GoodGym Islington
"Wood You Believe It? Playground Gets a Chip-Tastic Makeover!"
Monday 2nd December
Written by Islington runner
I asked ChatGPT to write the title. I also asked it to write our run report using the following prompt, 'Write a paragraph about Sally and Alison helping Eslam to lay woodchip on a playground'.
Sally and Alison were excited to help Eslam transform the playground into a safer, more vibrant space for the kids. Armed with shovels and rakes, they worked together to spread the fresh woodchip across the playground, carefully ensuring even coverage. Eslam, who had started the project, smiled as he saw his friends jump in, their energy contagious as they laughed and joked while laying the chips. With every scoop, the area started to look brighter, the soft woodchip creating a cushiony surface that would protect the children during play. It was hard work, but the trio knew it was worth it, knowing their efforts would bring joy and safety to the community.
Pruning in the Rain
Sunday 1st December
Written by anne malcolm
Miss K was expecting to move home this year and with reduced mobility in her hand, had stopped looking after the garden. However, the planned house move has been rescheduled for a year or two, so the garden needed some attention to make it less of a jungle and trip hazard.
Rob and Anne arrived just as the rain started, but undeterred, grabbed Miss K's tools and got started. First for the chop was the 'small' buddleia, perfectly positioned to poke the unassuming passerby in the eye. Once reduced to hip height, it was time to cut the climbers back, at least enough so the Miss K could see out her windows again.
With the rain getting heavier and heavier, the ladders came out to reduce the height of some larger bushes. After a good hour, with gardening gloves soaked through and the rain running down the inside of our waterproofs, it was time to we raked and clear up, and headed off in search of a hot cuppa and dry clothes!
Running with Retrievers
Thursday 28th November
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
The team from Achilles International UK had a smashing group run last night at Stratford Olympic Park. Thanks again to all of the guide running and supporting volunteers from the London running community and to our Goodgym crew! Well done to first timers Tilly, Grace and Richard for your help in guiding and dog watching!
Where there's a Wheel, there's a Way
Tuesday 26th November
Written by anne malcolm
Mr J has been bed bound for almost a year. GoodGym were asked to move some furniture to make space for a recliner chair and hoist so that Mr J can get out of bed again.
An antique chaise, an antique table and a modern upright cupboard were all to be moved from the main living room to a spare room at the other end of the hall. Two medium sized chest of drawers were also to be taken from the bedroom upstairs and placed outside for collection.
Bianca had got held up at work and would join asap. However, with a limited window before Mr J's carers arrived, it was important to get started immediately. Amazingly, I wasn't alone. Mr J's wife, Mrs M, helped steer and lift. For the record, Mrs M is a trooper and has earned her own GoodGym t-shirt!
We were doing admirably but I must admit, I was delighted to discover that the tall cupboard was on wheels!
Bianca was on hand to help move the chest of drawers outside ready for collection and the whole task was complete, with 6 minutes to spare, in time for the carers arriving.
Armchair Ride.
Tuesday 26th November
Written by Nick Moore
"He says it may be a bit tight getting the chair through the door but it came in that way so it must be able to go out as well!" are the words that strike fear and trepidation into any GoodGym furniture shifting missioner...
At first glance the armchair did look a bit larger than the door frame, but we quickly discovered it was sitting on a raised plastic pedestal, and that actually it was quite light, and it was on wheels.
Once Mr S had described where the collection point was, David and I quickly had the chair out of the living room, through the various front doors, and fighting the temptation to give the chair a test drive down the Holloway Road in the morning sunshine, we turned right and right again, and soon had it parked neatly next to the bins.
Jute-y Free
Monday 25th November
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon was thrilled to go for a (slightly chilly) run with Mehmet and Emily (congratulations on your half marathon in Richmond!) up Sussex Way and over to the Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground. About 1.8 miles from the Arsenal Hub to Sunnyside Community Gardens, and short walk to find this unique new planting space.
Down a quiet corridor by Hazellville Road, we found the gardens built upon a former basketball court in the middle of a housing estate. Right on time, we heard an Islington Council electric bicycle, and Eslam appeared around the corner, with access keys, jute coffee sacks, bags of chaff and collected leaves on board. We made our way in, and got started!
Our task for the evening involved contributing towards the big overall project- filling the whole playground with quality soil for local residents. Together, we used some sturdy donated jute bags (provided by The Roasting Shed and Allpress Coffee) to collect up fallen leaves from Sunnyside Community Gardens for future composting and mulching. We were also provided with "chaff", the lovely soft produce created by roasting coffee cherries that also works really well as a fertiliser (and smells wonderful!). Over the course of an hour, we had filled up at least 20 full bags between us, making a great heads start for the residents spring time composting.
To celebrate the end of November, we had a gathering at Rusty Thai cafe just off Hornsey Rise, well regarded for delicious noodles and hot soups on cold days! Well done 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!
28th November- Stratford Olympic Park
5th December- Paddington Rec Track
12th December- Emirates Stadium
19th December- Paddington Rec Track (and Post Run Xmas Party- The Carlton Tavern)
Green Guardians Weekly Workdays
Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am - 12 midday, Wednesdays, Fridays and occasional Saturdays
Community garden volunteer drop in sessions organised by a collection of specialists and tutors across the borough. Always day time, with occasional weekend meetings throughout Autumn.
The next sessions are as follows:
Wednesday 27th November, 10am - 12 midday, Newington Green
Friday 29th November, 12 - 2pm midday, Market Road Gardens
Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!
Tuesday 26th November, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House
On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.
Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!
The People's Army- Food Parcel Deliveries
Friday 29th November, 2pm - 4pm, Cressida Road, Archway
The team at The People's Army food bank and community hub are seeking more volunteers for their busy service.
Every Friday, care parcels are prepared for isolated individuals and families in the Archway and Islington boroughs, and delivered by amazing volunteers.
Any assistance for deliveries on foot or by bicycle would be hugely appreciated.
JENKI Matcha with ON Running Spitalfields Group (November)
Thursday 5th December, 7 - 7.30am, ON Running Spitalfields
Every 1st Thursday morning of the month, ON Running Spitalfields and JENKI Matcha Café on Brushfield Street will be hosting a 5km social paced group run through East London and by St Katherine's Dock.
Meeting at ON Running Spitalfields store at 7am (Bag drop, community shoe try ones, run register, chat and catch up!)
Matcha and hot drinks on offer at special run club discount!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/jenki-matcha-with-on-running-spitalfields-group-november
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Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session
Saturday 14th 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.
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (December)
Saturday 21st 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.
First Post-Xmas Group Run- Islington Street-O Challenge!
Monday 30th December, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub
For our first session back after Christmas, Goodgym Islington have set up our first local treasure hunt style challenge, based on the "Street-O" orienteering concept.
All participants will be given a map, a series of questions and 60 minutes to fill in as many answers as possible.
Work solo or in groups, running or walking. Just return within 60 minutes or receive a time penalty!
Followed by a trip to The Lamb to tally up results and to enjoy some chat and refreshments.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-special-street-o-challenge
Met League Cross Country Series- Goodgym Race Team
Various locations, October 2024 - February 2025
Met League Cross Country is a set of five 7-8km races organised by London race clubs. They are held in parks and forests around London with the routes including a mixture of grass, gravel and a fair bit of mud (it is XC after all!)
Sign up to the Goodgym Race Team for £15, and enter ALL 5 RACES for the bargain price of £20!
Newbies encouraged and welcomed- the most fun you can have running over the Winter months!
Fixtures
30th November Uxbridge https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-uxbridge
11th January Welwyn Garden City https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-stanborough-park
8th February Trent Park https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-trent-park
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