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- Hot air balloon coming? | Jobs | Sporting Village Closed this weekend | Half-term clubs
Hot air balloon coming? | Jobs | Sporting Village Closed this weekend | Half-term clubs
Ada Powers
February 14, 2025
Happy Valentines Day, 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.
Before we delve in, enjoy this photo with me of the new Leopard Tortoise hatchlings that arrived this week at Barleylands reptile house
What’s new in the Basildon area?
A balloon festival is coming to Essex
We heard through the grapevine that there’s a balloon festival coming soon featuring monster trucks, parachuting, kids face painting, live music, and of course hot air balloons. Not sure when or where still, but keep your eyes peeled!
It’s the last week to book into the museum of the moon exhibition
This awe-inspiring touring lunar artwork, which has dazzled over 20 million people across 41 countries, has never been seen in South Essex – until now, opening to the public on Wednesday 5th February. It will stay at the church in St. Martin’s Square for three weeks until Saturday 22nd February. Don’t miss out, book here.
Basildon Hospital makes national news
And it’s not for good. The CQC has asked the hospital to improve its A&E booking system after an unannounced visit. Let’s play our part by using A&E only for emergencies. Just a reminder that most pharmacies can offer advice and prescribed medication for non-emergencies without needing to see the GP .. for conditions like: ear infections, ear ache, sore throats (age 5 and over), UTIs (in women aged 16 - 64), shingles, sinusitis and more.
Basildon Sporting Village Sports Hall Closed 15th and 16th Feb
The Sports Hall will be CLOSED all day on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February 2025. This is due to a nationalbrickevents and Mega Inflatables event taking place. The car park will be busier than normal all day on both days. Please allow extra time for travel and parking before using the gym and attending the centre.
Weather in Basildon
This week’s Met Office weather forecast says we can finally expect some sunshine and double digit weather after the dreariness of last week - yay!
Local business news and competitions
New flowershop opens in Basildon market
Ladies and gents, just in time for Valentine’s day, we have a lovely new flowershop open up at Basildon market (Kiosk 33). Pre-order your Valentine’s day roses from a local business and support the community.
New, picturesque beauty salon opens in Fobbing Farm
Apart from buying fresh farm produce at Fobbing Farm and eating delicious meals at No. 53, you will soon be able to enjoy beauty treatments at the picturesque salon (Ever After Beauty) that’s on site. Just look at that beautiful, dreamy mural. Looks like someone’s working hard to keep Basildon folks refreshed on the inside and outside!
Struggling and need access to cheaper food supplies? Visit the Hope Community supermarket at Laindon Community Centre (each Friday) and Trinity Methodist Church, Vange ( each Tuesday), Basildon, United Kingdom
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.
Join the Essex Pedal Power team for a fun cycling event this half-term! 🚴♂️
📅 Friday 21st Feb
⏰ 2pm - 3pm
📍 Gloucester Park (town centre side, near the lake & skatepark)
Bring your bikes & helmets for a safe, enjoyable ride! Under 16s must be with an adult. Need a bike check? Contact us the Essex Pedal Power team on Facebook
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 them 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)
Half term deal - feed 2 adults, 2 kids for £15. Half Term is coming, and so is our Feed The Family deal! 🤩🎉 Next week, grab 2 Adults and 2 Kids meal deals (That's a main, pudding, and drink!) for just £15! *T&C's apply, selected meals only, check our website for more information http://spr.ly/6188I5f1M
Support for Adults
Private counselling service with Basildon Mind. Call 01268 284130 to make an appointment.
Networking for Adults
Learn to knit, crochet or sew on Thursday mornings (10am - 12noon). Venue: The pavilion, Great Berry. £4 per class. Further information, call Ann 07802161021
Unlimited Rib Night with DBShack 🍖
📅 18th Feb | 📍 The Castlemayne, The Knares, SS16 5RZ | 💰 £30
Enjoy 90 minutes of mouthwatering, slow-smoked pork loin ribs with a BBQ glaze! Everyone at the table must join in.
Pre-booking required – message DBShack on Facebook or WhatsApp (07830 046286) to secure your spot!
Creative Tech Fest – Upcoming Events 🚀 Gain insights, network, and stay ahead in tech! Join us for expert talks on:
📅 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
Laindon Activity Center for over 50s (Aston road, Laindon) is running a Valentines Social, on Friday 14th February. Tickets £10 per person (includes a glass of Prosecco). Music from Charlie Regan. Time: 1pm - 4pm. Phone: 01268411753, 01268206761
Valentine’s Special at The Quays! 💘
📅 Mon 10th Feb | 6-9PM | 🎟 FREE ENTRY
🎶 Live music from Rob Staines
💕 Slow dance contest – prizes for the best moves!
🎟 Raffle with great prizes
🍹 Drinks, music & dancing all night!Come with a date, friends, or solo – it’s a night to remember!
📍 The Quays, Festival Leisure Park, Basildon
🚗 Free parking | 🚌 10-min bus from station (B5) | 🍔 Food & drinks available | 18+
Who’s hiring around Basildon?
NURSE wanted In a doctor surgery in Pitsea If interested please email CV to [email protected]
MOT Tester – Full-Time (Class 4) | £35K
20 days leave + bank holidays | Extra 3 days at Christmas
To apply: Call 01268 769373Shipping Apprenticeships (16-19 yrs) – Purfleet (RM19)
Open Day & Port Tour: Feb 18
Book: Call 07376955460 or email [email protected]Paint Sprayer – Basildon | £35K-£41K
Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM | Accident repair sector | Experience in water-based paints needed
Apply: Send CV to [email protected]Multi-Drop Van Driver – [Location Not Specified]
Full-time | UK License + 2 yrs experience | Company vehicle + fuel card provided
Apply: Send CV to [email protected]Restaurant Staff – 53 Fobbing Restaurant
Location: Fobbing | Roles: Front of House, Kitchen Team (KP) | No experience needed
Apply: Email [email protected]Warehouse/Delivery Driver – Basildon | £27.3K
Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 4 PM | Clean license + Essex/London route knowledge needed
Apply: Send CV to [email protected]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).
Stock Brook Manor (Billericay) is hiring for 2 positions:
1. Fulltime Banqeting/Food&Beverage Manager
Fulltime Bar Manager . Please send your cv/application to [email protected] and indicate the position being applied for in the email subject
Security Officer – Basildon (SS15 6GB) | £12.50/hr
Full-time role with rotational day and night shifts. Extra pay for training and apprenticeship completion. SIA license or security experience preferred, but full training provided. Must have a full UK driving license and own transport. Benefits include pension, holiday pay, and employee discounts.
Apply: Online here (Job ref: 1G4S / G131)Drainage Engineer – Join Our Team!
Looking for a hands-on role where you can make an impact? We’re hiring a Drainage Engineer to tackle challenges and keep things running smoothly.
Apply hereNursery 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 GuideClass 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]
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]
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
Other Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Basildon Mind is looking for help liners to provide invaluable first hand support to local people in need of our support. Please visit our webpage on www.basmind.org or call us on 01268-284130 for all/full details.
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.
Keepfit4Christ Sports Club are non-religious, non-profit, and non-governmental club helping people's wellness and well-being. They are looking for any volunteers that are interested in table tennis who can be available as a stand-in. Sign up here: https://bbwvolunteernetwork.co.uk/.../cover-staff-14938 If you take up this volunteering opportunity you could work towards the Volunteer Activity Portal achievement Sport Coach, in the Health, Wellbeing and Sport category.
Business Opportunities
A wellness event in Wickford wellness has one place available for promoters in the foyer and one place in main hall for sellers. Places cost £18 and table supplied. If you’re interested, email [email protected]. Here’s the event flyer
Who wants to start a coffee van business? £3,300 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!