Basildon's creative tech event | Community space funding | Plenty of Jobs

Good morning, Basildon.

Ms Bee from the Basildon Hive newsletter here, bringing you all the latest news, opportunities, and events happening in Bas Vegas this week.

Before we delve into this edition, enjoy this stunning photo taken at Laindon Common

That being said, let’s dig into the juice:

The digest

🚍 Is golfing coming to Basildon Sporting Village?
If planning permission is granted, Basildon Sporting Village might get some new “golf pods” for golf enthusiasts. Keep an eye out!

❄️ Free cataract eye surgery at Southend Private Hospital
If you or someone you know is has been waiting for cataract surgery on the NHS, your wait is over. Southend Private Hospital is offering free consultant-led cataract surgery. To book or find out more, email: [email protected]

💸 Mark your calendar - Creative Tech Festival is coming to Basildon
From 10-28 February 2025, the Creative Tech festival is bringing opportunities to Basildon’s young people and businesses. Whether you’re a business, teenager or family with young children, there’s guaranteed to be something for you at the festival holding in various locations around the borough - VR/AR and AI, to creating music, engineering, eco-skills, animation and video games, tech tours of theatres and radio stations, hackathons, and more! Plus it’s FREE, so book early

Weather in Basildon

While it might feel quite chilly now, this week’s Met Office weather forecast tells us it will get warmer over the week.

In the meantime,

• remember to check on elderly family, friends, and neighbours.

• Make sure you have sufficient food and medicine. http://www.basildon.gov.uk/.../Support-with-food-and...

• Take extra care outdoors. Whether walking or driving, watch out for icy paths and roads.

• Slow down and stay safe on the streets of Basildon.

Local business news

ByeBye, Kaspa Desserts

If you’re fond of the frozen desserts shop in the town center, sorry to be the bearer of sad news but Kaspa is gone :-(. No one knows why for certain, and there are reports of gelato still visible in the freezers.  There are speculations that the sudden closure could be because of unpaid rent. Interestingly, the Chelmsford branch went through a similar closure this time last year. Pattern there, maybe?

Brokers Inc insurance (BI insurance) relocates

The insurance company now for its little standalone building opposite Sports Direct is relocating away from the town center. The website lists the new address as: Jupiter House, Paycocke Road, Basildon SS14 3HX

360 Play Basildon is offering 50% off Annual Off-peak passes

Only a limited quantity available once there gone they are gone! Enter code : OFFPEAKPASS50 at the checkout. Get it here

What’s happening in Basildon next week?

Support for parents

• Parent support drop-in. When: Wednesday, 15th January 2025, 9:30 am-11:30 am. Where? Mother’s Kitchen, Felmore’s End, Basildon.

• Parent support drop-in. Thursday, 30th January 2025, 10:30 am-12:30 am. Where? Mother’s Kitchen, Felmore’s End, Basildon.

• New for 2025. Free Yoga Classes: Parent and Baby, Parent and Toddler and Yoga for Children and Young People. Please book here for a free place.

• Create a personal lullaby for your baby with the help of professional musicians. No need to be able to sing or to write music! A professional musician will work with you to help you create your lullaby from start to finish. The lullabies will be recorded, giving you and your family something to treasure for years to come. This Friday, 10 January from 10.30am-12noon at the Northlands Park Family Hub - Basildon Borough No booking required - just turn up!

Fun for kids

0 - 5 years

• Baby and toddler rhymetime. Mondays at 11AM Basildon Library

• Book Trust Story time. Tuesday, 14-01-2025 at 10.00-10.30am Basildon Library

• Baby and toddler rhymetime. Tuesday,14-01-2025 at 10am Basildon Library

• SEND Sensory play. Wednesday,14-01-2025 at 3.30pm Basildon Library

• Leapsprogs kids activity sessions (18 months - 5 years). Dance, Yoga, Games, Fitness, Singing, Dancing. Mondays, 9.45-10.30am. Briscoe school, Community gate. Basildon. SS13 1PN

• Leapsprogs kids activity sessions (18 months - 5 years). Dance, Yoga, Games, Fitness, Singing, Dancing. Thursdays, 10.30-11.30am. Langdon hills, Emanuel Road. Methodist church SS16 6EX.

• Saturday Craft table. Saturday, 18-01-2025 at 10AM Basildon Library (Age 4+)

6 - 12 years

• Yoga for children. Thursdays (free), Northlands Park Family Centre, Basildon

  4 - 4:45pm 6-12 year olds. Reserve a place here https://www.yoga4all.co

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

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

• Indoor cricket activities and games (Ages 8 - 16). Fridays, 5 - 6pm. (Starting January 24th 2025). JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL SPORTS HALL LEINSTER ROAD, SS15 5NX. To register, scan the QR code below

Networking

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

• Creative Writing Group for adults (16+). 10-01-2025 at 2:00PM, Basildon Library

• Hope Explored is a 3-Week Journey on Purpose.

  WHAT: A laid-back course exploring hope, peace & purpose - perfect for spiritual seekers and the faith-curious! No Bible knowledge needed, no pressure to participate.

  WHEN & WHERE: Tuesdays @ 7:30pm from Jan 14th St John's Church, Forest Glade, Langdon Hills, SS16 6RX

  THE VIBE: • Casual hangouts with refreshments • Watch some videos • Chat if you want, or just listen • Zero pressure - try one session and decide! • Totally FREE!

  Ready to explore? Contact Nikki: 📧 [email protected] 📱 07720 089260

• Fortnightly Monday Night Quiz at the Noak Bridge Pub - on Wash Road starts 13th January at 8:00 pm. 3 chances to win a cash prize - including the JACKPOT QUESTION, worth over £100! Maximum of 8 players per team. Book a table by calling the pub on (01268) 413004.

Local authority meetings

• Got Questions for Basildon's Future? Meet Council Leader Gavin Callaghan!

  Join an open discussion with Councillor Callaghan on January 20th, from 7-9pm. Share your thoughts, raise your concerns, and help shape Basildon's future.

  Book your spot: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-leader-of-basildon-council-basildon-tickets-1097122505949?aff=oddtdtcreator

  Location: St Georges Suite, The Basildon Centre, St Martin's Square, Basildon, SS14 1DL

• Help Shape Westgate's Future!

  Drop in on Tuesday January 14th to view and discuss exciting new designs for the Westgate area, created with top architects Karakusevic Carson.

  Sessions at Unit 10, Westgate Retail Park, Fodderwick, SS14 1WP: Drop-in: 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm Workshop: 3:30pm-4:30pm

  Register and share feedback online.

• MAKE WAVES in Basildon: Community Networking Event

  Join local organizations for a day of connection and collaboration! Inspired by the need to highlight Basildon's hidden services, this in-person meet-up promises meaningful conversations and relationship building.

  When: Friday January 17th, 10am-2pm Where: The Beech Community Hub, Austen road, SS14 3RZ. Free home-cooked lunch included! Register here. 

Sports

• Free Yoga events, thanks to Basildon Mind Charity. Book here

Grassroots Football

• Wickford Town FC is looking for new players of all ages

• Hashtag United is offering inclusive football for SEN Children, Teens and Young Adults with Additional Needs every Saturday. All ages. 11-12pm Under 13s 11.30-12.30pm Under 16s 12-1pm - 16yrs + & Adult Spaces for players in all ages. Opportunity for 16+ and adults to play in Essex Soccability League. Forest Glade Sports Ground - Barleylands Rd Billericay CM11 2UD Message for more details and book a trial session. Pippa Marra 07765 344035 Sonny Marra 07903 040025

• Football & Multi Sports Sessions for children. Teens and young adults with additional needs. New Monday session 5.30-6.30pm at Bromfords school Wickford. Fitness training and indoor football training. De La Salle School Basildon ⚽️Tuesdays 5.30-6.30pm - Indoor Football Training (outside when good weather) Ages 11 - Adult 🏀🎾🙂🎈Wednesdays 4.30-5.30pm - Mixed sports & fun activities Primary school age children.

Ladies

New ladies netball group

Even if you haven’t played since school, there’s a chance for you to get back on the court and burn those stubborn holiday calories and make friends doing so! All are welcome - just join the dedicated Facebook group for deets on locations and time.

Ladies football at Basildon Sporting Village

Wickford and Pitsea FC is looking for ladies to join its football team, meeting at the Basildon Sporting Village every Monday 7 - 8pm.

Burlesque classes every Thursday

Classes in Basildon every Thursday. Drop them a message to book a trial

High energy cardio (Bounce) classes in Laindon

High-energy cardio with BOUNCE. Strength with BARBELLS. Power with BOX ✨ Rhythm with BEATS. Calm with BALANCE. Low-impact. Joint-friendly. 3x more effective than floor workouts. 💸 From just £6 per class with BULK BUY options or PAYG at £6.95.

Book via: https://linktr.ee/bouncelaindon

Who’s hiring in Basildon?

• PRESCHOOL STAFF • 30 hours/week, term time • Hours between 7:30am-6:30pm 📧 [email protected] 📱 07982 762284

• DOMESTIC CLEANERS (Barbara's Cleaning) • 2 positions - Billericay/Shenfield • School hours, immediate start • Own vehicle required 📱 07432 798003

• FOBBING FARM SHOP CLEANER • Mon/Thurs/Sat, 9:30am-12:30pm • Indoor/outdoor cleaning duties 📧 [email protected]

• PIXIE PERFECT CLEANING • Drivers needed urgently • Various areas, flexible hours • £12.50/hr + uniform/materials • Full training provided 📱 Debbie: 07984 009712

  All roles require reliability and attention to detail!

• RECEPTIONISTS WANTED! /£12 - £13 per hour /Days and hours TBD

  To apply: https://apply.jobs-in.com/.../677d7fac3506.../136/105/88/146

• Food delivery driver needed for a restaurant in Basildon. 4pm to 10pm. Bring your car. Please call on 07956269842 for more info.

• Full-time Rock and Pop music teacher at RockSteady Music School (Travelling). Own car/driving license essential. Salary: £26,000 with £1,500 company bonus yearly. Full details/apply here. 

• Part-time (12 hours weekly) Tesco One Stop Customer Service Assistant (Vange). Full details/apply here.

• Nights (30 hours weekly) Tesco Shift Leader (Langdon Hills). Full details/apply here.

• Contract (£22/hour). Neighbourhood housing officer for Housing association. (Basildon). Own car/driving license essential. Full details/apply here.

• 30 hours/week. (£9 - £11.84/hour). Cycle technician at Halfords (Heron retail park). Full details/apply here.

• Cleaner at Iceland. 7.5 hours/week. (£10.50 - £11.50/hour). Full details/apply here.

• Shift supervisor at Iceland. 30 hours/week. (£13.08/hour). Full details/apply here.

• Senior shift supervisor at Iceland. 30 hours/week. (£14.62/hour). Full details/apply here.

• Assistant Manager at Hays Travel (Eastgate Shopping Center). 30 hours/week. Full details/apply here.

• Forklift Driver. £12-13 p/h ⏰7am-7pm/ 7pm-7am (Days & Nights rotating). Must have FLT experience! Please email your CV to [email protected] 

• Pilates Instructor Wanted in Basildon. Email Paula at [email protected] to apply or learn more!

• Full-time Level 3 nursery practitioner needed in Canvey. £13.50 ph. Please contact [email protected] with an up-to-date CV to apply.

• SENIOR CARE ASSISTANT (Beaumont) • Basildon/Brentwood/Chelmsford areas • £14-28/hr + 35p/mile • Must drive, supervision experience 📧 [email protected]

• TRAINEE AC ENGINEER (Adapt Air) • Must be 18+, driving license required • CSCS card provided if needed • Employed or self-employed 📱 Alfie: 07482 577752 / Josh: 07531 029725

• EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONERS • Stanford-le-Hope, Level 3 qualified • £12-12.50/hr, 40hrs/week, year-round • Benefits + training included 📧 [email protected]

• SPORTS COACH (Cornall Performance) • Part-time → potential full-time • Basildon, Billericay, Rayleigh • Primary school sports experience needed. Get in touch

• SANDWICH TRUCK DRIVER (Breadbox) • Saturdays 7am-2pm, £13-15/hr • South Woodham Ferrers based • Must be 25+ for insurance

• OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR • Basildon, school hours Mon-Thurs • £12.50-14.50/hr, asbestos division • MS Office skills essential 📧 [email protected]

• HLTA (Teaching Assistant) • Thurrock school until July 2025 • Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm • HLTA qualification required 📧 [email protected]

• SERVICE DESK COORDINATOR • Basildon, £30k, free parking • Facilities maintenance scheduling • Account management experience needed 📱 Claire: 01268 971950

  All positions require reliability and relevant experience!

Other Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

• Project 58.7, Feeding the Homeless with Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Basildon – Project 58.7 provides hot meals throughout the year to any adults in need and to the homeless. They are currently looking for volunteers to help during the evenings between 6pm and 7pm. For more details, please contact Jill on 07860 784287.

• Basildon United FC is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to form a new Youth Section Committee. Help shape the future of our young players and our club! Perfect for young school leavers or aspiring football managers looking for experience. Email: [email protected]

🏠 ESSEX HOME HELP SERVICE - Registered Charity

WHAT WE OFFER: Reliable weekly support for elderly and vulnerable Essex residents. Same helper, same time - minimum 1 hour visits. All staff DBS checked and insured.

SERVICES: • Domestic Help: Shopping, cleaning, laundry, bed changing • Companionship: Sitting service and friendly chats • FREE weekly telephone befriending

UNIQUE FEATURES: • No personal care or medication services • "No Walk Away Promise" - emergency procedures in place • Flexible hours to suit your needs

OPPORTUNITIES: Now recruiting paid Home Helps and volunteer befrienders!

GET IN TOUCH: 📧 [email protected]

Making a difference in your community! 🌟

Learning Opportunities

FREE level 2 qualification opportunities are available.

• Understanding Autism, Counselling Skills, Mental Health, SEN (Special Educational Needs), Coding, Business Admin, Team Leading, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Customer Service , Mental Health First Aid, Dementia Care and many MORE. Courses are online based and completely free of charge 📚 with no set times to login and no exams to complete, the courses are a perfect way to learn new skills and improve current skillsets. 📝 The courses are nationally recognised and accredited and are equivalent to an FULL Level 2. We also have 50+ courses available Email: [email protected] or comment for more info

Business Opportunities

• BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY: DAISY FIRST AID FRANCHISE

  Established first aid training business for sale in Basildon & Castlepoint area. Perfect for someone seeking flexible, family-friendly work or additional income.

  INCLUDES: Complete equipment set • First aid qualifications & training • Ongoing business support • Existing client base & venue classes • 200+ five-star reviews

  CLASSES OFFERED: • Parent First Aid • School Programs • Ofsted Level 3 Paediatric • Anaphylaxis Awareness • E-learning courses (passive income)

  No prior first aid or business experience needed - full training provided. Must have driving license.

  Ideal opportunity to join award-winning brand with proven profitability.

  CONTACT: 📧 [email protected]

  Perfect for work-life balance! ⭐️

• A 2-seater barbershop in town is available for sale due to retirement. Perfect for someone launching their career. Price: £20,500.

• A fully equipped engineering facility is available for sale. Includes a Linisher, Grinder, Surface Grinder, Lathe Machine, and Saw Machine, among others. Additionally, the workshop comes with a host of other equipment, monitors, desks, and printers, providing a comprehensive setup for the right entrepreneur or company.

  The property, housed in a compact workshop unit, includes a car park and is currently closed. The annual rental rate is £8,800, excluding electricity and other bills, which breaks down to £880 per month. This competitive rate allows for flexibility in budgeting while taking advantage of the available resources.

  The entire machinery and equipment inventory is valued around £25,000, and all stock is included in the sale price. We are welcoming reasonable offers and encourage interested parties to contact us for further details. Price: £25,000

• Food Vendors Wanted in Essex for Cinematic Evenings! 🍕🍔🍜 Cinematic Evenings is preparing to host unforgettable outdoor movie nights, and we’re looking for fantastic food vendors to enhance the experience with a wide range of cuisines. From Indian and Chinese to burgers, pizza, and beyond, we aim to bring a global food offering to our events. What We’re Looking For: • Vendors who can operate in all weather conditions—our events will go ahead rain or shine. • A diverse menu offering to excite our guests. • Photos and details of your set-up (stalls, vans, or trucks) to ensure they’re suitable for our events. If you’re interested in joining us, please email [email protected] with the following: 1. Your contact details. 2. Information about your menu or cuisine type. 3. Photos of your set-up. Let’s work together to create magical movie nights filled with great food and unforgettable moments! Cinematic Evenings – Movies, memories, and mouth-watering food under the stars.

That’s all folks, till next time!