Simon Fitzmaurice

GoodGym Islington

IslingtonGroup run
Deirdre
Haseeb Bakht
Matt Burton
DaMarcus
Frankie Edelmann
Simon Fitzmaurice

Shining Lights in a Dark Park!

Monday 24th November

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon, Da Marcus and returning Goodgymmer Frankie enjoyed a nice run across Holloway Road, and down to Thornhill Square Gardens, despite the chilly weather conditions!

Upon our arrival, we met with resident gardening expert Anna McKane, who had prepared a series of tasks for our team of 7. Our top priority for the session was to move a pile of donated wood chip over to the flower beds around the perimeter of the park, using shovels and wheelbarrows. The objective was to provide additional protection for the new bulbs trying to grow over the winter months.

Our second team used rakes and forks to clear away fallen leaves from around the lovely ancient trees to the North of the park. The leaf fall provides a great habitat for green moths, which are unfortunately invasive and harmful to the trees. The plan is to keep them at bay as much as possible!

Within our 50 minutes of lifting and shifting, we successfully cleared the wood chip pile, and had packed up 3 full builder's merchant bags of green waste, ready for the council collection in the morning. Well done everyone!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS

—-------------------------------------

SESSIONS IN DECEMBER

Community Mission - Camden Estate Community Food Gardens 7.15pm, Rowstock Gardens Monday 1st December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-camden-estate-community-food-gardens-708bcb88-ea6e-4fac-bc78-159dabe6faee

Group Run - Caledonian Park Winter Path Building (1), 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 7th December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-caledonian-park-autumn-path-building-3482a816-503a-4df1-ac16-027e6dff0884

Community Mission - Caledonian Park Winter Path Building (2), 7.15pm, Caledonian Park, Market Road Monday 15th December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-caledonian-park-autumn-path-building-3958ef1a-8608-40f0-9c5a-5ac4e95edbc2

Group Run - Festive Fleet Street Quarter Snoopy Trail, 6.45pm, St Paul's Cathedral Monday 22nd December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/wild-in-art-fleet-street-quarter-snoopy-trail

—-----------------------------------

Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

NOVEMBER

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 27th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-4f5e29bd-fe26-45bf-be9f-22fce4240252

Paddington Recreation Track, Maida Vale Thursday 4th December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-9d9950d4-8265-4d6c-b66e-154ec1e9a434

Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Tube Thursday 11th December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-ea675dbf-ae40-4d79-a61c-794cc89b3878

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 18th December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-f32c11d7-52e8-4432-af5e-b0aaa7647de4

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Stepney Green Strides

Thursday 27th November, 7.50am, Rinkoff Bakery, Stepney Green

Come and join Area Activator and UK Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) Simon for a fun mixed pace training session

Our plan is to meet up outside Rinkoff Bakery, Stepney Green at 7.50am, before enjoying an easy jog and dynamic warm up around the Stepney Green Park by 8am.

All paces and abilities welcome!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-stepney-green-workout

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Xmas Bouldering Special!

Thursday 4th December, 7.50am, Mile End Climbing Wall

As a celebration for a busy 2025 with Track and Towpath Run Group, we are planning on closing up for Xmas with a special trip to Mile End Climbing Wall.

Just £5 for an off-peak climbing session, open to boulderers of all abilities! Followed by coffee and snacks at the café.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-mile-end-climbing-wall-xmas-special

(Strava group link)

https://strava.app.link/jZ0J8GD9NXb

—-----------------------------

Goodgym Islington Social (December) - Angel Comedy Club, Camden Head

Tuesday 9th December, 7.30pm, Camden Head Pub, Angel

A celebration of Goodgym fun over 2025, with a trip to the famous Camden Head pub in Angel, host to stand up comedy and fresh sketches, 7 days a week.

Come on down for refreshments, food and a nice catch up before the Xmas holidays!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/gg-islington-social-december-angel-comedy-club-camden-head

—-----------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Tuesdays (and a single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

Market Road Gardens, London N7 9GT

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Market Road Gardens looking beautiful! All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September 16th, 23rd, 30th

October 7th, 14th, 21st (not 28th!)

November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

December 2nd, 9th and 16th

Next session

Tuesday 2nd December:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-8eab1545-fd98-4b11-8de9-549065ba827f

—--------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Wednesdays (and one single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

TGC Hut, Newington Green Park Building, 2 Newington Green, London, N1 4RF

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Newington Green tidy and lovely!

All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September - 17th, 24th, and Saturday 27th

October- 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd

November- 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

December- 3rd, 10th and 17th

Next Session

Wednesday 26th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-0bfd6ade-11ae-4e8f-b43a-dc6993509924

—-----------------------------

Green Guardians- Whittington Park Sessions

Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions, Whittington Park, Archway

We have six really interesting gardening session happening at Whittington Park. We'll be planting native wild flowers, hedging and bulbs, creating a stumper and planting fruit trees.

These are relaxed friendly sessions where the emphasis is on spending time outside in nature, whilst learning and sharing skills and meeting new people.

The sessions are free and open to all, though under 16's must be with a responsible adult. No experience is needed. We provide tools, gloves, guidance and refreshments.


Session Dates

  1. Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower

  2. Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs

  3. Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)

  4. Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting

  5. Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

  6. Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

—-------------------

Next session

Tuesday 6th January, 10am - 12 midday:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/green-guardians-whittington-park-community-gardening-6d711904-bb7a-4e18-ae12-41d415b2788a

—----------------------------

Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day

Sunday 30th November, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens

Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-october-b5de9c26-cc53-40c6-8940-2b98f68d0e2d

—-------------------------------

Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 13th December, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-november-8d6cb78f-3a20-4a94-9d60-a6851a71d496

—-----------------------------

Elizabeth House Food Hub - Xmas Supplies Prep

Tuesday 16th December, 12.30 - 1.30pm, Elizabeth House Food Hub, Hurlock Street

The team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with preparing up the donation centre.

As the holidays are approaching, the centre will be expecting more visitors to make use of this vital service. Your help is invaluable!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-xmas-supplies-prep

—-----------------------------

Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning

Saturday 20th December, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens

The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month.

Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-35af9b6b-461a-49a4-8421-a25b2b4f339d

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
+4
Caitlin Rollison
Matt Burton
Simon Fitzmaurice
Hermione Taylor

No Shed? No Sweat!

Monday 17th November

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

Winter has officially started in London this week!

However, the weather conditions did not deter 10 hardy Goodgym souls to join Area Activator Simon for an evening of garden fixing.

Unfortunately, upon our arrival, we were informed that the task would not be feasible in the dark. Although we had brought work lights and head torches, the local gardening volunteers at Maria's Garden, Isledon Gardens made the sensible decision that we should postpone this difficult project. The plan was to move the parts of a new garden shed into the space from a nearby safe spot, and then construct the shed before the end of the evening. A feasible task, if we had more light, safer surfaces to work on and if the main platform for the shed had been constructed in advance. Hopefully we will return soon!

While we contemplated the project, we had the chance to watch some beautiful park dwelling feral kittens being fed by trusted neighbours!

Our crew took the opportunity to run together to the Emirates Stadium concourse instead, and we hosted a last minute paarlauf (pairs running) interval session instead. In pairs, each of our runners set off in opposite directions around the 700m circuit of Emirates Stadium. One runner runs at a faster pace, while the other remains at a recovery effort pace. As the two runners meet, they switch paces while continuing to run in the same direction. Over 8 minutes of total duration, our runners each achieved 4 hand-overs (or high 5s!) before joining Area Activator Simon back at the start line and bag drop. Great job everyone!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN OCTOBER / NOVEMBER

Group Run - Thornhill Square Gardens - Bulb Planting 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 24th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-thornhill-square-gardens-bulb-planting

Community Mission - Camden Estate Community Food Gardens 7.15pm, Rowstock Gardens Monday 1st December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-camden-estate-community-food-gardens-708bcb88-ea6e-4fac-bc78-159dabe6faee

—-----------------------------------

Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

NOVEMBER

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-c64d8aa7-1654-45ca-9774-1f7b14376a97

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 27th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-4f5e29bd-fe26-45bf-be9f-22fce4240252

Paddington Recreation Track, Maida Vale Thursday 4th December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-9d9950d4-8265-4d6c-b66e-154ec1e9a434

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Stepney Green Strides

Thursday 27th November, 7.50am, BLAS coffee, Victoria Park

Come and join Area Activator and UK Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) Simon for a fun mixed pace training session

Our plan is to meet up outside Rinkoff Bakery, Stepney Green at 7.50am, before enjoying an easy jog and dynamic warm up around the Stepney Green Park by 8am.

All paces and abilities welcome!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-stepney-green-workout

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Xmas Bouldering Special!

Thursday 4th December, 7.50am, Mile End Climbing Wall

As a celebration for a busy 2025 with Track and Towpath Run Group, we are planning on closing up for Xmas with a special trip to Mile End Climbing Wall.

Just £5 for an off-peak climbing session, open to boulderers of all abilities! Followed by coffee and snacks at the café.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-mile-end-climbing-wall-xmas-special

(Strava group link)

https://strava.app.link/jZ0J8GD9NXb

—-----------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Tuesdays (and a single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

Market Road Gardens, London N7 9GT

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Market Road Gardens looking beautiful! All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September 16th, 23rd, 30th

October 7th, 14th, 21st (not 28th!)

November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

December 2nd, 9th and 16th

Next session

Tuesday 18th November:

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-80dc6e49-ed8b-4bcb-979a-4dfde775e42c

—--------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Wednesdays (and one single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

TGC Hut, Newington Green Park Building, 2 Newington Green, London, N1 4RF

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Newington Green tidy and lovely!

All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September - 17th, 24th, and Saturday 27th

October- 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd

November- 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

December- 3rd, 10th and 17th

Next Session

Wednesday 19th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-812d6355-61bb-4cdb-9de6-0186833e124d

—-----------------------------

Green Guardians- Whittington Park Sessions

Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions, Whittington Park, Archway

We have six really interesting gardening session happening at Whittington Park. We'll be planting native wild flowers, hedging and bulbs, creating a stumper and planting fruit trees.

These are relaxed friendly sessions where the emphasis is on spending time outside in nature, whilst learning and sharing skills and meeting new people.

The sessions are free and open to all, though under 16's must be with a responsible adult. No experience is needed. We provide tools, gloves, guidance and refreshments.


Session Dates

  1. Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower

  2. Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs

  3. Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)

  4. Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting

  5. Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

  6. Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

—-------------------

Next session

Tuesday 6th January, 10am - 12 midday:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/green-guardians-whittington-park-community-gardening-6d711904-bb7a-4e18-ae12-41d415b2788a

—----------------------------

The Garden Classroom- Argyle Primary Forest School Gardening

Wednesday 19th November, 3pm - 5pm, Argyle Primary School, Islington

The Garden Classroom run weekly Forest School sessions in the garden at Argyle Primary School in Islington, giving essential outdoor play-based provision to the children, led by volunteer leader Eden.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-argyle-primary-forest-school-gardening

—---------------------------

Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day

Sunday 30th November, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens

Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-october-b5de9c26-cc53-40c6-8940-2b98f68d0e2d

—-------------------------------

Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 13th December, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-november-8d6cb78f-3a20-4a94-9d60-a6851a71d496

—-----------------------------

Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning

Saturday 20th December, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens

The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month.

Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-35af9b6b-461a-49a4-8421-a25b2b4f339d

Read more
IslingtonMission
Sevan
Kash

Creep’r

Sunday 16th November

Written by Kash

When they were here before
Couldn't look them in the eye
They’re just like the angels
Their cuts make me cry
They ran here together
In an overgrown world
I wish I was special
They’re so trimmin' special

But I'm a creep’r
I'm a weed-o
What the heck am I doin' here?
I don't belong here

I don't care if it hurts
I wanna have control
I want Miss K’s window
I want Miss K’s door
I want her to notice
When I'm not around
She’s so trimmin' special
I wish I was special

But I'm a creep’r
I'm a weed-o
What the heck am I doin' here?
I don't belong here
Oh-oh, oh-oh

They're runnin' out the door
They're runnin' out
They run, run, run, run
Run

Whatever makes them fitter
Whatever they cut
They’re so trimmin' special
I wish I was special

But I'm a creep’r
I'm a weed-o
What the heck am I doin' here?
I don't belong here
I don't belong here

Read more
IslingtonCommunity mission
Veronika
StephDucat
Lucy Hill

Ain't no sunshine

Thursday 13th November

Written by StephDucat

Thursday evening : Guide runners and runners met at Maida Vale Underground station to head off in a group to Paddington Rec Track. As the clocks changed time recently, the evenings are dark so ain't no sunshine and it started to drizzle. This did not stop anyone from running and chatting. Veronika guided Janice, Lucy guided Mark and I, Steph Ducat guided the other Mark. Different paces and mileage based on the runners requirements. Janice and Mark ran roughly 35 - 45 minutes with Lucy and Veronika. I ran with Mark who wanted to come back strong as was off a few weeks,. We completed over 10km on the track with Mark. We were all soaked at the end of the session as the rain just kept coming down and the drizzle of the start disappeared. Great session with a good turn up despite the rain.

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
DaMarcus
Matt Burton
Simon Fitzmaurice

"What are you? Night Cutters?"

Monday 10th November

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

Thank you to the random pedestrian in St Paul's Park for this gem of a title

After a wet and windy afternoon, the Goodgym Islington crew were treated to near perfect conditions for an evening of group running and cycling to The Rose Bowl Youth Club. Da Marcus, Paul and Area Activator Simon made their way up the Whistler Street alleyways, across Highbury Fields and over to Canonbury for a 1.5 mile jaunt to the task location.

Upon our arrival, we met with Dawn, one of our regular task owners, who had purchased brand new secateurs and clippers specially for our visit. The objective for the evening was to trim back the public facing side of the main hedges surrounding the Youth Club, to allow for clear paths for park users. Jasmine, thorn bushes and vines had grown extremely efficiently over the hot Summer months, and had started to go a bit crazy!

Within 50 minutes, our group had chopped away almost all of the overgrown foliage from the hedges (almost too much- we had intended to maintain some greenery behind. It will definitely grow back very quickly!). We had also successfully cleared all of the pathways of leaves and discarded branches, and prepared the debris for green recycling. Well done everyone!

To celebrate, we took a diversion back to Highbury and Islington, and stopped at the Alwyne Castle pub for refreshments and good times!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN OCTOBER / NOVEMBER

Community Mission - Maria’s Gardens 7.15pm, Maria's Gardens, near Isledon Gardens Monday 17th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-maria-s-gardens-isledon-gardens

Group Run - Thornhill Square Gardens - Bulb Planting 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 24th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-thornhill-square-gardens-bulb-planting

Community Mission - Camden Estate Community Food Gardens 7.15pm, Rowstock Gardens Monday 1st December

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-camden-estate-community-food-gardens-708bcb88-ea6e-4fac-bc78-159dabe6faee

—-----------------------------------

Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

NOVEMBER

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 13th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-3ef2fa36-2ed1-46b8-8311-6db3c5e6692a

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-c64d8aa7-1654-45ca-9774-1f7b14376a97

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 27th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-4f5e29bd-fe26-45bf-be9f-22fce4240252

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Victoria Park Reps

Thursday 13th November, 7.50am, BLAS coffee, Victoria Park

Come and join Area Activator and UK Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) Simon for a fun mixed pace training session

Our plan is to meet up outside Lion Coffee, Burdett Road at 7.50am, before enjoying an easy jog and dynamic warm up around the Mile End Art Pavilion by 8am.

All paces and abilities welcome!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-mile-end-park-workout

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Xmas Bouldering Special!

Thursday 4th December, 7.50am, Mile End Climbing Wall

As a celebration for a busy 2025 with Track and Towpath Run Group, we are planning on closing up for Xmas with a special trip to Mile End Climbing Wall.

Just £5 for an off-peak climbing session, open to boulderers of all abilities! Followed by coffee and snacks at the café.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-mile-end-climbing-wall-xmas-special

(Strava group link)

https://strava.app.link/jZ0J8GD9NXb

—-----------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Tuesdays (and a single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

Market Road Gardens, London N7 9GT

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Market Road Gardens looking beautiful! All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September 16th, 23rd, 30th

October 7th, 14th, 21st (not 28th!)

November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

December 2nd, 9th and 16th

Next session

Tuesday 11th November:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-97822399-3f51-4343-ab45-40a451ea0027

—--------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Wednesdays (and one single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

TGC Hut, Newington Green Park Building, 2 Newington Green, London, N1 4RF

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Newington Green tidy and lovely!

All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September - 17th, 24th, and Saturday 27th

October- 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd

November- 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

December- 3rd, 10th and 17th

Next Session

Wednesday 12th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-97fa313d-1d61-463c-b7ca-404343204880

—-----------------------------

Green Guardians- Whittington Park Sessions

Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions, Whittington Park, Archway

We have six really interesting gardening session happening at Whittington Park. We'll be planting native wild flowers, hedging and bulbs, creating a stumper and planting fruit trees.

These are relaxed friendly sessions where the emphasis is on spending time outside in nature, whilst learning and sharing skills and meeting new people.

The sessions are free and open to all, though under 16's must be with a responsible adult. No experience is needed. We provide tools, gloves, guidance and refreshments.


Session Dates

  1. Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower

  2. Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs

  3. Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)

  4. Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting

  5. Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

  6. Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

—-------------------

Next session

Thursday 13th November, 10am - 12 midday:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/green-guardians-whittington-park-community-gardening-3673e3d9-2888-477f-89ff-0942d4938542

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The Garden Classroom- Argyle Primary Forest School Gardening

Wednesday 19th November, 3pm - 5pm, Argyle Primary School, Islington

The Garden Classroom run weekly Forest School sessions in the garden at Argyle Primary School in Islington, giving essential outdoor play-based provision to the children, led by volunteer leader Eden.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-argyle-primary-forest-school-gardening

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Golden Olden Community Gardens - Monthly Volunteer Open Day

Saturday 15th November, 10am - 2pm, Opposite Whistler Street, Islington

Olden Community Garden is a charity that maintains this lovely green space, with the objective to promote a community garden for the benefit of people living or working in the London Borough of Islington. Olden Garden gives local people opportunities for education and recreation, with the aim of increasing involvement in the community and reducing isolation.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/golden-olden-community-gardens-monthly-volunteer-open-day-362747ab-b255-472c-a0c0-44aee832dbe0

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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning

Saturday 15th November, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens

The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month.

Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-7e302984-bcc6-44d7-8d11-cb1cb816d4cf

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Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day

Sunday 30th November, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens

Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-october-b5de9c26-cc53-40c6-8940-2b98f68d0e2d

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Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 13th December, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-november-8d6cb78f-3a20-4a94-9d60-a6851a71d496

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IslingtonMission
Kash
Sevan

Steak & Snips

Sunday 9th November

Written by Sevan

Ms D showed Kash and Sevan into her back garden at the start of their mission and left them to get on with things. The only problem was, they didn't know what to do, didn't have any tools and didn't have any bags for waste. They called Ms D back outside and she explained the problem. There were still, however, no tools to cut the vines and branches growing over the back wall as she'd expected Kash and Sevan to bring their own.

"Do you have any scissors?" - Kash
"Only a small pair" - Ms D
"Or a steak knife?" - Sevan
"Let me see..." - Ms D

Ms D returned with a pair of kitchen scissors and a kitchen knife instead of the suggested steak variety. Well, the GoodGymers would do their best with what they had. Some vines were coming over the top from the other side and the rest were growing on Ms D's side out of the wall. They went behind a trellis, up the wall and through some spiky anti-climb furniture at the top. There were cables running through the vines too, so there was potential danger with each snip and slice.

The pair couldn't reach the top of the wall nor the anti-climb thing, so they tried to cut the high lines off by snapping or cutting lower down. With a mix of pulling, chopping and slicing, most of the vines and branches were taken down, without damaging the wires. There was enough time at the end to weed between the slabs and sweep up the mess of leaves and branches to fill 6 black bags.

The mission that looked challenging at the start ended up with a good result, even if it would've been much easier with a step ladder and some shears.

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