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  • Free one-off waste drop-off tomorrow, local events for kids/teens, local competitions, local jobs, networking

Free one-off waste drop-off tomorrow, local events for kids/teens, local competitions, local jobs, networking

Author

Ada Powers
March 28, 2025

Good morning, Basildon

Hope you’ve had a great week so far :-)

Gentle reminder that in March, we’re donating 50p for every new subscriber. It’s your last chance to decide who we should donate to :

What charity should we donate to in March?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Before I get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy this photo of the latest addition to the Barleylands animal barn - pygmy goat, Celeste.

By the way, did you know that you can sail from Tilbury on an affordable cruise with Ambassador?

Weather in Basildon next week

This week’s Met Office weather forecast says next week will look a bit a bit sunny but dry overall

What's new?

No need to return your recycling sacks - reuse them

With the new waste service launching on Monday, 28 April, your current recycling sacks will soon be obsolete. But don’t just toss them—repurpose, reuse, or recycle!

✅ Get creative – How will you reuse yours?
✅ Recycle instead – Drop them off at Barleylands Recycling Centre or bring them to The Crunch, and we’ll send them back to the supplier!

Let’s tick off one of 2025’s big goals and bring pride back to the borough! 🌍

Mobile waste collection service - Saturday 29th March

Back by popular demand, The Crunch is making its 2025 debut! Get ready to declutter, recycle, and keep our borough clean with this extra waste service—right in your neighborhood!

📅 Saturday 29 March | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 12 PM
📍 Find us at:

  • Basildon – George Hurd Centre

  • Billericay – Little Burstead Carpark

  • Laindon – Rear of Ballards Walk Shops

  • Pitsea – Chalvedon Hall Pub Carpark

  • Westly Heights – Southview Rd (by Vange Library)

  • Wickford – Crays Hills Recreation Ground

For full details, visit www.basildon.gov.uk/TheCrunch

Mother’s Day Flower Giveaway at Eastgate! 🌸

Celebrate Mother’s Day with us on Sunday 30th March 10am-4pm. Visit our beautiful flower cart on the Ground Floor (in our usual event space) and pick up a FREE bunch of flowers for your mum - because she deserves it! 💐

If you or someone you know is suspicious about someone you’re “falling in love” with online, please take a few minutes to read this helpful guide on “How to outsmart a romance scammer”

Local-ish 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

Transport Supervisor apprenticeship Level 3 - Basildon

This course includes the National and International Transport Managers qualification through CILT. To apply, contact [email protected] or WhatsApp 07455737741 or 01375 362683

Apprentice youth worker

Apprentice Butcher

  • Location: Summerhill Garden Centre, CM11 2UJ

  • To complete a 2/3 year onsite course that includes butchery, pie production, sausages and ready meals for sale, and retail skills

  • If you’re interested, call: 01268 952196 | www.gibsonsfinestfoods.co.uk

Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship – Festival Leisure area

TFL’s Project Controls Apprenticeship is open
📍 London (Hybrid) | ⏱️ 2 years | 💷 £25,294

Join a team that keeps big projects on track! You’ll learn how to plan, budget, and manage real-world projects—building skills for a brilliant future.

You’ll need:
✔️ 2 GCSEs (A*-C/4+ incl. Maths & English)
✔️ Be 16+ by Sept 2025
❌ No similar-level qualifications in a related subject

Includes a medical check. Starts Sept 2025.

Hays Travel graduate program (3year business or. 2 yr retail management) closes 31st March: 

Complex Care Assistant - Basildon, Southend, Grays, Colchester & Chelmsford

Ready for a rewarding new role? Support children, young people & adults with complex needs across Essex.

🩺 What’s on offer: • Block pay 💰 • Low travel 🚗 • Nurse-led training 👩‍⚕️ • Upskilling in clinical care 🏥 • Full-time, part-time & midweek-only packages

Support needs include: tracheostomy, epilepsy, PEG feeds, ventilation, autism, and more. Be a lifeline to families & make a real impact.

Domiciliary Support Worker – Wickford/Billericay

Support a gentleman in his home & out in the community during school holidays. You'll work alongside another carer—must have a manual driving licence.

  • Care experience & PEG training preferred

  • DBS & training certificates ideal

You get: flexible shifts, specialist training, Blue Light Card perks. Apply by calling on 01245 408761 or Email your CV over to [email protected] Via our website https://www.1stophealthcare.co.uk/jobs/

Accounts Assistant (9month contract) - Basildon

Join a friendly logistics team handling payments, reports, and general accounts support. Ideal for someone with some finance experience or a college leaver with basic knowledge!

  • Mon–Fri, 8:30–5 (1hr lunch)

  • £25K–£29K (based on experience)

Perks: • Chill breakout area (pool, ping-pong, arcade) • On-site gym & showers • Fun, fast-paced office

Experience with Sage 50 a plus. Sound like your vibe? Apply now: call Claire 01268 971 950 or 07930 381 354 or email your CV to [email protected] 

Electrical tester - South Woodham Ferrers

  • Monday - Friday, 8.30 - 5pm

  • Up to £27,500

  • To apply, email your CV to [email protected]

Warehouse operatives needed - Wickford

  • £11.44 - £12.21 per hour

  • Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm

HR Advisor | Spire Patient Support Centre

  • Brentwood – Onsite

  • 12 month Fixed Term Contract - 37.5 hours per week

  • Market Leading Salary/ Excellent Benefits

Apply here

53 Fobbing (Restaurant Staff – Fobbing)
Looking for a team player with restaurant experience. Must be available midweek & weekends.
Apply by sending your CV to [email protected]

Restaurant Roles – Rayleigh
Chef, Sous Chef & Restaurant Manager positions open now! Must have experience & a passion for hospitality.
Apply by sending your CV to: [email protected]

Help4Housing – Essex-wide
Join the Housing Disrepair Team! Perfect for self-motivated individuals who love helping others.

Experienced TIG welder urgently needed. Details:

  • £20 per hour

  • Monday to Friday | 8 AM - 5 PM

  • South Woodham Ferrers (Own transport required)

  • Temp Ongoing position

  • To apply: 📩 Email: [email protected] or Call: 01702 987900

Skilled Carpenter – Project 275

If you’re a talented carpenter with your own tools and transport, Project 275 wants to hear from you! They have a full schedule and is looking for a carpenter who can hit the ground running.

  • Must have own tools & vehicle

  • Immediate start available

  • High standard of workmanship required

Contact: 07776 178946 | [email protected]

Forklift Drivers – Stanford-Le-Hope

If you have experience as a forklift driver and an up-to-date license, this could be the role for you!

  • Positions available for FLT counterbalance, PPT, Bendi & Flexi

  • Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM

  • Pay: £13 per hour

  • Must have own transport and at least 6 months’ experience

Text "bendi" to 07853 177904 or call 01268 937399

Multiple Roles Available – Wickford/Basildon

Looking for work? There are several positions open across different industries:

  • TIG Welder – £14-£18 per hour (depending on experience)

  • Forklift Driver/Yard Operative – £12 per hour

  • 3.5 Tonne Van Driver – £20,000 per year (4 days per week)

  • Purchase Ledger – £13-£14 per hour (temp-perm)

  • Picker/Packer & Loader/Unloader – £11.44 per hour

Send your CV to [email protected]

Insurance Sales Lead Generators – Billericay (Hybrid)

If you have a knack for sales, this is a great opportunity to earn a solid salary with an uncapped bonus!

  • Hybrid working (1 day in the office every other week)

  • £22,200 + commission

  • Outbound calls to qualify leads & boost sales

  • Multiple positions available

Call Shannon – 01268762430 to apply

Part-time After School Club Practitioner

Looking for a fulfilling part-time role working with children? Join the after-school club team!

  • Term-time only, working with children aged 4-11

  • 3 PM – 6 PM shifts

  • Up to £16 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Send your CV to [email protected]

Recycling Operatives – Basildon

If you’re looking for hands-on work with a stable schedule, this could be perfect for you!

  • Monday to Friday, 7 AM – 5 PM

  • Pay: £11.44 per hour

  • Work for a well-established recycling company

Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067 to apply.

Cleaner – Lidl (Basildon, Essex)

Lidl is hiring dedicated cleaners to keep their stores in top condition.

  • £12.40 - £12.60 per hour

  • 30-35 days holiday (pro rata), pension scheme & 10% in-store discount

  • Additional pay for bank holidays and night shifts

Apply: Lidl Careers

Jet Washers – Ingatestone (Immediate Start)

Enjoy physical work and don’t mind getting a bit muddy? This hands-on role might be just what you’re looking for!

  • Must be over 18 and have your own transport

  • Hours: 7:15 AM – 4 PM

  • Pay: £15 per hour

  • Wet gear provided for all-weather work

Call 01277 637065 to apply.

Passenger Assistant – Special Needs Transport

Make a difference by helping transport SEN and vulnerable passengers to school and day centres.

  • Work in a safe and flexible environment

  • Assist the driver in company vehicles

  • Patience and empathy are key for this role

Weekend Shop Assistant Billericay

Gibsons Finest Meats is looking for a weekend shop assistant with a passion for food and great customer service! They need a positive hard-worker to:

  • Serve customers with a smile

  • Use the till (training provided)

  • Set up and maintain fresh food displays

  • Make kebabs & sausages

  • Keep the shop clean

Weekend availability required (alternating Saturdays/Sundays possible). If you’re interested, call: 01268 952196 | www.gibsonsfinestfoods.co.uk

Assistant Football Coach – Basildon

Football Fun Factory is looking for a passionate and energetic assistant coach!

  • FA Level 1 qualification required (UEFA C preferred).

  • Inspire kids and help them love the game.
    To apply, contact Sam: [email protected]

Medi Spa Job Vacancies

  • Location: Eastwood, Rayleigh

  • Looking for an aesthetic practitioner, massage therapists, skin specialist, lash technician, hair specialist, nail technician, and make up artist

  • Details & Application: [email protected]

Field Marketing Manager

  • Location: Rayleigh

  • Pay: £13.50-£25 per hour (OTE £70K+ per year)

  • Full training provided

  • Company car

  • Application: [email protected] or call 01702 842661

Care Assistant - suitable for retirees

Beaumont Home Care is looking for a care assistant to support individuals in their own homes.

No experience needed—just a caring nature, a driving licence, and access to a car. Full training provided.

Call: 01277 356644 or Email: [email protected]

Medical Receptionist/Care Navigator

Nursery cook needed

  • Location: Burnt Mills

  • 35 hours a week (Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm)

  • Fantastic staff benefits included.

  • Apply via [email protected]

Nursery Manager

  • Full-time (40 hours/week) role

  • Fantastic staff benefits.

  • Apply via email: [email protected]

Plant Nursery Workers Needed

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM (early Friday finish)

  • Pay: £11.44/hr + production bonus, overtime available

  • Roles: Packer, Picker, Loader, Production Assistant (indoor & outdoor positions)

  • To apply, call 01702 338 882 or text PLANT to 07827 663286 for more details.

Window Cleaning Job

  • Must drive & have own car

  • Contact: Steve | 07973265136

Drainage Engineer

  • Drainage Engineer needed in Basildon to tackle challenges and keep things running smoothly. Apply here

Local Competitions - enter now

WIN a £50 BBQ Box! 
Get summer-ready with a chance to win a Bronze Barbecue Box from SR Cooper Meats – just in time for the Easter Bank Holiday!

🗓️ Draw: Wed 16 April
🎁 Collection: Thurs 17 April

To enter, comment on the Facebook post, tag 2 friends and share the post

Plus, don’t miss their new BBQ Box Deals – 24 hours’ notice needed to order.
Call 01268 411311 or visit srcoopermeats.co.uk or pop in 1-3 Hornsby Square Southfield Business Park, Laindon, SS15 6SD

Win £50 from Fobbing Farm Shop

Vote for Fobbing Farm shop and you could win £50!

Step 1 - Vote for them under under "Best Farm Shop/Deli": https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/vote/ 

Step 2 - Comment on this photo "I Voted" to be entered!

Free Stay at Barleylands Camping!
Celebrate longer days with a free camping stay at Barleylands!

To enter, like Barleylands post, follow Barleylands Camping, and tag 4 friends.
Deadline: Midnight, Friday 28th March – winner announced Saturday 29th March.

🏊 Win a Full Course of Swimming Lessons – Worth £136!
Aqua Aims is giving away a full term of swimming lessons (April - July) in Basildon!
How to enter: Like, comment & tag a friend, and share the post.
Deadline: Midnight, 1st April 2025
For more info, call: 07930 139 634 | 🌐 www.aquaaims.com

Eastgate is giving a £100 Primark voucher to one lucky winner

To enter, follow these instructions. Winner will be chosen on 2nd April – good luck.

Do you have problems managing your stress levels and keeping yourself insulated from all the negative news in the world?

Matt Hill (veteran, ex-Parachute regiment Captain, certified Systema instructor and Aikido 5th Dan) is running an 8-day stress control program to help you manage your stress levels and health for less than the cost of your Friday fish & chips

Change your life and improve your health by signing up today.

Activities for Kids + Teens

You have my permission to share. If you know a parent who’s looking for local things to do, feel free to forward them this newsletter to them

Join the Scouts – Empower Young People

Be part of something life-changing! Scouts offers 4 to 25-year-olds the chance to build confidence, learn life skills, and explore the world through fun, adventure, and teamwork.

From leadership to communication, young people grow in every way – and even go on to save lives, land jobs, and make a difference in their communities. Join them here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/

Basildon’s inclusive kickboxing academy – first class free

Train at Laindon Community Centre with fun, inclusive classes for:
👊 Juniors (8–15 yrs) – Mon 7–8pm, Wed 5–6pm (£5)
👊 Adults (16+ yrs) – Mon 8–9pm, Wed 6–7pm (£7)

Everyone’s welcome, including members with additional needs. Boost confidence, fitness, and have a great time! To book your taster, email: [email protected]

Crafting Fun Day tomorrow at McDonald’s Festival Leisure

Bring the kids down for a day full of endless fun and Mother's Day crafts!

Saturday 29th March 11 am - 4 pm

Magic Dave is back at Basildon Library

Join the fun with a kids' magic workshop & show from the amazing Magic Dave – a pro family entertainer!

  • Saturday 29 March 2025

  • Showtimes: 10:00AM & 11:15AM

  • Ages: 5–11 years

  • £6 per child (adults go free – max 2 per child)

Basildon United needs new players in its new U14 EJA team

Basildon United Youth FC is launching a brand-new U14’s EJA team and is looking for talented players in all positions!

🔹 Who can join? All U14 players at EJA level
🔹 Why join? Be part of a club dedicated to developing young talent and providing a pathway to semi-professional football. Interested? Contact Ben Carter at 07854 272121

FREE Youth Club + food at Mother’s Kitchen!

Is your child aged 4-14? Do they love games, fun, and making new friends? Bring them along to our Youth Club at Mother’s Kitchen Community Group!

  • Fridays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Mother’s Kitchen Café, SS13 1PN

  • A meal and drinks are provided – completely FREE!

  • Fun games & activities

  • A safe and friendly environment with a chance to meet new friends Register at https://forms.gle/ssVZWPoYgmcfpg4G6 or Book in via EventBrite

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

Kickboxing Academy for kids

Free trial kickboxing lesson (8-15yrs) @ Laindon Community Center every Wednesday. Message Basildon Kickboxing on Facebook to book

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.

Football for tots (Fun Factory)

Tots Football Fun sessions. Their exciting inflatable pitch also adds to the magic, creating a safe and fun environment where these special moments happen. Join us and be part of the joy every week! Noble Hall, Wat Tyler Park - Thursday: [https://booking.thefootballfunfactory.co.uk/event/555]

Indoor football for tots (Little Kickers)

Networking for Adults

Calling all book lovers - new book club

Love reading and chatting about books? Come along to our friendly book club for great reads and even better conversations. Timed perfectly with the new Waterstones about to open at Eastgate :-)

📅 When: Last Wednesday of every month
📍 Where: 3 Gibcracks, SS14 1PE
👥 Open to all book lovers – casual readers or lit fans!

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

Book via [email protected] or via this link 

Free coffee morning

Just drop in. Every Friday 10am - 2pm. Noak Bridge Christian Center, Wash road, SS15 4BE.

Free martial arts class

Interested in learning Kyusho in a controlled, structured environment? Mark Smith’s academy has 3 spots available for open-minded individuals eager to develop valuable skills.

🔹 Includes: PDFs & online learning materials
🔹 Focus: Systematic training through key points
🔹 How to join: Book to secure your place!

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 Mission Church Manor Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

Support for Adults

Private counselling service with Basildon Mind. Call 01268 284130 to make an appointment.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering for local charities is a great way to make new friends and get a ‘feel’ of the community whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here all your life. Here are available opportunities coming up.

Play golf? Essex golf union is seeking new directors, chairmen and members

Essex Golf Union is looking for new Directors and Chairmen on our board, as well as new members to fulfill roles on our Sub-Committee and act beneath the board. Our proposed board structure is shown in the below organogram. If you are interested, please contact us now at [email protected] or call us on 01376 500998 to discuss further

Help reopen the parkside centre!

The team behind Mother’s Kitchen is working hard to bring the Parkside Centre back to life…after being abandoned for 12 years. And they need your help! Your donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in making the centre accessible to all.

The plan is to turn it into a venue for fitness classes, arts & crafts, and amazing community events for everyone to enjoy. Join the fundraiser here. 

Volunteer as a helpline support worker

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.

Feeding the homeless

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.

Essex Police needs special constables

Essex Police is looking for volunteer police officers to help reassure and keep residents safe. Find out more and Sign up here: Special Constable for Essex Police - BBW Volunteer Network 

Other Opportunities

Win £25,000 for Your Social Housing Idea

The William Sutton Prize for Connected Communities is offering an incredible opportunity to bring your community-focused idea to life. Don’t miss your chance to apply!

Football Scholarship Trials – Essex

Footballers aged 15-21 can combine playing with studying for a degree in the U.S. Trials are happening nationwide – don’t miss your chance!

📅 Date: Thursday, April 17
⏰ Time: 1 PM
📍 Location: Lakeside Sports Ground, Essex
🔗 Sign up here

Get £250 by bank transfer for research

Research Opinions is looking for a chef to take part in a 1 hour online website/app testing session.

Incentive: £250

Till next time, Basildon 💕