Sunnyside Community Garden

98 GoodGymers have supported Sunnyside Community Garden with 13 tasks.


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Upcoming sessions

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IslingtonGroup run
Simon FitzmauriceMatt BurtonEmilyLuke BurrageCaitlin RollisonEslam Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed

Coffee Bean There, Done Chaff

Monday 24th March

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On another warm Spring evening (almost light- just around the corner now!), our Goodgym Islington team met up with Eslam at the amazing Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground garden project. Every time we return, the space has been transformed with new features added (the old donated bathtub has been subject to frog sightings- watch this space!).

Our objective for the night was to continue our previous task- filling up re-purposed coffee sacks with a mix of woodchip, soil, and coffee chaffs ("the papery husk that sheds from coffee cherries during the roasting process"). These sacks are then positioned around the gardens as compostable "pillows" for different planting beds.

The local community gardeners have already started to plant leafy greens and sturdy vegetables out of our first bedding place. It is wonderful to see the progress being made from our visits in real time! Within 45 minutes, our team had successfully filled 10 new sacks between us, and Eslam transported 5 cargo bike loads of woodchip up to the project.

Wonderful job, everyone! We will return next Monday for a group run session to Thornhill Square Gardens.


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN MARCH / APRIL

Group Run- Thornhill Square Gardens, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 31st March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-thornhill-square-gardens-summer-time-special

Community Mission- Barnsbury Square Gardens 7.15pm, Barnsbury Square Gardens Monday 7th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-friends-of-barnsbury-square-gardens

Group Run- Elizabeth House Food Hub 6.15pm (early start), Arsenal Community Hub Monday 14th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-elizabeth-house-food-hub-6-15-pm-start-easter-special

Community Mission- Timbuktu Adventure Playground 7.15pm, Timbuktu Adventure Playground, 31 Grenville Road Monday 21st April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-timbuktu-adventure-playground

Group Run- Highbury Quadrant Estate 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 28th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-highbury-quadrant-green-space-garden-maintenance

Community Mission- Sunnyside Community Gardens 7.15pm, Sunnyside Community Gardens, Monday 5th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting-b58e17f0-7881-4f9a-a24b-8438fce2b8e1

Group Run- Sunnyside Community Gardens 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 12th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting

—------------------------------------

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!

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-099692a8-c920-490a-bd12-7c54f238c247

Green Park Thursday 3rd April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-2ac7d985-4c29-48ba-806a-b17afad7039b

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 10th April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-d35d794a-d813-4cb4-ba66-13782bb31631

—--------------------------------------

Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 2nd April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-6-ab6a4b95-d369-41e3-a661-2cceae24d142

Wednesday 16th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-8

Wednesday 30th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-9

Wednesday 14th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-10

—-------------------------------------

Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 25th March, 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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-6dd3c571-e226-4d61-9475-f0d16629fa75

—---------------------------------------

Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 26th March

Saturday 29th March

Wednesday 2nd April

Wednesday 23rd April

Wednesday 30th April

Wednesday 7th May

Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday 21st May

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-669d9281-ca40-409a-89e7-258e01874717

—---------------

Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 25th March

Tuesday 1st April

Tuesday 22nd April

Tuesday 29th April

Tuesday 6th May

Tuesday 13th May

Tuesday 20th May

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-8bd65d82-29e5-4c69-8640-5117fe42faec

—----------------------------------

Penn Road Gardens - March Volunteer Day Sunday 30th 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. https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-march-76de9ec8-b771-45d3-bddc-2fd5650e46b6

—----------------------------

Camino Ultra London- Lea Valley Races Finish Line Party!

Saturday 29th March, 12 midday, Hackney Bridge, Stratford

The Camino Ultra London 50km and Gratitude 25km returns for 2025, stretching from Welwyn Garden City, to Ware, and then down the Lea Valley to our finishing line in Hackney Wick (Here East).

Race organisers Darren Strachan and David Bone aka DaznBone would love to invite the Goodgym community back to bring excitement and positivity to our runners, as they finish their races.

The theme is: Bring The Party!!!

Cowbells, cheers, noise makers, music and fun!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/camino-ultra-london-lea-valley-races-finish-line-party-9b26694e-5382-4354-ad3c-6a73c2656f85

—-----------------------------

Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 12th April, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-april-d3362b49-47b5-4344-9edb-ee2d44238f35

—--------------------------------------

Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (April)

Saturday 19th April, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-april-6a69ce93-f13b-4b4b-8824-620f40072a25

—-----------------------------

Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering

Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)

The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.

All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering

—----------------------------

Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!

Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford

Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.

The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted

—---------------------------

London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!

Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH

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.

Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers-7fc3f823-de75-4b32-9ada-ec2e94c7a51a

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
Simon Fitzmaurice
SallyEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedElla G

Heaps Good!

Monday 10th March

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon, taskforce member Alison and task organiser Eslam met at the entrance of Sunnyside Community Gardens near Elthorne Park. The tool shed had been left open for all of our Goodgym volunteers (Sally and Ella too). Eslam, the task owner, alerted our team that he was taking some precautions after some illness, and relayed the plans for our Goodgym session from a safe distance.

Together, we made our way to a huge pile of compost at the North of the gardens- the same pile that we helped to create back in September. Our objective was to aerate the compost by shifting the green waste around, moving the older and more rotted down material to the top of the pile. We agreed that the four of us would pull the compost out of the bay, and then Eslam would move the compost back again after we had left (to maintain distance). Team work really brought the project together, well done everyone!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN MARCH

Group Run- Light of the World Church Community Gardening Project, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 17th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-lighthouse-community-project-gardening-dc4882e6-87c9-497d-acc5-7c51d4ea92a7

Community Mission- Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, 7.15pm, Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, Monday 24th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-hornsey-rise-kickabout-playground

Group Run- Thornhill Square Gardens, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 31st March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-thornhill-square-gardens-summer-time-special

Community Mission- Barnsbury Square Gardens 7.15pm, Barnsbury Square Gardens Monday 7th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-friends-of-barnsbury-square-gardens

—------------------------------------

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!

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 13th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-84f58337-118e-4cd7-93e1-4710a9923494

Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-669c6d0f-bb64-4576-98f1-c6f03c2da136

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-099692a8-c920-490a-bd12-7c54f238c247

Green Park Thursday 3rd April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-2ac7d985-4c29-48ba-806a-b17afad7039b

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 10th April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-d35d794a-d813-4cb4-ba66-13782bb31631

—--------------------------------------

Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 19th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-6

Wednesday 2nd April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-6-ab6a4b95-d369-41e3-a661-2cceae24d142

Wednesday 16th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-8

Wednesday 30th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-9

Wednesday 14th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-10

—-------------------------------------

Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 18th March, 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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-1450e758-d5eb-418d-ba4e-2651c88fc4e4

—---------------------------------------

Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 12th March

Wednesday 19th March

Saturday 22nd March

Wednesday 26th March

Wednesday 2nd April

Wednesday 23rd April

Wednesday 30th April

Wednesday 7th May

Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday 21st May

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-8930b7e9-1d9a-45cc-b3ed-a2d2486f5f6d

—---------------

Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 18th March

Tuesday 25th March

Tuesday 1st April

Tuesday 22nd April

Tuesday 29th April

Tuesday 6th May

Tuesday 13th May

Tuesday 20th May

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-34693aec-7514-4df4-ac10-3274ae7e7ef0

—--------------------------------------

Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (March)

Saturday 15th March, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-march-c9f36761-59b7-477b-ac15-1d1560267c7d

—----------------------------------

Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 12th April, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-april-d3362b49-47b5-4344-9edb-ee2d44238f35

—-----------------------------

Penn Road Gardens - March Volunteer Day

Sunday 30th 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. https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-march-76de9ec8-b771-45d3-bddc-2fd5650e46b6

—-----------------------------

Camino Ultra London- Lea Valley Races Finish Line Party!

Saturday 29th March, 12 midday, Hackney Bridge, Stratford

The Camino Ultra London 50km and Gratitude 25km returns for 2025, stretching from Welwyn Garden City, to Ware, and then down the Lea Valley to our finishing line in Hackney Wick (Here East).

Race organisers Darren Strachan and David Bone aka DaznBone would love to invite the Goodgym community back to bring excitement and positivity to our runners, as they finish their races.

The theme is: Bring The Party!!!

Cowbells, cheers, noise makers, music and fun!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/camino-ultra-london-lea-valley-races-finish-line-party-9b26694e-5382-4354-ad3c-6a73c2656f85

—----------------------------

Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering

Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)

The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.

All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering

—----------------------------

Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!

Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford

Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.

The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted

—---------------------------

London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!

Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH

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.

Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers-7fc3f823-de75-4b32-9ada-ec2e94c7a51a

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
+3
Matt Burton
Luke BurrageCaitlin RollisonEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedFreddie Crichton-Miller

🎶 Woodchips! Coffee! Chaff! 🎶

Monday 3rd February

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

7 keen Goodgym folks joined Area Activator Simon and task organiser Eslam for our first return visit to Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground in 2025. We started our group run from the Arsenal Community Hub, before connecting to Sussex Way and Sunnyside Garden Centre (approximately 3.4 mile round trip). All of our tools and materials had been set out ready for our arrival.

The Hornsey Kickabout Playground Garden is a re-generation project involving local green charities and the immediate neighbourhood. This under utilised basketball court is being transformed into a natural growing space, with the use of woodchips and soil. Our plan for the evening was to fill up lots of jute coffee sacks with woodchip, composted coffee cakes and chaff (a very soft wheat derived grain). The mixture will mix together, and help to create very rich compost for establishing new growing beds. Luke and Matt helped Eslam with transporting more woodchip to the site, while everyone else filled up as many coffee sacks as possible with woodchip, coffee and chaff. Looking forward to seeing the results in Spring!

Fantastic running and a assistance tonight, everyone! See you next week (Rose Bowl Youth Club)!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN FEBRUARY

Community Mission- Rose Bowl Youth Club 7.15pm, Rose Bowl Youth Club Monday 10th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-rose-bowl-youth-club-48e38eb4-ec19-460e-acc7-44f1b8d402c1

Group Run- Elizabeth House Food Hub 6.15pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 17th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-elizabeth-house-food-hub-6-15-pm-start-a41b3ba5-fefd-44de-a5b7-34c1a81381ca

Community Mission- Caxton House Community Centre 7.15pm, Caxton House Monday 24th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-caxton-house-painting-and-fabric-sorting-indoors

—------------------------------------

Goodgym Islington February Post-Run Social

Monday 17th February, 8.15pm, The Woodbine Pub, Blackstock Road

After our scheduled group run, Area Activator Simon will be leading a walk to The Woodbine, Blackstock Road.

Delicious Thai food, refreshments and food times! Open for group runners, or anyone up for a social!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-february-the-woodbine-blackstock-road

—------------------------------------

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!

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 6th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-7cdb905f-ec50-40f7-9932-ca8debf0354c

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 13th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-3f25f419-3aa6-4d75-b192-a9c3d2d4ec2f

Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-398b3240-7201-49b9-b73c-d75d86b6a86e

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-f84dc6a2-273c-474c-bd46-5e29cc1d7268


JENKI Matcha with ON Running Spitalfields Group (February)

Saturday 8th February, 8.45am, ON Running Spitalfields

Every 1st Saturday 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 8.45am (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/on-running-spitalfields-x-jenki-morning-matcha-miles-855fa32d-afdb-4191-91b3-a98573852585

—--------------------------------------

Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 5th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-3

Wednesday 19th February

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-4

—-------------------------------------

Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 4th February, 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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-22595bc2-d937-476c-b879-c6f9d55be150


Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 8th February, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-february-8f321f6b-5232-4c4d-b4db-6350640529f9


Canonbury Square Gardens Volunteer Morning

Saturday 15th February, 12 midday - 2pm, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-february-05f8aaf9-760b-413a-a1ee-43e6d3173c91

—---------------------------------------

Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 5th February

Wednesday 12th February

Saturday 22nd February

Wednesday 26th February

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-0941625a-6815-4902-a875-2a9d75aaedf5

—---------------

Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 4th February

Tuesday 11th February

Tuesday 25th February

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-friday-volunteer-morning-186cfc0b-270a-4078-9ec2-d363f09969d3

—--------------------------------------

Penn Road Gardens Open Morning (February)

Sunday 23rd February, 10am - 12 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.

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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-february-9fa349e3-06fb-47c7-866d-09df1379716e

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Saint John's Garden: Building a Dead Hedge and Garden Maintenance

Saturday 22nd February, 11am - midday, St John's Garden

Friends of St John's Garden community group would LOVE Goodgym's help to build and maintain their dead hedges and as an optional lighter task help sweep the garden paths.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/saint-john-s-garden-building-and-a-dead-hedge-and-garden-maintenance

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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

8th February Trent Park https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-trent-park

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IslingtonGroup run
+2
Matt Burton
Caitlin RollisonMehmetEmily StrachanEslam Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed

Jute-y Free

Monday 25th November 2024

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

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-c64a89b2-bcb4-4e15-a809-e9f2b1fa47d3

5th December- Paddington Rec Track

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-868bea0c-359b-48f4-8866-1f5f62244e6f

12th December- Emirates Stadium

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-3db3d302-0f0b-49dc-be28-359a0e87147e

19th December- Paddington Rec Track (and Post Run Xmas Party- The Carlton Tavern)

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-3cce383e-03ac-42d0-bc57-34a23589082b


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

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-3f799abb-10f9-4d62-a597-8b5fcf7c4aff

Friday 29th November, 12 - 2pm midday, Market Road Gardens

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-friday-volunteer-morning-161a25d5-5d33-468c-b641-ab64f6b87a06


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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-4fdd2094-428a-40af-9309-f6a4669fc52a


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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-people-s-army-food-parcel-deliveries-3c506c19-c9a4-44a6-9abb-54af55fadc24


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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-december-581b9c1f-de11-4fa4-a529-ab3d0cc5dd65


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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-november-059a7825-8e11-4168-9af3-552cd0952528


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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IslingtonGroup run
Simon Fitzmaurice
SallyEmilyEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedVaughan

Pick and Mix

Monday 30th September 2024

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

Area Activator Simon met at the Arsenal Community Hub on a chilly (but thankfully dry) Autumn evening, before running up Sussex Way to Sunnyside Community Gardens. Upon his arrival, he met with task organiser and Goodgymmer Eslam who had opened up the Hornsey Rise Kickabout Gardens specially for our visit this evening!

Sally, Alison, Emily and Vaughan were also on hand for smashing evening of community garden renovation- a project set up for sustainable growing on formerly abandoned grounds. Our task was to break down a large pile of donated soil into more manageable chunks (using spades and pickaxes), and depositing it into buckets and wheelbarrows. Then, we moved the soil over to a lovely wildlife pond (made from an old bathtub), and we built some foundations around the tub. Emily took charge of padding the soil down, almost like a muddy sandcastle around the pond!

Within 45 minutes approximately, we had moved almost all of the soil, and had successfully created a strong base for the pond. Wonderful job everyone!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


GROUP SESSIONS-

Monday 7th October- Timbuktu Adventure Playground- Community Mission 7.15pm, Task Location

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-return-trip-to-timbuktu-adventure-playground-05283270-5e90-483f-b3e1-9086fd8d63a5


Monday 14th October- Arachne Greek Cypriot Women's Group- Group Run 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-arachne-group-holloway-road-cleaning-up-ahead-of-a-refurbishment-project


Monday 21st October- Rose Bowl Youth Club- Community Mission 7.15pm, Task Location

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-rose-bowl-youth-club

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Monday 29th October- Turning Compost at Pollard Close- Group Run 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-compost-turning-on-pollard-close-b7e8ad39-e346-404c-adb8-4e468d73811a


JENKI x ON Running Spitalfields Monthly Matcha Morning Group Run

Thursday 3rd October, 7am, 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.

Matcha and hot drinks on offer at special run club discount!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/jenki-matcha-with-on-running-spitalfields-group-october


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 3rd October- Paddington Rec Track

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-b2c6fefa-0552-4029-9bdd-e1dc4e94d1aa

Thursday 10th October- Emirates Stadium

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-fdde6b77-09c0-4602-af49-43a6140aa3de

Thursday 17th October- Paddington Rec Track

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-239016f4-29a3-4d22-839a-74c8861547ca

Thursday 26th October- Stratford Olympic Park

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-4d41d471-6b7b-4c7f-a7ca-5a91f3fd0758

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Thornhill Square Gardens- October Workday

Saturday 5th October, 10am - midday, Thornhill Square Gardens

This is an open volunteer gardening morning set up by the Friends of Thornhill Square. As one of the largest public spaces in Islington without council maintenance assistance, extra pairs of hands for bulb planting, composting, litter picking and preparing flower beds would be hugely appreciated!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/thornhill-square-gardens-open-volunteer-morning-october


Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 12th October, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-october-ea5251c0-dc03-4ecd-9553-7b7a9dc29a25


Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (October)

Saturday 19th October, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-september-8c6081b3-a352-4398-a359-e25272b4cca5


Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day

Sunday 20th October, 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-october-2024


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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/camino-ultra-epping-forest-50km-and-25km-eco-trail-aid-station-superstars-2024


Gait Analysis Training Session with Area Activator Simon

Wednesday 9th October, Emirates Stadium, 6.30pm

Gait analysis has been proved to be a useful tool for highlighting potential issues, making suggestions for improvement and checking efficiency in movement.

Simon would like to offer 10 Goodgymmers the opportunity to join him for a dynamic warm up and short interval session.

During the evening, recordings for forward momentum, running form and lateral stability (at different paces) will be made, and used to make suggestions for training focus or for footwear choices.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/gait-analysis-training-session-with-area-activator-simon


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


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

12th October Claybury https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-claybury-3aab4cb8-8f15-4d0d-a0ed-126cdf50e85e

9th November Horsenden Hill https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country

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

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
+9
Graham AtkinsSteve Lee
John ShirleySteve ComanKatie

Sieve Long & Prosper

Monday 9th March 2020

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

15 awesome runners attended our Islington group run last night (including new starters Stephanie and Tom- welcome!), and braved a wet and windy trip to Sunnyside Community Gardens near Crouch Hill.

Also- congratulations to Hanry for running 100 good deeds last week. His celebrations were at GG Camden, but he is a certified GG Islington runner too!

Before layering up to sustain the rainfall, Trainer Simon asked the crew for some film recommendations (after being blown away by Bong Joon-ho's multi-oscar winning thriller "Parasite". All of these great suggestions have been included here:

  • For Sama
  • Call Me By Your Name
  • Moonlight
  • Little Women
  • Okja
  • Snowpiercer
  • Alien Covenant
  • Jojo Rabbit
  • Precious
  • Dark Waters
  • The Witch
  • Harriet (soon to be released in the UK)
  • The Green Book
  • This Year's Love (because it is all based in Camden...)

Sunnyside Community Gardens

Our team made their way up Hornsey Road after a quick warm up, with Steve Lee assisting as the backmarker. Upon arrival, we politely disturbed the meeting of the Sunnyside Gardens Trustees and met up with Anna, the volunteer coordinator. We wheelbarrowed a vast array of forks, spades and shovels (and gloves, of course) to the upper end of the gardens, and began work on creating compost for the upcoming spring planting season.

A small group started sieving woods and twigs out of the finer dirt and soil, before distributing the contents into different piles. Other goodgymmers used clippers to break down larger branches and small dead trees made the green waste into useful mulch, leaving the rest of our crew to lift the chips into a designated compost pile. A smooth production line was established, and we made significant work out of this large ongoing task!

We packed up after 40 minutes of solid work, and enjoyed the downhill jaunt back to the Arsenal Community Hub. Aidan lead a series of stretches and cool down exercises, whilst Steve Lee offered us some authentic holiday Turkish Delight, and Trainer Simon brought out some Biscoff biscuits for a job well done.

As we regrouped, we made our way to The Victoria Tavern on Holloway Road for 2-for-1 pizza, drinks and good times, as part of our monthly social.


NEWS

GG Islington Cover at Goodgym Camden!

Trainer Simon will be leading a one-off group run with Goodgym Camden this Wednesday, setting off from The St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre in Somers Town. Great opportunity to try out some GG tourism, and to meet up with new and familiar faces getting involved with some new tasks!

This week, we will be visiting Cecil Sharp House to assist with various gardening and weeding tasks at the home for English Folk Music and Dance, with a second group running to C4WS- a homeless shelter set up in the American International Church on Tottenham Court Road.

Typically followed by drinks and a meet-up at the Somers Town Coffee House pub, opposite the Crick!

Sign up here and come on down!


Compton Terrace Gardens Community Mission

Saturday 14th March, 10-1pm at Compton Terrace Gardens. A perfect post-Highbury Fields parkrun task!

One of our lovely GG Islington task owners will be leading a work day at Compton Terrace Gardens, a great green space right outside the union chapel. Mission expert Liz Mills has agreed to lead the session along with some of the neighbourhood regulars to assist with clearing, tidying, lifting and shoveling work- super outdoors workout fun!

Sign up here!


CREOS March

Sunday 15th March, 11-1pm at Crouch End Open Space, 85 - 87 Wood Vale, Crouch End. One of the longest running, and best, community missions. Come for the gardening, stay for for the picnic!

Crouch End Open Space is inviting the Goodgym team back to help with their monthly community green space maintenance project. Local volunteers meet up to keep the neighbourhood area as beautiful as possible, and to make sure that the pathways are accessible for everyone to enjoy this popular spot.

All helpers will be treated to a great carboot picnic and hot drink afterwards!

Sign up here to get involved!


The Arc Centre Deep Clean and Free Fitness Session

Sunday 22nd March, 5.30-7.30pm at The Arc Community Centre, Islington

Goodgym have been asked to help out The Arc Community Centre with some bi-monthly cleaning and tidying tasks- a great indoor activity to wrap up the weekend.

In return, we have access to the main hall and the accompanying gardens before the the task. Trainer Simon will be offering a free all abilities circuit training session before we start with the cleaning duties. Strength and conditioning are under valued pursuits for a lot of runners, and we will be introducing some simple body weight exercises you can do as part of a group (the best way IMHO!) or in your own free time.

Sign up here for doing good and getting fit!

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