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Good morning, Basildon

Hope your transition week into 2026 is off to a great start!

To help you kick off 2026 on a positive note, here’s a fresh round-up of local resources, events, classes, parties, and family-friendly activities to guide you.

But first, enjoy this breathtaking view with me from Langdon Hills country park

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, it gets better after today. Wrap up warm though, as it will be quite chilly on most days.

What’s New?

Former Co-op site (Wickford) update

Basildon council has begun the process of compulsory purchase of the former Co-op site in Wickford, after concluding that concluding the current plans that left the site undeveloped are not viable.

The council aims to bring the land back into public ownership and deliver a supermarket with supporting restaurants or bars, with no further flats.

Steam train journeys coming to Essex

Steam Dreams Rail Co has announced a series of heritage steam journeys running in April and July, with routes serving Ongar, Chelmsford, Southend Central and Shenfield in 2026. Planned trips include journeys from Shenfield and Chelmsford to Bath, and from Southend to Paignton and Kingswear via Dawlish, offering classic locomotives, scenic views and a nostalgic travel experience.

How to organize a clear out for the new year

If you’re feeling the urge to clear out the old and usher in the new, organising a clear-out is easier than you think. The main thing you have to do is get started. Start with one room. Sort items into categories…school uniforms, everyday clothing, or anything still in good condition and set aside anything you no longer need.

Local donation points make it simple to give your pre-loved items a new home.

School uniforms:

• Laindon Uniform Bank, Manor Mission Church, Laindon, SS15 6PA
  From Saturday 6 January, 10am–12pm

• Pitsea Uniform Bank, Chalvedon Community Centre and Social Club
  Opposite Chalvedon Shops (Satnav: SS13 3QX)
  Doors open 10am–12 noon (dates to be confirmed)

Other Clothing/toy Donations

• St Luke’s Hospice Shop, Unit 14, Basildon Business Centre, Bentalls, SS14 3FT

• Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, 79 Southernhay, Basildon SS14 1EU, 01268 904448

• Northlands Park Family Hub, Highcliffe Family Hub Delivery Site, Rettendon View, Wickford SS11 8JE

• List in the Eco Rehome/Reuse group on Facebook

Does your Christmas tree need collecting?

Farleigh Hospice is running a Christmas tree recycling service, but you’ll have to book in advance. Register by 4pm on 6 January and collections take place 9–12 January. (The service only covers postcodes: CM0–CM9 but you can call on 01245 457411 or email [email protected]. They are also seeking volunteers

Quick Local Find

£1 fresh veg crates at the Fobbing farm shop, Gables Farm, Waterworks Lane, Fobbing, Essex, SS17 9HT. They are open daily until New Year’s Day on a first come, first served basis

Food Support Over Christmas
The festive season can be challenging, but help is here. If you or your family need food assistance, Basildon Food Bank and Billericay Food Bank are ready to support you.

Basildon Food Bank
https://orlo.uk/MvDrZ
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01268 395506 / 07424 660862
1 The Gore, Basildon, SS14 2EA

Billericay Food Bank
https://orlo.uk/pqYqJ
Phone: 07707 466262
Website: https://orlo.uk/VUttP
The Hub, 19 Radford Crescent, Billericay CM12 0DU

If you’re in need this season, don’t hesitate to reach out – help is available.

NYE/New Year celebrations in Basildon

Party at The Noak Bridge, 45 Wash Road, Laindon, SS15 4BS

DJ from 8pm | Midnight bubbles | Countdown to 2026
Bookings take priority, with walk-ins welcome (space permitting).
🔗 Book now: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/essex/noak-bridge/book

NYE Masquerade Ball – The Loft, Southernhay, SS14 1DQ
Celebrate in style with masks, music and luxury vibes as you sip, dance and sparkle your way into 2026.

NYE at Posh Boys Bar, 8 Riverside House, Lower Southend Road, Wickford, SS11 8BB
No tickets required – first come, first served.
DJ Tim will be on the decks with party classics to welcome in the New Year.

NYE at The Billericay Theatre, 34 Radford Way Billericay Essex CM12 0BT
Guest appearance from John Pierce, followed by a party set from Bethan Marshall.
Includes a fish or chicken & chips supper (pre-order required), bubbles at midnight, and carriages at 1am.
💷 £67.50 | 🎟 Limited tickets available
🔗 Book here: https://www.thebillericaytheatre.co.uk/show/new-years-eve-at-the-billericay-theatre/

80s NYE Party at Jolly Friars118 Whitmore Way, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3JT 8pm – 2am, £10 per person
Dust off your leg warmers and dance into 2026 with classic 80s hits.

NYE at Eyna, Eyna, E Mayne, Basildon SS13 1BW
A high-energy night with live DJs, dancers, a saxophonist, and a fireworks countdown.
Very limited spaces remaining – booking essential. Call 01268 833865 to book

New Year’s Eve Party at Basildon RFC, Gardiners Close, SS14 3AW
🕢 7:30pm – 1am, £5 per ticket
DJ-led party to take you into 2026. All welcome – tickets available from the clubhouse bar.

New Year’s Day at The King’s Head, Southend Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2PS
Ease into the New Year with roaring fires, comforting food and relaxed vibes.
Book a table: https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/east/thekingsheadbillericay/tablebooking

Deniz Restaurant – NYE Celebration
📅 Dec 31 | Food, drinks & live music by @cholemusic_08
Celebrate the end of the year in style!

Things to do in Basildon this week

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]

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

SMARTX Tutoring – Remote Python Coding Club
Remote. Dec 29 – Jan 2 | 10am–11am | Ages 9–13
Keep the kids engaged and learning during the 'in-between' week after Christmas.
will learn to code by building Christmas stories & digital cards. Perfect for GCSE Computer Science prep.
🔗 Book Here

Box Basildon boxing club – Winter Holiday Programme
📅 Dec 28 & 30 | 10am–12pm
Ages 11–16 | Fun activities and chance to meet new friends.
Call +44 7395 129342 or email [email protected]

Karate Classes for kids – Trinity Church Hall
Every Saturday at 10am. All ages welcome
📍 481 Clay Hall Road, Basildon SS16 4NN
Call 07504814485 to book

Wickford Trampoline Centre – 3 Days of Fun
Call or message to book: 01268 906269

Kids Eat for £1 at the Darby Digger, Radwinter Avenue, Wickford, SS12 9PT
Valid Between Dec 29 – Jan 2. You’ll need to get the voucher from the Stonehouse app to qualify

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