Christmas Past

Spring 2008

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!

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