c2c £7 Senior card discontinued | Where to make new friends in Basildon this week | Win a Christmas hamper (local) | Free Christmas parking

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Happy Monday, Basildon!

Hope you’ve had a restful weekend and are fully charged for the week ahead! This week, we’re trying something new. As our regular newsletters are ridiculously long, we’re trialling breaking it up and sending it in 3 separate editions. From next week, you should be able to choose which editions you want, so you only get news that’s relevant to you.

But first, enjoy with me this frost photo courtesy of Langdon Nature Discovery Park

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 this week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, we can expect more of the same of today’s weather with the sun making an appearance on 3/7 days this week.

What's new?

c2c Senior Rover Update
The £7 Essex-only Senior Rover was discontinued last Wednesday with little notice.
However, the All c2c Senior Rover is still available for £10, giving unlimited off-peak travel across the whole c2c network, including London

Toys R Us is back!
It quietly opened its doors last week inside the TG Jones/Post Office in Basildon Town Centre

Brick Lane Bagel Company is coming to Eastgate
Word on the street is that the Brick Lane Bagel Company is set to take over the former Royal London Organic Coffee spot (right opposite the food court in Eastgate).

Winter Welfare Event – Stay Safe & Well This Season

There’s around 2 hours left to get expert guidance to help you stay warm, supported and informed this winter.

Today, Monday 24 November, 10am–3pm at The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square

You can meet teams from Housing Support, Council Tax Recovery, Citizens Advice, and more.

🔗 Where to find help: basildon.gov.uk/article/9810/Where-to-find-help
🔗 Winter health advice: midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/winter

Free Christmas Parking Across the Borough!

Basildon Council is giving you one less thing to worry about this festive season…. free parking at selected car parks during key Christmas and community events. Free Parking Dates & Locations:

22 Nov – Wickford Main & Ladygate
Wickford Lights Switch-On

30 Nov – Wickford Main & Ladygate
Wickford Christmas Market (Ladygate for stall holders, volunteers & entertainers only)

6 Dec – Wickford Main & Ladygate,
Billericay High Street, Radford Crescent & Lake Meadows
Small Business Saturday

Schools Bring Colour to Pitsea’s Diagnostic Centre!

Students from The Basildon Upper Academy and Northlands Primary School, supported by Creative Basildon, have transformed the construction site hoardings of Pitsea’s new Community Diagnostic Centre into a bright, joyful mural.

Opening Spring 2027, the centre will include: CT & MRI scanning, an eight-room endoscopy unit, and a new activity centre & library. Cllr Melissa McGeorge calls it “a massive investment for the community,” expecting 200,000 visitors a year… boosting health access and local footfall.

Flights Resume from London Southend to Jersey
EasyJet flights to Jersey resume from 30 March 2026, with services running twice a week: on Mondays & Thursdays from London Southend Airport

Game show families wanted

Hungry Bear Media (makers of The Wheel & Gladiators) are looking for fun, confident, multi-generational teams of 5 for a new gameshow pilot! Email names, ages & why you’d be great to: [email protected] (Must be 14+)

WIN a Christmas hamper

The Chop Shop Butchery is giving away a hamper worth £95, packed with turkey, beef, gammon, pigs in blankets & more. To enter: Like, share & tag a friend on their post.
Winner announced Fri 28 Nov.

Basildon Volunteer Awards 2026… Nominations Open

Celebrate the amazing volunteers who make the borough shine.
Categories include: Young Volunteer, Community Star, Behind-the-Scenes Hero, Lifetime Achievement & more.
🗓 Deadline: 12 Dec 2025, 11:59pm
👉 Nominate here
📞 01268 206745 | ✉️ [email protected]

P.S if you run a business locally, check out The Marketing Millenial for tips on how to market for cheap/free

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Training/Apprenticeships

Apprentice Chef (Harvester, SS14 3TJ)

• 30 hours/week £15,600

• Start date: 14th January 2026

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Production chef (level 2)

  Apply here

Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (SS14 3EL)

Leonardo is looking to recruit an apprentice interested in a great start to their career in Electronics Engineering

• 37 hours/week

• £21,525

• Start date: 1st September 2026

• Duration: 4 years

• Training: Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

  Apply here

Electronics Engineering Degree Apprentice (SS14 3BD)

The apprentice will assisting qualified staff in all servicing and MOT work

• 40 hours/week

• £18,000

• Start date: 2nd February 2026

• Duration: 3 years

• Training: Heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician (level 3)

  Apply here

Apprentice Chef (CM13 3DZ) Greyhound, Magpie Lane

• 30 hours/week

• £15,600

• Start date: 2nd December 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Production chef (level 2)

  Apply here

Level 3 ICT Apprentice (James Hornsby school)

As part of this programme, you will work towards completing the Support Technician pathway, whilst receiving on-the-job training working alongside an experienced IT team

• 37.5 hours/week

• From £14,526

• Start date: 4th December 2025

• Duration: 1 year 6 months

• Training: Information communications technician (level 3)

Apply here

Early years Apprentice (SS15 6PH)

Elm Park Nursery have a great opportunity to train as an Early Years Educator Apprentice and gain your level 3 whilst supporting childrens learning, play and development and building key relationships.

• 40 hours/week

• From £15,704

• Start date: 8th December 2025

• Duration: 1 year 2 months

• Training: Early years educator (level 3)

Apply here

Account Manager Apprentice (Wickford)

Working for the UK’s leading luxury watch magazine you will sell advertising to international luxury brands with the opportunity to earn commission too

• 37.5 hours/week

• £13,741

• Start date: 3rd November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice surplus broker (SS13 1EG)

Communicating with businesses and negotiating purchases and sales of excess stock.

• 35 hours (9am - 5pm)

• £13,741

• Start date: 1st Dec 2025

• Duration: 1 year 1 month

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Where to make new friends (adults)

Quiz night this Tuesday The Castlemayne pub, The Knares

• Doors open at 7pm

• Quiz starts at 8 clock

• Cash prizes to be won

Oliver’s Live Music is Back!
Hello ladies and gents, get ready to enjoy an amazing night with us at Oliver's Italian Wine Bar & Restaurant.

• 5th & 20th December | 8PM

• Jacksons Lane, Billericay, CM11 2DG. Call to book your table: 01277 631979

Speed Dating Alert – Female Spaces Sold Out!
Our next two events have SOLD OUT for female spaces! Only a few male spaces remain:

• Leigh on Sea (30–50 years) – 2 spaces left

• Southend (50+) – 3 spaces left

Grab your spot here: mytypeonpaperdating.co.uk/events

Weekly Community Schedule at The Hive (6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon, SS14 2JZ)

Any questions, contact [email protected]

Wednesday

• Community Café: 9:30am –12pm. Everyone’s welcome for a friendly cuppa and a bacon roll.

• Gardening Club: 9:30am –12pm. Help us renovate our community garden. No experience needed…. just enthusiasm and teamwork!

• Pre-Loved School Uniform Shop: 10:00am –12:00pm. If your family needs any school uniform items, pop in and take what you need… no questions asked.

Thursday

• Buzz & Bloom Toddler Group – 9:30–11:00am. A fun and friendly toddler session with play, music and support. Just .

Sunday

• Family Worship – 10:30am. A relaxed, welcoming Sunday service with refreshments afterwards. Everyone is welcome.

Adults Only Tabletop Games @ Basildon Library
Looking for a fun, relaxed afternoon? Join us for board games, strategy, and good company.. no kids, no pressure, just play!

🗓 1st Saturday of every month
🕐 1–4pm
📍 Basildon Library
💸 Free event & free booking

Book your spot:
➡️ December Session
➡️ January Session

FREE Fitness Class at Bounce Billericay

Want to kickstart your fitness journey while boosting your mental wellbeing? Come join us for a fun, inclusive PT session..tailored for all abilities!

🗓 Thursdays, 10:30am
📍 HK Dance Studio, Hardings Elm Road, CM11 2UJ

Cuckoo’s Disability Disco

Every Tuesday from 6–8pm at The White Swan, The Broadway, Wickford SS11 7AD.

• £3 entry

• Carers go free

• Wheelchair accessible toilets

A fun, inclusive night for everyone – see you on the dancefloor!

Ladies Netball – Join the Fun!
Looking for a laugh, fitness, and friendly competition? Join our social netball league at St Clere's School, every Wednesday night (7–10pm). All abilities welcome!
👉 Register here: play-netball.co.uk

Family Passel Women’s Wellbeing Group
Every Tuesday till Feb 2026, excl. school holidays
📍 Swan Mead Community Hall, SS16 4AH | 🕙 10am–12pm
A welcoming space for women to boost mental wellbeing through conversation & physical activity.
📞 0800 020 9819 / 07727 337298 | ✉️ [email protected]

✂️ Men’d Model Making – Every Fri
Join the Happy Hub Basildon at 12pm for friendly, creative fun. Unit 11, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon SS14 1AE

🚴 Group Cycling – Every Wed 12:35pm
Beginner or pro – all welcome! Led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3GR
🔗 Book via the Everyone Active app or via https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/basildon-sporting-village/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMLvBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB3WDVhVlZzckFVaHVCVGtFAR5gmK2LL7TyBgN0mkV4WJzJLJI4f7wrWbKOcV9cf0mSNBoaiFuctKH9fXDdTg_aem_lU626z6jQts5F_MY8TmSKw

Free Seated Exercise Classes at Fryerns Library

Boost your strength, flexibility and mobility without leaving your chair (yes, really). Perfect for the senior community or anyone wanting a gentler workout with maximum social vibes. Tuesdays, 14:15 – 15:00. Free @ Fryerns Library, Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 2NN

Book your spot: Essex Libraries Website
📧 [email protected]
Or just pop into the library and sign up in person.

Quiz night every Thursday at Beehive, Southernhay, Basildon.

Gather your quiz team and put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win this fantastic prize. Whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for the laughs, there’s no better reason to join us! Every Thursday at 8 PM

Zumba Love Essex – First Class Free!

This fun, welcoming dance fitness group has raised £35,000+ for local causes and performed everywhere from Basildon’s 70th birthday to surprise flashmobs!

Classes:
• Mon & Thurs – 9:30am, Ballards Walk
• Sat – 10am, Steeple View
• Tues – 7pm, James Hornsby
• Wed – 7pm, 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
📅 Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7–8 PM | Saturdays: 10–11 AM
📍 Kentview Road & The Paddocks Community Halls
💷 Just £5 per class. Message to book

Knit, Natter & New Friends at Happy Chatters!
Whether you’re a pro with the needles or curious to learn, the Happy Chatters group is the perfect Friday morning meet-up.
📍 The Happy Hub, Eastgate Centre (by Asda)
🕥 Fridays | 10:30–11:30 AM
Bring your yarn and enjoy a good chinwag with lovely people.

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

• Every Friday, 11:15am

• 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.

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

Make new friends by volunteering

Become a trustee for Basildon Community Transport Services

Do you want to help shape the future of Basildon Community Transport? Check out this amazing opportunity. Commitment is no more than 4 meetings yearly. Please contact [email protected] to apply for this voluntary position.

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.

Meet the team, ask questions, and find out how you can make a real difference while wearing the same uniform and carrying the same kit as regular officers.

Enquiries: [email protected] 🔗 Book your spot online 

Support for Adults

SEND Parents Drop in Support - 9th Dec.

9.30 - 11:30am, The Hive, Honeypot lane, SS14 2JZ. This is for you especially if your child/teen is struggling with school, anxiety or more? Email [email protected] to book.

🏃 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

🤰 Free Antenatal Sessions – Oct/Nov 2025
Friendly workshops led by peer supporters covering wellbeing, birth prep, and baby care.
📍 Basildon: 20 Nov (12–2pm) – Trenham Community Centre, SS13 1HW

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!