Educational charity Langdon is to open a London college for the 16-to-25 age group, complementing its existing college in Manchester.

The charity - helping teenagers and young adults with mild-to-moderate learning needs towards independence - will convert its Maccabi House site in Edgware, which is currently used as a social centre.

It plans to identify and assess potential students in November before opening the day facility with an intake of around a dozen in January. It will need to raise up to £57,000 for resources, including tablet computers, partitions to create more classrooms and special equipment for disabled students.

The Manchester college principal, Chris Mayho, has been an integral part of the London team. He said the "very exciting" news meant that "at long last we can address the needs of the London parents. They've been asking me about it for long enough and now we're in a position to move ahead." Although four students from the capital currently attended the Manchester college, he added: "We're aware that not everybody can send their children away to a residential setting."

Establishing a London college was also crucial to the development of Langdon's support for those wanting to enter the employment market. "If we use the knowledge, experience and positivity we have to encourage the community, local businesses and parents to be more responsive, we're helping the individual and the community.

"That's a real plus for the Jewish community and the general public, because raising awareness of what they can do takes away some of the stigma. For instance, we know that when young people with disabilities get into work, they are more engaged and have lower absenteeism rates than other workers."

The government and local authorities are providing funding for the London college, which, unlike its Manchester counterpart, will not be residential.

"We'll be extending the social and learning aspects into the evening and weekends by involving the parents in the programme," Mr Mayho added.

"Cooking, cleaning and learning how to get somewhere - we want the parents to step back and allow their children to learn these things, thereby giving them that bit more independence."

Langdon is holding an open evening for parents of prospective pupils on October 19 at the Edgware site.

A second United Synagogue shul is to be opened in Edgware to meet growing demand from Orthodox families moving to the area.

It will launch in premises in the Stonegrove area, with services starting next month and rapid progression to full US membership. It is the first product of the Communities of Potential Board, formed by the US to establish new congregations.

US president Stephen Pack said on Wednesday that he expected to be able to reveal details of the site "in a week or so", and the new shul's rabbi in "a relatively short time".

He explained that the expansion was necessary as Edgware had become "a remarkable Jewish enclave, with about 25 minyanim every week. They're springing up all over the place and there seem to be more and more people moving in all the time.

"The price of houses in the Hendon and Golders Green areas - where frummer people have tended to congregate - are getting higher and higher and many more people are deciding that Edgware is attractive because of its good connections, houses and schools.

"I think there will be a continuous influx of young people, so we wanted something in that area which would be attractive to those families. It's got great potential - I feel pretty good about this one."

Mr Pack insisted that the, as yet, untitled congregation was being established to absorb incoming families rather than to compete with existing synagogues. "It's not about pinching people from other communities."

Edgware United Synagogue, which has more than 2,000 members, would be unaffected, as the Stonegrove site was "a long way away" in the south-west of the area.

Edgware United minister Rabbi David Lister was not expecting any significant loss of members.

"You don't choose a bank because it's Lloyds; you choose a bank because of what it offers. I don't think there'll be a massive haemorrhage.

"If it brings another dimension to Jewish life in Edgware and it's going to enhance the Jewish presence here, it can only be a good thing."

The United Synagogue will collectively waive thousands of pounds of burial fund entry fees for those new to the US who join its second Edgware congregation, the establishment of which has caused disquiet among the membership of the nearby Yeshurun Federation shul.

US president Stephen Pack says that, as with every new community, Ahavas Yisrael will allow those not previously with a US congregation, who sign up in the first three months, to avoid entry fees to its funeral expenses scheme.

This would save a 50-year-old £795, a 60-year-old £1,500 and a 70-year-old £2,700.

Mr Pack said such an amnesty had attracted 100 people to join the Woodford Forest shul formed by the amalgamation of the Waltham Forest and Wanstead and Woodford synagogues.

When new communities were launched, non-US members could be dissuaded from joining by burial entry fees, "so we offer the amnesty".

Ahavas Yisrael - which starts services from the Langdon College premises from the end of January - is a five-minute walk from Yeshurun. Some Yeshurun members have accused the US of attempting to poach its congregants, a charge it denies.

A Federation of Synagogues spokeswoman reported that it did not charge an entry fee to its burial fund, and that "the current average cost of belonging to the Federation Burial Society as a member of a constituent synagogue is £45 per couple per year".

The second US synagogue in Edgware, Ahavas Israel, welcomed around 100 people for services during its inaugural weekend at the Langdon College premises.

Members of the nearby Yeshurun Federation Synagogue had expressed concern about losing members to Ahavas Yisrael, which the US claims was set up to satisfy growing local demand.But minister Dayan Elimelech Vanzetta - who has conducted Friday-night services for Yeshurun in an informal capacity - denied that relations were strained.

In an address to the new congregation, he compared its diversity to the different groups which were attracted to Mount Sinai for the giving of the Ten Commandments.

Ahavas Israel is expected to apply for full US membership within the next few months. US president Stephen Pack said the signs from the first Shabbat were "very positive. We think it's going to be great. We want it to be an official US shul and the members to be US members."

A new kosher butcher is set to open in Edgware, the first in the area under the supervision of the Federation of Synagogues' new KF label.

The arrival of Pulkele in Mowbray Road will mark a further advance for the Federation meat venture since its controversial launch last year.

Pulkele is being opened by Yitzchok Kleerekoper, who has experience in the kosher meat trade as a porger. Federation Beth Din head Dayan Yisroel Lichtenstein was "delighted and proud to have such a butcher". Notices for the shop say it will deliver to Golders Green, Hendon and Stamford Hill.

It will be licensed jointly by Edgware-based Chasidic rabbi Pinchas Schneelbag and Dayan Binyomin Eckstein of Stamford Hill, who have previously co-operated with the Federation over kosher meat provision.

The launch of the KF label prompted an angry reaction from the London Board for Shechita, the joint kosher meat licensing authority of which the Federation is one of three controlling partners. The complaint was that KF would be in competition with the board.

But the Federation argued that its new meat venture was primarily aimed at increasing choice for a more strictly Orthodox clientele desiring a higher grade of supervision.

The Federation currently supplies products to the Kosher Outlet discount store in Mill Hill, licenses leading manufacturer Gilbert's and jointly supervises the Shefa Mehadrin shops in Golders Green and Manchester.

Cellist Ellen Baumring-Gledhill scooped the title of Emunah Young Musician of the Year. The 14-year-old from Edgware gave "a compelling, very moving performance" of Bloch's prayer at Sunday's JC-supported Emunah Young Musician and Young Singer concert and competition finals.

"I'm delighted, because I didn't expect to win," said Ellen, whose cello performance began the concert at the 250-seater Rudolf Steiner House, Marylebone, where the 19 finalists across both competitions performed. "The cello has been in my family for a long time."

Malcolm Singer, director of music at the Yehudi Menuhin School, and chair of the judges, cited "Ellen's ability to really communicate her tremendous feeling for the music to the audience".

Ellen is a Junior Guildhall member and a music scholar at Mill Hill School. Her uncle and music teacher is Oliver Gledhill (the cellist) and her great grandfather was a Russian cellist, Boris Spivakowsky.

The versatile young musician also gave a piano recital at the concert, having won the piano section in the London heats.

Violinist John Gallant, 12, from west London was Emunah Young Musician runner-up while Eleanor Voak, 11, (recorder) from Oxford won the Sara Freedman Woodwind Prize.

It was "a bit of a special afternoon" for Immanuel College as the Bushey-based school had four students among the 11 Emunah Young Singer finalists. Amber Marks, 15, from Borehamwood was "surprised" to win the coveted title. Also taking part were Jemima Atar, Alex Hilsenrath and Maya Spronz - all were taught by Immanuel College singing teacher Samantha Cooper, who said: "It's good for the school and good for the charity."

The Emunah Young Singer competition is for music theatre and Amber's performance of A Sumer in Ohio from the musical The Last Five Years won her lavish praise. "Amber is a natural performer, she owned the stage from the moment she came on," said Francoise Pierre-Geller, one of the judges.

Amber said she had not expected to win: "Everyone was so good."

The Emunah Singer runner-up was James Harvey, 17, who attends West Herts College - and sings with the City of London choir as a tenor scholar.

In Israel, Emunah is a major provider of welfare services and the audience watched a film about the charity's work with disadvantaged children in Israel. Prizes were presented by Eitan Na'eh charge d'affaires at the Embassy of Israel and Emunah chairman Hilary Pearlman.

There was also a performance by last year's Emunah Young Musician, violinist Poppy McGhee, from Somerset.

The afternoon got even better for Immanuel College when head boy Bertie Green received the Steven Isserlis Prize for the use of music for charitable purposes. He has raised thousands of pounds for charities such as Emunah and Gift.

Singer and songwriter Bertie, 18, performs as his alter ego "Ben Izak" and has just released his debut single, Wildest Dreams. "I feel honoured - thank you for giving me this opportunity," he said.

The other judges were opera singer Teresa Cahill, concert pianist Norma Fisher and Dr David Fligg - the latter had judged the Manchester heats.

Emunah director Deborah Nathan said: "Congratulations to Ellen Baumring-Gledhill and Amber Marks. All the finalists performed to a high standard."

Supporters of a new Jewish secondary school in north-west London have launched a series of meetings for prospective parents in a bid to win wider backing for the plan.

The Modern Orthodox Secondary School (MOSS) is one of two proposals for a new secondary that have come forward in recent weeks - the other being Kedem High School, sponsored by a trust linked to the chairman of Rosh Pinah Primary in Edgware.

MOSS steering group member, Rachel Stafler, mother of three boys at a Jewish primary, said that the "purpose is to present the vision and get feedback to see what people want".

Backers envisage a school, open to all denominations, with an emphasis on Jewish textual skills and Ivrit. Girls, for example, would have the same opportunity to study Talmud as boys.

The plan is to submit an application for free school status in September, with the aim of opening in 2018.

There are expectations that a rise in Jewish primary school numbers will lead to more applications for Jewish secondary schools in two years.

The Federation of Synagogues has won the right to erect upright headstones in its new Edgware cemetery despite council officers' objections that they would detract from the location's green belt character.

Overriding their officials' recommendations, Barnet Council's planning committee last week voted in favour of the synagogue body.

"We are delighed at the outcome," said Federation president Andrew Cohen, who was among a large number of its members at the Hendon Town Hall meeting.

The cemetery will be the organisation's first in north-west London, where the bulk of its members live, and is due to open this year.

It had been designated as a woodland cemetery, where only flat gravestones would be permitted. But the Federation argued that it had been the longstanding tradition within Ashkenazi communities to have vertical headstones.

Planning officers advised that "given the clearly identified harm to the openness of the green belt, it is not considered that there are very special circumstances that would outweigh the harm".

A Jewish resident living close to the site echoed their concerns, claiming that the stones would go against its rural character.

Support for the Federation came both from Greater London Assembly member for Barnet, Andrew Dismore, and his Conservative opponent in the forthcoming GLA elections, Dan Thomas, the deputy council leader.

Mr Dismore argued that there was an "acute need for additional burial space" - and "cultural and religious expectations" for upright stones.

Invoking the Bible, Federation trustee Menachem Gertner pointed out that when the patriarch Jacob buried his wife Rachel, he erected "a monument".

The planning committee voted without opposition in the Federation's favour. "People need to commemorate their loved ones the way they want to," said committee member Councillor Jim Tierney.

Mr Cohen said that "work can now proceed in satisfying all conditions of the permission and the commencement of the groundworks. Barnet Council has once again shown its true support for the Jewish community of north-west London and is to be commended."

The Federation's Edmonton cemetery is almost full, while Rainham in Essex is a lengthy drive for those among its growing north-west London community.

It recently sold an unused part of Rainham cemetery for more than
£8 million.

The leadership of Hendon Reform Synagogue has recommended a merger with Edgware and District Reform Synagogue to form a super-sized congregation.

Although Hendon still serves around 700 families, it has an ageing profile and little more than 10 per cent of members live in the area. With 2,000 families, Edgware remains one of the country's largest synagogues.

A merger on this scale, involving two of London's most established Reform synagogues - Edgware was founded in 1935, Hendon in 1949 - would be unprecedented within the movement. But it reflects the shift of the Jewish population further north-west.

Many of the children of Hendon members have moved out to the expanding Hertfordshire congregations. Although it still has a nursery, the children are mostly from local Orthodox congregations.

In a notice posted on Hendon's website, its council said the merger offered a "wonderful prospect" for the Reform community.

It would give an opportunity to "enhance the spiritual, educational, youth facilities, social and welfare and security needs and broaden its congregational support for our members in north-west London".

Neither Hendon chairman Philip Bright nor his Edgware counterpart Stephen Garfinkel wished to comment ahead of further discussions among their congregants.

But Mr Bright has previously said that "with the rise in the number of Jewish schools and the changing day-to-day requirements of our communities, we need to consider the long-term effect this will have on our synagogues and membership".

Hendon members have been invited to attend a meeting next week to put forward their views ahead of a vote on the plan in May.

The synagogue council has also considered other proposals including redevelopment of its current site or relocation to areas such as Mill Hill. But these options were not felt to be either "financially viable or in the best interests of our membership".

Reform movement chairman Robert Weiner observed that the merger plan arose out of the particular demographics of the two communities and was not an indication of membership decline within the movement itself.

"Overall, Reform communities have more members this year than they did the year before," he said.

Hendon Reform Synagogue has postponed a vote on a merger with Edgware and District Reform Synagogue.

The shul's council had recommended union with the larger congregation as a "wonderful prospect" for the community, established in 1949. The vote was due to have taken place this Sunday.

But more time is being given to a group of Hendon members to explore the possibility of relocation further north-west, believed to be in the Mill Hill area.

The shul said the vote would now be held "after the summer".

Although Hendon still serves around 700 families, it has an ageing profile and little more than 10 per cent of members live in the area.

Langdon Brady Club members Robert Bluestone, 18, and Jamie Pash, 19, hope their long distance endeavours will raise much-needed funds for the Edgware enterprise, which helps those with mild to moderate learning difficulties.

The pair will be running the maximum distance of 16 kilometres and "really want to raise as much money as possible for Langdon, so the activities we do at Brady Club can continue". The club offers members a regular space to socialise and learn new skills - and it was there that Robert and Jamie met.

They have been preparing by running 10k every week and have also been pounding the treadmill at home.

Robert's mother, Racquelle, said Langdon had changed his life.

"Through Brady Club he has made friends, developed confidence and has gotten a lot of help and support. It has been a real lifeline for the whole family.

"Robert loves running. He is a total natural. We have found that running is very calming for Robert and he gets a lot out of it. His biggest ambition is to run the London Marathon for Langdon in a few years."

Michelle Pash said that training for the run had boosted her son's confidence. "He has realised that he can run as fast as anyone else, learning disability or not.

"He has come such a long way - from not being able to get on the train by himself, to running 16k with hundreds of people. I am so proud of both boys."

Not one to say no to a challenge Vanessa Kushner stepped even further out of her comfort zone when she was strapped onto the wings of a plane to raise funds for the Jewish Care home where her late father was a resident.

Mrs Kushner completed her most terrifying challenge to date by standing on the wing of a plane while it flew at 250 feet over Gloucester at 135mph.

She said: "I have done a zip wire, two sky dives and now this for charity. The weather was rainy and windy, I was so nervous and the bit I was most worried about was climbing onto the wing of the plane but once I was up there and was strapped into a standing chair, there were a few final instructions and off we went.

"The wind and rain were hitting my face but I was trying to smile for the video recording me! It was still fun to be standing on the outside of the plane in the sky. After about 10 minutes we came down. I was exhilarated and shaky.

"I wanted to do the wing walk in memory of my late father, Franchot Ross."

Franchot, who passed away in December, was a resident at Jewish Care's Rela Goldhill home in Golders Green for people with physical disabilities.

Mrs Kushner, a teacher who lives in Edgware with her husband Nigel and their four children, added: "The staff at Rela Gold-hill made my dad's time there incredibly special. It was his home and he loved being there. The staff look after the residents with such compassion. I raised money for the care home so the residents can have holidays that are adapted for people with disabilities."

Mrs Kushner exceeded her fundraising goal of £1,000 to collect £1,600. She did the skydive on the day of her youngest son Matty's seventh birthday.

Mrs Kushner's previous zip wiring and skydive challenges have raised several thousands of pounds for Jewish Care and Chai Cancer Care.

Daniel Carmel Brown, Jewish Care's director of fundraising and marketing, said: "There is a first for everything and I believe this is the first time we have had anyone wing walking for Jewish Care. It's wonderful Vanessa has taken on this challenge in memory of her late father. The money she has raised will help fund holidays for residents - a real highlight of the year for staff and residents."

The Ahavas Yisrael kehillah in Edgware has been awarded full United Synagogue status by the US Council.

Operating from the Langdon charity's Edgware premises, Ahavas Yisrael is led by Dayan Elimelech Vanzetta. It has a growing membership of 45 and its Shabbat services attract up to 70 people, including Langdon clients.

It recently launched a fundraising project for a Sefer Torah, generating half the required amount within a few weeks. A representative said that although the shul had the option of remaining on the Langdon site for five years, it would be looking for a permanent home.

US president Stephen Pack believed that "this lovely community is well placed to serve the increasing number of young families moving into the south side of Edgware".

Elsewhere, a satellite of Mill Hill Synagogue in Mill Hill East is planning regular Friday night services from September.

Another new United Synagogue community, Magen Avot in Hendon, is now meeting for Shabbat services at the Nancy Reuben School while it searches for permanent premises.

From key fundraisers to meals-on-wheels providers, the breadth of Jewish Care's volunteer army was showcased at its awards night, held at the charity's Friern Barnet campus.

The age spectrum was also covered with long-time volunteers recognised alongside teenage helpers.

For example, the young volunteer award winner was Joseph Malinsky, 16, who for the past two years has been assisting at Lady Sarah Cohen House on the Friern Barnet site. He is there every Shabbat to help with the morning services and kiddush.

"I started volunteering as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Award but enjoyed it so much that I continued after the six-month programme came to an end," he explained. "I like helping the residents and being able to give something back."

Another award went to the Jewish studies team and year eight teachers at JCoSS for their intergenerational programme with Jewish Care's Connect@ centre in Southgate for independent older people.

The teachers have supported 90 children volunteering there during school hours as a means to build pupil confidence and a sense of social responsibility during their bar/batmitzvah year.

Award winners Hermi Goodman and Sheila Lee regularly visit the Leonard Sainer Centre in Edgware for people living with dementia to run music, dance and reminiscence activities.

Mrs Goodman began volunteering "once my children flew the nest because I wanted to do something meaningful to enhance my life. Jewish Care is like a big family and it is wonderful to be a part of that.

"Receiving the award with my friend Sheila makes it more special - we've volunteered together for more than 20 years. It's a privilege to have such amazing clients and hear their incredible stories from the past."

Isla Horesh, 23, received an innovation award for teaching IT skills to young residents of Jack Gardner House, Golders Green, helping those with mental health needs.

"I enjoy volunteering and befriending at the home as it's a great way to give something back," she said. "It's been good to get to know the residents and support them to use iPads to download apps relating to their interests, as well as enriching their everyday lives by connecting on FaceTime with family and friends across the world."

The 70-strong meals-on-wheels team from Redbridge Jewish Community Centre was recognised in the "outstanding relationship" category.

Among the group collecting the award was Sid Green, who began helping out 10 years ago when ill health forced him to give up work. "I like making people feel good," he said. "I have made friendships with those I deliver meals to and I call them up from time to time to see how they are."

Southend and Westcliff Community Centre's Cobham Singers Choir was honoured for innovation and creativity. The choir's Jackie Davis said it "connects everyone involved and is something positive that makes members feel valued and gives them a sense of belonging".

"Outstanding fundraisers" Patsy Bloom and Susie James have generated £1.5 million to date from an annual bridge extravaganza, which is approaching its 20th year. They were among eight volunteer patrons, acknowledged for exceptional contributions. Another is Elizabeth Israel, who for many years has organised outings for the charity's clients.

Simon Morris, Jewish Care's chief executive, said that without its 3,000 volunteers, "we could not provide the services we do.

"We are working hard to ensure we can provide all of our volunteers with meaningful roles that match their interests, skills and requirements so that volunteers have a real purpose and sense of worth within the organisation."

An independent modern Orthodox community is planned for Edgware following a meeting of potential participants this week.

Titled Kehillat Ohev Shalom ("Lover of Peace"), it aims to hold a number of Shabbatonim in the coming months - the first in September.

Its organisers are Lindsay Simmonds, a lecturer at the London School of Jewish Studies, and Barry Kleinberg, who has also been teaching there.

They said the new community's emphasis would be on "Torah learning, social justice and the active participation of all its members". It would adhere to Orthodoxy "in a caring and inclusive way" and would not be a partnership minyan. The organisers hope to attract world-class scholars in residence. Around two dozen people attended Monday's open meeting.