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Happy first week of the year!

Hope your transition week into 2026 is off to a great start!

This week, we’re loving this cute photo of this cute dog seeking a sponsor and a forever home in Basildon

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

An Amber cold health alert has been for the East of England until 10am, 9 January 2026. Please check on elderly neighbours, keep stocked with food and medication, and stay up to date with weather and travel advice via the Met Office.

What’s New?

Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay remains closed

Hanningfield Reservoir will stay closed until at least this weekend following a plane crash and ongoing investigations. Essex Wildlife Trust confirmed works are continuing after a body was recovered from the site last week.

Win Big from Hollywood Bowl: Free Bowling + £5,000 Holiday

Hollywood Bowl Basildon and Jet2Holidays are giving away a £5,000 family holiday voucher plus a year of free family bowling. Entries close 23 February — full details and entry form available online.

White Lace Events Shop Closes… Business Continues

White Lace Events Balloon & Party has closed its Daniel’s Farm shop after 5 years.
They’re still taking orders via phone and social media for 2026. Contact: 07872 909208 | Collection from SS15 or RM9

Breakfast Service Ends at Darby Digger, Wickford

Darby Digger has stopped serving breakfast, including weekends.
The change takes effect immediately, with apologies for any inconvenience.

NHS Winter Pressure: Choose the Right Service

Local NHS services are under heavy pressure this winter.
Use 999 or A&E only for life-threatening emergencies for urgent care, NHS 111, GPs, pharmacies, Orsett MIU, and urgent dental services remain available.

Where to make friends in Basildon this week

Adults

Monday

Zumba Fitness Class

Want to get fit without the gym? Love dancing, meeting new people, and having fun while you move?
Every Monday at The Castlemayne Pub
Time: 7:00–7:45pm
Cost: £5 per session

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

Monday Quiz night at Downham Arms

7pm hosted by Kel! Book your table now via 01268 562720

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]

Social Community Football – 9-a-side
⚽ 7:30 PM
Weekly football for local men… keep fit, meet mates, have fun.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
£7 per game | WhatsApp: 07723 615546

Wednesday

Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 play-netball.co.uk

Group Cycling
🚴 12:35pm
Beginner-friendly & led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
🔗 Book via Everyone Active app

Social Community Football – 6-a-side
⚽ 7pm
📍 Woodlands School
£7 per game | WhatsApp: 07723 615546

Zumba Love Essex
💃 7pm – Ballards Walk. More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

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

Zumba Love Essex
💃 9:30am – Ballards Walk

Zumba @ The Paddock
💃 7–8pm

Friday

Scratch the Mayne

An evening of live performance, poetry, music and creative energy at The Castlemayne, Basildon. Free entry but booking required. Reserve your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scratch-the-mayne-tickets-1977805298890

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub
12pm
Relaxed creativity & good company.
📍 Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30–11:30am
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

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Where to make new Friends(Young people)

Wednesday

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!

• 🔗 Apply: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ragoxdffo0qfrOJBRwzPn0x0MmtcRCJFqB2L9fZjQDJUQU5LSTY0VzM0QzQzSzBFRTJVMVZRTFNLSC4u&origin=QRCode

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]

That’s it for the week, Basildon!

Look out for Wednesday’s edition for local jobs.

Ada