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Hello Basildon!

Apologies for this newsletter coming a day late due to operational issues, but we’re here now. Before we delve into the latest happenings locally this week, please enjoy with us this vibrant photograph from Wickford in bloom

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's in for a warm week with a proper hot spike midweek. Today starts at 24°/16° under partly cloudy skies, then Tuesday climbs to 28° with sunshine breaking through more. Wednesday is the standout day, full sun and 33°/17°, the kind of day you notice. It drops back Thursday to 27° as cloud returns, then Friday and Saturday settle at 24° with overcast conditions. Sunday rounds things off at 25° with sunshine back. Nights stay comfortable throughout, ranging from 14° to 17°. No rain in sight, just a classic summer build-up, a peak, and a gentle comedown.

What’s New?

BUS B1 Basildon to Harold Wood service is live First Bus Essex from Laindon to Harold Wood station in Greater London via Westmayne, the A127, Hall Lane and Gubbins Lane is live from this week, with buses leaving every 20 mins🔗 Check the timetable: B1 - Basildon - Laindon, Fenton Way West – First Essex – Bus Times 

Summer Activities Timetable Looking for low-cost and free activities across the borough this summer? Swimming, cycling, wellbeing activities and community events for all ages and abilities. 🔗 Check the timetable: orlo.uk/jmJ6Q 

E-Scooter Warning for Parents  Thinking about buying an e-scooter for your child this summer? Privately-owned e-scooters can't be ridden on roads, pavements or cycle paths. They can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission. Riders could face penalties and points on their licence. Over 180 have already been seized this year. 🔗 Read more: esxpol.uk/3dZS9 

Public Health Update – Smoke Plume  Following advice from the UKHSA, the overall risk to public health from the smoke plume and debris is low. Some people may have experienced temporary symptoms such as sore eyes, coughing or a sore throat, particularly those with asthma. These should improve once away from the affected area. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if concerned.

NHS Healthy Start – Support for Families  If you're pregnant or have a child under four, you could get help through NHS Healthy Start. A prepaid card to spend on milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula, plus free vitamins. 🔗 Apply: healthystart.nhs.uk 

Book The Square in Wickford for Your Next Event  The Square in Market Lane, Wickford is available to hire for community events, pop-up markets, charity fundraisers, live performances and more. Note: no electricity provision on site currently. 📞 01268 858979 🌐 wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Basildon Skills Show Returns in October
The Basildon Skills Show returns on Wednesday 7 October at Basildon Sporting Village, bringing together employers, training providers and thousands of young people and jobseekers. Public entry is from 3pm–5pm.

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Things to do in Basildon this week

Tuesday 28th July

Neighbourhood Police – Wickford High Street  Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be stopping at Wickford High Street. Raise concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour, ask questions or get practical safety advice.Time: 11am – 12pm 📍 Wickford High Street, SS12 9AE 💷 Free

Wednesday 29th July

Summer Fun in the Park – Inflatables & Face Painting  Free family fun in Wickford Memorial Park! Bring a picnic and a blanket. Face painting tickets are free but limited – collect from the Town Council table from 2pm. Please don't join the queue without a ticket. Time: 2pm – 4pm 📍 Wickford Memorial Park 💷 Free 🌐 wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk 

SEND Parent & Carer Forum – Basildon 📋 Join Essex County Council, Basildon Council and local councillors to hear about planned improvements to SEND services and share your experiences. Let them know if you're bringing children when you register. Time: 10am – 12noon 📍 Nobel Room, Wat Tyler Country Park 💷 Free ✉️ Register: [email protected] 

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

Veterans Coffee Morning
Meet fellow veterans, enjoy refreshments and find out about local support services.
📍 Towngate Theatre | 🕤 9:30am–1pm. Tuesday 21 July

Tuesday Social Netball League
Women of all abilities are welcome to enjoy friendly weekly netball in Basildon.
📍 St Clere's School | 🕖 From 7pm

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

Weekly Quiz Night – Noak Bridge
Test your knowledge with three chances to win cash prizes, including a jackpot of more than £125. Teams of up to eight. Wednesday 22 July. 🕗 8pm
🔗 https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/essex/noak-bridge/book

English Wine Tasting – Billericay Brewery
Enjoy an evening tasting four English wines from Burnt House Vineyard, accompanied by nibbles. Wednesday 22 July 🕖 7pm | 💷 £25 per person 📧 [email protected] 

Fabric Printing Workshop – Billericay
Learn traditional block fabric printing and create your own make-up bag or pencil case. All materials included.📍 Maggio Lounge | Wednesday 22 July 🕕 6pm–9pm | 💷 £30 📞 07411 470022

Summer Fun in the Park – Wickford
Children's entertainer and free face painting kick off this year's Summer Fun programme.
📍 Wickford Memorial Park | Wednesday 22 July 🕑 2pm–4pm 🌐 www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

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

Pony Pals Riding Camp
A three-day riding camp for beginners with all equipment provided.
Friday 24 – Sunday 26 July 🕘 9am–4pm | 💷 £150 📞 07890 171470

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]

Saturday

Free Park Tennis Session  Open to all ages and skill levels. Bring a racket if you have one – booking required but completely free! Time: 10:30am – 11:30am 📍 Mopsies Tennis Court, 26 Chittock Gate, Basildon SS14 1RL 💷 Free 🔗 Book: clubspark.lta.org.uk/MopsiesPark 

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!