☀️Before we get into things this week, we probably do need to mention the heatwave. London has just recorded its hottest ever May temperature at a rather ridiculous 35 degrees, and I’m sure you’re all thoroughly sick of hearing about it by now.

In case you’ve been worrying about me, I’ve actually been off from my day job as a gardener this week, so thankfully avoided lobster-red arms and dramatically fainting into someone’s hydrangeas.

If you’re melting with small children at home, two bits of useful local intel: both splash pads are now open — Hersham Recreation Ground and Churchfields Playground in Weybridge — and Hampton Outdoor Pool is also open and you can book ahead.

Keep cool folks, check in on any vulnerable neighbours, and knowing Molesey, I suspect there are already ice lollies being generously handed around the streets 💛

The countdown is officially on to one of my favourite days of the Molesey calendar… Molesey Carnival 🎉

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the whole thing. The parade down the High Street, Mr Mole making his grand appearance, the marching bands, the dog show, the fundraising stalls, and the moment West Molesey Recreation Ground fills up with families, laughter and the unmistakable smell of burgers and candy floss.

What many people don’t realise is that the carnival is much more than just a brilliant day out. It’s a long-standing community fundraiser, helping local charities, schools, churches, scouts, guides, clubs and societies raise both much-needed funds and awareness. The event is run entirely by volunteers, with all money raised going towards making sure it happens again the following year.

The carnival’s roots stretch back over a century, with early “Pound Days” held at Hurst Park and Molesey Hospital to raise money for local healthcare. The modern version was revived in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and thankfully it’s been bringing the community together ever since.

Behind all the floats, fun and Mr Mole magic, there’s a tiny team of 6 volunteers working unbelievably hard to keep this brilliant tradition alive.

Carnival Chair Janine shared this week that the float parade was actually at risk this year, after council-required road closures added an extra £2,500 to the bill. Thankfully, some local heroes stepped in to save the day, including the Molesey Residents Association, Ernest Mallet (personal donation) and Molesey Veterinary Centre — meaning the parade will roll through Molesey once again this June 💛

The committee still urgently need 18 volunteers to help with road closures between 11am–2pm on carnival day, so if you can spare a few hours, please email [email protected].

Roll on carnival day… and the return of the one and only Mr Mole

If social media sometimes feels like shouting into the void, Kate says you’re not alone. Here are the five most common social media mistakes small businesses should avoid:

Head over to Kate’s latest Instagram post for practical tips on how to avoid these common pitfalls and make your social media work harder for your business. You can contact her directly with any brand or marketing related questions [email protected]

Some really lovely news for Molesey this week.

Helen and Alex Munro and the wider team at St Peter's West Molesey have officially signed the lease for The Molesey Centre.

As many of you will remember, they won the bid to take over the running of the centre late last year, and have been working hard behind the scenes ever since.

The building will now be closed for most of May and into June while refurbishment takes place. The plans sound fantastic, with a new café area, a family-friendly play zone, and a continued commitment to many of the popular activities and groups that have supported local residents over the years.

They will also be working alongside the Friends of The Molesey Centre, Kings Church and other local support groups to explore even more ways the centre can serve the community.

The Molesey Centre has always been an important community hub, and I know everyone involved is passionate about creating something warm, welcoming and genuinely useful for ALL local residents.

I’m really looking forward to sharing updates and helping spread the word about all the new activities and opportunities that will be coming to the centre over the months ahead.

I’m hoping to sit down with Helen over the next couple of weeks to find out more about the plans, so watch this space. In the meantime, you can sign up for regular updates on their website here

After months (possibly years?) of all of us staring at the long-empty former Poundland unit and wondering what on earth was happening with it, Molesey High Street has finally given us something new to talk about.

The neighbouring former charity shop unit, which is now very clearly transforming into Spud Box.

The whole shopfront has been covered in branding and signage this week, confirming that the baked potato specialists really are on their way to Molesey.

I have to say, I’m always excited by the prospect of a good old jacket potato. My personal favourite is tuna mayonnaise with gherkins and jalapeños, which may or may not be controversial.

But the important question is: what goes on your perfect potato?

Cheese and beans? Chilli con carne? Prawn mayo? Or are you one of those people who treats a baked potato as a vehicle for whatever happens to be left in the fridge?

As soon as I know more about opening dates and what’s on the menu, I’ll keep you posted. But between the arrival of giant baked potatoes at one end of the High Street and a new tanning shop opening at the other, Molesey is suddenly feeling unexpectedly… Mediterranean.

💌 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

Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes Evening featuring Definitely Oasis – Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher · Thursday 28 May · Evening racing followed by a live tribute performance packed with Oasis anthems · More info

Embroidered Butterfly Workshop – Sweet Seams, Hersham · Sat 30th May 10am–1pm · Beginner-friendly embroidery class with all materials provided · More info

Cosy Nook Bookclub – Studio 366 · Weds 3rd June, 7-9pm · A free monthly welcoming book club exploring stories that have inspired or accompanied us on our spiritual journeys. Bring any book — fiction, non-fiction, serious, funny or even a childhood favourite. All are welcome. · More info

Thu 18 Jun
• Flowers and Fizz Evening – Squire's Garden Centre Hersham · 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM · More info

Sat 8 Aug
• Weber BBQ Masterclass – Favourites – Chessington Garden Centre · 12pm · More info A great idea for a fathers day pressie!

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

Mon 25 May - Sun 31st May
• Half term activities/ Magic garden – Hampton Court Palace · More info

Mon 25 May - Sun 31st May
• Half term fun – Brooklands Museum · 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM · More info

Various dates during half term
• Half-Term Sewing Classes – Sweet Seams Sewing Academy, East Molesey · More info

Tue 26 – Fri 29 May
• May Magic – Little H, Molesey Lock, East Molesey · 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM · Free half-term crafts including seed planting, biscuit decorating and flower weaving · More info

Tue 26 – Thu 28 May
• Make & Take at The Tipi: The Secret Garden Activities – The Tipi at Garsons, Esher · More info

Tue 26 – Fri 29 May
• Create & Grow May Half Term – Squire’s Garden Centres · 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM · More info

Thu 28 May
• Story & Craft Kids Club – The Walton Village, Walton-on-Thames · More info
• FREE Musical Theatre Workshop (7–12 yrs) – Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames · 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM · More info

Sat 6 Jun
• St Lawrence Junior School Summer Fair – St Lawrence Junior School, Church Road, East Molesey · from 11:00 AM · 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 small piece of sad news… The Nugget will be taking a little rest next week while I enjoy some faaaaaaamily time.

In the meantime, if you’d like to keep The Nugget close to your heart, the very best thing you can do is share it with a friend using your personal referral link below. Every new subscriber helps this little community grow, and last week you lot did an impressive job, so keep on going!!

Thanks, as always, for reading and for being part of something that continues to surprise me every single week 💛

Jules

Founder & Editor

(all the mistakes are mine!)

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

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