Elizabeth House Food Hub
109 GoodGymers have supported Elizabeth House Food Hub with 60 tasks.
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Upcoming sessions
Monday 28th October 2024 6:15pm - 8:00pm
Previous sessions
Another Good Turn and a Berry Nice Reward
Saturday 31st August
Written by anne malcolm
Two Goodgymmers were back on hand today, helping the community gardeners at Highbury Quadrant.
After giving a young apricot tree a good drink, the goodgymmers were introduced to the compost heaps where fresh cuttings from the garden were dug and turned into the the existing heap to help speed up the composting process. A local robin joined in a supervisory role.
Then, following a quick introduction to the tiger worms in the wormery, and the 'hot box' full of not-tiger-worms, the next task was to water the plants and raised beds.
There was still time left to harvest the ripe tomatoes and pinch back the basil plants in the greenhouse to encourage new growth.
As we worked, we were offered raspberries and black currants fresh from the garden, and we left with a wonderfully fragrant stash of rosemary, basil and tomatoes to enjoy at home.
Goodgym Islington gets Carried away
Monday 19th August
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
It was a joy to return to Elizabeth House Food Hub on Monday evening, for our final visit of the Summer Holidays. Area Activator Simon was joined by 3 runners (including first timer Sebastian- welcome!) at the Arsenal Community Hub. After a few warm up drills on the slopes, we made our way up the Highbury Hills for a 1 mile jaunt to the food bank. On our route, we bumped into Katie, and encouraged her to join our crew!
Upon our arrival, we had to opportunity to catch up about our weekend adventures (meet ups with relatives, camping outside the city, trips to watch Taylor Swift!). We met with the lovely Roshni (who was celebrating her final shift at Elizabeth House before moving to a new project- we will miss you!), who directed us to a collection of carrier bags full of essential supplies for local residents. Caitlin even brought 3 years of discarded carriers bags from her former landlord to the centre, ready for future deliveries. We are always looking for more if you have any in your cupboards!
The food hub operates like a supermarket of donated and overstocked food from a variety of sources, and many Arsenal residents visit to do regular shopping of vital items for the week. Some community members are less able to visit the food hub in person, so our Goodgym team assist be dropping the parcels off in person. Our groups of 3 made short work of these heavy carrier bags, and returned in ample time to help with the clear up and deep clean of the hub.
Together, we returned all of the long-life foods back to the pantry for later dates, and then closed down and moved folding tables away after cleaning them down. We also helped with clearing delivery crates out to a less crowded location, and swept the floors ready for kid's summer holiday activities on Tuesday!
Congratulations on a job well done, everyone! We even had the opportunity to take home some organic allotment grown vegetables and baguettes to celebrate a top job.
See you all at Caledonian Park next Monday!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-caledonian-park-bank-holiday-special
Delivery Runs and Donated Buns
Monday 5th August
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On warm summer's Monday evening (a bit earlier than usual!), our Goodgym crew met outside the Arsenal Community Hub, ready to help put at a smashing community food bank task. Area Activator Simon led a short dynamic warm up on the Emirates Slopes (with 5 regular GG runners, and first timer Lara- welcome!), before running approximately 1.2 miles together. We tackled Highbury Hill, and enjoyed a decent descent down to Hurlock Street, ready with the team at this busy local food project.
The volunteers at Elizabeth House Food Hub operate a system that allows anyone in the neighbourhood to join a scheme, and visit a supermarket style space to collect donated and organically grown food. Goodgym Islington joined in by taking pre-prepared delivery bundles for residents who are unable to physically visit the food hub on their own (elderly neighbours, families, those with limited mobility for example). We separated into groups to drop off the parcels, after ringing each of the residents in advance.
Following the final orders from the food bank, we then helped the team with clearing up for the next days activities. Crates of canned goods and hardy vegetables where taken back to the kitchen area, and all surfaces were cleaned and disassembled. Any perishable food was offered to any volunteers on hand, so we had the chance to run home with plenty of bread rolls, leafy greens, peppers and cherry tomatoes grown locally!
Fantastic efforts everyone- we will return to Elizabeth House on Monday 19th August (6.15pm Arsenal Community Hub, 6.30pm Elizabeth House)
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
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!
Thursday 8th August- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 15th August- Green Park
Thursday 22nd August- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 29th August- Battersea Park
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The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Wednesday mornings, 10am - midday, Newington Green
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
POST GROUP SESSION SOCIAL- Area Activator Simon celebrates 5 years!
Monday 12th August, 8.45pm, Someday Canteen, Finsbury Park
Area Activator Simon (formerly Trainer Simon) began leading sessions for Goodgym Islington 5 years ago, taking the reins from Goodgym legend Paul Bown (still active in GG Sheffield).
We invite you for good food, excellent refreshments and fun times at Someday Canteen. A pleasant 20 min walk from The Arsenal Community Hub, after our scheduled task!
Highbury Quadrant Greening with Elizabeth House
Every Saturday, 10.30am - 12 midday, Highbury Quadrant Meadow
A fantastic task for post-parkrun runners at Highbury Fields or Finsbury Park!
Elizabeth House Community Centre, in partnership with Islington Council, Highbury Quadrant Tenants and Residents Association, Highbury Councillors and community organisations transformed three unloved and unusable green spaces on Highbury Quadrant estate.
These green spaces have been designed into three distinct spaces, improving bio-diversity and the local environment. There is now a beautiful meadow, an orchard and woodland areas.
Local residents have the opportunity to access these green spaces and take part in gardening and nature based activities, every Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm.
Saturday 3rd August
Saturday 10th August
Saturday 17th August
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 18th August, 11am - 1pm, Hanley Tennis Club Car Park, Greenways
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 25th August, 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.
Camino Ultra London Lee Valley Eco Trail- Aid Station Superstars
Saturday 5th October, 9am onwards, Ranger's Retreat, Chingford DaznBone (aka Darren Strachan and David Bone) and the Camino Ultra team are putting together the logistics for their next 50km ultra race (running from Wanstead Flats, up the green corridor to Epping Forest and back), and have invited the Goodgym crew to get involved!
On the course, there will be 4 major aid stops, and we have been invited to take over the first refresh point and the penultimate aid station.
This will involve providing water and snacks to runners of all abilities during the key stages of their race, and to support them with smiling faces and enthusiasm!
Goodgym Race Team Big 4- Love Luton RunFest 2024
Sunday 13th October, 8.45am onwards, Luton Town Centre
This 5k, 10k, and half marathon around the streets of Luton is a popular road race with GoodGym. Join us for this 4th and final official GoodGym race team race of 2024. Big Goodgym running crew meet up to be expected!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/love-luton-love-luton-runfest-2024
Water on tap
Saturday 3rd August
Written by Dan Dunn (He/ him)
We arrived and the sun came out as we divided and watered the community gardens, which included apple, pear trees and berry plants, giving them a well earned drink. 🍎 🍐 🫐 💦
How do I LOG a Goodgym mission? I'm STUMPED...
Monday 27th May
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Area Activator Simon met up with Caitlin, Emily and Mehmet for a special Bank Holiday edition group session, starting in Clissold Park on a lovely bright Monday evening. Instead of our usual group run to a task location, Simon set up a series of fitness games instead of our usual dynamic warm up at Emirates Stadium.
Game 1- Cups and Cones
Each of our runners are given an equal number of sports cones, and lay them out facing base upwards (like a cup) around their "base".
Within 3 minutes, each of our runners try to flip over as many of the opponents "cones" as possible, while they flip them back to "cup" position. The winner is the person with the most "cups" remaining.
Game 2- Wild Cards
Area Activator Simon brought a pack of cards for this game, and allocated the following suits to different core circuit exercises:
Diamonds- "Bird Dog" x 10 (5 on each side)
Spades- "Lunge Ups" x 10 (5 on each side)
Hearts- Seated March x 20 (10 on each leg)
Clubs- Hamstring Sweeps x 10 (5 for each side)
Royalty- Squat Jumps x 5
Our participants were given 5 minutes to complete as many exercises as they could, while running a recovery jog around a tree between each draw of a card.
Highbury Quadrant Estate Gardens
After our workout session, we walked together to the lovely Highbury Quadrant Estate Meadows, meeting with Frannie, Elizabeth House's gardening expert (and briefly an adorable 11 month old Border Terrier pup called Betty!). Together, we were given the final batch of flyers for the upcoming London Open Gardens Festival, on 7th-8th June. A unique opportunity to visit private and community garden spaces all across the capital.
https://londongardenstrust.org/whatson/london-open-gardens-2024/
And our team delivered these across the immediate tower blocks surrounding Highbury Quadrant, up and down the mezzanine steps. Done and dusted in no time!
As an extra task for the evening, we made our way over to the community orchard, where a large pile of logs had been donated by a local tree surgeon. So we laid out a very smart looking edge around the wildflower gardens to establish a pathway through the orchard. Ready for visitors at London Open Gardens in two weeks time!
Well done everyone. I hope you had a smashing Bank Holiday!
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GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
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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!
Thursday 30th May- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 6th June- Green Park
Thursday 13th June- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 20th June- Battersea Park
The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Wednesday mornings, 10am - midday, Newington Green
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
Camden Estate Community Food Gardens- Rostock Gardens
Sunday 2nd June, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Rostock Gardens
A special referral from Camden Estate Community Food Gardens!
The team are looking for some Goodgym help to dig over a small patch of ground to get it ready for planting.
Other tasks include:
Cleaning the greenhouse
Treating the wooden decking area with protective varnish
If possible, planting up a collection of veg plants!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/camden-estate-community-food-gardens-rostock-gardens
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Lighthouse Community Group- Uplifting a new living space for residents!- Morning Task
The Lighthouse Foundation sent a special referral to Goodgym Islington!
The team will be meeting at over Evershot Street, Stroud Green for an early morning, pre-work task!
This location is in need of some attention, ready for new residents to move in.
Expected tasks would include:
Clearing the space as best we can
Moving few heavy things around to new locations
Tending to the garden space at the back
Wednesday 5th June:
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/evershot-community-building-up-challenge-morning-task
Wednesday 12th June:
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Highbury Quadrant Greening with Elizabeth House
Every Saturday, 10.30am - 12 midday, Highbury Quadrant Meadow
A fantastic task for post-parkrun runners at Highbury Fields or Finsbury Park!
Elizabeth House Community Centre, in partnership with Islington Council, Highbury Quadrant Tenants and Residents Association, Highbury Councillors and community organisations transformed three unloved and unusable green spaces on Highbury Quadrant estate.
These green spaces have been designed into three distinct spaces, improving bio-diversity and the local environment. There is now a beautiful meadow, an orchard and woodland areas.
Local residents have the opportunity to access these green spaces and take part in gardening and nature based activities, every Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm.
Saturday 1st June-
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Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 8th June, 10am - midday, Union Chapel, Islington
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.
A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (June)
Saturday 15th June, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens
Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task!
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 16th June, 11am - 1pm, Hanley Tennis Club Car Park, Greenways
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-june-2024
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Dulwich Runners- Midsummer Relays 2024
Wednesday 19th June, 6.45 - 8.45pm, Dulwich Park
Dulwich Runners have a proud history of organising summer races in Dulwich Park to support and publicise the Club in the South London community.
Goodgym are planning on entering at least one relay team to this awesome grass roots event!
Feel free to organise teams of 3 in advance, or we can try to form teams of individuals from sign ups to this page.
All abilities welcomed and encouraged!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/dulwich-runners-midsummer-relays-2024
Guide Runners and Supporters needed for Metro Blind Sport Athletics 2024
Sunday 29th June, 10am - 5pm, Mile End Athletics Track
We are proud of the Metro Games, the only remaining national athletics event specifically for visually impaired people. It’s a great opportunity to take part in athletics at a great facility, have fun, making new friends and catching up with some old friends!
All abilities, ages and sight levels are welcome!
We DEED It!
Monday 13th May
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
After a glorious weekend of spring time sunshine, we were thrilled to meet up for our weekly Monday group session back at the Arsenal Community Hub. Simon, Mehmet, Dan and Caitlin performed a series of warm up dynamic exercises o the Emirates Stadium slopes before running 1 mile up Highbury Hill and over to Highbury Quadrant Estate Gardens.
It is our pleasure to congratulate Dan on joining us for 50 sessions, and Caitlin for joining us for 100 sessions! An awesome achievement, and I hope you both continue to run with us for many more!
Upon our arrival, we caught up with Emily, Alison and Lucia in the Highbury Quadrant Meadow. Frannie, one of the busiest gardening coordinators in the borough (who is now working for Elizabeth House!) and resident gardener Peter, set us a collection of tasks along the newly developed wild flower spaces. Group 1 were taken to the orchard with wheelbarrows and shovels, and helped with moving freshly cultivated compost into flowerbeds (while trying not to spook a curious fox friend next door).
Group 2 stayed in the main wildflower plot (super lush and green after the sun and heavy rains), and helped with clearing a pathway using clippers and secateurs through the forest. Together, we also assisted with moving some heavy logs and branches away from the entrance way, so residents can visit soon.
More work will be coming soon to prepare to the London Open Parks Festival on 8th and 9th June- follow the link for more information:
https://londongardenstrust.org/
Smashing work everyone. We all took the opportunity to travel back to The Emirates Stadium (walking, running and cycling) before heading to The Highbury Library bottle shop in Drayton Park to celebrate our achievements over the last month. Awesome stuff!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
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!
Thursday 16th May- Battersea Park
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/achilles-international-vi-guide-running-battersea-park
Thursday 23rd May- Emirates Stadium
Thursday 30th May- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 6th June- Green Park
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The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Wednesday mornings, 10am - midday, Newington Green
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
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Highbury Quadrant Greening with Elizabeth House
Every Saturday, 10.30am - 12 midday, Highbury Quadrant Meadow
A fantastic task for post-parkrun runners at Highbury Fields or Finsbury Park!
Elizabeth House Community Centre, in partnership with Islington Council, Highbury Quadrant Tenants and Residents Association, Highbury Councillors and community organisations transformed three unloved and unusable green spaces on Highbury Quadrant estate.
These green spaces have been designed into three distinct spaces, improving bio-diversity and the local environment. There is now a beautiful meadow, an orchard and woodland areas.
Local residents have the opportunity to access these green spaces and take part in gardening and nature based activities, every Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm.
Saturday 25th May-
Saturday 1st June-
Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 8th June, 10am - midday, Union Chapel, Islington
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.
A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!
Post Group Run Social- May!
Monday 13th May, 8.45pm, The Highbury Library
Our monthly post group run meet up- at a smashing spot in Drayton Park. Join us after our trip to Highbury Quadrant Estate!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/post-group-run-social-highbury-library
The ARC Centre Riverside Gardens
Friday 17th May, 7pm, The ARC Centre, Angel
Come and help the local volunteer gardening team with some lifting and shifting on Regent's Canal. Followed by a trip to The Hanbury Arms in Packington Square!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/the-arc-centre-riverside-gardens
Night of the 10,000m PBs- Volunteer marshals for the UK athletics party of the year!
Saturday 18th May, 2pm - 10pm, Parliament Hill Track
Help the UK's premier grassroots athletic event go ahead on Parliament Hill!
The event is an annual full day of endurance distance racing with the most competitive runners on the scene. These races have been listed as part of the European 10,000m qualification criteria, so some incredible running will be on show!
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (May)
Saturday 18th May, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens
Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task!
Hackney Half Volunteer Aid Station!
Sunday 19th May, 7am - 1pm, Hackney Marshes Centre
Help our fellow runners at this incredible local half marathon party! Join the Goodgym team at an official water and aid station to cheer on the participants!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/hackney-half-aid-station-volunteering
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 19th May, 11am - 1pm, Hanley Tennis Club Car Park, Greenways
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-may-2024
British Blind Sports Walk Series- Highgate Woods
Sunday 19th May, 11am - 1pm, Highgate Underground Station
Part of a series of walks lead by British Blind Sports- social paced with local visually impaired neighbours!
This time, we will be visiting the Parkland Walk and Finsbury Park together.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/british-blind-sport-walking-group-highgate-woods
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London Orienteering Klubb- Finsbury Park Go Orienteering Event
Tuesday 21st May, The Twelve Pins, 6pm onwards
Orienteering is really great fun! All abilities running, walking and map reading.
Follow a map offered by London Orienteering Klubb, and find the "controls" (flags and scanning points) across Finsbury Park in order.
2.5km and 5km distances on offer
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-orienteering-klubb-finsbury-park
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Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 26th May, 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.
