Monday 22nd April
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Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On a slightly overcast Monday evening, Dan, Alison met with Kim and Area Activator Simon outside Caledonian Road and Barnsbury overground station (Thank you for accomodating for Simon's stress fracture recovery- we are making progress!) before walking together to Thornhill Square Gardens. We chatted about our activities over the weekend (such as helping at Canonbury Square Gardens on Saturday, and joining the Goodgym cheer squad at London Marathon on Sunday) on our way over.
Upon our arrival, we met with Anna, the local resident gardening expert within the square who had a variety of tasks available for us! Lucia and first timer Milena (welcome!) picked up trowels and forks and helped with picking weeds, green waste and sycamore saplings out of the rose bushes surrounding the south side of the gardens.
Emre and Kim chipped away at the moss and weeds growing out of the walling at the entrance of park using hoes and "zombie knives", while Alison, Dan and Emily gathered the greenery into wheel barrows and towards a lovely composting system towards the back of the park.
Within 50 minutes, we did an awesome job- almost all of the weeds in this overgrown patch had been gathered within a single evening. Well done everyone!
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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 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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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!
Hackney Half Volunteer Aid Station!
Sunday 19th April, 7am - 1pm, Hackney Marshes Centre
Help our fellow runners at this incredible local half marathon party! Join the Goodgym team at an official water and aid station to cheer on the participants!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/hackney-half-aid-station-volunteering
London Orienteering Klubb- Finsbury Park Go Orienteering Event
Tuesday 21st May, The Twelve Pins, 6pm onwards
Orienteering is really great fun! All abilities running, walking and map reading.
Follow a map offered by London Orienteering Klubb, and find the "controls" (flags and scanning points) across Finsbury Park in order.
2.5km and 5km distances on offer
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-orienteering-klubb-finsbury-park
'A quiet oasis off Caledonian Road. Plenty of space (it is the largest square in Islington) to picnic, rest, read, admire the flowers shrubs and trees, and walk a dog. Volunteers, with the council are working to encourage healthy activities, including walking and yoga, and also to improve the diversity of wildlife in the park.'
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Joining the lovely resident gardeners at Thornhill Square Gardens for an evening of composting, watering and maintenance