Welcome back!

As expected, I am not rested, refreshed, recuperated, recharged, or any of the other things people claim to be after a holiday. That's because I spent a week with a six-year-old, which is less "relaxing break" and more "parenting in a different location."

That said, I do feel a certain level of smugness that, for once, we managed to book a UK holiday during a week of genuinely glorious weather. And the Isle of Wight? Oh wow. If you're looking for somewhere beautiful, and to be thoroughly worn out by your children during the school holidays, I can highly recommend it.

So I'm now home, straight back into a full week of gardening, a full week of Nuggeting, several loads of washing, and the joyous return of school.

Hooray for school. 🎉

Now, what have I missed? 😄

If we're going to eat cake (and let's be honest, we are), surely it should be the good stuff. The sort made by local people, in local kitchens, using real ingredients and a healthy amount of love.

This week, I wanted to give a little shout-out to two Molesey businesses creating delicious handmade treats right on our doorstep.

First up is Mine's Wonders, home to what is believed to be Molesey's first cake shed. Tucked away on Fleetside, the self-service shed is stocked every weekend with a changing selection of freshly baked goodies, from cakes and chunky cookies to gooey cookie pies and fresh focaccia bread.

It's one of those lovely old-fashioned ideas that restores your faith in humanity. Everything is clearly labelled, payments are made by card or cash, and Mine's young son often helps out too. You'll often find vegan and gluten-free treats among the selection.

Then there's Chimney cake, West Molesey , serving freshly made goodies from the Royal Oak car park.

I'd never heard of a chimney cake until recently. Originating from Hungary, they're made by wrapping dough around a cylinder and baking it until golden and caramelised. The result is a warm, sweet treat that's crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle.

You'll find Chimney cake parked next to Nugget favourite Commer Coffee, which means that corner of West Molesey is becoming increasingly difficult to walk past without accidentally buying yourself a treat.

Mine's Wonders
📍 45 Fleetside, West Molesey, KT8 2NF
🕘 Fri-Sun, 9am-8pm
More info: Instagram | Facebook

Chimney Cake
📍 Royal Oak Car Park, West Molesey
🕐 Fri & Sat 1pm-6pm | Sun 10am-4pm
More info: Instagram

Recently I’ve noticed just how often Pilates comes up in conversations, particularly among women of a certain age (and yes, I am including myself in that category).

So I caught up with Iryna Boost to ask a simple question:

What's all the fuss about?

Unlike some forms of exercise that focus on getting hot, sweaty and wondering whether your lungs are about to leave your body, Iryna explains that Pilates is all about building strength, improving flexibility, balance and mobility through controlled movements that support your body in everyday life.

Iryna says one of the reasons Pilates is so popular with women is that it focuses on the muscles that help support posture, stability and movement. It's not just about exercise for exercise's sake; it's about helping your body do the things you want it to do, both now and in the years ahead.

For many women, whatever age you are, staying active isn't necessarily about running marathons or fitting into skinny jeans. It's about getting up from the floor more easily, carrying the shopping without tweaking your back, keeping up with grandchildren, improving balance and reducing those niggling aches and pains that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Iryna also points out that Pilates can be particularly beneficial during perimenopause and menopause, when maintaining muscle strength, mobility, balance and overall wellbeing becomes increasingly important.

And before anyone starts imagining themselves folded into a human pretzel, Iryna is keen to stress that her classes are designed to be welcoming and accessible. You don't need to be fit, flexible or experienced to get started.

Classes take place at the lovely Vine Hall in East Molesey, and Iryna brings all the equipment with her each week, so there's no need to buy anything or turn up looking like you've emptied the middle of Lidl.

To help more local people discover Pilates, Iryna is offering Nugget readers one completely free trial class.

The only thing she asks is that you book in advance and mention The Molesey Nugget when booking. As Iryna brings all the equipment needed for each class, she needs to know how many people are coming.

So if you've been Pilates-curious, wondering what all the fuss is about, or simply looking for a friendly way to build strength, flexibility and confidence in your movement, this could be the perfect opportunity to give it a try.

Claim your free trial class by emailing Iryna

[email protected] or call/txt 07818681081

Elmbridge Borough Council has unanimously agreed to exempt residents living with a terminal illness from paying council tax.

The decision follows campaigning by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, which has highlighted the financial pressures many families face when someone becomes seriously ill. Reduced income, higher heating bills, travel costs and the expense of caring for a loved one at home can all quickly add up at an already difficult time.

Councillors said the change is about easing some of that burden, allowing residents and their families to focus on spending time together rather than worrying about bills.

It's one of those measures that most of us hope we'll never need, but for those who do, it could make a meaningful difference.

Residents who think they may be eligible can find more information on the Elmbridge Borough Council website.

We've all made mistakes.

Forgotten a birthday. Sent a text to the wrong person. Put a red sock in the white wash.

Elmbridge Borough Council's mistake was slightly larger.

The council has admitted that, due to a procedural error, more than 9,000 parking fines may have been issued incorrectly in some Elmbridge car parks since 2020.

The good news is that a refund scheme is now open, and anyone who thinks they may have been affected can apply to get their money back.

Before Molesey residents get too excited, Walton Road car park isn't affected, but several car parks in Walton, Hersham, Weybridge, Cobham and Esher are included.

The council says approved claims should be refunded within two weeks.

So if you've ever received a parking ticket in one of those car parks and are still muttering about it years later, this could be your moment.

Check whether you're eligible and apply here

The Hurst Pool refurbishment has been delayed... again.

The good news? The pool will now stay open throughout the summer, so swimmers get a bonus few months before the works begin, now expected in autumn 2026.

At this point, the refurbishment is becoming Molesey's answer to a Hollywood sequel: always coming soon. 😄

💌 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

Scone and Sketch – Vera Fletcher Hall, Thames Ditton · Friday 12 June, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM · Friendly, relaxed art session for beginners and experienced artists alike; half-price first class · More info

Summer Food Fair – Garsons, Esher · Saturday 13 June - Sunday 14 June · Free weekend of food and drink tastings with special offers at the farm shop · More info

Summer Sessions: Clara Belle – Imber Court Sports Club, East Molesey · Sunday 14 June, 1:00 PM · Live afternoon of rock ’n’ roll, soul, Motown and retro pop in the beer garden · More info

Bumps and Baby Summer Picnic – Bushy Park · Wednesday 17 June, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM · Free picnic for parents to be and new babies to meet local families and make new friends · More info

Wed 24 Jun
• Spain: Beyond The Usual Suspects – The Wine Room, East Molesey · 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM · More info

Thu 18 Jun
• Financial Confidence Workshop for Female Business Owners – The Wheatsheaf, Esher · 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM · More info

Fri 3 Jul
• Ladies Day – Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher · More info

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

Princess Alice Hospice Summer Fete & Dog Show – Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher · Sun 14 Jun, 12:30–4pm · Family-friendly fete with stalls, games and a fun dog show with multiple categories · More info

Active Play & Bounce (Under 5s) – Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex, Walton-on-Thames · Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM · Bouncy castle, soft play and plenty of space to run around for little ones · More info

Rhyme Time – Bara Café, St Mary’s Church, East Molesey · Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 AM · Free songs and rhymes for little ones; stay for coffee and soft play afterwards · More info

Sat 27 Jun
• West Fest Family Music Festival – St Peter's Vicarage Garden, West Molesey · 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM · More info

Thu 2 Jul
• Starting Reception? Getting Ready for School Online Workshop – Online · 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM · 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

I’ll finish this week with a quick look at the numbers… and blimey, you lot have been busy.

The Nugget has been racing ahead over the past couple of weeks, and a fair few of you have already hit the "win a shout-out" referral target. In hindsight, I may have made it slightly too easy. Rookie error.

For those of you who have made absolutely zero effort so far, can I ask you to close your eyes for a moment and think about how The Nugget has changed your life...

Have I introduced you to a new local business? Helped you find something to do with the kids? Improved your knowledge of bees? Filled three minutes while hiding from your family in the bathroom?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, perhaps it's time to share it with a friend, or better, your street or class what’s app group😄 Your personal referral link is above. Use it wisely.

If you're a new reader, thank you and welcome along!

If you'd like to find out a bit more about me and how The Nugget came about, browse past editions, or, even better, become a monthly supporter, you'll find all the links below.

Finally if anyone would like to donate to my coffee fund and enjoy the warm glow of helping a local media empire continue its quest for world domination, please do so...

See you all at carnival, its a big weekend for Molesey 🥳🥳

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