Connections - Winter 2006

Is that the sound of bells jingling? The smell of mulled wine? It can mean only one thing – that Christmas is on its way! And for some great ideas on how to celebrate in style – and keep the kids entertained during the holiday – check out what’s on at your local John Nike Leisuresport Centre.

As if your little darlings didn’t have enough to get excited about over the Christmas holidays,along come the John Nike Leisuresport Centres with their non-stop programme of activities! Bracknell,Plymouth, Chatham,Llandudno and Swadlincote will all be running multi-activity camps designed to get your kids away from the TV and into the fresh air.

They’ll learn the basics – or improve their skills – across a host of snow sports,so give your local centre a call on the number below to find out more details.

The team at Bristol Ice Rink is putting plans together to run another series of its hugely popular ice hockey academy sessions. “We ran these over the summer holidays and they were a massive hit with youngsters,” said Becci Sweeting,Assistant Manager at Bristol Ice Rink.

For the adults,have you considered your local John Nike Leisuresport Centre as a party venue? Just imagine,you could enjoy a skiing,boarding or sno-tubing session on the slope before indulging in some delicious apr ̀s-ski food and relaxing with a drink and a boogie.

At each centre there’s something to make your visit special,whether that’s the thrilling Cresta Run toboggan ride and Father Christmas making an appearance at Llandudno to the always popular Oompah band nights at Swadlincote.Make sure you book quickly – reservations for these nights at the Derbyshire site were being made as early as August! For information about all these Christmas events and many more please contact your local John Nike Leisuresport Centre,or visit the Centre website via www.jnll.co.uk

Bracknell: 01344 789000
Bristol:0117 9292148
Chatham:01634 827979
Llandudno:01492 874707
Plymouth:01752 600220
Swadlincote:01283 217200

Autumnal colour and winter warmth

Following on from the last issue ofConnections, I wish to thank all those companies and individuals who took up the appeal I made in the last issue. The British Red Cross – Berkshire Branch Charity Clay Pigeon Shootwas well attended and a success in that it not only proved to be a very pleasant day but a day that was immensely enjoyed by all. In excess of£33,000 has been raised so far ofwhich at least £14,000 will contribute to the purchase ofa new Fire & Emergency Support Vehiclefor the area.

Again, my grateful thanks for your involvement and, of course, further contributions from anyone will be very welcome. Simply contact Annie Burton, the Community Fundraising Manager, on 0118 929 0503 to discuss how you can help or email berks@redcross.org.uk with your enquiry.

With the very hot summer,it was noticeable during the shoot that the trees of the Berkshire Downs were already turning to autumn colours and this was a first heralding of the approaching winter.Now,with the closing in of the nights and a drop in temperature,the autumnal colours are becoming beautifully vivid yet calming among today’s hectic way of life.I do hope this is not heralding too severe a winter but it is a noticeable that the trees and shrubs, particularly the hollies,are heavily berried.

Despite the hosepipe bans, the gardens have survived and the rains are now with us so we should be able to relax and look forward to the Festive Season when the Nike Group will be able to offer you enjoyment.Our leisure centres provide ice-skating,skiing and boarding,health suites, functions,corporate events and much more.The Christmas Ice Pantomime at the Bracknell Ice Rink and the Christmas Show at the Bristol Ice Rink provide great entertainment showing the community the talents of the members of the Ice Skating clubs who are all amateurs enjoying the healthy pastime of ice skating. The ice pantomime at the Bracknell Ice Rink this year is Sleeping Beauty on Ice and bookings are already being taken so be quick and book your place for what will prove to be a wonderful show..

As always,I am very much looking forward to see the show and, this year,our charitable donation will be made to the Berkshire Air Ambulance Trust who carry out such vital work within the community.

The Coppid Beech hotel and the Swan at Streatley Hotel are preparing for Christmas and the New Year and you can read all about the celebrations taking place at our four star hotels in this issue of Connections.

Christmas is especially a time for children and this year could be their best Christmas holiday ever.Just book them a place on one of the many children’s activity camps that are being hosted at John Nike Leisuresport Centres across the country.

The camps include a host of activities including sno-tubing,boarding,skiing and ice-skating at the Bracknell centre.There is more – much more to be gained for the children in one of our activity camps so you need to book early to avoid disappointment.

Our ski centres are also ideal as venues for the office Christmas party where you can simply enjoy the food and wine or combine some winter sports activity with a fondue and Gluhwein feast! Our centre management teams are just waiting to take your booking,so give them a ring and ensure a very entertaining party time this Christmas! When I visit the shopping malls,I cannot not help noticing that Christmas is almost here with the array of wrapping papers,Christmas cards,Christmas tree baubles and much more.Christmas is such a personal time with families meeting for their annual get-together;friends’ bingeing; couples whingeing or, just coupling! A special time! A winter ‘warmth’! So,why not make it an extra special time and this year send personalised cards whether for the family or business.

Rainbow Colourprint will be delighted to inspire you with your own special design of card or print.Just contact the team for that extra special presentation this year with stunning personal design.

Still on the subject of stunning designs,have you dropped into the Octagon Toyota and Lexus centres recently? Both centres will be selling the manufacturers’ stunning new designs that have been launched as exciting new additions to some of the most popular ranges,and you can read about these in the pages of this Connectionsedition.Of course,with Christmas coming it may be the time to buy and wrap a desired Toyota or Lexus car in a special wrapping paper for that special present to that special person! Don’t just think about it – do it! To hell with the cost! .

At the Nike Group of Companies,we not only want to pamper you with our ‘Venus’ treatment rooms in the Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley Hotel, we also want to offer you a quality time whether in dining, entertainment,sporting activity,DIY purchases,or simply ‘a bunch of flowers’ from our petrol stations.Visit our Bracknell complex and find out more about our services.

I do hope you enjoy this issue of Connections,and that you and your family have a peaceful yet fulfilling Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

John Nike OBE DL
Chairman

Ski centres finish resurfacing project

PERMA-SNOW^TM, the revolutionary patented artificial ski slope surface manufactured by Nike Group company Techmat 2000, has been installed at the John Nike Leisuresport Centre in Chatham, Kent.

“We’re looking forward to our customers experiencing all the benefits of the new surface,” said Andy Rushton, Centre Manager. “Feedback from our instructors, who have completed a number of staff training evenings, has been very positive with many of them commenting on its smoothness and improved safety.”

For Techmat 2000, this installation marks the near completion of its order to resurface all the ski slopes in the Nike Group. The final installation, at Llandudno, should be finished during this autumn.

“It has been a busy time for us,” said Tony Ward, Manager at Techmat 2000.

“In addition to our large-scale work for the Leisuresport Centres, we’ve also recently supplied smaller-scale orders to clients as far afield as Melbourne, Australia! “It’s always been our aim to be as flexible as possible and meet our clients’ needs, whether they want large or small orders – it’s been great to have the chance to demonstrate this.”

Christmas cheers!

As summer turns to autumn, thoughts turn to Christmas and planning for the festive season. The Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley have made every effort to ensure that their guests have lots to look forward to this Christmas.

Whether it’s an office party,a meal with your friends and family or a few days away with your loved ones,then these hotels will be able to offer you something very special.

Both will be hosting Christmas partiesin their banqueting suites before the big day,as well as serving the traditional Christmas Day lunchin their two AA-rosette restaurants, Cygnetures at The Swan at Streatley and Rowans at the Coppid Beech Hotel.

For an extra special festive season,it’s worth considering theHouse Partyat The Swan at Streatley. From Christmas Eve until Boxing Day,guests will be wined, dined and entertained in luxurious comfort,with first class service and welcoming, friendly staff.

For those who enjoy a more informal and lively night out,there’s The Keller as an alternative for your Christmas party with friends,family or colleagues.Throughout the Christmas period,The Keller will be serving a three-course festive extravaganzathat will also include entry to the hotel’s Aprés nightclub and admission to that night’s entertainment in The Keller.

Full listings can be found at www.kellerandapres.co.uk. On certain nights The Keller is available for private hire.

And finally,to see out the old year and welcome in the new,it’s worth considering either hotel for their New Year Black-Tie Gala Dinner Dance. The Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley will both be hosting events that offer champagne and canapés,a gourmet dinner, a live band and disco.

Call the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333 or The Swan at Streatley on 01491 878800 for a Christmas brochure or go to www.coppid-beech.com or www.swanatstreatley.com

Toyota special editions hit the road

Toyota has expanded its range of models even further with the launch of special editions on some of their most popular models.

The Yaris Ion is more than just a cute city car. It’s crammed with features including Toyota’s Easy Flat folding system for rear seats, electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking and concealed storage points as well as an audio system with CD player. And as it’s able to comfortably accommodate five adults, no other supermini is roomier! When launched, the AYGO quickly distinguished itself as a perfect city car. More recently, it proved its all-round excellence by claiming the Top GearCar of the Year title. Now, with the newly launched AYGO Black, Toyota has added yet more style and variety to the range.

Distinguished by its sleek Tempest Black metallic paint, the AYGO Black features turbine-style eight-spoke alloy wheels, AYGO-branded scuff plates and leather gear knob.

Additionally, it boasts a six-speaker sound system with auxiliary input to link an iPod or digital music player, remote central locking and ABS with Electronic Breakforce Distribution (EBD).

Both cars are available in three and five-door body styles and can be yours for under £8,000.

To test drive the new Yaris Ion, AYGO Black or any of the Toyota fleet contact the Octagon Toyota Centre in Bracknell on 01344 789888, or in Reading on 0118 975 1300.

Chefs celebrate the best ofBritish

This year’s British Food Fortnight (23 September to 8 October) celebrations were a great success at both The Swan at Streatley and the Coppid Beech Hotel. The hotels thrilled guests and diners by showcasing all that is delicious, fresh and inspiring in a number of exquisitely selected menus created to tempt the most demanding oftastebuds!

During the fortnight, guests at both hotels were offered the very best of British produce;including fish,game, cheese and seasonal fruit and vegetables – most of which was sourced locally.

In addition to the extensive menus on offer in its two AA-rosette restaurant,Rowans,and the Brasserie at The Keller,the Coppid Beech Hotel arranged cheese tasting evenings and beer sampling nights.Not only that,pupils from Binfield Primary School were delighted when the hotel’s head chef,Paul Zolik visited them to talk about local produce and do some cooking together! The highlight of the fortnight’s activity at The Swan was an intimate speciality dinner arranged in association with locally based Brightwell Vineyard and Upton Cider.

The Head Chef,John Sherry cooked up a storm with a gastronomic six-course tasting menu,each course accompanied by a carefully selected glass of wine from the local vineyard. The evening was such a success,the Hotel is considering doing it again very soon! Check out www.swanatstreatley.com any for forthcoming events.

Service wins business

Jubilee Building Supplies has had two of its most successful months ever in May and June this year and according to the company’s Manager, Peter White, it’s all down to first-rate customer service.

“May and June were exceptionally busy months for the company and we’ve put it down to time of year and customer service. We’re always looking at ways of improving the quality of our service and, from our own customer research, we’ve discovered that the reason customers return is because of the expertise and personal service they receive. We are delighted to hear this, as there are many competitors in the area and it is fantastic for business,” said Peter.

Jubilee Building Supplies, located in John Nike Way, Bracknell, supply building and landscaping materials as well as bathroom fittings to the trade and general public.

Relax this Christmas

The Swan at Streatley’s stunning Venus Spa is set to re-open in time for Christmas – the perfect destination for some well-deserved festive pampering!

Both Nike Design and Nike Construction pulled out all the stops to rebuild Venus Spa after the venue was struck by fire shortly after its initial launch earlier this year.Rebuilt to the same high specifications,and with the same beautiful Romanesque design,the spa will once again open its doors to be a haven of tranquillity,offering a peaceful retreat from today’s busy lifestyles.

Venus Spa is designed to bring the luxury Roman bathing experience to the English countryside.Its breath-taking spa area has a columned relaxation pool,whirlpool bath, sauna and steam room.

There are also treatment rooms – which have remained open throughout the rebuilding process – offering a range of beauty and holistic therapies from Elemis and ISHI,and a gymnasium fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment.

And the Coppid Beech Hotel now has it’s own ‘sister’ beauty facility.Venus Beauty Therapy opened during the autumn in the hotel’s Waves health and fitness club to offer both guests and locals a range of exclusive treatments,in relaxing surroundings.

Facials and body treatments from spa favourites Decleor are available,including the Aroma Expert Facial and the Aroma Purifying Back Treatment.Or for the ultimate pampering,why not treat yourself to a treatment from ISHI – its Rich Chocolate Mousse Wrap and Tiramisu Facial offer you all the indulgence of these temptations, without the calories! A full range of maintenance treatments – waxing,eye brow shaping,tanning and Jessica nail treatments – is also available to keep your body,face,hands and feet perfectly presentable.

And it’s not just for the girls! At Venus Beauty Therapy, men not only have their own specially designed foot and nail grooming treatment,there’s also just-for-men Decleor facials and body treatments.

Lexus launches new flagship

Lexus has launched the fourth generation model to its flagship LS range. On sale from November, the all-new Lexus LS 460 offers higher levels of quality, refinement and performance.

Rather than simply producing an ‘updated’ model, the engineers and designers at Lexus were given a clean sheet of paper to develop many features of the LS 460. Even the most basic of processes were re-evaluated to challenge accepted engineering wisdom – and the result is a vehicle with dynamic performance, exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional levels of comfort and a safe drive.

The LS 460 has a completely new 4.6 litre V8 engine, which is matched to the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission for fully exploited performance potential.

There are numerous ground-breaking safety developments, based on the principle of accident avoidance through anticipation.

The LS 460’s state-of-the-art Enhanced Pre-Crash Safety System sets new standards and was designed to not only protect the vehicle occupants, but also those in its close environment.

To test drive the Lexus LS 460, or any of the range, contact Lexus Bracknell on 01344 789777 or Lexus Reading on 0118 9758877.

New systems for Rainbow

Substantial investment at Rainbow Colourprint means that it can now offer customers an even more efficient service.

“Technically,the printing business is constantly moving forward and it’s essential that we keep up-to-date,” said Andy Utton,Manager.“Investing in top-of-the-range software and equipment was vital to maintain the quality service our customers expect.” The new purchases include OSX and Quark 7 software,as well as the very latest G5 Apple Mac computer hardware.“It’s made a real difference,” said Andy.“We can now quickly open a wider range of files which makes life easier for both us and,more importantly,our clients.”

Nike Design secures quality award

Following an independent assessment,Nike Design has successfully achieved the prestigious ISO 9001 award – an international standard used as the benchmark for quality service.

The award recognises Nike Design’s commitment to an exceptional quality of service.With only three per cent of UK businesses holding this certificate,the company really can claim it is at the forefront of quality service and customer care.

David Storey,the assessor who undertook the assessment,paid tribute to the investment in people and training that enabled Nike Design to provide such an efficient service to its customers.

Hotel makes sure the school prom goes on

St Crispin’s School end-of-year prom was almost in danger of ending before the evening had started, until the Coppid Beech Hotel came to the rescue! While pupils were getting dressed up for their big night, a fire was already in full blaze at the Blue Mountain GolfCentre in Binfield, where the event was scheduled to take place. The fire,which is thought to have begun in the greenkeeper’s compound, rapidly spread to a large outbuilding that contained gas cylinders,calling for the golf club to be evacuated.

Fortunately for the school, the hotel was able to save the day and held the prom in its Après nightclub.

“The hotel was delighted to be able to help out,albeit at the last minute,” said Alan Blenkinsopp,the hotel’s Operations Director.

Assistant Head Teacher, Stuart Matthews,said:“The prom was a great success and we cannot stress how grateful we are to both the golf club and hotel for laying on a party for our pupils so quickly.”

Slopes attract the UK’s best

The slopes at John Nike Leisuresport Centres across the country have been selected as venues to host some of the UK’s top snowboarding and skiing action.

In September, Bracknell hosted the British Artificial Slope Style Championship, part of the Orange AIM Ski and Snowboard Series, the UK’s main snowboard competition. The audience was amazed by the skill in the main competition and dazzled by the boarders in the Big Air and Slope Style Jam sessions.

This was the second year AIM held the event at the Bracknell centre, after being lured back by the slope’s fantastic new PERMA-SNOW^TMsurface.

New at Swadlincote this year was its fabulous Freestyle Competition event where every competitor left with a goodie bag. And Plymouth didn’t miss out on the action either, as many of the UK’s top snowboarders put in an appearance at the 2006 Soul Sport tour.

Don’t forget to check out the Plymouth, Swadlincote and Chatham sites (www.jnll.co.uk) to find when the fantastic Snow Life tour will be visiting.

Skaters make the cut to the medals

Young skaters who train at the John Nike Leisuresport Centre ice rink in Bristol have been making a name for themselves, and impressing Eddie Pearson, the new Unit Manager, after picking up a host ofmedals at competitions across the country.

At the Guildford Open competition,Jodie Elliot (aged 13) won gold,Tameika Gunawardana (aged 8) won silver,and bronze medals went to both Chloe Bevan (aged 8) and Vicky Watson (aged 17).

And when the Bracknell Open competition took place at the John Nike Leisuresport Centre in Bracknell,it was Bristol skater Sylvia Foote (aged 25) who skated to gold medal success in the highly competitive Level Five and Under Seniors class.

She’s behind you!

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual pantomime on ice at the John Nike Leisuresport Centre in Bracknell – and this year’s exciting production, which is the children’s classic, Sleeping Beauty, is set to be more magical and breath-taking than ever.

Steve Marney, Ice Rink Manager, said. “With hundreds of people involved in putting the production together we’ve had to be very organised, but we’re getting there! After all this hard work and such a talented crew and cast, I can’t wait to see the performances myself!” And over at Bristol Ice Rink the finishing touches are being made to its Christmas Variety Show.

Performances are taking place on Sunday 17 and Monday 18 December – for details on ticket prices and timings, call the Ice Rink on 01179 292 148.

Open dayspull in crowds

Chatham John Nike Leisuresport Centre celebrated the official opening ofits new PERMA-SNOW^TMcovered slope with a fantastic open day, attracting people from across the area.

“It was great to welcome some of our regular visitors as well as meet some new faces,” said Andy Rushton,Centre Manager.“We’re really proud of our great new slope and pleased to have shown it off to so many people.Everyone was very impressed!” Chatham has another reason to break out the champagne:it’s also celebrating its 20th anniversary.“We’ve gone from strength to strength,” continued Andy.

“Our success is down to the enthusiasm and dedication of staff – thank you to everyone.” Many of the other John Nike Leisuresport Centres are also hosting open days during the autumn and winter months.Llandudno is currently organising an open day to introduce its new PERMA-SNOW^TMcovered slope,along with the launch of its seasonal ‘Are You Ready?’ campaign to get visitors fit to hit the slopes.Keep an eye on the website – www.jnll.co.uk – for more details.

And at the recent open day at Swadlincote visitors enjoyed discounted activities,a bouncy castle,ski and snowboard taster sessions and samples of raclette and fondue.

Clean start for Lightfoots

It was out with the old and in with the new at Lightfoots this autumn, as the garage on John Nike Way, Bracknell, upgraded its car wash facilities with a brand new Karcher model.

Greg Walsh,Manager,said: “We want to make it as simple as possible for people to use, so we’re only having four basic programmes – and one of these will be a ‘touchless’ option,where the brushes don’t make contact with the car,ideal for vehicles requiring an extra delicate wash.” And in a year when water usage was carefully monitored, it’s good for customers to know that not only do they have an effective alternative to using a hosepipe to clean their cars,but also that the new machine efficiently filters and recycles rinse water to reduce overall consumption.

exceptionally high,” commented Sue Coffey, Human Resources Chernobyl children’s day out

Children are always made particularly welcome at every John Nike Leisuresport Centre, and the team at Bristol recently welcomed a very special group of kids – 25 children who were affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986.

“We’ve hosted groups of children who visit the UK on organised trips from the affected area for a few years now and it’s always a great privilege,” said Becci Sweeting, Assistant Centre Manager. “During their visit the children had a skating session and they loved it! It was so great to see them having such fun that I think we all enjoyed it as much as they did.” And can you imagine entertaining 600 children? That’s the challenge the Bristol team faced when they hosted an evening for the hundreds of children involved in a major research project called Children of the 90s, run in association with Bristol University.

“They pretty much had the run of the entire complex,” said Becci. “But they were all lovely children and very well behaved – and the main thing is that they had a brilliant time.” Over at the John Nike Leisuresport Centre in Swadlincote, children are enjoying the new after-school club that takes place every Tuesday between 4pm and 6pm.

Both skiing and boarding are available – call the Centre on 01283 217200 for further details.

New team takes shape

On behalfofthe Nike Group of Companies, four new faces are welcomed to the team – so say hello to graduate recruits: Jane White; Matthew Robetham; Lee Redding; and Kelly McCarthy.

Matthew and Lee will be based at The Swan at Streatley and the Coppid Beech Hotel as they complete their hospitality training,while Kelly will be in Llandudno as she learns all about John Nike Leisuresport Limited and Jane will be based either in Bracknell or Chatham.

“Both the numbers and the quality of this year’s candidates was exceptionally high,” commented Sue Coffey, Human Resources Manager.“We invited the 11 top applicants to an assessment day and decided that Jane, Matthew,Lee and Kelly had great personalities, bags of enthusiasm and a passion for our business.” Congratulations also go Gemma Nicholas for completing her NVQ Level 2 Business Administration course. In less than a year,Gemma has completed all 10 modules of the course – normally it takes 18 months to complete five.

In addition,Gemma has completed her Technical Certificate in Business Administration and IT.

Sue Coffey said: “Gemma has been great to work with.She has a fantastic attitude to work and an enormous hunger for learning.”

Investment in staff is recognised

John Nike Leisuresport Limited has always been very proud of how it manages its staffand back in 2001 this was formally recognised when the company was awarded the Investors in People accreditation.

This summer,the inspectors were back to conduct a review – which the company passed with flying colours.

“We received some fantastic feedback from the assessors,” said Sue Coffey,Human Resources Manager.

“They praised our dedication to ongoing improvement to getting the most out of our people,and our progress towards creating a true team culture across all the centres.

“They described our overall commitment to developing people as exceptional,and that we were particularly good at recognising and nurturing individual potential.Best of all,it was clear to them how much staff enjoyed working at the centres,and the high degree to which they feel personally involved in the company’s success.

“Every member of staff across John Nike Leisuresport Limited should feel hugely proud of themselves,” she added.“This is a fantastic achievement,and a great testament to their skill and enthusiasm.”

Wedding fairs showcase ideas

Early Autumn saw The Swan at Streatley and the Coppid Beech Hotel host successful wedding fairs, attracting brides and top suppliers from across the region. But ifyou missed out, don’t worry – more are planned for the New Year!

If you’re tying the knot and are looking for ideas and inspiration,then come along to the wedding fair at The Swan on 27 January 2007or the Coppid Beech Hotel on18 February 2007.There you’ll find companies dedicated to making every aspect of your day perfect.

And if you’re still searching for your ideal venue,the hotels’ wedding co-ordinators will be on hand to show you around and answer any questions.Both The Swan and the Coppid Beech pride themselves in offering a complete wedding service to ensure every couple’s dream day is an unforgettable experience.

With its glorious Thames-side setting,first-class cuisine and superb service, where else would you want to host your ‘big day’ than in the beautiful surroundings of The Swan at Streatley? Alternatively,the Coppid Beech Hotel offers an excellent selection of facilities, including elegant function rooms,a two AA-rosette restaurant,Rowans and a nightclub! For more information about the wedding fairs or holding your wedding at either hotel,call The Swan at Streatley on 01491 878800 or the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333,or visit www.swanatstreatley.com or www.coppidbeechhotel.com

Kids get active this half term

This autumn half term, what could be better for your kids than being active, having fun and learning a new sport? Across England and Wales, the John Nike Leisuresport Centres are once again the destinations for some fantastic days out.

Bracknell has a great line-up of half term activity days,from 9am until 6pm each weekday,though children can be dropped off from 8am onwards.

Mornings are spent out on the slope,while in the afternoons,it’s time to hit the ice with skating lessons and even a disco.

The day is broken up by sessions of other activities such as football,rounders or ice hockey – and,of course, lunch! Chatham runs a similar scheme – its Radical Kids days, from 10am-3pm during half term weekdays,are aimed at 10 to16-year-olds.All equipment is provided,and the instructors are dedicated to sending children home exhausted,but glowing with happiness.

Alpine adventure golf is on offer at Llandudno,with its nine-hole crazy course.The centre has some fantastic activities for children and families including a tot’s club and ski and snowboard clubs running over the holiday.

And keep an eye out for the great value ‘Combo’ ticket, offering discounts when you book any combination of sno-tubing,tobogganing and adventure golf! Children’s multi-activity days are also held at Swadlincote,while at Plymouth,in addition to snow-sport camps,the team also runs special family fun days.These take place every weekend and on selected days during the holidays.

And why not make an evening of it by booking a fabulous fondue supper? As well as Swadlincote,most of the centres offer this fun way to eat.

Ice-skating is another great way to bring families together and enjoy themselves,and kids love it! So if you’re based in Bristol make a date to pop into the ice rink.

So go on,make this half term one that the whole family will remember forever.Log on to www.jnll.co.uk for details.

Top of the range service for Drivers Club

The discerning members of the Bentley Drivers Club, Eastern Region – and their 30 magnificent cars of all ages – require a very special setting for a weekend away. Superior accommodation and food, exceptional customer service, a beautiful setting. . and Real Ale! They found everything they were looking for at The Swan at Streatley, the four-star hotel located on the banks of the Thames.

The Bentley Drivers Club organises regular motoring weekends, which give members a chance to meet and explore an area at the wheel of their Bentley.

“We had visited dozens of hotels, and knew exactly what we were looking for,” said the Event Organiser, a committee member of the Eastern Region of the Bentley Drivers Club.

“When researching venues for this event, we arrived at The Swan at Streatley unannounced, to get a realistic picture of the hotel.

It stood head and shoulders above the others we had visited. The meetings and events team immediately understood what we wanted, and its enthusiasm was wonderful.” The members arrived at the hotel on a Friday afternoon, and enjoyed a drinks reception, followed by a private dinner.

“The staff were superb and attentive and the food was very good every night,” he continued. “The same can be said for the breakfast each morning. For me, the quality of the breakfast is always an indicator of the standard of the hotel, and The Swan’s was very good! “We would give The Swan a glowing report. We got everything we asked for including Real Ale – which they ordered in especially for us! The event was run like clockwork, with a great deal of co-operation from the staff, even though we are demanding customers. It was perfect.”

Win a winter sports day and après

Whether you’re looking to try something new or just fancy warming-up for the winter sports season, Connectionsis offering you the perfect opportunity to brighten up those dark winter days.

One lucky winner and nine friends will receive a ski or snowboard lesson followed by an après-ski fondue evening at the centre – all 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.

To win,simply answer this question:

Which John Nike Leisuresport Centre ski slope has just had PERMA-SNOW^TM installed?

Terms and conditions: Dates subject to availability.The prize is non-transferable.

Email your answer to ab@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk marked 'ConnectionsCompetition',by 31 December 2006