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- This Week in Basildon | 60% More Pothole Repairs, 8 New Bungalows Approved & Billericay's Biggest Ever Community Parade
This Week in Basildon | 60% More Pothole Repairs, 8 New Bungalows Approved & Billericay's Biggest Ever Community Parade
Newsletter Managers & Chiamaka Anowai
August 31, 2026
In partnership with
Hello, Basildon!
Hope you’re having a lovely sunny bank holiday Monday! Before we delve into the latest happenings locally this week, we’re loving this new mural spotted in Wickford
Image courtesy: Wickford in Bloom
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, Basildon is set for a mostly cloudy week, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C.
Thursday brings the warmest day at 25°C, with mild nights staying around 15–18°C. The weekend remains mild and cloudy, with temperatures reaching 22–23°C.
What's On?
August Bank Holiday Bin Collections – One Day Later Services return to normal from Monday 7th September All waste collections will run one day late over the bank holiday weekendj. Put your bins out by 7am to avoid missing your collection. Download the 'Our Streets Basildon' app for updates and reminders.
🔗 Full details: orlo.uk/BAy0K
Walk-in enrollent is open until Thursday, 3rd September at the Basildon campus for information technology, digital data analytics and more courses from 10am - 2pm daily.
More info here: Why choose South Essex College?
Eight New Council Homes Approved for Mill Green Two fully wheelchair accessible properties included Planning approval has been granted for eight one-bedroom bungalows on a site that has experienced anti-social behaviour. The development has been designed in partnership with Essex Police's Secured by Design team for improved lighting and safety.
Operation Vanguard – Essex County Council Update Leader Cllr Peter Harris shares response to Government's Wethersfield plans
🔗 essex.gov.uk/news/2026/operation-vanguard-announced
Backside To Trackside – Free 9-Week Fitness Programme Sign up now for the autumn programme This free community fitness initiative helps participants gradually build up to a 5km run in a friendly, supportive environment. Some alumni have gone on to complete the Basildon Half Marathon!
🔗 orlo.uk/n0JGN
The Crunch Returns – Saturday 19th September Check what items can and can't be accepted before you go Basildon's popular community recycling event is back. Location details coming soon.
🔗 What's accepted: orlo.uk/dRSqW
County Networking Club – Grow Your Business Connections Delivered in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses and Essex Growth Agency Connect with local business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals from across Essex.
🔗 Book: eventbrite.co.uk/e/county-networking-club-tickets-1994544150245
Orsett Show – Entry Forms Now Open Deadline dates are approaching – get your entries in now Competition sections open for entry include Equestrian, Hobbies & Handicrafts, Agricultural and Horticultural. Vendor and trader spots also available for the Craft Fair, The Pantry and Trade Stands. Closing dates vary by section.
🔗 orsettshow.co.uk
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Saturday 12th September – Wickford Carnival 2026 One massive community party on the streets of Wickford! The carnival parade leaves Runwell Park at 12 noon, travelling via Swan Lane and through Wickford High Street before finishing at Nevendon Park. A free Young People's Zone runs from 12 noon with a climbing wall, smoothie bike, Bar n Bus Youth Team and a chance to meet your Town Councillors.
⏰ 12pm – 5pm 📍 Nevendon Park 💷 Free Want to join the parade? Sign up your group: form.jotform.com/253064665015353
Sunday 13th September – Billericay Community Parade & Celebration Billericay's biggest end-of-summer community celebration! A colourful parade featuring local schools, charities, clubs and organisations, followed by free family entertainment including face painting, balloon modelling, stilt walkers, magic, Punch & Judy and live music. The High Street will be closed until 8pm.
⏰ Parade starts 11am | Until 8pm 📍 Billericay High Street 💷 Free 🔗 bit.ly/4w8yen2
Sunday 13th September – Basildon Half Marathon 13.1 miles through the borough – plus a Junior Race for young runners! ⏰ 9am start 🔗 Enter now: orlo.uk/VRKRn
Wednesday 7th October – Basildon Skills Show Career opportunities for young people, jobseekers and anyone considering their next move School visits 9am–2:15pm | Open to the public 3pm–5pm
📍 Basildon Sporting Village 💷 Free 🔗 Book: orlo.uk/7RC7T
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Things to do in Basildon this week
Monday
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
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
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.
Woodlands School, Basildon (Sporting Village)
⚽ 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
Weekly yoga @6:30pm
Fryerns Community hall, Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 2NN
📅 Book here: Yoga Classes | Treatments | Southend-on-Sea | Yoga4all (Check site for various other sessions)
Tuesday
Tuesday 1st September
Council Outreach Bus… Pitsea Market No appointment needed – just drop by Get help with council tax queries, housing or homelessness advice, or mental health service signposting.
⏰ 10am – 3pm 📍 Pitsea Market 💷 Free 🔗 orlo.uk/y4pDb
Summer of Superheroes – Eastgate Basildon Put on your cape and join the fun! Meet your favourite heroes, conquer exciting challenges and follow themed trails. Come in your best superhero costume!
⏰ 11am – 3pm 📍 Eastgate, Basildon 💷 Free (Every Tuesday throughout August)
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]
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]
Wednesday
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
Essex Pedal Power Basildon — bike building, content creation & more 🔗 orlo.uk/AreZU | 📧 [email protected]
Billericay Food Bank — volunteer baker needed 🔗 orlo.uk/SA38t
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 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
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]
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)
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
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
That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!