Tempted to advertise on www.ascotmatters.co.uk but not sure how to go about it? Rather speak to a friendly face than plough through online instructions? Then why not drop in for coffee and a chat at the new Jagz Coffee Bar next to Ascot Station ( great coffee & pastries, comfortable, easy parking) . from 10am on Friday March 12.  AscotMatters staff will be happy to demonstrate how easy it is to set up a presence on this popular , up - to -the-minute website and to discuss what it could do for you in attracting LOCAL customers. No need to book; just drop in though you are welcome to e-mail questions in advance to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

On Monday 8 March the head of fundraising for ShelterBox, Miss Becky Maynard, visited the children of Coworth-Flexlands School to show them what their hard earned money had helped buy the people of earthquake struck Haiti.   ShelterBox is a registered charity established to provide people affected by disaster with a ‘Box’ of essential items to use while they are displaced or homeless.  

Miss Maynard spent an hour with the entire school showing them the contents of their life saving Boxes.  In addition to a 10 person all weather tent, the Box contained a stove, pots and pans, blankets, waterproof sheeting, malaria nets, water purification systems and tools to help families rebuild their lost homes.  There was also basic school equipment to help build some familiar and important routine back into the lives of any children affected.

LOVE the idea of a website but terrified of the reality? By Nigel Harding of Amodeo Web Design,
Most of us recognise the benefits that a website can offer for business....

But, while many marketeers and business consultants are evangelising about the benefits, of websites for small businesses,  I have encountered some concerns or lack of understanding about how these benefits are realised. I also believe that some people enter the web world not understanding the process or steps which should help arrive at owning a successful website and in this article I would like to point out some of the main considerations.....TO READ THE FULL FEATURE CLICK HERE

More than 100 pupil, parents and staff at St Francis Catholic Primary School are pounding the streets and sprinting through local parks as they train hard  for the Reading Half Marathon and Green Park Challenge later this month.
The St Francis Joggers are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for The Multiple Sclerosis Society. 14 people have volunteered to run the half marathon and 97 (34 adults and 63 children) will run the three kilometre course in Reading on Sunday March 21.

Ascot Station improvement works: The joint developers of Ascot Business Park, Salmon Harvester Properties and Raspin Properties Ltd are delighted to confirm that after much delay the upgrade of the southern entrance to Ascot station is finally due to commence on 7th March. This will complete improvements to the area around the entrance to Ascot Business Park.

The works will include the following:
•    Resurfacing the road.
•    New footpath.
•    New Street lighting.
•    New signage.
•    CCTV.
•    To the north of the station, improvements will be made to the bus stops and improving pedestrian access.

Papplewick boys were transported into the world of horror fiction last Wednesday when author Steve Feasey, creator of the Changeling series, visited the school, talked to the boys, and signed copies of his book.

“The evening was a huge success,” said headmaster Tom Bunbury.  “Steve's empathy with the boys was apparent from the word go and he immediately had enormous response from them as he told the boys how the hero in the Changeling series, Trey, underwent metamorphosis to become a werewolf. Steve then received great response when he asked for thoughts on how to kill vampires and werewolves!”  

In response to questions, the author explained how the ideas formed in his head and how he writes his books, and talked at length to individual boys as he signed their books

The Royal Borough is this month supporting a national campaign to highlight the problems of abuse in teenage relationships.

The campaign – aimed at 13-to-18-year-olds – highlights the signs and consequences of abuse in teenage relationships and challenges young people to stop abusive behaviour or seek help.

The campaign features posters, radio and television adverts all aiming to empower young people to make the decision to avoid violent and controlling behaviour by encouraging them to recognise abuse; reflect on the consequences of their actions; and seek help if required. It also highlights the issue of abuse in relationships to parents and carers and encourages them to talk to teenagers about their relationships. The adverts run from 15 February to 14 March.

The Royal Borough is encouraging any young person who is in an abusive relationship as either a perpetrator or a victim to seek help.  A leaflet aimed at 13-19-year-olds has been developed across Berkshire East and is available to download from: http://www.rbwmdvf.org.uk/public/Loves_me_loves_me_not_-_Berks_East_leaflet2.pdf

A cheque presentation was held at the offices of the Sebastian's Action Trust in Sunninghill , on February 23, to the beneficiaries of last November's Sunninghill Victorian Fayre. Cheques were presented to Sebastian's Action Trust ( CLICK HERE to see their recent Groundbreaking ceremony) and the Ascot& District  Day Centre, where the money will help pay for a very special bath (see below).

The provisional date for the 2010 Sunninghill Victorian Fayre is Sunday November 21, 12 noon - 4pm.