Excited to meet new people :)
1 Month Streak
2 Month Streak
Mon 22nd Jul at 6:45pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Area Activator Simon caught up with Luke and Mehmet on a glorious Monday evening at the Arsenal Community Hub- still hitting mid 20° Celsius. Toasty running weather for a social run to the Camden Estate Community Gardens just off York Way- a new task location set up through a Goodgym HQ referral. Together, we enjoyed a jog and chat down George's Road, and through Caledonian Park. The park is due to host a lovely local festival in a few weeks- the Caledonian Park Clocktower Festival on Sunday 4th August (find out more here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-clocktower-festival-tickets-923144619407).
Upon our arrival, we met with gardening volunteer Alain, and fellow Goodgymmers Anne, Alison, Martin and Dan. Our objective for the evening was to completely blitz an old plot of soil of any green waste and weeds (using hoes, forks, spades and trowels) ready for use by community gardeners. A huge job for a single person, but a far quicker effort by our enthusiastic crew! Throughout our session, we were observed by friendly cats, balcony dogs and curious children, wondering what the red shirted people were up to!
Planting highlights in the Camden Estate Community Gardens included a former bathtub made into a planter for cauliflowers, loads of beds full of chard, kale and spinach, a beautiful apple tree and a collection of handmade wooden children's toys being fixed around the tool shed. Within 50 minutes, our team had made a full transformation of the planting bed- absolutely excellent efforts everyone!
Next week we will return to Timbuktu Adventure Playground. Sign up here to get involved!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-return-trip-to-timbuktu-adventure-playground
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 25th July- Battersea Park
Thursday 1st August- Arsenal Emirates Stadium
Thursday 8th August- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 15th August- 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
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 28th July, 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.
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
Mon 22nd Jul at 6:45pm
Helping at Rowstock Gardens to prepare for future planting projects
Read moreMon 8th Jul at 6:45pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
The changeable showery Summertime weather continues on this Monday evening, where Area Activator Simon met with Goodgym runners Luke, Mehmet, Effie and first timer Sophie just outside the Arsenal Community Hub. Between us, we had enjoyed weekends of half marathon training, rainy parkrun events and meeting new babies for the first time! After a dynamic warm up, we set off up Hornsey Rise and Sussex Way towards Timbuktu Adventure Playground.
After a 1.2 mile run, we met with Emily, Dan and task owner Eslam (Thank you for having us) at the entrance to an impressive play area (a large wooden pirate ship structure, with climbing holds, a high swing and trampolines). Our plan for the evening was to use the shovels, forks and rakes provided to turn all of the bark chip around the playground- bringing oxygen to the soil and making the surface as soft and safe as possible for visiting families.
Together, our crew spread out across the play ground- Dan and Mehmet scooping on one side, Effie and Sophie on the other, with Emily raking wherever the ground needed to be evened out. Within 45 minutes (and a bit of a rain shower), almost all of the woodchuck in the play area had been turned out, ready for the staff to see tomorrow morning. Great job everyone!
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 11th July- Green Park
Thursday 18th July- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 25th July- Battersea Park
Thursday 1st August- Arsenal Emirates Stadium
Post Group Run Social- The Victoria, Holloway Road
Monday 15th July, 8.45pm, Holloway Road
After our group run to Thornhill Square Gardens on Monday evening, we are planning on visiting The Victoria pub for £7 pizzas, refreshments and good times!
Sign up here to get involved:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-victoria-tavern-holloway-road
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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 13th July, 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!
Saucony London 10km Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 14th July, 7.30am - 1pm, The Sanctuary, Westminster
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
The objective is to have 40 volunteers for each station, handing out water to thirsty runners as they pass by.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers
Barmet AC Golden Stag Mile at Finsbury Park Track
Friday 19th July, 6.30pm onwards, Finsbury Park Track
Come and try the greatest track distance, the mile!
Now in its ninth year, the races are graded so that you get to race people of a similar ability as we love a close finish. Previous editions have seen British, European, and even World age group records.
The races start at 18:30. At the end of the night the final races will decide the Golden Stag Mile titles for 2024.
Entries for the Golden Stag Mile will remain open until 7th July, or until the races are full. Races will be seeded based on your predicted time.
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (July)
Saturday 20th July, 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 21st July, 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-july-2024
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 28th July, 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.
Mon 8th Jul at 6:45pm
Helping to contribute to the upkeep of this wonderful children's playground
Read moreMon 24th Jun at 6:45pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Area Activator Simon, Maggie and Luke met outside the Arsenal Community Hub on a warm sunny summer evening, ready for a smashing run across the borough. Together, we ran towards Thornhill Square Gardens, a beautiful green idyll off Caledonian Road to meet with resident gardening expert, Anna.
Spades, forks, trowels and watering cans were set out for us in advance, as we had a variety of tasks available. We began with planting new sun flowers in two flowerbeds in the centre of the park, after pouring plenty of water on hard dry soil and digging appropriate holes. Maggie then used edging tools and trowels to chip away at excess green weeds growing from the walls lining the pathways (while avoiding footballs and petting dogs!). Luke and Simon filled wheelbarrows with bark chip and spread the material into flowerbeds across the park. The plan was to regulate moisture from excessive rainfall to protect new plants while they grow!
Wonderful run everyone, and excellent gardening goodness in Thornhill Square Gardens this evening!
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 27th June- Emirates Stadium
Thursday 4th July- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 11th July- Green 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
--------------------------------------‐-------
Assitants 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!
------------------------------------------‐---
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 6th July-
-------------------‐------------------------
Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 13th July, 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!
Saucony London 10km Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 14th July, 7.30am - 1pm, The Sanctuary, Westminster
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
The objective is to have 40 volunteers for each station, handing out water to thirsty runners as they pass by.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers
Barmet AC Golden Stag Mile at Finsbury Park Track
Friday 19th July, 6.30pm onwards, Finsbury Park Track
Come and try the greatest track distance, the mile!
Now in its ninth year, the races are graded so that you get to race people of a similar ability as we love a close finish. Previous editions have seen British, European, and even World age group records.
The races start at 18:30. At the end of the night the final races will decide the Golden Stag Mile titles for 2024.
Entries for the Golden Stag Mile will remain open until 7th July, or until the races are full. Races will be seeded based on your predicted time.
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (July)
Saturday 20th July, 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 21st July, 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-july-2024
Mon 24th Jun at 6:45pm
Joining the lovely resident gardeners at Thornhill Square Gardens for an evening of composting, watering and maintenance
Read moreMon 17th Jun at 6:45pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Area Activator Simon was thrilled to catch up with Laura, Sarah and Luke at the Arsenal Community Hub on this gloriously sunny Monday evening. Particularly as this was the first group run session led by Simon since his injury 12 weeks ago! Together, our crew warmed up with a series of dynamic running specific exercises on the Emirates Slopes, before running 1.5 miles to The Rose Bowl Youth Club, passing through Highbury Fields on route.
Upon our arrival, we met with Caitlin and task coordinator Dawn, a legend at the youth club. We were taken through to the main playground space, while making our way through a crowd of local figures and representatives of the Islington borough, here to network for community opportunities. It was awesome to introduce Goodgym Islington as a concept to a lot more people!
Our task for the evening was to spruce up the main playground and football pitch by weeding the grounds as efficiently as possible, and sweeping the entirety of the outdoors area before visitors arrive tomorrow. Luke handled the upper decks with ease, while everyone else cracked on with the play area- chipping away at moss, weeds and green waste that started to grow wild after the heavy rains and warm weather. Together, we completely transformed the space within 45 minutes!
Our final job for the evening involved dropping off about 12 bags of construction debris and 2 old chairs over to an official drop off point for Islington Council. No problem at all for our Islington crew. As a Thank You for our efforts, we were invited up to the beautiful open rooftop at the top of the Rose Bowl to enjoy some fruit nibbles, chilled sparking water and treats before running back to Emirates Stadium together. Well done everyone, great job!
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 20th June- Battersea Park
Thursday 27th June- Emirates Stadium
Thursday 4th July- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 11th July- Green 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
--------------------------------------‐-------
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!
------------------------------------------‐---
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 22nd June-
Saturday 6th July-
-------------------‐------------------------
Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 13th July, 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!
Saucony London 10km Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 14th July, 7.30am - 1pm, The Sanctuary, Westminster
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
The objective is to have 40 volunteers for each station, handing out water to thirsty runners as they pass by.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (July)
Saturday 20th July, 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 21st July, 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-july-2024
Mon 17th Jun at 6:45pm
A run together to The Rose Bowl Youth Centre near Canonbury!
Read moreMon 3rd Jun at 6:30pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On a lovely mild Monday evening, Goodgymmers Luke and Simon met up (a bit earlier than usual) at the Arsenal Community Hub on Benwell Road for our weekly group run session. Together, we ran approximately 1 mile to up Whistler Street, across Highbury Fields and towards Union Chapel, meeting with Anne, Emily and Jo upon arrival.
Lovely gardening volunteer Elise of Compton Terrace Gardens was thrilled to see an excellent crew of Goodgymmers down for a special Monday evening session, ready to help in the lead up to Islington in Bloom. Our objective for the evening was to create a clean edge around the main pathway through this beautiful public park- clipping away any excess grass and weeds before the area is assessed for the competition. We used a mix of gardening hoes, edging tools, grass knives and wire brushes to clear the extra foliage over the course of 50 minutes.
We were really happy to be able to complete our task within the alloted timeframe- super satisfying, well done!
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 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
---------------------------------------‐--‐--
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:
--------------------------------------‐-------
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 22nd June-
Saturday 6th July-
-------------------‐------------------------
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
---------------------------‐---------------
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!
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