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Happy Monday, Basildon

We hope you’re off to a great start this week.

This week, we’re loving this wintery shot of London taken from the highest point in South Essex (Langdon Hills)

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

If the Met Office’s weather forecast is correct, it looks like we’re in for a mostly dry week ahead. There’s not a single drop of rain in sight on Tuesday or Wednesday, with plenty of sunshine and milder temperatures reaching up to 17°C midweek.

What’s New?

Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospital phone numbers have changed.

Please make sure you save the right one:

• All hospitals: 0300 443 0000

• Basildon: 0300 443 0003

• Broomfield: 0300 443 0001

• Southend: 0300 443 0002

Laindon’s LIDL opens this Thursday 26th February (+ free coupons)

The new LIDL in Laindon has announced its opening date on Laindon High road (SS15 6RS) - Thursday, 26th Feb. Just in case you didn’t get the flyer, you can get coupons for a free fruit item, free veg item and a free bakery item between 26th Feb - 4th March. To redeem, you’ll need to download Lidl Plus app and select the Laindon store as your store. This is only valid for the new Laindon store.

Miles Gray Road – Night-Time Roadworks
Improvement works begin 23 February 2026 on Miles Gray Road, with night closures from the Burches junction to the end of ALPI UK. Repairs include crack sealing, resurfacing sunken areas, kerb fixes, and refreshed road markings. Works run 7pm–5am for around six weeks (weather dependent), with diversions in place. More information is available on https://one.network/?GB146936509

⚠️ Measles Alert for Parents
A large measles outbreak in North London has led to hospitalisations, and cases are expected in Essex due to proximity. Parents of children not up to date with vaccinations are urged to contact the East of England immunisation service on 0300 555 5055 or their GP. Check NHS and Government websites for official advice.

Basildon Women’s Safety Forum

The next Basildon Women’s Safety Forum takes place online tonight, Monday 23^rd February at 7pm, and focuses on coercive control and financial abuse. It’s open to women living, working, studying, or visiting the borough, as well as representatives from key sectors including education, health, policing, community organisations, business, and local government. Sign up here Basildon Women's Safety Forum: A platform for Women's safety, voice and action - Basildon Borough Council

Setting up and Running a Charity or CIC webinar

Elevate Basildon Business are hosting fully funded webinar designed to support anyone in Basildon interested in setting up a charity or CIC on Thursday 26^th February, 10-11am. Book to attend here Setting up and Running a Charity or CIC webinar by The Consortium (East) Ltd on cademy.io

🛍️ More Traders Coming to Basildon Market
Five new kiosks are landing at Basildon Market. Expect sweets, clothing, coffee, darts, nails and more. Only a few trading spaces remain. Local businesses interested in joining should get in touch soon.

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Things to do in Basildon this week

Business Networking & Pitch Day – 26th February
Entrepreneurs in Basildon are invited to join the Launch-It Creative Tech Accelerator on 26th February, 6pm–9pm at South Essex College. This is your chance to connect with like-minded business owners, investors, and key players in the wider business ecosystem.

Expect speed networking with investors, live pitches from local businesses, and powerful networking opportunities throughout the evening. Whether you're launching, scaling, or seeking funding, this event is designed to open doors. Spaces are limited, so register early to avoid disappointment:
https://orlo.uk/Kv4O4

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.

Where to make friends in Basildon this week - Adults

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Monday

Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Sporting Village) - 7pm.
Weekly friendly football for local lads… all abilities welcome (18+).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£7 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex

Daily Group exercise classes from 6:15am at the Fit Lab, Essex (First class free)
Wrexham rd, Laindon. SS15 6PX
📅 Book here: https://thefitlab.as.me/schedule/4867abca

Sing Club Billericay (first session free)
Looking for a fun new hobby or social event in January? 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]

Tuesday

Girls’ Pamper Evening – Downham Hall

Looking for the perfect girls’ night out? 💕

📅 24th February
📍 Downham Hall
💷 £20 (last few tickets – save £5!)

Enjoy: a Skincare presentation, a glass of Prosecco, delicious dessert, a guided slumber facial and a goody bag to take home. Hosted with Temple Spa products available to purchase. 📞 Call/WhatsApp to book: +44 7891 061674. Limited spaces; booking essential!

Gemma’s Ladies Golf – The Heron Country club, Brentwood

Confidence, coaching & community for all abilities.
💷 £25 – includes range balls & tuition.
📅 February & March sessions live now.
🔗 Book: gemmafryatt.proagenda.com

Wednesday

FREE Personal Training Launch Day

Ready to level up your fitness? 💪

📅 Wednesday 25th February
⏱ FREE 30-minute personal training session

✨ Perfect for beginners
✨ Great for motivation
✨ Ideal for goal setting

Book now via the Everyone Active app – limited spaces available!

7pm Quiz Night – Noak Bridge Pub

Wednesday | 7:30 PM
Test your brainpower, win prizes, enjoy drinks & a fun atmosphere.
📍 45 Wash Road, Laindon, Basildon SS15 4BS

10am The Hive Gardening Club – Basildon

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

10:30am 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

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

1pm 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

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

7pm Social Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Woodlands school)
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

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

Thursday

Estuary Dreams Social & Film Night – Basildon

Join the next creative social evening in Basildon!

📅 Thursday 26th February
🕔 5–7pm – Free social at Orleto Lounge (everyone welcome!)
🕖 7pm onwards – Film night at Vue Cinema Basildon

Enjoy an experimental film extravaganza celebrating local creativity as part of Estuary Dreams. Only a handful of tickets left. 🔗 Member-only discount tickets via this link bas-arts-index.com

Estuary Dreams Cinematic – Basildon

Celebrate creativity and storytelling in a fresh new way!

📅 Thursday 26 February
🕖 7–9pm
📍 Vue Basildon

Supported by Creative Basildon, this event showcases award-winning experimental films alongside local talent. Evening Schedule:

🕔 5–7pm – Pre-event networking at Orleto Lounge (hosted by Bas Arts Index)
🕖 7pm – Cinema doors open (recliner seats – arrive early!)
🕢 7.30pm – Screening (90 mins)
🕘 9.15pm – After-drinks at Wetherspoons

🎟 £6.50 via Eventbrite – limited seats
🔗 https://orlo.uk/c7FLc Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Basildon’s creative energy!.

Let’s Eat CAKE! – Cake & Craft Sale

Support a great cause and treat yourself!

Hosted by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity

📅 Thursday 26th February
🕙 10:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Essex Cardiothoracic Centre
(Level A – CTC Foyer)

🍰 Delicious homemade cakes
🎨 Crafts & gifts
💛 All proceeds supporting local hospital services

Pop along, grab a slice, and support your local NHS charity.

Traditional Shotokan Karate at Phoenix Karate club

Classes for all ages, abilities and levels

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

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

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

Motivated Minds – After School Kids Club

Run by Motivated Minds – a lifelong wellbeing provider.

Looking for a fun, structured after-school space where kids can thrive?

📅 Every Tuesday
⏰ 3:30pm – 5:30pm

👦 11–16 years old
👨‍👩‍👧 5–10 years old (with parent)

Activities include:
✔ Cognitive activities
✔ Creative arts & crafts
✔ Physical activities
✔ Mindful activities More info: 🌐 www.motivated-minds.co.uk

Black Dragon Freestyle Martial Arts. Suitable for ages 7+

6:30pm till 7:30pm at James Hornsby School, Leinster Road, SS15 5NX. Free uniform for new members, and you also learn about personal safety awareness and self-defence principles as well as a comprehensive freestyle martial arts system. Award winning tuition, Enhanced CRB, DBS, Full Safeguarding policy as well being fully insured. To book, contact Paul Church (Chief Instructor BDFMA & BeSafe Personal Safety Programme) on 07903 361286 or [email protected]

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

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. Note: No additional childminders currently.

Junior Badminton 🏸

Sports School Badminton Course. Ages 7–11

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

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

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

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

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!