Bisham Abbey team-building for newly-merged British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association athletes

Bobsleigh and skeleton have officially become one organisation in Britain in a move designed to improve efficiency and - ultimately - performances at future Winter Olympics and World Championships.

Previously the sports were joined at governance level only for the purpose of National Olympic Committee and International Federation representation.

And in the past, relations between the two have been so bad that, in the 2006 to 2007 season, the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne had to be employed to settle a dispute between them, with bobsleigh being represented by the international federation, the FIBT.

But now, under the guidance of new chief executive Richard Parker, a full merger has been achieved under the banner of the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association.

A unified logo and contemporary new visual style developed by brand communications agency We Launch were unveiled to the two squads - including GBR 1 four-man bob pilot John Jackson - as they gathered for two days of team-building exercises at Bisham Abbey.

Image title — John Jackson,pilot of the four-man GBR 1 bobsleigh, was among those at a team-building exercise at Bisham Abbey this week to launch the official full merger of bobsleigh and skeleton in the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association ©Getty Images

Activities included a trip to Marlow Rowing Club to “learn to row” in just one morning and a “Come Dine with Me” experience where teams were encouraged to cook a three-course meal for each other using the famous Abbey’s catering kitchens.

Parker commented: “On paper we have been an organisation since April 1 but this was the first time we could have everyone together and bring the whole thing to life.

“We have had a fabulous two days marked by fantastic energy in everything we did.”

Bobsleigh Olympian Jackson added: “We have always supported each other as athletes and now we will get the chance to compete under the same banner. I’m really looking forward to seeing this develop.”

Britain’s 2014 Sochi Olympic skeleton slider Dominic Parsons commented: “We’ve certainly had a lot of fun with the tasks and we’ve had a good opportunity to ask questions about the future. It all looks exciting.”

Although Olympic, world and European skeleton champion Lizzie Yarnold was on a training break, there was a big turn-out of athletes, as well as coaches, office staff and the respective Bobsleigh and Skeleton performance directors, Gary Anderson and Andi Scmid.

Bobsleigh was represented by Andy Matthews, Mica McNeil, Simeon Williamson, Bruce Tasker, Jordan Smallin. Brad Hall, Rich Stead and Jackson.

For skeleton, as well as Parsons, there were present Jerry Rice, Jord'an McIntosh, Laura Deas, Donna Creighton, Dave Swift, Jack Thomas and James Howard.