Connections Magazine - Autumn/ Winter 2009

Twenty-five years on

With the approaching age of 75 years one cannot but reflect on the past 45 years of ones life while living in Berkshire within the Bracknell and Wokingham communities. At the raw age of 29 years, when getting married brought one to the area, I did not know how life would pan out for then the horizon was the career move, the new martial status and, in due course, children; a planned family life that was the norm of this time. And, of course, life followed this track and there seemed to be nothing to fear. But then, under the labour Government of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, a recession came about that brought with it a difficult trading period for businesses, particularly those considered to be in the luxury trade, for the Government, as a means of raising funds, introduced its luxury tax: a tax that severely hit businesses selling what was then classified as luxury goods, and this included the garden centre business in the industry that gave me my employment on moving to Berkshire. Sadly, in 1967, just four years since I moved to Berkshire, the local family business collapsed and I had to consider and rethink my future family life.

For someone who had spent the past 10 years training and working as an accountant, this was a whole new ball-game; opportunities arose where I could have taken a job in London but, quite frankly, commuting daily was just not my cup of tea. So I decided instead that I must look for an opportunity, a business opportunity, and I started to search the area for a site on which to establish a new garden centre and tree-growing nursery. This search took me to Amen Corner, where I still am, and I came across the Old Binfield Brickworks, quite ruined by years of inactivity and scarred by the dumping of the New Town development spoils into the old brick clay-pits.

This was an exciting find for I could only see opportunity despite the condition of the ground and buildings; 60 acres of spoiled land adjoining the Bracknell New Town, that was surely an opportunity with great potential for success in the future. For me, the next 20 years of my life was forming in front of my eyes. And so, I set about planning my strategy for the future that I foresaw.

Decisions had to be made and the most important one was to sell our home to provide funds for the purchase of the Old Brickworks site. I had for many months been negotiating with the - investment company that owned the asset, and now reached that time that one always does in a purchase. A deal had been agreed and it was time to show the colour of ones money. Fortunately, the bank was fully behind my plans and, with the sale of the house, there was sufficient money to complete on the deal. The sale of the home did cause a few months of hardship but rented accommodation soon overcame this sticky period.

With the family growing up, I spent many years working hard in a variety of ways to bring the land back into use through reclamation. I suppose that the most gratifying was driving a bulldozer for over four years spreading the imported inert materials to prepare the scarred land for future development. This together with many years of working with the planners on a concept for a leisure centre on part of the Old Brickworks site proved to be a most interesting and satisfying period of my life.

A concept that presented a parkland setting with a dry ski slope, ice rink, garden centre and hotel, a conceptual vision that also included a small business park on the area of the old tile drying sheds. Planning permission for this scheme was finally granted in 1979 after many years of planning submissions.

Also, at this time, with a change in the planning policy for the Amen Corner area, the means to finance the proposal arose. This took place in 1980 when, through obtaining planning permission for commercial development on a large part of the Old Brickworks site in Amen Corner, a sale to Hewlett Packard took place. This assured the funds to develop the John Nike Leisuresport Complex.

A facility for the community run as a private business but subsidised heavily to provide the leisure complex we see today, a facility that was built not only for Bracknell but also for our neighbouring town and district of Wokingham. Even the wider communities would be able to enjoy the pastimes of ice-skating and skiing at the John Nike Leisuresport Complex.

A comfortable outlook one would say - more Bracknell than Wokingham, but it is my belief that I serve both, if not the wider communities, as well. In 1985, the ski centre in Bracknell opened, after an interesting planning period, and the linked ice rink, then under construction, opened in 1987, the complex providing a welcomed and essential leisure facility for the community.

I well remember the first Christmas period arriving and my crushing realisation that the children receiving ice skates as their Christmas present would not be able to have that Christmas morning adrenalin rush of jumping out of bed to enjoy their presents.

My decision was quick and easy, to open the rink, free of charge, as a Christmas present to the whole community; to welcome not only those that received ice skates but also to welcome those that would simply like to be up and about on Christmas morning enjoying life through leisure and pleasure. What better than family ice-skating on Christmas Day - a traditional festive family day?

I have great joy as the Christmas period approaches for I know that the ice rink I developed 25 years ago is still bringing great joy to so many. Snow White on Ice is this year's pantomime, the 22nd production to be presented at the Bracknell Ice Rink, performed by our magnificent Bracknell Ice Skating Club members who have been training for this moment for most of the past year. As one production finishes another begins! These are amateur productions that have all the class of professional productions through the talents of the performers, the teachings of the tutors, the caring of the parents, and the enthusiasm and skills of the behind-the-scenes team.

It is over this 25-year period that I have seen many changes happen in Bracknell for community growth and the improvement in the town and borough facilities but the one great improvement needed is still being sidelined by failures in the political system.

In June 1989, the Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Town & Country newspaper proudly ran an article that announced 'NEW PLANS FOR TOWN CENTRE' which stated that the Borough Council "has now turned the spotlight on the town centre itself" following the success of the Peel Centre provision that has significantly boosted the shopping facilities available.

Twenty years ago, this announcement seemed to greatly state that Bracknell was moving forward from the 'new town' identification of the fifties with proposals, not only for modernising the town centre, but with new housing proposals under a revised version of the North Bracknell Local Plan. We have seen during this 20-year period developments of housing at Jigs Lane, Warfield; Lawrence's Brickworks and adjoining land; enlargement of Bullbrook, Jock's Lane, Binfield; recent development of the Royal Air Force Staff College and Jennetts Park, to name but a few. Linked with this large increase in population growth commercial development has taken place in an effort to keep pace with employment requirements. All of this has brought significant improvements to the Borough of Bracknell Forest.

What is missing? A town centre that can be proudly shown off to one and all! It is not the fault of the local authority planners or councillors. It is not the fault of the development consortium that has spent years bringing about a redevelopment scheme that will invigorate Bracknell. It is the fault of the Government in firstly frustrating the proposals that have been tabled over the several years, then through not controlling the economy and bringing about the ?credit crunch' that has financially frustrated the will for further investment at this time.

So what can we, the business and residential communities, do? Can we not form a pressure group to support the blooming of Bracknell through encouraging the blue chip retailers to engage with the Bracknell Forest Borough Council and the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership to invest in this town? Can we not continually tempt the well-known retailers with our support to let them know that the community of Bracknell is waiting for their 'coming'? Can we not urge them to conjoin in talks with the Regeneration Team? As in any walk of life it is encouragement that brings results so let us encourage attention to this unique town of Bracknell - a town of opportunity. Let us en-masse encourage the investment by businesses in the retail space and space for new bars, cafes, restaurants, and leisure and entertainment facilities. I know that I want to see a buzzing Bracknell town centre, a modern town centre that remains open and alive throughout the evening and weekend. Don't you?

I wonder if there is perhaps a place for a co-operative approach - an opportunity for the community members to buy investment shares in the regeneration, say one million shares at £100, a community stake of £100,000,000. Ten thousand community members buying 10,000 £1 shares each would bring in this amount. The more community investors, the more "realisable funding" availability. This is just a thought but I would be very happy to join a co-operative if it means the Bracknell Town Centre will be fully developed in the next three to five years.

It may seem that I have strayed but I have not for I have greatly invested in Bracknell and I want the investment to grow in value, I want my family to continue to benefit from the area and to be able provide a benefit for the area. To do this we must regenerate now. Any takers?

While you ponder, I do hope you enjoy this edition of Connections and will enjoy what is on offer over the festive season from the Nike Group of Companies based in Bracknell and elsewhere.

Do have a super, restful Christmas and an Exceptional and Prosperous New Year.

John Nike OBE DL

Group Chairman

Get your dancing shoes on!

Berkshire's party faithful are invited to rock around the Christmas tree at The Keller and Après nightclub this festive season.

The two venues, at Bracknell's Coppid Beech Hotel, provide the perfect location for a Christmas or New Year get together.

If you are planning a midweek celebration, The Keller is offering a festive three-course dinner with crackers accompanied by the sounds of its resident DJ. Starting on 26 November, this offer runs every Wednesday and Thursday until 17 December and costs £25 per person.

However, if you are more of a weekend person, Keller Christmas Party nights start on 27 November and run every Friday and Saturday until 19 December. Costing £31.50 a head, the evening includes food, live music and a DJ and the chance to dance the night away in Après.

When it comes to New Year's Eve, there is an evening of double delight on offer: start at The Keller with top tribute act, Robbing Williams, and live music from the Hitmen; and finish at Après with a resident DJ spinning the decks. A joint ticket for both venues costs just £15 but if you buy it before 1 December it will only cost £10! So, if 'silent nights' are not your thing, book early on 01344 303333 or email christmas@coppidbeech.com to avoid disappointment.

Kids have fun on the slopes

If you're looking for some great winter fun to keep your children busy during the Christmas school holidays get down to one of the John Nike Leisuresport centres dotted around the country.

Over the Christmas holidays the centres - in Bracknell, Bristol, Chatham, Llandudno, Plymouth and Swadlincote - will be running a programme of activities including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, sno-tubing, skating and ice hockey.

These programmes include individual sessions where your little ones can learn a new skill, such as skiing, to multi-activity camps. Qualified instructors run the sessions to ensure that in whatever activity your child is taking part, they will have a wonderful time.

Here are some of the events planned for the Christmas period

Bracknell

Bracknell John Nike Leisuresport centre is running Multi Activity Camps for eight to 14-year-olds where, amongst other things, they can have a go at ice skating, skiing and sno-tubing. The children can be dropped off at the centre at 8am and collected at 6pm and they will be given a hot lunch to keep them fuelled with energy. All day ski and snowboard camps will also be available.

Llandudno

This year the team at Llandudno will be holding Christmas themed fun races for both adult and junior Ski Club regulars that will include fancy dress and slalom races, and a hot chocolate and mince pie break! The ever-popular Combo deals will be available where you can choose from tobogganing, sno-tubing and golf - the more you do, the more you save.

Christmas Fondues evenings will be on offer during the festive period. You will be greeted with a glass of mulled wine, followed by the classic Swiss Fondue finished off with apple strudel or Christmas pudding. These evening are very popular for parties with family, friends and work colleagues so book early to avoid disappointment. Combine with an activity to have a Christmas party with a difference.

Swadlincote

The team at the Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre is holding children's Fun Activity Days, for eight to 16-year-olds, from 21 December 2009 to 4 January 2010 and the popular Race Training Days will be ongoing during the winter holiday season at which participants can learn all about ski racing. These are fun for all the family as they cater for any age from five to 75. The Fun Activity days and the Race Training Days start at 11am and finish at 5pm and cost just £25.50 per day, per person including lunch.

To find out what's going on over the Christmas period at your local John Nike Leisuresport centre or, if you are interested in making a booking, call one of the following numbers or log onto www.jnll.co.uk Bracknell: 01344 789000

Bristol: 0117 929 2148

Chatham: 01634 827979

Llandudno: 01492 874707

Plymouth: 01752 600220

Swadlincote: 01283 217200

Thrills and temptations for all the family

If 'ooh-ing' and 'aah-ing' at fireworks is your passion, LEGOLAND Windsor is the place to visit this autumn, with spectacular Indiana Jones fireworks displays on Saturday 24, Sunday 25, Friday 30 and Sunday 1 and Saturday 7 November.

So what better way is there to keep your 'little horrors' amused this Halloween than with an action packed day at LEGOLAND Windsor complete with a spectacular fireworks display, rounded off with a stay at one of Berkshire leading four-star hotels? Families are invited to join in the fun at the Coppid Beech hotel's LEGOLAND Halloween Weekend, from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November.

From £110 a family can enjoy one night's accommodation in a spacious family room with full English breakfast the next morning. Also included is free use of the hotel's leisure facilities, including a children's pool, and complementary car parking.

The hotel is only 15 minutes from the amusement park where families of all ages can enjoy over 50 interactive attractions, rides and shows guaranteed to keep you entertained.

And after a hectic day full of thrills and spills at LEGOLAND, just call room service on your return to the hotel and hot chocolate with marshmallows will be delivered to your room for the little ones to enjoy.

Easter 2010.... Look out for our fantastic offers and prices for Easter in the next edition of Connections.

For more information or to book a package, call the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333, log on to www.coppidbeech.com or email reservations@coppidbeech.com

New Toyota Prius takes to the road

The best has just got better with the launch of the new third generation Toyota Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive now in the showrooms of Octagon Toyota in Bracknell and Reading.

The cutting-edge hybrid technology combines petrol and electric power. The smooth running 1.8 litre engine will take you from 0 to 62mph in 10.4 seconds and gives 72.4 miles per gallon (combined cycle). Its performance and economy are enhanced by its exceptionally sleek profile making the Prius one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world.

This clever family car has a whole host of features delivered to your fingertips. The Eco Drive Monitor tells you how economically you are driving, while the heads-up display means you never have to take your eyes off the road for essential driving information such as speed and navigation. And, a world first from Toyota, with just one touch to the steering wheel mounted buttons and the button cluster appears in a high-mounted display so you never have to look down at them.

As expected with a car of this calibre it includes many advanced safety features, all fitted as standard, giving it five stars in Euro NCAP safety rankings. These include emergency brake signalling to the car behind you, driving stability, multiple air bags, active headrests that move forward when they sense an impact reducing the space between them and your head, pedestrian protection and protective body structure with special side-impact support boxes.

The Toyota Prius is easy to drive. It does all the thinking for you switching between electricity and petrol power to ensure you get the most economical drive. And you never need to charge the battery as it gathers surplus energy generated from braking and exhaust heat. Its exceptionally low CO2 emissions mean that there is no road fund licence to pay.

To take a look at the new Toyota Prius or to arrange a test drive, visit the Octagon Toyota showrooms in Bracknell, telephone 01344 789888, and Reading, 0118 975 1300.

Customers keep returning to Jubilee Building Supplies

Jubilee Building Supplies, Bracknell, has experienced high sales during the summer months, only marginally down on the same period last year, despite the current recession.

Peter White, Manager, explained: "This achievement is due to the high quality of staff and the expert advice they can offer which keeps our customers returning to us for all their building requirements. We also have a very good, flexible delivery and collection service to ensure you receive your goods when you need them."

The bathroom showroom has recently been refitted and is now displaying a new range of models. If you need some help with designing and fitting a new bathroom, Paul Harrison, Showroom Manager, has many years of experience and will be happy to assist.

Jubilee Building Supplies offer a wide range of paving slabs, circles, trellis, fencing panels and sleepers and carries a large selection of bricks, blocks, aggregates, drainage and general building materials in stock.

For offers and a full list of products available log on to the website www.jubileebuildingsupplies.co.uk, telephone 01344 789400 or call in to the shop at Phoenix Business Park, John Nike Way, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 8TN.

Nike Design gives Bridgend a facelift

Nike Design has been involved for the past two years in a project to give a facelift to the conservation area in the centre of Bridgend. The scheme, called the Town Heritage Initiative, is grant funded and has resulted in many buildings within the area being restored to their former glory and improved the street scene in the centre of town.

The rear of some of these buildings have been given a new prominence with the opening of a new river walk, again promoted by Bridgend Council with grants. The novel scheme entails a lightweight structure cantilevered off the river flood defence wall.

Chris Skilton, Operations Director at Nike Design said: "It is interesting to watch the transformation that is taking place with tatty back yards turning into beer gardens and restaurant terraces, all adding to the general upgrading of the town's facilities."

PERMA-SNOWTM goes 'green'

PERMA-SNOWtm, the revolutionary ski slope surface manufactured by Techmat, has recently been installed on the 3,500 sq m main slope of the John Nike Leisuresport centre at Chatham. Due to the ease of installation of the PERMA-SNOWtm system, it has been installed by Chatham's own employees.

Techmat has also supplied the PERMA-SNOWtm system to the Pendle Ski Club, in Clitheroe, to cover the nursery slope, but to comply with local planning regulations the surface is green in colour. This is a repeat order and forms part of a rolling out programme by the Club to replace all the slopes on site with PERMA-SNOWtm over a period of three years.

Midlothian Ski Centre, Hillend, wrote to Techmat following the successful delivery of 2,300 sq m of Skitech Diamond matting. The Centre, which is one of Techmat's biggest and most regular customers, thanked them for delivering the order on time and for meeting their exacting quality standards.

Lightfoots leads the way

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RFTO) was adopted by the UK in 2008 and placed a requirement on fuel suppliers to ensure a certain percentage of their sales included biofuels. The result of this is that by 2010 five per cent of all fuel sold at petrol station forecourts has to come from a renewable source. To meet this requirement Lightfoots petrol stations in Crowthorne and Bracknell have undergone preparations for them to receive deliveries of, and store, biofuels.

"The work at Crowthorne was completed in the summer," said Greg Walsh, Manager of Lightfoots and, as Connections went to press, final preparations were being completed at Bracknell.

"It means that up to five per cent of the fuel that our customers put in their vehicles will come from bio-ethanol, an alcohol mixed with petrol that is made from processing plant material," explained Greg.

You're invited to a party

It's time to get your Christmas party hats on! So, whether you're hosting an intimate gathering of friends and family, or a big bash for the whole office, the Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley have the perfect 'menu' for you.

Party time!

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

There's a range of private dining facilities for parties of eight to 250. A three-course dinner party package is available Monday to Thursday and includes free entry to Apres nightclub for just £29 per person. If you prefer a Friday or Saturday night, the event includes your own DJ for £34.95 per person.

For a seasonal dinner in Rowans, the hotel's restaurant, you can chose to celebrate with a three-course meal between Monday and Thursday for £29 per person or enjoy an evening that includes free entry to Apres nightclub for just £34.95 per person.

Fire and Ice party nights await those who choose to get together at The Swan at Streatley nestled on the banks of the River Thames in the beautiful Berkshire countryside. Available throughout December, the themed events are ideal for parties wanting to accommodate anything from 10 to 130 people.

The evening includes a three-course festive dinner with coffee and mince pies, then dancing the night away to the hotel's resident DJ the 'Iceman' all for just £34.95 per head.

Bring in 2010 in style...

See in the New Year with a bang! The Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley are both hosting fabulous black tie Gala Dinner Dances to see out the old and bring in the new. Champagne and canapés will be followed by a gourmet banquet, and dancing to a live band and disco. Guests at the Coppid Beech Hotel will also be able to try their hands at the casino tables! Tickets at The Swan are £95 per adult if booked before 1 December, and £99 there after. Tickets at the Coppid Beech are £99 per adult.

A traditional Christmas with all the trimmings

Anyone longing for a truly luxurious and hassle-free Christmas will find what they're looking for at The Swan at Streatley's House Party. From a traditional afternoon tea on Christmas Eve to a sumptuous Boxing Day dinner in the beautiful, riverside Cygnetures restaurant, guests will be wined, dined and entertained in effortless comfort.

Accommodation is in beautiful bedrooms, all of which 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 another mince pie!

The cost of the three-night Christmas House Party is £295 per adult. Book before 1 December and you'll enjoy an additional night's bed and breakfast, compliments of the house!

The Big Day itself

Sit down to enjoy Christmas Day lunch with your family and friends rather than miss out on the fun being stuck in the kitchen!

The Coppid Beech Hotel will be hosting a magnificent feast in Rowans, the Hotel's award winning restaurant (for £79 per adult and £35 per child), and in the more informal Sequoia Suite (for £70 per adult and £35 per child). Entertainment will include a Buck's Fizz reception, live music, table entertainers and festive table novelties!

The Swan at Streatley will be serving a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings in the riverside Cygnetures restaurant (for £85 per adult and £42.50 per child under 12) or the stylish Icknield Suite (for £69.95 per adult and £34.95 per child under 12). Dinners in both rooms will receive a special visit from 'you know who'!

To check availability, book your festive celebration or download a Christmas brochure, log on to www.coppidbeech.com or www.swanatstreatley.co.uk. To get further information call the Coppid Beech Hotel on 01344 303333, email christmas@coppidbeech.com or The Swan at Streatley on 01491 878800, email christmas@swan-at-streatley.co.uk

Snow White takes to the ice

'Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho it's off to work we go' with this years pantomime-on-ice, Snow White, at the John Nike Leisuresport centre in Bracknell.

Over 140 members of the Bracknell Ice Skating Club will be taking part in the timeless fairytale classic that is sure to delight children and adults alike. The show runs from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 December, with two performances taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket prices range from £8.15 to £12.99 and family tickets, for two adults and two children, are £31 for seats downstairs and £36 for seats upstairs.

The pantomime on ice has become a tradition for the community in the Bracknell and surrounding area and is a very popular festive event so make sure you get you tickets early to avoid disappointment. To book your tickets simply call in to the centre or telephone the main number 01344 789000, or call the dedicated ticket line on 01344 789020 and leave your name and contact details and someone will call you back.

Ski wear goes on-line

Leisuresport World has just launched its exciting new website where you can view and purchase all its skating, skiing and outdoor casual wear products that you find in its shops.

"This is great for our customers as they are now able to see our full range of products 24-hours a day, and shop at a time when it suits them," said Alan Connor, Manager of Leisuresport World. "Before the launch of this website our customers only had access to a small range of items on sale on the internet through ebay." Log on to www.leisuresportworld.co.uk to view the new website and for details of items on sale click though to the ebay shop.

Don't miss out on the Leisuresport World sales if you're heading for the slopes this winter season. Plymouth Novotel Hotel, just a stones throw from the John Nike Leisuresport centre, is the venue for the pre-season sale on 31 October and 1 November and the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell, opens its doors to bargain seekers on 20, 21 and 22 November. New Year sales will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Guilford, Surrey, on 16 and 17 January, and at the Coppid Beech Hotel on 29, 30 and 31 January. Your last chance to bag a bargain will be at the end of season sale on 27 and 28 March at the Coppid Beech Hotel.

For more information about Leisuresport World log on to www.leisuresportworld.co.uk or telephone 01344 789123.

Hotels launch live booking system

Modern day living is all about convenience and speed. Getting things done at the 'push of a button' has become the norm with internet shopping and the Coppid Beech Hotel and The Swan at Streatley have followed suit with a live booking system coming on-line this autumn on their websites.

The four-star Berkshire hotels have done a lot of work over the last 12 months to make their websites more customer-friendly. A stylish new look led the way when it was launched last year and the upgraded on-line booking system is the latest innovation.

Alan Blenkinsopp, Operations Director, told Connections: "Guests have been able to use the website to book accommodation for some time but the upgrade will take it a significant step further.

"Guests will now be able to book and pay for all elements of their stay - be it reserving a table in one of our wonderful restaurants, tickets for a live band in The Keller, treatments in the health spa, flowers, Champagne, wine or chocolates for the room - before they even step through the door. This means that all they need to do when they arrive is unpack, unwind and enjoy their stay."

Log on to www.coppidbeech.com or www.swanatstreatley.co.uk to take a look at what's on offer.

A spectacular night in store for Bracknell

Put Saturday 7 November at 7pm in you diary for a night that is guaranteed to go off with a bang! John Nike Leisureport centre is once again hosting an amazing free firework display for the local people of Bracknell to enjoy.

"This is a really popular event that usually draws a crowd of 2,000 to 4,000 people," said George Black, Manager at the centre. The evening kicks off with a skiing display after which the touch paper is lit at 7.30pm and the first firework launches into the sky. "It is a fabulous display lasting for about 20 minutes and, as the fireworks are launched from the top of the ski slope, everyone is assured of a great view," explained George.

Spectators will be asked to dig deep to donate to this year's chosen charity, the Berkshire Community Foundation that provides grants to small voluntary groups that work in the local community.

Creative conferences, keenly priced

In the current climate of sensible spending for both small and large multi national organisations alike it is comforting to know that the Coppid Beech Hotel is committed to helping its corporate guests get the most out of their conferencing budgets. And, that keeping an eye on costs doesn't mean taking your eye off creativity and entertainment.

Alan Blenkinsopp, Operations Director, explained: "We like to think of ourselves as a one-stop-shop for conference organisers to help them get the most out of their money without compromising on the finished product. All the elements of a corporate event - from good standards of food and accommodation to spacious meeting rooms and fun team building or downtime activities - can be organised and paid for in one place. The conferencing team takes on the brief, puts in the hard work behind the scenes, sees that the event runs smoothly and produces just one bill at the end."

The modern Alpine architecture of the Bracknell-based, four-star hotel gives a clue to its unusual corporate events menu. Ice karting, broomball, winter Olympics, ski and snowboard lessons, fondue evenings or a night out enjoying the thrills and spills of a national ice hockey match are just 100m from the hotel at the John Nike Leisure Centre. With its Olympic size ice rink and 160m main slope, the centre provides a wonderland of winter sports team building opportunities.

Helping to keep delegates 'eye on the ball', Amen Corner Golf Range is within a few minutes walk of the hotel's front door. These facilities are frequently used by the conferencing team to host activities such as archery, laser clay shooting, as well as target golf.

Alternatively, the hotel's conferencing team can organise a wide range of unusual tailor-made events using the facilities literally on its doorstep. For example, theme nights in its live music venue, The Keller; casino nights in Apres nightclub; 4x4 off-road driving on an established course; or team sports played out in the Coppid Beech Hotel's own 15-acre activity field.

To find out more or to talk through some conferencing ideas call the conferencing team on 01344 303333 or log on to www.coppidbeech.com

Pick up a bargain

Don't miss out on the Leisuresport World sales if you're heading for the slopes this winter season. Plymouth Novotel Hotel, just a stones throw from the John Nike Leisuresport centre, is the venue for the pre-season sale on 31 October and 1 November and the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell, opens its doors to bargain seekers on 20, 21 and 22 November. New Year sales will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Guilford, Surrey, on 16 and 17 January, and at the Coppid Beech Hotel on 29, 30 and 31 January. Your last chance to bag a bargain will be at the end of season sale on 27 and 28 March at the Coppid Beech Hotel. For more information about Leisuresport World log on to www.leisuresportworld.co.uk or telephone 01344 789123.