Connections - Winter 2007

John Nike's column

As the seasons roll on, the nights draw in and the trees and shrubs around us are transformed by the splendid hues of autumn, it's not only children that are getting excited about the upcoming festivities!

At The Nike Group of Companies, Christmas is one of our favourite times of the year. It's a chance to celebrate with our customers and clients and do all we can to impress them with our welcoming hospitality, quality facilities and first-class service.

One of our best-loved Christmas traditions is the annual pantomime at Bracknell Ice Rink and this year's production of Peter Pan is shaping up to be a fantastic show. I am, personally, immensely proud of the talented cast members and crew who have gone to dedicated lengths to create such a magical display. Book your tickets soon - it's always a sell-out!

As well as a time for spiritual reflection and thanksgiving, Christmas is also an opportunity for spoiling others - and ourselves! And if your idea of a wonderful treat is dining in luxurious surroundings with memorable cuisine and the finest wines then do make a booking at Rowan's, the restaurant at the Coppid Beech Hotel, or Cygnetures, at The Swan at Streatley. Both have two AA rosettes and enviable reputations for the quality of dining on offer, with more informal dining available at The Keller, the Coppid Beech Hotel's stunning live music brasserie. The Nike Group hotels are perfect venues for all your Christmas parties - whether it's a dinner dance with your office colleagues or for low-key family gatherings. Give our friendly receptionists a call and you'll soon be on your way to arranging a fine event.

But maybe you'd like a spa treat? Then take a look at The Swan's Venus Spa; it's a delightfully luxurious facility equipped with a gym, mineral pool, whirlpool bath, steam room, sauna and treatment rooms. Vouchers - ideal Christmas gifts - are available for a range of spa packages, which include pampering treatments from prestige brands.

Planning a winter skiing or snowboarding holiday? Millions of us are, and the best place to prepare for the slopes is at one of our superb John Nike Leisuresport centres. They offer private or group lessons, as well as brilliant children's activity camps - not to mention fabulous aprés ski with mulled wine and fondue feasts - over the Christmas holidays. And if you're popping along to the Global Ski Show, being held at Birmingham's NEC between 2 and 4 November, do make a point of visiting the John Nike Leisuresport exhibit. We'll be happy to see you and will do our best to tempt you onto our 400m portable slope!

So, whether you need DIY products from Jubilee Building Supplies, a new Lexus or Toyota car from the Octagon Motor Company or a tank of fuel from Lightfoots, the Nike Group is here to help you have a truly wonderful festive season. I hope you have a safe, happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

John Nike OBE DL
Chairman

Christmas at the hotels

The Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley have everything you could possibly need for festive fun this Christmas season. Whether it's a quiet catch up with family or a night of partying with friends or colleagues there is something for every taste and budget.

The celebrations start when both hotels launch their festive dining menus in their two AA rosette restaurants. The teams have created mouth-watering traditional and vegetarian menus, featuring the freshest local produce.

For private occasions hiring one of the hotel's private suites is ideal. They can accommodate between 10 to 250 guests, allowing you to dress up, play games and sing karaoke.

Don't forget about The Keller, the Coppid Beech Hotel's very own brasserie and live music venue and, for the over 25s, Après nightclub. For a full Christmas rundown of The Keller's Party Nights turn to page xx.

And for that special festive occasion, why not consider one of The Swan at Streatley's legendary Christmas Party Nights? These are huge fun and include a three-course dinner and disco. A great mix of different groups of people ensures there's always a wonderfully friendly atmosphere.

When it comes to Christmas Day itself, the Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley provide superb value for the traditional feast. Both hotels offer a choice of dining - either in a formal or more relaxed family setting - and entertainment which includes a magician and live music as well as hats and crackers for everyone and, of course, a visit from Santa who'll have presents for children.

And the celebrations needn't end on Christmas Day - party in style on New Year's Eve at the Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley's Black Tie Gala Dinners. Guests will enjoy a Champagne and canapé reception before a sumptuous five-course meal, live band and disco and there are prizes to be won throughout the night.

Call the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333 or The Swan at Streatley on 01491 878800 for a Christmas brochure or log onto www.coppidbeech.com or www.swanatstreatley.com for more information.

British Food Fortnight

This autumn the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell celebrated British Food Fortnight (22 September to 7 October) for the third year running.

Alan Blenkinsopp, Operations Director, said: "British Food Fortnight is a special time for the hotel. It allows us to showcase the talents of our chefs and create exciting menus that utilise the abundance of local produce we have available, not to mention tasting wonderful too!"

The hotel's two AA-rosette restaurant Rowans offered two "Best of British" a la carte menus devised by Nick Harris, Executive Chef - one for each week of British Food Fortnight. The menus included delights such as of Potted Berkshire Smoked Trout and English garden salad to start, followed by Gloucester Old Spot pork belly, cooked in Somerset cider served with bubble and squeak and Norfolk mustard sauce. These were topped off with a choice of traditional British puddings, including Cambridge burnt custard and Cox's Orange Pippin apple tart and Jersey cream.

A buffet menu was also available at the hotel during the fortnight, which featured British classics of Lancashire rabbit terrine, English steak and kidney pie and pear crumble with Cornish clotted cream.

Nick Harris, said: "This was my first taste of British Food Fortnight at the hotel and it's been a truly exciting experience.

"Creating menus using only British ingredients has been a real pleasure and, because the food hasn't travelled far, you can be assured that all ingredients used are fresh. The menus have been really popular and it's been great to see our customers embrace some of Britain's forgotten culinary delights."

Party Season at the Keller

Whether you're a group of friends, or arranging an office knees-up you can party the dark winter evenings away at The Keller, the Coppid Beech Hotel's unique brasserie and live music venue. It's the perfect place to let your hair down and dance those festive mince pies off your waistline!

Throughout the month of December, customers at The Keller can enjoy amazing nights of fabulous festive fun. To start the evening a delicious traditional three-course Christmas feast will be served. This includes a fan of ripe melon with Parma ham, black pepper and French dressing, followed by traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, not to forget Christmas pudding with brandy sauce for dessert, all topped off with coffee and mince pies. Diners will then enjoy complementary entry into the hotel's Après nightclub (for over 25s). And on Friday and Saturday nights, entry to an entertainment show at The Keller is also included.

New Year's Eve at The Keller will be one to remember, with hit tribute band Robbing Williams and The Hitmen performing, as well as resident DJs that will keep you dancing into the early hours.

Full listings and ticket prices can be found at www.kellerandapres.co.uk. On certain nights The Keller is available for private hire. Call 01344 303333 for details.

New chefs

The Swan at Streatley and Coppid Beech Hotel welcomed two new chefs into their teams earlier this year, and both are settling in well.

Manuel Monzon joined the team at The Swan at Streatley as Head Chef, having worked in famous London restaurants as Mirabelle and Zilli's Fish. Since his arrival, Manuel has been creating new menus for Cygnetures, the hotel's two AA-rosette restaurant.

Manuel is a strong believer in using the very highest quality local and seasonal produce. He said: "I've settled into the kitchens really well. It's not difficult creating tantalising food when there is such an abundance of fantastic local produce."

And Nick Harris joins as Executive Chef at the Coppid Beech Hotel. Nick has worked in a number of well-known establishments including 51 Buckingham Gate and Quaglino's in London and Cliveden in Buckinghamshire. Since arriving at the four-star Coppid Beech Hotel, Nick has been organising the team of 18 staff in the kitchens, as well as creating new menus for Rowans - the hotel's two AA-rosette restaurant - the lobby bar, room service and banqueting.

Nick said: "I'm really pleased to have taken on the role of Executive Chef at the Coppid Beech Hotel - it's a very exciting and challenging time for me. There is so much scope here and plenty to get stuck into."

Christmas activities at JNLLs

Chestnuts roasting over an open fire and the sound of yuletide carols being sung by a choir can mean only one thing. It's nearly Christmas! And if you're looking for something to keep the little ones busy during the school holidays this year, look no further than John Nike Leisuresport.

The company has six activity sites located across the UK, in Bracknell, Bristol, Chatham, Llandudno, Plymouth and Swadlincote. All are dedicated to winter sports and - depending which site you visit - offer a range of activities ranging from skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and sno-tubing to skating and ice hockey.

Each site is equipped with first-class facilities, with fully qualified, widely experienced instructors that ensure your visit is fun from beginning to end. And the great news is that all the artificial slopes at the centres are covered in a unique, softly cushioned surface called PERMA-SNOWTM - which feels and acts almost like the real thing!

Over the Christmas holidays, each centre is running its own programme of children's activities, designed to help them learn winter sports for the first time, or brush up on existing skills. The programmes can include individual sessions, as well as week-long multi-activity camps and are all fantastic fun.

The activities are a great way to keep your children active over the holidays - an energising escape from hours spent watching TV and playing computer games! Many children have such a wonderful time that they return year after year.

If you'd like more information, or are interested in booking places for your children, contact your local centre on the number below, or check out the website at www.jnll.co.uk. But be quick - the courses are always a sell-out!

The restaurants at the centres are great venues for Christmas parties - whether with friends or work colleagues. There's always a friendly, festive atmosphere in which you can enjoy a brilliant night out, complete with cheese fondue for a traditional aprés ski-style feast. And for a Christmas celebration to remember, why not combine your evening with an afternoon on the slope or ice rink?

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

JNLLs attending the Global Ski Show

Have you ever fancied trying out skiing or snowboarding, but didn't know where to start? Then make a date in your diary for 2 to 4 November, when John Nike Leisuresport will be the star attraction at the Global Ski Show, taking place at Birmingham's NEC.

John Nike Leisuresport is sponsoring the show's biggest exhibit - a magnificent 400m2 artificial teaching slope. The company's qualified instructors will be on hand to offer free skiing and snowboard lessons throughout the duration of the show and, for fantastic fun for all ages, there will also be free sno-tubing sessions.

"Attending the Global Ski Show is a great way of raising our profile and getting as many people as possible trying winter sports - many for the first time," said Carol Huddleston, John Nike Leisuresport's Ski Show Co-ordinator.

"Everyone who visits our slope and hospitality stand will receive a free gift and discounts on skiing and snowboarding lessons, which can be used at all John Nike Leisuresport sites. And there'll be a whole host of other activities and competitions in which to get involved; it's going to be fantastic!"

The teaching slope will be fully covered with PERMA SNOWTM, the revolutionary new ski surface developed by Techmat 2000, a subsidiary company within the Nike Group. It is specially designed to give a real snow feel, and is the ideal surface to practice on before you go off on your winter holiday.

John Nike Lesiuresport will also be publicising it's popular ‘Are You Ready?' campaign, designed to prepare people for their upcoming winter sports holidays.

"Whether you are looking for your very first taste of skiing or snowboarding, or you simply want to brush up on your skills, we can offer you all the guidance and tuition you need before you hit the winter slopes," explained Carol.

For more information about the show, visit www.globalsnowshows.co.uk or call 01580 860589.

Venus Spa

Christmas shopping can make the calmest of people stressed, but don't despair! Let The Swan at Streatley's Venus Spa take the hassle out of buying presents for friends and relatives.

For the person who has everything, a pampering spa package from Venus Spa is the ultimate indulgence. There is something for everyone, in a variety of festive themes from ‘Mistletoe and Wine' including an ISHI facial and Pinot Noir grape wrap, to a ‘Christmas Warmer' including an Elemis facial and stone therapy massage. Or if playing Santa gets too much, why not treat yourself to some pampering instead? Prices start from £87.

For those difficult to buy for, Venus Spa vouchers are redeemable against all treatments available at the spa, and you can be sure they'll be far more appreciated than another pair of socks! Vouchers can be purchased for either a treatment or monetary value.

For long-distance loved ones, gift packs of Italian skin specialists ISHI, Elemis and Jessica Nails products are available from Venus Spa's reception and are the perfect way to show someone you care.

For more information about Venus Spa, Christmas packages or membership check out the Venus Spa website www.venusspa.co.uk or call 01491 878800.

CBH refurbishment

In the same year as its 15th birthday, the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell is undergoing a year-long project that includes installing air conditioning and the redecoration of the hotel's 205 en-suite bedrooms and suites.

The refurbishment, which started last July, is taking place one wing at a time to ensure the smooth handling of the project, with minimal disruption to guests. Each room will be redecorated, fitted with new soft furnishings, given a bathroom upgrade, a brand new air conditioning and heating system and an improved television service.

Alan Blenkinsopp, Operations Director, said: "So far the refurbishment has gone well. Our challenge has been to modernise and upgrade our bedrooms, while remaining fully operational and with no negative impact on our guests. The careful planning and excellent co-operation between the contractors and the hotel team we have managed to achieve this objective."

Bracknell: free skating on Christmas Day

Chairman of The Nike Group of Companies, John Nike OBE DL, is giving people in the Bracknell area a very special present to celebrate Christmas Day - free skating sessions at Bracknell Ice Rink.

The two sessions takes place between 10am and 12pm and 2pm and 4pm on Christmas Day. All are very welcome. Half price skiing and snowboarding will also be on offer on Christmas Day - for further details call the centre on 01344 789000.

Open days at JNLL

Recent open days at the John Nike Leisuresport centres were a great success, attracting hundreds of new visitors to the winter sports activity sites.

"We've been having open days for a number of years, but this was one of the best yet," commented Andy Rushton, Manager of the John Nike Leisuresport centre in Chatham. "It seems that more and more people are heading off to the slopes for winter holidays and attended the open day to see how we can help them prepare.

"We also welcomed a large number of families, and even took early bookings for Christmas activity camps and parties!"

But if you missed out, don't worry - details on all the facilities, activities and events at each of the John Nike Leisuresport centres can be found at www.jnll.co.uk

Bracknell: Peter Pan pantomime

You know Christmas is not far away when it's time to buy your tickets for Bracknell Ice Rink's festive pantomime! And this year's performances of Peter Pan - the rink's 20th pantomime production - looks set to be the best yet.

The tale of the boy who never grew-up, with its colourful cast of crocodiles, pirates, lost boys and Tinkerbell, is a great family favourite. It's a story everyone will love, and is being brought to glorious life on ice by Bracknell's talented cast of skaters and production team. And the show's dazzling special effects will ensure a magical night is had by all.

Performance dates and prices

Wednesday 12 December - Charity performance (£6.99 all seats)

Thursday 13 December - Schools' performance 12 noon (£5.95 all seats)

Friday 14 December - 7pm performance

Saturday 15 December - 3pm and 7pm performances

Sunday 16 December - 2pm and 6pm performances

Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th ticket costs:

Upstairs - Junior (under 18) £8.25, Adult £11.99, Family (2 adults 2 children) £33

Restricted view - Junior £7.25, Adult £10.99, Family £29

Downstairs - Junior 7.45, Adult £9.99, Family £28

Tickets are on sale now from Reception, or call the hotline on 01344 789020.

Chatham hosted British Slope Style Championship

September saw the John Nike Leisuresport centre at Chatham in Kent hosting the superb Artificial Slopestyle Championship, sponsored by Animal clothing.

The event forms part of the prestigious British Snowboard Tour and British Freeski Tour, which count toward the British Championship title. Competitors included the crème of British snowboarding and skiing talent, who put on an amazing display for the many spectators.

Slopestyle is a skiing and snowboarding discipline in which a panel of judges rate the riders as they tackle a series of jumps and perform tricks as they go down the slope. It's a high-octane, adrenaline-filled sport that demands a breathtaking combination of skill, speed and bravery - especially at national standard.

"It's a real privilege to host events of this calibre," said Andy Rushton, Manager of the John Nike Leisuresport centre in Chatham. "Seeing the top-class boarders and skiers compete at the highest level is a real inspiration."

Leisuresport World sales

Have you got your skiing or snowboarding holiday booked and are now looking to track down some cool new clothing, accessories or equipment to look the part on the piste this winter? If so, then why not pop along to your nearest Leisuresport World store, based at the John Nike Leisuresport centres.

Each store stocks a fantastic selection of top branded winter sportswear and equipment, so whether you're looking for ski boots, a snowboard or a pair of salapettes, the John Nike Leisuresport centres offer a great variety from which to choose.

And if you're on the hunt for a bit of a bargain, then check out the amazing offers at the Leisuresport World sales, taking place at the Novotel in Plymouth on 2 and 3 November and the Coppid Beech Hotel on 23, 24 and 25 November. Both sales will be open between 10am and 4pm.

And for the chance to win a pair of Salomon skis and bindings worth £250, see the competition on page xx.

Jubilee Building Supplies New Area

Jubilee Building Supplies in Bracknell is expanding yet again in a bid to offer customers an even greater range of quality, competitively priced building supplies.

Following the success of its newly opened indoor landscaping display area, the builders merchants has approached Bristol-based concrete manufacturing firm, Bowland Stone, to commission the production of a bespoke landscaped area within Jubilee's warehouse.

And along with the landscaping project, Jubilee is expanding its range of sleepers, fencing panels, trellising and decking.

"We are constantly striving to improve our quality and selection of materials and hope that these new additions will attract even more custom," explained Peter White, Manager of Jubilee Building Supplies. "While the winter tends to be a quiet time for landscaping, we get a large number of customers visiting who are planning for springtime and looking for ideas.

"Jubilee is the best place to find out more about building and landscaping materials, with experts on hand to demonstrate and explain how best to use the products."

For more information on Jubilee Building Supplies' range of products please call 01344 789400 or visit the company's website at www.jubileebuildingsupplies.co.uk

Winter driving tips

Freezing temperatures, strong winds, misty mornings and dark early evenings create a whole host of wintertime driving hazards. But if you prepare your car for this time of year, many common mishaps can be avoided. To help you, Lightfoots garage has put together some cold weather driving tips to make your winter journeys safer:

Check the operation of all lights, including all exterior indicators, as well as internal dashboard warning lights.

Check your oil and water to ensure they are at the correct levels and add anti-freeze to your windscreen wash to prevent freezing in cold conditions.

Check the pressure of your tyres including the spare and make sure that the tread depth is legal for your vehicle (1.6mm for a vehicle with a weight of up to 3,500kg).

De-ice and de-mist your car windows - it's illegal, not to mention dangerous, to drive with poor visibility.

Use your headlights and fog lights in heavy rain, snow or fog during - even the daytime.

Remember to take a blanket, fully charged mobile phone and some high-energy food with you in case of breakdowns.

And if you fill up at Lightfoots this winter, you will notice its been branded with Shell's new global image. The dealership is one of the first in the United Kingdom to proudly show off the new company logo and colours.

Nike Construction

Nike Construction has had a busy time this autumn completing two projects within the Nike Group portfolio.

The team has been working with The Swan at Streatley to extend its staff accommodation in Church Croft Cottages - adding an additional 6 bedrooms.

Over in Bracknell at the Brayside development, just off John Nike Way, two flats have been constructed and are up for sale through Prospect Estate Agents. For details on the properties, contact Prospect on 01344 869169.