Who doesn't love a farm task, working around adorable animals?

20 cheery Goodgymmers joined us on our trip to Freightliner's Farm in Paradise Park last night (including new runner Tess- welcome!). This little volunteer run farm is a bit of a hidden gem, it seems- we had Goodgym runners admit that despite living in Islington most of their adult life, they had no idea this small community farm existed!

Before setting off and performing a small warm up exercise session on the Emirates slope, we did a count-off: Name, number, and "Where are you planning to stay for Christmas?". The results were as follows:

• Manchester x 3
• Sheffield x 2
• Stoke Newington
• Canning Town
• Marylebone
• Devon
• South Wales
• Ireland
• Bulgaria
• Morroco
• New Zealand

I hope you all have wonderful festive breaks, wherever you spend your holiday time.

Freightliners Farm

We ran, jogged and walked to the farm (only 1 km from our start point, Frances lead a walking group to the task), and met up with Liv, the volunteer coordinator (who was interviewing for potential trustees at the same time). Our group was then separated into 3 groups.

Group 1 opted to help out with the mucky task- shoveling hay and compost into bags, and gathering the bags together for use in spring time.

Group 2 grabbed their brooms and swept up the main corridor by the animal pens- lots of mud and hay tends to collect here, so it's a big task. After clearing the surfaces, the team mixed up some bleach, and gave the floor a good wash down.

Group 3 donned their headtorches and spot lights, and swept up the main entrance and yard space. This is a big area with lots of leaves and muck gathered up, but our Goodgym crew made short work of it!

Of course, we had the chance to pet some lovely animals too, including two very friendly farm cats, who were observing all of our activities from a distance.

Zia Lucia

As the nights draw in for 2019, we took the opportunity to enjoy a get-together before we all set off for our Christmas breaks. Zia Lucia is an excellent Napolese-style pizzeria on Holloway Road, and a great spot for a Goodgym Islington social. We'll be sure to return in the near future!

NEWS

Just a reminder that next week will be the final Goodgym Islington run of the year, as GG head office will close over the festive break. Sign up here for some carol singing around Highbury & Islington!

Our first group run of 2020 will be on Monday 6th January, and is likely to be Christmas Tree hunting and recycling!

Mini Mermaids x Goodgym Highbury Fields parkrun Takeover

We had a great time running with the Mini Mermaids running club on Saturday. If you would like to read the report for this awesome community mission, click here.

Crisis at Christmas

We had a super suggestion for volunteering over Christmas last night. If you are still looking for a Goodgym-style task in December, then consider signing up to help with Crisis at Christmas offer some assistance for those in need over the festive period. They are looking for all sorts of volunteers, from creative folks and warehouse assistants, to friendly faces and team leaders.

All the best everyone. See you next week.

P.S. Please add your Christmas song suggestions in the comment box below!