HELIX Hadleigh Essex Local Information eXchange Celebrating 20 years of existence (founded Mar 2006)
WHAT’S ON IN HADLEIGH & nearby OCT NOV DEC onwards Last updated on Fri 2 Oct 2026 Please send event details and posters to Malcolm Brown at helixwebmail@yahoo.co.uk
‘MOBILE’ VERSION OF THIS PAGE AVAILABLE HERE
WHAT’S ON SHEET	POSTER GALLERY	ABOUT THIS SITE	LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
SURVEYS When health affects work – What support would help? – Closes 16 Oct 2026. Patient transport – Share your experience – Closes 19 Oct 2026.
OCT 2026 NOV >
Sat 3 Oct 2026 HOFS OPEN STUDIOS (Day 1 of 2) Join HOFS Studio Artists as they open the doors of their studios to the public. Come along to see what goes on at HOFS behind the scenes. An exhibition showcasing their work will also be held in the Appliance Hall. At Hadleigh Old Fire Station, High Street, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. From 10.00am to 4.00pm. Poster available here. HOFS website: https://www.hofs.org.uk
Sat 3 Oct 2026 A SOUTHENDIAN SHOWCASE The Old Southendian Organ Society invites you to a varied concert with something for everyone, featuring music from an eclectic mix of instruments and voices, and the War Memorial Organ, as we are entertained by past and current musical talent from the School. At Southend High School for Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 0RG. Starts at 3.00pm – doors open at 2.30pm. Tickets £8.00 (free for 18s and under). To book, visit TicketSource. Poster available here. The Old Southendian Organ Society website: https://www.osos.org.uk
Sat 3 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND SEAFRONT FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino. At Southend Seafront, Southend, SS1 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. The display may be cancelled in bad weather. Fireworks web page: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guides/seafront-fireworks
Sun 4 Oct 2026 HOFS OPEN STUDIOS (Day 2 of 2) Join HOFS Studio Artists as they open the doors of their studios to the public. Come along to see what goes on at HOFS behind the scenes. An exhibition showcasing their work will also be held in the Appliance Hall. At Hadleigh Old Fire Station, High Street, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. From 10.00am to 4.00pm. Poster available here. HOFS website: https://www.hofs.org.uk
Mon 5 Oct 2026 CHAIR-BASED EXERCISE CLASS A gentle, chair-based exercise class open to all. At Thundersley Methodist Church, Kennington Avenue, Thundersley, SS7 4BS. From 10.00am to 11.00am, every Monday. Entry £2.00, includes refreshments. For more information, phone Jeanette on 07956 290221.
Mon 5 Oct 2026 SMART MINDS DEMENTIA GROUP SESSION A friendly club for those living with dementia and their carers/families. We do a variety of art activities as well as socialising with tea and biscuits. At Hadleigh United Reformed Church, 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2DQ. From 1.00pm to 3.00pm, every Monday. If interested in attending or volunteering to help, please phone Sue Lesser on 07889 762172 or e-mail Sue at lessersu@gmail.com. Flyer available here. Smart Minds FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571552517215
Mon 5 Oct 2026 HADLEIGH LIBRARY AFTERNOON TEA & CHAT Aiming to help you feel more connected to your local community and meet others in the safe and pleasant environment of your local library. Refreshments provided. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 2.30pm to 4.30pm, every Monday.
Mon 5 Oct 2026 BENFLEET & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY TALK ‘HISTORY THROUGH ESSEX TOWN AND VILLAGE SIGNS’ BY DAVID KEITH LOVELL At Richmond Hall, off Richmond Avenue, South Benfleet, SS7 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. Admission: Visitors £3.00. New members welcome (£10.00 per annum). Entry to car park is via Richmond Avenue. For more information, see website (link below) or e-mail Mrs Jan Lane at billandjan.lane@btinternet.com. B&DHS website: http://www.benfleethistorical.org B&DHS programme for 2026 available here.
Tue 6 Oct 2026 ST BARNABAS ‘KETTLE’S ON’ COFFEE MORNING Free cuppa and chat. At St Barnabas Church, Church Road/Woodfield Road corner, Hadleigh, SS7 2EJ. From 10.30am to 12 noon, every Tuesday. All welcome. St Barnabas Church website: https://www.stbarnabas-hadleigh.org.uk
Tue 6 Oct 2026 THE ART MINISTRY – COMMUNITY ART & CRAFT SESSIONS The Art Ministry is a small Hadleigh-based charity that runs art and craft sessions for the local community to help improve their mental health and wellbeing. At 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2DQ (next to United Reformed Church). From 11.00am to 1.00pm – for adults with mixed needs, every Monday during school terms and the Whitsun and summer holidays. From 6.00pm to 7.30pm – for senior school children and young people with SEN – every Monday during school terms, excluding bank holidays. Cost £5.50. (First session free.) For more information, phone 07582 025163 or e-mail contact@theartministry.org.uk. The Art Ministry website: https://www.theartministry.org.uk
Tue 6 Oct 2026 HADLEIGH LIBRARY KNIT & NATTER GROUP MEETING Come and join our knitting circle, with friendly people and plenty of nattering. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 1.00pm to 3.00pm, every Tuesday.
Wed 7 Oct 2026 WESTWOOD ART GROUP MEETING – NEW MEMBERS WELCOME The Westwood Art Group is seeking new members. We are a friendly, sociable group from starters to improvers in all art and craft mediums. Subscriptions are £20 for 3 months. At the Salvation Army Hadleigh Temple Hall, 146-148 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PF. From 9.30am to 12 noon, every Wednesday. For more info, contact Ian on 07768 871875. Website: http://westwoodartgroup.weebly.com
Wed 7 Oct 2026 ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH COFFEE MORNING At St Michael’s Church, St Michael’s Road, Daws Heath, SS7 2UW. From 10.00am to 11.45am, every Wednesday. Church website: http://stpeters-stmichaels.co.uk
Wed 7 Oct 2026 THE ART MINISTRY – ART & CRAFT SESSION FOR ADULTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES The Art Ministry is a small Hadleigh-based charity that runs art and craft sessions for the local community to help improve their mental health and wellbeing. At 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2DQ (next to United Reformed Church). From 12.00 noon to 2.00pm, every Wednesday. Cost £5.50. (First session free.) For more information, phone 07582 025163 or e-mail contact@theartministry.org.uk. The Art Ministry website: https://www.theartministry.org.uk
Wed 7 Oct 2026 TOP OF THE HILL CLUB MEETING Join us for friendship and fun. Just chat or play games such as Rummikub, Scrabble, Uno, card games and more. Purchase drinks at the bar. At The White Hart pub, Hart Road, Thundersley, SS7 3PF. From 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Free to attend. Free parking and easy access with accessible toilet. We meet on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of every month except August. All are welcome.
Thu 8 Oct 2026 THURSDAY DROP-IN (TEMPORARY CHANGE OF VENUE) Feeling lonely? Need advice? We invite you for a warm and friendly chat with free tea and toast or coffee and cake. At Hadleigh Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, SS7 2PQ. From 9.30am to 12.30pm, every Thursday. Everybody welcome. Hadleigh Temple Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HadleighTemple
Thu 8 Oct 2026 COFFEE MORNING At Hadleigh United Reformed Church, 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2DQ. From 10.30am to 12 noon, every Thursday Profits donated to HARP homeless charity. All welcome. Hadleigh URC website: http://www.hadleighessexurc.org.uk
Thu 8 Oct 2026 THE ART MINISTRY – ART & CRAFT SESSION FOR ADULTS WITH MIXED NEEDS The Art Ministry is a small Hadleigh-based charity that runs art and craft sessions for the local community to help improve their mental health and wellbeing. At 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2DQ (next to United Reformed Church). From 2.00pm to 4.00pm, every Thursday during school terms. Cost £5.50. (First session free.) For more information, phone 07582 025163 or e-mail contact@theartministry.org.uk. The Art Ministry website: https://www.theartministry.org.uk
Thu 8 Oct 2026 MAYOR’S CHARITY AFTERNOON TEA The Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Kate Knott, invites you to attend an afternoon tea to support her chosen charities: For Isla Foundation and Send The Right Message (STRM). A raffle will be held. Menu Options: - A choice of orange juice or prosecco on arrival. - A selection of sandwiches served with kettle crisps. - Homemade cakes and scones. - Strawberries, jam and clotted cream. - Unlimited tea and coffee. Dietary restrictions can be catered for. At Boyce Hill Golf Club, 125 Vicarage Hill, South Benfleet, SS7 1PD. From 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Tickets £35.00 – please purchase via TicketTailor here. For more information, please contact: mayor@castlepoint.gov.uk.
Fri 9 Oct 2026 HADLEIGH LIBRARY BABY SENSORY SESSION For babies aged 2 years and under. Meet local parents. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 9.30am to 11.00am, every Friday. Essex Libraries Facebook page:
Fri 9 Oct 2026 CASTLE POINT ART CLUB SESSION We are a friendly, creative group of all standards in painting and drawing. We cater for beginners and tuition is available if wanted. We are connected with the Art Ministry and our fees are used to support that charity’s activities. In return, we are able to display work at their annual exhibition in HOFS. At 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2DQ (next to United Reformed Church). From 10.00am to 12 noon, every Friday. Cost £4.00 per session. (First session free). To attend, please contact Ted Rodway on 01702 555113 or email tedrodway@aol.com.
Fri 9 Oct 2026 ADULT CRAFT & KNITTING CLUB INCORPORATING ESSEX KNITTERS & STITCHERS Join us to meet like-minded people who are passionate about craft and enjoy a chat. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 12.30pm to 2.30pm, every Friday. For more information, phone Essex Libraries on 0345 603 7628. Essex Knitters & Stitchers website: https://essex.knittersstitchers.org.uk Essex Knitters & Stitchers FB page: https://www.facebook.com/essexknittersstitchers
Fri 9 Oct 2026 BENFLEET ART & CRAFTS CLUB MEETING Why not come and join us? All crafts and skill levels welcome. At Hadleigh Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, SS7 2PQ. From 1.00pm to 3.30pm, every Friday. For more information, phone Keith on 07867 944238 or Terry on 01702 554358 or send an e-mail to benfleetart@outlook.com.
Fri 9 Oct 2026 OPEN MIC POETRY EVENT Come to read your own poems or to listen to others. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 6.00pm to 8.00pm. All welcome.
Sat 10 Oct 2026 HADLEIGH METHODIST CHURCH COFFEE MORNING At Hadleigh Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, SS7 2PQ. From 10.00am to 12 noon. Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hadleighmethodistchurch
Sat 10 Oct 2026 PEOPLE’S INDEPENDENT PARTY (PIP) COUNCILLORS’ THUNDERSLEY STREET STALL Come and meet local PIP councillors and discuss matters of concern. We usually have a supply of pink sacks, kitchen waste bins and glass recycling bins on our stall. At Thundersley Village, Hart Road, Thundersley. From 10.00am to 12 noon. Held on the 2^nd Saturday of every month except August but may change owing to extreme weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. PIP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/peoplesindependentparty
Sat 10 Oct 2026 ST JAMES’ BEAT AND BEANS CAFÉ WITH MONDAY FOLK Relax in historic surroundings and enjoy music by Monday Folk with coffee, tea and snacks available. At St James the Less Church, High Street, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. From 10.30am to 12.30pm, every 2^nd Saturday of the month. Free admission. Come and go as you please. St James the Less Church website: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/6384
Sat 10 Oct 2026 ST PETER’S CHURCH COFFEE MORNING & BOOK SALE At St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road, Thundersley, SS7 3HG. From 10.30am to 12.30pm, every 2^nd Sat of the month except August. Church website: http://stpeters-stmichaels.co.uk
Sat 10 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND SEAFRONT FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino. At Southend Seafront, Southend, SS1 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. The display may be cancelled in bad weather. Fireworks web page: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guides/seafront-fireworks
Sun 11 Oct 2026 HARVEST SUNDAY SOCIAL Join us and enjoy some light refreshments, friendly conversation, a quiz, games and table tennis. At Hadleigh Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, SS7 2PQ. From 12 noon to 2.00pm. Cost £3.50 per person. All welcome. Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hadleighmethodistchurch
Mon 12 Oct to Sun 18 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND JAZZ FESTIVAL To see what’s on, visit https://www.southendjazzfestival.com/what-s-on
Thu 15 Oct 2026 POETRY READING GROUP – THOMAS HARDY At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 2.30pm to 3.30pm, every 3^rd Thu of the month. All welcome.
Sat 17 Oct 2026 QUIET DAY – THE COSMIC CHRIST Exploring Celtic and Indigenous Spirituality Led by Rev. Brigid Main, former chaplain to the chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall. What the day includes: - Sacred Space: Time to worship in creation. - Global Indigenous Wisdom: Connecting Celtic, Māori, and Aboriginal insights. - Quiet Contemplation: Space to explore your own roots, place, and spirit. At St Michael’s Church, St Michael’s Road, Daws Heath, SS7 2UW. From 10.00am to 4.00pm. Hot and cold drinks provided. Please bring a packed lunch. To reserve a place, please phone Rev. Sue Croucher on 07902 463829. Church website: http://stpeters-stmichaels.co.uk
Sat 17 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT * NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE AND START TIME * Conductor: John Chillingworth Leader: Richard Brittain. Programme: Sibelius ~ Swan of Tuonela Rachmaninov ~ Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Sibelius ~ Symphony No 2 At the St Margaret’s Church, Lime Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 3PA. Starts at 7.00pm. Tickets: General £15.00, Concessions £12.00, 18s and under £5.00. Tickets will be available in due course via SSO website (see below) and at the door. Southend Symphony Orchestra website: https://www.southendsymphony.com
Sat 17 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND SEAFRONT FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino. At Southend Seafront, Southend, SS1 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. The display may be cancelled in bad weather. Fireworks web page: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guides/seafront-fireworks
Wed 21 Oct 2026 LUNCHTIME RECITAL WITH TIM CAREY (PIANO) At Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER. From 12.15pm to 1.00pm. Free admission with retiring collection for the musicians. Full list of lunchtime recitals on Southend City Council website: https://www.southend.gov.uk/art-music/lunchtime-recitals-civic-centre
Wed 21 Oct 2026 TOP OF THE HILL CLUB MEETING Join us for friendship and fun. Just chat or play games such as Rummikub, Scrabble, Uno, card games and more. Purchase drinks at the bar. At The White Hart pub, Hart Road, Thundersley, SS7 3PF. From 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Free to attend. Free parking and easy access with accessible toilet. We meet on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of every month except August. All are welcome.
Sat 24 Oct 2026 ILLUMINATION Illumination is a free exhibition of biblical calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts. At its centre are facsimile volumes of The Saint John's Bible - a modern handwritten and illuminated Bible, seven volumes in all, lettered and decorated by hand. You can see the pages close up, and find out how biblical texts were written, decorated and illustrated long before the printed page. At St James the Less Church, High Street, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. From 10.00am to 3.00pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. St James the Less Church website: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/6384
Sat 24 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND SEAFRONT FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino. At Southend Seafront, Southend, SS1 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. The display may be cancelled in bad weather. Fireworks web page: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guides/seafront-fireworks
Wed 28 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND POETRY GROUP – JOHN BURNSIDE Meetings usually take the form of a presentation and discussion of a poet or topic, followed, if time allows, by a brief workshop session when members can read their own work. There is no formal membership - anyone is welcome to the meetings - and the first time is free! At The Naval and Military Club, 20 Royal Terrace, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1DU. Starts at 8.00pm – ring the bell to be let in. Meetings held on the fourth Wed of the month. For more information, e-mail dorothy@southendpoetry.co.uk. SPG website: https://www.southendpoetry.co.uk SPG Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145416386786
Sat 31 Oct 2026 SOUTHEND SEAFRONT FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino. At Southend Seafront, Southend, SS1 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. The display may be cancelled in bad weather. Fireworks web page: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guides/seafront-fireworks
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Mon 2 Nov 2026 BENFLEET & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY TALK ‘THE HISTORY OF ESSEX WITCHES’ BY ELINOR PRIZEMAN At Richmond Hall, off Richmond Avenue, South Benfleet, SS7 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. Admission: Visitors £3.00. New members welcome (£10.00 per annum). Entry to car park is via Richmond Avenue. For more information, see website (link below) or e-mail Mrs Jan Lane at billandjan.lane@btinternet.com. B&DHS website: http://www.benfleethistorical.org B&DHS programme for 2026 available here.
Thu 5 Nov 2026 MONTHLY FARMERS MARKET Organised by Hadleigh Community Markets in collaboration with Hadleigh Community Group and HOFS. At Hadleigh Old Fire Station, High Street, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. From 10.00am to 2.00pm, first Thursday of every month. HCM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592336216645
Fri 6 Nov 2026 HADLEIGH LIBRARY YOUNG ADULT BOOK GROUP An informal group for young people aged 13 to 19 to relax and chat about what you’ve been reading recently. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 5.00pm to 7.00pm, first Friday of the month. No need to book; just turn up. Refreshments provided. Essex Libraries Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EssexLibraries
Sat 7 Nov 2026 BENFLEET COMMUNITY ARCHIVE COFFEE MORNING AND POP-UP DISPLAY The Archive are combining their next library pop-in with a coffee morning so for one month only we’ll be changing our venue to the Methodist Church. Do you have memories that you’d like to share? Bring along those old photos or items of memorabilia and tell us the story behind them. Chat to our members and learn what we do. At Benfleet Methodist Church, High Road, South Benfleet, SS7 5LH. From 10.00am to 12 noon. BCA website: http://www.benfleethistory.org.uk
Sat 7 Nov 2026 GAUDEAMUS CHOIR: IN TUNEFUL ACCORD Join us for an afternoon of music with award-winning Gaudeamus choir, as we share choral music and explore the role of the organ in accompaniment. The programme will feature a mix of music both a cappella and accompanied by the magnificent War Memorial Organ at Southend High School for Boys. At Southend High School for Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 0RG. Starts at 2.30pm – doors open at 2.00pm. Tickets £12.00 (free for 18s and under). To book, visit TicketSource. Poster available here. Old Southendian Organ Society website: https://www.osos.org.uk Gaudeamus website: https://www.gaudeamuschoir.co.uk
Sat 7 Nov 2026 SOUTHEND SEAFRONT FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino. At Southend Seafront, Southend, SS1 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. The display may be cancelled in bad weather. Fireworks web page: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guides/seafront-fireworks
Sun 8 Nov 2026 SOUTHEND CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT – HANDEL’S MESSIAH At Kings Road United Reformed Church, 91 Crowstone Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 8LH. Starts at 3.30pm. More details to come. Southend Choral Society website: http://www.southendchoral.org
Sat 14 Nov 2026 ST JAMES’ BEAT AND BEANS CAFÉ Relax in historic surroundings and enjoy music by (to be advised) with coffee, tea and snacks available. At St James the Less Church, High Street, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. From 10.30am to 12.30pm, every 2^nd Saturday of the month. Free admission. Come and go as you please. St James the Less Church website: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/6384
Sat 14 Nov 2026 SOUTHEND SEAFRONT FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino. At Southend Seafront, Southend, SS1 2EJ. Starts at 7.30pm. The display may be cancelled in bad weather. Fireworks web page: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guides/seafront-fireworks
Thu 19 Nov 2026 POETRY READING GROUP – METAPHYSICAL POETS: JONNE DONNE, GEORGE HERBERT At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 2.30pm to 3.30pm, every 3^rd Thu of the month. All welcome.
Wed 25 Nov 2026 LUNCHTIME RECITAL WITH DAVID AND MARGARET SILKOFF (PIANO DUET) At Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER. From 12.15pm to 1.00pm. Free admission with retiring collection for the musicians. Full list of lunchtime recitals on Southend City Council website: https://www.southend.gov.uk/art-music/lunchtime-recitals-civic-centre
Wed 25 Nov 2026 SOUTHEND POETRY GROUP – TED KOOSER Meetings usually take the form of a presentation and discussion of a poet or topic, followed, if time allows, by a brief workshop session when members can read their own work. There is no formal membership - anyone is welcome to the meetings - and the first time is free! At The Naval and Military Club, 20 Royal Terrace, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1DU. Starts at 8.00pm – ring the bell to be let in. Meetings held on the fourth Wed of the month. For more information, e-mail dorothy@southendpoetry.co.uk. SPG website: https://www.southendpoetry.co.uk SPG Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145416386786
Sat 28 Nov 2026 HADLEIGH & THUNDERSLEY COMMUNITY ARCHIVE DROP-IN An opportunity for local residents to share memories of Hadleigh and Thundersley, bring photos and documents for scanning, view the H&TCA website, and purchase local history books and greetings cards. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 10.30am to 12 noon. Drop-in sessions in 2026 will be held on the last Saturday of odd-numbered months. If you can’t make the drop-in, feel free to contact us by e-mail at admin@hadleighhistory.org.uk. H & T Community Archive website: http://www.hadleighhistory.org.uk H & T Community Archive FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/735524362781692
Sat 28 Nov 2026 LIVING FAITH TALKS PRESENT ‘THE GOD CONUNDRUM’ – A TALK BY DAVID HARPER David will be well-known by many as an antiques expert with numerous BBC TV appearances on programmes including Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. He has a fascinating story to tell, which starts with ‘a miracle’, and then leads him, as a ‘skeptic agnostic’, to research Christianity in detail. The result is David’s conversion and a book entitled ‘The God Conundrum’. At Benfleet Methodist Church, 67 High Road, South Benfleet, SS7 5LH. Starts at 3.00pm. Free entry but booking required – e-mail livingfaithtalks@yahoo.com.
Sat 28 Nov 2026 (DATE TO BE CONFIRMED) HADLEIGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON Join the Mayor, councillors and Santa Claus for this festive occasion. By the Christmas tree in Hadleigh town centre. Community carol singing from 4.15pm (TBC). Christmas Lights switch-on at 4.30pm (TBC). Refreshments served afterwards in St James the Less Church. Organised by the Friends of Hadleigh Church and Hadleigh Community Group. Friends of Hadleigh Church web page Hadleigh Community Group: Website – Facebook page
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Thu 3 Dec 2026 MONTHLY FARMERS MARKET Organised by Hadleigh Community Markets in collaboration with Hadleigh Community Group and HOFS. At Hadleigh Old Fire Station, High Street, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. From 10.00am to 2.00pm, first Thursday of every month. HCM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592336216645
Fri 4 Dec 2026 HADLEIGH LIBRARY YOUNG ADULT BOOK GROUP An informal group for young people aged 13 to 19 to relax and chat about what you’ve been reading recently. At Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2PD. From 5.00pm to 7.00pm, first Friday of the month. No need to book; just turn up. Refreshments provided. Essex Libraries Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EssexLibraries
Sat 5 Dec 2026 CHRISTMAS FAYRE At Benfleet Methodist Church, 67 High Road, South Benfleet, SS7 5LH. More details to come. Benfleet Methodist Church website: https://benfleetmethodist.org.uk
Sun 6 Dec 2026 ALLEGRO CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT At St Barnabas Church, Church Road/Woodfield Road corner, Hadleigh, SS7 2EJ. Starts at 3.00pm. Admission £10.00, children free. All our concerts raise funds for local community groups and charities. St Barnabas Church website: https://www.stbarnabas-hadleigh.org.uk Allegro Choir Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Allegrochoiressex
Sat 12 Dec 2026 SOUTHEND CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT At Kings Road United Reformed Church, 91 Crowstone Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 8LH. Starts at 7.00pm. More details to come. Southend Choral Society website: http://www.southendchoral.org
Sun 13 Dec 2026 CHRISTMAS SUNDAY SOCIAL Join us and enjoy some light refreshments, friendly conversation, a quiz, games and table tennis. At Hadleigh Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, SS7 2PQ. From 12 noon to 2.00pm. Cost £3.50 per person. All welcome. Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hadleighmethodistchurch
Sat 19 Dec 2026 ALLEGRO CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT At St Mary’s Church, High Street, South Benfleet, SS7 5JP. Starts at 7.30pm. Admission £10.00, children free. All our concerts raise funds for local community groups and charities. St Mary’s Church website: https://stmarybenfleet.co.uk Allegro Choir Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Allegrochoiressex
Please report any errors in the above listing via helixwebmail@yahoo.co.uk top