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Good evening, Basildon,

I hope the last weekend before Christmas has treated you kindly and hasn’t burnt you out. With the festive season well underway, I’ve pulled together a fresh selection of local jobs, opportunities, events, and useful updates to help you stay connected and informed.

But first, a stunning winter pic from Belfrairs nature reserve (25 mins away)

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Weather in Basildon this week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, there’s zero chance of a white Christmas but wrap up warm regardless

What’s New?

Christmas Waste Collection

With Christmas nearly here, please remember that waste and recycling collections will take place later than usual over the holiday period.

Collections seem to be happening as scheduled up until Christmas eve, but the collections following aren’t happening until 10 days later. So you definitely do not want to miss the next collection.

To be on the safe side, please check you actual collection dates on the Basildon council website. 

Funparx licence application
Funparx at Eastgate Shopping Centre has applied for a premises licence to sell alcohol and play recorded music. If approved, alcohol could be served from 12pm–10pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm–7pm on Sundays. Any objections must be submitted in writing to Basildon Council by 26 December 2025.

Sports Direct is leaving
The Sports Direct store in Basildon town centre is closing ahead of a move to a new, larger unit at Eastgate Shopping Centre. Clearance sales are expected as stock is shifted, with staff set to transfer to the new store where possible.

New restaurant opening: Nasi Isda
Pan-Asian restaurant Nasi Isda has opened at Eastgate Shopping Centre. To celebrate, they’re offering 30% off all orders until 24 December.

Brick Lane Bagels coming soon
Brick Lane Bagels is set to open a new Basildon store next month, taking over a vacant unit at Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Where to make friends in Basildon this week

Adults

Monday

Coffee Morning – Manor Mission Church
☕ 10am–12pm
A warm, friendly start to your week. Drop in for chat & community.
📍 Manor Road, Laindon SS15 6PA

Social Community Football – 9-a-side
⚽ 7:30 PM
Weekly football for local men… keep fit, meet mates, have fun.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
£7 per game | WhatsApp: 07723 615546

Zumba Love Essex
💃 9:30am – Ballards Walk
First class free | Kids go free | Discounts for seniors, carers & more
£4.50 per class (£3.50 with pass) | Seniors: £3.50 (£3 with pass)
More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Zumba @ The Paddock
💃 7–8pm
📍 Kentview Road & The Paddocks Community Halls
💷 Just £5 per class. Message to book

Tuesday

Family Passel Women’s Wellbeing Group
🕙 10am–12pm
Supportive space for wellbeing, movement & connection.
📍 Swan Mead Hall, SS16 4AH
📞 0800 020 9819

Free Seated Exercise – Fryerns Library
🕑 2:15–3pm
Gentle fitness in a friendly setting.
📍 Whitmore Way, SS14 2NN
📧 [email protected]

Zumba Love Essex
💃 7pm – James Hornsby, Leinster Road, Laindon, Basildon, Essex, SS15 5NX More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Zumba @ The Paddock
💃 7–8pm. Message to book

Wednesday

Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 play-netball.co.uk

Group Cycling
🚴 12:35pm
Beginner-friendly & led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
🔗 Book via Everyone Active app

Social Community Football – 6-a-side
⚽ 7pm
📍 Woodlands School
£7 per game | WhatsApp: 07723 615546

Zumba Love Essex
💃 7pm – Ballards Walk. More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Thursday

FREE Fitness Class – Bounce Billericay
💪 10:30am. Book here
Inclusive PT session for all abilities.
📍 HK Dance Studio, CM11 2UJ

Sewing Group
🧵 10am–12pm
Learn knitting, crochet or sewing. £4
📍 The Pavilion, Great Berry
📞 Ann: 07802 161021

Zumba Love Essex
💃 9:30am – Ballards Walk

Zumba @ The Paddock
💃 7–8pm

Friday

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub
12pm
Relaxed creativity & good company.
📍 Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30–11:30am
Bring your yarn & join the fun.
📍 Happy Hub, Eastgate (by Asda)

Yoga for Mental Health – FREE
🧘 11:15am
📍 King Edward Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY
✉️ [email protected]

Free Coffee Morning – Noak Bridge Christian Centre
☕ 10am–2pm
Friendly drop-in for a warm drink & chat.
📍 Wash Road SS15 4BE

Where to make new Friends(Young people)

Winter Holiday Club
Give your child a fun, active holiday with creative activities, games, and healthy meals each day. Spaces fill quickly, so book early and enjoy meeting other local parents while the kids have a brilliant time.

📍 Fairhouse Community Primary School, Long Riding, Basildon SS14 1QP
📅 22, 23, 24 & 26 December
🕙 10am–2pm
💷 FREE for children eligible for free school meals
📞 07707 861027

Santa’s Christmas party!
The Big Moji Christmas Party lands on 23 December, bringing festive fun your kids will absolutely love.

🎄 Two high-energy sessions:
• Morning: 10:30am–1:00pm
• Afternoon: 1:30pm–4:00pm

👶 Perfect for ages 3–11
🎟️ Book your slots here

Tuesday

Santa’s Boogie Woogie is a free, family-friendly Christmas event taking place on Tuesday 23 December, from 11:00am to 5:00pm, at Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road, Laindon, Basildon (SS15 6NX).

Unlimited FREE Visits to LEAPSPROGS – Children’s Classes 📍

The Beech, Basildon Fun-filled sessions with crafts, a sweet treat, stickers & colouring to take home. 📞 Jade: 07949 270592

Wednesday

FREE Kids Chess Trial Classes

• 🕓 4:30pm

• 📍 George Hurd Activity Centre, Audley Way, SS14 2FL

• Perfect for beginners wanting to learn strategy & make new friends!

FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe

• 🕓 4:30–5:30pm

• 📍 Briscoe Primary School, Felmores End, SS13 1PN

• Football, crafts, board games & a warm snack. Families welcome! 📞 Kelly: 07701 365822

Thursday

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby (Ages 12–24)

• 🕔 5–7pm Football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness + snacks.

• 📞 Jay: 07794 329833

Leapsprogs for Toddlers (18 months–5 yrs)

• 🕥 10:30–11:30am

• 📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX

• Fun, active sessions for early learners

Forest School Fun – FREE Nature Play (Ages 0–11)

• 📍 Beechwood Community Garden, Brontë Drive

• 🗓 Every 3rd Thursday Den building, crafts & outdoor exploration!

• 🔗 Apply: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ragoxdffo0qfrOJBRwzPn0x0MmtcRCJFqB2L9fZjQDJUQU5LSTY0VzM0QzQzSzBFRTJVMVZRTFNLSC4u&origin=QRCode

Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12

• 🕓 4 to 4:45pm

• 📍 Northlands Park Family Centre

• FREE 🔗 Book: https://www.yoga4all.co

Messy Madness at Monkey Madness

• Messy play & crafts… without the clean-up!

• 💷 £7 per session (soft play included)

• £40 per term 📞 01268 288211 to book

Friday

Multisports + Food for Teens – FREE

• 🕔 5 - 7pm

• 📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon, SS15 6GY

• Football, dance, karaoke, crafts & snacks provided.

• 📞 07701 365822 | ✉️ [email protected]

Make new friends by volunteering

Volunteers – Basildon Emergency Night Shelters
Urgently needed this winter, especially mornings! Provide warmth, meals, and support to those facing homelessness from 8 December to end of March.
📱 Text: 07375 622117 | 📧 [email protected]

Essex Police is looking for volunteers

Join the Essex Police Recruitment Team to learn about becoming a Special Constable – volunteer police officers with full powers and responsibilities.

Enquiries: [email protected] 🔗 Book your spot online 

Support for Adults

🏃 Active Essex Foundation Training
Free & subsidised workshops in sport, safeguarding, mental health first aid, CBT, bystander intervention & more. Open to professionals & volunteers. Info: activeessexfoundation.org

Community Wellness Café
Thursdays, 9:30am–2pm at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX. Enjoy tea, friendship, wellness support & community activities. Contact: [email protected].

Happy Feet Toenail Clinic
Get your toenails trimmed safely at King Edward Community Centre every last Tuesday of the month, 12:30–2:30pm. £12 per session, card payments accepted. No appointment needed…call 01268 294334 if on blood-thinning medication.

Need Someone to Talk To?
Basildon Mind offers a private counselling service with trained professionals. Call 01268 284130 to book an appointment.

That’s it for this week, Basildon