Calling London is  the yearly winter coat donation drive for London, which is starting Monday 2nd November.  The organisation collects clean, unwanted winter coats that are still in good condition, sorts them into sizes and redistributes to charities.  A great idea that’s now been running since November 2011.

This year Chestertons Estate Agents have partnered with Calling London to help out by acting as the main drop off point for coat donations - since they’re in 30 locations across the capital including Marylebone, it makes it pretty convenient, which is absolutely key.

The charity is collection coats for men, women and children of all ages which are then distributed to homeless and refugee centres across the capital. Its a great cause, and a lovely way to recycle any coats that little ones (or big ones!) might have grown out of.

You can find the information on where the Marylebone office is on the Chestertons website http://www.chestertons.com/london-estate-agent/marylebone/ (its on Queen Anne St), and you can also drop off at any other office that may be convenient for you (e.g. the Hyde Park office on Connaught St). All the drop off point as well as further information on the drive  can be found here: http://www.callinglondon.org.uk/

Its really easy to drop any unwanted coats off at such convenient locations. As the weather is turning chilly, its a great way to directly help those is need.

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The lovely people at Jellybeans hold a Twins Group once a month which those of you with multiples might like to attend. You are also welcome to go along if you are expecting twins (or more!). 

The group is held on the 2nd Friday of the month in the Jellybeans group from 10am to 11.30am

I've put up some new info on the website that you might find useful, and also a summary of some of the new places in the area. 

- In the Activities - things to do section I have included some info about the classes that run at the Fitzrovia Community Centre. There are some interesting classes there, and you can also hire out space for birthday parties which might be useful! I have also included the info in the Directory - birthday party section and a reminder that if you do use a service, venue etc that you are happy to recommend, please let me know and I can add it to the list. 

- In the local info - nurseries section I have added info about the new Phileas Fox Nursery which takes children from 2 yrs old in a multi-lingual setting, so if you are looking for French/Russian/Chinese education that might be useful for you. They also have classes for younger babies. 

Many of yo may know the website Ollyolly which you can use to find activities that are going on in the area. There is also an app called ParentVille that allows you to find local activities. Useful to have on your phone and great if you are in a different part of town too. 

I will be adding some more info about things going on around the area soon. There is a new organic/natural food store opening on Edgware Road soon which looks lovely. I also hear that there may be a new butcher opening around the Marble Arch side of Marylebone so with the lovely fishmonger we already have. those of us on the West side of Marylebone may have some nice new options for buying food. There also seems to be a new pizza/Italian restaurant opening on Edgware Road called Fratelli La Bufala which looks decent online at least!

Italian restaurant Bernardis has opened at the South end of Seymour Place and looks lovely - I sampled some of the food and it was yummy! And... have you seen The Ivy Cafe is coming to Marylebone Lane in November? The famous Ivy is expanding its brand and we get the first Cafe from the looks of it. Fingers crossed its child friendly!

​If you're looking for a stylish night out, there is the Zetter Townhouse that has opened on Seymour Street which serves great food and cocktails too. We really are spoilt for choice right now!