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- Southend United fans needed (TV extras) | New shop opens at Eastgate | Community space/lounge for hire
Southend United fans needed (TV extras) | New shop opens at Eastgate | Community space/lounge for hire
Ada Powers
January 12, 2026
In partnership with
Good evening, Basildon
We’re officially into the second week of 2026. Hope your January is shaping up beautifully so far.
Here’s a fresh round-up of local news, resources, events, opportunities and friendly activities for you to consider through the week.
But first, enjoy this lovely view of Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park which opens its doors this Wednesday, 14th January (10am – 4pm). Hanningfield Waterside Park will also be opening on Wednesday (9am – 3.30pm).
Photo by Michelle Darling
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, it gets better after today. Wrap up warm though, as it will be quite chilly on most days.
What’s New?
🥯 Brick Lane Bagels is NOW OPEN at Eastgate! You can find them on the Upper Floor (in the old Caffè Royale unit). If you haven’t walked past yet, trust us…the smell alone is incredible.
🎬URGENT! Lights, Camera, Shrimpers! Southend United is looking for supporters to be extras in an exciting filming project at Roots Hall TOMORROW (Tuesday 13th Jan) from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. They are keen to hear from families, mums, grandmothers, and daughters (though all are welcome!). No acting experience needed…come as you are.
Interested? Email [email protected] by 1pm Tue 13th Jan.
🏚️ The "Shed" at Basildon Miniature Railway gets a Makeover The beloved WWII Nissen hut (which has miraculously never leaked despite not having major work since the 1940s) is finally getting a comprehensive refurbishment. Watch this space for updates
🛍️ Call for Eco-Friendly Stallholders Applications for our Spring Market (Monday 25th May) at Langdon Nature Discovery Centre are now open! They are are looking for planet-focused sellers and makers. Apply here by Friday 7th February
🤝 Community Board
Space for Hire: Planning a yoga class, book club, or pottery workshop? Maggio Lounge in Billericay has space available for community events. Pop in and chat with them if you need a venue.
Councillor Vacancy: Following the resignation of Cllr Louise Gann, a vacancy for a Town Councillor has opened up at the Wickford Town Council. This position will be filled by Co-option following the 14-day notice period.
Start your year with clarity
Written by Shane Parrish and reMarkable, this workbook helps you reflect without complexity or stress. It guides you through the past year with intention, so insights emerge naturally.
This isn’t about setting more goals. It’s about understanding what matters, clearly and calmly.
A simple reset for January. A thoughtful way to review your year.
Things to do in Basildon this week
First Jazz of 2026: The Ben Creighton Griffiths Trio @ 1:00pm Towngate theatre, Basildon . Come and relive the era of swing with The Ben Creighton Griffiths Trio! Led by Ben Creighton Griffiths on harp, this performance features Cameron Saint on bass and Joseph Van Parys on guitar.
Where to make friends in Basildon this week - Adults
Monday
⚽ 7:00 PM
Weekly friendly football for local lads — all abilities welcome (18+).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£7 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex
Daily Group exercise classes at the Fit Lab, Essex (First class free)
Wrexham rd, Laindon. SS15 6PX
📅 January is filling up. Book here: https://thefitlab.as.me/schedule/4867abca
Sing Club Billericay (first session free)
Looking for a fun new hobby or social event in January? 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]
Tuesday
Being With @ St Andrews Church, Wickford
Being With is for anyone who’s curious about faith… or wondering if the Christian faith has something meaningful to offer. It’s for those who perhaps feel on the edge of church…uncertain, disconnected, hurt, or simply searching for something deeper. It’s also for those who’ve never explored faith before but feel open to discovering more together with others.
Date: Every Tuesday 13/01/26 - 17/03/26
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: St Andrew's Church
Address: 11 London Rd, Wickford SS12 0AN
Contact Number: 0783562329
Email: [email protected]
Community Allotment Volunteering @ St James rd, Vange
9am – 1pm Meet at car park, St James Road, Vange, Basildon, SS16 4XS. Looking to get your hands in the soil, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the great outdoors? Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just curious to try something new, there’s a place for you here.
Activities include: Planting, weeding, harvesting fresh veggies, and learning sustainable gardening tips.
Note: This session also runs every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Wednesday
⚽ 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
Wednesday Night Poker Evening @ Ghyllgrove Club
5 Butneys, Basildon, SS14 2DG Come join in the fun…it’s poker night! Looking forward to seeing you all there. Only £5 a game. Contact: 01268 524083
Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 Basildon Wednesday - Play Netball
Group Cycling
🚴 12:35pm
Beginner-friendly & led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
🔗 Book via Everyone Active app
Thursday
FREE Fitness Class – Bounce Billericay
💪 10:30am. Book here
Inclusive PT session for all abilities.
📍 HK Dance Studio, CM11 2UJ
Sewing Group
🧵 10am–12pm
Learn knitting, crochet or sewing. £4
📍 The Pavilion, Great Berry
📞 Ann: 07802 161021
Friday
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]
Free Coffee Morning – Noak Bridge Christian Centre
☕ 10am–2pm
Friendly drop-in for a warm drink & chat.
📍 Wash Road SS15 4BE
Your home for politically-neutral, Christ-first news
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Try The Pour Over (it’s free!) and check out their welcome email that’ll make you glad you did!
Where to make friends this week - young people
Wednesday
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
Sports & Activities at James Hornsby (Ages 12–24)
🕔 5–7pm Football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness + snacks.
📞 Jay: 07794 329833
Leapsprogs for Toddlers (18 months–5 yrs)
🕥 10:30–11:30am
📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX
Fun, active sessions for early learners
Forest School Fun – FREE Nature Play (Ages 0–11)
📍 Beechwood Community Garden, Brontë Drive
🗓 Every 3rd Thursday Den building, crafts & outdoor exploration!
Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12
🕓 4 to 4:45pm
📍 Northlands Park Family Centre
FREE 🔗 Book: https://www.yoga4all.co
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
Friday
Multisports + Food for Teens – FREE
🕔 5 - 7pm
📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon, SS15 6GY
Football, dance, karaoke, crafts & snacks provided.
📞 07701 365822 | ✉️ [email protected]
Karate Classes for kids – Trinity Church Hall
Every Saturday at 10am. All ages welcome
📍 481 Clay Hall Road, Basildon SS16 4NN
Call 07504814485 to book
That’s all folks! Stay warm
Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Sporting Village)