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Hello, Basildon!

Hope you’ve had a great weekend. Before we dive into today’s edition, we’re loving this colourful new mural at Basildon Station. 🎨 Created by Basildon Youth Council with Creative Basildon and artist Hatch, it celebrates Basildon and local young people. 

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 bright and warm on Monday, with highs of 22°C, followed by partly cloudy conditions on Tuesday at around 21°C. Wednesday turns cooler at 16°C with a chance of rain, before a bright and sunny Thursday at 15°C. Friday brings some cloud and rain, with temperatures reaching 18°C, followed by a cool and partly cloudy weekend. Overnight lows range from 7–13°C.

What's On?

TG Jones Wickford – Closing 12 October The countdown is on at TG Jones Wickford, which will close its doors on Monday 12 October. Selected items are now up to 70% off, including books, toys and games, arts and crafts, stationery, greetings cards, gifts and more. The closing-down sale applies to the Wickford store only. 

Iceland Warehouse – Opens 13 October We heard via the grapevine that there’s a new Iceland warehouse opening at Pipps Hill retail part next week. Watch this space. 

Basildon Skills Show – One Week to Go The Basildon Skills Show returns on Wednesday 7 October as an all-ages careers fair, giving people the chance to explore their next career move. 📍 Basildon Sporting Village | 🕘 9am–5pm | 3pm–5pm open to the public | 🔗Book your spot

Upcoming Road Closures Across Basildon Vegetation reduction works will take place across key routes connecting Basildon, Wickford and Billericay, with works starting from Monday 5 October. Works will run between 9:30am and 3pm to reduce disruption. The first works will affect Upper Mayne from 5–8 October, followed by further dates through October and November. 🔗More details 

Basildon Tenant Satisfaction Survey Starts Basildon Council is asking tenants to share their views on its housing services through an annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey 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] 

Basildon Town Centre Set for Safety & Improvement Works Lighting improvements are planned for this autumn, alongside new seating, lighting, greenery and artwork in Town Square and Gloucester Park through the Make Space For Girls project. A town centre safety report covering options including lighting, wardens and underpass improvements is also due to go before the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee in October.

Free NHS Flu Vaccinations for Eligible Children Eligible children can get a free NHS flu vaccination as part of the Super Bodies winter health campaign. Find out who can have the vaccination and where to get it. 🔗Find out more

Free Mental Health Support for Adults in Basildon NHS Talking Therapies by Vita Health Group is offering free short-term psychological therapies and online mental health courses for adults aged 16 and over registered with a Basildon, Brentwood, Billericay or Wickford GP. Self-referral is available online or by phone. 🔗Find out more

Anti-Social Behaviour Crackdown in Basildon Basildon Council says it has carried out two formal evictions and secured a further court order following persistent anti-social behaviour, with the properties set to return to the council’s housing stock. Residents can report anti-social behaviour online. 🔗Report anti-social behaviour

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

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.

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Things to do in Basildon this week

Monday

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

Wickford Table Tennis Club @ The Nevendon Centre | 1:00PM–4:00PM
Join Wickford Table Tennis Club for friendly and welcoming sessions. All abilities are welcome, so come along, get active and enjoy the social atmosphere. 💷 £3.50 per session | WCA membership required | 📞 Chris: 07376 085951.

Also runs Thursdays 7:00PM–10:00PM and Fridays 1:00PM–4:00PM.

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]

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

Basildon Skills Show @ Basildon Sporting Village | 9:00AM–5:00PM

The Basildon Skills Show returns as an all-ages careers fair, giving people the chance to explore career options, education and their next steps. 🕘 9:00am–2:15pm for local secondary schools | 3:00pm–5:00pm open to the public | 📍 Basildon Sporting Village | 🔗 Book your place

Knitting, Crochet & Crafts @ Brook Lodge Care Home | 10:00AM–1:00PM

First Wednesday of month. Get involved with kindness projects and join the Brooke lodge residents for a Hug in a Shrug knitting and crochet group. 🧶☕ 📍 Brook lodge, Ghyllgrove, Basildon SS14 2TT. 🗓️ First Wednesday of every month | 2:30 - 4:30pm | Free. Contact [email protected] for details

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

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

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

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

Community Café at Bartlett Park

Enjoy hot drinks, soft drinks and a chance to meet new people. Everyone is welcome!

🕤 9am – 12noon
📍 Bartlett Park Cafe, Southend Road, SS11 8RZ.

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!