From Playground to Penthouse
5 Goodgymers helped their local community in Islington
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Monday 17th June
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Simon Fitzmaurice
SESSION ORGANISER
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Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
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Area Activator Simon was thrilled to catch up with Laura, Sarah and Luke at the Arsenal Community Hub on this gloriously sunny Monday evening. Particularly as this was the first group run session led by Simon since his injury 12 weeks ago! Together, our crew warmed up with a series of dynamic running specific exercises on the Emirates Slopes, before running 1.5 miles to The Rose Bowl Youth Club, passing through Highbury Fields on route.
Upon our arrival, we met with Caitlin and task coordinator Dawn, a legend at the youth club. We were taken through to the main playground space, while making our way through a crowd of local figures and representatives of the Islington borough, here to network for community opportunities. It was awesome to introduce Goodgym Islington as a concept to a lot more people!
Our task for the evening was to spruce up the main playground and football pitch by weeding the grounds as efficiently as possible, and sweeping the entirety of the outdoors area before visitors arrive tomorrow. Luke handled the upper decks with ease, while everyone else cracked on with the play area- chipping away at moss, weeds and green waste that started to grow wild after the heavy rains and warm weather. Together, we completely transformed the space within 45 minutes!
Our final job for the evening involved dropping off about 12 bags of construction debris and 2 old chairs over to an official drop off point for Islington Council. No problem at all for our Islington crew. As a Thank You for our efforts, we were invited up to the beautiful open rooftop at the top of the Rose Bowl to enjoy some fruit nibbles, chilled sparking water and treats before running back to Emirates Stadium together. Well done everyone, great job!
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!
Thursday 20th June- Battersea Park
Thursday 27th June- Emirates Stadium
Thursday 4th July- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 11th July- Green Park
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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Guide Runners and Supporters needed for Metro Blind Sport Athletics 2024
Sunday 29th June, 10am - 5pm, Mile End Athletics Track
We are proud of the Metro Games, the only remaining national athletics event specifically for visually impaired people. It’s a great opportunity to take part in athletics at a great facility, have fun, making new friends and catching up with some old friends!
All abilities, ages and sight levels are welcome!
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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 22nd June-
Saturday 6th July-
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Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 13th July, 10am - midday, Union Chapel, Islington
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.
A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!
Saucony London 10km Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 14th July, 7.30am - 1pm, The Sanctuary, Westminster
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.
The objective is to have 40 volunteers for each station, handing out water to thirsty runners as they pass by.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (July)
Saturday 20th July, 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 July, 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-july-2024
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Islington
Friday morning drop-in community gardening sessions with The Garden Classroom
