Connections Magazine - Spring 2009

John Nike's column

With winter almost over and the colours of spring already showing, it is a time for finding renewed energy to cope with the present economic climate and the difficulties this is bringing to the many. Right at this moment I would rather see banks of spring splendour if I have to think of banks at all. Just a year or so ago, life seemed so easy with financial wizardry allowing the community to invest in bricks and mortar; spend on household devices to make life far more comfortable; visit the pubs and restaurants weekly or more so to enjoy leisure and pleasure; but now reality has taken over. No, money doesn't grow on trees it has to be earned within a world economy that maintains a level of common sense. Leveraging portfolios of assets on a saleable marketplace without sensible controls simply leads to an overvaluation that eventually implodes causing a weakness in the economy that awakes a volcanic eruption around the world. Did none of the financial institutions consider the historical track of a recessional period every 15 to 16 years and take account of this history. Surely, the economists were shouting their heads off with the cry of ‘beware'! Did the Government not realise that things were too good to be true? Now look at the mess!

Families are being ejected from their homes and put asunder. Homes are being boarded up at the behest of the banks and financial institutions as they ‘rot away' rather than a coming to terms with the borrower during the difficult period. Surely, better a caring caretaker than a hoard of squatters breaking in to take over. What will be the lost value of a reclaimed property sold at auction or otherwise at greatly reduced prices because of shortsightedness? Who will eventually suffer the losses? Not the Governments who are stepping in to support the banking structure for they rely on their finance from the taxpayer. That's right! It will be you in one way or another.

Yes, there will be losers through the loss of their investments; the loss of income from their invested savings; the loss of family businesses that have been the backbone of Britain for centuries. And why? Was it a greed that spread around the world for making easy money or was it simply a gathering that wished to ride the Merry-go-round of profitability through the investment of borrowed money? Whichever, the result has been devastating. So, who has the money? It appears that it is not the banks for they simply helped to make it disappear. It is not the Pharaohs for they buried theirs centuries ago. It is the investors, both business and individual, who have such great money wealth that knowledge of the amount will simply make most people gasp. This money wealth has been withdrawn from circulation to be no longer available on the money market – why take a greater risk – at this time. This means that there is a shortfall of money to lend forcing the banks to take such actions whereby only a crippling of the economy can result from such actions. A crippling of our communities; our charities; our businesses; and a maiming of our local authorities while waiting for a passing of the tide of liposuction. The fat of the land is being sucked out and with this the crash of so many familiar businesses. Who would have thought that Woolworth's would disappear from our high streets? There have been many others and there will be more for the recessional times have a way to run before there is a turnaround. We will come out of it leaner and fitter so perhaps the liposuction will have worked, but only worked at the loss of so much; the fat of the land. In time these losses will be replaced with renewed energy, and times of comfort will return but will we have learned the lesson? Will we recognise the approach of the next recessional period or will doom and gloom return to hurt again?

Who will be the watchdog? Isn't it up to all to look for the early signs of danger? Yes, I think it is, but many are more qualified than the others and it is up to those persons to alert us to a danger when it arises. The World Economists should take on this role as they did before but it needs a louder voice, a stricter regime of controls throughout the financial institutions and Government, and a greater understanding by all to protect society from foundering again in the depths of the unknown.

Of course, life goes on and a recovery will come around so lets look forward to a great summer with warmth that re-energises our zest for life. A zest that the Nike Group of Companies can help to provide, through its outlets of pleasure and leisure that you will find outlined in this edition of Connections.

John Nike OBE DL
Chairman

Ascot

Think of thoroughbred horses, glasses of bubbly, posh frocks and big hats and Ascot racecourse immediately springs to mind. This year if you want to enjoy all that Royal Ascot (Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 June) has to offer – both the on-course action and the glamorous social scene away from the racecourse – then there's no better place to stay than the four-star Coppid Beech Hotel located just a 15 minute drive away from the track.

The premier event of the racing year is one of the highlights of the hotel's annual calendar, and hoards of race goers return year after year to enjoy all that's on offer. "We love Royal Ascot time at the hotel – there's always a real buzz of glamour and excitement in the air," said Alan Blenkinsopp, Operations Director. "And as we're proud to accommodate celebrities, trainers, owners and BBC racing commentators you're odds on for spotting some famous faces.”

This year even the hotel's accommodation packages having a distinctly racing theme, named after jockey's silks. Punters can chose from:

Red Spot
Midweek double room with three-course dinner and full English breakfast

Pink Polka Dot
Midweek double room including full English breakfast

White with Green Squares
Midweek single room with three-course dinner and full English breakfast

Blue Stripes
Midweek single room including full English breakfast

Purple on Pink
Weekend double room with three-course dinner and full English breakfast

Green Spots with Blue Stripes
Weekend double room including full English breakfast

Red on Green
Weekend single room with three-course dinner and full English breakfast

Purple on White
Weekend single room including full English breakfast

Once the day's racing has finished, the hotel's Lounge Bar will be THE place to relax after a day at the racecourse. A Jazz trio will provide entertainment from 9pm on Wednesday and for those that enjoy the finer things in life, the well known chain of fish restaurants, Loch Fyne, is providing an Oyster Bar service to your table on Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 10pm.

For those that want to celebrate into the evening then the hotel's live music venue, The Keller, will be playing host to some great entertainment including Robbing Williams – one of the country's finest Robbie Williams tribute acts – on Friday 19 June. And if you want to carry on until the early hours head on over to Après, the hotel's nightclub, where you can dance till you drop!

For more information about all the events taking place at the Coppid Beech Hotel during Royal Ascot week either call 01344 303333 or log on to www.coppidbeech.com

JNLL summer events

If you're looking for ideas to keep the kids entertained this summer, that are affordable, check out what is going on at your local John Nike Leisuresport centre – skiing, snowboarding, sno-tubing, tobogganing are just some of the activities available. Whether you're a complete beginner or wanting to take your skills to the next level, the centres offer tuition for everyone and if you're at competition standard, or just want to spectate for inspiration, many of the centres also host ski and snowboarding competitions.

John Nike Leisuresport teaches more people to ski and snowboard than anyone else in the UK so go on line or pick up the phone to your nearest centre to see what's going on.

Bracknell

John Nike Leisuresport centre Bracknell is hosting this year's freestyle ski and snowboard competition on 16 May from 12 noon. If you would like to learn freestyle look out for the Grom Freeski Camps returning this summer.

Ski and Snowboard Camps and Activity Camps will be running over the spring half term and the summer holidays. The camps are available for any standard and beginners can progress up the levels by booking a series of courses. Ski and Snowboard camps are just £35 per day, per person, including lunch. Try ice skating, sno-tubing, skiing, broomball and more, at the Activity Camps costing just £29.50 per day or £118 for a week, per person.

The popular Family Fun Days will be running on weekends throughout July, August and September. A family of four can enjoy one hours ice skating, a one hour beginner ski lesson and one hour sno-tubing for just £15 per person. And once you've built up an appetite take advantage of the family meal deals in the café – a family of four can eat for just £9.95. This year Pantomime at Bracknell Ice Rink is Snow White on Ice and will run from 9 to 13 December 2009. Tickets will go on sale in May so don't delay in booking your seats as they sell out fast!

Bristol

Staff at Bristol John Nike Leisuresport centre have been getting involved with local community activities. Eddie Pearson, Manager, has been giving talks on marketing and theft to students studying for their GCSE in Business Studies. The team has also been working with local sports development teams as part of a government initiative Sports Unlimited which encourages kids to exercise for five hours a week. The centre applied for, and was awarded, a grant that covers the entrance fee to the rink and the cost of teaching 50 children a week, for eight weeks, how to skate.

Over the holidays the weeklong Summer Hockey Academy will be running for under 18s.

Chatham

This summer Chatham John Nike Leisuresport centre is again proud to be working with Snow-Camp, a charity that works with young people from inner city areas giving them the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard. Over 400 young people visited the centre last year and it is hoped a similar number will be doing the same again this year. Andy Rushton, Manager, said: “We have forged a really good partnership with the Charity and we are looking to get involved in other events to help promote the sport and our facilities.”

The ever popular Cresta Run at Chatham will be 10 years old this year and the centre is hoping to see its millionth rider go down the run this summer. “The ride is even more popular now than when we first opened and it is an integral part of the centre's business,” said Andy. The ride is the longest of its type in the UK at 650m and customers travel from all over the South East to have a go!

Llandudno

The end of April saw Llandudno John Nike Leisuresport centre host the North Wales schools slalom event in which approximately 50 participants took part. The Disability Snow Sport UK skiathon takes part from 10 to 15 May so if you want to do your bit for charity get some sponsors, put your skis on and glide down the slope – skiers of all abilities are welcome.

If you would like to have a go at skiing or snowboarding but have never plucked up the courage to book a lesson, now is the perfect opportunity with Llandudno's one-hour taster lessons. Skiing lessons are £12 for juniors (eight to 16 year-olds), £16 for adults, and snowboarding is £14 for juniors (10 to 16 year-olds) and £17 for adults.

Available every day, all year round are the great value for money combo tickets. Mix and match on what you would like to do from tobogganing, sno-tubing and golf, and the more you do, the more you save.

Plymouth

There's plenty going on this summer at Plymouth's John Nike Leisuresport centre with Activity Days running for the children, that include ski and snowboard lessons, taking on the challenge of the Cresta Run toboggan ride and sno-tubing. And for mums and dads who want to join in the fun and take to the slopes, the Family Fun Days running throughout the summer months are sure to get their pulses racing!

Swadlincote

The last few months have seen some very successful events being held at the Swadlincote John Nike Leisuresport centre. February saw Air Bag night and the Kings Ski Club Race when University race teams from Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Southampton and Reading went head to head down a triple slalom – the first triple slalom in 12 years at Swadlincote and the first ever using PERMA-SNOWTM. The Wham Bam Swad Jam in March celebrated the annual end of season freestyle jam and Fun Activity Days ran through the Easter holidays in April. Looking ahead and another Air Bag night is planned in May and fun Activity Days will be running throughout the school holidays – ski or snowboard sessions with tobogganing and sno-tubing will be on offer for all abilities and at the end of the day participants will be awarded with a certificate and a badge. And if you're looking for something new to try sno-tubing and tobogganing combo deals run every weekend.

If you would like more details or want to make a booking for any of the events or activities mentioned please contact your local centre or for more information log on to their website.

Bracknell 01344 789000
www.bracknellskislope.co.uk.co.uk

Bristol 01179 292148
www.bristolicerink.com.co.uk

Chatham 01634 827979
www.chathamskislope.co.uk.co.uk

Llandudno 01492 874707
www.llandudnoskislope.co.uk.co.uk

Plymouth 01752 600220
www.plymouthskislope.co.uk.co.uk

Swadlincote 01293 217200
www.swadlincoteskislope.co.uk

Toyota IQ

In these difficult financial times it is important to be clever with your money and get every last drop of value out of your pounds and pence. And buying a car is no exception – whether you evaluate it's purchase price or the cost of keeping it on the road, economy is the name of the game.

Toyota has recognised the consumers' needs for efficiencies and come up with an answer of its own, the IQ. In their words, the company has designed a car with true flexibility and groundbreaking technology – something that is intelligent and unique.

For a small car it certainly packs a punch in its perfectly formed frame that measures less than 3m long and 1.68m wide! With a top speed of over 90mph and an urban fuel consumption of 57.6mpg, the 1.0 litre IQ's price tag starting at £9,450 is pleasing to the bank balance as well as the eye.

And its diminutive size doesn't mean it's vulnerable. To make sure the driver and passengers are secure the IQ has nine airbags on board, strategically positioned to provide protection at every angle. In fact, the rear window curtain airbag is the first of its kind!

For exceptional manoeuvrability, particularly the demands of urban parking, the car can almost turn on itself with a 3.9m turning circle.

Being a ‘small car' doesn't mean that it loses any of its guts when it comes to performance. Driving pleasure has been accommodated hand-in-hand with the demand for eco driving. A tough call but one that Toyota has more than mastered with CO2 emissions slashed to 99 g/km, the first time a four-seater petrol car has broken this barrier.

The list of IQ features fitted as standard is almost as long as the car itself! From 15" alloy wheels, privacy glass, power door locks and keyless entry to manual air-conditioning, electric windows and six-speaker radio/CD player with MP3, WMA readability, it's hard to see how Toyota packs it all in.

Seeing is definitely believing so to find out more about the cost saving benefits of owning a Toyota IQ and arrange a test drive, call Octagon Toyota in Bracknell on 01344 789888, or Reading on 0118 9751300.

Jubilee Building Supplies

With long-range weather forecasters predicting a good summer this year, now is the time to get your garden looking tip-top so you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour when the sun makes its appearance.

Jubilee Building Supplies, on John Nike Way, Bracknell, is just the place to visit to get inspiration and purchase all the materials needed for hard landscaping your outdoor space.

Peter White, Manager, said: “With our huge range of decking systems, decorative paving, fencing and aggregates we have something for all tastes and budgets to make your garden your very own piece of paradise. And if you're looking for some inspiration, the indoor display area is perfect for getting some ideas, whatever the weather!”

Jubilee Building Supplies is open for both domestic and trade customers and its experts are always on hand should you need some advice on how best to tackle a project.

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

Weddings

Your wedding day should be the happiest of your life but for many couples money stresses can cast a shadow over the arrangements. So, for an out of this world wedding at a down to earth price The Swan at Streatley and The Coppid Beech Hotel have a range of all-inclusive wedding packages.

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

The day can be made really special with individual touches like holding the ceremony on board the stunningly ornate Magdalen College barge, permanently moored alongside the hotel.

The hotel has function rooms to accommodate up to 130 people, and 45 luxurious bedrooms, each with views of the river or countryside. Guests can make the most of the facilities – enjoying a meal in the award-winning, riverside Cygnetures restaurant, taking an electric launch up the river, or pampering themselves in the Venus Spa.

Weddings at The Swan at Streatley have proved so popular that only a few dates remain in 2009 for its inclusive wedding packages:

Cygnet Package
40 daytime guests, 100 evening guests
Includes a civil ceremony on the unique Magdalen College Barge and exclusive use of Cygnetures restaurant for the wedding breakfast

Swan Package
80 daytime guests, 120 evening guests
Includes a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast in the Icknield Suite

Both packages also include:

Menu tasting for the wedding couple in the 2 rosette awarded Cygnetures restaurant
The services of a dedicated wedding co-ordinator and banqueting manager to act as toastmaster
Use of the stunning grounds for photography
Champagne on arrival and for toasts
Three course wedding breakfast with a half bottle of wine per guest
Table flowers, printed place cards, menus and table plan
Evening reception room hire and buffet
Luxury accommodation for the wedding couple

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

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

There are also 205 en-suite bedrooms, and guests can really ‘make a weekend of it' enjoying the Coppid Beech's Rowans restaurant, brasserie and live music venue, The Keller, Apres nightclub, bars, Waves health and fitness suite and adjacent winter sports complex.

The Coppid Beech Hotel has limited availability of its inclusive wedding packages in 2009:

Willow Package 60 daytime guests and 120 evening guests

Blossom Package 100 daytime guests and 150 evening guests

Both packages include:

The services of a dedicated wedding co-ordinator
Fully licensed suite for your civil wedding ceremony
Welcome drink for your guests upon arrival
Three-course wedding breakfast with half a bottle of wine per person and a glass of bubbly for the toast
Table flowers, printed place cards, table menus and table plan
Evening reception room hire with buffet
Luxury accommodation for the wedding couple

For more information about any of these wedding options, please call 01344 303333 or visit www.coppidbeech.com for the Coppid Beech Hotel or 01491 878800, www.swanatstreatley.co.uk for The Swan at Streatley.

Techmat

Thanks to its involvement in ISPO – Europe's largest exhibition of sporting equipment and goods – Techmat has seen enquiries for PERMA-SNOWTM from across the world including the USA, Lithuania, Iran and France.

The annual exhibition was held from 1 to 4 February 2009 at the Munich Exhibition Centre, Germany, and was attended by over 60,000 visitors, many from overseas.

PERMA-SNOWTM covered a slope at the exhibition, which was installed in a very prominent position – the linking atrium between the four exhibition halls – and was, therefore, seen by virtually every visitor to the exhibition.

Anthony Johnson, Manager from Techmat, said: “We had a fantastic result from having a presence at the exhibition and we are currently following up all the international enquiries we received. We would like to get more involved in the exhibition next year.”

Get up and go!

School's out for summer but the Coppid Beech Hotel has gone straight to the top of the class with a fantastic Get Up and Go break for family's needing to keep their ‘little darlings' amused during the holidays.

A family of four – two adults and two children – can enjoy the comfort of a spacious family room and full English breakfast; complimentary membership to Waves Health & Fitness, including family-friendly pool; a selection of complimentary soft drinks in your room and free wireless broadband access.

Could it get any better? Yes it could with children aged 12 and under able to eat for free when dining with their parents in Rowans Restaurant or the Brasserie at the Keller!

And you'll be spoilt for choice with the selection of activities for kids of all ages that are just a short drive away from the hotel.

Legoland Windsor – The park has an amazing array of rides and activities for children aged between two and 12.

Thorpe Park – this summer the Park will unleash extreme terror with the launch of its new rollercoaster, SAW – The Ride!

The Look Out Discovery Centre – a hands-on interactive science and nature centre that is surrounded by 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodland with nature walks, cycle trails and an adventure play area.

John Nike Leisuresport Centre – learn to ski or zoom round the Olympic size ice rink at the Leisuresport centre right next to the hotel. Group and family packages available.

Coral Reef Water World – three giant water slides, wild water rapids, an erupting volcano, pirate ship with water shooting cannons for the kids and Sauna and Steam World for the adults.

Go Ape! – climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan swing into a giant rope net then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges during this three hour treetop adventure.

Beale Park Wildlife Park and Gardens – animal farm, large children's adventure playground, Little Tykes world, miniature steam railway and lots of open space, fun and adventure, all on the banks of the River Thames.

Windsor Castle – the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world not only encapsulates 900 years of British history but is also one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen (you never know, she might be at home when you visit!).

For more information please call 01344 303333 or visit www.coppidbeech.co.uk

Summer at The Swan

It's a sunny day, the air is fresh, the birds are singing and the River Thames winds its way serenely through the Berkshire Downs. What better place to appreciate the glory of summer in the English countryside than at The Swan at Streatley?

The four-star hotel is set in 23 acres with beautiful riverside gardens, close to The Ridgeway and Thames Path, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of town life – a haven of tranquil, luxurious calm, where you can wind down and relax.

And whether you fancy award-winning à la carte cuisine and fine wine for two in Cygentures restaurant or getting your friends together for a light bite washed down with an ice cold beer on the riverside Terrace, you'll find exactly what you want on its regularly updated menus. And it's not only dinner – guests are warmly welcomed for lunch and afternoon tea too.

Whatever you select, you're guaranteed a memorable dining experience that's excellent value, produced with the freshest ingredients. The hotel's team takes pride in sourcing the finest quality, seasonal produce from across the country, with a fair proportion sourced from local suppliers from Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

There's nothing better on a hot summer' afternoon than cooling off by the river, and at The Swan at Streatley you can do it in style! The four-star hotel has its own small fleet of boats for hire; perfect for messing about on the river whether you feel energetic enough for a rowing boat or want a laid-back excursion in a classic electric launch.

If you think that all that hard work might leave you peckish, call in advance and the hotel will prepare you a delicious picnic hamper to enjoy when you moor up for 40 winks in the shade.

For more information please call 01491 878800 or visit www.swanatstreatley.co.uk

Nike Design

Coleg Glan Hafren, Cardiff

Nike Design is involved in two projects at Coleg Glan Hafren, Cardiff's largest College of Further Education.

The first is to organise the chaotic parking arrangements in the College's rear car park. This includes enlarging the entrance, providing new gates and barriers and repairing the two metre high boundary walls.

The second project will see the replacement of over 200 timber windows throughout the College, many of which are rotten and draughty. The building is Grade II listed, therefore, the 50 different window types must all be measured and recorded to ensure their replacements look identical. It is hoped that double-glazing will be permitted in the new frames to reduce the College's heating bills.

A planning application was submitted in March 2009 to allow these works to be carried out during the College's summer holiday period.

Coleg Glan Hafren was originally built in 1900 as a girl's school and extended in the 1930s. Several years ago Nike Design arranged a Framework agreement with the College and since then has successfully carried out a number of projects of various sizes.

Weekend breaks at The Swan

Having a weekend away can be just what the doctor ordered to recharge your batteries. And there's something for everyone at the beautiful, riverside hotel, The Swan at Streatley, whether your idea of fun is getting out into the beautiful Berkshire and Oxfordshire countryside, pampering body and soul or indulging in the ultimate romantic experience.

Golf
The 18-hole Caversham Heath Golf Club, designed by David Williams, affords excellent year-round play on a truly challenging championship length course of 7,151 yards.

Dinner, bed and breakfast at The Swan, plus negotiated green fees at Caversham Heath Golf Club.

Spa
Indulge yourself with a relaxing midweek or weekend break at the Swan at Streatley and Venus Spa.

The package includes:
– full use of the extensive facilities at the hotel's Venus Spa;
– four taster treatments from Elemis (treatments are available at a generous 30% discount, subject to availability);
– a light lunch in the Cygnet bar overlooking the River Thames;
– dinner in the award-winning Cygnetures restaurant; and
– overnight accommodation and full English breakfast the following morning.

Retail Therapy
Spoil yourself with this unique shopping and Spa weekend break.

The package includes:
– full use of the extensive facilities at the hotel's Venus Spa;
– a pampering spa treatment (treatments are available at a generous 30% discount, subject to availability);
– return rail fare to enjoy shopping in Reading or Oxford;
– dinner in the award-winning Cygnetures restaurant on Saturday evening;
– overnight accommodation and full English breakfast the following morning; and
– a traditional Sunday Lunch.

Ladies Weekend
Need to get away with the girls for a catch up? Then make The Swan at Streatley your favourite destination for a Ladies Weekend!

The package includes:
– a traditional English afternoon tea;
– a pampering spa treatment in the hotel's Venus Spa (treatments are available at a generous 30% discount, subject to availability); and
– overnight accommodation and full English breakfast the following morning.

Want to tailor it to your own tastes? Then add to the enjoyment with one or more of the following optional extras:
– a Champagne reception for a minimum of 10 people (£15 per person);
– priority transport can be arranged; and
– additional night's bed and breakfast at half price (subject to availability).

Romantic Get-Away
Relax and enjoy each other's company by spoiling yourselves to a weekend away on the banks of the River Thames.

The package includes:
– a sumptuous three-course dinner in the award-winning Cygnetures Restaurant with stunning views of the River Thames;
– 20% discount off the hotel's Venus Spa's His & Hers treatments;
– a romantic River-view bedroom (four-poster bedrooms are available for a small supplement); and
– a full English breakfast the following morning

Sunday Lunch & Relax
Nothing is more relaxing than taking your time over a late Sunday lunch followed by a luxurious pamper and overnight stay – so why not let us do the hard work?

The package includes:
– a traditional Sunday lunch in the award-winning Cygnetures restaurant;
– full use of the hotel's extensive Venus Spa's facilities; and
– overnight accommodation and full English breakfast the next morning.

For more information on any of The Swan at Streatley's packages please call 01491 878800 or visit www.swanatstreatley.co.uk

Lightfoots

If you want to find the most up-to-date and reasonable prices for fuel in the Bracknell area then make sure you take a pit stop at the Lightfoot garage in either John Nike Way, Bracknell or Bracknell Road, Crowthorne.

These garages, located just off of major through roads in the area, not only remain highly competitive at all times but are also able to change and display prices quickly and clearly via huge digital display boards – all a part of Shell's major global image upgrade last year.

And if it's price that first tempts you to give Lightfoots a try then it will be the standard of service and ‘added extras' that will bring you back time and again. For instance, the Karcher car wash in Bracknell is specially designed to keep your car gleaming without the usual wear and tear to the paintwork that results from other inferior machines.

“The German-manufactured machine has a ‘touchless' option, where the brushes don't make contact with the car,” explained Greg Walsh, Manager. “This is ideal for vehicles requiring an extra delicate wash or owners that will only accept the best for their ‘pride and joy'.”

Keller round up

Get set for a scorching few months with a sizzling summer planned at the Keller and Apres nightclub at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell!

Kicking off the season of hot sounds and cool festival vibes is the brand new Keller Fest 2009. What makes this event so special is that all the bands that will perform over the two nights were selected at live auditions held at Bracknell's top live music venue earlier in the year. The line up includes:

Friday 1st May – Copycatz and Bustin Loose plus DJ Rascal
Saturday 2nd May – Soul'd Out and The Mushrooms plus DJ Rascal

It's a weekend of music not to be missed so make sure you pick up a joint ticket to the Keller and Apres nightclub in advance for just £7 per night (£10 on the door).

Royal Ascot Week (Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th June) isn't all about the racetrack it's also about getting your glad rags on and enjoying the party. To celebrate the highlight of the racing calendar, the Keller is giving away free entry to see favourites Smiley's Duo on Thursday 18th June.

The ultimate man to entertain you, Robbing Williams is making a much-awaited comeback having packed the Keller in the spring. He will be taking to the stage on Friday 19th June but tickets sell out within days of going on sale so you'll have to be quick! Buy a £10 ticket for this special event and as an added bonus you will have free entrance to Apres nightclub on the night.

For more information on all these events, please call 01344 303333 or visit www.kellerandapres.co.uk