Stop horse-ing around, We are moth-ly done!

After getting through one of the coldest weeks of the year to date, 6 intrepid Goodgymmers were treated to a beautifully mild Winter's evening for our Monday night group run. This week, we had planned to help the team at Thornhill Square Gardens, just off Caledonian Road prepare there residential green space for spring time.

Simon, Kim, Caitlin and Dan caught up at the Arsenal Community Hub (a buzz of activity from local groups enjoying Christmas parties) before engaging in a warm up on the Emirates Stadium slopes. From here, we ran approximately 1.5 miles (3 mile / 5km round trip) to Thornhill Square Gardens. But not before passing one of the brightest houses in Islington!. One of the residents of Mackenzie Road had really gone all in on the Xmas decorations, and good for them!!!

Upon our arrival at Thornhill Square Gardens, we met with the wonderful Anna McKane, who set us a variety of tasks for the night. Emily and Lucy were already busy with raking up horse chestnut leaves- keeping invasive leaf mining moths from burrowing into the delicate trees. Gathering up the foliage for green waste collection also keeps the paths clear and safe for other park users (including adorable pups like Darcy!). The rest of our crew helped with shoveling mulch into wheelbarrows, and spreading the contents across as many flower beds as possible across the gardens.

We closed out the evening by gathering up all of our tools, returning them to the main shed and taking a team photo together. A huge job, well done. Great work everyone!

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Goodgym Islington News

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The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!

Various parks and gardens on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.

The Garden Classroom has started multiple weekly open garden mornings in Newington Green, Market Road and Hillside Park (near Caxton House). Set up by trained horticulture specialists and open to all!

Newington Green Next Wednesday- 10am - midday

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-volunteer-morning-f942ae28-b3bf-414a-9cec-b4c38fee1644

Hillside Gardens, Caxton House Next Thursday- 10am - midday

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-hillside-park-volunteer-morning-37e4940a-a9f3-4956-a4df-d27b051b7d0b

Market Road Gardens Next Friday- 10am - midday

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-volunteer-morning-fcaf840b-4f44-4912-a9a5-119a1c1bf580

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GoodGym London - Christmas Social Celebrate the festive season with other GoodGymmers

Thursday 14th December, 18.30 onwards, The Rocket, Euston

It's the festive edition of monthly drinks in London. Come and meet other GoodGymers and toast each others achievements.

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-london-christmas-social?legacy=true

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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (December Xmas Special!)

Saturday 16th December, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens

Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task! This will be the December Xmas special too, so come and enjoy some festivities!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-december-xmas-special

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Goodgym Islington’s Final Group Run and Social of 2024!

Monday 18th December, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub

On the last group run of the year, Area Activator Simon will be leading a festive run to just a few of Islington's 121 green spaces (as listed by The Garden Classroom). Our objective is to try and record a visit to each one by the end of the January challenge!

And afterwards, we are going to enjoy a social visit to Non Vietnamese, Holloway Road for delicious soup, noodles and refreshments!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-christmas-tour-of-islington

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-december-non-vietnamese-islington

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Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions- Emirates Stadium

Thursday 21st December, 6pm, Arsenal Underground station

Every Thursday, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location. This week, we will be meeting up at Arsenal tube station, ready to run around the Emirates Stadium concourse. Open to runners and guides of all abilities! Follow the link to find out more:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-f4966344-a290-4568-8275-9ccdc8ea3dbc