Arc Centre
100 GoodGymers have supported Arc Centre with 65 tasks.
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Canal Canter
Friday 17th May
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Areas Activator Simon, Anne, Dan and Patrick met with lead gardening volunteer Mariana at The ARC centre on a gloriously sunny Friday evening. Together, we were tasked with a 1 hour time limit to help with moving a newly donated sack of fresh soil, over to Riverside Gardens on Regent's Canal, with the use of shovels, wheelbarrows (of varying quality!) and buckets. Each trip was approximately 400m from point to point, so we were putting in some solid wheelbarrow mileage between us!
Riverside Gardens is a lovely protected wildflower garden just off the Packington Estate. Full of flora and fauna, and cultivated to remain semi-wild. We successfully deposited almost 2/3rds of the full bag of soil between us- great progress for a big task!
We will return next week to complete the job!
Sign up here to get involved:
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/the-arc-centre-riverside-gardens-part-2
Keep PALM and Carry On
Monday 22nd January
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On a really blustery evening, Dan and Area Activator Simon met up at the Arsenal Community Hub for our Monday group run to The ARC Centre, Angel. After a dynamic warm up, we ran together to Highbury Fields, past Union Chapel, down St Mary's Church pathway and to the Packington Estate.
Upon our arrival, we met with Lucy outside the ARC centre coffee bar (open for yoga classes). This awesome community hub frequently helps out with green maintenance projects in Riverside Gardens, Union Square and along the Regent's Canal towpath. Our plan was to clear as much litter and discarded waste as possible from these three locations, using litter pickers, sturdy gloves and waste bags, especially after a night of powerful winds across London.
We began along the entrance of The ARC centre, and then walked to Regent's Canal to continue our task. Over the course of 40 minutes, we walked back to the two local parks, and filled 5 bags of rubbish within that time- super impressive! We completed our task alongside a huge palm tree in Packington Gardens, a wonderfully unexpected thing to see on a De Beauvoir estate! Well done everyone.
Goodgym Islington News
ON Running and JENKI run club- Thursday morning matcha runs!
Every Thursday, 7am, ON Running Spitalfields, Brushfield Street
Area Activator Simon has set up a series of morning runs, hosted every Thursday morning 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. Followed by complimentary matcha and hot drinks provided by the team at JENKI, Brushfield Street.
Next run is on Thursday 25th January:
Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 25th January, 6pm, Maida Vale Underground station
Every Thursday, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location. This week, we will be meeting up at Maida Vale tube station, ready to run around Paddington Rec Track. Open to runners and guides of all abilities! Follow the link to get involved:
The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Various parks and gardens on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
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
Hillside Gardens, Caxton House Next Thursday- 10am - midday
Market Road Gardens Next Friday- 10am - midday
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day- January
Sunday 28th January, 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.
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Post Group Run Social- Happy January!
Monday 29th January, 8.45pm, Memsaab Islington
Following our final group run of the January Challenge, and Frannie from Octopus Community Network's last Goodgym task, we are planning on visiting Memsaab Indian restaurant for delicious curry and refreshments!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-memsaab-islington-happy-january
ON-wards to The ARC Centre
Thursday 23rd November 2023
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Thursday evening, our Goodgym crew from all across the boroughs met with Area Activator Simon for a bonus additional group run across Shoreditch and De Bouvier estates. This time, we had the opportunity to start our run at the wonderful ON Running Spitalfields store (newly opened 3 weeks ago- East London's newest running hub). Expect more runs from this smashing location in the very near future.
On Store London Spitalfields https://g.co/kgs/MHkouJ
Dan, Harvey and John joined Simon for 2 mile run towards North London, via Pitfield Street and Shoreditch Park, before crossing the river to the Packington Estate. Mariana, the local gardening expert for The ARC Centre community hub was thrilled to see us all. Anne, Kareem and Lucy met us at the entrance to the centre, and we git cracking with the evening's task.
Our objective was to move several bags of mushroom mulch and compost from the Waterside Park near Regent's Canal, over to the prime rose bush patch just off St Paul's Street. This would require a mix of wheelbarrowing and heavy lifting to make our way over- some top team work. Upon our arrival, we then had to mix up the mulch and compost together (a ratio of 1 : 2) before spreading the mixture across the beds. This should create an excellent "blanket" for the flower beds over the winter, to save the plants for springtime.
Harvey took on an additional unexpected good deed during our wheelbarrowing journeys. A lady by the canal towpath had been stranded by her Uber, and had a lot of belongings in her possession. She asked if anyone would be willing to help her to drop these item off at her canal boat just by the next bridge. Harvey loaded up his wheelbarrow, and ferried the suitcases in no time!
Smashing job everyone- we celebrated an excellent task completed with refreshments and snacks at The Hanbury pub just off the estate. Well done all.
NEXT GROUP RUN
We will be meeting back the the Arsenal Community Hub on Monday 27th November for a trip to Caledonian Park for a top wood chip lifting and shifting task!
Sign up here for more information:
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/group-run-cally-park-bark-chip-paths
Canal pals
Wednesday 16th August 2023
Written by John Shirley
For the second time in three days, GoodGym assisted Frannie and Marianne from Octopus Community Network, removing some large, dry plants to leave space for the nicer ones., and making the canal-side space nicer for everyone.
Hose before hoes
Monday 14th August 2023
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Area Activator Simon caught up with 4 other Goodgym runners at the Arsenal Community Hub last night, prepped and prepared for a group run over to The ARC Centre and Canalside Gardens near De Beauvoir and Packington Estate. After a short warm up, we ran together past Highbury and Islington station, Compton Terrace Gardens, Canonbury Square (all previous Goodgym Islington tasks!) and down to St Paul's Street.
Frannie, the main coordinator for Octopus Community Network had already set up some tasks for Kim and Victoria, who had arrived earlier. Between us, our project was to:
- Soak all of the tree trunks around Canalside Gardens using a hosepipe, to ensure that moisture permeates through to the roots.
- Wheelbarrow as many bags of compost and mulch as possible from the glorious Riverside Gardens (next to Regent's Canal) up to Canalside Gardens.
- Spread the mulch around the plant beds and in proximity to the tree trunks to enrich the soil where necessary. Hoes and spades to be used!
Between the 8 Goodgym volunteers, we successfully prepped all of the trees ready for the possible heatwave next week! It was incredible to see such a transformation over the course of 45 minutes. Luke wheeled up the hosepipe at the end of the evening, and the rest of our team assisted with guiding the hose back the reel without any kinks or twists.
Another successful group run, concluded with a pleasant trip back to Emirates Stadium via Highbury Fields on foot. Great job everyone!
Goodgym Islington News
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Extra Goodgym Islington Wednesday Task! The ARC Centre and Canalside Gardens
Wednesday 16th August, 6pm - 8pm, The ARC Centre.
Come and help Frannie from Octopus Community Network with some great green maintenance and tree care.
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/wednesday-evening-extra-canalside-gardens-near-the-arc-centre
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Caledonian Park Junior parkrun - Summer Time Marshal Help!
The team at Caledonian Road Junior parkrun (a free weekly timed 2km run designed for youngsters and families to run safely and independently - ages 4-14) are in need of more marshals and volunteers to allow the event to happen. Many of the core helpers are away for Summer, so any assistance would be hugely appreciated. It's the best way to start a Sunday!
Sunday 13th August, 8.45am:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/volunteer-at-caledonian-junior-parkrun-summer-holiday-help-2
Sunday 20th August, 8.45am:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/volunteer-at-caledonian-junior-parkrun-summer-holiday-help-3
Sunday 27th August, 8.45am:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/volunteer-at-caledonian-junior-parkrun-summer-holiday-help-4
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Weekday Community Mission- Housing21 Aftercare and Retirement Home Gardening, Mildmay
Wednesday 16th August, 11am-2pm (flexible with times)
We had a referral through Goodgym Islington from the team at Mildmays and Housing21 regarding an ambitious gardening project for their residents. The community gardening spaces are in need of some attention for anyone who would be up for some digging, lifting and shifting! Super satisfying task!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/weekday-garden-fix-up-at-mildmays-housing21
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Goodgym x Jog On Recycling Clothes Swap and Group Run @ The Running Works
Wednesday 23rd August, 6pm, The Running Works, Aldgate
Come join us for a social group run with Goodgym and The Running Works, in collaboration with Jog On and Athletic Brewing Company! We will be hosting a clothes swap and donation drive for running and athletics kit as well. A great night to be had! https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-x-jog-on-recycling-clothes-swap-and-group-run-the-running-works
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Penn Road Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Sunday 27th August, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens, Islington
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.
Local volunteers will be on hand to direct anyone who arrives to offer their help between 10am- midday. Come on down to enjoy a lovely morning community task!
September Social- Medal Monday at The Victoria Tavern, Holloway Road
Monday 4th September, 8.45pm, The Victoria Tavern, Holloway Road
As Summer is closing in, we thought we would take the opportunity to celebrate the running or exercise achievements we have completed during this time, especially with The Big Half over the weekend.
Come and join us for £7 pizza and refreshments after our group run to The Rose Bowl Youth Club, and bring the running medals you are most proud of!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/september-social-medal-monday-at-victoria-tavern
Hit me with your best shot! Flyer away!
Monday 8th May 2023
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On the second Bank Holiday Monday of May 2023, Area Activator Simon and Adam met at The Gym Group, Caledonian Road to begin our weekly group run (back to The Arsenal Community Hub next week!). Despite the drizzle that had been looming all the weekend, our team ran a really nice alternative route to The ARC Centre, Angel, down towards Regent's Canal (passing some tiny yellow goslings), and past Barnard Park (a solid 1.8 mile run). Upon our arrival, we met with John and Jacqueline, ready to help with flyering.
The ARC Centre is a really unique establishment within the Packington Estate. It is a community hub for all different events, a gardening workshop, a coffee shop and an essential food bank for the immediate area. All the workshops hosted here are reasonably priced, but also help to fund the food bank operations, typically carried out by volunteers. Our objective for the evening was to alert as many neighbours as possible about the new Summer schedule for these workshops, and how they help the project in the long run.
We covered about 10 long streets, pretty mews and tiny avenues between us- leapfrogging from house to house to ensure we didn't cover the same ground. The whole area was remarkably peaceful due to the Bank Holiday. A great way to round off the weekend. Well done everyone!
NEWS
Flyering for St George's Parish Church, Tufnell Park
Wednesday 10th May, 6.30 - 7.30pm
On Wednesday evening, Area Activator Simon will be helping with a local flyering task for St George's Parish Church. The objective is to inform isolated and offline residents in the surrounding area about upcoming community events, including a clothes swap, fix and repair workshops and tea and coffee socials (all for free, and hosted at the church).
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/flyering-for-st-george-s-parish-church-tufnell-park
100 Days of Action- Running Kit Swap Shop @ The Running Works!
Friday 12th May 2023, 6:30pm - 7:30pm The Running Works, 28-30 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7DB
Do you have sports kit that doesn't get used as much as it could?
Or would you prefer to keep your lovely nice running shoes ready for race day, and have a spare pair for Goodgym tasks?
Simon from Goodgym Islington will be hosting an evening for swapping or donating your used running kit for those who need it. All items can be swapped with participants and sign ups, and anything left over can be taken home or offered to Preloved Sports CIC, or Ringcross Community Centre Clothing Bank, Islington
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/100-days-of-action-running-kit-swap-shop-the-running-works
Octopus Community Network- Post parkrun digging and weeding at St Mary's Church, Hornsey Rise
Saturday 13th May, 10.30am - 12 midday St Mary's Church, Ashley Road, London, N19 3AD
Frannie and the Octopus Community Network team have another smashing community mission available for us over at St Mary's Church, Ashley Road.
Our objective is to dig up some old plant beds around the Church gardens, ready for fresh flowers to be planted over the next month. Light weeding also available for those who are not so keen on digging!
It'll be great fun, and just down the road from Finsbury parkrun!
GROUP RUN- Rose Bowl Youth Club
Monday 15th May, 6.45pm, The Arsenal Community Hub
Goodgym Islington will be returning to the wonderful Rose Bowl Youth Club, with Dawn and the team. We will be preparing the playground and the upper roof garden event space ready for Summer Time activities in the local community!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-rose-bowl-youth-club-returns
*POST GROUP RUN SOCIAL MAY - The Swimmer N7 *
Monday 15th May, 8.45pm, The Swimmer, 13 Eburne Rd, London N7 6AR
Following our group run to The Rose Bowl Youth Club, we will be visiting The Swimmer N7, a wonderful local pub just up the road from The Emirates Stadium. A great opportunity to catch up with our fellow Goodgymmers after the Bank Holiday!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-may-the-swimmer
Crouch End Open Space- Forest Path Building
Sunday 21st May- 11am to 1pm Crouch End Open Space, 77 Wood Vale, London N10 3DL
On Sunday, we will be returning to one of our favourite local community missions- CREOS aka Crouch End Open Space- a forest path building and maintenance session with the Friends of CREOS and The Conservation Volunteers. We will be looking after the beautiful woodland walk way between Highgate and Muswell Hill. Often combined with a picnic provided by Crouch End residents!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-may-2023
Night of the 10,000m PBs- The highlight of the UK Athletics calendar year- here in London!!!!
Saturday 20th May, 2-10pm, Parliament Hill Track, Parliament Hill, London NW3 2JP
The most incredible event in UK track racing returns to Parliament Hill for 2023- hosted by Ben Pochee and Highgate Harriers.
The absolute elite of UK and European 10,000m endurance distance racing will be competing live for places on the Commonwealth Games roster and other incredible opportunities. It will be a free party for anyone interested in the running scene (and most importantly an introduction for non-runners too!). Check it out here, you won't regret it!!!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/night-of-the-10-000m-pbs-saturday-show-time-volunteers!
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