Monday 30th August 2021
Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Goodgym Islington returns to Market Road Gardens on a surprisingly dark Bank Holiday Monday, along with a classic group run from the Arsenal Hub.
Simon, John and Ben (first group run with GG Islington- welcome!) ran 2km each way (4km total) across Holloway Road, past the Ringcross Community Centre (home of our weekly cycle delivery missions) and over to Caledonian Road. Frannie from Octopus Community Network had given AA Simon the keys to Market Road Gardens earlier in the day, so all 5 of us (Caitlin and Mali too) let ourselves in.
Our planned task was to continue our long running renovation project of this lovely community garden. Earlier this month, a collection of fruit trees were planted in special grow boxes at the bottom of the park. The surrounding area used to be a small forest of weeds, brambles and vines, which have since been cleared and curated into pathways and wild growing space. Our intention was to clear away most of the overgrown vines, thistles and brambles from the area, ready for children and parents to visit in the near future.
The team did a terrific job, using clippers and gloved hands to clear the weeds and overgrown shrubs over the course of 45 minutes, gathering up many boxes and wheel barrow loads of green waste. After packing up tools into Gertrude, the beautiful old dairy delivery truck (now a tool shed), we parted ways- some on foot, others by bike. A great way to make the most of a Monday evening!
Area Activator Simon's 2nd Year Celebration!
Area Activator Simon will be celebrating 2 years as the Goodgym Islington trainer next Monday after our scheduled group run (task TBC).
We will be meeting up at The Highbury Library on Drayton Park at 8.45pm. Sign up here:
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/simon-celebrates-2-years-of-goodgym-training
We run lots of projects including 'We Can Grow' which encourages food growing on housing estates around Islington as well as engaging with residents to increase environmental literacy and access to outdoor spaces.
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