Fox Cubs and Five Years!!!
11 Goodgymers helped their local community in Islington
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Monday 12th August
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Dan
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Kim
PHOTOGRAPHER
York runner
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Simon Fitzmaurice
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In August 2019, Area Activator (former Trainer) Simon took over the reins of Goodgym Islington from legend Paul Bown before his departure to a new life in Sheffield. 5 years have passed since this first group run session (with a global pandemic in the middle of it), and we are thrilled to think back on the hundreds of projects we have completed since then!
This evening, our crew met outside the Arsenal Community Hub (on perhaps the warmest day of the year!) for a social run across the borough. After a chat about the Olympics (climbing was our favourite event!) and an introduction during our dynamic warm up (welcome to first time GG Islington runner Kieran!), we ran together up Highbury Hill and onwards to Highbury Quadrant Estate Gardens!
Upon our arrival, we met up with local gardening wonder woman Frannie, who had a smashing hands-on task ready for us. But first, we were treated to some freshly served water melon slices from one of the residents of Highbury Quadrant- an incredible gift on such a warm and humid night. Together, we wheelbarrowed a collection of hoes, rakes, secateurs and loppers from "the meadow" and through to "the orchard" green spaces, and set to work.
Our task for the evening was to cut back a patch of overgrown greenery and vines, and the pathways that surround this spot. All excess weeds were collected for the compost heap back in the meadow. Following the clipping and snipping, we then laid out several sheets of tarpaulin-like material across 10 metres or so. This area has now been made into a Children’s Story Time Spot, where youngsters can gather together for reading classes. Our last task involved laying down large wooden logs around the spot, to keep the sheet in place, and to offer natural seats for children to enjoy. We made a complete transformation in the course of an hour!
During our session, a local fox family keep an eye on us working next to their den at the bottom of the garden. One cub in particular was very curious, and watched us intently from a safe distance!
To complete an excellent task well done, our team ran/walked/cycled an extra mile to Someday Bar in Finsbury Park for celebratory pizza and refreshments. 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!
Thursday 15th August- Green Park
Thursday 22nd August- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 29th August- Battersea Park
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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
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 17th August
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 18th August, 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!
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 25th August, 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.
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!
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
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