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💌 Hello from The Nugget
It seems time to clear up a small but surprisingly passionate piece of local confusion about who on earth I am.
At a recent Christmas gathering (there was cheese, there was wine — you know who you are), a group of Molesey ladies were discussing this excellent new newsletter. A close friend of mine cheerfully announced:
“Oh yes, that’s my friend Jules.”
To which the rest of the room replied, instantly and confidently:
“Oh no it isn’t. It’s Jules in the Know.”
What followed was a spirited debate involving certainty, hand gestures, and the marital status of a very nice man who absolutely does not need to be involved in this newsletter.
Eventually, my friend reminded everyone that she was the one who had shared the newsletter in the first place, and that I was, quite definitely, not Jules in the Know.
So, just to clarify:
I am Jules from The Molesey Nugget.
A completely different Jules to Jules in the Know, who does a stellar job sharing fabulous local information about Walton-on-Thames (and sometimes further afield) on Instagram and Facebook , to her 6,000+ followers. She is also far more technologically advanced than me and genuinely knows how to use “The Gram”.
The Nugget meanwhile, has 77 Instagram followers, most of whom are friends, relatives, or people who once accidentally clicked the wrong thing. We are not the same.
It’s deeply unfortunate — mostly for her — that we both share the same nickname from a very popular 1980s name (no comments, please).
So there we are:
Two Jules. Two very different skill sets. One mild identity crisis.
Now that that’s cleared up…Happy New Year and on with the Nugget!
Small doggy day-care set in 8 acres of countryside — perfect for small & medium dogs!
Pick up and drop off included (Molesey & Walton only)
£38 per dog / £60 for two from the same home.
All reviews 5 * on google
Click on the images to go to the website & remember to mention The Molesey Nugget when you make contact
LOCAL NEWS
Walton Youths Kick Off 2026 with a Community Clean-Up
It was an early start to the New Year for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (MKA) in Walton-on-Thames. Members of the group, joined by the Mayor of Elmbridge, spent the morning tidying up the town centre as part of their Annual New Year’s Day community clean up.
In under an hour, the group collected around 40 kg of litter from streets and pavements, giving Walton a cleaner start to 2026.
The Mayor praised the youths for their hard work and dedication, expressing hope that events like this continue in the months and years ahead.
This clean up is just one of many community and charitable projects by MKA Walton. Recently, the group also planted more than 80 trees in West Molesey, showing their ongoing commitment to improving the local area.
The MKA youth group’s efforts are a heartening reminder of how young people can make a real difference in their community — and a positive way to kick off the New Year.
Hurst Pool to Close for Major Refurbishment
Molesey’s Hurst Pool will close in March for around 18 weeks for a major refurbishment. The upgrade will replace the pool infrastructure, add new changing rooms and toilets, and install solar panels to improve energy efficiency.
Swim classes will move temporarily to the Xcel in Walton. The Council will provide updates, drop-in sessions, and letters to local residents to explain the closure and what to expect.
The closure is a short-term inconvenience for a long-term, modernised pool the community can enjoy for years to come. More news on this will follow soon.
In this frightfully chilly weather, do remember we have some great community spaces, who offer a free warm place to go, often with hot drinks, and even some fun social activities. Although not on the official ‘warm spaces’ list, You will often find me making use of the heating at the Xcel sports centre, when its a Nugget writing day! Here is a list of some of those places.
Molesey:
Molesey Library
Nearby but slightly outside Molesey:
Esher Library
Dittons Library
Walton Library
Property Nuggets with Molesey’s leading independent agent
Tudor and Co are a privately owned, independent estate agency based in the heart of East Molesey.
The team led by Reno Messina, have lived and worked in the surrounding area for many years and have a combined 65 years experience in estate agency. Click on the property below to find out more details.
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 8th - 14th Jan
Molesey Clothing Exchange – Refresh Centre, Sat 10 Jan, 10am–1pm, Bring up to five good‑quality, clean ladies’ clothes, shoes or accessories, swap them for tickets and exchange your tickets for a refreshed wardrobe. £5 entry includes a hot drink and a cake. More info
K9 Agility Foundations Boot Camp – Hampton Court Palace Golf Club · Sat 10 Jan, 11:30am · A four‑week introduction to dog sports covering obedience, fitness, weave training, handling skills, jump work, tunnels, boundary games and more, using competition‑size equipment with pro trainers. Suitable for dogs 11 months+. Max 6 dogs per session. More info
One‑Day Photography Workshop – Toshiba Craft Studio, Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton‑on‑Thames · Sun 11 Jan – 10am–4pm · A practical, interactive photography course for adults with local professional Simon Hillard. Learn core techniques, explore what makes a compelling image, and get hands‑on guidance while shooting throughout the day. More info
Alpha - Refresh Church – Mon 12 Jan 2026, 7:30–9:30pm · An open, welcoming space to explore life, faith and big questions, no matter your background or beliefs. Sign up for the Alpha introductory meal to find out more. More info
Elmbridge Volunteer Fair – Walton Centre for the Community · Wed 14 Jan – 10am–1pm · Meet local charities and community groups, discover volunteering opportunities and learn how to get involved in community projects across Elmbridge. More info
Meet Your Council: Community Conversations – St Peter’s Community Hub, Molesey · Wed 14 Jan – 7pm · A chance to speak directly with council representatives, ask questions, share concerns and learn more about local initiatives and services. More info
Cosy Nook Bookclub – Studio 366 · Wed 14 Jan – 7pm · A monthly, welcoming bookclub 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
Looking ahead
Wed 21 Jan
• Funny·On·Thames – Walton’s New Comedy Club – 8pm, Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton‑on‑Thames more info
• Painting Course – Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Centre, Wed 21 Jan–11 Feb, 9:30–11:30am, more info
Wed 28 Jan
• SorbetSouls – Understanding Toxic Relationship Cycles – 7–9pm, Studio 366, tickets £15 via Eventbrite more info
Fri 6 Feb
• Burns Night – St Peter’s West Molesey, 6–10pm, traditional Scottish meal, live bagpiper, ceilidh band, licensed bar, dancing for all ages, raising funds for local charities, tickets £17.50 adults / £5 children more info
Wed 11 Mar
• Wine Tasting Quiz Night – The Wine Room, East Molesey, 7:30–9:30pm, taste six curated wines while taking part in a fun quiz, £40pp including wines and nibbles, max team size 4 more info
Mini Nuggets
From toddler bounce sessions to midweek mischief, here’s what’s happening in and around Molesey
Top picks 8 - 14 Jan
Kids Volleyball Winter Series – Three Rivers Academy, Walton · Sat 10, 17, 24 & 31 Jan, 10–11:30am · High‑energy sessions for ages 8–12 introducing volleyball through fun drills, movement skills, ball‑handling and teamwork. No experience needed. A great way to build confidence ahead of new youth leagues. More info
Kids’ Fencing Classes – Walton Community Centre · Every Thursday, 4:30–5:10pm (ages 4–8) & 5:15–6:15pm (ages 9–13) · Fun, beginner‑friendly fencing sessions introducing footwork, coordination and confidence in a safe, structured environment. Call 07778 246231 to book. More info
Active Bounce & Play – Xcel Leisure Centre · Fun, free‑flow play session for under‑5s with soft play, balls, a bouncy castle and plenty of space to burn energy in the sports hall. Sessions run Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 9:30am. More info
Half‑Price Climbing – Rock Up Walton · Half‑price indoor climbing sessions for active kids who love a challenge. Fun, confidence‑building climbs suitable for a wide range of ages. £9 per session, term time only, including after school. More info
Little Stars Ballet (Parent & Me) – Assoluta Dance, Molesey · New class started · Joyful ballet classes for children 18 months–2.5 years, exploring movement, music and imagination through playful, age‑appropriate activities. Sessions run Monday 10:00–10:30am and Saturday 9:00–9:30am. More info
Looking ahead
Fri 16 Jan
• Desborough Players – Jack and the Beanstalk – Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton‑on‑Thames, Fri 16 – Sun 18 Jan 2026, performances Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm & 5pm, Sun 2pm more info
Other useful stuff
Learn Music with Chris Keyte – West Molesey Guitar, piano, and keyboard lessons for all ages with 15 years’ teaching experience. Local rates £22 for 30 minutes. DBS checked. Tel 07849 776934 | [email protected] Reviews here
Magic Garden – is now closed reopens: for February half term, Palace and grounds remain open Wednesday to Sunday | 10am–4pm
PLAYGROUPS & PAYG CLASSES
Jitterbugs Music Classes Tuesdays & Fridays – 10am (walkers) & 11am (babies) 3rd West Molesey Scout Hut, St Peter’s Rd, KT8 2SY | weekly sessions with singing, puppets, instruments, and dancing | PAYG £9 | discounts available for block booking | more info
St Peter’s Community & Youth Hub
Allsorts Toddler Group – Wednesdays (term time) 9:30 am–11:30 am & Jelly Babies Group (only for pre walkers) Thursdays 10am Both have free play, crafts & snacks for babies and toddlers | Hot drinks for grown-ups | Ends with songs & a story | Facebook group here
Little 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
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
Have a great week everyone, and remember to drop me a line about anything Molesey, by replying to this email.
Thanks to those who have recently shown a little love, and donated to my running costs, its much appreciated.
If you have read all of this, and you haven’t subscribed yet, do so by clicking the pink button below
Jules
Founder & Editor (all the mistakes are mine!)
