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Hello, Basildon!

Hope you had a lovely weekend. Before we dive into today’s edition, we’re loving this cool postbox at Great Berry shops. Well done to whoever is responsible!

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 starts wet on Monday, with heavy rain and highs of 16°C. Tuesday brings further showers before brighter and sunny conditions arrive on Wednesday. Thursday is expected to be misty, followed by partly cloudy skies on Friday and Saturday, with highs of around 14°C. Overnight lows range from 8–15°C.

What's On?

Orsett Hospital Minor Injuries Unit Moving to Thurrock Community Hospital The minor injuries unit is moving to Thurrock Community Hospital. The seven-day walk-in service is expected to continue from 10am to 7:30pm once it reopens.

Free Bulky Waste Clear-Out Options Around the Borough Basildon Council has shared information about sites offering free bulky waste collection. Check the council's guidance for locations and details before setting off. 🔗 Find out more | Assisted collection information

Basildon Sporting Village launches dedicated events page A new online resource aims to help people using Basildon Sporting Village plan their visits and avoid the busiest times. 🔗 Find out more

Remembrance Sunday – 8 November Basildon Council is inviting residents, veterans, service personnel and community groups to take part in Remembrance Sunday ceremonies across the borough on 8 November. Locations and timings will be announced soon. Lest we forget.

Scrambler Bikes: Council Asks Residents to Report Storage Locations Basildon Council and the police want residents to share information about where nuisance scrambler bikes are being stored locally. 🔗 Find out more

Cost-of-Living Support Guide Basildon Council has brought together information on benefits, help with bills, food banks, mental health services and other support available to residents. 🔗 Explore the guide

How to report dumped rubbish around Basildon The council reports a further fall in fly-tipping and is encouraging residents to keep using licensed waste carriers and reporting dumped rubbish. 🔗 Report dumped rubbish | Waste carrier guidance

Billericay Foodbank Winter Plant Sale Billericay Foodbank is promoting its winter plant sale to support its work helping local families. 🔗 Find out more | 📧 [email protected]

Local Market Stall Opportunities Laindon Activity Centre Market still has stall spaces available for traders. 📞 01268 411753. Wickford's Christmas in the Square market also has four remaining stall spaces. 📧 [email protected].

Billericay Community Cinema Announces New Programme A new six-month programme of films is on the way, including a relaxed, dementia-friendly screening for those who would benefit from a more accessible cinema experience.

Basildon Voluntary Sector Networking Event – Vange @ 10:00AM – 11:30AM

Hosted by Thurrock CVS, this "Let's Talk" networking event invites members of the Basildon voluntary sector to share updates, showcase projects, discuss best practices, and build stronger sector connections. Running on Wednesday 28th October 2026 & Tuesday 16th February 2027 at Vange Community Centre, Vange Hill Dr, Basildon, SS16 4DD. Apply here

… and for national breast cancer awareness month,

Let’s Have an Honest Conversation About Breasts

Breasts are among the most talked about and medically researched parts of the human body, yet many of us are embarrassed to discuss our breast health openly. 

Allure Perspectives, a new podcast hosted by Allure editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel, spends its first season exploring how breasts intersect with beauty, health, identity, sexuality, and culture. Episodes feature Olivia Munn on the test she says to take even if your mammogram is clear, sex educator Ericka Hart on reclaiming her body after breast cancer, and a Beverly Hills surgeon on why GLP-1s are driving a surge in breast lifts. All episodes available now.

Listen wherever you get podcasts.

Things to do in Basildon this week

Monday

Women's Vets Football Kickabout @ Wickford Town FC | 7:00PM arrival 

A relaxed football session for women aged over 35, with more sessions planned. 📍 Wickford Town FC | 📞 07885 406660 | 📧 [email protected].

Kel's Flowers Lucky Dip @ Eastgate Shopping Centre | Monday–Thursday 

Pop into Kel's Flowers, next to Hays Travel, and take part in its lucky dip promotion. Every ticket wins a discount on flowers or possibly a free bouquet. 📍 Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon.

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

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

Friday

Pathways Basildon Job Club @ Basildon Library

Looking for work or need some help with your job search? Pathways Basildon runs a weekly Job Club where an advisor is available to offer guidance and support. You can also use the library computers for your search. No booking required.
🕚 Fridays, 11am–12pm
📍 Basildon Library, The Basildon Centre

Basildon Skills Show

Looking for more career inspiration? The Basildon Skills Show is returning with opportunities to explore careers, skills and training.
🔗 More information: orlo.uk/lKcP2
🔗 Book your place: orlo.uk/uAggI

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub

12pm. Enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere with good company.
📍 Happy Hub, Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters

10:30 to 11:30am. Bring your yarn & join the fun.
📍 Happy Hub, Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Saturday

Motown Night @ The Nevendon Centre | 7:30PM 

Dust off your dancing shoes for an evening of soul and Motown hits at The Nevendon Centre in Wickford. 🎟️ Free entry.

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

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

Chess Classes for Children in every Wednesday

Elite Chess Academy welcomes children aged 5–16, from complete beginners to experienced players. Our fun, interactive lessons help children develop concentration, confidence, logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

♟️ All abilities welcome
♟️ Friendly and engaging lessons
♟️ Classes are every Wednesday in George Hurd Centre at 4:30pm

Interested in joining? Contact us at [email protected], call:07858975335 or visit www.EliteChessAcademy.co.uk to find out more.

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

Friday

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

Want to volunteer locally?

Essex Pedal Power Basildon — bike building, content creation & more 🔗 orlo.uk/AreZU | 📧 [email protected]
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

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!