Lidl Laindon construction underway | Basildon Brick Festival | £50 for job seekers

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Good afternoon, Basildon

Hope you’re enjoying the lovely weather this week

Before we get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy with me this lovely photo of the The Living Memorial which is beautiful place close by to visit and walk. Entry is free entry at anytime (during the day with no need to book. It’s based in Rettendon CM3 8DL (after Wickford/Runwell).

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 next week

If you thought it was hot last week, prepare another week of 30+ weather, according to this week’s Met Office weather forecast. Here’s your reminder to take sensible measures to stay safe in the sun

Take the bite out of rising vet costs with pet insurance

Veterinarians across the country have reported pressure from corporate managers to prioritize profit. This incentivized higher patient turnover, increased testing, and upselling services. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs, with some providing up to 90% reimbursement.

SEE OPTIONS

What's new?

☕ New Café Opens in Basildon Town Centre
Maria’s café has arrived, serving up a warm welcome and a wide menu near Iceland. Whether you're in for a coffee, a bite, or just the good vibes, pop in and check it out!

🚧 Lidl Laindon: Construction Underway
Work has begun on the new, larger Lidl store on Laindon High Road – part of a wider regeneration plan. Aparently, there will be more space, EV chargers, rooftop solar, and more parking. Jobs retained and more retail units planned for 2026

You can download a copy of the contractor’s letter/timeline below

🎮 Essex & Herts Ambulance on Netflix + £10 Charity Shop Challenge!
Catch Essex & Herts Air Ambulance in a brand-new six-part Netflix series launching 23 July! Meanwhile, head to their Basildon shop for the Fill-A-Bag sale: 🗓️ 27–28 June | 📍79 Southernhay, SS14 1EU. £10/bag – stuff it with as many gems as you can! 01268 904448

Basildon Brick Festival – LEGO Fans Assemble!
Take on build challenges and speed rounds at regular intervals – with real LEGO prizes to win! Rounds for both kids and adults. Get more details & tickets: www.BasildonBrickFestival.com

MasterChef Finalist Launches ‘POD by Anurag’ in Basildon
Anurag Aggarwal, top 3 finalist from MasterChef 2023, has opened his latest food venture: POD by AnuragFoodStory. The venture, PODMeals is Indian-inspired cuisine for organizations, communities, and private events. (Loving how he showcases Basildon in his socials btw!)

Jobs

P.S: If you know someone who’s looking for an apprenticeship or a job, feel free to forward this newsletter to help them in their job search

Training/Apprenticeships

Arborist Apprentice (Civilarb, SS12 9JQ)

Civilarb Contractors Ltd is a company working with both domestic and commercial clients. Ongoing training and career opportunities available to the right candidate.

• Mon - Fri, 8 -4 pm

• £18,720

• Start date: 1 July 2025

• Duration: 2 years

• Training you’ll get: Arborist (level 2)

Apply here

Customer Service/Admin Apprentice (Commisceo, SS15 5HL)

You will be based at the Basildon Surgery learning patient-related tasks, including how the back office systems are administered. You will be working alongside a friendly team.

• Mon - Fri, 9 -5pm

• £14,918

• Start date: 1 August 2025

• Duration: 1 years, 3months

• Training you’ll get: Business administrator (level 3)

Apply here

Engineering Fitter apprentice (Rodwell Engineering, SS14 3DQ)

An Autoclave engineer will gain vast experience in this field from building autoclaves to testing and then hopefully going on to become a service engineer.

• Mon - Fri, 7am - 2.30

• £16,980

• Start date: Monday, 2nd September

• Duration: 3 years, 9months

• Training you’ll get: Engineering fitter (level 3)

Apply here

Apprentice Assistant Construction Manager (Brown & Carroll, SS14 3DT)

Brown & Carroll design, manufacture and install high-quality bespoke finishes for clients in the commercial, high-end residential, restaurant and education & health sectors and are seeking an apprentice assistant manager

• Mon - Fri, 8am - 5.30

• Start date: Monday, 1st September

• Duration: 3 years

• Training you’ll get: Construction site supervisor (level 4)

Apply here

Apprentice Carpenter (Brown & Carroll, SS14 3DT)

Brown & Carroll design, manufacture and install high-quality bespoke finishes for clients in the commercial, high-end residential, restaurant and education & health sectors and are seeking an apprentice assistant carpenter

• Mon - Fri, 8am - 5.30

• Start date: Monday, 1st September

• Duration: 3 years

• Training you’ll get: Construction site supervisor (level 4)

Apply here

Early Years & Nursery Apprentice (Kingswood Junior School, SS16 5de)

Early Years/Nursery Apprentice needed to work under the guidance of experienced EYFS staff to support the learning & development of children aged 3–5 years

• Term time only, 5 days, 25 hours/week

• Start date: Monday, 1st September

• Duration: 1 year 2 months

• 💷£7.55/hr

• Training you’ll get: Early years practitioner (Level 2)

Apply here

Early Years & Nursery Apprentice (Noak Bridge PreSchool, SS15 4JS )

Early Years/Nursery Apprentice needed to work under the guidance of experienced EYFS staff to support the learning & development of children aged 3–5 years

• Term time only, 5 days, 25 hours/week

• Start date: Thursday, 4thSeptember

• Duration: 1 year 9 months

• 💷£14,918

• Training you’ll get: Early years practitioner (Level 3)

Apply here

Food production assistant (James Buckland Ltd, SS14)

Busy food wholesalers needs an apprentice to prepare an array of sandwich fillings everyday for customers orders.

• 6am - 2pm

• Start date: Monday, 28th July

• Duration: 1 year

• 💷£15,704

• Training you’ll get: Food and drink process operator (Level 2)

Apply here

Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice – Basildon
Work alongside experienced pros to keep heavy vehicles running safely and smoothly. Hands-on, early start, and a chance to learn it all.

• £18,000/year | Mon–Fri 7am–4pm

• Start: 28th July 2025

• Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship

• 3 years Apply: View Details

More Local-ish Jobs

Yr1 Teacher – Stifford Clays
Step into a new classroom adventure this September!
Start: Sept 2025 | Primary school | EarlyLinks Recruitment
Apply: [email protected] | WhatsApp: 07790 230 640

Early Years Practitioner – Stanford-le-Hope
Inspire the tiniest minds with the biggest hearts.
Full-time | £27,872/year | Level 3 qualified
Apply: [email protected]

Play Centre Roles – Stay & Play, Laindon
Bring your energy and join a team that’s all about fun.
2 roles available | Friendly environment
Apply: [email protected]

Kitchen Porter – The Foxhound Pub, Orsett
Get your foot in the door of the culinary world.
Entry-level | Busy kitchen | Local applicants ideal
Apply: [email protected] | Call: 01375 891295

Warehouse Operative/FLT Driver – Basildon
Keep things moving in this hands-on, high-energy role.
Perm | £27k/year | Mon–Fri, 37.5 hrs/week
Apply: https://www.cv-library.co.uk/job/223682847/Warehouse-Operative-FLT-Driver

CNC Turners (x2) – Southend
Precision, skill, and a four-day week – what’s not to love?
£30k–£38k | FANUC experience | Mon–Thurs
Apply: CNC Turner - Noble Recruiting

Cleaners – Self-Employed, SS16 Area
Perfect for detail-lovers with a passion for sparkle.
Flexible | School-friendly hours | Must drive
Apply: [email protected]

Swim Teacher – Basildon Sporting Village
Help young swimmers make a splash with confidence.
Apply: CV & cover letter to [email protected]

Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleansing – Uttlesford
Turn your love for the outdoors into a career.
£12.59/hr | Temp full-time | Must drive 3.5t vehicle
Apply: Text/Call Kacey at 07350 419 682

Window Cleaning Supervisor – UK Travel
See the UK one window at a time.
£135–£160/day | Must have experience & drive
Apply: Call 0330 380 4433 | [email protected]

Grounds Maintenance Operative – Brentwood
Shape green spaces that people love.
£12.88/hr | Mon–Fri | Outdoor work
Apply: Call 01268 567000 | WhatsApp 07917 890067

Field Care Supervisors – Wickford/Canvey
Step up and lead with heart in your local care team.
£24k–£26k | NVQ3 pref. | Driver needed
Apply: [email protected] | Call: 0808 208 0088

Part 1 Scaffolder – Basildon
Get hands-on and elevate your trade.
£17/hr | Immediate start | Ongoing work
Apply: Call 01268 567000

Recycling Operative – Basildon
Play a key role in protecting the planet.
£12.21/hr | Mon–Fri, 7–5 | Picking line
Apply: Call 01268 567000

Gas Maintenance Manager – Tilbury
Lead with expertise and turn up the heat on your career.
£55k–£60k | Facilities maintenance | Full-time
Apply: [email protected] | 01268 971950

Administrator Roles – Wickford/Basildon
Be the backbone of a busy office with your admin magic.
£28k–£33k | Strong IT & admin skills needed
Apply: [email protected] | 01268 971950

Trainee Customs Clerk – Basildon (SS14)
Get started in a career where detail is everything.
Up to £24k | Mon–Fri, 9–5:30 | Office-based
Apply: [email protected]

Mechanical Assemblers – Wickford
Use your hands and know-how to build something great.
£12.61/hr | Start immediately | DBS required
Apply: [email protected] | Call: 01268 532333

Street Scene Enforcement Officer – Basildon
Investigate fly-tipping, issue fines, and educate on environmental issues.
Apply: Job Link

Nursery Cleaner – Burnt Mills
Weekend cleaner needed for deep cleaning of nursery.
Apply: [email protected]

Casual Minibus Drivers – Basildon
Drive elderly/disabled passengers. D1E licence needed. £12.21/hr.
Apply: [email protected] | Call: 01268 465858

Nursery Practitioners – Basildon
Level 3 qualified staff needed, full or part-time roles.
Apply: Call 01268 524413

Refuse Drivers (Class 2) – Basildon
Drive dustcarts Mon–Fri. £16.59/hr. Rear steer experience required.
Apply: Call 0203 150 0702 / 07946 364 956

Part-Time Chef – Toby Carvery, Runwell, Wickford
Join the kitchen team at a busy carvery restaurant.
🔗 Apply here

Kitchen Assistant – Toby Carvery, Runwell, Wickford
Support chefs and keep things running smoothly in the kitchen.
🔗 Apply here

Part-Time Bar Staff – Toby Carvery, Runwell, Wickford
Serve guests and help maintain a great pub atmosphere.
🔗 Apply here

Shift Supervisor – Toby Carvery, Runwell, Wickford
Oversee shift operations and lead a small team in a fast-paced environment.
🔗 Apply here

Head Chef – Toby Carvery, Runwell, Wickford
Salary: £40,000
Take the lead in a busy kitchen and manage the culinary side of the operation.
🔗 Apply here

Local activities for children

If you’re looking to get your kids into coding, check out BrightChamp’s remote coding training course.

Free family football event

Roar and Score is a free, family-friendly event full of football fun, hosted by Essex Activate as part of Basildon Borough Council’s Summer of Sport and in celebration of the Women’s Euros. The afternoon will feature mini football tournaments, football-themed games and activities for the whole family, and information on local football opportunities and how to get involved.

Roar and Score is on Saturday 5^th July 2025, 13:30pm–16:30pm at Northlands Park, Basildon, SS13 1SD.

🦖 Jurassic Family Fun at Festival Leisure Park!
Get ready to roar on Sunday 6 July! It’s happening by Cineworld, Festival Leisure Park
🕒 Dino appearances 10am–3pm
🎟️ Totally FREE
Don’t forget to catch Jurassic World: Rebirth in cinemas from Wednesday 2 July

Friday Games, sports, music for 12 - 15 yo’s at Sporting Village
Aged 12–15 and stuck for something to do after school? Head to the Youth Club at Basildon Sporting Village for games, sports, music, and good vibes — all for just £2.50 a session!
🕓 Every Friday | 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM
⚽ Football, fitness, chill zones & more
💬 Meet new mates, stay active, have fun
🔗 Find out more

Join the Scouts

Be part of something life-changing! Scouts offers 4 to 25-year-olds the chance to build confidence, learn life skills, and explore the world through fun, adventure, and teamwork. From leadership to communication, young people grow in every way – and even go on to save lives, land jobs, and make a difference in their communities. Join them here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/

FREE Youth Club + food at Mother’s Kitchen for 4 - 14 yo’s

Is your child aged 4-14? Do they love games, fun, and making new friends? Bring them along to our Youth Club at Mother’s Kitchen Community Group!

• Fridays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

• Mother’s Kitchen Café, SS13 1PN

• A meal and drinks are provided – completely FREE!

• Fun games & activities

A safe and friendly environment with a chance to meet new friends. Register at https://forms.gle/ssVZWPoYgmcfpg4G6 or Book in via EventBrite

Free Yoga for children

Thursdays (free), Northlands Park Family Centre, Basildon. Ages 4 - 4:45pm 6-12 year olds. Reserve a place here https://www.yoga4all.co

Multisports + food for teens

King Edward Teenage Teatime Community Hub. Every Friday 5 - 7pm. Multisports, Dance, Football, Karaoke, Crafts. Snacks and refreshments provided. Free. Every Friday at King Edward Community Centre, Laindon. SS15 6GY. Contact 07701365822 or [email protected] for more info

Weekly youth groups for Yr 5+

Xplore, Youth Group at Manor Mission Church. Thursdays 8 - 9pm

Indoor Cricket for Age 8 - 16

Indoor cricket activities and games (Ages 8 - 16). Fridays, 5 - 6pm. JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL SPORTS HALL LEINSTER ROAD, SS15 5NX.

Local activities for adults

Back to the 90s Party – Mr Mulligans, Basildon
Dust off your best retro look for a night of crazy golf, karaoke, drinks, and DJ AJ’s 90s throwback beats!
🕖 Saturday 5th July | From 7pm | 18+ only
🎟️ £15 entry – spots are limited, book now: bit.ly/4dQrsLh

Matteus Caribbean Summer BBQ
Sizzling grills, sunshine vibes, and Caribbean flavour await!
📍 45 Market Square, Basildon
🗓️ Saturday 28th June | 12pm – 7pm
Nearest parking: Great Oaks car park, SS14 1EJ

Women’s Cycle Ride – Everyone Welcome

Join Isabelle & Lydia for a beginner-friendly bike ride through Gloucester Park, followed by a cuppa and a chat! 🗓️ Wednesday 2 July 2025 | 🕥 10:30AM–12PM 📍 Basildon Sporting Village, SS14 3GR All women welcome – any age, background or ability. Bikes and helmets available if needed. 📩 Contact: [email protected] | 📱 07749 491638 In partnership with Essex Pedal Power – Basildon

Pop Connect Networking – 1st Wednesdays at Toby Carvery

Looking to grow your business circle in a friendly, relaxed setting? Join the Pop Connect Networking Group in Basildon every first Wednesday of the month. 🕚 11AM–1PM | 📍 Toby Carvery It’s all about meeting great people, sharing ideas, and making meaningful connections.

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

• Every Friday, 11:15am

• King Edward Community Center, King Edward road, Laindon. SS15 6GY

• Book via [email protected] or via this link

Free coffee morning

Just drop in. Every Friday 10am - 2pm. Noak Bridge Christian Center, Wash road, SS15 4BE.

Social Community Football Games

Join a group of young men from Basildon for evening football on Mondays at Basildon Sporting Village & Woodlands School. Great way to keep fit and be part of the community.

• Times: Monday 7:30 PM (9-a-side), Wednesday 7 PM (6-a-side)

• Fee: £7 per person per game

• Contact: WhatsApp 07723 615546

Sewing group

Learn to knit, crochet or sew on Thursday mornings (10am - 12noon). Venue: The pavilion, Great Berry. £4 per class. Further information, call Ann 07802161021

Coffee morning

Mondays, 10am - 12pm. Manor Mission Church, Manor Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

Private counselling service (chargeable) with Basildon Mind. Call 01268 284130 to make an appointment.

Support for Adults

Happy Feet at King Edward Community Centre

Our Toenail Cutting Clinic was back this week – and we’re here every last Tuesday of the month!

• 12:30 – 2:30pm | £12 per session | Card payments accepted

• King Edward Community Centre

• No appointment needed. Note: If you're on blood thinning medication, please call 01268 294334 to arrange a home visit.

Need someone to talk to?

Basildon Mind offers a private counselling service. 📞 Call 01268 284130 to book an appointment and speak to a trained professional.

Earn with Research

Homeowners: Looking for homeowners to take part in an online focus group discussing home ownership, renovation and home upgrades.

Incentive: £60 Sign up here: https://www.researchopinions.co.uk/projects/homeowners

Jobseekers: We are looking for those who have been looking for work in the last few months, e.g. new job, switching career, looking for work experience.

Incentive: £50 Sign up here: https://www.researchopinions.co.uk/projects/job-searching

Enjoy reading? Research Opinions are looking for people who enjoy reading for a survey

• Earn £90 for 1.5 hours face to face

• Thursday, 19th July

• Sign up here: Books | Research Opinions

Funding Opportunities for Projects

London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund Small Grants Fund for Basildon projects
London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund Small Grants Fund is now open for applications for local projects between £10,000 and £50,000.

Please carefully review the criteria to ensure projects will be eligible for a grant. Please note in particular the geographic boundary. We will not be able to fund any projects which operate outside of this specific area.  

London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund

Co-op Local Community Fund – Opens June 2025
Supports projects starting in October 2025 that focus on: Food access, Youth opportunities, Mental wellbeing, Community cohesion, Sustainability
Total of £6,000 shared across 3 local projects.
Apply here

Trusthouse Charitable Foundation – Ongoing
Grants of £2,000 to £10,000 for frontline charities in deprived areas. Covers core and project costs, not capital.
Eligibility depends on postcode deprivation level.
Apply here

Essex Community Foundation – Ongoing
Flexible grants for Essex-based charities and voluntary groups. Applications accepted year-round. Complete a short quiz to check eligibility.
Apply here

Till next time, Basildon 💕