Billericay & Basildon U3A
 Friday 23 May at 2.30 p.m. in the Pastoral Centre (behind the Catholic Church), Laindon Road, Billericay. An illustrated talk by Paula Short on “Holidaying in China”. This will be an opportunity to discover more about the U3A (University of the Third Age) and what it can offer members. Visitors welcome. Admission £1. Refreshments available.

Basildon, Billericay & Wickford National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Saturday 17th May in the Mayflower School, Stock Road, Billericay at 10.30am for NCT members, 11.00am for non members. The NCT will be holding a “Nearly New Sale” where good quality second hand baby clothes and equipment will be on sale. Admission: £1.00. 

Wednesday 21st May to Saturday 24th May. Every evening at 7.30pm with matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. in the Towngate Theatre, Basildon. Basildon Operatic Society presents “Pirates of Penzance” Broadway version. Tickets £14 - £15. Concessions £8 Wednesday evening and Saturday matinee. Group discounts available for 10 or more. Tickets are available from BasOp box office on 01245 222267 or 01277 354269. Buy online at www.EssexTheatreTicketing.co.uk. This is a marvellous new take on the Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

Billericay Arts Association. The Fold, 72 Laindon Road, Billericay. Tel 01277 659286
Saturday May 17 at 7.30pm “Hits from the Blitz” Enjoy once again the wonderful songs that kept Britain going in the war years. Sing along with Gracie Fields, George Formby and Vera Lynn; laugh once again to Max Miller and “dance” to the magical music of Glenn Miller as we take you on a nostalgic journey back to the era of ration books, air raids and GIs. Songs to make you laugh, songs to bring a tear to the eye – all linked with interesting information about this time in our history. Let the wonderful sound of “In the Mood” transport you back in time.
Brought to you by TD Productions who gave us the superb “Music Hall” last year. Why not rummage in the loft, dress for the part and join in the fun – but don’t forget your gas mask! Tickets: £8.50.

Photofold Camera Club
The Club meets every Tuesday evening from 8 to 10pm at the Billericay Arts Association, The Fold, Laindon Road, Billericay.
May 6 “Bill’s Choice” new prints, digital images and slides. Judge B. Lindsay AFAIP
May 13 Presentation “Travels with a Hasselbad” by H. Rogers FRPS
May 20 Presentation “A Tapestry of Sight and Sound” by T & J Sothcott
May 27 Presentation “My Style of Photography” by V Hainsworth

Billericay Women’s Institute.
The Institute meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday each month in the W. I. Hall, St Edith’s Lane, Billericay at 2pm.
May 21 “African Safari” A talk by Mrs Susan Walker.

The Billericay Society.
On Wednesday May 21 at 8pm in the Day Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay Sue Sincock will give an illustrated talk entitled “People & Places in the City of London”.

Billericay Archaeological & Historical Society
Mr Julian Whybra will give a talk to members of the society entitled “A Rose by Any Other Name” (Surnames and ladies maiden names) on Monday May 12 at 8pm in the Fold, Laindon Road, Billericay

Billericay Ceramic Circle
The Annual General Meeting of the Circle will be held on Monday May12 at 7.30pm in the Day Centre, Chantry Way.

A Cream Tea, in aid of St Luke’s Hospice,  will be held at the home of Christabel and Peter Strong, Ivy House, Laindon Common Road, Little Burstead on Monday June 9 from 2 to 4pm. Price £3.50 includes Tea, Cakes and Cream at leisure in a beautiful garden. There will be various stalls including raffle, tombola, gifts, bric-a-brac, books etc. There is ample off street parking. This event was originally held in the garden of Joyce Norris at Great Burstead.  For more information contact Doreen Fisher on 01277 652774 or Audrey Smith on 01277 654838.

South Green Memorial Hall, Southend Road, South Green, Billericay
Sunday 18 May from 10am to 12 noon Grenfell Pre-School will be holding an “Open Day “ in the South Green Memorial Hall, Billericay (on the A129 Wickford Road). Come and find out how children from the age of 2 years learn through play. The Pre-School has a very good Ofsted report and is accredited by the Preschool Learning Alliance. Government funded places for children from 3 years of age. Admission Free. For more information ring 01277 653369.
Thursday May 22 at 8pm South Green Memorial Hall, Billericay “Annual General Meeting”. All Residents of South Green and hall users are invited to attend and give their views on how the hall can be better run.

Billericay Lions Ladies
On Saturday May 31 from 9.14am to 12.30pm in the Reading Rooms, High Street, Billericay the Billericay Lions Ladies will be holding a fund raising Coffee Morning with sales tables, tombola and raffle. Proceeds to support MacMillan Nurses. 

Billericay Floral Art Group
Wednesday May 7 is “Bargain Night” for the Billericay Floral Art Group which meets at the W.I. Hall, St Edith’s Lane. Visitors can come for just £2 to relax and watch Norma Leslie demonstrate “Guys and Dolls” at 8pm. There will be a plant stall to tempt you from 7.30pm. For further information ring 01277 624255.

Wednesday May 14 from 12:30 - 1:15p.m. “OPERA UNO” accompanied by “MARTYN HEALD” will be performing in St. Mary Magdalen Church, High Street, Billericay. Please bring your own lunch and eat whilst listening to operatic arias, duets and ensembles. Entrance is free but donations will be gratefully received in aid of “The Friends of St Mary Magdalen.

St Luke’s Hospice
The fund raising team at St Luke’s Hospice is organising the following events:
17. 5.08   Ice Ball & Auction at Orsett Hall
18 .5.08   FUN WALK BARLEYLANDS FARM 1pm
25 5.08    Night at the Races Barstable Community Hall Basildon
8.  6.08    NOSTALGIA BIG BAND ON THE LAWN (with Billericay Rotary) at IVY COTTAGE, LAINDON COMMON ROAD,  BILLERICAY 1pm – 5pm (£10pp bring your own picnic) 

 For more information contact the team on 01268 272292

Billericay Festival in St Mary Magdalen, High Street
'Past Present & Future' in Flowers, Art & Music.  Friday 13th June 10am to 6pm, Saturday 14th June 10am to 6pm and Sunday 15th June 2pm - 5pm.   There will be floral arrangements and other displays by local junior schools and arts, music and historical societies.  To be opened by MP John Baron on Friday at 10am.  Free admission. Donations to St Luke's Hospice and refurbishment of St Mary's. Light refreshments available.