CashMart shuts down | Donations pour in for family tragedy | Half-term clubs

Good morning, Basildon!

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

What’s new in the Basildon area?

It’s been a tragic week in Pitsea

Two young lives were taken last weekend by a drunk driver. The amazing Basildon community has come together and raised over £30,000 to help the family with funeral and other costs. On the back of this also, Cllr Emma Callaghan has also launched a petition appeal asking Essex County Council to improve road safety in Ashlyns, Pitsea. Please take a moment to either donate to the family or sign the petition or attend the charity football match put on in their honour.

It’s been a sad week and our sympathy goes out to the family of the family of the young lives taken in the community.

🏓 The Love Essex household waste reduction fund is open

The Love Essex Fund supports local organisations, individuals, and schools with projects that create or inspire a reduction in household waste. This funding is provided through micro-grants of up to £500. If you or someone you know is running a project to reduce household waste, apply here.

🏆 It’s the last day to vote for Basildon’s Volunteer Hero!

It’s time to give a big round of applause to some amazing local heroes! The People’s Choice Award 2025 is open, and your vote decides the winner. Here’s the shortlist:

🔹 Sandra Bastow – The Fun Walk Trust
🔹 Jody Bird – Basildon Parents 4 Parents Neurodivergent Youth Projects
🔹 John Hailes – Hope Community Supermarket
🔹 Kim Oakes – Friends of Wickford Memorial Park
🔹 Maz Salih – Mother’s Kitchen

Voting closes Friday, 7 Feb 2025, at 11:59 PM, so don’t miss your chance to support your local legends! Cast your vote here: www.bbwvolunteernetwork.co.uk/peoples-choice-award

Weather in Basildon

This week’s Met Office weather forecast tells us it’s going to be a grey week ahead, so stock up on the Vit. C and warm clothes!

Local business news and competitions

The CashMart in Basildon Town Center is closing down (and holding a sale)

Their last day is 1st March 2025, and they advice that anyone who has a buyback or layby should collect ASAP. They are also not buying any new items, according to a post on their Facebook page.

It’s the last day to enter East gate’s Valentine's Luxury Getaway Competition

Eastgate Shopping Centre is offering the chance to win a romantic Valentine's break for two at the prestigious Pennyhill Park in Surrey. The lucky winners will enjoy an overnight stay in a luxurious room, including a Hillfield breakfast and full access to the award-winning spa. The prize also includes £150 towards dinner at the Hillfield restaurant.Enter NOW for your chance to win: https://eastgateshoppingcentre.com/pennyhill-giveaway-2025/

February Half-term Clubs/Activities

• C1 Coaching Football training camp. Monday 17th-Friday 21st. £100 full week, £25 per session. Ages 7 - 10 and 10 - 14. Bring your own food. Water and fruit provided. 9.30am - 2.30pm at Basildon Sporting Village. Book here: Half-Term Football Camps 

• Essex Activate (lot of different clubs, different times, different age groups, some free): February half term clubs with Essex ActivAte - Active Essex

• Tennis camp at Billericay (£15). Thursday 20th Feb 09:00-12:00. Please bring snacks and a drink ages 4-14 years of all abilities welcome. All equipment provided. Book: Holiday Tennis Camps | JW Tennis Academy

• Boom camp at Lee Chapel Primary school. SS16 5RU. 9.00am - 4.00pm everyday. £22/day, £90 for the full week. Mon 17th - Fri 21st. To book, call 07958126569, [email protected]

• Basildon Library is running a spring craft session over half-term

  📅 Wednesday, 19th Feb | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 🎨 For ages 4+ – Fun, spring-inspired crafts!

  Book now to secure your spot: 📩 [email protected] or visit the Basildon Council Offices.

• Half-term intensive swimming crash course at Basildon Sporting Village

   🚨 Monday 17th - Friday 21st February 2025 🏊‍♂️ 5 day intensive crash course for only £40.00! Limited space available ⭐️ Stages & Times are below, for more information please feel free to come into the centre or give us a call on 01268 722450

If you’re planning to take your kids to Adventure Island over the half-term, get tickets from Basildon Mind (£20) and save 33% (compared to buying tickets at the door - £30)

Networking for Adults

• Creative Tech Fest – Upcoming Events 🚀 Gain insights, network, and stay ahead in tech! Join us for expert talks on:

  📅 Feb 13, 8:30 AM – Is Tech Killing Creativity?

  📅 Feb 14, 8:30 AM – Will Robots Replace Jobs?

  📅 Feb 14, 1:00 PM – Is Green Tech Good Business?

  Connect, learn, and innovate! Register here

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

• Beechwood community garden meet-up! Visit for a cuppa and to chat about what we are doing or see the new garden!  No experience required just pop along any Thursday in February 1:30-3:30pm.

• 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 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.

Who’s hiring around Basildon?

• Barleylands Farm Shop in Billericay is hiring. 

  💰 £26,800/year | 🕒 40 hrs/week (includes weekends) | ⏰ Flexi shifts (6 AM - 5:30 PM)
  🚀 Career growth into retail management in a thriving, family-run business!

  📩 Apply with your CV + short video to [email protected] (Subject: Store Supervisor Application).

• Nursery Practitioner – Stanford-le-Hope – Up to £31k
  Long-established nursery (Good rating, 2019) seeks a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner for a full-time role (40-45 hrs/week, 51 weeks/year). Salary up to £31,000, plus training, staff benefits & childcare discounts. Caring for children 18 months to 5 years.
  📩 Apply: [email protected]

• Part-time experienced cleaner needed

  9am-3pm (perfect for a parent who needs to do school runs)

  Must have own vehicle to cover Billericay, Basildon, Wickford and Southend Grays All equipment products and uniform supplied

  Training given but experience preferred. Call 07713602309 to apply

• AO Case Manager – Basildon (GFiE Scheme)
  GFiE-417 role open for Armed Forces Veterans, Resettling Personnel & Military Spouses. Apply before 24 Feb 2025.
  📌 Job details: Job Description
  📩 Apply: Submit EOI Form + CV to [email protected]
  🔗 More info: GFiE Guide

• Class 2 HIAB Drivers – Multiple Locations
  Strong Recruitment Group is hiring experienced Class 2 HIAB Drivers in London, Reading, Peterborough & Basildon.
  📌 £20-£35/hr | Mon-Fri | Overtime & Weekend Work Available
  ✅ Must have CPC, HIAB (ALLMI/AITT/RTITB), UK RTW docs & 2 years experience.
  📩 Apply: Adam – 02030068405 | [email protected]

• Food truck Operative - Breadboxx

  • Full-time position at £26,400 per year +up to £5,000 in bonuses

  • Mon - Fri, 7am to 3pm

  • Apply by sending your CV to [email protected]

• Basildon Sporting Village currently has the following vacancies

  • 🏋️‍♀️ Fitness Motivator/ Personal Trainer - CV and cover letter to [email protected] 

  • 👩‍💼 Customer Service Manager- CV and cover letter to [email protected]

• Assistant Manager - Halfords

  • Full-time position at £29,000 - £33,000 per annum + bonus

  • Apply at: careers.halfordscareers.com

• Cycle Technician - Halfords (Heron Retail Park)

  • Age 21+: £11.84 per hour

  • Under 21: £9.00 per hour

  • Apply at: careers.halfordscareers.com

• Childcare Practitioners - Little Teddies

  • Level 2 or 3 childcare qualification required

  • Part-time (9:00 - 3:00) and full-time positions

  • Training opportunities available

  • Apply by sending CV to: [email protected]

• Care Team Members - Beaumont Homecare

  • Seeking 3-4 individuals

  • Requirements: Kind, honest, committed, empathetic, reliable

  • Apply by sending CV to: [email protected]

• Senior Governance Officer - Basildon Borough Council

  • Temporary (3 months), Full-time

  • £30 per hour (umbrella)

  • Hybrid working (3 days in office)

  • Location: Basildon

  • Closing Date: 9th February 2025

  • Apply at: workingforessex.com

• Tennis Coaches - JW Tennis

  • 3 positions available

  • Part-time, flexible hours

  • Locations: Leigh on Sea, Basildon, and Hornchurch

  • Application deadline: February 21st

  • Apply by sending CV to: [email protected]

• Medical Secretary Wanted – Wickford 📢 

  💰 £13.12 per hour – Weekly Pay

  📍 Wickford

  📅 3-Month Temporary Contract

  ⏰ Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  Apply: Medical Secretary - Noble Recruiting

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.

Business Opportunities

• Who wants to start a coffee van business? £3,700 for a fully kitted out coffee van. Check out the full post

• BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY: Buy an established first aid training business in Basildon & Castlepoint area. Perfect for someone seeking flexible, family-friendly work or additional income.

  CONTACT: 📧 [email protected]

• 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

That’s all folks, till next time!