The clock is still ticking – is it a time bomb?
Autumn/ Winter 2010
It simply doesn’t seem 12 months ago when I wrote about the state of the Bracknell Town Centre and the need for investment in bringing about the revitalisation of this community shopping area. I even proposed a kick-start method for consideration by businesses and population alike. Of course, it was a dream; an ideal! For the present economic circumstances of our nation simply do not allow for such an investment even though, eventually, we all know that it will happen. Fear is the problem; fear of a worsening economy that swallows confidence as though it was a gourmet dish.
Many cannot afford such dishes; very many never afford this style of living for it will take many years to return to a well-balanced economy that will occasionally allow for such a luxury unless the nation pulls together.
In the meantime, we read about bankers’ bonuses; millionaire footballers; exorbitant awards to retiring industrialists and the like; yet, we cannot afford to secure a normal way of life for young couples by providing starter homes. Financiers fear recommending further investment in property at this time, yet, without the release of this investment the construction companies suffer and our building industry crumbles.
Is it not up to the government to set up a national mortgage fund so that a lifeline returns to our population? For it is the release of such funds that will once again provide confidence in the lifestyle of our nation, a confidence gained through the provision of housing – a home. Whether this is an affordable home or a progressive home it doesn’t matter for what is clear is that a means of funding for future growth is desperately needed at this time in the absence of a financial facility provision through the banks and building societies. A need for caution is understood and there will have to be a means of vetting the applicants for such help. A government national mortgage fund would be able to be selective through providing subsidised mortgages for those with a lower income stream and normal mortgages for those with an average or higher income stream. It will mean ‘means testing’ but this is now the norm in our society anyway.
As I see it, the clock is ticking and it may become a time bomb if it is not oiled and maintained! The clock is our lifetime and this lifeline needs to be secure without greed, a greed that undermines our very existence.
Despite these difficult times, the Nike Group of Companies continues to provide for the community and its visitors. The Coppid Beech Hotel with its four star rating and leisure facilities continues to be Bracknell’s top hotel, while The Swan at Streatley continues to provide the Thames-side river pleasure and delight for its visitors. An enjoyable break for lunch or tea on the terrace is a must to be able to sit and take in the tranquillity and beauty of the location at the foot of the Berkshire Downs.
Both hotels are now preparing for the festive season when we look forward to welcoming you to celebrate this magical time of the year. The hotels’ reputations are well-known for providing a relaxed fun giving party atmosphere for all occasions and our friendly receptionists will be delighted to deal with your enquiries. Turn to page 3 for more details.
Meantime, the John Nike cricket XI find new heights by becoming champions of the Bracknell & District Division 2 Evening League, and this automatically gives them promotion to Division 1 next season. And, although they lost the recent President’s Match against the Bracknell Club, the members are really up for it and cannot wait until next year. As John Bray, the Bracknell XI Captain said, the club was fielding the strongest team ever during the past 15 years of President Matches against the John Nike’s XI.
Our John Nike Leisuresport centres will also be in party mood with their delicious fondue evenings and details can be found on page 9. And, of course, our facilities are a must if you intend to brush up on your skiing and snowboarding skills before taking a well-earned winter activities vacation. You will also be able to pick up a bargain at the Leisuresport World sales taking place in our hotels and ski centre locations where you will find the latest designs of well-known brands of clothing and equipment. Further details can be found on page 12.
The Octagon Motor Company celebrated 20 years of Toyota this year with Lexus cars having first been introduced to the UK in 1990. Why not visit our showrooms in Reading or Bracknell to savour the Toyota and Lexus brands while picking up details on the latest models? A new car can give a ‘wow’ factor to boost your spirits during this period of recovery from the economic downturn.
Our forthcoming charity events at the Bracknell John Nike Leisuresport centre include Inspiration on Ice raising funds for Cancer Research UK on Saturday 2 October; our spectacular fireworks display on Sunday 7 November that benefits my chosen charity this year – The British Red Cross; and our annual Ice Pantomime running from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 December. This year the production is Cinderella benefiting The British Red Cross and the Bracknell Ice Skating Club. Please do attend these events and support us with the charitable giving.
On behalf of everyone at the Nike Group of Companies, I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
John Nike OBE DL
Chairman