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💌 Hello from The Nugget
🎄 He Turned Down ‘I’m a Celeb: Get Me Out of Here!’ to Light Up Molesey
Move over, Hollywood—while other celebrities chase fame on TV or glittering red carpets, Our biggest local celeb has chosen something even better: bringing Christmas magic to Molesey. That’s right—he’s skipping the cameras, the reality TV chaos, and the glitzy parties to switch on our festive lights.
🎄 Magical Molesey Christmas Evening – East Molesey
When: Thursday, 27th November, 5pm – 7pm
Where: Walton Road, East Molesey High Street
Battersea Power Station might have Kylie, The Mitre Hotel might have Martine McCutcheon, but here in Molesey the festive lights are switched on by none other than our very own rarely-seen local legend: Mr Mole! Catch him shortly after 5pm outside Musicland (52-54 Walton Road) as he officially kicks off the Christmas season.
Festive entertainment: Local school choirs will perform on the stage at Matham Road/Walton Road, and the Scout Band will close the evening with cheerful tunes.
Meet Santa (for free!): Children can visit Santa’s grotto at Refresh Church (129 Walton Road) throughout the evening—perfect for secret wish whispering.
Stalls and treats: Browse charity and local stalls along the south side of Walton Road (Tesco side), offering festive goodies, games for kids, local honey, advice from retired GPs, and ways to support local causes like the foodbank.
It’s Molesey’s very own red-carpet moment—minus the paparazzi, plus a very cute celebrity mole
Got an event, or story you’d like to share, need help shouting about something to the community, get the word out to over 400 locals every week. Just reply to this email, and it will come straight to me.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS NUGGET GIVEAWAY 🎄
Calling all local business owners and fans of Molesey!
It’s the season of giving… and The Great Christmas Nugget is spreading festive cheer! One lucky local business will receive a package of three featured adverts this December in The Molesey Nugget — completely free!
Bear in mind, our readers are 85% female, highly engaged, and often the decision-makers for household purchases. Whether you run a beauty & wellness business, a home service such as a plumber, roofer, or electrician, are in financial services, or you’re simply an expert who can help the people of Molesey, this Christmas giveaway is the perfect way to get noticed by the people who matter most
VOTING IS OPEN TO EVERYONE
Who should win the free advert package?
🌿 Iris + Birch Woodland Stay + Play drop in sessions
Give your little explorers the gift of nature! Join Iris + Birch for magical outdoor play sessions where children can explore, discover, and connect with the natural world. Designed for confident walkers up to preschool age, our woodland sessions nurture creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Term time only & available from 7th November - book in advance
📍 Location: Walton Firs Activity Camp, Cobham KT11 1HB
🕓 When: Mondays & Fridays, 9.45–11.15am (Weekend dates coming soon!)
📧 Contact: [email protected]
🔗 Book your session: bookwhen.com/irisandbirch
LOCAL NEWS
🛍️ High Street Update
Help the Aged UK to Take Over Former FARA Unit
A bit of movement on the East Molesey High Street / Walton Road: Help the Aged UK will soon be opening in the old FARA shop unit. The refit is already underway, so expect a fresh new look on that stretch of the street very soon.
QEF Charity Shop Closing as Organisation Winds Down
In sadder news, the QEF (Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People) shop is expected to close in the coming weeks. The charity has announced it will begin a formal wind-down from 11 November 2025, with a 28-day period to relocate residential clients and meet remaining commitments before filing for administration.
QEF has supported disabled people for over 90 years, and its presence—both within Surrey and here on our High Street—will be deeply missed.
We wish their staff, clients, and supporters strength during what must be an incredibly difficult time.
A Brighter Note: Welcome to Food Lab!
Amid the goodbyes, we also get to welcome something fresh and colourful: Food Lab, newly opened and run by Ozzy, who many locals have already stopped in to meet.
The shop focuses on fresh fruit and veg delivered daily, alongside vegan and gluten-free foods, health products, and all sorts of niche goodies that people have been hunting for locally. The vibrant displays alone are worth a visit!
Current hours are 7am–7pm, seven days a week (though this may shift as Ozzy gets to know the local rhythm). He previously ran a similar store elsewhere in London, but after researching our area—and the gap in the market—decided Molesey was the perfect home for Food Lab.
Given Molesey’s very mixed range of shopping habits, it’s great to see a store that caters to residents looking for high-quality, specialist produce. And who knows—its reputation (plus our handy free 30-minute parking) should help to pull in shoppers from neighbouring towns, helping drive footfall to our other brilliant independents.
Here’s to keeping Molesey bright, vibrant, and delicious!
🔔 Quick Reminders from Last Week
Support Smiles2Smiles – Christmas Hamper Collection
Our local Smiles2Smiles Christmas hamper campaign is underway. If you’d like to help brighten someone’s festive season, you can donate directly via their Smiles2Smiles Amazon wishlist here
Have Your Say: Molesey Community Centre (Waste to Plate)
Waste to Plate is gathering views on the future of the Molesey Community Centre. If you haven’t filled out their information form yet, there’s still time.
Full stories were covered in last week’s edition of the Nugget (12/11/25) if you need a refresher. Nuggets 12/11/25
🤶🤶 IT’S CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISTMAS 🎅🎅
Markets, Fayres, lights on etc!
If your event is not included, reply to this email and let me know.
• Hersham Village Christmas Market (1.30pm–4pm)
No market on Fri 21st
🗓️ Thu 27 Nov
• Magical Molesey (5pm–7pm)
East Molesey High St & Walton Road
🗓️ Sat 29 Nov
• St Peter’s Christmas Fair (10.30am–2.30pm), Community Hub, Ray Rd
• Orchard Infants School Fair (12pm–3pm)
🗓️ Sun 30 Nov
• Friends of Molesey Community Centre Fair (11am)
🗓️ Fri 5 Dec
• Hampton Court Festive Fayre
• Court Circular Christmas Market (11am–3pm), Vine Hall, Vine Rd
• Hampton Court Festive Fayre
• St Albans Primary School Fair (11am–2pm)
• Hurst Park Primary School Fair (12pm–3pm)
🗓️ Sun 7 Dec
• Court Circular Christmas Market (11am–3pm), Vine Hall, Vine Rd
• Hampton Court Festive Fayre
🗓️ Fri 12 Dec
• Hampton Court Festive Fayre
🗓️ Sat 13 Dec
• Hampton Court Festive Fayre
🗓️ Sun 14 Dec
• Hampton Court Festive Fayre
Nitty Gritty: The Real Classroom Invaders 🕵️♀️
Molesey mum Dani, one of the brains behind the award-winning head-lice brand Nitty Gritty. Has the lowdown on how to check, treat, and prevent infestations —
Use code MOLESEY at check out to receive a £3 discount
Just tap the image below to read her article and keep your little elves nit free this Christmas.
Events & Meet-Ups
Big Nuggets
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
Top picks 20th -26th Nov
Community Assess & Support Day |Thurs 20 Nov – 8:30am–3:30pm | Imber Court, Ember Lane, KT8 0BT | Free drop-in with health advice, exercise tasters, employment support, and NHS referrals (by appointment). Hosted by Surrey Downs Health & Care and local partners. Info here
Festive Paper Decoration Workshop | Thurs 20 Nov – 1:30pm & 2:45pm | St Paul’s Church Parish Hall, Church Road, KT8 9DR | £15 – Seasonal paper craft with a handmade twist. Booking essential. [email protected]
Pottery Painting – Adults Social Evening | Thurs 20 Nov – 7–10pm |Refresh Church, Walton Rd, Molesey | BYOB | No studio fee – pay for what you paint (from £6). Canapés, festive creativity, and glazing included. info here
Gourmet Dinner & Wine Tasting | Fri 21 Nov – 7pm | East Molesey Cricket Club, Graburn Way, KT8 9AL | £55pp (includes 3 courses + wine tasting). In aid of Molesey Churches Night Shelter | Book here
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Opening Day | Fri 21 Nov – from 10am | Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey | Outdoor skating for all ages (2+). Quiet & Calm sessions available. Hot chocolate, mulled wine & festive treats. Runs until 4 Jan hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Paint & Sip – Autumn Scene | Fri 21 Nov – 7–9pm | 1st Molesey (Jaguar) Scout Hut, 193 Walton Road | £30 (includes all supplies + glass of fizz). In support of 1st Molesey Scouts. Guided painting in a relaxed setting. booking here
Singalong Workshop with Alice Williams | Sat 22 Nov – 2–4pm
Refresh Church, Walton Rd, Molesey |Free | No experience needed. Joyful community singing with local vocalist Alice Williams | Includes mince pie & mulled wine. info here
Looking ahead
Wed 27 Nov
• Magical Molesey – East Molesey High St / Walton Rd, 5pm–7pm
Sat 29 Nov
• Festive Drum Workshop – event for Adults with or without kids Refresh Church in the Community, Walton Rd, Molesey, 3–4:30pm | info here
• Walton Christmas Festival of Light – Walton town centre, 12–6pm – Free entry | Lights, stalls, and festive fun | Info here
Wed 03 Dec
• Christmas Café Bridge – Bridge Road, 11am–4pm – Charity fun day | More info here
Sat 06 Dec
• Bring & Share International Meal – From 7pm | Refresh Church in the Community, Walton Rd, Molesey | Free, but booking essential | Info here
Mini Nuggets
From toddler bounce sessions to midweek mischief, here’s what’s happening in and around Molesey
Top picks 20th - 26th Nov
Aladdin Panto – Molesey Musical Theatre | Thurs 20 – Sun 23 Nov | Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 1AU | A magical family pantomime packed with songs, laughter, and festive sparkle. Join Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie for a fun-filled adventure. Evening and matinee performances across the weekend. book here
Molesey Library – Lego Club | Sat 22 Nov – 9:30–10:30am | Molesey Library, Walton Road | Drop-in Saturday morning Lego fun for all ages. Build, create, and get inspired. | Free, no booking required.
Frozen Pottery Painting (with Princess Visit) | Sun 23 Nov – 3–4:30pm | Crafty Pots, The Heart Shopping Centre, Walton-on-Thames £22 per child | Ages 3+ | Dress-up welcome |Paint a ceramic piece (choice of 2), meet Princess Ariel with songs and photo time, plus popcorn, squash, and all materials included. Items glazed and fired for collection.
Kids events | Crafty Pots CafeMolesey Library – Santa Stop Here Signs | Mon 24 Nov – 11am | Molesey Library, Walton Road | Make a festive sign to welcome Santa. | No booking required. Suggested donation of £1 per child. Anyone is welcome.
Yoga for Neurodiverse Teens & Young Adults
Mon 24 Nov – 4:30–5:30pm
Holistic Studio, Xcel Leisure Centre, Walton-on-Thames
Gentle, easy-to-follow yoga designed for those with additional needs — build strength, body awareness, and calm.
£10 per session | DM Oxana to book: 07592 960 98
Looking ahead
Wed 27 Nov
• Magical Molesey – East Molesey High St / Walton Rd, 5pm–7pm
Sat 29 Nov
• Drop-in Pottery Painting – Family Morning – Refresh Church in the Community, Walton Rd, Molesey, 10am–2pm info here
• Festive Drum Workshop – Kingston Community Drumming – Event suitable for families of all ages Refresh Church, Walton Rd, Molesey, 3–4:30pm | info here
• Walton Christmas Festival of Light – Walton town centre, 12–6pm – Free entry | Tree switch-on at 4:45pm | more info
• Molesey Library – Advent Calendar Trail – 11am
Mon 1 Dec
• Treats for Santa – Guided Pottery Workshop – Crafty Pots, Walton Heart Centre 3:45–4:45pm | Kids events | Book here
Tue 2 Dec
• 🎅 Treats for Santa – Guided Pottery Workshop – Crafty Pots, Walton Heart Centre 3:45–4:45pm | Kids events | Book here
Sat 6 Dec
• 🎄 Forest Tales Christmas Drop-Off Workshop – Refresh Centre, Molesey KT8 0DT 9:30–12:30 or 1–4pm | Book here
• Santa’s Grotto – 3rd Molesey Scouts HQ, time TBC | [email protected]
Other useful stuff
Esher U12s Rugby – New Players Wanted Esher Rugby Club Year 7 boys Games on Sundays Training Tuesdays 6–7pm | No experience needed — just bring energy and a love of the game! Friendly, competitive, and coached by a brilliant team. Niall: 07793 811 778 Jez: 07841 471 032 More info here about the club
Magic Garden – Winter Opening Times Hampton Court Palace The Magic Garden is now closed Reopens: 17 December – 4 January (closed 24–26 December) Palace and grounds remain open Wednesday to Sunday | 10am–4pm
PLAYGROUPS
Allsorts Toddler Group – Wednesdays (term time) St Peter’s Community & Youth Hub, Molesey Every Wednesday | 9:30 AM–11:30 AM Free play, crafts & snacks for babies and toddlers | Hot drinks for grown-ups | Ends with songs & a story | Facebook group here
Saint Mary’s Community Café — Coffee, Connection & Soft Play
In partnership with Foxhall & Flour, exceptional coffee and a soft play area for under-5s | usual hours (term - time) Mon- Fri 9am - 3.30 | Holiday activities coming soon! No booking needed — £3 donation per child
Saint Mary’s Church, East Molesey https://www.smem.org.uk/cafeLittle Moles – Tuesdays (term time) St Mary’s Church, East Molesey | babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups, with songs, stories, and time to connect over coffee and cake. | St Mary’s Church, East Molesey |🕤 9:30–10:30 AM – Toddlers 10:30–11:00 AM – Coffee & Cake 🕚 11:00–12:00 PM – Bumps & Babies | 📝 No booking required | more info here
Petite Haven –*NEW* Riverside Stay & Play (Fridays from October) East Molesey Cricket Club, KT8 | 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Ages 0–5 | Soft play for little ones to explore safely Fresh coffee from the Riverside Café Free snacks at the grand opening | Themed events for older children in the weeks to follow 📅 Every Friday First come, first served | booking essential | Instagram here
Molies Playgroup – Mondays in East Molesey St Paul’s Church Hall, KT8 Mondays, 9:45–11:15 AM | Welcoming all pre schoolers — | Older siblings welcome on inset days (not if off school sick) Expectant mums also invited for tea, chat & support | Free play • Weekly arts & crafts • Snack time • Ride-ons ☕ Help-yourself tea, coffee & often freshly baked cake 💷 £5 per family (+£1 per sibling) | Childminders: £4 per adult + £2 per child | facebook group here
Thanks again for all your kind and supportive messages about The Molesey Nugget, keep spreading the word, and If you feel generous, fuel my writing with a donation! buymeacoffee.com/TheMoleseyNugget
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Jules
Founder & Editor ( all the mistakes are mine!)
