On a slightly misty and chilly evening, a group of spirited GoodGymmers gathered at one of GoodGym Islington’s regular volunteering haunts, Thornhill Square Gardens. Alison, Emily, Katie, Sally, Steve C and Steve L plus GoodGym founder Ivo were seeking to combat the Blue Monday Blues (it's a thing) by helping out the resident’s association who look after this beautiful park.

Normally, Anna is our host who helps to distribute the tools and allocate tasks, but tonight we were joined by local resident Justin, who helped oversee things and was really grateful for our help. Similarly, this activity is normally an occasional Monday night group run led by our glorious leader Simon, who unfortunately is feeling less than glorious and under the weather with a positive covid test (get well soon, Simon!)

Our crew quickly got to work digging into a mountain of mulch that was menthol and sweet-smelling, steaming and hot-to-the-touch. It made for many an atmospheric photo, and probably kept us a little warmer on a wintry night. Wheelbarrows loaded, we darted across the dark park to the rose beds as a long caravan of headtorches and those reflective bits that they put all over running clothes. Doubtless amusing for any residents watching nearby, but decidedly bemusing for a small fleet of terriers who let their feelings be known during their evening walk with their humans.

In a short space of time we managed to make a significant dent in Mulch Mountain, blanketed the rose beds which will protect them through winter, and learned that there is no ‘i’ in steam.

We said our goodbyes and wished each other a great week (you too, reader!) and walked, ambled, jogged and ran off into the evening. Keep an eye out for more sessions in your local area, and hope to see you soon!

GG Islington