Area Activator Simon was joined by first time Goodgymmers Matt and Katherine at the Arsenal Community Hub last night, ready for top group run over to one of our favourite task locations. After some dynamic warm ups on the Emirates Stadium slope, we ran together along Mackenzie Road and past Cally Park towards Thornhill Square Gardens (approx 1.6 miles distance).

Upon our arrival we caught up with our fellow Goodgym runners and cyclists (Caitlin, Emily, Katie and Benedict) along with resident gardening expert Anna. Thornhill Square Gardens has become a wonderful curated spot for wildflowers and plants in one of Islington's largest green community spaces. However, over the last few weeks of sunshine and rain, some persistent fast growing weeds have shown their heads in the beds!

We were separated into two groups to tackle the task. Group 1 sought to pull out as much "sticky weed" or as many "clingers" as possible within our 45 minutes of physical volunteering activity. Group 2 helped with removing long sheafs on grass and buds from the eastern flower beds.

Between us, we had to made multiple wheelbarrow trips over to the nearest composting station! Very satisfying and successful work completed by all.

Our running crew set off together towards Upper Street as a variation of our return trip to The Emirates Stadium. On route, we set off on our separate paths back home after a job well done.

We will be back again next week on Bank Holiday Monday at our alternative start location (The Gym Group, Caledonian Road) for a session of flyering for Islington Food Cycle. Sign up here!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/group-run-foodcycle-finsbury-park-flyer-squad

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NEWS

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100 Days of Action- Running Kit Swap Shop @ The Running Works! (RESCHEDULED!) - Keep your kit out of the landfill, and offer some spare runners to your fellow Goodgym crew!

Friday 26th May, 6.30pm, The Running Works, Aldgate

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/100-days-of-action-running-kit-swap-shop-the-running-works

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Volunteer at Caledonian junior parkrun (Half Term Helpers!) - Encourage a new generation of parkrunners with Goodgym positivity!

Sunday 28th May, 8.45am, Caledonian Park

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/volunteer-at-caledonian-junior-parkrun-half-term-helpers

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Penn Road Gardens Open Morning (May) - An invitation to help this lovely community garden space prepare for the winter months

Sunday 28th May, 10am, Penn Road Gardens

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-may-641ee76e-7a98-4158-82f7-d15f7e065c03

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Eye Matter Sports Taster Day and Social (with Metro Blind Sports and Illuminate Freedom) - A free opportunity to try all abilities sport in Camden and Islington! Looking for guides, stewards and assistants!

Saturday 3rd June, 10am - 3pm, Islington Tennis Centre and Gym, Market Road

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/eye-matter-sports-taster-day-and-social-in-collaboration-with-metro-blind-sports