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Hello Basildon!

Hope your week is getting off to a great start. We've got plenty going on to keep you in the loop!

This week, we’re loving this beautiful photo from 2 weeks ago of the beautiful bluebells at Blakes wood, Little Baddow

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please reply this or email them to [email protected]. Every single email is read by a real person :-)

Weather in Basildon this week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, a cool and mixed week ahead with cloudy skies today and light showers expected from Wednesday to Friday. Temperatures will stay mild, reaching up to 17°C by the weekend, with brighter and drier conditions returning on Saturday and Sunday.

What’s New?

£5,000 grant for your local initiative - Now Open

Local charities and non-profit organisations can now apply for the newly launched Cellnex Community Fund, which is offering grants of up to £5,000 per project. The fund aims to support local impact through four key themes: Digital Inclusion, Circular Economy, Biodiversity, and AI & Education. This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups to secure funding for innovative local projects… check your eligibility and apply.

Private Renting Has Changed New legislation means landlords must now provide a valid legal reason to end tenancies, and rent can only be increased once every 12 months with at least two months' notice. Find out more at https://orlo.uk/XO6CQ | Tenant services: https://orlo.uk/brUoT | Housing & homelessness: https://orlo.uk/74cHB | Citizens Advice: https://orlo.uk/SkyAf 

The World Cup Is Coming to Basildon As part of the Summer of Sport programme, licensed venues can show knockout matches with extended hours when a Home Nation is playing. Round of 32 through to the final: 5–9pm kick-offs open until 1am; 9–10pm kick-offs open until 2am. Group stage matches are not included, and matches outside these times require a Temporary Event Notice. For advice email [email protected] | https://orlo.uk/8yJz6 

Have Your Say on Anti-Social Behaviour Residents are invited to help shape an updated Anti-Social Behaviour Policy covering issues like noise nuisance, vandalism and intimidation. The council is committed to a fair, victim-centred approach focused on early intervention and proportionate action. Take part in the consultation: https://orlo.uk/GuB6Y 

Mental Health Awareness Week – 12–17 May You are not alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or just not yourself, your feelings are valid and help is available. Mental health matters just as much as physical health. Take time for yourself, check in with loved ones, and don't be afraid to reach out for support.

Local Business in the Finals 🎉
A local farm shop/deli has made it to the finals of the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026.
🗳️ Vote here: https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/vote/
⏳ Voting closes 26 May

Things to do in Basildon this week

Free Online Courses – Essex Libraries

Access LinkedIn Learning, language courses, Driving Theory, Life in the UK and more. All FREE with your library card. 🔗 https://libraries.essex.gov.uk.

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Where to make friends in Basildon this week - Adults

Monday

Sing Club – Billericay
Fun daytime singing sessions. No experience needed.

🗓 Mondays or Fridays
⏰ 1:30pm – 2:30pm
📍 Billericay Theatre
💷 £6 per session
📧 [email protected]

Fitness Class – Bounce Billericay (BOUNCE)

Trampoline workouts, boxing, circuits and drumming-based exercise. Suitable for all abilities.

📍 HK Dance Studio, Summerhill Farm, Hardings Elm Rd, Billericay CM11 2UJ
🎟️£6.95 per session. Book now: www.bookwhen.com/bouncebillericay

Daily Group exercise classes at the Fit Lab, Essex (First class free)
Wrexham rd, Laindon. SS15 6PX @ 6am
📅 Book here: https://thefitlab.as.me/schedule/4867abca

Sing Club Billericay (first session free)
Join singing sessions – all ages and abilities welcome, no experience needed! Sessions are £6 pay-as-you-go, run by professional musicians, and no auditions, uniforms, or dancing required. Sessions run on

• Mondays (1.30–2.30pm, Queens Park Community Church) and

• Fridays (1.30–2.30pm, Mayflower Hall). For more info, email [email protected]

Gymophobics Pitsea – Women’s Gym Sessions 

A fun, supportive gym space just for women; no judgement, no pressure, just fitness, friendship and feeling good. Scarves flying, smiles wide, and lots of laughs.
Build stronger bodies and real friendships in a safe environment.

📍 Gymophobics, Pitsea
Free consultation available.  Inbox to book your free consultation.

Woodlands School, Basildon (Sporting Village)

⚽ 6:30 PM
Weekly friendly football for local lads — all abilities welcome (16-18yrs).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£10 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex

Tuesday

GolfTots – Langdon
Free weekly golf sessions for children aged 2.5–5. No booking needed.

🗓 Every Tuesday
⏰ 9:30am – 11:00am
📞 01268 548444
📧 [email protected]

Seated Pedal & Go 11:30am–12:30pm
Enjoy gentle seated cycling every Tuesday, 11:30am–12:30pm at The Beech Community Hub, SS14 3RZ. Boost mobility, energy & wellbeing while meeting new people…email [email protected] to join.

Potters wheel - group pottery session

Crafts @ Fobbing farm, Waterworks Ln, Fobbing, Stanford-le-Hope SS17 9HT. Book via Home | The Craft Shed

Floating Sound Bath – Basildon
A deeply relaxing wellness experience to reduce stress and improve sleep.

🗓 12 May
📍 The James Hornsby School
🎟 Book: www.serenitywaves.co.uk

Discover your hidden ADHD traits in just 10 minutes

Most adults with ADHD don't realize how deeply it affects their daily life—from emotional regulation to working memory. This free personalized quiz reveals your ADHD trait score across 5 key areas and shows you exactly where to focus first. Takes 10 minutes, changes everything.

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Wellness Café Launch 9:30am–1:30pm
Open every Tuesday (term time), 9:30am–1:30pm at The Beech, SS14 3RZ. Free sessions with tea, activities, armchair exercise & community support…everyone welcome! Contact: [email protected]

Wednesday

The Hive Community Café – Basildon
A warm, welcoming space to relax, chat, and connect with others.

🗓 Every Wednesday
⏰ 9:30am – 12:00pm
📍 The Hive Community Café

The Hive Gardening Club – Basildon

Wednesdays | 10 AM–12 PM
Weeding, soil rotation, painting, building veg patches & more!
📍 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

Women’s Cycle Ride 

Beginner-friendly cycle around Gloucester Park, followed by refreshments and a chat.

🕥 10:30am – 12:00pm
📍 Basildon Sporting Village, SS14 3GR

• Open to all women
• Safe and supportive environment
• Learn local routes & build confidence

Need a bike? Limited bikes available to borrow.
📧 [email protected]
📞 07749 491638

Seated Yoga – Basildon Library

An hour of gentle chair-based exercise at seated yoga class. The friendly classes are suitable for adults of all ages and abilities

13.30am - 14:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Social Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Woodlands school)

⚽ 7:00 PM
Keep fit, meet mates & enjoy friendly competitive football.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
£7 per player
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/289-basildon-sporting-village-essex-basildon

Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 Basildon Wednesday - Play Netball

Thursday

Traditional Shotokan Karate at Phoenix Karate club

Classes for all ages, abilities and levels

5pm | Laindon Community Centre. Text 07884028969 to get started

Sewing Group
🧵 10am–12pm
Learn knitting, crochet or sewing. £4
📍 The Pavilion, Great Berry
📞 Ann: 07802 161021

Friday

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub
12pm. Enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere with good company.
📍 Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30 to 11:30am. Bring your yarn & join the fun.
📍 Happy Hub, Eastgate (by Asda)

Yoga for Mental Health – FREE
🧘 11:15am
📍 King Edward Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY
✉️ [email protected]

Free Coffee Morning – Noak Bridge Christian Centre
☕ 10am–2pm
Friendly drop-in for a warm drink & chat.
📍 Wash Road SS15 4BE

Where to make friends this week - young people

Tuesday

Mini Athletics 🏃

Indoor sports sessions for children.

• Tuesday & Wednesday: Ages 2–4
• Saturday: Ages 2–8

Fun running, jumping & throwing games.
Locations: Billericay, Basildon, Wickford, Grays, Brentwood.

Wednesday

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time – Basildon Library

Songs, stories and rhymes for babies and toddlers.

10am - 10:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

SEND sensory stay and play – Basildon Library

Come and enjoy our safe SEND area, meet other parents and make friends!

15:30 - 16:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Rhythm Time – Babies & Toddlers

🎵 Music • Movement • Instruments • Bonding
Confidence-building sensory play for babies & toddlers in a calm, friendly setting.
📍 Meadow Croft Garden Centre
🍼 Wednesdays
Limited spaces… Message Zoe on 07778213315

FREE Kids Chess Trial Classes

• 🕓 4:30pm

• 📍 George Hurd Activity Centre, Audley Way, SS14 2FL

• Perfect for beginners wanting to learn strategy & make new friends!

FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe

• 🕓 4:30–5:30pm

• 📍 Briscoe Primary School, Felmores End, SS13 1PN

• Football, crafts, board games & a warm snack. Families welcome! 📞 Kelly: 07701 365822

Thursday

Leapsprogs for Toddlers (18 months–5 yrs)

• 🕥 10:30–11:30am

• 📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX

• Fun, active sessions for early learners

Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12

• 🕓 4 to 4:45pm

• 📍 Northlands Park Family Centre

• FREE 🔗 Book: https://www.yoga4all.co

Buzz & Bloom – Parent & Toddler Group 

Warm, friendly stay-and-play group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 The Hive, 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

Fun, play and connection for parents and toddlers.

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby (Ages 12–24)

• 🕔 5–7pm Football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness + snacks.

• 📞 Jay: 07794 329833

Messy Madness at Monkey Madness

• Messy play & crafts… without the clean-up!

• 💷 £7 per session (soft play included)

• £40 per term 📞 01268 288211 to book

Junior Badminton 🏸

Sports School Badminton Course. Ages 7–11

🕓 4:45pm – 5:45pm
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
Book via everyoneactive website

Friday

The Barnhall Under 5’s Club

Stay-and-play toddler group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 Barnhall Social Club, Wickford SS11 7JP
🎟️ £2.50 per child | Under 1s £1

Runs term time only. Fully insured & DBS checked.

Well Youth Club – Wickford 

Supportive weekly youth community.

🕕 6pm – 8pm
📍 Downtowner Centre, Wickford
👥 Ages 11–18
🎟️ £6 per person

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.motivated-minds.co.uk

King Edward Teen Teatime Club

A welcoming space for teens to relax, socialise and have fun.

🕔 5pm – 7pm
📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY

Activities include:
• Multi-sports
• Crafts
• Dance & karaoke
• Snacks provided

✨ Completely FREE

📞 07701 365822
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.atfcommunity.com

FreeStreet Cricket at James Hornsby 🏏

FreeStreet Cricket sessions for young people aged 8–16.

🕔 5pm – 6pm
📍 James Hornsby School

Delivered by qualified ATF coaches in partnership with Essex Cricket in the Community, providing a safe, inclusive and fun experience.

✨ Completely FREE
✨ All abilities welcome

🔗 Register here:
https://chancetoshine.my.site.com/s/street-registration-form?language=en_GB&qrc=0018e00000IcqWOAAZ

Coming Up

Day Trip to Beth Chatto Gardens
A relaxing day exploring one of the UK’s most beautiful gardens.

🗓 Wednesday 20 May
💷 £47 per person
📞 01268 777777

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!