The days are getting longer and snowdrops and daffodils are smiling from the borders – which all means that Mother’s Day is rushing towards us.
As a card-carrying mother, this always fills me with excitement. So what hints to drop to my lovely children? (After all I wouldn’t want them wasting their money on anything other than the perfect gift).
Well, I’ve just one word for you, Readers – Superdrug. That’s because Superdrug are running an unbelievable set of special offers for this Mother’s Day. There are fantastic savings across their premium fragrance range, with big-name brands for under £40 and discounts of up to 65% off.
I want to give a shout out to one of my favourite fragrances (kids are you still reading?), it’s L’Imperatrice Eau de Toilette by Dolce & Gabbana – discounted by 50% to just £33, how amazing is that? For those who haven’t tried L’Imperatrice, it’s classical Dolce & Gabbana, with a wonderful blend of sensual musk, exotic flowers and fruits – top notes of rhubarb, red currant and kiwi; heart notes of pink cyclamen and watermelon; and base notes of musk, sandalwood, grapefruit and wood. I’ve had so many people stop me and ask what I’m wearing.
But don’t stop at the fragrance bargains, there are some fantastic deals on makeup and beauty products too. Seriously my dear Reader, stop what you’re doing right now, and head straight to the Superdrug website. After all, your mum deserves it (and so do you).
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice
At the end of a long day I love to massage my feet with a good cream. There is nothing quite like it to relax. Lotil nourishing foot cream smells gorgeous and has a great, cooling, sensation. It sinks in beautifully and leaves feet feeling great.
Tried and trusted for over 100 years, Lotil Cream is a true household hero and they now have a new cream especially for your feet… The new Lotil Nourishing Foot Cream will really give your feet an invigorating treat! The rich cream seals in moisture and helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier for up to 12 hours*, leaving your skin feeling nourished and soft.
Specially formulated with Aloe Vera extract to moisturise, soothe and protect. Suitable for all dry skin conditions, easily absorbed and fragrance-free. *Independently tested
Under Snowflake Skies: A heart-warming seasonal contemporary romance (Seasons of Love Book 1) by Kristina Beck Love sparkles brightest under snowflake skies. A glittering holiday romance filled with snowstorms, sapphires and star-crossed sparks under the New York City lights. And don’t you just love the jacket.
When a winter storm blows Sophia Krose into jeweller Drew Devlin’s store, neither of them expects such sparks – in a good way. She’s only in town for six months, chasing new experiences but guarding her heart. He’s the talented but cautious designer whose latest creation – a snowflake-and-sapphire collection – suddenly has a muse. What about the twinkling sparks, though? Will hearts be damaged or soar to the stars? For now, this lovely kindle is FREE, so cheer yourselves up, especially if it’s still raining. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G24SJM1S/
If I Were You is quite different, no sparks, no melting snow, but is equally gripping – by Helen Matthews – a domestic thriller with a heart-pounding twist (Kindle Edition)She needs your help. But the truth she is hiding could destroy you both. A jaw-dropping thriller about two sisters that will keep you up all night
Tessa, a former career woman with long Covid and depression, lives a reclusive life in a London suburb. When her long estranged younger sister Maddie suddenly turns up with a baby, events spiral. Maddie claims she’s fled a controlling partner who is threatening to take the child. Overwhelmed at first, Tessa wants to help—both her sister and herself. But the situation grows murkier. Hang onto your hats. @ £0.99 instead of £4.99 for a limited time. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G64HJ23M/
The Torch Betrayal:A high-stakes WWII espionage thriller (A Conor Thorn Novel Book 1) by Glenn Dyer. Kindle Edition:A disgraced agent… A missing battle plan… Will he find redemption or damage the Allies beyond repair? A high-stakes WWII thriller inspired by true events.
London, 1942. OSS Agent Conor Thorn is desperate for a second chance. After a botched mission in Tangier, Thorn knows failure is not an option. When confidential directives for Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa, go missing, the agent must recover the plans before the Nazis thwart the crucial mission. Thorn teams up with MI6 agent Emily Bright to seek out the traitor in their midst… My kind of book, it romped along, fingernails were chewed. @ £0.99 instead of £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Torch-Betrayal-high-stakes-espionage-thriller-ebook/dp/B0FLJTHDY7/
Ex and the City: A fun and flirty second chance Romantic Comedy (The Logan Brothers Book 4) by Sally Clements. Kindle Edition Her career is on the brink. Her ex-husband holds the key.A fun, flirty second-chance romance that starts with a singing squirrel – and changes everything.
It’s a leading role? As the voice of a singing squirrel? Stacy Gold will take it – because she has no other choice. Her manager has betrayed her, her home is gone, and the career she built from nothing is slipping through her fingers but this isn’t the height of it, surely… @ £2.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GL4FT4DJ/
King of My Scars: A romantic suspense of desire, lies and second chances (The Kingdom Book 1) Kindle Edition
“He’s kryptonite to my intentions. The exception to all my self-imposed rules. The one to have stolen my heart and the man who I willingly give my body.”An exciting blend of spice and thrill marks the beginning of The Kingdom series. Arianna has left everything behind: her past and the men who broke her. She seeks refuge in Las Vegas, determined never to trust anyone again. Until she meets Denham King. He is dangerous, yet her safest haven… @ £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVDVZQVZ/
Gorgeous image courtesy of Emily Boyle – Williams Handbakes
Mother’s Day will be here before we know it and Williams Handbakes, my favourite baker in the whole wide world, has just the thing to celebrate the mums, grandmas and mother-figures who deserve something special. Oh yes we do!
Choose from their extra special biscuit tins, their glass jars of mini biscuits, or their calorie free (no, I’m fibbing) range of hampers, jam packed with their biscuits, cakes and traybakes.
Let me show you a few that you might like to lead your children towards. Or perhaps for you to deliver to your mum, who, trust me, will be thrilled.
Williams biscuit hamper £28.95 (there are larger ones – see here )
I bought this for myself last year – no, I am not Billy-no-mates. The kids gave me money. I wanted biscuits, so when asked, I said I had used it for essentials, wiping the crumbs from around my mouth and not mentioning the diet, which always starts so well, and then goes terribly wrong.
Then there are the flapjacks. I always feel one should not travel anywhere without a flapjack. I am an author, and the friend of a daughter said ‘Your mum does have a lot of flapjacks in her books.’ He meant the bits I dropped in the books when re-reading.
Flapjack hamper £24.95
Or perhaps something smaller, in an elegant tin.
Signature Collection Biscuit Tin. £16.95. Also Ginger and Chocolate.
And surely these little beauties, in a useful clip jar, are just the thing for a quick cup of coffee and a tiny treat. I don’t know about you, but I feel coffee, and indeed tea, deserve at least one small but sweet companion.
Mini All Butter Shortbread Glass Clip Jar £14.95. There are other varieties, of course.
Finally, for today, there is the ‘spoil you because you are fabulous’ hamper. And we should all know that we are fabulous, and so are our Mums. These Big Hampers are as fabulous as we all are. Have a look at one.
Big Favourites Hamper Gift Box. £38.95
There you are, just a sample of what’s on offer, take a look and decide which should be on your Mother’s Day list with 10% off your first order. Williams Handbakes know that choice can be hard, and there could be questions needing answers. So they have told us that if anyone needs to chat to them about – no, Mum, not Joe Bloggs down the street – but the BISCUITS, their phone number is 01772 724 888 or by email: online@williamshandbaked.co.uk Also, find this wonderful brilliant baker here
I was lucky to visit the Painted Hall seven years ago, when this magnificent Baroque masterpiece was covered in scaffolding, as part of a major conservation project. The scaffolding was important, because we were allowed to view the ceiling from 2 metres distance and could see the various ‘in jokes’ and graffiti that the painters 250 plus years earlier, assumed that no one would ever see, including the signature of one artist on the chest of one of the ladies portrayed.
Painted Hall, Sir James Thornhill, 1726, Old Royal Naval College, courtesy of the Old Royal Naval College
So, I was intrigued to see it again post conservation, and to view the ceiling as it was intended from the floor. If you have visited the Sistine Chapel doubtless you were impressed by the painting, but I suspect that your abiding memory is one of been jostled by the other tourists, and shouted at and prodded by the guards who urged you to move through the space. The contrast with the Painted Hall could not be greater, peaceful and calm, with helpful guides (of which more later) and space and time to enjoy the ceiling, they even provide a number of wide seats from which to appreciate the art.
Audio guides are available, but I prefer a human guide, one with whom you can check understanding, and ask supplementary questions as they arise. I am sure that all the guides are well trained and friendly, but if you get a guide called Salvatore you are guaranteed a treat, he makes it feel like he is sharing gossip with you, and really brings the historic to life. The other advantages of the guides, is that they each have a torch and can highlight things of interest on the ceiling.
Old Royal Naval College copyright Hugh Fox.
The Painted Hall was painted by James Thornhill from 1707 to1726 and, unlike Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, painted the ceiling standing up.The Hall came about after Queen Mary (of William and Mary fame) declared that men who had served their country in the navy and returned injured and destitute, deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. This main hall would become the dining hall of the sailors, the images overhead designed to inspire.
A donations board records the Queen’s contribution, though in fact it came from the booty of Captain Kidd’s captured pirate ship. Another donor exceeded the donation made by the Queen, which was considered bad form, so the artist skilfully painted an arm of one of the peripheral figures, so that it obscures part of the amount donated. Various luminaries of the time including Copernicus, Issac Newton and Sir Edmond Halley (Halley’s Comet) are depicted, as is John Flamsteed, who predicted the first recorded full solar eclipse 2 years before it happened, and within 30 minutes of the actual occurrence. He is shown holding a map with a large black dot in the middle.
Around the periphery of the ceiling are the signs of the zodiac and I defy anyone not to try to pick out their own, regardless of how sceptical the viewer.
My personal favourite is one John Worley, a resident sailor at the time that the ceiling was being painted. His long white hair and beard give him something of a biblical look, and John Thornhill felt that Worley would be the perfect model, but was advised that he was a dissolute character, renowned for drunkenness, gambling and womanising, and worst of all, he never went to chapel on a Sunday. Undeterred, Thornhill struck a deal with John Worley: if he would reform his ways, he would be immortalised in the painted ceiling, and so he is.
The Upper Hall celebrates the Hanoverian dynasty and is no less full of surprise and intrigue. To the right is a fireplace, if you stand beside the wall to look along the fireplace you can detect reality from trompe l’oeil. On the far wall the entire Hanoverian family is depicted and to the right the artist James Thornhill, arm outstretched, palm open as if requesting payment for all his work.
The real intrigue is not who is represented but who is not. Sophia, the wife of George 1st had a scandalous affair with a Swedish Count. The Count was murdered and Queen Sophia banished to a remote castle. James Thornhill was presented with a problem. His work was to be the permanent record of the Hanoverians, how could he omit Queen Sophia? It is alleged that he sought the advice of the King, who told him to sweep her under the carpet. In the foreground of the painting is a carpet and below on the marble step is the very faint image of a woman’s hand. This is only one of several theories, but I would like to think that it is true.
These are but a few of the stories from the Painted Hall, and I left fascinated, entertained, and resolved to return soon. Greenwich is full of interesting spaces and great places to eat. You can travel there by boat or water taxi, or by more conventional means, but there is enough to do to make a full day of it. Whatever you choose to do, you should most definitely visit the Painted Hall, oh, and take the guided tour, you won’t regret it.
Adults £17.50 First Sunday of the Month admission £5.00 Children are welcome at the Painted Hall. Children aged 16 or under go free (up to four children per paying adult) https//ornc.org
JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ET B’Mitzvah Party: Sunday 28th June 2026, 2pm – 9pm
JW3 celebrates its 13th anniversary in 2026, marking its Bar Mitzvah year, as the building comes of age. This milestone season is a joyous and ambitious celebration of growth, identity and creativity, reflecting both the centre’s past achievements and its bold vision for the future. As the only Jewish community centre of its kind in the UK, JW3 continues to champion a vibrant, inclusive space for all, inviting audiences of every age to find their voice and take part. Through its programming, JW3 reaffirms its commitment to being a place where everyone can celebrate, create and belong.
JW3 has shared the details of this amazing anniversary season with Frost Magazine – and amongst the celebrative offerings, February saw an incredible music performance with 100 Years of the London Jewish Male Choir which marked the Choir’s centenary. Play Nice also performed in February – which is: Jewish Women & Classical Music combining live performance and discussion to uncover the powerful stories of pianists Harriet Cohen, Myra Hess and Irene Scharrer, celebrating their phenomenal resilience through war, while embracing their Jewish identity.
Young talent is set to take centre stage in Battle of the Bands 2026 on the 8th March, an exciting live showcase that will be judged by music industry professionals. The winning act will then go on to perform at JW3’s B’Mitzvah Party later in June. Reviving the rich and often-overlooked musical legacy of Jewish composers from the Ottoman Empire, Ottoman-Jewish Masters: The Lost Sounds of Istanbul (31st May) is a special one-off concert. The Ollie Usiskin Quartet: Celebrating Three Decades of Jazz (1st June), bridges the soulful energy of Klezmer with the sophistication of classic jazz.
Dirk Vetter on Saxophone.
Rebellion and reinvention collide in L’Chaim / L’Chaos: 50 Years of Jewish Punk (7thJune), a high-energy evening featuring live interviews, DJ sets, film, poetry and performance.The music season concludes with Kosher Giraffes & Other Tails (11th June), as artist Hugo Max presents absurdist, experimental short films on Jewish identity that are interwoven with phenomenal live music.
JW3’s theatre and comedy programme is both powerful and thought-provoking. It opened in February with Seder, an interdisciplinary performance by Adam Kammerling that wove together spoken word, dance, physical theatre and live music as he uncovered his grandfather’s Holocaust testimony and looked at the world today.
In March, will be an intimate and urgent reading, Sharif (23rd March) sharing a portrait of LGBTQIA+ Palestinians navigating exile,identity and survival.
Also in March, there’s storytelling with Counting Sheeps (10th March), a bedtime adventure, with sensor play, featuring two cheeky sheep who think they know everything about sleep. In May the Shavuot Learn & Sing party (24th May) invites children aged 2-5 for music, storytelling and play as they explore the holiday of Shavuot through songs, movement and interactive imagination.
As you can see there is so much on offer, and I have picked out only a few – yes really.
So bravo to JW3 which opened a mere thirteen years ago as the UK’s only Jewish Community Centre and cultural venue of its kind. Since then, JW3 has grown into a safe space that is proudly Jewish, open to all, and alive with vibrant culture, conversation and community. This new season reflects that coming of age. Congratulations and jubilations to the JW3 from all at Frost Magazine.
So do find your way to the JW3’s website to find out how VERY much more they have to offer especially during this celebratory season: https://www.jw3.org.uk/ social media @ JW3london Location: JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ET
“He’s kryptonite to my intentions. The exception to all my self-imposed rules. The one to have stolen my heart and the man who I willingly give my body.” Heavens, a wonderful blend of romance and thrills kicks off The Kingdom Series by author Abby North and you may obtain it for FREE.
Arianna has left everything behind: her past and the men who broke her. She seeks refuge in Las Vegas, determined never to trust anyone again. But… and there always is a but when an attractive stranger appears. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVDVZQVZ/ FREE.
He emanates confidence, and surety and … pain. An untouchable, broken, bad boy.” Love & Spice in the emotional fourth book of The Kingdom series by the superb Abby North.
Tara King leaves Las Vegas behind – and with the city, the protective walls of her family. On her Harley, she rides toward freedom, without a plan or a destination, but with the determination to finally live a life of her own. But is she sure of her boundaries, which ones can be broken – those that can not? On the road, she encounters new places, unfamiliar people, and versions of herself she never knew existed. A chance meeting in a diner, a look that gets under her skin … Ooops, boundaries … boundaries … Pre-order at the price of £0.99 instead of £4.99. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GKMGBCVF/
“You know I’ll always protect you, right?” “Yes,” I say. It’s the easiest answer I’ve ever given. I have no idea how I know this, I just do. Order The thrilling second installment of The Kingdom series by Abby North.
When the shadows of her past return, safety turns into fear, and trust becomes a dangerous game. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G139YC8L/ For a limited time: £0.99 instead of £2.99
By Alison Stuart: The first volume of this gripping historical drama about having the courage to stand up for your beliefs and fight for your love. England 1650: In the aftermath of the execution of the King, England totters once more on the brink of civil war.
Kate Ashley finds her loyalty to the Parliamentary cause tested when she inherits responsibility for the estate of the Royalist Thornton family. To protect the people she cares about, she will need all her wits to restore its fortunes and fend off the ever-present threat of greedy neighbours.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FJRVY1LZ/ @ £0.99 instead of £1.99
Book 1 of 6 The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries by the fabulous J. New.
When a mysterious child follows Ella Bridges home, she feels she must help—but soon realises she may have invited more trouble than she imagined… Recently settled into a charming home on Linhay Island–fondly known as The Yellow Cottage– Ella is still adjusting to island life when she finds herself entangled in a chilling murder investigation. But she’s not solving it alone. A rather unusual companion, a lingering presence from the cottage’s past, offers assistance in unexpected ways. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F2K5WR33? @ £0.99 instead of £1.99
“Mutter glides through it like a saunter in the park on a spring day”
The evening is called Anne-Sophie Mutter plays Tchaikovsky, but the London Philharmonic Orchestra was ready for more.
Jean Sibelius composed the first piece. 12 minutes long, Pohjola’s Daughter was written in 1905-06 and took its inspiration from an ancient Finnish legend. It’s a musical poem, almost a film score as it tells its tale. At times there’s Psycho, at others Jaws. Dangerous and perilous, then calm and seductive. I found this music amusing, entrancing and beautiful.
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Next, the star soloist. World-renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter swept on to the sombre stage, announcing her arrival wearing a radiant sky blue evening dress. You know she has arrived! 34 minutes later, everyone is amazed. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto from 1878 is a showpiece for orchestra and solo instrument. Mutter glides through it like a saunter in the park on a spring day. Her encore was a short excerpt from Andre Previn’s Tango Song and Dance, a short suite written for and dedicated to Mutter herself.
After the interval, Beethoven. Symphony No.7 in A Major, composed in 1811-22. This 36 minute Symphony is one of the most popular, specifically for its instantly recognisable third movement. Personally, when I’ve heard it I’ve found it slow and ponderous. Not here! It’s attacked and positively forced through to its conclusion by the amazing Conductor of the evening’s selection, American Karina Canellakis. Slight in build she has an enormous presence at the podium. During Sibelius, she was tentative. With Mutter, she was guiding and motherly. But in the Beethoven she was intoxicating and mesmerising, almost dancing as she led the orchestra through the joyous movements.
Another superb evening courtesy of the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra has a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details – https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .
Principal Conductor Edward Gardner Artistic Director Elena Dubinets. Dates until Saturday 25th April 2026 Check with the LPO website for details: https://lpo.org.uk/ Instagram @londonphilharmonicorchestra. X @LPOrchestra. Fbook:@londonphilharmonicorchestra
