Connections Magazine - Spring 2008

John Nike's column

Christmas Past

It is with such sheer delight I reflect on the Christmas Past and the period leading up to this festive delight. For me, this started on the 26th November when I derived a great pleasure from attending the annual Care Day held at the Coppid Beech Hotel to see and feel the joy and satisfaction of those receiving the pampering, and those giving the pampering, on this very special day when the old age pensioners take over the hotel. It was simply wonderful to hear all joining in the songs in the afternoon after they had eaten so well of Festive fare and, no doubt, enjoyed a glass or two! It is thanks to the many and varied volunteers who attended the event to help out and give advice: from Age Concern; the police; the British Red Cross; the Coppid Beech Hotel volunteer staff; and other good minded souls: it is thanks to the suppliers who gave so willingly; who provide support to this event through the giving of wine, food and goodies that the Care Day celebrated its tenth year and heralded in Christmas time. None left without a feeling of joy and appreciation I am sure and, judging by the faces of these special guests, none left without a greater feeling of satisfaction whilst nursing a bottle of tipple for later! (photo)

The delight continued with the annual Christmas Ice Pantomime put on by the Bracknell Ice Skating Club. This year saw the 20th Production, Peter Pan on Ice, and the show was magnificently performed on my special evening when I invite the local dignitaries to attend. It is an opportunity for the Mayors from the two boroughs and towns to see just some of the great talent the young members of the two communities have: and also to see some of the talent of the older members of the two communities - all enjoy the thrills and spills of ice-skating. This year it was a delight to have among our VIP guests two Members of Parliament, Andrew MacKay and Julie Kirkbride: the Mayor of Bracknell Forest Borough, Cllr Gill Birch; the Deputy Mayor of Bracknell Town, Cllr Mark Brundel Walker; the Mayor of Wokingham Town, Cllr Brian Willis; and the Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Annette Drake, all in their fine regalia. We were also honoured with the presence of the High Steward of Wokingham and Vice-lieutenant of Berkshire, Lady Elizabeth Godsal and The Lady Serene Remnant, President of the Berkshire NSPCC, this years chosen charity. It was a delight to present a cheque for £5,000 to Lady Remnant as the pantomime charitable donation to the NSPCC. With the proceeds of the bucket collections from the audiences during the show and from he fireworks evening a total contribution of £6,590 has been made. The NSPCC expresses its thanks to all that gave through the collective contributions and their individual donations. (photo)

With spring fast approaching and a time of renewed energy - spring cleaning and all that - it is also a time to reflect on the New Year's resolutions made and to book a place at the Waves Health Club (Coppid Beech Hotel) or the Venus Spa (The Swan at Streatley) or the gym at the John Nike Leisuresport Complex. The staff will welcome you and be most supportive in helping you to reach your goals in becoming fitter or simply losing weight accumulated over the Christmas period. Whichever you choose to aim for you will feel the better by being a member of a club so why not join the spinning class at Waves or the aerobics at Peak Fitness to improve your breathing or hone your muscle tone.

Spring is also an abundant time for weddings and engagements, and both the Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley can help you with your plans for celebration parties or receptions on your wedding day. Our staff will be delighted to help you plan your event for the special occasion, and add their congratulations too. Both The Swan at Streatley and the Coppid Beech Hotel have talented wedding co-ordinators with many years experience - so do give them a call.

The John Nike Leisuresport Centres are already preparing for the Easter school holiday activity camps - there are six centres across the country offering a range of programmes and facilities, and you can find further details and contact information in this issue of Connections.

Spring is also a time when the brighter light shows up the wear and tear on your beloved vehicle. Of course, you can clean it tenderly and dream - or think of admiring a gleaming new car standing in your driveway. So, why not visit one of our showrooms where you can see the latest range of Toyota or Lexus motor vehicles. You will be well looked after when you visit; you will be able to have a spin in a car if your licence is in order; you will be able to discuss the financial arrangements if you wish to buy. Or, you will be able to walk away having enjoyed your visit with an air of importance and a thought of ‘perhaps later'. Whatever transpires, your visit will have been worthwhile so why not call in to make an appointment.

Spring abundantly makes the grass grow and the leaves flourish. Spring is also a time for mending and renewing so why not visit Jubilee Building Supplies for you diy needs. Perhaps it is a time to makeover the garden with hard landscaping; perhaps a time to dig the pond, erect a swing or put in a birdbath. Whatever or whichever, Jubilee can help you with the supply of materials or a bath - but not a birdbath - the bathroom centre at Jubilee Building Supplies can though advise you on bathroom designs and supply you with your needs.

Well, I wish you all a Happy New Year for 2008 and hope to see you (all of you) enjoying a Sunday lunch at the Coppid Beech Hotel or The Swan at Streatley. The hotels do provide a splendid fare and exceptional comfort for a relaxing Sunday outing. Do join us sometime for a lovely roast carvery - you deserve it!

John Nike OBE DL
Chairman

New tufting machine at Perma-SnowTM

Techmat is gearing up for a busy 2008 when it takes delivery of a brand new tufting machine, essential for the production of its revolutionary artificial snow surface, Perma-SnowTM. The new machine - a unique creation, developed jointly between Techmat and Danley Engineering Services in Blackburn - is capable of manufacturing over 300 square metres of Perma-SnowTM per day!

CBH completes Investors in People review

Following a recent review, the Coppid Beech Hotel was given the good news that it has maintained the high standards required to retain its Investors in People accreditation. Sue Coffey, Human Resources Manager at the Nike Group, said: "This review was very important and everyone involved worked hard to ensure the hotel's success."

Investors in People is a national accreditation designed to help organisations improve performance and meet objectives through effective staff management and development.

Competition

Every year, thousands of people visit LegolandTM Windsor for its fantastic mix of rides and interactive attractions - and this year there's even more to enjoy with the launch of the brand new Longboat Invader ride.

It's a great day out and by entering this issue's competition, one lucky winner will enjoy an amazing Legoland family weekend, staying at the nearby four-star Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell.

The prize includes two nights' accommodation at the hotel and two-day Legoland passes for a family of four. The hotel is family-friendly and facilities include a children's paddling pool and a 12.5metre swimming pool in Waves, its health club

For your chance to enter, simply answer this easy question:

What is the name of the brand new ride at LegolandTM Windsor?

Email your answer to alan.blenkinsopp@coppidbeech.com, marked ‘Connections' Competition, by 31 March 2007

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

Two Counties Sausage and Pie competition

As a passionate promoter of local produce and British cuisine, The Swan at Streatley attracted over 80 entrants to its Two Counties Sausage and Pie Champion Challenge, sponsored by Lucas Ingredients and South England Pastries.

This was the second year the hotel has run the competition to find the finest sausages and, for the first year, pies, produced in Berkshire and Oxfordshire - and the competition was intense.

However, after a careful day's judging by a panel of professional judges and local media celebrities, Manydown Farm Shop, from Wootton St Lawrence, was crowned Supreme Pie Champion for its Steak and Stilton Pie. The title of Supreme Sausage Champion went to Patrick Strainge Butchers of Bampton, for its Pork and Caramelised Onion Sausage.

"The Two Counties Sausage and Pie Champion Challenge is now a firmly established event in our region's calendar, and we were bowled over by the quality of the entries received," said Karl Bentley, General Manager at the hotel.

SAS refurbishment

Visitors familiar with The Swan at Streatley will notice that change is in the air if they drop in on the hotel this spring, with the launch of a luxurious refurbishment at the four-star venue.

The project will see the public areas and bedrooms receive a superb new look, enhancing the tranquil ambience and beautiful surroundings that guests come back time after time to experience. A fresh colour scheme will offer neutral but opulent shades of cream, gold and green, while the lavish fabrics and wall coverings will be of the of the highest quality.

Work is scheduled to be completed by Easter, with as little disruption to guests as possible.

"The Swan is a stunning hotel with a magical riverside location," said Karl Bentley. General Manager. "Our new refurbishment will add to this experience, creating an interior that's warm and welcoming, elegant yet contemporary."

For more information, please visit www.swanatstreatley.co.uk or call 01491 878888.

CARE day

As a pre-Christmas treat the Coppid Beech Hotel welcomed 300 elderly Bracknell Forest residents to its annual C.A.R.E (Community Action for the Retired and Elderly) Day.

The action-packed day - funded entirely by the hotel and other local businesses - began with carol singing from the Holy Spring Infant School Choir, before guests tucked into a three course festive lunch. Afterwards, the entertainment continued with an old-time music hall singer and Wokingham's Gala Bingo.

During the day, the Thames Valley Police gave an informal talk on home security, providing peace of mind and advice to the elderly for the festive period and beyond.

Alan Blenkinsopp, Director of Nike Group Hotels, said: "C.A.R.E Day is a chance to celebrate Christmas with some familiar faces, as well as some new ones. It's also an opportunity to do something that we know is appreciated and enormously worthwhile.    "But it's not just our guests who have a brilliant time - the hotel staff have a wonderful day and love getting involved. It's an event we all look forward to each year."

Katie Mayger appointment

A familiar face has reappeared at the Nike Group hotels - after eight years away, Katie Mayger has rejoined the hotels' team as Head of Sales.

Katie originally started working at the Coppid Beech Hotel before it even opened as a Sales Executive, rising to Sales and Marketing Manager before leaving after having her second child.

"Things have changed enormously," she explained. "When I first arrived, we were working from a Porta-Kabin out in the car park, getting everything ready for our opening! Now, not only is the Coppid Beech Hotel firmly established and successful, we also have added The Swan at Streatley to our portfolio.

"I'm thrilled to be back, and really looking forward to working with such a great team once more."

CBH refurbishment

Bracknell's four-star Coppid Beech Hotel is set to turn heads this spring as it unveils completion of the first stage of its extensive refurbishment.

Over 90 of the hotel's 205 bedrooms have been treated to upgraded facilities, air conditioning and a fresh contemporary look, with natural shades of taupe and cream replacing the previous colour scheme. Refurbishment of the remaining bedrooms is set to be completed, ahead of schedule, by late summer.

"Our new look bedrooms have been carefully designed to appeal to leisure and corporate guests alike, offering a relaxing space and luxurious atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after a busy day," explained Alan Blenkinsopp, Director of Nike Group Hotels. "We're delighted not only by the results, but also that the project is going so smoothly."

For further information about the Coppid Beech Hotel, visit www.coppidbeech.com or call 01344 303333.

Global Snow Show review

There was only one star of the show at the Global Snow Show, held last November at Birmingham's NEC - and that was John Nike Leisuresport!

The company's fantastic mobile slope took centre stage at the three-day event and was a major attraction, with hundreds of visitors queuing up for free snowtubing, as well as skiing and boarding lessons.

The slope's Perma-SnowTM surface proved to be a real hit, with many of those trying it out comparing it to genuine snow. In fact, one group from a French ski school, based in the Alps, loved it so much that they said it was the closest thing to skiing on real snow that they'd ever experienced.

"We had such a wonderful time, it was amazing to be the main attraction at such a prestigious event," said Carol Huddlestone, Ski Show Co-Ordinator at John Nike Leisuresport. "There was a great atmosphere and everyone who came to see us was very positive and friendly. And Swadlincote - the centre nearest to Birmingham - has had a real boost in bookings as a result of our attendance.

"One of the most satisfying aspects of our involvement with the Global Snow Show is that we work so closely with the organisers to create the event. It's a real partnership and we're already looking forward to the 2008 show!"

Ten years of the John Nike Instructors Training Scheme

This year sees John Nike Leisuresport celebrate the 10th anniversary of its highly regarded John Nike Instructor Training Scheme.

The scheme was developed after the nationwide John Nike Leisuresport centres noticed inconsistencies in instructor training. While all ski and snowboarding instructors were trained to their official national standards, there were differences in practices as some had trained abroad.

To rectify this, a new training scheme was created by John Nike Leisuresport. "This guarantees that all our instructors are trained within the same structure, to the same rigorous standards," explained Andy Rushton, Manager of the Chatham centre.

"It also means we can focus training not only on the technical side of coaching, but additionally on other areas that we feel are just as important, such as customer service."

Now admired throughout the international ski and snowboarding industry, the 26-week John Nike Instructor Training Scheme has tutored hundreds of people.

The trainee instructors are a diverse group - from 16-year-olds committed to a full-time career in coaching, to older people in established professions. What they share is a passion and expertise to pass on their ability and enthusiasm for snowsports to others.

"Anyone who has learned to ski or board knows that a great instructor makes a massive difference," continued Andy. "Our instructors are trained to inspire learners to have fun while they learn skills that will last a lifetime."

Llandudno award

The team at John Nike Leisuresport centre in Llandudno is proud to have been presented with a prestigious VAQAS (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service) award from national tourist organisation, VisitWales.

The award is an important marque, letting tourists know that the site has been thoroughly assessed to provide the highest standard of customer care, as well as being a great place to visit.

"Being able to display this award is a fantastic reward for the team's hard work and dedication," said Nigel Treacy, Centre Manager. "It recognises that we're in the premier league of Welsh tourist attractions.

"It was no easy achievement - there were extensive site visits and interviews from the awarding body. But it's definitely been worth it and the whole team here is absolutely delighted.

"Achieving a VAQAS award means that we'll be included as a high quality attraction in many of the official Welsh tourist guides. As a result we'll be welcoming more visitors than ever over the coming months."

John Nike OBE DL, Nike Group Chairman, was delighted with the achievement and took the Llandudno team out to celebrate at the end of January.

Tips for redesigning your bathroom

Is 2008 going to be the year you invest in a new bathroom? If the answer is yes then it can be hard to know where to start - so here are some great tips from Paul Harrison, Manager of the Bathroom Showroom at Jubilee Building Supplies:

Space - even the smallest bathrooms have great potential. Many suites are specifically designed to make the most of small spaces and clever use of lighting, glass and mirrors can help create the illusion of space.

Requirements - think about how many people need to use your bathroom and how they prefer to use it. Would it be more efficient to have two sinks, perhaps, or a separate walk-in shower and bath?

Storage - for an uncluttered look you need plenty of storage. Choose ingenious storage solutions, such as built-in cabinets, that provide plenty of space without spoiling the smooth lines of your room.

Budget - if money's tight, ask yourself if your suite really needs replacing. It's amazing what improvements can be achieved with cost-conscious measures such as updating taps, fittings and tiling.

Colour - white is always a good, classic choice for a new suite. To introduce colour, choose ceramic or mosaic tiling in vibrant or natural shades, which can easily be updated for a new look without changing the suite.

But if you still need inspiration then visit the Bathroom Showroom at Jubilee Building Supplies on John Nike Way, Bracknell. Visitors to the store can view a great range of products and talk to the expert team about its complete design and installation service - or check out the website at www.jubileebuildingsupplies.co.uk

Leisuresport World

Looking for some new snowsports gear? Then pop along to Leisuresport World's end-of-season sale at the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell, from 28 to 30 March.

It's a chance to snap up some amazing ski, blading and boarding bargains, including men's, women's and children's equipment and clothing from impressive names such as Helly Hanson and Salomon.

- V Power at Lightfoots

If you want to fill up your tank with fuel devised by the same scientists who developed the petrol used by the triumphant Ferrari Formula One team, then head over to Lightfoots in Bracknell.

The garage now offers its customers Shell's V-Power diesel as well as V-Power unleaded - and drivers are coming back for more. A highly advanced fuel, V-Power contains Shell's Friction Modification Technology to help remove power-sapping deposits from the engine.

"It's selling very well," commented Greg Walsh, Manager at Lightfoots. "I think the Ferrari connection definitely helps, especially after its Formula One team won both the 2007 Drivers and Constructors' Championship."

Nike Design - SAS extension

Following on from the successful completion of a recent design and upgrade project for global manufacturers SAS International's Bridgend production facility, Nike Design has been commissioned again by the company to plan a 33,000 square foot extension.

"We place a great deal of importance in working closely with our clients to develop long term relationships," said Chris Skilton, Director at Nike Design. "It's very satisfying - and a great testament to our results - to be commissioned once again by such a prestigious client."

-Toyota Aftersales

Octagon Toyota Bracknell prides itself on the unrivalled quality and efficiency of its aftersales care, and the service is set to become even swifter with the opening of a new regional Toyota parts distribution centre. This will enable Octagon to enjoy same day delivery on parts, helping technicians to fix customers' cars in the convenience of a single visit. Octagon Toyota Bracknell is also delighted to announce the launch of a new Express Servicing option. This features two technicians working on one vehicle, with specialised equipment, in a dedicated express service bay. Express Servicing is designed to speed up the servicing process, increasing workshop capacity and customer satisfaction. For more information contact Octagon Toyota in Bracknell, tel: 01344 789888, or Reading, tel: 0118 9758877.

Lexus

Lexus is known for producing the world's most luxurious, technologically advanced cars. But with the launch of the inspiring IS F sports saloon this spring, its high performance credentials are about to take centre stage.

The flagship model of the brand's new ‘F' marque of unique, high performance cars, the IS F has a specially engineered 5.0 litre V8 engine, delivering an impressive 416 horsepower and accelerating from zero-to-60 in 4.6 seconds. It boasts racetrack-developed suspension and braking, while carbon dioxide emissions of 290g/km ensure that it's not only one of the most powerful sports saloons in its class, it's also one of the cleanest.

Another new addition to the showrooms is this year's Lexus GS 300, which has been upgraded with a direct injection, 3-litre V6 engine designed to provide maximum power and economy with lower emissions. For more information, or to arrange a test drive, contact Lexus Bracknell, tel: 01344 789888, or Reading, tel: 0118 9758877.

New Year at Venus Spa / Venus Beauty Therapy

There's nothing like the New Year to focus your attention on the improvements you'd like to make to your life! And if those improvements involve anything to do with getting fitter, losing weight or simply enjoying a little more ‘me' time, then head down to Venus Spa, at The Swan at Streatley, Venus Beauty Therapy or Waves Health Club at the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell.

If you're quick you might just be in time to take advantage of Waves Health Club's fantastic New Year promotion and become a member without the cost of the £20 joining fee - the offer closes at the end of February. The club has a great range of exercise equipment and facilities, as well as motivating fitness classes such as Zumba, a fun session based on Latin American dance moves.

The sites offer fabulous beauty treatments and pampering therapies. At Venus Beauty Therapy, Decleor's powerfully rejuvenating treatments are available, while at Venus Spa you can unwind with Elemis's range of relaxing face and body treatments.

Also at Venus Spa is a luxurious mineral pool, whirlpool bath, sauna and steam room - in addition to a gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness machines. And to really get you going in the right direction this spring, why not book a session with one of the Spa's personal trainers?

For further information about facilities, prices and membership please contact Venus Spa on 01491 87 800 or Venus Beauty Therapy and Waves Health Club on 01344 303333.

Toyota

Toyota, the world's biggest car manufacturer, has launched three new additions to its favourite models - the SR180 Auris, the RAV 4XT-R and the AYGO Platinum.

The SR180 Auris, available exclusively with a 2.2 180bhp litre diesel engine, comes with 17 inch alloy wheels, an impressive vehicle stability control system with traction control and Toyota Motorsport lowered suspension. It not only feels great to drive - it also looks sensational on the outside with a Toyota Motorsport spoiler and privacy glass, and inside with its silver trim.

With the three-or-five-door AYGO Platinum, Toyota is being especially generous, with over £1,000 of extra kit loaded onto the car for free. The 1.0 litre car features leather upholstery, 14 inch alloys and metallic paint, as well as the AGYO's classic package of six airbags, electric front windows and a CD stereo.

Or why not get the year off to a fantastic start by test driving Toyota's great value RAV4 XT-R? Available in both 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines, the special edition comes with climate and cruise control, stability and traction control, an electric sunroof and metallic paint.

For further information on all these cars, and to arrange a test drive, visit the Octagon Toyota showrooms in Bracknell, tel: 01344 789888, and Reading, tel: 0118 9751300.

Connections - Spring 07 Story (D) Wedding competitions

Two lucky couples celebrating their big day at The Swan at Streatley and the Coppid Beech Hotel will be starting their married life with a wonderful gift after each winning £3,000 from the hotels towards the cost of their weddings.

The generous prizes were given away by the four-star hotels after competitions were run in two local papers - the Newbury Weekly News and the Wokingham Times.

Local couple Nikki Draper and Kevin Bates were the astounded winners of £3,000 towards their wedding at The Swan at Streatley, after being selected at random from a prize draw at the hotel's wedding fair last autumn. They plan on tying the knot this summer and are already working with The Swan to plan their perfect riverside celebration.

And watch this space for an announcement on the winners of the Coppid Beech Hotel's competition. Details of the lucky lovebirds will be published in the next edition of Connections.

With civil licences and superb celebration packages, the Nike Group hotels are perfect wedding venues, whether your taste is for riverside elegance at The Swan at Streatley, or glamorous fun at the Coppid Beech Hotel.

For more information, and to check out the dates of the regular wedding fairs held at the hotels, visit www.coppidbeech.com or www.swan-at-streatley.co.uk or call the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333 and The Swan on 01491 878800.

Easter at the hotels

The official Easter holiday falls early this year, from 21 to 24 March, and there will be plenty to see and do if you book a stay at the Coppid Beech Hotel or The Swan at Streatley.

Bracknell's four-star Coppid Beech Hotel is perfect for families looking for an exciting break. Among its many local attractions the Legoland theme park, in Windsor, is reopening in time for the Easter weekend.

The park has an amazing array of rides and activities for children aged between two and 12, and is also fantastic fun for mums and dads, older siblings and grandparents. And after a busy day at Legoland, a fifteen minute drive will bring you back to the hotel with its wonderful food, spacious rooms and family-friendly swimming pool.

But if you're looking for a more relaxed Easter weekend, the The Swan at Streatley is for you. Located on the banks of the River Thames in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire countryside, it's the perfect retreat for gourmet cuisine and luxurious pampering in its Venus Spa.

The Swan is ideally located for discovering Berkshire's treasures, from a bracing walk along the Ridgeway to exploring Basildon Park, the National Trust property used as a location in the film Pride and Prejudice. The hotel's reception team can also arrange country sports such as shooting, riding and fishing.

Both hotels have also devised exquisite menus to celebrate Easter Sunday which will be served in their two AA rosette restaurants, Rowans at the Coppid Beech Hotel and Cygnetures at The Swan at Streatley. Both are widely known for their passion for using the very best of Berkshire and Oxfordshire's fresh, local produce, so a visit this Easter is sure to delight.

For more information about the Coppid Beech Hotel, visit www.coppidbeech.com or call 01344 303333. Details about The Swan at Streatley are available at www.swanatstreatley.co.uk, or call 01491 878800.

Royal Ascot

For the ultimate combination of edge-of-your-seat racing, glittering socialites, Royal traditions and luxurious style you can't beat Royal Ascot (17 to 21 June). It's a fantastic day out and, if you're travelling from far away, the popular four-star Coppid Beech Hotel in nearby Bracknell makes a great base for your visit.

"We love Royal Ascot time at the hotel - there's always a real buzz of glamour and excitement in the air," said Alan Blenkinsopp, Director of Nike Group Hotels. "And as we're proud to accommodate celebrities, owners and BBC racing commentators, as well as race-goers, you're odds on for spotting some famous faces! But book early - demand for our Ascot packages is always high!"

The hotel, which is a 15 minute drive from the racecourse, has a wide range of facilities to make your stay a pleasure, from the two AA rosette restaurant, Rowans, to its lively nightclub, Après. Waves Health Club is kitted out with a gym, pool, sauna and steam room, and the Venus Beauty Therapy Suite offers sublime face and body treatments.

There's also a live music brasserie, The Keller, which is hosting some great gigs during Royal Ascot week, continuing the fun long after your return from the racecourse.

For more information about the Coppid Beech Hotel's Royal Ascot packages please visit www.coppidbeech.com, phone 01344 303333 or email sales@coppid-beech-hotel.co.uk

New season at The Keller

The new season at The Keller, the Coppid Beech Hotel's live music venue, has kicked off the New Year with a cracking line-up of top bands playing to a packed dance floor every Friday and Saturday night. And there's plenty more where that came from!

One of the upcoming highlights has to be St Patrick's Day on Saturday 15 March. As well as great Irish-themed drink and food promotions, the atmosphere will be amazing as classic rock and pop covers band, Rollercoaster, takes to the floor with its mix of contemporary music and traditional Irish jigs and reels.

The band's violinist is one of the best in the business - he's played for Van Morrison and The Pogue's Shane McGowan - while his music has been featured in the production Riverdance and the film Gladiator!

And after the show, why not pop across to the hotel's nightclub, Après, to carry on dancing until the early hours?

For a full rundown of all the bands playing in The Keller this spring, and ticket prices, visit www.kellerandaprès.co.uk

Easter at JNLs

All six of the nationwide John Nike Leisuresport centres will be running children's activities over the Easter school holidays in April - so there's no excuse for not burning off all the calories from those chocolate Easter eggs!

Each centre offers its own fantastic range of activities and programmes, from single taster sessions and lessons to week-long activity camps offering coaching in ice skating, skiing or snowboarding.

The emphasis is on fun - but parents can be assured that their children are in the safest of hands, with highly qualified, caring instructors leading the sessions. And if your little ones have never tried snowsports before, there's no better place than on the John Nike Leisuresport slopes, with their covering of soft Perma-SnowTM which helps to quickly build confidence and skill.

The centres are also great destinations for a family day out during the holidays. After all, what could be better than an exhilarating session ice skating on the rink or tobogganing or sno-tubing down the slope, followed by a tasty meal in the centre's cafe?

For details on the different activities and facilities available, check out www.jnll.co.uk, or contact your local centre:

Bracknell 01344 789000
Bristol 01179 292148
Chatham 01634 827979
Llandudno 01492 874 707
Plymouth 01752 600220
Swadlincote 01293 217200

Bracknell pantomime review

An enchanted audience of over 3,850 watched spellbound as the magical story of Peter Pan, Bracknell Ice Rink's pre-Christmas pantomime, was brought to life on ice by a cast and crew of over 215.

The tale of the boy who never grew up, written by JM Barrie, has long been a family favourite, with its timeless story and well-loved cast of pirates, lost boys, a crocodile and, of course, Tinkerbell.

"Only a highly talented cast could recreate the book's magic - and the Bracknell performers rose to the challenge magnificently," said Peter Ennals, Manager of Bracknell Ice Rink. "This was our 20th pantomime production and definitely one of the best. Our special charity performance raised over £5,000 for the NSPCC, so everyone who was involved should feel very proud."

Bracknell Ice Skating Club story

The Bracknell Ice Skating Club, based at the town's John Nike Leisuresport centre, has achieved unprecedented success in the Welsh Synchro RJS Championships, with all three of its synchronised skating teams winning gold.

David Phillips, Team Coach, said: "I am overwhelmed! The teams were stunning and performed virtually foot perfect routines. Everyone worked hard to achieve this magnificent success."

Many of the competing skaters were new additions to the teams, having only recently completed their Learn to Skate course at Bracknell Ice Rink. All the teams are now hoping for continued success at forthcoming national and international events.

Launch of Diplomat and Diary Time

Bookings and diary management across the John Nike Leisuresport centres have been transformed, thanks to the development and installation of new software called Diary Time and Diplomat.

The software, created internally by Paul Panayis, IT Manager at the Nike Group, manages all lesson and facility bookings for the centres, which had previously relied on central paper-based diaries. Not only does is this development provide the centres with valuable data for marketing, it also makes responding to customers' booking requirements and queries far more speedy and efficient.