Waterstones opens today | Local jobs | Earn £160 if you enjoy cooking shows

Good afternoon, Basildon

Before I get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy this cute art from an Corringham-based artist, Vicki Holden. You can find more of her art here.

Weather in Basildon next week

This week’s Met Office weather forecast says the weather will be brighter from Sunday.

What's new?

The new bin service kicks in this Monday

You should have already received your new disposable bin bags by now. You can use it from this week

Basildon Sporting Village sports hall is closed tomorrow

The Sports Hall will be CLOSED all day on Saturday 26th April 2025. This is due to a Fearlessly Taylor tribute event taking place.

Basildon Miniature railway might be up and running in May!

It’s brilliant to see that the team who are working very hard to get Basildon Miniature Railway up and running again at Wat Tyler Park have said that they are aiming for a launch date in May!

Waterstones Basildon is open today, yay

If you’re in town, be sure to visit and have a look this weekend :-)

Local-ish 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

Digital Support Technician Apprentice - Basildon

Xpand logistics is looking for a digital support apprentice. Duties will include IT Systems Monitoring and Maintenance: Assist in monitoring and maintaining IT systems, including Microsoft 365 and Cargowise.

 📌 £16,000 - £17,500/year | 37.5 hrs/week | Level 3 Apprenticeship
 ✅ Must have 3 GCSE’s + Maths and English
 📩 Apply: View Details

Apprentice Fire and Security Engineer - Wickford
Minerva is an integrated fire & security service provider, is looking for passionate individuals to train as fire safety engineers. As a Fire and Security Engineer, you will be learning about, and working on, installing, repairing and maintaining the following fire and security equipment: CCTV Intruder alarms Access control Door entry Fire alarms
 📌 £15,704/year | 40 hrs/week | Level 3 Apprenticeship
 ✅ Must have GCSE Maths and English
 📩 Apply: View Details

Early Years Apprentice – Basildon
Second Steps Nursery is looking for passionate individuals to train as Early Years Educators while working hands-on with children in a warm, award-winning nursery environment.
 📌 £15,808/year | 40 hrs/week | Level 3 Apprenticeship
 ✅ Must love working with children, be eager to learn, and ready to start 28 April 2025
 📩 Apply: View Details

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: 2 June 2025
 ✅ Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship | 3 years
 📩 Apply: View Details

Apprentice Butcher – Billericay (Gibson Meats)
Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of butchery—from preparing cuts to making sausages. A proper hands-on role.
 📌 £15,704/year to start | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | 40 hrs/week
 ✅ Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship | Start: 15 May 2025 | Duration: 1 yr 6 months
 📩 Apply: View Details

LGV Driving Training – Essex & Midlands
Looking to get your Class 1 or 2 licence? Pre-pay training available at DVSA-approved sites with help finding full-time roles after.
 📌 Flexible schedule | Training available | Funding support possible
 ✅ Must pay balance before test | Reversing courses also offered
 📩 Apply: Darren – 01375 362683 / 07455 737741 | [email protected]

Transport Supervisor Apprentice – Basildon
Includes National & International Transport Manager qualifications through CILT.
 📌 Level 3 Apprenticeship | Schedule TBC
 ✅ Ideal for those with logistics or transport interest
 📩 Apply: Darren – [email protected] | 07455 737741

Local-ish Jobs

Level 3 Nursery assistant - Basildon

We’re on the lookout for a passionate and dedicated Level 3 Nursery Assistant to join our team at Club Kingswood Nursery, a fully OFSTED-approved childcare setting within Club Kingswood in Basildon.

• 30+ hours per week

• Includes Club Kingswood membership

• Immediate start available

We’re looking for someone with: ✔ NVQ Level 3 in Childcare ✔ Paediatric First Aid ✔ A strong understanding of EYFS & child development (ages 0–5) ✔ Previous experience in a childcare setting ✔ Great communication skills ✔ A friendly, flexible, and professional approach ✔ A genuine passion for early years education and care

📧 Interested? Email [email protected] to apply or for more info!

WINDOW CLEANING SUPERVISORS

✔ Experience using reach & wash systems ✔ Previous supervisory experience required ✔ Day rate: £135–£160 (depending on experience) ✔ Approx. 8 hours/day, some longer or shorter ✔ Early starts, variable hours, some weekend work ✔ Must be comfortable working at heights ✔ Company van & equipment provided ✔ Full UK driving license is essential ✔ Must be willing to work away (1–2 weeks) – expenses paid

👉 Call: 0330 380 4433 📧 Email: [email protected]

FENESTRATION ESTIMATOR – BASILDON, ESSEX

We’re working with a leading architectural glazing company in Basildon who are looking for a Fenestration Estimator to join their team permanently.

• Salary: £40K–£50K (DOE)

• Office-based | Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5:30pm (flexible)

• Must have solid knowledge of fabrication or installation in UPVC, aluminium, or timber products

Your duties will include: • Creating accurate, competitive estimates • Liaising with suppliers, architects, PMs & internal teams • Interpreting architectural drawings • Calculating materials, labour & project costs

Call: 01268 822 888 to apply

ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE MANAGER – TILBURY

• Salary: £40K–£48K DOE

• Location: Tilbury + on-site visits

Join as an Electrical Maintenance Manager and lead the way in compliance, scheduling, team development & client delivery.

Key Responsibilities: • Prepare quotes & estimates • Oversee compliance with NICEIC QS • Manage engineer schedules • Lead audits and reporting • Communicate with clients and stakeholders • Support training and professional growth of your team

What we’re looking for: ✔ HND/NVQ Level 3 (or similar) ✔ Strong background in FM electrical maintenance ✔ Leadership, budgeting & regulatory expertise ✔ Excellent communication & team management skills

Call Claire on 01268 971 950 or 07930 381 354 📧 Email: [email protected]

TEMPORARY SCHOOL ASSISTANT – 3 WEEKS (Brentwood)

• Duration: 3 weeks

• Working in a school – Enhanced DBS required!

If you're available immediately and have a fully enhanced DBS, we want to hear from you!

📧 Send your CV + DBS to: [email protected]

Part-Time Cleaner – Essex
Experienced cleaner with own car needed for flexible part-time cleaning work.
 📌 Salary discussed at interview | Must drive | Training provided
 ✅ Areas: Benfleet, Basildon, Southend, Rayleigh & nearby
 📩 Apply: CV to [email protected]

Office Administrator – Romford
Construction experience? Skilled with Excel and Sage? Step into this full-time admin role.
 📌 £15/hr (with review after 3 months) | Mon–Fri | On-site parking
 ✅ 5 years admin + 2 years Sage preferred | Strong comms skills needed
 📩 Apply: CV to [email protected]

HGV 2 Dustcart Drivers – Basildon
Get behind the wheel of a dustcart! Local routes and steady hours.
 📌 £20.75/hr | Mon–Fri | Ongoing
 ✅ Class 2, CPC, and Tacho Card required
 📩 Apply: [email protected]

TIG Welder – Essex
TIG welder needed for immediate work. Let’s chat!
 📩 Apply: Call 01268 822888 or send your CV

Glass Factory Operative – Wickford
Looking for hands-on work in manufacturing? This one’s for you.
 📌 Full-time | Competitive pay | Career progression
 ✅ 1+ year experience required | Start ASAP
 📩 Apply: 01268 567000

Temp Administrator – Chelmsford
Short-term admin help needed in Chelmsford city centre.
 📌 £13/hr | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | Now to May 2025
 📩 Apply: CV to [email protected]

Class 2 HGV Refuse Truck Driver – Brentwood
Work outdoors, drive a big truck, and keep the streets clean.
 📌 Competitive pay | Full-time | Monday–Friday
 ✅ Must have Class 2 licence, CPC & Tacho Card
 📩 Apply: Call 01268 567000

Delivery Drivers – Harlow & Ipswich
TK Prime Ltd is hiring full-time & part-time delivery drivers.
 📌 £121.50–£145.80/day | Van, fuel & device provided
 ✅ Self-employed | Immediate start | Bonus available
 📩 Apply: WhatsApp or call 07947 698631

Activities for Kids + Teens

You have my permission to share. 

If you’re looking to get your kids into coding, check out the BrightChamps remote coding training course for kids.

Join the Scouts – Empower Young People

Be part of something life-changing! Scouts offers 4 to 25-year-olds the chance to build confidence, learn life skills, and explore the world through fun, adventure, and teamwork.

From leadership to communication, young people grow in every way – and even go on to save lives, land jobs, and make a difference in their communities. Join them here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/

Basildon’s inclusive kickboxing academy – first class free

Train at Laindon Community Centre with fun, inclusive classes for:
👊 Juniors (8–15 yrs) – Mon 7–8pm, Wed 5–6pm (£5)
👊 Adults (16+ yrs) – Mon 8–9pm, Wed 6–7pm (£7)

Everyone’s welcome, including members with additional needs. Boost confidence, fitness, and have a great time! To book your taster, email: [email protected]

Basildon United needs new players in its new U14 EJA team

Basildon United Youth FC is launching a brand-new U14’s EJA team and is looking for talented players in all positions!

🔹 Who can join? All U14 players at EJA level
🔹 Why join? Be part of a club dedicated to developing young talent and providing a pathway to semi-professional football. Interested? Contact Ben Carter at 07854 272121

FREE Youth Club + food at Mother’s Kitchen!

Is your child aged 4-14? Do they love games, fun, and making new friends? Bring them along to our Youth Club at Mother’s Kitchen Community Group!

• Fridays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

• Mother’s Kitchen Café, SS13 1PN

• A meal and drinks are provided – completely FREE!

• Fun games & activities

• A safe and friendly environment with a chance to meet new friends Register at https://forms.gle/ssVZWPoYgmcfpg4G6 or Book in via EventBrite

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

Weekly youth groups for Yr 5+

Xplore, Youth Group at Manor Mission Church. Thursdays 8 - 9pm

Indoor Cricket for Age 8 - 16

Indoor cricket activities and games (Ages 8 - 16). Fridays, 5 - 6pm. (Starting January 24th 2025). JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL SPORTS HALL LEINSTER ROAD, SS15 5NX.

Football for tots (Fun Factory)

Tots Football Fun sessions. Their exciting inflatable pitch also adds to the magic, creating a safe and fun environment where these special moments happen. Join us and be part of the joy every week! Noble Hall, Wat Tyler Park - Thursday: [https://booking.thefootballfunfactory.co.uk/event/555]

Indoor football for tots (Little Kickers)

Sign up: www.littlekickers.co.uk/find-a-class or Contact: [email protected]

Networking for Adults

If you've been thinking about lacing up your trainers to start your physical activity journey, Backside to Trackside is the perfect way to start. Not only will these guys support you to complete a 5k, they will build your confidence along the way.

Please note that spaces must be booked directly with Backside to Trackside using the link below, and not via Everyone Active/Basildon Sporting Village. Book here:

https://bookwhen.com/backsidetotracksidebasildon?fbclid=IwY2xjawJwdolleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHp6LjfGhHzq8UdtlYD0g0rqS5G6IiKBjT090K00xPQ0gilSmm_xaufixOQeh_aem_yrrM4ICwy5TTsznnPtagdw#focus=ev-sffa-20250513100000

Calling all book lovers - new book club

Love reading and chatting about books? Come along to our friendly book club for great reads and even better conversations. Timed perfectly with the new Waterstones about to open at Eastgate :-)

📅 When: Last Wednesday of every month
📍 Where: 3 Gibcracks, SS14 1PE
👥 Open to all book lovers – casual readers or lit fans!

Reserve a spot here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbNX0z1XG6EDNTKveXdiInavEFIw-eZnDTeAnGODeStVWHIQ/viewform?usp=header

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

Every Friday, 11:15am (you’ve probably missed it today but you can book for next Friday)

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.

Free martial arts class

Interested in learning Kyusho in a controlled, structured environment? Mark Smith’s academy has 3 spots available for open-minded individuals eager to develop valuable skills.

🔹 Includes: PDFs & online learning materials
🔹 Focus: Systematic training through key points
🔹 How to join: Book to secure your place!

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 Mission Church Manor Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

Support for Adults

Private counselling service with Basildon Mind. Call 01268 284130 to make an appointment.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering for local charities is a great way to make new friends and get a ‘feel’ of the community whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here all your life. Here are available opportunities coming up.

Volunteer needed to support Basildon Mind in Humankind Cafe, Billericay.

Just another exciting opportunity to join us in our role within Human Kind Cafe,  Billericay  - if interested please contact us at [email protected]

Play golf? Essex golf union is seeking new directors, chairmen and members

Essex Golf Union is looking for new Directors and Chairmen on our board, as well as new members to fulfill roles on our Sub-Committee and act beneath the board. Our proposed board structure is shown in the below organogram. If you are interested, please contact us now at [email protected] or call us on 01376 500998 to discuss further

Help reopen the parkside centre!

The team behind Mother’s Kitchen is working hard to bring the Parkside Centre back to life…after being abandoned for 12 years. And they need your help! Your donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in making the centre accessible to all.

The plan is to turn it into a venue for fitness classes, arts & crafts, and amazing community events for everyone to enjoy. Join the fundraiser here.

Volunteer as a helpline support worker

Basildon Mind is looking for help liners to provide invaluable first-hand support to local people in need of our support. Please visit our webpage on www.basmind.org or call us on 01268-284130 for all/full details.

Feeding the homeless

Project 58.7, Feeding the Homeless with Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Basildon – Project 58.7 provides hot meals throughout the year to any adults in need and to the homeless. They are currently looking for volunteers to help during the evenings between 6pm and 7pm. For more details, please contact Jill on 07860 784287.

Essex Police needs special constables

Essex Police is looking for volunteer police officers to help reassure and keep residents safe. Find out more and Sign up here: Special Constable for Essex Police - BBW Volunteer Network

Other Opportunities

Students who commute to Uni, earn £50 in your bank account

We are looking for students who commute to university to take part in paid research!

• 75-minute online focus group

• Wednesday 30th April

• £50 via bank transfer

• Apply here

If you watch cooking shows, earn £160 direct to your bank account for research

• £160 via bank transfer

• Apply here

Till next time, Basildon 💕