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Essex Book Festival | New Greggs | Earn £60 for bereavement charities

Author

Ada Powers
May 31, 2025

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Good morning, Basildon and wishing you a lovely last-day-in-May ahead!

Today’s edition is super long as there are an outstanding number of local jobs available this week… but before we get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy this beautiful photo from a walk through Langdon Hills ☺️ 

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please email them to [email protected]. Every single email is read by a real person :-)

Weather in Basildon next week

This week’s Met Office weather forecast says to expect a cloudy week ahead.

What's new?

Essex Book Festival kicks off next week
Essex Book Festival has kicked off, with various activities across the county. Learn more here.

New Pilates studio opens in Basildon
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.

The Cancer Research store at (Pipps Hill, not town center) is desperate for volunteers
The need someone a few hours each week to hang up clothes on the shop floor. If this sounds like you, please apply directly here and someone will get back to you.

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.

Splurge on your trip, not your travel wardrobe

Quince believes that quality should never be a luxury, with premium apparel, accessories, and luggage all priced at 50-80% less than similar brands. Think European linen looks, organic cotton dresses, and top-grain Italian leather accessories at affordable prices. Quince cuts out the cost of the middleman with a factory-direct model that passes the savings onto you. And they only work with top-rated factories that use safe, ethical, and responsible manufacturing practices.

Ready to upgrade your vacation style? Check out the 2025 Resort Collection.

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

Early Years Apprentice (SS16 4LA - 2 x Positions)

If you’re looking to develop your career within childcare, this dynamic team wants you

  • Monday - Friday, 30 - 40 hours/week

  • Start date: 30th June 2025

  • Duration: 1 year 3 months

  • 💷£15,600

  • Training you’ll get: Early Years Educator Level 3

  • Apply here for Level 3, and here for Level 2

Chef Apprentice (Harvester, SS14 3TJ)

  • Shift waork, 30 hours/week

  • Start date: 1st July 2025

  • Duration: 1 year 3 months

  • 💷£15,600

  • Training you’ll get: Production Chef Level 2

  • Apply here

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

IT Support Apprentice (SS14 3BX)

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

  • Monday - Friday, 8.30 - 5.30pm

  • Start date: 23rd June 2025

  • Duration: 1 year 6 months

  • 💷£15,704

  • Training you’ll get: ICT Level 3

  • 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

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

Commercial Sales Exec for Basildon United FC

  • Social media updates

  • Drive new revenue through sponsorships and advertising

  • Build/maintain strong working relationships

  • Maintain accurate sales records.

Apply to Mark ([email protected])

Domicillary Health Care Assistants needed in Southend/Basildon

Must have driver’s license and access to vehicle.

Apply to [email protected] or 01268653536, 07399487091

P/T Trampoline Coach (Basildon Sporting Village)

Needed for 6 - 7 per week on a permanent basis here at Basildon Sporting Village. Closing date: 20th June 2025.

Full job details here. Title your email “Trampoline Cover Coach” and send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Night Shift Logistics Roles – Multiple Positions
Location: Basildon & Surrounding

  • Warehouse Operative (FLT Basic): £26K, 1am–12pm, full-time

  • Transport Supervisor: Up to £35K, 4-on-4-off, 6pm–6am

  • Transport Manager: Up to £45K, Sun–Thurs or Mon–Fri, 5pm–2am

📩 Apply: [email protected] | 📱Text job title to 07377 792109

Administrative Assistant – Finance Focused
Location: Basildon | Salary: £30K | Mon–Fri, 8:30–17:00
Duties:

  • Bookkeeping, invoicing (Sage 50)

  • Sales & purchase order processing

  • Supporting financial reporting and admin

  • 2–3 years admin/finance experience

  • Sage 50 proficiency.

    Call: 01268 567000 to apply

Part-Time Accounts Payable Clerk
Location: Basildon | £27K–£30K pro rata | 6-month contract
4 hours/day, Monday–Friday (office-based).
📩 Apply: [email protected] | 📞 01268 971 950

Sales & Admin Support – Events Company
Hybrid (Home & Basildon) | 💷 From £13/hr + bonus (Self-employed)

Chef Lopez Events & Bash Events are hiring!
Help us manage quotes, liaise with clients, and support event sales. Must have great communication skills, be organised, and hold a full UK driving licence.

Events Coordinator & Team Leader – Children’s Parties
Location: Essex & Surrounding Areas | Rate: £17.50–£18/hour
Join a dynamic and friendly team delivering exciting ride-on car parties for children.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Liaising with clients pre- and post-event

  • Packing and unpacking event equipment efficiently

  • Setting up and overseeing party logistics

  • Acting as the on-site host for party guests. Apply: [email protected]

Domestic Cleaner – Flexible Hours
Location: Chelmsford, Ingatestone, Brentwood | Pay: Competitive
Looking for experienced and reliable cleaners.

  • Flexible working hours

  • Driving essential

Class 2 HGV Driver (CPC Required)
Location: Grays, Essex | £16.84/hour PAYE | Temp to Perm | 37 hrs/week

  • Valid CPC & HGV Class 2 licence

Call: 07350 419772 or Text “HGV 2 GRAYS”

Project Lead – Autism & Learning Disabilities
Location: Essex (travel required) | Apply by: 30 May
Lead Hamelin’s Links programme connecting people with community mentors and support.
Requirements:

  • 2+ years’ experience in disability/autism support

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Full UK driving licence

Support Worker – Domiciliary Care (School Holidays)
Location: Wickford/Billericay | Flexible Shifts
Requirements:

  • Manual driving licence

  • UK care experience preferred

  • PEG training a bonus

Apply: [email protected] | 📞 01245 408761

Support Workers – Learning Disabilities
Location: Essex | Monday–Friday + some weekends
Support young adults in engaging community and leisure activities.
Apply: [email protected] | 📞 01375 808303

Female Domiciliary Carers – Immediate Start
Location: Chadwell, East Tilbury, Tilbury | Start: 5 June
Requirements:

  • Female (Schedule 9, Equality Act 2010)

  • Full UK driving licence

  • Previous domiciliary care experience essential

Apply: [email protected] | 📱 Text: 07350 419772

Part-Time Nursery Practitioner
Location: Burnt Mills | Days: Mon & Wed
Work with babies (0–2 years) in a caring nursery setting.
Requirements:

  • Level 2/3 in Early Years

  • Experience preferred

Private Home Nurse – Part-Time
Location: Essex | £30/hour
Provide in-home care to a private client.
Apply: RCNi Listing 222778

Production Operative – Temp Role
Location: South Woodham Ferrers | £12.21/hour | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
Apply: [email protected]

Warehouse Operative
Location: Basildon | £12.21/hour | Mon–Fri, 8:30–17:00
Experience with picking/packing, scanners, and labels required.
Apply: 01268 567000

Case Maker / Export Packer
Location: Basildon | Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm | Training Provided
Work with tools, build crates, and prep goods for export.
Apply: 01268 567000

Sheet Metal Worker (Ductwork Preferred)
Location: Basildon | Competitive Pay | Full-Time
Requirements:

  • 2+ years’ sheet metal experience

  • Ductwork & blueprint skills preferred

Apply: 01268 567000

Landscaping Site Manager – High-End Gardens
Location: South Essex & East/North London | £180–£200/day
Deliver bespoke modern gardens with a hands-on approach.
Requirements:

  • 5+ years in hard/soft landscaping

  • Strong project delivery skills

  • Own transport preferred

📩 Apply: [email protected] | 📞 07775 854676

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]

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

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]

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

Free Course for over 19s

Local activities for children

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.

If you need to get your car cleaned, try out this car valet service by a local young 18yo starting his business

Local activities for adults

GLOUCESTER PARK WALKING TRAILS- FREE LAUNCH EVENT!

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

Every Friday, 11:15am

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

If you’ve had a bereavement in the last 2 years and support a charity because of this, please lend your voice to research.

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

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 💕