Evening, Basildon

I hope your week has brought you moments of peace, joy and steady progress. As the festive season wraps tighter around us, I’ve curated another round of local jobs, opportunities, events and helpful updates to keep you informed and supported.

But before we get into everything lined up for the week, pause and enjoy this lovely photo of Wat Tyler park

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please 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, the week will be a mix of sunshine and clouds with temperatures ranging between 11° C to 15°C.The days will feel mostly mild, so keep a light jacket handy especially for the cooler evenings.

What's New?

£100k upgrade approved for Markhams Chase pond
This summer, a local resident reported the deplorable state of the pond on Markhams Chase. Last week, it was announced that £100,000 improvement project will begin in January to restore and protect the pond.

Eight weeks of work will include improving drainage and water flow, removing silt, introducing new vegetation, reshaping pond edges near footpaths to improve safety, and boosting biodiversity to protect the area long term.

Chapelgate homes officially open
The Chapelgate development on Laindon Link has officially opened, bringing 70 brand-new council homes local families, alongside 35 homes available to buy for key workers and veterans. Outlets report that new residents should start moving in before Christmas.

FunParx Opens in Former Debenhams
A huge new activity centre and soft play venue, FunParx, opened last week in Basildon’s former Debenhams unit, bringing new life to the town centre.

The family-friendly attraction offers large-scale indoor play, with entry priced at £9.99 for children over 5 (£5.99 for < 5’s) and £1 for adults supervising.

Vendor applications are open for the Wickford Town Carnival, 2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday 12th September 2026. Showcase your awesome business to a huge local audience.

• NEW Pitch Fees (4m x 4m): • Charity: £10

• Merchandise/General Stall: £30

• Food & Drink: £80

• Games/Amusements: Price on application

• 👉 Apply now: https://form.jotform.com/253065257319358

Where to make new Friends(Young people)

Winter Holiday Club
Give your child a fun, active holiday with creative activities, games, and healthy meals each day. Spaces fill quickly, so book early and enjoy meeting other local parents while the kids have a brilliant time.

📍 Fairhouse Community Primary School, Long Riding, Basildon SS14 1QP
📅 22, 23, 24 & 26 December
🕙 10am–2pm
💷 FREE for children eligible for free school meals
📞 07707 861027

Santa’s Christmas party!
The Big Moji Christmas Party lands on 23 December, bringing festive fun your kids will absolutely love.

🎄 Two high-energy sessions:
• Morning: 10:30am–1:00pm
• Afternoon: 1:30pm–4:00pm

👶 Perfect for ages 3–11
🎟️ Book your slots here

Tuesday

Unlimited FREE Visits to LEAPSPROGS – Children’s Classes 📍

The Beech, Basildon Fun-filled sessions with crafts, a sweet treat, stickers & colouring to take home. 📞 Jade: 07949 270592

Wednesday

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

Buzz and bloom Christmas party (last session before the Christmas break)

• Please get in touch to book your child's place. £3 per child.

• 9:30am-11:00am

• The hive, 6 honeypot lane basildon SS14 2JZ

• RSVP 07720668350

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

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

• 📞 Jay: 07794 329833

Leapsprogs for Toddlers (18 months–5 yrs)

• 🕥 10:30–11:30am

• 📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX

• Fun, active sessions for early learners

Forest School Fun – FREE Nature Play (Ages 0–11)

• 📍 Beechwood Community Garden, Brontë Drive

• 🗓 Every 3rd Thursday Den building, crafts & outdoor exploration!

• 🔗 Apply: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ragoxdffo0qfrOJBRwzPn0x0MmtcRCJFqB2L9fZjQDJUQU5LSTY0VzM0QzQzSzBFRTJVMVZRTFNLSC4u&origin=QRCode

Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12

• 🕓 4 to 4:45pm

• 📍 Northlands Park Family Centre

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

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

Friday

Multisports + Food for Teens – FREE

• 🕔 5 - 7pm

• 📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon, SS15 6GY

• Football, dance, karaoke, crafts & snacks provided.

• 📞 07701 365822 | ✉️ [email protected]

Support for young people

BoxSmart Youth Programme - Thursday

• Ages 11–17 | 12 weeks of boxing, martial arts & life skills.

• 📍 5-Elements Academy, Basildon |

• 🕒 Thursdays, 4–5:30pm

• Includes training, teamwork & support with real-life challenges.

• 📧 [email protected] | 📞 07713 161164

Express Yourself Drop-In - Friday

• For ages 11–17 needing a safe space to talk, chill & get support.

• Friendly Youth Workers + NHS Mental Health Practitioners.

• 📍 Southernhay Youth Centre, SS14 1FN |

• 🕒 3–4:45pm (term time)

• No booking – just turn up! 📞 Ashley Gillam: 07824 867553 | ✉️ [email protected]

Where to make friends (Adults)

Monday

Coffee Morning – Manor Mission Church
☕ 10am–12pm
A warm, friendly start to your week. Drop in for chat & community.
📍 Manor Road, Laindon SS15 6PA

Social Community Football – 9-a-side
⚽ 7:30 PM
Weekly football for local men… keep fit, meet mates, have fun.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
£7 per game | WhatsApp: 07723 615546

Zumba Love Essex
💃 9:30am – Ballards Walk
First class free | Kids go free | Discounts for seniors, carers & more
£4.50 per class (£3.50 with pass) | Seniors: £3.50 (£3 with pass)
More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Zumba @ The Paddock
💃 7–8pm
📍 Kentview Road & The Paddocks Community Halls
💷 Just £5 per class. Message to book

Tuesday

Christmas Quiz night at Castlemayne Basildon 

• Tuesday 16th December

• £3 per person, teams of 2-6 with cash prizes

• Lots of games and great fun. Bring your own nibbles, wear your Christmas jumpers!

• Doors open at 7pm

Cuckoo’s Disability Disco
🎉 6–8pm | £3 entry (carers free)
Wheelchair-accessible fun, dancing & good vibes.
📍 The White Swan, Wickford SS11 7AD

Family Passel Women’s Wellbeing Group
🕙 10am–12pm
Supportive space for wellbeing, movement & connection.
📍 Swan Mead Hall, SS16 4AH
📞 0800 020 9819

Free Seated Exercise – Fryerns Library
🕑 2:15–3pm
Gentle fitness in a friendly setting.
📍 Whitmore Way, SS14 2NN
📧 [email protected]

Zumba Love Essex
💃 7pm – James Hornsby, Leinster Road, Laindon, Basildon, Essex, SS15 5NX More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Zumba @ The Paddock
💃 7–8pm. Message to book

Wednesday

Christmas by Candlelight with the incredible John Pierce (as seen on BGT!)

• Billericay theatre

• Wednesday 17th December, 7pm

• Only £15, book here

• Delicious food & drink available

Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 play-netball.co.uk

Group Cycling
🚴 12:35pm
Beginner-friendly & led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
🔗 Book via Everyone Active app

Social Community Football – 6-a-side
⚽ 7pm
📍 Woodlands School
£7 per game | WhatsApp: 07723 615546

Zumba Love Essex
💃 7pm – Ballards Walk. More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Thursday

FREE Fitness Class – Bounce Billericay
💪 10:30am. Book here
Inclusive PT session for all abilities.
📍 HK Dance Studio, CM11 2UJ

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

Zumba Love Essex
💃 9:30am – Ballards Walk

Zumba @ The Paddock
💃 7–8pm

Friday

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub
12pm
Relaxed creativity & good company.
📍 Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30–11:30am
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

Make new friends by volunteering

Volunteers – Basildon Emergency Night Shelters
Urgently needed this winter, especially mornings! Provide warmth, meals, and support to those facing homelessness from 8 December to end of March.
📱 Text: 07375 622117 | 📧 [email protected]

Essex Police is looking for volunteers

Join the Essex Police Recruitment Team to learn about becoming a Special Constable – volunteer police officers with full powers and responsibilities.

Enquiries: [email protected] 🔗 Book your spot online 

Support for Adults

🏃 Active Essex Foundation Training
Free & subsidised workshops in sport, safeguarding, mental health first aid, CBT, bystander intervention & more. Open to professionals & volunteers. Info: activeessexfoundation.org

Community Wellness Café
Thursdays, 9:30am–2pm at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX. Enjoy tea, friendship, wellness support & community activities. Contact: [email protected].

Happy Feet Toenail Clinic
Get your toenails trimmed safely at King Edward Community Centre every last Tuesday of the month, 12:30–2:30pm. £12 per session, card payments accepted. No appointment needed…call 01268 294334 if on blood-thinning medication.

Need Someone to Talk To?
Basildon Mind offers a private counselling service with trained professionals. Call 01268 284130 to book an appointment.

That’s it for this week, Basildon!