-stakes Dubai International (Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September).

Newbury's recently revamped facilities are also certain to impress not least the Hennessy Restaurant, with its panoramic views of the final furlong and winning post.

For further information or to book, please call 01491 878800, or email reservations@swan-at-streatley.co.uk





There's almost 292,000 happy couples tying the knot every year each with their own idea of what makes the perfect day. From those who want every detail tailored to their individual taste, to those who prefer to pick a package off the shelf', The Swan at Streatley and the Coppid Beech Hotel can cater for everyone.

The Swan at Streatley's unique bespoke wedding service allows couples to create their dream wedding, letting their imaginations run wild. Staff can fulfil every wish whether it's a champagne reception on the hotel's very own island, an intimate ceremony on the Magdalen College Barge, an informal jazz BBQ supper or the majesty of a magnificent marquee.

The peaceful four-star 17th century riverside hotel offers an idyllic setting on the banks of the River Thames, on the edge of the Berkshire and Oxfordshire countryside.

For couples whose ideal wedding involves friends and family from far and wide gathering in a central location, the four-star Alpine-style Coppid Beech Hotel near Bracknell offers a choice of packages to suit all budgets and requirements.

The hotel is within easy reach of the M4, M3, M25 and London Heathrow, and close to mainline railway stations. With its own leisure club, health suite, restaurant, brasserie, nightclub and adjacent ice rink, guests can make a weekend of it.

However they choose to spend their special day, each couple will be looked after by experienced and professional staff every step of the way from the moment they set the wedding date, through the planning and build up, right to the last wave goodbye as they depart for their honeymoon.

For more information, or to book an appointment at The Swan at Streatley, call 01491 878800 or visit www.swanatstreatley.com. Call the Coppid Beech Hotel for information or an appointment on 01344 303333, or log on to www.coppidbeech.com.