Our Goodgym Islington crew met up at the Arsenal Community Hub under a beautiful sunset this evening, ready for a group run and task at Thornhill Square Gardens. As we warmed up on the Emirates Stadium slopes, we discussed our previous weekend activities- these included watching "The Guilty Feminist" live at the Apollo, visiting the London Zoo, meeting up with grandparents in Dorset and, in John's case, running the London Marathon!

On route, we took a slightly different path to Thornhill Square than usual. Turning at Pankhurst Street, we passed our popular weekend gardening spot, Penn Road Gardens on our way over (volunteer mornings on the last Sunday of every month BTW), and then we enjoyed the downhill slope to Thornhill Square Gardens.

As a team, we all picked our our lights, head torches and gloves as we made our way into Thornhill Square Gardens (passing the 8 neon lit dachunds, terriers and pugs who surround the space!) to meet with the inspiring Anna Mckane. Fresh off the announcement of an award from "Islington In Bloom 2022", the local community were very excited about our return to help with more heavy lifting!

First things, first. Frankie and Katie were given a saw to safely cut down some magnificent old wooden branches, ready to be recycled by larger companies. It was amazing to see the head way they had made in such a short amount of time!

Meanwhile, John and Emily lent their efforts to pulling up some stubborn long grass from one of the prime rose beds near the main pathways. Elsewhere, Natasha, Victoria and Nikki picked up rakes and wheelbarrows, and helped with clearing the walkways around the upper section of the park. Two huge green waste bags were filled in no time, and were then scooted over to a council pick up spot.

With 5 minutes of extra time, our crew then laid some additional wood chippings around the flower beds surrounding the perimeter of the park, to protect the bulbs growing through the winter months.

Anna and the Friends of Thornhill Square Gardens were thrilled with the progress that we made in 45 minutes of active volunteering, and have already started to formulate more tasks for our next visit on 24th October. We parted ways (walking, running and cycling), and AA Simon lead a run group back to The Emirates Stadium. On route, we took a detour to one of Simon's "cat spots", a square inhabited by a collection of friendly neighbourhood felines, who enjoy saying "Hello" to Goodgymmers!

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NEWS

Mildmay Community Centre Gardening Fun

This Friday (7th October), Goodgym Islington will be returning to the awesome Mildmay Community Centre passiv haus (a zero carbon footprint project) to help Head Gardener Dominic with their newest local gardening project.

More info can be seen here:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/new-date-mildmay-community-centre-gardening-workout

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Track Attack Victoria Park Time Trial

On Sunday 9th October (11am onwards), Area Activator Simon will be hosting our monthly time trial event at Victoria Park track.

1 mile and/or 5km distances will be available to run, and we always follow our sessions with coffee, breakfast and a chat!

All paces and abilities are welcome and encouraged- we are social, not competitive!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-attack-august-2022-victoria-park-4640a6ba-ee96-429f-9f8b-64e99a67065c

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October Social- Post Group Run Trip to Ãu Laç on Highbury Hill

After our group run to Market Road Gardens next week (Monday 10th October):

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-monday-motivation-at-market-road-gardens

We will be heading to the amazing Ãu Laç Vietnamese restaurant on Highbury Hill for delicious soup and noodles, refreshments and good times!

Sign up here to get involved:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/october-social-post-run-noodles-and-soups-at-au-l-c

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Camino London Ultra- Epping Forest 50km Aid Station

On Saturday 15th October, Area Activator Simon will be helping the super inspiring team from Camino Ultra London with their aid station at Butler's Retreat café in Chingford.

Aid Station volunteers are the heart and soul of long distance racing, and we are super proud to host an official Goodgym water station on the course!

You would so welcome to come and join us, either in the morning and/or the afternoon. Best atmosphere, wonderful people, an excellent example of a running party!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/camino-ultra-london-50km-epping-forest-aid-station-party