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And December is here, Basildon

Hope you’ve had a restful weekend and are fully charged for the week ahead :-)

Before getting into today’s edition, here’s a cool 1967 throwback photo of “Gloucester park swimming pool”

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 weather forecast, this week we could experience a mixture of sunshine and clouds.

What’s new?

Reminder: Hospital Parking Enforcement begins in January 2026

From Monday, 5 January 2026, parking enforcement at Basildon, Broomfield, or Southend hospitals will be managed by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). So anyone who parks without paying the appropriate fee gets a parking charge notice sent to their address. Here are alternative transport options so you don’t get caught out:

• Check local bus timetables going that way

• Join the Basildon Community Transport Service (£12/year) and get access to wheelchair-friendly transport to your appointments for only £3.50. Call them on 01268465858 for more details

Free Christmas Lunch (Laindon rd)

If you’d like to share Christmas day with others, join the christmas lunch event hosted by Emmanuel church. Book by 15th December via [email protected] or call 07795217217

• Date: 15th December 2025

• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

• Venue: Emmanuel Church, Laindon Road, Billericay, CM12 9LD

Learn to play the songs you love on piano - with 70% off

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Wherever you’re starting from and whatever your learning style, you can make real progress on the piano – and you only need 10 minutes a day. Take advantage of their biggest sale yet and start learning today with 70% off.

Unlock 70% Off

Basildon Christmas Gift Drive 

There’s still time to donate new, unwrapped gifts for children and adults (toys, crafts, outdoor games, gift vouchers, warm accessories, toiletry sets etc) Friday 5 December. All donations will be wrapped and delivered to local families, schools, and care homes.

Drop-off points:

• Gateway 97.8, The Galleries, Eastgate Centre. Mon–Fri: 10am–5pm | Sat: 10am–2pm

• The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square. Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

Have your say on local crime laws 

Share your views on misuse of face coverings to hide identity during crime, and banning public street harassment to protect women. Consultation closes 29 December and you can share your views here

Basildon’s Half Marathon sign up open

After a hugely successful event this year, the Basildon Half Marathon is back for 2026… plenty of time to start training! Watch highlights from this year’s race, get inspired, and secure your place here

Basildon local plan consultation

The council’s local Plan 18.3 Consultation launched on Saturday and will close on 16 January 2026. There will be several consultation events where residents can learn about the Local Plan, use the consultation platform, and ask Senior Officers questions.

Sign up and share your views here.

Local Basildon boy Reni needs our help!

Reni is bravely battling a brain tumor, and every contribution counts. Support here

Training/Apprenticeships

P.S: If you know someone who’s looking for an apprenticeship, feel free to forward this newsletter to help them in their job search

Trust Finance Apprentice (SS17 0DF)

• 37 hours/week

• From £24,413

• Start date: 17th January 2026

• Duration: 1 year 6 months

• Training: Assistant accountant (level 3)

Apply here

Early Years educator Apprentice (Bright stars, Laindon)

• 40 hours/week

• From £15,704

• Start date: 5th January 2026

• Duration: 1 year 2 months

• Training: Early years educator (level 3)

Apply here

Bar and Waiting Apprentice (Darby Digger, Wickford)

• 30 hours/week

• From £15,600

• Start date: 20th January 2026

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Food and beverage team member (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

Chef Apprentice (Harvester, Festival Leisure)

• 30 hours/week

• From £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

Business Opportunities

Become a Market Trader in Wickford
Thinking of starting a small business?
Contact Love Markets on 07790134606 – fantastic local opportunities available!

Where to find new friends (Young people)

Tuesday

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
🕓 4 to 4:45pm
📍 Northlands Park Family Centre
Ages 6 - 12 | 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

Youth Club at Basildon Sporting Village (Ages 12–15)
🕓 3:45 - 6pm | £2.50 per session
Games, sports, music, chill zones & good vibes.

Multisports + Food for Teens – FREE
🕔 5 - 7pm
📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon, SS15 6GY
Football, dance, karaoke, crafts & snacks provided.
📞 07701 365822 | ✉️ [email protected]

Support for young people

BoxSmart Youth Programme - Thursday
Ages 11–17 | 12 weeks of boxing, martial arts & life skills.
📍 5-Elements Academy, Basildon | 🕒 Thursdays, 4–5:30pm
Includes training, teamwork & support with real-life challenges.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 07713 161164

Express Yourself Drop-In - Friday
For ages 11–17 needing a safe space to talk, chill & get support. Friendly Youth Workers + NHS Mental Health Practitioners.
📍 Southernhay Youth Centre, SS14 1FN | 🕒 3–4:45pm (term time)
No booking – just turn up!
📞 Ashley Gillam: 07824 867553 | ✉️ [email protected]

Where to make new friends (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

Cuckoo’s Disability Disco
🎉 6–8pm | £3 entry (carers free)
Wheelchair-accessible fun, dancing & good vibes.
📍 The White Swan, Wickford SS11 7AD

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

At The Hive (6 Honeypot Lane, SS14 2JZ)

✉️ [email protected]

Community Café
☕ 9:30am–12pm
Tea, chat & bacon rolls — everyone welcome!

Gardening Club
🌱 9:30am–12pm
No experience needed — just enthusiasm!

Pre-Loved School Uniform Shop
👕 10am–12pm
Take what you need, no questions asked.

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

At The Hive (6 Honeypot Lane)

Buzz & Bloom Toddler Group
🐝 9:30–11am
Play, music & a friendly space for little ones.

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

Make new friends by volunteering

Become a trustee for Basildon Community Transport Services

Basildon Community Transport is looking for volunteers. Commitment is under 4 meetings yearly. Please contact [email protected] to apply

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

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

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!