Festival Leisure Park's Nando's closes over half-term | Start a new business - free local support this Thursday | New local jobs

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Happy Monday, Basildon!

Hope you’ve had a nice weekend despite the weather!

Before we get into the meat and bones of today’s edition, here’s a beautiful walking path close to Canvey station (15 mins away)

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please email them to [email protected]. Every single email is read by a real person :-)

Weather in Basildon next week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, you should technically be able to hang some washing out everyday this week except Thursday. So get last week’s backlog ready!

P.S Did you know you can sail from London Tilbury to several beautiful destinations around the world?

What's new?

Festival Leisure Nando’s closes for a revamp
Closes Mon 29 Oct for a makeover and is scheduled to reopen Thurs 28 Nov. Watch this space for updates

New Wetherspoons at Eastgate
Finally opens on Tues 21 Oct – get ready for pints, pub grub & good times.

New Café opens at Burnt Mills
Opening Mon 3 Nov at Ridley Rd (SS13 1EG). Friendly vibes, great food & plenty of chat – coming soon! If you want to stay updated, follow Cafe on the Corner

Wendy’s Coming Soon!
Word is on the street that Wendy’s, the famous burger chain opens at Festival Leisure Park on Tues 12 Nov.

Jobs

P.S: If you know someone who’s looking for an apprenticeship or a job, feel free to forward this newsletter to help them in their job search

Training/Apprenticeships

Apprentice Chartered Accountant (SS12)

You will be working with other fellow student accountants also studying AAT/ACCA/ICAEW which makes it easy to help each other through the examination process.

• 35 hours/week

• £13,750

• Start date: 1st December2025

• Duration: 3 years

• Training: Accountancy or taxation professional (level 7)

Apply here

Apprentice Paralegal (Basildon)

Duties include, but are not limited to, ordering documents from HMLR, reviewing client AML & ID documents, ordering searches, exchanging and completing letters, Land registry & bankruptcy searches, and stamp duty returns.

• 37 hours/week

• £14,526.20

• Start date: 1st November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 9 months

• Training: Paralegal (level 3)

Apply here

Apprentice Business Administrator (Wickford)

Kew Law LLP are looking to take on a Business and Administration Apprentice to assist in the day-to-day running of reception and to undertake general administration duties.

• 37.5 hours/week

• £14,722.50

• Start date: 12th November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Business administrator (level 3)

Apply here

Apprentice Chef (SS14 3WB)

Toby Carvery, Festival Leisure

• 30 hours/week

• £15,600

• Start date: 14th November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Production chef (level 2)

Apply here

Nursery Apprentice (SS13 3EA)

Needed to support with all aspects of caring for children including washing, changing, feeding and assist with meeting the personal and emotional needs of individual children

• 30 hours/week

• From £11,778

• Start date: 10th November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 6 months

• Training: Early years educator (level 3)

Apply here

Early years apprentice (Laindon)

Elm Park Nursery have a great opportunity to train as an Early Years Educator Apprentice and gain your level 3

• 40 hours/week

• £15,704

• Start date: 10 November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 2 months

• Training: Early years educator (level 3)

Apply here

Apprentice Business Administrator (Wickford)

Compliance apprentice needed to verify and vet clients through the onboarding process to ensure compliance with the regulatory guidelines and minimising risk to the company.

• 41.5 hours/week

• £16,292

• Start date: 21st October 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Business administrator (level 3)

Apply here

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Account Manager Apprentice (Wickford)

Working for the UK’s leading luxury watch magazine you will sell advertising to international luxury brands with the opportunity to earn commission too

• 37.5 hours/week

• £13,741

• Start date: 3rd November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice surplus broker (SS13 1EG)

Communicating with businesses and negotiating purchases and sales of excess stock.

• 35 hours (9am - 5pm)

• £13,741

• Start date: 16th Oct 2025

• Duration: 1 year 1 month

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice dental nurse (SS14 2EZ)

A local dental practice is looking for an apprentice dental nurse to start an exciting career in dental nursing

• Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm

• £11,778

• Start date: 24th Oct 2025

• Duration: 1 year

• Training: Dental nurse (GDC 2023) (level 3)

Apply here

Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice – Basildon
Work alongside experienced pros to keep heavy vehicles running safely and smoothly. Hands-on, early start, and a chance to learn it all.

• £18,000/year | Mon–Fri 7am–4pm

• Start: 3rd November 2025

• Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship

• 3 years

• Apply: View Details

More Local-ish Jobs

KS2 Teacher (11+ Club, Rayleigh)
Teaching Buzz Tutoring is hiring a KS2 teacher to run their 11+ Club for Year 4 pupils on Saturday afternoons until August 2026. The role involves small groups (4–6 children) focusing on Maths, Reading Comprehension, and Writing. Great hourly rate, lovely classroom, WiFi, resources, and 11+ training provided. Must have QTS, KS2 experience, and a current DBS.

Email: [email protected]

Learning Support Assistant (Basildon)
Lift Pioneer School seeks a Learning Support Assistant to join their team supporting children aged 3–19 with severe and complex learning difficulties. Salary £15,207–£15,939, 26.5 hours per week, term time only. SEN experience helpful but not essential.

Contact Cathy Duff on 01268 243300. Apply by 2 November 2025.

Childminding Skills Bootcamp (Online, Essex)
Free 10-week online course for Essex residents aged 19+ to gain a Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare. Starts early November. Apply via AKG Learning at [email protected].

Preschool Manager (Job Share, Billericay)
A family-run preschool seeks a creative, enthusiastic Preschool Manager for a job share (Mon & Fri, 7:30am–6:00pm, term-time). Level 3+ in Early Years, leadership experience, and passion for childcare essential.

Email [email protected].

Part-Time IT Specialist (Basildon)
Impact Academies seeks a part-time IT Specialist to teach coding and digital skills to children. Must know Scratch, Blender, Unity, Minecraft, and Roblox. Ideal for graduates or students.

Email CV and short motivation to [email protected].

Warehouse, Delivery & Service Operative (Basildon)
Full-time Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:30. Supporting warehouse operations, deliveries, and servicing vending machines. Pay £12.71 rising to £13 after probation. Must be over 25 with a clean licence.

Email [email protected].

Warehouse Staff (Purfleet)
Roles available for picking, packing, returns, and relabelling. Monday–Friday, 8:00–16:00, £12.21/hour. Safety shoes and hi-vis required.

Text “Purfleet” to 07967104188.

Order Packer (Wickford)
£12.21/hour, Monday–Friday, 9:00–18:00. Experience in packing and fast-paced warehouse environments preferred.

Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Inspector/Packer (Rawreth Industrial Estate)
£12.21/hour, Mon–Fri 8:00–16:00. Inspecting and packing finished products. Some lifting involved.

Apply by calling 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Drivers Mates (Basildon)
£12.21/hour, Monday–Friday, 12pm–8pm. Assist with deliveries, loading, unloading, and customer service.

Apply via 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

3.5T Van Drivers (Basildon)
Monday–Friday, choose 6am–2pm or 12–8pm. £12.21/hour, temp-to-perm. Must have valid UK licence.

Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Van Drivers (Basildon)
£30,000/year, Mon–Fri 12:30–9:30pm. Delivering furniture with a driver’s mate. Must be 21+, clean UK licence.

Call 01626 798010.

Premier Recruit – Multiple Logistics Roles (Tilbury, West Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope)
Hiring for Warehouse Operatives, Forklift Drivers, Supervisors, and Van Drivers. Pay £13–£14.50/hour, Mon–Fri.

Text your name and role to 07719 032601 to apply.

Festive Warehouse & Logistics Roles (Basildon area)
Hiring warehouse operatives, pickers, packers, drivers, and recycling operatives for Christmas season. £12.21+/hour, flexible shifts.

Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Sandwich Van Sales Assistant (South Woodham Ferrers)
The Bread Boxx seeks a friendly, confident driver for a full-time food truck role. Mon–Fri, 6:45–16:00, £26,000 + bonuses, no weekends. Must be 30+ and hold a full UK licence.

Email [email protected].

Van Driver (Canvey Island)
Ongoing role for a manufacturing company. Must be over 25 with a clean licence. Early starts.

Call or text “Drive” to 07377792109.

Bar Staff (Basildon)
Experienced weekend bar staff needed at The Jolly Friar. Email [email protected].

Kitchen Staff (Basildon Town Centre)
Part-time roles at OMG Desserts, Tues/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, 6–10pm. Must be 18+ and experienced in cafés. Email [email protected].

Service Desk Controller (Romford)
Full-time office-based, Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30, £30,500 + overtime. Coordinate engineers, manage service calls, and liaise with clients.

Call Claire at 01268 971950 or 07930 381354, or email [email protected].

IFA Administrator (Hybrid)
£30,000 + benefits. 12+ months experience supporting an Independent Financial Adviser required.

Email [email protected].

Recreation Assistant (Basildon Sporting Village)
Everyone Active seeks a Recreation Assistant. Send CV and cover letter to [email protected].

Trainee Engineer (Basildon)
No experience needed. Learn installation and repair of catering equipment. Full training, PPE provided. Mon–Fri with occasional weekends.

Email CV to [email protected].

Care Assistants (Across Essex)
Hales Group seeks Care Assistants for Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Canvey Island, Hockley, Hawkwell, Canewdon, and Rochford. Competitive pay, guaranteed hours, must drive.

Contact James on 07436 222187 or email [email protected].

Warehouse Operatives – Basildon
£12.21ph | Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00 | Interviews next Tuesday
No safety shoes required. CV needed.
📩 Email CV: [email protected] or text “BAS” to 07967 104188

Warehouse, Delivery & Service Operative – Essex
£12.71ph rising to £13.00ph after 3 months | Mon–Fri, 08:30–16:30
Support warehouse ops, deliveries & vending machine servicing. Must hold clean licence & be 25+.
📩 Send CV to [email protected]

Bar/Waiting Staff – Corringham
£14ph | Fri & Sat, 18:00–23:00 | Lampits Hill
Part-time role for experienced bar/waiting staff.
📱 Text 07904 588746

Catering Assistant – Pipes Hill
£12ph (approx) | Mon–Fri, 11:00–15:00 | 20 hours/week
Support lunchtime service in a busy catering setting.
📩 Email CV: [email protected]

Café Assistant – Barleylands, Basildon
8 hours/week (extra shifts available) | Cooking & serving customers
Previous café experience preferred. Closing date: Tue 14 Oct.
📩 Apply: [email protected]

Vehicle Technician (Level 3) – Tilbury
£16ph | Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:30 | Immediate start
Skilled L3 technician needed for workshop repairs & maintenance.
📱 Text “TECH” to 07500 761672 to apply

Tyre fitter(Level 3) – Tilbury
£13ph | Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:30 | Immediate start
Full UK driving license required | Previous experience required
📱 Text “TECH” to 07500 761672 to apply

Cleaner – Basildon
£12ph | Mon–Fri, 07:30–09:30 | Part-time
Morning cleaning shift at a shop/warehouse with Canvey Cleaners Ltd.
📞 Call 01268 422158 or 📩 email [email protected]

Money Saving Expert is still hiring for multiple roles (Hybrid)

Business Opportunities

Become a Market Trader in Wickford
Thinking of starting a small business?
Contact Love Markets on 📞 07790 134606 – fantastic local opportunities available!

Launch-It Creative Tech Accelerator – Year 3
Got a big idea? Turn it into a business with expert support, mentoring & funding opportunities.
Idea to Business Event: Thurs 23 Oct, 6–9pm – South Essex College & online
Keynote: Entrepreneur Nana Parry
💡 Since launch: 8 jobs created, £350k+ funding raised, thriving Basildon innovation hub.
🕘 Apply by Sun 9 Nov | First session Thurs 20 Nov
👉 Find out more & apply: launch-it.tech

Where to find new friends (Young people)

FREE Kids Chess Trial Classes at George Hurd Centre 🎉
Join free trial sessions every Wednesday at 4:30pm at The George Hurd Activity Centre, Audley Way, Basildon, SS14 2FL.

FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe every Wednesday, 4:30 to 5:30pm
✔️ Football, board games, crafts & more
✔️ Warm snack included
✔️ Fun for the whole family – parents welcome too!
📍 Briscoe primary school, Felmores End, Basildon SS13 1PN | 📞 Kelly: 07701 365822

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby
Every Thursday, 5–7pm for ages 12–24. Try football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness with snacks and a friendly vibe. Contact Jay: 07794 329833.

Messy Madness at Monkey Madness
Let your little one explore messy play & crafts without the clean-up! £7 per session (includes soft play) or £40 for term. Call 01268 288 211 to book.

Leapsprogs for Toddlers
Fun sessions for ages 18 months–5 years every Thursday, 10:30–11:30am at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX.

Forest School Fun in Basildon
FREE drop-in nature sessions for ages 0–11 at Beechwood Community Garden, Brontë Drive. Every 3rd Thursday of the month..den building, crafts & outdoor fun! Apply here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ragoxdffo0qfrOJBRwzPn0x0MmtcRCJFqB2L9fZjQDJUQU5LSTY0VzM0QzQzSzBFRTJVMVZRTFNLSC4u&origin=QRCode

Friday Games, sports, music for 12 - 15 yo’s at Sporting Village
Aged 12–15 and stuck for something to do after school? Head to the Youth Club at Basildon Sporting Village for games, sports, music, and good vibes… all for just £2.50 a session!
🕓 Every Friday | 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM
⚽ Football, fitness, chill zones & more
💬 Meet new mates, stay active, have fun
🔗 Find out more

Free Yoga for children

Thursdays (free), Northlands Park Family Centre, Basildon. Ages 4 - 4:45pm 6-12 year olds. Reserve a place here https://www.yoga4all.co

Multisports + food for teens

King Edward Teenage Teatime Community Hub. Every Friday 5 - 7pm. Multisports, Dance, Football, Karaoke, Crafts. Snacks and refreshments provided. Free. Every Friday at King Edward Community Centre, Laindon. SS15 6GY. Contact 07701365822 or [email protected] for more info

Support for young people

Expresso Yourself Drop-In – Every Friday
For ages 11–17 needing a safe space to talk, chill & get support. Friendly Youth Workers + NHS Mental Health Practitioners.
📍 Southernhay Youth Centre, SS14 1FN | 🕒 3–4:45pm (term time)
No booking – just turn up!
📞 Ashley Gillam: 07824 867553 | ✉️ [email protected]

BoxSmart Youth Programme
Ages 11–17 | 12 weeks of boxing, martial arts & life skills.
📍 5-Elements Academy, Basildon | 🕒 Thursdays, 4–5:30pm
Includes training, teamwork & support with real-life challenges.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 07713 161164

Free Skills Bootcamps – ACL Essex
12-week flexible courses for ages 19+ to boost your skills & land a job interview. Perfect for upskilling or a career change!
🔗 Book online

Where to make new friends (adults)

FREE Fitness Class at Bounce Billericay

Want to kickstart your fitness journey while boosting your mental wellbeing? Come join us for a fun, inclusive PT session — tailored for all abilities!

🗓 Thursdays, 10:30am
📍 HK Dance Studio, Hardings Elm Road, CM11 2UJ

Cuckoo’s Disability Disco

Every Tuesday from 6–8pm at The White Swan, The Broadway, Wickford SS11 7AD.

• £3 entry

• Carers go free

• Wheelchair accessible toilets

A fun, inclusive night for everyone – see you on the dancefloor!

Ladies Netball – Join the Fun!
Looking for a laugh, fitness, and friendly competition? Join our social netball league at St Clere's School, every Wednesday night (7–10pm). All abilities welcome!
👉 Register here: play-netball.co.uk

Family Passel Women’s Wellbeing Group
Every Tuesday (7 Oct 2025 – Feb 2026, excl. school holidays)
📍 Swan Mead Community Hall, SS16 4AH | 🕙 10am–12pm
A welcoming space for women to boost mental wellbeing through conversation & physical activity.
📞 0800 020 9819 / 07727 337298 | ✉️ [email protected]

✂️ Men’d Model Making – Every Fri
Join the Happy Hub Basildon at 12pm for friendly, creative fun. Unit 11, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon SS14 1AE

🚴 Group Cycling – Every Wed 12:35pm
Beginner or pro – all welcome! Led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3GR
🔗 Book via the Everyone Active app or via https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/basildon-sporting-village/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMLvBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB3WDVhVlZzckFVaHVCVGtFAR5gmK2LL7TyBgN0mkV4WJzJLJI4f7wrWbKOcV9cf0mSNBoaiFuctKH9fXDdTg_aem_lU626z6jQts5F_MY8TmSKw

Free Seated Exercise Classes at Fryerns Library

Boost your strength, flexibility and mobility without leaving your chair (yes, really). Perfect for the senior community or anyone wanting a gentler workout with maximum social vibes. Tuesdays, 14:15 – 15:00. Free @ Fryerns Library, Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 2NN

Book your spot: Essex Libraries Website
📧 [email protected]
Or just pop into the library and sign up in person.

Quiz night every Thursday at Beehive, Southernhay, Basildon.

Gather your quiz team and put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win this fantastic prize. Whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for the laughs, there’s no better reason to join us! Every Thursday at 8 PM

Zumba Love Essex – First Class Free!

This fun, welcoming dance fitness group has raised £35,000+ for local causes and performed everywhere from Basildon’s 70th birthday to surprise flashmobs!

Classes:
• Mon & Thurs – 9:30am, Ballards Walk
• Sat – 10am, Steeple View
• Tues – 7pm, James Hornsby
• Wed – 7pm, Ballards Walk

First class free | Kids go free | Discounts for seniors, carers & more
£4.50 per class (£3.50 with pass) | Seniors: £3.50 (£3 with pass)
More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Zumba @ The Paddock
📅 Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7–8 PM | Saturdays: 10–11 AM
📍 Kentview Road & The Paddocks Community Halls
💷 Just £5 per class. Message to book

Knit, Natter & New Friends at Happy Chatters!
Whether you’re a pro with the needles or curious to learn, the Happy Chatters group is the perfect Friday morning meet-up.
📍 The Happy Hub, Eastgate Centre (by Asda)
🕥 Fridays | 10:30–11:30 AM
Bring your yarn and enjoy a good chinwag with lovely people.

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

• Every Friday, 11:15am

• King Edward Community Center, King Edward road, Laindon. SS15 6GY

• Book via [email protected] or via this link

Free coffee morning

Just drop in. Every Friday 10am - 2pm. Noak Bridge Christian Center, Wash road, SS15 4BE.

Social Community Football Games

Join a group of young men from Basildon for evening football on Mondays at Basildon Sporting Village & Woodlands School. Great way to keep fit and be part of the community.

• Times: Monday 7:30 PM (9-a-side), Wednesday 7 PM (6-a-side)

• Fee: £7 per person per game

• Contact: WhatsApp 07723 615546

Sewing group

Learn to knit, crochet or sew on Thursday mornings (10am - 12noon). Venue: The pavilion, Great Berry. £4 per class. Further information, call Ann 07802161021

Coffee morning

Mondays, 10am - 12pm. Manor Mission Church, Manor Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

Make new friends by volunteering

Essex Police is looking for volunteers

Join the Essex Police Recruitment Team to learn about becoming a Special Constable – volunteer police officers with full powers and responsibilities.

Meet the team, ask questions, and find out how you can make a real difference while wearing the same uniform and carrying the same kit as regular officers.

Enquiries: [email protected] 🔗 Book your spot online 

Support for Adults

SEND Parents Drop in Support - 11th Nov, 9th Dec.

9.30 - 11:30am, The Hive, Honeypot lane, SS14 2JZ. This is for you especially if your child/teen is struggling with school, anxiety or more? Email [email protected] to book.

Elderly Care Advice Drop-In – Date Change
Now on 27th Oct, 9:30–11:30am at HumanKind Café, 111 High St, Billericay CM12 9AJ (usually 4th Monday monthly). Speak with Lucy for friendly advice on care options. No appointment needed. Upcoming dates: 24 Nov, 22 Dec.

🏃 Active Essex Foundation Training
Free & subsidised workshops in sport, safeguarding, mental health first aid, CBT, bystander intervention & more. Open to professionals & volunteers. Info: activeessexfoundation.org

🤰 Free Antenatal Sessions – Oct/Nov 2025
Friendly workshops led by peer supporters covering wellbeing, birth prep, and baby care.
📍 Basildon: 20 Nov (12–2pm) – Trenham Community Centre, SS13 1HW

Community Wellness Café
Thursdays, 9:30am–2pm at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX. Enjoy tea, friendship, wellness support & community activities. Contact: [email protected].

Happy Feet Toenail Clinic
Get your toenails trimmed safely at King Edward Community Centre every last Tuesday of the month, 12:30–2:30pm. £12 per session, card payments accepted. No appointment needed…call 01268 294334 if on blood-thinning medication.

Need Someone to Talk To?
Basildon Mind offers a private counselling service with trained professionals. Call 01268 284130 to book an appointment.

That’s it for this week, Basildon!