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Hello Basildon!

Before we delve into the latest happenings locally this week, please enjoy with us this calm, sunny view of Northlands Wood Country Park (Langdon Hills Country Park)

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, Basildon is set for a warm and mostly sunny week ahead. Monday starts at 25°C/16°C with a mix of sunshine and a few clouds before temperatures climb to 28°C on Tuesday and Wednesday under clear blue skies. The warmest day looks to be Thursday at 29°C, with Friday staying sunny at 28°C. Saturday rounds off the week a touch cooler at 27°C/16°C, with a little cloud returning but plenty of sunshine still on offer. No signs of unsettled weather—just a long stretch of warm, dry summer conditions.

What’s New?

Basildon Shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028 Basildon has been named among just 15 towns shortlisted from nearly 400 applications nationwide. A brilliant recognition of the borough's creativity, ambition and cultural community. The bid celebrates local artists, performers, volunteers and organisations helping shape Basildon's future. 

Beat the Streets – 24,901 Miles and Counting! With over 8,500 people signed up, Basildon has now collectively travelled the equivalent of the Earth's circumference. Keep going! Double points this weekend on Beat Boxes in parks and green spaces. 🔗 Find your nearest Beat Box: orlo.uk/gavX3 🔗 ParkPlay events: orlo.uk/Ij0Yv 

Basildon Tackles Chewing Gum Litter  Basildon Council has secured £27,500 from the Chewing Gum Task Force to clean pavements in the town centre and install behaviour-change signage. Please bin your gum and help keep Basildon clean! 🔗 orlo.uk/b4tWA 

Basildon Takes Action on Anti-Social Behaviour  The council has secured two Partial Closure Orders, one Full Closure Order and a Full Possession Order relating to properties in Pitsea South East, Langdon Hills, St Martin's and Fryerns wards. Working with Essex Police, the council is committed to creating safer neighbourhoods. 🔗 orlo.uk/Y8SCT 

Barleylands Recycling Centre – Temporary Disruption ⚠️ Resurfacing works are underway at Barleylands Depot. The centre remains open with normal hours but waiting times may be up to 20 minutes while skips are moved. 📧 [email protected] 

Domestic Abuse Support – Help Is Available Research shows domestic abuse incidents can increase during major football tournaments. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available now. 📞 Basildon Domestic Abuse Team: 01268 206798 ✉️ [email protected] 📞 Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0330 333 7 444 The Basildon Centre is a J9 reporting centre – ask for J9 to get discreet help.

Recycle Your Textiles Worn-out clothes and textiles can be recycled at Basildon and Pitsea recycling centres. 🔗 loveessex.org/clothes-and-textiles 

The Wild World of the Van Gogh Truthers

In 1990, after years of practicing medicine and reviewing Van Gogh’s case history via his hundreds of letters, Arenberg published a paper in JAMA diagnosing Van Gogh as suffering not from epilepsy, as the artist’s physician claimed a century earlier, but from Ménière’s disease, an inner-ear affliction that can cause vertigo, of which Van Gogh complained, and tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears. Ménière’s, to Arenberg, could better explain Van Gogh’s decision to slice off his ear. After retiring, in 2017, Arenberg recommitted himself to studying Van Gogh and became convinced that art historians had made an even more alarming mistake: Van Gogh had not committed suicide. He’d been murdered.

Read the article for free on Air Mail, a lively digital read for the world citizen, with stories both foreign and domestic that you won’t find anywhere else, written by some of the world’s finest journalists.

Read the Article

£900,000 Skills & Innovation Capital Fund – Now Open
Essex Growth Agency has launched a new capital fund for post-16 education and training providers across Greater Essex. Grants of £10,000–£250,000 are available to invest in modern equipment, digital tools, immersive technology and employer-ready facilities.

Open to further education colleges, universities, independent training providers, institutes of technology, and local authority and specialist providers.

🔗 Find out more and apply: essex.gov.uk/news/2026/ps900k-capital-fund-opens-boost-skills-training-across-essex 

£2.5 Million Families First Neighbourhood Grants – Now Open
Local voluntary, community and not-for-profit organisations can apply for between £15,000 and £60,000 over 30 months to support children, young people and families before they need statutory services. Online workshops are running to help organisations apply. Applications close Monday 17th August 2026. 🔗 Find out more and apply: essex.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/families-first-neighbourhood-grants-programme-ffngp 

Free Landlord's Forum – Book Your Place Landlords are invited to a free forum covering the Renters' Rights Act, EPCs, licensing, housing standards and more. 📅 Thursday 16 July | 🕕 6pm–8pm | 📍 Towngate Theatre 🔗 https://orlo.uk/imXdc 

Domestic Abuse Support Available Basildon Council reminds residents that support is available, particularly during major sporting events.
📞 Domestic Abuse Team: 01268 206798
📧 [email protected]
📞 Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0330 333 7444
🔗 https://orlo.uk/23mZC

Things to do in Basildon this week

Stand Up Paddle Board Taster Session  Get out on the water and try something new!

Monday, 13th July 📍 Essex Outdoors Harlow 🔗 essex.gov.uk/HelloEssex 

We Are Music – Live by the Coast  Live music in a stunning coastal setting. Monday, 13th July 📍 Jaywick Martello Tower, Jaywick Sands 💷 Free

Archive Explorers Club & Essex Explorers Club  Uncover Essex's rich history with guided archive sessions. Also running: ERO Presents – Growing Old and Facing Poverty in Eighteenth-Century Essex. Wednesday, 15th July 📍 The Essex Record Office, Chelmsford 🔗 essex.gov.uk/HelloEssex 

Essex Fire Station Open Days  Three fire stations opening their doors this Saturday – a great free day out for all the family! Saturday, 18th July. 📍 Mersea Fire Station 📍 Tiptree Fire Station 📍 Dunmow Fire Station 💷 Free 🔗 orlo.uk/6z5G8 

Monday

Sing Club – Billericay
Fun daytime singing sessions. No experience needed.

🗓 Mondays or Fridays
⏰ 1:30pm – 2:30pm
📍 Billericay Theatre
💷 £6 per session
📧 [email protected]

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

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

Sing Club Billericay (first session free)
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]

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.

Woodlands School, Basildon (Sporting Village)

⚽ 6:30 PM
Weekly friendly football for local lads — all abilities welcome (16-18yrs).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£10 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex

Weekly yoga @6:30pm
Fryerns Community hall, Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 2NN
📅 Book here: Yoga Classes | Treatments | Southend-on-Sea | Yoga4all (Check site for various other sessions)

Tuesday

GolfTots – Langdon
Free weekly golf sessions for children aged 2.5–5 No booking needed.

🗓 Every Tuesday
⏰ 9:30am – 11:00am
📞 01268 548444
📧 [email protected]

Wellness Café Launch 9:30am–1:30pm
Open every Tuesday (term time), 9:30am–1:30pm at The Beech, SS14 3RZ. Free sessions with tea, activities, armchair exercise & community support…everyone welcome! Contact: [email protected]

Wednesday

Men's Shed – FREE Weekly Sessions  A free welcoming space for men to come together, share skills, build confidence and have fun — crafts, furniture restoration and simple electronics. Hand tool donations also welcome! 📍 King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road, Laindon, SS15 6GY 📅 Every Wednesday | ⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm 🆓 Free — just pop in! 📧 [email protected] 📞 01245 944321

The Hive Community Café – Basildon
A warm, welcoming space to relax, chat, and connect with others.

🗓 Every Wednesday
⏰ 9:30am – 12:00pm
📍 The Hive Community Café

The Hive Gardening Club – Basildon

Wednesdays | 10 AM–12 PM
Weeding, soil rotation, painting, building veg patches & more!
📍 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

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

Essex Pedal Power Basildon — bike building, content creation & more 🔗 orlo.uk/AreZU | 📧 [email protected] 
Billericay Food Bank — volunteer baker needed 🔗 orlo.uk/SA38t
Gold Geese Charity — sports events & fundraiser volunteers 📧 [email protected] 
Human Kind Café — front of house & story time assistants 📧 [email protected] 
Healthwatch Essex — various volunteer roles available 🔗 orlo.uk/QyERY
Wickford in Bloom — floral volunteering 📧 [email protected] 
Wickford & District Talking Newspaper — editor volunteers needed 🔗 orlo.uk/qQb70 | 📧 [email protected] 
Search all opportunities: orlo.uk/PZNnBFree 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.

Thursday

Wellness Café – Langdon Hills
Free weekly wellbeing support including weigh-ins, social prescribing, seated exercise, and refreshments.
📅 Every Thursday
⏰ 9:30am–2pm
📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, Emmanuel Road, SS16 6EX
📞 01268 962404

Wellness Café – Free Weekly Support
The Wellness Café at Langdon Hills Methodist Church runs every Thursday, offering free weigh-ins, digital support, social prescribing, seated exercise and refreshments. 📍 Every Thursday | ⏰ 9:30am–2pm

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

Friday

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]

Where to make friends this week - young people

Pokémon Mondays

Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
📍 Mother's Kitchen, 6 Felmores End, Pitsea, SS13 1PN

🕓 Under 16s: 4–6pm
🕡 All Ages: 6:30–8:30pm
💷 £6 (decks supplied)

🌐 www.dungeonsandjoypads.com

Tuesday

Mini Athletics

Indoor sports sessions for children.

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday: Ages 2–4

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

Wednesday

Langdon Nature Tots

Weekly outdoor nature sessions for children 18 months–5 years.
📅 Wednesdays, 10am
📍 Langdon Nature Discovery Park, Basildon
✔️ Forest School-inspired activities
✔️ Free parking
✔️ Café & toilets

Discounts available for siblings and eligible Universal Credit families.

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

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

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.

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby (Ages 12–24)

• 🕔 5–7pm Football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness + snacks.

• 📞 Jay: 07794 329833

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

Junior Badminton 🏸

Sports School Badminton Course. Ages 7–11

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

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

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!