Watering Cans and Birthday Candles
10 Goodgymers helped their local community in Islington
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Monday 17th July 2023
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Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
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Area Activator Simon was thrilled to welcome 9 runners at the Arsenal Community Hub this Monday, particularly as he was sharing Birthday Celebrations with fellow Goodgym regular Caitlin. Our crew had a good catch up before heading out (Simon and Alison had both run rabbit related trail races in different parts of the country over the weekend), and we began our session with a solid warm up on the slopes before running towards Tufnell Park Plant Nursery just off Holloway Road.
Upon our arrival, Caitlin let us into this beautiful gated garden space (maintained by local volunteers and Octopus Community Network), and got straight to work. Paul, Benedict and Katie gave the entire garden space a really good sweep and tidy- collecting fallen leaves and composting accordingly. The back section behind a gorgeous poly-tunnel (full of squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers and courgettes) needed quite a bit of sorting, and these guys made short work of it!
The rest of our crew proceeded to water a selection of the gardens- with the intention of really drenching the planters surrounding the community plots, to ensure that water reaches the roots of these particular vegetables. Watering cans were distributed by Sarah and Michelle, while Sarah sprayed down multiple beds using the hose provided. Half-way through the evening, we had emptied all of the water contained in the water butts, and Alison took charge of filling up our watering cans using the mains tap outside the gardens, so we could finish the task!
Together, we ran back to The Emirates Stadium (passing the lovely Old Firehouse Community Hub near Pakeman Street on route), and almost all of our team joined us for our post-group run social at Wolkite Ethiopean Restaurant on Hornsey Road (https://www.wolkiterestaurant.com/) for absolutely delicious cuisine. Well done everyone!
NEWS
Achilles International VI Guiding Group Runs- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 20th July, 6pm, Green Park Underground Station
Our weekly group running session with the awesome visually impaired runners at Achilles International returns to Paddington Rec Track in Maida Vale. Open for guide runners of all abilities, and new potential guides are very welcome! Dog watchers and bag drop helpers encouraged!
Dartford Orienteers- Parkrace Series- Wick Woodland
Tuesday 25th July, 6.30-8.30pm, Lord Napier Star Pub, Hackney Wick
The London orienteering community have been setting up some really great events in different boroughs of the city- "localised" social challenges that are particularly good for new starters over summer. The series is concluding with a final event in Hackney Wick, and you are very welcome to give it a go!
Sign up in advance using the link below for either a long course (5km total distance for a perfect line) or a short course (2.5km), and a rental for a chip card for recording your times.
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/x
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Goodgym x Achilles International- Bushy parkrun visit
Saturday 22nd July, 8.30am, Bushy Park, Hampton
Achilles International, the all abilities sports group, are planning on attending the original "free weekly timed 5km time trial", more commonly known as "Bushy parkrun" in Hampton.
We are looking to invite potential running guides (for various paces) and those interested in the world of guide running (especially anyone happy to volunteer and cheer on the course) to come and join us! https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/achilles-international-x-goodgym-bushy-parkrun
Penn Road Gardens Open Morning (July)
Sunday 30th July, 10am-12 midday, Penn Road Gardens
An invitation to help this lovely community garden space near Caledonian Road over Summer. Often complimented with mugs of tea and coffee!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-july
Orion Harriers Forest Five Summer Series: Race 3
Saturday 5th August, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Orion Harriers Club House, Chingford Come and join the Orion Harriers for this awesome and affordable trail race (concluding the Summer series in Epping Forest). 5 miles through fields and greenery (and friendly wildlife)- highly recommended!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/orion-harriers-forest-five-summer-series-race-3 —--------------------------------------
GROUP RUN- Elizabeth House Food Hub Helpers- and 4 years of AA Simon
Monday 7th August, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub
On Monday evening, we will be helping with deliveries to families and isolated individuals around the Islington borough for Elizabeth House- a super busy hub near Gillespie Road. https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/group-run-elizabeth-house-food-hub-summer-holiday-helpers-2
And afterwards we will be celebrating Area Activator Simon's 4 year anniversary as the leader for Goodgym Islington, with a trip to Someday Canteen in Finsbury Park.
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Joining the lovely resident gardeners at Thornhill Square Gardens for an evening of composting, watering and maintenance
