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

The Waterway Girls series by Milly Adams https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK25HPRF?

“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.

Anne-Sophie Mutter © Japan Arts

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.

Karina Canellakis © Chris Christodoulou

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

On Wednesday evening, the Williams team attended the Lancashire Tourism Awards and Taste Lancashire Producer Awards 2026 held at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, and hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Mike Stevens.

The annual awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire, the county’s LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) was a dazzling showcase for the county’s leading tourism, hospitality and food and drink businesses, supported by Headline Sponsors Blackpool & The Fylde College and BOOTHS. The ceremony was opened by Vikki Harris, Marketing & Partnerships Director of Marketing Lancashire who welcomed colleagues, sponsors and guests to the only county-wide celebration dedicated to Lancashire’s £5.7billion visitor economy.

It was to this that the nominees to the various categories were invited. This of course included the wonderful Williams Handbaked Biscuits and Cakes in the Bakery, Pies & Pastries category. It was all a bit daunting, as they were alongside the best food producers Lancashire has to offer, but, of course, they won, because they are the very very best. It was a wonderful evening, and knowing our Williams Handbaked as we do, I have to report that they enjoyed every moment.

So, let’s look at a couple of Frost Magazine favourites:

I have to confess here, that it’s hard to choose a favourite, as they are all scrumptious. But if I had to, it would be the Lemon Drizzle Cake. It is a cake I simply love, and am therefore a taste expert, which is why I have to have so many slices. Dick, of course demurs. I, of course, take no notice. This is the best Lemon Drizzle cake I have tasted, truly it is. They do others, and best to look for yourself.

Let me show you the Milk Chocolate Oat Biscuits. I couldn’t, in all honesty, decide which I actually prefer. Is it the Lemon Drizzle Cake, or the Milk Chocolate Oat Biscuits? Then there are the flapjacks, the Eccles cakes – the tiddly biscuits, the… Oh, just have a look at the website, I adore these Oat Biscuits. OK, they are big, BIG, REALLY BIG. If you have self-discipline you could cut them in half, but really??? I feel that oats are healthy. After all porridge seems to be a favourite amongst those setting themselves up for a hard day’s work, so one of these oat biscuits would, in all probability coax you into a good night’s sleep. Either way, eat the delicious darlings, you’ll love ’em.

Award winning Williams Handbaked have a large variety of biscuits, flapjacks, chocolate free, Lots of chocolate, tray bakes and so on, and with Mothers’ Day in mind in March, remember there are presentation boxes, and hampers which Mum would love. The days right now, are long and dark, and a bit of cheer in the shape of Award Winning Williams Handbaked is a must, especially while There is a celebratory discount of 15% until Tuesday. Just remember to use the discount code WINNERS15 when you get to the checkout. A gift note can always be included in the order. https://www.williamshandbaked.co.uk/

The White Horse – Constable.

There has been a long history of the media creating rivalry, where perhaps none exists. One might think of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Blur and Oasis, Take That and East 17, but until this exhibition I had not previously considered J.M.W. Turner and John Constable.

Born within a year of each other – J.M.W. Turner in 1775 and John Constable in 1776 – the film explores the artists’ intertwined lives alongside the groundbreaking Tate Britain exhibition (in London until April 2026). As the experts tell us, there is no definitive evidence that they were rivals, other than that set up in the press. Somethings never change.

As this exhibition invites the viewer to compare and contrast, I will not be writing so much about the content of this exhibition, as the difference in the experience of visiting in, person or from the comfort of the local cinema. However, you choose to see it, see it you should. It is an experience not to be missed, featuring two of Britain’s most celebrated artists.

I was fortunate to visit this exhibition a few weeks ago and so was keen to see how the film would match up. Of course there are the obvious differences, Tate Modern is a 5 – 10-minute walk from the nearest Underground Station (Pimlico), and costs £24.00 per person (without concessions). It is a hugely popular exhibition and set to become more so as it reaches the end of its run, but this means that many of the timeslots have already sold out.

Exhibition on Screen once again has privileged access to bring their extraordinary art and remarkable stories to the big screen so that audiences can enjoy both the film and exhibition together. No travelling into London, no queues and no straining round other visitors to see the artwork. The film reveals the ways these artists redefined landscape painting and paved the way for Impressionism. TURNER & CONSTABLE offers intimate views of sketchbooks, personal items and beloved homes plus insights from leading experts. TURNER & CONSTABLE is the unmissable opportunity to see these great artists side-by-side, as they so often were in life, on the big screen for the first time.

T & C 21 Filming Turner Sketch Book copyright David Bickerstaff

Watching the film is a different experience to visiting the exhibition, one doesn’t get the same frisson of actually being in the presence of historic artworks with even a chair and paints belonging to the artists themselves. Nor are you able to look as closely at the brushwork as you might wish, or at a section of the painting that you might want to examine. Your experience of this exhibition is at the discretion of the Director.

That said, this is a big exhibition (12 rooms) and I found myself in need of a sit down before I had completed my viewing. Nor do you have to contend with other art enthusiasts who get in the way of viewing, just as I got in the way of others. The biggest advantage is that there are several experts, who are giving their opinion on the art history itself, the techniques deployed or my personal favourite, the moving images of the places that inspired the painting. This cannot be overestimated it brings the paintings to life in a way that a photograph can’t.

I found the views of experts enlightening to a degree that I had not anticipated.

I would advise that it you can get to the exhibition then you should do so, but if that is not possible look out for this documentary at your local cinema. Despite having seen the exhibition, I was rivetted by this film and felt that it had added another layer to my understanding. So, I would definitely recommend watching this film whether you have visited the Exhibition or not.

Exhibition on Screen’s unmissable new feature documentary, TURNER & CONSTABLE, coming to cinemas from 10^th March.