Connections - Winter 2005

As I get older, I look ahead and try to decide my priorities for, after all, life is spiralling away faster than ever. Sadly, one has to make some harsh decisions, in my case the relinquishing of the Thames Valley Tigers Basketball Club and the Bracknell Bees Ice Hockey Club after so many, many good years of operation. This decision brought mixed responses, some of great understanding and gratitude for the enjoyment received as supporters of one or both sports, and some of disillusionment and criticism. Forgive me for getting old! But I look back on my achievements and feel proud, then look forward realising that the past 70 years has been but a mere blink in the history of the world. Yet, it is good to feel one has added to this history even though it may be less than an atom of an atom (if this is plausible). Going forward, there is still time to plan; to create; to invent; to postulate. Time to dream; to think; to muse. Time to consider good; time to do good; time to feel good.



With this in mind, I have agreed to become an All Saints Building Appeal Patron for the All Saints Church, Wokingham, to help raise funds for the restoration of this 15th Century well known local landmark on an eastern approach to the Wokingham Town Centre. An appeal leaflet is enclosed with this copy of Connections and I hope you will react to the appeal and make a contribution towards the £200,000 required for the project. I am sure we all love the architecture of churches and the history attached to them. We visit them for religion and for sanctity, whilst we admire them for their solemnity and tranquillity. The picture below shows the place of worship and well-being and I hope it will appeal to your generous nature.



Picture



I have also been honoured by my appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire to promote a spirit of co-operation by supporting charitable and voluntary organisations and to take an interest in the commercial, social and spiritual life of Berkshire. A duty I shall relish in support of the Lord Lieutenant; a duty I shall carry out with honour in continuation of my past support for many within the community.



It is well known that I enjoy sport and that the Nike Group has been committed to the development of sport for many years. With the announcement that London has won the bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012, which is wonderful news for our country, this should be a source of great pride for us all and a boost to the grassroots development of sport in our schools and communities. Sport is such an important part of our culture. It inspires passion, and has the power to bring people together. We love to watch it, and we love to play it – every week in the UK around 20 million of the population take part in sporting activities!



For winter sports in particular, the John Nike Leisuresport complexes have become true centres of excellence; with lessons in skiing, snowboarding and ice skating for young and old alike, all are prepared for the slopes and the ice weather for socialising or entering a competition. In addition, our centres hold great ski clothing sales in the autumn, winter and spring seasons of the year to fully equip you for your winter holidays. Throughout the year, camps and school tours take place aimed at creating the next generation of stars, and with the intention to develop the first UK Ski Jumping Centre in Wrexham, we shall be looking for young people to train in the sport of ski jumping (future stars) to represent Great Britain in the Winter Olympics of 2010 or 2014 depending on how quickly the proposed centre of excellence evolves. I am greatly excited by the prospect of seeing this centre evolve and to seeing Britain taking part in a ski jumping competition again, particularly, the Winter Olympics. It has been a long time since Eddy the Eagle represented our proud nation and it is time to put forward another competitor.



Winning the Olympic bid will also boost the tourism, and the UK economy as a whole – and The Swan at Streatley and the Coppid Beech Hotel look forward to welcoming guests for both business and pleasure. With their central location, outstanding facilities and exceptional customer service, where better to stay while exploring the area, or to host your company’s conference, meeting or training day? The Coppid Beech Hotel has just revamped its boardrooms and function suites – turn to page X to read how it met the Brittle Bone Society’s unique requirements for a perfect conference venue.



But, before the Olympics arrive, there are other big events planned across the Nike Group for the festive season. You can celebrate Christmas 2005 in style by dinning at the Coppid Beech hotel or Swan at Streatley. You will be able to enjoy our Alpine evenings, torch-lit processions and visits from Santa at the John Nike Leisuresport centres and, of course, Aladdin, the eagerly awaited pantomime on ice at the Bracknell ice rink. To avoid disappointment you should book early.



Well, I suppose getting old isn’t so bad – it is a joy to see the grandchildren; to watch them grow; to see oneself as others saw me when I was growing up.



Talking of grandchildren brings Christmas to mind, with only weeks to go I am sure everyone is thinking about the presents to buy or the gifts they would like to have. Or, if you are planning to treat yourself on this festive season, there can be no better present than a brand new Lexus IS 250, which will be available in November from Lexus Bracknell and Reading! And, of course, a visit to Bracknell will allow you to see our new Lexus showroom; to enjoy the hospitality; to enjoy the luxury of the showroom cars; to enjoy choosing the favourite; and to enjoy the breathless wait for its arrival!



Whilst visiting our new showroom, you could also drop into the Coppid Beech Hotel to see what is on offer throughout the festive season, from sitting down to a traditional dinner, to letting your hair down to a Robbie Williams tribute, or hosting a perfect ‘do’ for you. Details of the Swan at Streatley festive arrangements will also be available from the Coppid Beech Hotel, if you want a riverside setting. Why not enquire?



However you’re planning to celebrate, have a wonderful Christmas, and a prosperous and safe new year. I shall enjoy mine with the family to see the joy of the young as they open their presents!

John Nike OBE
Chairman



What could be cosier after a hard session on the slopes than gathering round to share a bubbling pot of warming fondue - swapping stories, comparing bruises and winding down while you enjoy deliciously authentic Alpine cuisine?

You don't have to travel to Chamonix to experience this! One lucky reader, and nine of their friends, can enjoy a ski or snowboarding lesson followed by a fondue feast for free - just by entering our competition.

The prize can be taken at the winner's nearest John Nike Leisuresport Centre, at Bracknell, Swadlincote, Chatham, Plymouth or Llandudno.

It's easy to enter. Simply email your answer to the following question to ab@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk by [date]. Please remember to mark your entry 'Connections Competition'.

Question: When and where does the Daily Mail Ski Show 2005 take place?




As the finishing touches are made to Lexus Bracknell's new showroom, at Phoenix Business Park on John Nike Way, plans for the official opening - due to take place in November - are well underway.

'The prestigious opening event will reflect the brand values of supreme quality and luxury, central to the showroom - and for which Lexus is internationally celebrated,' explained David Lamb, General Operations Director, Octagon Motor Company Limited.

John Nike OBE DL, Chairman of the Nike Group, will be joined by Lexus GB's Managing Director, Graham Smith and Director, Steve Settle at the opening celebrations.

'This opening comes at an exciting time for Lexus,' continued David. 'It marks the introduction, in November, of the new IS Series - which complements the GS Series launched during the summer. In addition, the recently launched RX Hybrid model has also enjoyed excellent success.'

The developments at Lexus Bracknell form part of a global strategy to introduce innovative, ultra-modern showrooms at Lexus Centres across the world. It also coincides with the launch of Lexus into the Japanese market, where 120 Lexus Centres opened on the same day in August 2005.


The times might not be a-changing for the team at Rainbow Colourprint, Bracknell - they've always been busy. But a recent project to print and collate the publicity brochure for Bob Dylan's long-awaited autobiography Chronicles proved a major challenge.

'Our brief was far from simple but it was a great job to work on,' explained Keith Campbell, Account Manager. 'We produced a small, eight page colour brochure, which was distributed at the summer rock festivals.

'But this was no standard printing job! We had to enclose the brochure - and a sticker, which we also printed - in a clear cellophane envelope. The finishing touch was a guitar plectrum, which was also inserted in each envelope. With a print run of 10,000 we had to pull out all the stops as our schedules were already packed. But we rose to the challenge and everyone was very pleased with the result.'

This job follows substantial projects completed by Rainbow for wholesaler Macro, and business technology provider EDS.


The development of The Swan at Streatley's luxury new Venus Spa is coming on apace, and the four-star riverside hotel is proud to unveil the spa's official logo to Connections readers.

Designed in magenta and parchment, the spa's signature colours, the logo reflects the Romanesque theme of the spa - depicting classical columns supported by an elegant statue of the Venus de Milo, with a central sphere that represents the planet Venus.

The Venus Spa, which was designed by Nike Design Interiors, will be a haven of calm and tranquillity.

Members and hotel guests will be able to pamper themselves with a range of treatments - likely to include some deliciously indulgent detoxifying and moisturising wraps - that are guaranteed to nourish the mind and body.

As well as treatment rooms, Venus Spa will incorporate a pool - with an eye-catching constellation of twinkling lights in its ceiling, a mineral bath, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gymnasium, and peaceful Mediterranean-style arbour.




Skiers and snowboarders across the country are enjoying softer landings as more slopes install PERMA-SNOWTM - Techmat 2000's revolutionary new dry-slope surface.

The John Nike Leisuresport centre in Bracknell was the first site within the Nike Group to install the surface. Results were so successful - and customer feedback so positive - that PERMA-SNOWTM is now fitted on the main slope at Swadlincote and is set to be installed at Plymouth and Chatham.

PERMA-SNOWTM is also receiving a warm reception at locations outside of the Nike Group. 'The feedback we've had has been incredibly encouraging,' explained Tony Ward, Manager. 'We recently completed an installation at the Polmont Hill Ski Centre in Stirlingshire. The staff there are thrilled with the results - especially for the beginners' area, where frequently-falling learners gain confidence from the softer surface. It's also attracting a rising number of snowboarders who value PERMA-SNOW's smooth, consistent ride.'

Pendle Ski Club, in Lancashire, is another convert to PERMA-SNOWTM. Commenting on the results, committee members said the slope was running well and that they were very happy.

Techmat 2000 has also received a growing number of enquiries from slopes looking to install the new surface on their 'Ringo Runs' - where people hurtle down a special track in an inflated ring. 'With its low friction and hardwearing properties, PERMA-SNOWTM is ideal for this application,' commented Tony. 'It looks like 2006 will be a very busy year.'


The team at Nike Design is keeping its fingers crossed as it awaits Bridgend County Borough Council's decision on the planning application it has prepared and submitted for the next stage of the Bocam Park office development in Wales.

'We're very excited and optimistic,' said Chris Skilton, Manager. 'Our plans for Phase Two include nine two- and three-storey buildings, creating 112,353 square feet of new office space. Phase Two also features 440 car parking spaces located in landscaped car parks, attractively situated within the courtyards created by the buildings.'

Celebrations are also underway after Bocam Park signed-up a prestigious new tenant - the Welsh Blood Service. Occupying 12,330 square feet of office space, the deal is one of the largest lettings Bridgend has seen for a number of years.

'Bocam Park is going from strength to strength - we're very positive about the future of the development,' continued Chris. 'Here's hoping that we have good news about Phase Two to report in the next issue of Connections!'


John Nike OBE, Chairman of the Nike Group of Companies, has been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen by being made a Deputy Lieutenant for Berkshire.

His role will involve representing the Lord Lieutenant at official engagements, and taking an interest in charities, the emergency services and the Armed Forces.

The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire and his Deputy Lieutenants have an extremely prestigious status as the Queen's representatives in the county. Responsibilities include carrying out such duties as escorting Royal visits and presenting awards to businesses. Philip Wroughton, the Lord Lieutenant, says he will benefit from Mr Nike's experience and advice.

Mr Nike will continue in his positions as Vice-Patron for Wokingham-based charity The Almshouse Association and Vice-President of the Berkshire branch of the Red Cross, and will carry on supporting the Berkshire Community Foundation and the many other charities and associations of which he is a benefactor.


John Nike Leisuresport centres across the land will be celebrating the Yuletide season in style this year.

To get you into the festive spirit, the centres at Bracknell, Plymouth and Chatham will be hosting Alpine nights, which will include skiing and sno-tubing followed by a warming fondue feast. Continuing the European theme, the Christmas evenings at Swadlincote's Ski and Snowboard Centre will give visitors the chance to enjoy a toboggan ride, three-course meal and live Oompah band.

For a glimpse of Mr Claus, make your way to his grotto at Bristol Ice Rink or Llandudno's Ski and Snowboard Centre, where he'll be handing out presents to all those good girls and boys. To tempt you out into the cold the John Nike Leisuresport Centre at Swadlincote will be providing mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas puds while Santa and his entourage of elves make a torch-lit entrance, before heading into town to switch on the Christmas lights.

Or if it's the white stuff you're searching for take the family down to Bristol Ice Rink where a snow party will be held on the ice and, though artificial, you'll be convinced it's the real thing!

Children at the Bracknell centre can get involved in the multi-activity camps, running from 21 December until 3 January, which will give them the chance to hit the slopes for a go at skiing, snowboarding and - always a winner with the kids - sno-tubing.

There'll be a taste of Arabia at John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell, when Aladdin comes to town for the centre's annual pantomime on ice. Last year's production of Cinderella saw record audience numbers so this year's show will be running for an extra day from 13 to 18 December. With the genie and his friends and an appearance from John Nike Leisuresport's mascot, Polo the Polar bear, there's bound to be laughs galore. And if last year is anything to go by, it'll be a sell out - so be sure to get your tickets early.

For ticket prices and bookings please call 01344 789 000.

If you'd like further information about any of the winter activities and events, please call the relevant John Nike Leisuresport centre.

Bracknell: 01344 789 000

Bristol: 0117 929 2148

Chatham: 01634 827 979

Llandudno: 01492 874 707

Plymouth: 01752 600 220

Swadlincote: 01283 217 200


It's time to plan those festive celebrations! And whether you're hosting an intimate gathering of friends and family, or big bash for the whole office, The Swan at Streatley and Coppid Beech Hotel have the perfect 'do' for you.

Party time!

With its nightclub, live music venue, bars, private suites and award-winning restaurant the four-star Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell, Berkshire has everything for the perfect celebration.

There's a range of private suites for between 10 and 250 guests - ideal if you'd like it to be 'just you'. Choose from three dinner menus, costing between £36.95 and £38.95 per head.

If you want someone else to do all the organising, join the fun at one of the Hotel's special Christmas party nights. For £45 a head, enjoy a delicious dinner, half a bottle of wine and complimentary crackers, hats and novelties, then dance the night away to a disco.

For a lavish seasonal dinner, book a table at Rowans, the Coppid Beech's two AA rosette fine-dining restaurant for £39.95 per head. Crackers, hats and novelties are included, plus entry to Après, the Hotel's own nightclub (over 25s only).

The Keller is the Hotel's brasserie and live music venue, and it's the perfect place to let your hair down. Throughout Christmas The Keller will serve a Festive Feast (from £33.95 to £37.95 per head). This includes entry to Après nightclub, and that night's live entertainment in The Keller - which has a Christmas gig line-up with something for everyone, from '70s disco to a Robbie Williams tribute. Full listings can be found at www.kellerandapres.co.uk.

A delightfully traditional Christmas awaits those who celebrate at The Swan at Streatley in Berkshire.

The hotel has a selection of banqueting suites that can accommodate between 10 and 110 people. For a unique venue, how about holding your party in the Magdalen College barge, which is permanently moored alongside the hotel? The barge can hold up to 25 people, and finger or fork buffet menus are available for between £14.95 and £24.50 per head.

Looking for an evening of festive fun in a stylish venue? Come and join in one of The Swan's party nights. Enjoy an aperitif, followed by a four-course gourmet dinner, and then dance the night away to the hotel's resident DJ. The cost is £31.50 per head.

If you fancy dressing up in your finery for a more formal affair, The Swan at Streatley's elegant two AA-rosette riverside restaurant, Cygnetures, will be serving a four-course gourmet festive dinner for £32.50 per head.

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Party on into 2006Ö

See in the New Year in style! The Coppid Beech Hotel's Black & White Ball begins with champagne and canapÈs, followed by a gourmet dinner, then dancing to a live band and disco. Meanwhile, The Swan at Streatley will host a black-tie gala dinner dance. Champagne and canapÈs will be followed by a five-course banquet, and dancing to a live band and disco.

Tickets to both events are £99 per adult if booked before 1 December, and £105 after that.

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A traditional Christmas with all the trimmings

Anyone longing for a truly effortless Christmas will find what they're looking for at The Swan at Streatley's House Party. From Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, guests will be wined, dined and entertained in luxurious comfort. Accommodation is in beautiful bedrooms, which all have either river or country views. The Swan's exceptional team of staff will ensure no-one has to lift a finger - except to ask for more roast potatoes!

The cost of the Christmas House Party is £299 for two nights.

The Big Day itself

Spend Christmas Day relaxing with your family, instead of cooking and clearing up!

The Swan at Streatley will be serving a traditional six-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings for £85 per adult and £39.50 per child under 12, which includes live music and crackers, hats and novelties.

The Coppid Beech Hotel will be hosting a sumptuous feast in Rowans, the Hotel's two AA rosette fine-dining restaurant (for £78.95 per adult and £39.50 per child), and in the more informal Sequoia Suite (for £68.95 per adult and £34.50 per child). Crackers, hats and novelties will be provided, and look out for a visit from 'you-know-who'!

Why worry about how to get home?

On Fridays and Saturdays, both hotels are offering Christmas and New Year party-goers great room rates of just £45 at the Coppid Beech Hotel and £55 at The Swan at Streatley, based on bed and breakfast for two sharing a twin or double room.

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To order a Christmas brochure, check availability or book:

Call The Swan at Streatley on 01491 878800, or email sales@swan-at-streatley.co.uk.

Call the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333, or email conferences@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk.


Europe's biggest winter sports exhibition, the Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard Show, is taking place at London's Olympia this October and once again a team from John Nike Leisuresport will be on hand to offer their expertise.

The show, which is running from 12 to 16 October, is a showcase of all things winter sports-related and, with some of the world's best skiers and snowboarders battling it out on the main slope, it's sure to be unmissa










Celebrity visitors, national competitions, an Ibiza ice party and plenty of slope stunts - with so much going on at the John Nike Leisuresport centres across England and Wales this summer, there was never a better time to visit!

The summer holidays started with a bang at John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell, where the centre's ice rink hosted an Ibiza ice party on the last day of school. While over at Bristol Ice Rink there was plenty of fun to be had at the summer open day on 11 August. Among the activities were face painting, ice karting and disco dancing, and members of the Bristol Bulldogs ice hockey team came along to join in the fun and offer their expertise.

You could have done a spot of celebrity-watching while trying out a 'have-a-go' taster session at the Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre, where TV celebrity Vanessa Feltz was filming Departure Lounge, the BBC's new holiday series.

The Bracknell, Chatham and Llandudno centres were involved in a fantastic line-up of winter sports competitions this summer. It all kicked off at Bracknell on 6 and 7 August when the UK's biggest freestyle ski and snowboard competition, the Orange Artificial Indoor and Mountain series (AIM), came to town attracting over 250 competitors and spectators. Then it was over to Chatham where some of the country's finest snowboarding talents battled it out at the ninth annual High and Dry Snowboard Jam and Big Air Competition. And finally on to Llandudno for the 'Great Orme Jam', which saw both professional and amateur snowboarders alike grabbing some 'big air' and showing off their best moves.

Ski camps and multi-activity days (which gave kids the chance to ski, snowboard and sno-tube) at the John Nike Leisuresport centres in Chatham and Bracknell helped draw in the crowds, while school activity weeks pulled in record numbers for Plymouth, with the centre welcoming 6,000 children over a seven-week period. And customers visiting Swadlincote were introduced to the wonders of





Lexus Bracknell and Reading were major sponsors of this summer's Henley Festival, which featured a series of concerts, fine art and sculpture shows. The festival's musical and artistic offerings, combined with the fine weather, made for a hugely successful event.

In September over 70,000 visitors enjoyed one of Britain's biggest and best agricultural events, the Royal County of Berkshire Show. John Nike Leisuresport had a trade stand at the show that was busy all weekend thanks to the attraction of a mobile ski slope, and for the sixth consecutive year Octagon Motor Company had one of the largest stands with its full display of the Toyota and Lexus range of vehicles.




Every year over one million people in the UK travel abroad for a winter sports holiday. If you're included in this statistic, have you stopped to ask yourself, 'am I ready?'

If the answer is no, or if you're just not sure, head down to your nearest John Nike Leisuresport centre. The 'Are You Ready?' initiative will be kicking off this October and running throughout the ski season to help anyone who visits the centres polish up their technique and get fit for the slopes before their winter holiday.

'Are You Ready?' was first introduced last year and proved to be a huge success, with some centres experiencing record numbers of visitors. A series of open days will be held at the centres to relaunch this year's campaign. So whether you're a complete beginner, a bit rusty or just after some helpful tips there'll be instructors on hand to give you a free half-hour review and assess how prepared you really are for the slopes.

Open days:

Swadlincote - 9 October

Llandudno - 15 October

Chatham - 22 and 23 October

Bracknell - 23 October

Plymouth - 30 October


With 40 delegates in wheelchairs, and 21 children aged under 12, the Brittle Bone Society needed to find a very special venue for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April this year.

The Coppid Beech Hotel was able to meet its unique requirements, providing first-class facilities and exceptional staff support.

'Often, hotels simply can't accommodate us,' said Jane Moreland, the Brittle Bone Society's Honorary Secretary. 'We knew the Coppid Beech could - they've hosted three successful previous AGMs for us, and our members loved it there.

'The Hotel is in a central location, and has large meeting rooms with plenty of space - the Sequoia Suite, for example - which allowed the wheelchairs to move around freely.'

The Coppid Beech was also able to provide a versatile space for use as a crèche. This was separated into two rooms, allowing different activities to go on at the same time, by a partition which was later pulled back so all the children could watch a magician together.

Because several attendees had special requirements, the team of organisers at the Hotel met with representatives from the Brittle Bone Society before the event for a full briefing. Afterwards, the team made sure that all staff throughout the Hotel knew the details of the event, and how life could be made safer and easier for the delegates.

'As a result, the day ran like clockwork, and there was always someone on hand to help,' Jane said. 'We experienced patience and understanding from staff at all levels. I felt everyone went out of their way to do more than they were asked to, without a second thought.'

Jane added: 'Lunch was excellent too - there was so much choice, and the food was perfect. All of our very varied dietary needs were met with no bother. Many attendees also stayed overnight, and found the accommodation extremely comfortable and accessible.'

Maxine Hoskins, the Coppid Beech Hotel's Meetings and Events Administrator, said: 'We're used to taking into account the requirements of our clients, and delivering exactly what they need with the minimum of fuss - it's all in a day's work for us!'

www.brittlebone.org


Frogspawn, rats tail stew and chocolate swamp tart will all be on the menu at the Coppid Beech Hotel this Halloween!

Families are invited to join the fun at the Hotel's special LEGOLAND Halloween Party Weekend, from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October. The package includes two nights' accommodation, two-day passes to LEGOLAND theme park, dinner on Friday, a spooky buffet on Saturday - complete with an entertainer, games and prizes - and trick-or-treating on Sunday morning.

The cost is £380 for two adults and two children - please call for prices for different-sized groups.

If 'ooh-ing' and 'aah-ing' at fireworks is your passion, LEGOLAND is the place to visit this autumn, with spectacular displays on Saturday 22, Sunday 23 October and Saturday 5 November. The Coppid Beech Hotel is running mini-break packages, including tickets to LEGOLAND, costing £169 for a family of four staying one night (please call for different-sized groups).

Call 01344 30333 or email reservations@coppid-beech-hotel for further details and bookings.


If you go down to a John Nike Leisuresport centre this Halloween half-term, you can be sure of finding treats, tricks and wondrous sights!

The Bristol centre will be running a Kids' Fun Club over the school holidays where children aged from five to 11 can enjoy arts and crafts, cookery and, of course, ice skating. Or if you fancy a boogie the centre is hosting a Halloween disco on 29 October.

All sorts of spooky characters will be taking to the slopes at the John Nike Leisuresport centres at Bracknell and Chatham on Halloween night, as both centres are holding a fancy dress freestyle ski and snowboard evening.



Remember, remember the 5th NovemberÖand make a note in your diary to pop down to the Bracknell centre for its display of spectacular fireworks that would make Guy Fawkes himself envious.


Diners at Rowans, the Coppid Beech Hotel's two AA-rosette restaurant, are guaranteed a sensational finale to their meal if they choose a dish from the new FlambÈ Nights dessert menu.

A different flambÈ special is on offer every night of the week, ranging from brandy-flamed strawberries with vanilla ice cream, strawberry nectar and brandy snap tuiles, to scotch pancake with poached mango and vanilla ice cream, flamed with kirsch. All cost £5.95.

Each dramatic dessert is brought to the diners' table, where it's set alight with a flourish. Be prepared to give a standing ovation, and shout 'encore'!

Rowans' Executive Head Chef, Paul Zolik, said: 'It's designed to give diners a unique experience. There's no more exciting or entertaining way to round off a wonderful dinner. And for couples, it brings a new meaning to the phrase 'hot date'!'

To book a table at Rowans, call 01344 303333 or email rowans.restaurant@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk.


At Russian Orthodox weddings, the bride and groom compete to be 'head of the household' by racing each other to the altar. This may not be your idea of the perfect Big Day - but whatever your dreams are, the four-star Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley can make them come true.

Couples longing for a traditional English country wedding will find everything they could wish for at The Swan at Streatley, an idyllic hotel set in beautiful grounds on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire.

The day can be made really special with individual touches like a ceremony on board the stunningly ornate Magdalen College barge, a lavish wedding breakfast with live jazz band, or a riverside garden reception.

The hotel has function rooms to accommodate up to 130 people, and 45 luxurious bedrooms, each with views of the river or countryside. Guests can make the most of the facilities - enjoying a meal in the two AA-rosette Cygnetures restaurant, taking an electric launch up the river, or pampering themselves in the Venus Spa (opening soon - see separate article on page XX).

Wedding packages at The Swan range from £75 to £95 per person.

At the modern Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell, couples can relax while everything from flowers to accommodation are arranged by their dedicated wedding co-ordinator.

The Hotel is renowned for its fine cuisine, and exceptional staff who are passionate about attention to detail. Its range of superior function rooms are capable of accommodating up to 280 guests.

There are also 205 en-suite bedrooms, and guests can really 'make a weekend of it' enjoying the Coppid Beech's two AA rosette-winning restaurant, brasserie and live music venue, nightclub, bars, health and fitness suite and adjacent winter sports complex.

Wedding packages at the Coppid Beech range from £55 to £75 per person.

The Swan at Streatley and Coppid Beech Hotel are hosting Wedding Fayres this autumn, on 9 October and 30 October respectively. Gather ideas and inspiration from suppliers of products and services spanning everything from bridalwear to balloons, and videos to vintage cars. Chat to the hotels' expert wedding organisers, and have a good look round the venues.

Call or email for copies of the wedding brochures:

The Swan at Streatley, 01491 878800 or sales@swan-at-streatley.co.uk.

The Coppid Beech Hotel, 01344 303333 or sales@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk.

Photo caption:

Christine Blackmun and Dave Williams, pictured on their big day in August, won a dream wedding reception at The Swan at Streatley in a competition run in the Reading Evening Post. The couple had postponed their nuptials several times due to a series of setbacks, including financial constraints, soldier Dave being posted to Kosovo and Iraq, and then needing ongoing treatment after a rugby accident. The Swan decided to make their wishes come true!


There may be a nip in the air, but at Après nightclub things are really hotting up! Special guest radio DJs will be taking to the decks every Friday night from 16 September onwards, playing a selection of feel-great tunes that will make it impossible for clubbers to stay away from the dancefloor.

All three DJs - Ollie Hayes, Foxy and Darren Spence - work for the hugely popular Berkshire and North Hampshire radio station 2-TEN FM, where Ollie presents the breakfast show every weekday. Each also has several years' experience of DJ-ing live, getting crowds of every size up on their feet and jumping!

Entry to Après, which is located at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell, costs £7 before 11pm and £8 thereafter.

Full listings for Après and its sister live music venue The Keller can be found at www.kellerandapres.co.uk.


A major redecoration project has just been completed at the four-star Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell, giving the conferencing and leisure areas a fresh new look.

The lobby, Rowans restaurant, The Keller, Waves gym and reception area, the boardrooms and the Juniper, Pine and Sequoia Suites are all among the facilities that have been revamped.

Alan Blenkinsopp, General Manager of the Hotel, said: "The colour schemes we've chosen are very different from anything we've had in the past, and we're delighted with the stylish and contemporary feel."

The Hotel will be holding a number of 'show-round' parties for venue bookers and agents. If you would like a tour, please call 01344 303333.




This summer, Bristol Ice Rink was proud to host a special day out for a group of children affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986.

The children, who are from Baranovichy in Belarus, were over for a month's stay in the UK as part of an annual scheme organised by charity Chernobyl Children Lifeline. The trip included a visit to Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, Bournemouth beach and the John Nike Leisuresport Bristol Ice Rink.

While at the centre the children enjoyed an ice skating lesson followed by a meal and, as a memento of their visit, each was given a gift bag packed with toys, sweets and other goodies.

'It is thought that breaks abroad can prolong the children's lives by up to two years,' explained Becci Sweeting, Duty Manager. 'It was a real pleasure to have them visit the centre - a big thank you to all our suppliers who donated items for the gift bags.'


Heading for the slopes this ski season? Want to look your best in the trendiest of brands? If so, pop into your nearest Leisuresport World store.

Based at the John Nike Leisuresport centres, each store stocks top brands like Salomon, White Rock and Helly Hansen. And if you're a bit of a bargain hunter check out the amazing offers at the Leisuresport World ski sales, taking place at the Novotel, Plymouth on 5 and 6 November and the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell on 25 to 27 November.


Customers no longer have to 'sign on the dotted line' to make a card payment at Lightfoots petrol stations in Bracknell and Crowthorne, following the introduction of the Chip and Personal Identification Number (PIN) payment system.

Installed at both the Bracknell and Crowthorne sites, the new technology was introduced smoothly, causing as little disruption as possible for customers. 'The system was installed and up-and-running on the three tills at Bracknell and the one at Crowthorne in just one day,' explained Greg Walsh, Manager. 'We were very impressed.'

Chip and PIN was introduced across the UK in January 2005 to combat the escalating levels of card-based fraud. In 2002, £424 million was fraudulently spent on cards and financial industry forecasts estimated that this would to rise to £800 million this year, if no action was taken. These findings prompted banks, retailers and consumer groups, supported by the Home Office, to work together on a solution - and their decision to implement Chip and PIN was taken.

'Protecting our customers and ourselves from fraud is an important responsibility,' said Greg. 'Taking this step means we're doing all we can to reduce the risk.'


According to recent findings, homeowners in the UK spent an incredible £58 billion on home improvements last year, adding £85.6 billion to the value of their homes.

If you're after the highest quality building supplies, the best value and top advice for your next project, a visit to Jubilee Building Supplies in Bracknell could be just what you need.

Jubilee has been supplying both trade and DIY customers since 1990, and prides itself on its competitive prices and exceptional levels of expertise and customer care. Its team of 16 friendly staff all have a wealth of experience across the building industry and are committed to providing nothing but the best service for jobs both big and small.

'As the leading independent builders' merchants in the area, we are constantly striving to improve the choice and quality of all the products we offer,' explained Peter White, Manager. Recent additions include fencing, decking, cobblestones and water features - perfect for getting the garden ready for spring.

The bathroom showroom at Jubilee Building Supplies has been transformed following a major refit - and to celebrate the team organised a special open day where customers could benefit from promotions throughout the store.

'The refurbished showroom offers our customers the very latest choice in designs from all the leading manufacturers to make the most of any budget,' said Paul Harrison, Showroom Manager. 'We have a very flexible approach, from simply selling individual products off-the-shelf, to a full, project-managed design and fitting service, using top products and quality installers, to create a dream bathroom that can be enjoyed for years.'


It's been crashed, flooded and set on fire by Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, but the Toyota Hilux proved indestructible.

Now, the legendary vehicle has gone from strength to strength with the launch of an all-new model that delivers greater cabin space, extra load carrying capacity and improved driving characteristics to its long-celebrated power and rugged reliability.

Designed for business, pleasure and adventure, the new Hilux offers a new level of quality and comfort at an affordable price.




Following its much-anticipated unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, the new generation Lexus IS 250 goes on sale in November from UK Lexus Centres.

Displaying the same sleek design themes - known as L-finesse - that set apart the earlier GS Series launched in the summer, the IS offers the power, smoothness and refinement of operation that customers have come to expect from Lexus.

The IS 250 features a new 2.5 litre V6 engine, producing 204 bhp, and is available with an advanced direct fuel injection system and six-speed automatic transmission with sequential paddle-shift control.

Superior body control, cornering grip and straight-line stability are hallmarks of the new IS - as is safety. Fitted with Lexus's radar-controlled Pre-Crash Safety system, Adaptive Cruising Control and Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System, the car also features 10 airbags as standard - including a double knee airbag.

To test drive the IS 250, or any of the Lexus range, contact Lexus Bracknell on 01344 789777 or Lexus Reading on 0118 975 8877.


Whether you're after ice rink opening hours or details on snowboard lessons, the information you need will be easier to access than ever before thanks to a major redesign of the John Nike Leisuresport centres' websites.

'We were getting feedback from our customers that the sites were tricky to navigate, which made finding information a frustrating task,' explained Leslie Owensby, John Nike Group's Web Designer. 'The sites have a fresh new look and are simpler to use. The menus and layout are much clearer, ensuring details can be found quickly and easily.

'Bracknell's is the first site to be launched with the new design, and the remaining sites will be updated by the end of 2005.'

The revamped sites will also put an end to the annoyance of turning up to your local centre only to find certain facilities closed or restricted. By following the links on the websites, customers can sign up to receive an email alert, advising them of any information that may affect their planned activities at the centre for that day.

Visit the websites at www.jnll.co.uk.