Free Easter activities, local jobs, networking

Author

Ada Powers
April 04, 2025

Good morning, Basildon

Hope you’re enjoying the lovely April sunshine 😄 

Before I get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy this calming photo of Little Bursted, courtesy of Essex Walks. (Here’s a route map if you want to try)

Weather in Basildon next week

This week’s Met Office weather forecast says fantastic weather coming next week!

What's new?

First Bus Essex timetable change

Several bus routes across Basildon, Southend, Chelmsford, and beyond will have revised timetables to improve punctuality.

Route 9 (Basildon to Brentwood) – Monday to Saturday timetable updated

Routes 20, 25, 27, 28, 100, 300 – Monday to Friday departure times adjusted, with some morning journeys now leaving earlier

Route 100 – Sunday timetable also revised

Passengers are advised to check the new schedules before travelling.

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.

Fobbing Farm Shop needs team players

Tired of being stuck behind a desk? Get your hands dirty (literally) at Fobbing Farm Shop! Fobbing Farm Shop needs a physically fit, reliable, and friendly team player to help keep our shop running smoothly.

  • Hours: 25–40 per week, 9 AM – 5 PM, midweek & weekends

  • Duties: Lifting, stocking, food handling, cleaning, and customer service

  • Apply: Send a short message about why you'd be great to [email protected]

Build Your Future – Chelmsford-Based Roles Available!

Love working with your hands? A family-run business in Chelmsford is looking for hardworking individuals to join their team:

  • Order Picker – Packing, loading deliveries (think of it as adult Tetris!)

  • Panel Maker – Craft high-quality fence panels (some woodworking skills help!)

  • Wood Machinist – Shape timber with specialized equipment (like a lumberjack but indoors!)

  • Apply: Send CV & cover letter to [email protected]

Early Bird? Bake & Make with Us in South Woodham Ferrers!

Are you up before the sun? Help us prepare fresh pastries & sandwiches for hungry customers! No experience needed…just a good attitude and a love for food!

  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 4:00 AM to 8:30 AM

  • Pay: £12.50 per hour

  • Apply: Email [email protected]

Bounce Into a New Role – Trampoline Coach in Basildon

If you love flipping, jumping, and helping kids have a blast, we need you!

  • Requirements: Level 2+ British Gymnastics trampoline qualification

  • Closing Date: May 2nd

  • Apply: Send CV & cover letter to [email protected]

Love Animals? Join Wat Tyler Veterinary Practice

Dream of caring for furry friends all day? We’re looking for a Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our compassionate, fun-loving team!

  • Hours: 37 per week (10-hour shifts), Tues, Wed, Fri + 1 in 3 weekends

  • Salary: £30K – £33K

  • Perks: CPD allowance, RCVS fees covered, career growth opportunities

  • Apply: Email [email protected] or call 01268 435988

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

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]

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

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]

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]

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]

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

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

Easter Performing Arts Camp

Unleash your child’s creativity with acting, dancing, and singing at this Easter Performing Arts Programme!

📍 Locations: Essex, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire 🎭 Includes: Dance, drama, and music workshops + a final performance!

FREE spaces available for children on benefit-related Free School Meals 📞 Contact: Christina at 07525 850232 or [email protected]

Free Karate Classes Over Easter!

Let your kids try out karate for FREE during the Easter break!

📍 Locations: Wickford, Basildon, and Laindon

📞 Contact: Steve Quinn at 01268 546439 or [email protected]

Keep the kids active, engaged, and having fun this Easter!

FREE Easter Family Event at Festival Leisure

Get ready for an action-packed Easter Sunday at Festival Leisure Park! Join us for a FREE day of fun on:

📅 Date: Sunday, 20th April
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 4 PM

What’s in store?

✅ Meet your favorite TV & Movie characters (and some legendary cars!)
✅ Take on the Easter Trail for tasty treats
✅ Enter to WIN 4 Cineworld tickets
✅ A special visit from our fluffy friend… the Easter Bunny!

All funds raised will support Great Ormond Street Hospital & REACH 💜

FREE Junior Golf Taster Day at Stock Brook Manor!

Got a future golf champ at home? Or just looking for a fun new activity? Join us for a FREE Junior Golf Taster Day at Stock Brook Manor…perfect for beginners and young players looking to sharpen their skills!

📅 Date: Sunday, 13th April 2025
📍 Location: Stock Brook Gold & Country Club,

This is open to boys and girls aged 9 - 14. First session is from 1 - 3pm, second session is 3.30 - 5.30pm. Book here.

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]

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

Local Events

Local Artisan Markets at the Festival Leisure Park

We will be home to a selection of individually hand-picked local stallholders and small businesses, selling a range of Artisan products including candles, homeware, sweet treats and more.

  • Saturday 12th April

  • 12 pm - 6 pm

  • Festival Leisure Park

Fancy becoming a stallholder at one of our markets? Are you an independent or small business wishing to sell your products? Send an email to [email protected] with details on your company.

Fobbing Farmers Market is THIS Sunday

Expect fresh fruit & veg & deli , delicious deli treats, tasty meals at our restaurant, and fantastic stalls filled with unique finds.

📅 Sunday, April 6th | 9 AM – 3 PM

📍 Fobbing Farm Shop, Waterworks Ln, Fobbing, Stanford-le-Hope SS17 9HT

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.

Help Launch Flex HQ – A New Youth Hub in Basildon!

Flex Community Group is opening Flex HQ, a brand-new 3,000 sq. ft. community hub in Basildon town centre! This exciting space will provide:
✅ Youth hall & dance studio
✅ Sensory & soft play areas for young children
✅ Hot-desking & enterprise spaces for young people
✅ Offices & wellbeing support spaces

To make this dream a reality, Flex is fundraising for essential equipment…starting from scratch! With just one month until the grand opening in April, every donation counts to help build a space that empowers local youth.

Support the cause: Donate here 💙

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 £65 by bank transfer for research

Do you watch TV at least weekly and stream content from YouTube at least monthly? We're looking for you to take part in a pre-task and 1 hour 15 minute Zoom interview.

Incentive: £65

Till next time, Basildon 💕

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