Easter Eggs and Excellent Energy at Elizabeth House
6 Goodgymers helped their local community in Islington
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Monday 8th April
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Simon Fitzmaurice
SESSION ORGANISER
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Early on Monday evening (a rare 6pm start!), 5 Goodgymmers met with Area Activator Simon outside Arsenal Underground station. Together, we walked together down Gillespie Road, and over to Elizabeth House Food Hub on Hurlock Street- a busy "supermarket style" community food bank for the Highbury and Arsenal boroughs.
The Easter holidays often affects the availability for regular helpers at the food hub- families and those with dependents may find themselves unable to attend the "supermarket" in person as well. So Goodgym Islington have been maintaining a frequent connection with this essential centre, offering assistance over holiday months. The hub was in full flow when we arrived, but Roshni and the crew had set up a series of pre-prepared drop off locations for supplies and essentials. Including a special Easter Egg for a former volunteer and visitor over in Highbury Hill!
Emre and Dan took on a collection of deliveries around Twyford House, on the estate, while Charlotte and Faye ventured further into the borough (past the former Arsenal stadium complex!). Upon the return of our Goodgymmers, the food hub had started to close down for the night. So we all pitched in to move non-perishable food and supplies back into the kitchens and on to shelving. All perishable items were then composted or offered to any hungry volunteers (lots of allotment grown rhubarb, celery and mushrooms were taken home!).
A wonderful evening had by all. Well done everyone!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
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Caxton House Community Centre Sensory Garden Building
Monday 15th April, 6.45pm, Archway Underground station
We have been invited back to Caxton House to lend a hand with their new sensory garden project. Lifting, shifting and digging to be expected. But other lighter tasks are also available as well!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-session-caxton-house-sensory-garden-building
And following our group session, we will enjoy our monthly social:
Post Group Session Social- The Archway Tavern
Monday 15th April, 8.45pm, Archway Tavern
Excellent refreshments and good times kn Navigator Square, Archway!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-session-social-the-archway-tavern
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!
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Thursday 11th April- Emirates Stadium (Arsenal tube station)
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Thursday 18th April- The Big Battersea Park London Marathon Meet Up!
Thursday 25th April- Stratford Olympic Park
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Thursday 2nd May- Green Park
Thursday 9th May- Paddington Rec Track (Maida Vale underground)
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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
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Compton Terrace Gardens Volunteer Open Morning - April
Saturday 13th April, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel
Monthly community gardening mornings with the Friends of Compton Terrace Gardens.
A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!
London Heathside AC Track Busting Volunteer Afternoon!
Saturday 13th April, 2pm - 6pm, Finsbury Park Track
Call out for volunteers to spend a few hours 2- 6pm Saturday 13th April (the weather forecast predicts a scorcher) helping to get the track ready for the season ahead.
Come prepared for some manual labour, a bit of banter with club mates, afternoon tea and the satisfaction that you have helped your club keep this invaluable facility going - it is largely run by a small band of dedicated volunteers.
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/london-heathside-running-club-track-busters-volunteer-session
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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (April)
Saturday 20th April, 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 April, 11am - 1pm, Hanley Tennis Club Car Park, Greenways
Our annual 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-april-2024
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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 27th April
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/highbury-quadrant-greening-with-elizabeth-house
Saturday 4th May
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Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 28th April, 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.
Night of the 10,000m PBs- Volunteer marshals for the UK athletics party of the year!
Saturday 18th May, 2pm - 10pm, Parliament Hill Track
Help the UK's premier grassroots athletic event go ahead on Parliament Hill!
The event is an annual full day of endurance distance racing with the most competitive runners on the scene. These races have been listed as part of the European 10,000m qualification criteria, so some incredible running will be on show!
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Special hedge planting project with the Friends of City Gardens
