In partnership with

Hello, Basildon!

Hope you’ve had a great weekend. Before we dive into today’s edition, we’re loving this lovely photo of Northlands park newly-acquired Greenflag status.

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 cloudy on Monday before turning bright and warm on Tuesday, with highs of 24°C. Wednesday stays warm at around 24°C but brings a chance of rain, followed by partly cloudy conditions on Thursday. Brighter and mostly dry conditions return on Friday, with a mild and partly cloudy weekend ahead. Overnight lows range from 10–19°C.

What's On?

Basildon Activity Awards 2026 – Nominations Close This Wednesday Celebrating the champions of sport, activity and wellbeing across the borough, with 10 award categories including Sports Club of the Year, Inspiring Young Lives, Wellbeing Award, Basildon Activity Hero and Young Sports Personality of the Year. Nominations close Wednesday 30 September. 🔗 Nominate: orlo.uk/z0uk4

Essex ActivAte – October Half Term Funded Places Funded October half-term places will be available for eligible children receiving income-related free school meals and children and young people from eligible low-income families. Spaces are limited and prioritised for those who would benefit most. 🔗Find out more. Look out for our special half term edition with all local half-term offers - funded and non-funded.

Basildon First Time Buyer Event – 22 October Basildon Council’s First Time Buyer Event returns on Thursday 22 October, offering practical advice on mortgages, deposits, affordability and the legal and financial steps involved in buying your first home. 📍 Wickford Community Association, Nevendon Centre | 🕒 3:30–6:30pm | 🔗 Book your place: orlo.uk/qA30M

Basildon Tenant Satisfaction Survey Starts 1 October Basildon Council is asking tenants to share their views as part of its annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey, being carried out by independent research company IFF Research. From 1 October, some tenants may receive a phone call or email inviting them to take part. 📞 01268 205320 | 📧 [email protected]

Town Centre Masterplans for Wickford, Laindon & Pitsea Basildon Council has started work on new Town Centre Masterplans for Wickford, Laindon and Pitsea. Wider community consultation is expected to launch in early 2027, with residents invited to share their views as the plans develop.

Film & Screen Saturday Club for 13–16 Year Olds Creative Basildon and South Essex Colleges Group are offering free weekly Film & Screen classes for young people aged 13–16, starting Saturday 7 November. 🔗 Apply via the Saturday Club website.

EHPPS Appeals for Winter Field in Basildon Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society is urgently looking for a safe, decent-sized field to rent for a few months between October and March. The sanctuary has taken in more than 70 horses this year and is currently at full capacity, so additional space is needed for a small number of horses over winter. The field should be within Basildon, Maldon or surrounding areas and accessible to EHPPS staff, who will continue caring for the horses.
📧 [email protected]

New Shared Ownership Homes Coming to Laindon Veterans and Basildon borough residents will be prioritised for three new two-bedroom shared ownership homes at Markhams Chase in Laindon. The homes are being delivered by Sempra Homes and are almost complete. Eligible buyers will be able to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share.
🔗 Register your interest: orlo.uk/2oW4L

£100,000 Basildon Community Together Fund Opens Community groups across the borough can now apply for grants of up to £5,000 through the Basildon Community Together Fund. The £100,000 fund will support local projects and activities that bring people together, improve wellbeing and strengthen communities. 
🔗 To apply: www.basildon.gov.uk/BCTF

Replace 16 supplements in one daily drink.

David Beckham. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Aryna Sabalenka. Inter Miami CF. The world's best choose IM8 because performance starts with what you do every day.

Daily Ultimate Essentials and Longevity deliver a complete, clinically formulated system for energy, digestion, sleep, focus and healthy aging. In a 12-week randomized controlled trial, 95% felt a boost in daily energy, 85% felt less bloated with better digestion, 80% reported better sleep and 75% reported sharper focus and mental clarity.

IM8 is NSF Certified for Sport, tested against 280+ banned substances and recommended by 300+ clinicians. With 50 million servings sold across 46 countries, discover the IM8 routine trusted at the highest levels of sport—and built for everyday life. See the clinical results.

Discover David Beckham's Routine

Things to do in Basildon this week

Monday

Oktoberfest Week @ The Gun Pub | 1:00PM until late

Enjoy a full week of German-inspired food, drinks and Bavarian atmosphere as Oktoberfest comes to The Gun Pub. Expect authentic German beers, currywurst, fresh pretzels and mountain potatoes, with live music on Saturday 3rd October. 📍 The Gun Pub | 📅 28 September–3 October | 🕐 From 1pm until late. 

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

BabyBallers – Laindon Community Centre 

Football classes designed for children aged 16 months to 6 years, focused on learning through play, confidence and developing key skills. Classes run Monday afternoons as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. 💷 Limited £6 trial sessions available | 📍 Laindon Community Centre | Contact BabyBallers Basildon to book.  📞 +44 7585 636258

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

Mum and baby yoga @ 11 - 12 noon
Laindon Community Centre
📅 Book here: Book A Class | Southend-on-Sea | Yoga4all (Check site for various other sessions)

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.

Community Football

⚽ 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

Tuesday

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]

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]

Wednesday

Knitting, Crochet & Crafts Drop-In @ Basildon URC | 10:00AM–1:00PM

Spend your Wednesday morning knitting, crocheting, sewing or trying your hand at crafts, with materials available for beginners and experienced crafters. Or simply come along for a cuppa, a chat and some company. 🧶☕ 📍 Basildon URC, The Hive, 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon, SS14 2JZ. 🗓️ Every Wednesday | 10am–1pm | Free.

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

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

Women’s Wellbeing Paint & Pour @ Nevendon Centre
Take some time for yourself with an evening of creativity and conversation. No experience is needed, all materials are provided free, and tea, coffee and refreshments will be available.

📅 Thursday 1st October
⏰ 7:30pm-9:30pm
📍 Nevendon Centre, Wickford | 🔗Book here

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

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.
📍 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

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

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!