Storm-hill Square Gardens
12 Goodgymers helped their local community in Islington
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Monday 15th July
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Simon Fitzmaurice
SESSION ORGANISER
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Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
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On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon caught up with a top crew of Goodgym runners outside the Arsenal Community Hub (including returning Goodgymmer Pete and first time group runner Martin - welcome!). Together, we chatted about our weekends and about favourite biscuits (chocolate hobnob was a clear winner) while warming up for a 1.5 mile run to Thornhill Square Gardens. We also took the opportunity to celebrate the recent birthdays of Caitlin, Dan and Simon!
We enjoyed a social chatty run up McKenzie Road towards Caledonian Road, and rolled into Thornhill Square Gardens in good time. Resident gardening expert Anna was thrilled to see so many runners, walkers and cyclists showing up to help out!
We split into 2 main groups: Group 1 helped used wheel barrows and shovels to gather up donated tree bark to scatter across the flower beds lining the park. The intention is to create a protective layer across the new plants and shrubs while they are growing, and to encourage mini beasts to make homes across the gardens! Group 2 took on the important task of trimming back and weeding out the main flower planters in the centre of the park. Goodgym had actually planted bushes in these beds about 6 months ago, so it was wonderful to see how well everything was growing!
The evening was perfect for slugs and snails (who were happy to enjoy some drizzly weather), but suddenly became excellent weather for ducks. A light rain became heavier towards the end of our session, so we chose to gather up tools and hunker down about 5 minutes early! Easily one of the heaviest rainfalls we had experienced at Goodgym Islington for a long time.
Amazingly, almost every one of our Goodgymmers joined us for a wet (but pleasantly warm) run back to the Emirates Stadium (splashing through huge puddles on route!). And it was wonderful to see so many participants staying behind to enjoy warm pizza and well deserved refreshments at The Victoria Tavern, Holloway Road. Well done everyone!
Next Week's Session
We will be visiting Camden Estate Gardens for a full green space clear up. Super satisfying task on the cards!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-camden-estate-community-food-gardens
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
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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 18th July- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 25th July- Battersea Park
Thursday 1st August- Arsenal Emirates Stadium
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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
Barmet AC Golden Stag Mile at Finsbury Park Track
Friday 19th July, 6.30pm onwards, Finsbury Park Track
Come and try the greatest track distance, the mile!
Now in its ninth year, the races are graded so that you get to race people of a similar ability as we love a close finish. Previous editions have seen British, European, and even World age group records.
The races start at 18:30. At the end of the night the final races will decide the Golden Stag Mile titles for 2024.
Entries for the Golden Stag Mile will remain open until 7th July, or until the races are full. Races will be seeded based on your predicted time.
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (July)
Saturday 20th July, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens
Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task!
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 21st July, 11am - 1pm, Hanley Tennis Club Car Park, Greenways
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-july-2024
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 28th July, 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.
Post Group Run Social- Area Activator Simon celebrates 5 years!
Monday 12th August, 8.45pm, Someday Canteen, Finsbury Park
Area Activator Simon (formerly Trainer Simon) began leading sessions for Goodgym Islington 5 years ago, taking the reins from Goodgym legend Paul Bown (still active in GG Sheffield).
We invite you for excellent food, great refreshments and good times at Someday Canteen in Finsbury Park!
This task supported
A quiet oasis off Caledonian Road with plenty of space to picnic, rest, read, and walk a dog.
'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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