💌 Hello from The Nugget,

At some point we'll be able to stop talking about the weather…but for now, wasn’t that a scorcher!

I have to say, I am very grateful that Hurst Pool's long-awaited refurbishment closure hasn't happened yet, because we made excellent use of the big pool last week to cool ourselves down.

Has anyone else been casually Googling "average cost of installing air conditioning" and wondering what they can flog on Vinted to pay for it?

Now for some good news, over 600 of you have filled in my reader survey, and one thing came through loud and clear... finding a reliable handyman is harder than finding a parking space outside Lidl on a Saturday.

So, in the interests of research, I've spent the last few weeks hanging around the aisles of B&Q trying to chat up men in tool belts.

It's taken a while, but I'm delighted to introduce Handy Sam (Sam Montague), who joins The Nugget this week. If you're looking for someone reliable for those jobs that have been sitting on your to-do list since 2022, he's well worth a look.

And if you do get in touch, don't forget to mention you found him through The Molesey Nugget. 💛

Sam is local, highly personable and very reliable, he takes pride in his work, and won’t let you down. His rates start from £45ph (Min 1 hour) with bigger jobs quoted individually

Fresh from entertaining us all at Molesey Carnival, the amazing 3rd Molesey Matravers Scout and Guide Band have been marching down The Mall in London as part of London Band Week.

What an incredible experience for these young musicians, performing on one of the country's most iconic roads, after spending countless hours practising back here in Molesey.

Huge congratulations to everyone involved. Here's hoping it's the first of many unforgettable memories… and proof that some seriously impressive talent is growing right here on our doorstep. 👏

There are very few businesses I'd recommend without hesitation. Homebuild is one of them.

Back in autumn 2019, and with a 10 week old baby in tow, we embarked on our first big building project – a rear extension to create a kitchen diner.

If you've ever lived through building work, you'll know it isn't exactly glamorous. We spent months living out of our lounge, washing baby bottles in the bath because we had no downstairs sink, while Laurence and his team quietly transformed our house.

From day one they were professional, friendly and incredibly easy to have around. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble.

I'm probably every builder's nightmare because I ask questions about everything. What's happening next? Why is that going there? Is there another way of doing this? Laurence never made me feel like I was getting in the way. Instead, he took the time to explain things, offer ideas and help us make the right decisions.

Homebuild can manage an entire project, from initial ideas and architectural drawings through to foundations, brickwork and coordinating all the different trades. Equally, if you've already got your own roofer, electrician or plumber, they're happy to work around the people you already know and trust.

Fast forward to this year and we're on phase two of renovating our house. It genuinely never crossed my mind to ask another builder to quote. We knew the quality of Laurence's work, trusted him completely and knew we'd be in safe hands.

Building projects don't always go to plan, but Laurence is calm, practical and brilliant at finding solutions when challenges arise.

As I write this, Homebuild have finished the shell of our new side extension and are waiting for our roofer (That’s Tom, who I will tell you about soon!) before they return to complete the next stage. That’s the dusty, knocking through the wall stage. yippee!!

If you're planning an extension, renovation, or any type of building work, I genuinely wouldn't hesitate to recommend Laurence and the Homebuild team.

(Although if you could avoid booking them for the next few weeks until they've finished my house, I'd appreciate that...)

Contact Laurence on 07813 997806 or

[email protected]

Just when we'd all got our heads around what goes in the recycling bin, the bins themselves have decided to become a little less predictable.

If your garden waste bin has been sitting patiently at the end of the drive wondering if anyone still loves it... you're not alone.

The council says a combination of the recent heatwave, vehicle shortages and changes to where waste can be processed means collections are currently running behind. In some cases, bins may be collected more than two days late, and disruption could continue for the next 3–4 weeks.

The delays do include parts of East and West Molesey, with some bins missed earlier in the week.

The advice is simple: leave your bin out (yes, even over the weekend) and crews will get to it as soon as they can.

If you've ever fancied an electric car but don't have a driveway, Surrey County Council has launched a scheme that could help.

Residents can now apply for a cable gully — a channel installed in the pavement that allows a charging cable to safely run from your home to your car parked on the street.

The scheme is open to eligible residents across Surrey, with installations costing £499.

It's not for everyone, but for households that can park outside their home, it could make owning an electric vehicle a lot more practical.

Find out more and check if your property is suitable:
Surrey County Council Cable Gully Scheme

💌 Do you know a local hero or a “Molesey magic” moment?

Reply to this email, and tell me more.

From coffee mornings to community fairs, here’s where Molesey gathers.

*Event details may change. Please check with organisers for the latest updates. Listings are shared in good faith but may not reflect last-minute changes

Molesey Craft Collective – Refresh Centre, 129 Walton Road, East Molesey · Fri 3 July, 7:15 PM - 9:45 PM · First Friday each month; friendly social crafting evening for all kinds of creative projects (£2, no booking needed) · More info

Summer dog walk – The Mute Swan, Hampton Court · Sat 4 July, 9:30 AM · Free guided walk with complimentary bacon baps, tea and coffee before setting off · More info

150th Anniversary Flower Festival – East Molesey Methodist Church · Sat 4 July, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM & Sun 5 July, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM · Celebration of 150 years in Molesey with floral displays, refreshments and a Saturday plant sale · More info

Molesey Clothing Exchange – Refresh Centre · Sat 4 July, 10am–1pm · Swap up to five good-quality items for tickets and refresh your wardrobe. £5 entry includes a hot drink and cake · More info

National Garden Scheme Open Garden: Juniper House – Beauchamp Rd · Sun 5 July, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM · Visit a stunning private garden and support nationwide charities · More info

Revive Together Café – Refresh Café, East Molesey · Tues 7 July 10:00 AM - 12.00 PM · Friendly space to craft, connect and build community · affordable coffees and refreshments. More info

Starkers art life drawing – Studio 366, East Molesey · Wednesday 8 July, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM · Relaxed monthly life drawing session for all abilities with materials provided · More info

Fri 24 Jul
• Ministry of Sound Classical featuring Judge Jules – Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher · More info

Includes free assessment and a personalised learning plan to help children build confidence, strengthen their maths skills and close learning gaps before the new school year.

Email [email protected]

to find out more

From toddler bounce sessions to midweek mischief, here’s what’s happening in and around Molesey

LEGO Club 9:30–10:30am & Junk Musical Instruments Craft & Storytime – 11:00am Molesey Library · Sat 4 Jul ·

St Albans School Summer Fair – St Albans School · Sat 4 Jul · Community summer fair with activities and stalls. 12.30-3.30 · More info

Walton Fayre – Walton High Street, Walton-on-Thames · Saturday 4 July, from 12:00 PM · Free town-centre celebration with stalls, food, live entertainment and shows from Radish the Magician · More info

Great Molesey Hog Roast – St Peter's Vicarage Garden, West Molesey · Sunday 5 July ·Starts at 12.30pm Free Community hog roast and family activity day in the vicarage garden ·

Extended until July 3rd - Wed 24 Jun Toy Swap & Exchange – Bara Café, St Mary’s Church, East Molesey · Wednesday 24 June - Extended until July 3rd - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM · Bring up to 8 toys or games in good condition and swap them for something new-to-you (ages 0–12) ·

Fri 7 – Sun 9 Aug
• Inflatable Fun Weekend – Esher Rugby Club · More info

This section was getting a bit too big to keep here every week!

I’ve created a new page for regular /weekly activities, such as playgroups- Just CLICK HERE to view

One of my favourite things is discovering just how much brilliant stuff is quietly happening here in Molesey. Every week I stumble across another club, charity, event or local business that makes me think, "How did I not know about this already?"

Over the next few weeks, I'll be taking you inside the monthly Pottery Café at Refresh Church, sharing the history and excitement behind Molesey Regatta (and why it urgently needs our support to keep this wonderful community tradition alive), and introducing another fantastic local business, Strong Ladies Club.

And that's all before the school holidays even begin...

Honestly, I don't think Molesey realises quite how lucky it is. Take away the potholes, the odd missed bin collection and the occasional person helping themselves to your brand-new 4x4 from the driveway, and it's actually a pretty wonderful place to call home. 😜

Have a lovely weekend, and I'll see you next week.

Jules

Founder & Editor

(all the mistakes are mine!)

Email me [email protected] or find out more The Molesey Nugget

☕ send a one-off coffee Please click here

🔁 or support with £2/£5/£10 a month Please click here