In partnership with

Good evening, Basildon

Hope you’re having a happy Monday! Hope you’re having a great start to the week.

You’ll be pleased to know, this week, we’re running our first giveaway of the year in collaboration with Clean Canvas Ltd. Clean Canvas is offering one lucky reader a free 3-hour home clean!

Imagine what you could do with three hours of pure "me-time" while a pro makes your home sparkle.

How to Win:

This isn't a random draw… the prize goes to the ultimate Basildon Hive champion.

• Press “Click to Share” below this image

• Share this newsletter with friends, family, your postman, school run parents… etc and local neighbors.

• The person with the most successful referrals over the next 6 weeks wins the prize. You still qualify to get something special from Clean Canvas if you share with as little as 1 person. (and if you’d like to book them directly to test out their service, the easiest way to do so is via Whatsapp - tell them Basildon Hive sent you)

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please reply this or 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, the week looks mostly cloudy with light rain on Tuesday and cool temperatures throughout (around 6–10°C). Even if it feels grey, brighter moments are coming. Dress warm and remember every season eventually clears.

What’s New?

A Poignant Tribute in Pitsea 🌸

A memorial cherry tree and bench have been planted near Little Searles Play Park in memory of siblings Roman and Darcie Casselden. Funded by the Pitsea Area Committee, the memorial was unveiled on 30 January 2026, ahead of the first anniversary of their tragic passing. This peaceful spot on the corner of Plumleys/Little Searles provides a space for you to reflect and remember two young lives that will never be forgotten.

Accessibility Boost for Lee Chapel South community centre♿

Lee Chapel South Community Centre (on The Knares) is set for a major upgrade thanks to a £12,000 grant from the Better Care Fund. This is part of a wider £284,000 investment across the borough to make local spaces more inclusive. The centre will be getting a brand-new accessibility ramp, improved pathways for smoother access, new fencing and a secure exit gate

New Community Safety Hub – Wickford 🚨

Wickford BID has officially secured Kiosk 2 in the Willows Centre (right next to the Post Office) as a new hub for local services. The goal is a central spot to speak directly with Local Police Officers, BID Rangers, and community organisations. Soon, other charities and support groups will also be invited to use the space in the future.

Advertise Your Business on BBC Essex.. For Free
BBC Essex is looking for businesses to take part in their ‘Trading Places’ feature, airing weekdays at 12:40pm. Email Robyn Wallis at [email protected] with your business name, location and contact details to get free radio promotion.

New Play Equipment Coming to Wick Country Park
Groundworks start 9 February, with installation from 16 February. The new play area will be ready for children to enjoy this spring.

Maggio Lounge Seeks Community Partners
Maggio Lounge is looking to partner with people to run yoga classes, book clubs, parent groups, wellbeing mornings or any other morning activity. Message them with your ideas to collaborate and build something special: [email protected]

Things to do in Basildon this week

Free Online Courses – Essex Libraries 📚

Access LinkedIn Learning, language courses, Driving Theory, Life in the UK and more. All FREE with your library card. 🔗 https://libraries.essex.gov.uk.

Joey Ibiza Comedy Club – Billericay 😂

Top-tier comedy nights at The Stable Room, Red Lion, Billericay. February headliner: Ria Lina (BBC, QI, Mock The Week). Bookings: joeyibizacomedyclub.co.uk

Where to make friends in Basildon this week - Adults

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Monday

Gymophobics Pitsea – Women’s Gym Sessions 

A fun, supportive gym space just for women — no judgement, no pressure, just fitness, friendship and feeling good. Scarves flying, smiles wide, and lots of laughs.
Build stronger bodies and real friendships in a safe environment.

📍 Gymophobics, Pitsea
🎟️ Free consultation available.  Inbox to book your free consultation.

Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Sporting Village)

⚽ 7:00 PM
Weekly friendly football for local lads — all abilities welcome (18+).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£7 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex

Daily Group exercise classes at the Fit Lab, Essex (First class free)
Wrexham rd, Laindon. SS15 6PX
📅 January is filling up. Book here: https://thefitlab.as.me/schedule/4867abca

Sing Club Billericay (first session free)
Looking for a fun new hobby or social event in January? Join singing sessions – all ages and abilities welcome, no experience needed! Sessions are £6 pay-as-you-go, run by professional musicians, and no auditions, uniforms, or dancing required. Sessions run on

• Mondays (1.30–2.30pm, Queens Park Community Church) and

• Fridays (1.30–2.30pm, Mayflower Hall). For more info, email [email protected]

Wednesday

Women’s Cycle Ride 

Beginner-friendly cycle around Gloucester Park, followed by refreshments and a chat.

🕥 10:30am – 12:00pm
📍 Basildon Sporting Village, SS14 3GR

• Open to all women
• Safe and supportive environment
• Learn local routes & build confidence

Need a bike? Limited bikes available to borrow.
📧 [email protected]
📞 07749 491638

Seated Yoga – Basildon Library

An hour of gentle chair-based exercise at seated yoga class.The friendly classes are suitable for adults of all ages and abilities

13.30am - 14:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Social Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Woodlands school)

⚽ 7:00 PM
Keep fit, meet mates & enjoy friendly competitive football.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
£7 per player
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/289-basildon-sporting-village-essex-basildon

Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 Basildon Wednesday - Play Netball

Thursday

Film Night – My Brother Bob 

Meet film director Will Norman and watch his award-winning documentary exploring quality of life.

📅 Thursday 5 February
🕢 7:30pm
📍 St Andrew’s Church, Wickford

Winner of Best Documentary at UK Film Festival.

Hosted by Wickford & Runwell C of E Churches.

Beginners Crochet Workshop 

Friendly, relaxed workshop for complete beginners.

📅 Thursday 5 February
🕖 7–9pm
📍 The Craft Shed, Basildon

Learn the basics and start your crochet journey.

Traditional Shotokan Karate at Phoenix Karate club

Classes for all ages, abilities and levels

5pm | Laindon Community Centre. Text 07884028969 to get started

Fitness Class – Bounce Billericay (BOUNCE)

Trampoline workouts, boxing, circuits and drumming-based exercise. Suitable for all abilities.

📍 HK Dance Studio, Summerhill Farm, Hardings Elm Rd, Billericay CM11 2UJ
🎟️£6.95 per session

Book now: www.bookwhen.com/bouncebillericay

Sewing Group
🧵 10am–12pm
Learn knitting, crochet or sewing. £4
📍 The Pavilion, Great Berry
📞 Ann: 07802 161021

Friday

Speed Dating – February 💘

Spaces are running low — book now at https://www.mytypeonpaperdating.co.uk/events

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub
12pm. Enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere with good company.
📍 Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30 to 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

Where to make friends this week - young people

P.S if you’re looking for a good after-school tutor, check out APA tuition meeting at Ballards Walk every Saturday.

Monday

The Lion Inside – Interactive Storytelling 🦁

Magical movement-based storytelling session.

📅 Monday 16 February
🕥 10:30am – 11:30am
📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon

For ages 4–9 with a grown-up.

Tuesday

Mini Athletics 🏃

Indoor sports sessions for children.

• Tuesday & Wednesday: Ages 2–4
• Saturday: Ages 2–8

Fun running, jumping & throwing games.
Locations: Billericay, Basildon, Wickford, Grays, Brentwood.

Wednesday

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time – Basildon Library

Songs, stories and rhymes for babies and toddlers.

10am - 10:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

SEND sensory stay and play – Basildon Library

Come and enjoy our safe SEND area, meet other parents and make friends!

15:30 - 16:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Rhythm Time – Babies & Toddlers

🎵 Music • Movement • Instruments • Bonding
Confidence-building sensory play for babies & toddlers in a calm, friendly setting.
📍 Meadow Croft Garden Centre
🍼 Wednesdays
Limited spaces… Message Zoe on 07778213315

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

Buzz & Bloom – Parent & Toddler Group 

Warm, friendly stay-and-play group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 The Hive, 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

Fun, play and connection for parents and toddlers. Note: No additional childminders currently.

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

Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12

• 🕓 4 to 4:45pm

• 📍 Northlands Park Family Centre

• 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

The Barnhall Under 5’s Club 🧸

Stay-and-play toddler group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 Barnhall Social Club, Wickford SS11 7JP
🎟️ £2.50 per child | Under 1s £1

Runs term time only. Fully insured & DBS checked.

Well Youth Club – Wickford 

Supportive weekly youth community.

🕕 6pm – 8pm
📍 Downtowner Centre, Wickford
👥 Ages 11–18
🎟️ £6 per person

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.motivated-minds.co.uk

King Edward Teen Teatime Club 🍕🎮

A welcoming space for teens to relax, socialise and have fun.

🕔 5pm – 7pm
📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY

Activities include:
• Multi-sports
• Crafts
• Dance & karaoke
• Snacks provided

✨ Completely FREE

📞 07701 365822
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.atfcommunity.com

FreeStreet Cricket at James Hornsby 🏏

FreeStreet Cricket sessions for young people aged 8–16.

🕔 5pm – 6pm
📍 James Hornsby School

Delivered by qualified ATF coaches in partnership with Essex Cricket in the Community, providing a safe, inclusive and fun experience.

✨ Completely FREE
✨ All abilities welcome

🔗 Register here:
https://chancetoshine.my.site.com/s/street-registration-form?language=en_GB&qrc=0018e00000IcqWOAAZ

Thursday

Junior Badminton 🏸

Sports School Badminton Course. Ages 7–11

🕓 4:45pm – 5:45pm
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
Book via everoneactive website

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!