Basildon girls rugby national win | New local apprenticeships/jobs | New Padel court opens at BSV

Good evening, Basildon

Hope you had a great day today and a fantastic VE Day 80 celebration yesterday .. Apologies for the late delivery of today’s newsletter but better late than never!

Before we get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy this cute pencil drawing by local Basildon artist, Rachel Robinson. She also trains other to dray realistic portraits free for 7 days, so join her group to learn more!

Weather in Basildon next week

This week’s Met Office weather forecast says not a cloud in sight, so get ready!

What's new?

Basildon’s girls under 18 rugby team win national cup final

Basildon’s under 18 girls celebrated winning the National Cup final for the second season in succession this week.

4 new Padel courts officially commissioned at Basildon Sporting Village this week

If you’re a fan of the rapidly growing sport, you might be able to book via PadelStars

New phone accessory shop next to Burger King, Eastgate

If you’re looking for Ministry of Hair, it’s now in Eastgate.

New local opportunity: Cabin available to rent at Fobbing Fam shopping village.

£140/week. For more information or to arrange a viewing, email [email protected]

Sneak peek at Barleylands’ new adventure park set to open for May half term

In March, we donated £127.50 to St. Luke’s hospice as a thank you for your subscription (full details here). Please vote for what charity you’d like us to donate to in May. Here’s the official thank you to you from the hospice:

Please vote for your preferred charity to donate to in May

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

Junior Estate Agent Apprentice (SS14)

Opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to build a career in the exciting world of residential sales! This customer facing role involves providing essential administrative support to ensure successful property sales while gaining hands on experience in a fast-paced environment.

• Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 6pm

• Start date: Tuesday 27th May

• Duration: 1 year 1 month

• 💷£15,704 for the first year (may increase depending on age)

• Training you’ll get: Junior estate agent (level 2)

• Apply here

Early Years Practitioner Apprentice (Vange)

Kickstart your career in Early Years as a Nursery Assistant! Join a fun, supportive team and complete your Level 2 apprenticeship while helping shape young lives.

• Monday – Friday, 40 hrs/week (shifts TBC)

• 💷 £15,704 for the first year (may increase depending on age)

• Start Date: Monday 12 May 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training you’ll get: Early Years Practitioner (Level 2)

• 🔗 Apply here

Apprentice Surplus Broker (Burnt Mills)

Join Green Foot Print Services and learn how to communicate with businesses and broker deals on excess stock. Includes base salary + commission.

• Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (35 hrs/week)

• £13,741 for the first year (may increase depending on age) + commission

• Start Date: Sunday 1 June 2025

• Duration: 1 year 1 month

• Training: Customer Service Practitioner (Level 2)

• Apply here

DevOps Apprentice (Xpand Logistics, Festival Leisure)

Get hands-on with digital systems and cloud computing as part of a growing logistics company. Support internal and external users of digital platforms.

• 37.5 hrs/week (shifts TBC)

• £17,000 – £19,000 per annum

• Start Date: Monday 2 June 2025

• Duration: 1 year 7 months

• Training: DevOps Engineer (Level 4)

• Apply here

Apprentice Fire and Security Engineer - Wickford
Minerva is an integrated fire & security service provider, is looking for passionate individuals to train as fire safety engineers. As a Fire and Security Engineer, you will be learning about, and working on, installing, repairing and maintaining the following fire and security equipment: CCTV Intruder alarms Access control Door entry Fire alarms

• £15,704/year | 40 hrs/week | Level 3 Apprenticeship

• Must have GCSE Maths and English

• Apply: View Details

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: 2 June 2025

• Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship

• 3 years Apply: View Details

Apprentice Butcher – Billericay (Gibson Meats)
Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of butchery—from preparing cuts to making sausages. A proper hands-on role.

• £15,704/year to start | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | 40 hrs/week

• Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship

• Start: 15 May 2025

• Duration: 1 yr 6 months Apply: View Details

Not conservative. Not liberal. Just Christian.

Trust in media is at an all-time low (shocking… we know), but let’s keep “walking around completely uninformed” as a backup plan.

The Pour Over provides concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity.

Sign up for free today!

Local-ish Jobs

Trainee Chef / Commis Chef – Bowers Gifford, Essex
• Full-time position at No10 Surf & Turf Restaurant
• Training provided; must live locally & be eligible to work in the UK
📩 Email CV: [email protected]

Logistics Administrator – Tilbury Dock Area
• £28,000–£30,000 DOE
• Mon–Fri, Day Shift (No weekends)
• Strong WMS, communication & admin skills required
📩 Email CV: [email protected]

Forklift Driver – Tilbury (Day & Night Shifts)
• Day shift: £13/hr | Night shift: £14.60/hr
• Weekly rotating shifts: 6am–2pm / 10am–6pm or 7pm–4am
• Valid Counterbalance FLT licence required
📱 Text “Forklift” to 07866 944 899 to apply

Forklift Driver – Basildon (Permanent)
• Day shift: £12.21 | Night shift: £13.21
• Rotating shifts including weekends
📩 Email CV: [email protected]

Weighbridge Operative – Purfleet
• Full-time, Mon–Fri (with potential weekend overtime)
• Load lorries, operate plant, general upkeep
• Training/licences provided
• Own transport essential
📩 Email CV: [email protected]

Container Unloaders – Laindon
• Ad-hoc roles, Mon–Tues
• £12.21/hr
📩 Email: [email protected] | 📞 07917 890067

Production Line Operatives – Basildon
• 35 hrs/week
• £12.21/hr
📩 Email: [email protected] | 📞 07917 890067

Administrator – Near Brentwood
• £25,350/year
• Mon–Fri, 7:30am–3:30pm
• Must have minute-taking & general office experience
• Must drive or live near Upminster, West Horndon, Laindon, Basildon, or Pitsea
📩 Email CV: [email protected]

Yard Supervisor – Chelmsford, Essex
• Full-time, permanent
• Experience in timber/construction/builders merchants preferred
• Salary: Negotiable
📩 Email CV: [email protected]

Full-Time Cleaner – Basildon
• £27,000–£30,000/year
• Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm
• Cleaning communal areas, bathrooms, end of tenancy cleans
🖱 Apply via CV-Library

Complex Care Assistant – Multiple Essex Locations (Basildon, Southend, Grays, Colchester, Chelmsford)
• £12.60–£14.70/hr
• Roles include tracheostomy, PEG, epilepsy, autism, personal care, etc.
• Block pay, limited travel, clinical upskilling available
🖱 Apply here

Cinematic Evenings – Multiple Event Roles Available

Flexible, ad-hoc work – ideal if you’re seeking casual hours and a unique experience.
First event is at Cromwell Manor, Basildon (Date TBC)

1. Event Crew

• Set up/pack down screens, deckchairs, sound & lighting
• Greet guests and help run smooth, safe events
• Must be physically fit, reliable, team-oriented
• Customer-friendly, positive attitude essential

2. Tech Assistant (Training Provided)

• Support lead technician with AV setup & operation
• Handle sound, lighting, and projection equipment
• Ideal for tech-savvy individuals or fast learners
• Full training provided

3. Driver

• Drive a Luton van to/from Essex event sites
• Must be 21+ with clean UK driving licence
• Physically fit and willing to assist with setup
• Great time-management and communication skills

To apply: Email your CV + a short cover letter to:
[email protected]

Business Opportunities

BEAUTY SPACE TO RENT

Space available for a nail tech AND a lash/brow tech on a self employed basis in a brand new salon in Wickford on Runwell Road. Available to rent Monday-Saturday. Good location on a busy road with free car park for you and customers!

Please email [email protected] for more details

Activities for Kids + Teens

You have my permission to share. 

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

FREE Youth Club + food at Mother’s Kitchen

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. (Starting January 24th 2025). JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL SPORTS HALL LEINSTER ROAD, SS15 5NX.

Networking for Adults

Backside to Trackside - Sporting Village

If you've been thinking about lacing up your trainers to start your physical activity journey, Backside to Trackside is the perfect way to start. Please note that spaces must be booked directly with Backside to Trackside using the link below. Book here.

Community Garden Morning, Beechwood community garden

• Date & Time: Thursday, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

• Location: Beechwood Community Garden (SS14 3TR)

Emma and Frazer will be mowing, planting a beautiful sunflower wall, and filling up the raised beds. It's a perfect opportunity to get involved, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors.

Local Book club, Gibracks (SS14)

Love reading and chatting about books? Come along to our friendly book club for great reads and even better conversations. Timed perfectly with the new Waterstones about to open at Eastgate :-)

Last Wednesday of every month at 3 Gibcracks, SS14 1PE. Open to all book lovers – casual readers or lit fans!

Reserve a spot here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbNX0z1XG6EDNTKveXdiInavEFIw-eZnDTeAnGODeStVWHIQ/viewform?usp=header

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

Every Friday, 11:15am (you’ve probably missed it today but you can book for next Friday)

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.

Free martial arts class

Interested in learning Kyusho in a controlled, structured environment? Mark Smith’s academy has 3 spots available for open-minded individuals eager to develop valuable skills.

🔹 Includes: PDFs & online learning materials
🔹 Focus: Systematic training through key points
🔹 How to join: Book to secure your place!

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 with Basildon Mind. Call 01268 284130 to make an appointment.

Local Giveaways

Win up to £5,000 in vouchers at The Quays

Just order a Coca-Cola Zero at the bar, snap a pic, and upload it via the QR code – it’s that easy! You could be our next lucky winner. Full details: cokeluckysips.co.uk

Win a £100 Five Guys Gift Card

Sign up to our newsletter and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a £100 voucher to spend at Five Guys, Festival Leisure Park! Enter by: Saturday 31st May

Winner announced Monday 2nd June. To enter, sign up here

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering for local charities is a great way to make new friends and get a ‘feel’ of the community whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here all your life. Here are available opportunities coming up.

Essex Police needs special constables

Essex Police is looking for volunteer police officers to help reassure and keep residents safe. Find out more and Sign up here: Special Constable for Essex Police - BBW Volunteer Network

Till next time, Basildon 💕