0 Month Streak
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4 Month Streak
Sun 30th Jun at 8:00pm
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
A few goodgym people did some litter picking in June.
Sally and Jacqui said Sally and I did this month's litterpick on Hampstead Heath yesterday. The Kite Festival was on.đȘ
Paul My bit done âŠ
As it is London Rivers Week it seemed appropriate to do some river based plogging. I picked up about half a black sack of litter in my wander along the current flood plain of the Ravensbourne between Deptford and Lewisham. I was also armed with secateurs so was able to cut back a lot of brambles as I went. Thanks for listing
Paul Salman did his pick on Saturday 29th June
With my dog Gus at my side, we set off on a mission. Armed with bags, gloves, and a sense of adventure, we ventured to Chesil Beach Dorset, determined to make it sparkle by picking up litter left behind by fishermen and late-night revelers.
We started our trek through the grassy fields leading to the beach. The morning greeted us with warm, golden light, and the sea, calm with a greenish hue, reflected the perfect summer day. It felt like a special moment, just wandering along the beach with Gus, ready to make a difference.
The beach offered a treasure trove of litter, each piece with its own untold story. Among the highlights were beer cans, a testament to unfinished fun, and two pairs of swimming trunks, left behind like forgotten mementos of a swim. The most intriguing find was a T-shirt from Japan, adorned with Japanese hieroglyphics and looking like it had traveled quite a distance. International beachwear, perhaps?
By the end of our litter-picking spree, we had filled three bags with rubbish. Notably, one bag bore the label "Barnet, London." A shout-out to Barnet Council â we're helping out Dorset with your contributions!
Walking along Chesil Beach, with the sea's gentle murmur and the warm sun overhead, picking up litter felt less like a chore and more like a gratifying adventure. Each piece of trash we collected added to the narrative of our morning. Gus, as always, was the perfect partner, adding a touch of canine charm to the task.
It was a successful mission accomplished! Chesil Beach is a bit cleaner, and our spirits are a bit higher. Here's to more GoodGym adventures and making a positive impact, one piece of litter at a time.
Until next time, happy running and picking!
litter picking while I was in Suffolk for a few days last week. Always sad how much litter is discarded in country lanes, despite not being near any houses. This sweet wrapper was just across the lane from these lovely orchids. Best wishes Katy
Sun 30th Jun at 8:00pm
Mon 6th May at 11:45am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
A few GoodGym members helped with some citizen science for local rivers. Hereâs what Paul had to say.
I spent 15-20 minutes by the River Quaggy in Lewisham then completed a short survey; itâs a small, urban river which meanders behind houses and through parks. My observation point was a point by a small waterfall in a park where the sound of the water drowns out most of the other sounds.
Thanks
Paul
Mon 6th May at 11:45am
Engage in a citizen science survey learning and doing
Read moreTue 23rd Apr at 6:00pm
Hackney Report written by Sooz
Eight awesome GoodGymmers got down to Hackney City Farm for some forking, shovelling, digging and shifting as we moved compost across the farm.
The farm is re-building one of its composting areas with some colourful new pallets so we needed to re-site the compost before the next task: building the new composter!
Huge props to Alicia for coming down to her first session and getting properly stuck in!!
Jacqui, Lucy, Alicia and Alice got started on the digging and loading; Sooz and John heading back and forth with the barrows, whilst Emre and Dan got on with re-siting the compost.
Massive team effort, and weâre now more than halfway through the re-siting and the compost is looking gooood!
Mon 4th Mar at 6:45pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Slow Ways is a website launched in 2021 which enables users to plot a route between two settlements in the United Kingdom. The routes are not intended to be the fastest route possible, but rather encourage walkers to rediscover unused footpaths and engage in more leisurely walks.
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon met with keen runners from a variety of different Goodgym boroughs at the Arsenal Community Hub for a slightly different version of our classic group run. Our objective for the evening was to review a previously submitted "Slow Ways" route listed on the official nationwide pedestrian mapping website. Together, we were planning on running the full course, and to publish feedback on whether we could recommend the route or not.
We ran to Highbury and Islington Underground station, and then ran through Highbury Fields to start the Slow Ways for Highbury and Islington to Wood Green aka (WooHig 2). Bouncing up and down the slopes of North London, we passed the original Emirates Stadium before approaching Arsenal Tube Station. Our map was encouraging us to run through Gillespie Park Nature Reserve- however we made the decision not do due to a lack of lighting. This was highlighted as a consideration for fellow night-time travellers on the Slow Ways website page.
Next stop, Finsbury Park, with new and improved flood lights installed for the community. This made such a difference, and we all felt safe to run through even at night. The famous Harringay Ladder loomed at the bottom of Green Lanes (just beyond the New River Path). This is a well known running segment developed by teammates at London Heathside AC- a 10km challenge that covers the inclines and declines between Green Lanes and Turnpike Lane. Luckily, we were running up the Harringay Passage instead- a lovely cut through corridor that passes through over 21 streets!
Upon reaching Turnpike Lane, we started to see city streets and shops again for the first time- we knew that Wood Green high street was close by. Sure enough, we completed our full approximately 5 mile run outside Wood Green Station- successfully reviewing a Slow Ways. Well done everyone!
To celebrate, our crew enjoyed some delicious cuisine at Ezra's Kitchen along with some much appreciated refreshments. Excellent work!
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 7th March- Paddington Rec Track, Maida Vale Underground station
Thursday 14th March- Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Underground station
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Thursday 21st March- Paddington Rec Track, Maida Vale Underground station
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Thursday 28th March- Stratford Olympic Park, Stratford Underground station (Westfield exit)
ON Running Spitalfields run club- Thursday morning wake up runs!
Thursday 29th February, 7am, ON Running Spitalfields, Brushfield Street
Area Activator Simon has set up a series of morning runs, hosted on Thursday mornings at the new ON Running store in Spitalfields market.
A social 5km before work, with the option to take out a pair of ON Running shoes for a test spin.
Next run is on Thursday 7th March:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/on-running-spitalfields-group-classic-5km-social
Slow Ways and Goodgym Islington Social
Monday 4th March, 6.45pm onwards, Arsenal Community Hub
For our first group run of March, we will be reviewing a running route for the Slow Ways mapping network, starting in Highbury and Islington, and finishing in Wood Green. Great social running times!
And afterwards, we are planning on visiting Ezra's Cafe in Wood Green for refreshments, food and chat
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-ezra-s-kitchen
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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
Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 9th March, 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 (March)
Saturday 16th March, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens
Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-march
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Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 16th March, 11am - 1pm, 85-87 Wood Vale, Highgate Woods
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-march-2024
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 31st March, 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.
Sun 11th Feb at 10:30am
Camden Report written by Alex Murtough (he/him)
This friendly and lovely group caught the early-bird worm this morning, as we walked, ran, and explored Regent's Park's inner pathways and outer rings.
Some of us were catching up, whilst others were getting to know each other, and we shared stories along our morning movements.
After 35 minutes, we took a table - shared teas, coffees, and juices - and enjoyed a few Midday moments in a sun that felt more than a little like spring :)
Thanks for this morning, all, and here's to the next one!!
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