First up, a big thank you to those of you who’ve started supporting The Nugget — whether that’s signing up regularly or sending over a “buy me a coffee” last week. It really does mean a lot, and I don’t take it lightly 💛

The support link now has a permanent home at the bottom of the newsletter, so if you’re ever reading along thinking “this is quite nice actually”, feel free to click that.

I’ve been out and about this week, gently (and sometimes not so gently) selling myself and The Nugget’s soul to bring on board some new partners. The aim is always the same — to work with local businesses that genuinely bring value to you, while also helping to make this whole thing a bit more sustainable behind the scenes.

Which leads me to a little teaser… I’ve got a big local partner starting to feature from next week, see if you can spot the clue in this newsletter! 💛

Also, thank you for getting stuck into the meet-up poll — I loved reading through all your votes and ideas. The top two came back as the Molesey food, drink and history tour, and the family treasure hunt… and I’m very excited to say I’m starting to meet with local businesses and history-minded folk to bring the tour to life.

I’ve been on similar tours in New York, Paris and London, and they’re always such a good way to see a place differently, meet new and interesting people, and, in true Winnie-the-Pooh style, spend a lot of time thinking about what’s for breakfast.

I’ll keep you posted as it comes together… 👀

Ashley from The Good Bloom Co (local florist) has put out a call for help.

She’s a big hayfever sufferer and has heard that very local honey can sometimes help — but hasn’t been able to track any down in Molesey.

She’s seen an apiary near the recreation ground in West Molesey, but doesn’t know who runs it or whether the honey is sold locally.

Does anyone know anything about it ? or any local beekeepers nearby selling honey?

Hit reply if you can help and I’ll pass it on (for everyone)

This week’s spotlight is a little different—but definitely one worth sharing.

Libby, a 24-year-old from Surrey, is the founder of Ove, an app designed to support girls through puberty and their early teenage years. The idea came from her own experience of starting her period at 10 and not really understanding what was happening—something many girls (and parents) will recognise.

What began as a university project has grown into something much bigger. Ove now has over 60,000 users and works with schools across the UK, helping girls access clear, age-appropriate information in a way that feels safe and easy to navigate.

The app includes interactive lessons, quizzes, a period tracker, and an anonymous chatbot where questions can be asked without embarrassment—removing some of the awkwardness that often comes with the topic.

While many readers will already know this stuff themselves, the harder part is often how to talk about it with your own children. Ove feels like a helpful bridge—giving girls a way to learn in their own time, while making those conversations at home feel a little less daunting.

A simple idea, but one that could make a real difference.

Find out more at ovecare.com or follow on Instagram

We’ve covered what’s changing and who’s standing… so now for the final piece: 👉 how to actually vote on the day. Don’t worry — it’s all very straightforward.

On Thursday 7th May, head to your local polling station (it’ll be on your poll card). You’ll be given a ballot paper with a list of candidates for your ward.
👉 You’ll get TWO votes — as each ward elects two councillors.
Then simply: take your paper into the booth, put a cross (✖️) next to your chosen candidates, fold it up and pop it in the box. Done.

You’ll need to bring photo ID (passport or driving licence).
👉 No ID = no vote.

If you’ve applied for a postal vote, your ballot will arrive at home. Fill it in, sign the form, and send it back.
👉 Don’t leave it sitting on the side next to the takeaway menus.

This is where someone else votes on your behalf — useful if you’re away or can’t get to a polling station.
👉 You do need to arrange this in advance.

Try not to spend 10 minutes in the booth Googling candidates, don’t let your toddler “help” with the crosses, and yes… you do have to choose real people, not just the nicest sounding name.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s one of those things that’s worth doing. Even if you’ve only skimmed this guide over the past few weeks, you’ll now know more than most people walking into that polling station.

It’s become a bit of a tradition to take your dog along and post a photo outside. No, they don’t get a vote (yet), but they do get a lot of attention online.
👉 So if you’ve got a photogenic pup… you know what to do. #dogsatpollingstations

If you have missed any part of my guide, you can read it all here in one place

The Nugget guide to the local elections

💌 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

Waste to Plate Grand Opening – 29 High Street, Thames Ditton · Thu 30 Apr, 9am–12pm & 3–6pm · Community food rescue initiative opening its doors, helping reduce waste and support local people · More info

HPRA Wine Tasting Evening – Royal British Legion, West Molesey · Fri 1 May, 7:30–9:30pm · Sociable evening with 6 wines paired with 6 cheeses · More info

Molesey Clothing Exchange – Refresh Centre · Sat 2 May, 10am–1pm · Swap up to five good-quality items for tickets and refresh your wardrobe · More info

Back In Time Festival – Esher Rugby Club, Hersham · Sat 2 May, 12–10pm · Day-long music festival with soul, funk, house, R&B and reggae. Last few tickets remaining · More info

Surbiton Sardine Festival – Claremont Gardens, Surbiton · Sun 3 May, 12–5pm · Quirky local festival with live music, food stalls and the famous sardine BBQ · More info

Sun 10 May
• Hampton Court Palace 10K – Hampton Court Palace · More info

Fri 15 – Sun 17 May
• Championship Ale & Craft Beer Festival – The Mute Swan, Hampton Court · More info

Sat 16 May
• Wellbeing Walk at Painshill Park – Painshill Park · 10:30am–12pm · More info

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

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Trail – Claremont Landscape Garden · From Sat 2 May – Sun 7 Jun · Family-friendly garden trail based on the classic story · More info

Little Garsons Growers – Ladybird & Bee Craft with Seed Planting – Garsons Esher · Sat 2 May, 9:30–11am or 11am–12:30pm · Children’s drop-in gardening club with crafts and planting · More info

Thames Ditton Miniature Railway Public Running Days – Willowbank, Thames Ditton · Sun 3 May & Mon 4 May, 1–4pm · Family-friendly miniature railway rides with refreshments available · More info

Bron Ivy Magic Show – Hersham · Sun 3 May, 2:30pm · Award-winning magic and storytelling show, perfect for the whole family · More info

Kempton Park Community Raceday – Kempton Park Racecourse · Mon 4 May, from 12:30pm · A brilliant family day out with racing, free entertainment, funfair rides, face painting and more · More info

LEGO Church – The Hub, Ray Road, West Molesey · Wed 6 May, 3:30–4:30pm · After-school drop-in with LEGO, stories and activities for children · More info

Sat 9, Sun 10 & Sun 24 May
• Aquarius Sailing Club Open Days – Aquarius Sailing Club, River Thames · More info

Fri 15 May
• Family Bingo, Pizza & Prizes Night – St Albans School · 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

As we head into the bank holiday weekend, of course the glorious sunshine has taken one look at the calendar and made a swift exit… with a bit of rain possibly on the way. Classic.

We’ve just started some building work, so over here it’s all a bit “extreme sports meets school run” which involves climbing over what can only be described as a small ditch (slash foundation trench) to get in and out of the front door. Living the dream.

See you all next week

Jules

Founder & Editor

(all the mistakes are mine!)

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

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