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Bye bye escooters | Frankie & Benny's closes | Earn £60 for hospital appt research

Author

Ada Powers
May 23, 2025

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Good afternoon, Basildon

Hope you’ve had a great week!

Before we get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy this photo of Langdon Wildlife discovery park

Weather in Basildon next week

This week’s Met Office weather forecast says it will be a cloudy start to the bank holiday week.

What's new?

E-Scooters No Longer Available in Basildon
E-scooters have now been removed from Basildon. The trial has ended, and they are no longer permitted. For more details on this change, visit Essex Highways.

Frankie & Benny’s at Festival Leisure Park Closes
After many years of service, the Frankie and Benny’s restaurant has permanently closed at Festival Leisure Park after new lease terms couldn’t be agreed, according to Echo.

Have Your Say on the Future of Westgate
Get involved in deciding the future of Eastgate shopping center on Thursday 5 June at Unit 10, Westgate Shopping Park, Fodderwick, Basildon, SS14 1WP. It’s running at 1pm – 4pm and you can have your say. If you have ideas on pop-up spaces, green areas, or creative hubs, you want the Project Workshop (4pm – 5:30pm). Learn more and share your input here: https://westgatebasildon.commonplace.is/

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:

St Lukes.pdf137.57 KB • PDF File

Please vote for your preferred charity to donate to in May

What charity should we donate to in May?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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

IT & Web Development Apprentice (SS14 3TS)

If you’re a tech-savvy problem solver with an interest in IT and web development, train as a software developer

  • Monday - Friday, 9 - 5.30pm

  • Start date: 23rd June 2025

  • Duration: 1 year 6 months

  • 💷£18,000 - £20,000

  • Training you’ll get: Software developer Level 4

  • Apply here

Apprentice Store Manager (Farmfoods, SS13)

If you’re an experienced team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality or another customer focussed industry looking to progress further into a management role, this is for you.

  • 45 hours/week

  • Start date: 10th June 2025

  • Duration: 1 year 7 months

  • 💷£29,897 for the first year (increases to £32, 332 after 6 months)

  • Training you’ll get: Retail manager Level 4

  • Apply here

Dental Nurse Apprentice (Smile Dental, SS14)

Opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to start a promising career as a dental nurse. The role will involve providing chairside support to dental professionals and providing a high level of oral health care to patients.

  • 30 hours/week

  • Start date: Monday, 9th June

  • Duration: 1 year 7 months

  • 💷£13,650

  • Training you’ll get: Dental nurse (level 3)

  • Apply here

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Food production assistant (James Buckland Ltd, SS14)

Busy food wholesalers needs an apprentice to prepare an array of sandwich fillings everyday for customers orders. Courses will also be provided for the candidate to progress.

  • 6am to 2pm

  • Start date: Monday, 2nd June

  • Duration: 1 year

  • 💷£15,704

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

  • Apply here

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

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

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

More Local-ish Jobs

Nursery Manager (Barleylands)

  • Previous experience running a large nursery setting taking children from 0-4 years.

  • You must be qualified to a minimum of level 3 in Early Years Over 2 years experience as a nursery manager of a large setting.

  • Available to work on a full time basis of 40hrs per week, Monday – Friday, all year round

  • Experience and understanding of OFSTED standards, previous experience of inspections in a management capacity.

Nursery Cook & Catering Assistants – Various Roles Available (Marsh Farm)

Join a welcoming catering team with opportunities for both full-time and casual positions.
• Roles: Full-time nursery cook and casual catering assistants
• Requirements: Some kitchen or food prep experience preferred
• Environment: Friendly, supportive team environment
• Hours: Flexible based on role
• Pay: Competitive and based on experience
📩 To apply or find out more, email: [email protected]

Experienced Administrator – SRCooper Meats, Basildon

Busy office team seeking an organised, experienced administrator.
• Tasks: Admin, credit control, phone handling, Excel/Sage use
• Requirements: Computer literate, confident phone manner, attention to detail
• Benefits: 20 days holiday + bank holidays, pension, staff discount
• Hours: Mon to Fri, 8am to 4pm
• Salary: Negotiable depending on experience
📩 Email CV: [email protected]
Deadline: Friday 30 May 2025 (Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted)

F&B Team Leaders (multiple roles, various shifts) – Southend Airport

Take the lead in our café, bar and airport pub operations.
• Duties: Managing daily food & drink service, rosters, team coordination
• Requirements: Hospitality or supervisory experience preferred
• Hours: 15, 25 or 35 hours/week available
• Pay: Competitive, shift-based
📩 Apply online

Beauty & Wellness Therapists – Ongar

Angel Wellness Retreat is growing and looking for passionate professionals.
• Roles: Beauty therapists & colon hydrotherapists
• Skills: Massage, facials, head spa, sound healing – or willing to train
• Environment: Peaceful, team-based, holistic
• Hours: Part-time available
• Location: Greensted Road, Toothill, Ongar CM5 9LE
Call: 020 8418 7915 to apply

Service Desk Controller – Romford (Harold Wood)

Help coordinate operations at a national kitchen equipment firm.
• Tasks: Scheduling engineers, diary management, handling breakdowns
• Location: Office-based in Harold Wood
• Hours: Full-time, Mon–Fri
• Salary: £28,500 – £30,500 depending on experience
📩 Email CV: [email protected] or Call: 01268 971 950 or 07930 381 354

Forklift Driver – Immediate Start (Benfleet SS7)

Well-known local employer needs forklift drivers ASAP.
• Requirements: In-date forklift licence
• Start: Immediate
Call: 01702 338 882 or Send CV: [email protected]

Administrator – Shoeburyness

Office-based role in a friendly, fast-paced admin team.
• Salary: £26,000 + bonus
• Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:30am–5:30pm
• Requirements: Organised, proactive, good communicator
• Start: ASAP – interviews happening Friday 23 May
Email today: [email protected]

Sheet Metal CAD/CAM Developer – Basildon

Permanent role in a busy and innovative engineering team.
• Duties: CNC turret punch programming, CAD file creation, production planning
• Software: SigmaNest, AutoCAD, Lantek, SolidWorks
• Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 based on experience
• Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
Email CV: [email protected] or call Call: 01268 822888

Maintenance Operatives – Leigh-on-Sea

Hands-on maintenance role with training provided.
• Tasks: Cleaning aircraft wheels, repairs, assembly
• Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–4:30pm, Fri 8am–3:30pm (flexibility needed)
• Pay: £12.21/hour (weekly pay)
Email CV: [email protected]

Swim School Admin & Assistants – Basildon

Join the SwimMania team as a receptionist or swim assistant.
• Roles: Receptionist (18+), Swimming Assistant (16+)
• Perks: Free lessons for your kids, fun work environment, paid training
• Hours: Flexible – see below
• Pay: £12.50 to £21.28 depending on role
📩 Email CV: [email protected]
📞 Call: 07772 108855 / 01268 415834
Interviews: 16 June | Apply by: 13 June

Shift examples:
• Tues 1:30–7:30 (Reception cover)
• Thurs 1–7:45 (Reception perm)
• Thurs 4–7 (Swim Assistant)
• Sun 7:15–3:15 (Reception cover)

Night Transport Manager – Brentwood

Take charge of night operations at a leading logistics firm.
• Duties: Staff oversight, route planning, client communication
• Hours: Sunday–Thursday, typically 5pm–2am (flexible)
• Salary: £42,000 – £45,000 DOE
• Location: Brentwood (must drive)
Email CV: [email protected] or Call: 01268 971950 or 07943 819802

Half-term activities

We’ll send a dedicated newsletter of half-term activities tomorrow - there are so many and we don’t want to clog up today’s edition.

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

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

May Bank Holiday Beer Fest at The Gun Pub!

The Gun Pub, London Road Bowers Gifford, Basildon, United Kingdom, SS13 2DU

  • ✅ Ice-cold drinks

  • ✅ Cask ales, still ciders & alcoholic slushies

  • ✅ Tasty food & live music

  • ✅ Sunshine, good vibes & FREE entry

  •  📅 24th–26th May 🕐 From 1 PM ‘til late

GLOUCESTER PARK WALKING TRAILS- FREE LAUNCH EVENT!

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

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

Earn with Research

Hospital appointments: Research Opinions are looking for people who have been recently referred to the hospital for a survey

Volunteer work: Research Opinions are looking for people to talk about their job role or volunteering work in an online interview.

Business financial decision makers needed to take part in an online interview and complete a short pre-task, discussing the financial needs of their business.

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

Funding Opportunities for Projects

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

2025 Rosa Rise Fund – Closes 23 June 2025
Up to £40,000 over two years for Black and racially minoritised-led women’s and girls’ organisations (income between £30k–£300k).
Funding supports organisational development.
Apply here

Till next time, Basildon 💕