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  • Free blood pressure monitors @ Basildon Library |East Mayne roadworks |Aldi towncentre opens this month?

Free blood pressure monitors @ Basildon Library |East Mayne roadworks |Aldi towncentre opens this month?

Here's what's happening across Basildon this week.

In partnership with

Hello, Basildon!

Happy new month! πŸŽ‰ Hope November has started on a lovely note for you. Before we dive into today's edition, we're loving this amazing street art project in Wickford! It's great to see young people getting involved, sharing their creativity and producing such incredible artwork. Shoutout to Wickford Town Council for funding the project.

Image credit: Bar β€˜n’ Bus

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, expect a mostly cloudy week across Basildon, with temperatures reaching 11–12Β°C. Friday looks set to bring some sunshine, while the other days will be largely cloudy. Overnight temperatures will fall to around 6–9Β°C, with little chance of rain throughout the week.

What's On?

The new Aldi at the town centre opens 12th Nov? Signs went up last week, and the streets have it that the new store (occupying the space where Poundland used to be) opens on the 12th.

Basildon Council backs national Be Ready emergency preparedness campaign Basildon Council is supporting a national campaign encouraging residents to prepare for emergencies. The campaign also highlights free priority support available from utility companies for vulnerable households. πŸ”— Find out more | More details

Your Backyard, All Four Seasons

Most backyards get about 90 good days a year. Yours could get 365.

Think about the moments you keep postponing "until summer": the birthday dinner outside, the Sunday morning coffee, the late-night talks with friends. A HansΓΈ pergola stops the waiting. 

Adjustable louvers let you chase the sun or shut out the rain. The structure is built from T6 aerospace-grade aluminum and engineered for up to 167 mph winds and up to 65 PSF snow load, so it's still standing strong when the weather isn't.

Early Bird Offers LAST CHANCE: save up to 40% on pergolas, plus a $1,000 installation voucher*, a Free HansΓΈ ProCheck Careβ„’ 10-Year Plan worth $950, and some FREE accessories to keep fall and winter evenings cozy.

Most pergolas are just for summer. Yours is for every season.

Lane closures across Basildon, Wickford and Billericay Scheduled daytime vegetation clearance on three major roads will involve lane closures and could cause delays for motorists from today 2nd Nov - Friday 6th Nov across the full length of East Mayne and the full length of South Mayne next week . πŸ”— Find out more

A Basildon Sporting Village launches events page A new online events page will help visitors plan their trips and check for activities that could affect car park availability on busy days. πŸ”— Find out more

UNISON shares NHS advice as Orsett Minor Injuries Unit closes With Orsett's minor injuries unit due to close this Friday, UNISON is reminding residents which NHS services to use and when. Its key message is not to delay seeking emergency care.

Council urges residents to seek early help with rent and bills this winter The council wants residents to reach out early if money's tight this winter, rather than waiting until things get desperate. There's advice available plus a Winter Welfare event in November covering housing, energy and staying connected. πŸ”— Find out more

Norsey Wood woodland restoration works begin this winter Essential woodland restoration is happening at Norsey Wood, with contractors coppicing, clearing around ancient trees and protecting historic features. It's worth knowing about if you walk there with family or dogs.

Rental workspace available for beauty and wellness professionals in Pitsea Above and Beyond Training School has rental spaces available for nail and lash technicians, hairdressers, barbers, SPMU technicians and yoga practitioners, with equipment provided. πŸ“ž 07581 014269 | πŸ“§ [email protected]

Operation Elf Christmas gift appeal opens nominations Motivated Minds is inviting residents to nominate someone in the community who deserves some extra kindness this Christmas through its gift appeal. πŸ”— Find out more

Urgent homes needed for six feral cats in Essex A call out to anyone with outdoor space who could offer a safe spot for six feral cats that need urgent relocation. If you've got stables, farmland or a secure outbuilding, this could be a way to help. πŸ”— Find out more

St Luke's Hospice Light up a Life remembrance appeal opens

A chance to remember someone you've lost by dedicating a light, with names displayed locally and donations supporting St Luke's Hospice care for others in the community.πŸ”— Find out more

Basildon Library lending free blood pressure monitors Residents can borrow blood pressure monitors to check their readings at home. πŸ”— Find out more

Human Kind Cafe seeks volunteers in Billericay The community cafe and Sunday market is looking for volunteers to support its activities.
πŸ“§ [email protected]

Basildon and Pitsea Carnival Court collecting toiletries for care home hampers The Carnival Court is organising a Christmas donation project to put together toiletry hampers for local care home residents. Residents can support the initiative by donating spare toiletries.

Basildon Christmas Giving Drive returns The council's Christmas appeal is collecting supermarket vouchers and gifts to support local children and vulnerable residents. πŸ”— View the gift wishlist | More details | πŸ“§ [email protected]

What types of new business would you like to see at Eastgate shopping centre?

We'll publish your answers for the benefit of entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Basildon

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Things to do in Basildon this week

Wednesday

Men's Shed – FREE Weekly Sessions

A free welcoming space for men to come together, share skills, build confidence and have fun β€” crafts, furniture restoration and simple electronics. Hand tool donations also welcome! πŸ“ King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road, Laindon, SS15 6GY πŸ“… Every Wednesday | ⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm πŸ†“ Free β€” just pop in! πŸ“§ [email protected] πŸ“ž 01245 944321

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

⚽ 7:00 PM
Keep fit, meet mates & enjoy friendly competitive football.
πŸ“ Basildon Sporting Village
Β£7 per player
πŸ“² WhatsApp: 07723 615546
πŸ”— 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.
πŸ•š Fridays, 11am–12pm
πŸ“ 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.
πŸ”— More information: orlo.uk/lKcP2
πŸ”— Book your place: orlo.uk/uAggI

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub

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

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters

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

Where to make friends this week - young people

PokΓ©mon Mondays

Learn to play the PokΓ©mon Trading Card Game.
πŸ“ Mother's Kitchen, 6 Felmores End, Pitsea, SS13 1PN

πŸ•“ Under 16s: 4–6pm
πŸ•‘ All Ages: 6:30–8:30pm
πŸ’· Β£6 (decks supplied)

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.

β™ŸοΈ All abilities welcome
β™ŸοΈ Friendly and engaging lessons
β™ŸοΈ 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)

πŸ•₯ 10:30–11:30am

πŸ“ Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX

Fun, active sessions for early learners

Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12

πŸ•“ 4 to 4:45pm

πŸ“ Northlands Park Family Centre

FREE πŸ”— Book: https://www.yoga4all.co

Friday

Well Youth Club – Wickford

Supportive weekly youth community.

πŸ•• 6pm – 8pm
πŸ“ Downtowner Centre, Wickford
πŸ‘₯ Ages 11–18
🎟️ £6 per person

Want to volunteer locally?

Essex Pedal Power Basildon β€” bike building, content creation & more πŸ”— orlo.uk/AreZU | πŸ“§ [email protected]
Gold Geese Charity β€” sports events & fundraiser volunteers πŸ“§ [email protected]
Human Kind CafΓ© β€” front of house & story time assistants πŸ“§ [email protected]
Healthwatch Essex β€” various volunteer roles available πŸ”— orlo.uk/QyERY
Wickford in Bloom β€” floral volunteering πŸ“§ [email protected]
Wickford & District Talking Newspaper β€” editor volunteers needed πŸ”— orlo.uk/qQb70 | πŸ“§ [email protected]
Search all opportunities: orlo.uk/PZNnBFree

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!