Simon Fitzmaurice

GoodGym Islington

IslingtonMission
Kash
Sevan

Fridging The Gap

Wednesday 22nd October

Written by Sevan

Clunk-clunk-slide-clunk-slide-clunk-kerchchchchc open. Ms R certainly had a high security set up with multiple locks, deadbolts and chains. Kash and Sevan had trouble getting through to her with the doorbells and phone too.

"I keep getting burgled. It's the people in the building next door. They're all psychos!" - Ms R
"😟" -Kash & Sevan

Once Ms R knew why 2 strangers were on her doorstep, she was incredibly happy to see them. The fridge freezer to be removed was hiding behind a door, which was behind a curtain of coats, all hanging off the doorframe. Ms R tried to make her way through the curtain and got stuck. If she couldn't make it through, there was no way a fridge freezer would come the other way.

After relocating the coats, the door swung open... until it hits some pillows on the floor. Another thing to clear up to unlock access to the appliance. Once Kash and Sevan had their hands on the fridge freezer, it's handy wheels and the lift made getting it to ground level easy. The last challenge was finding where to leave it.

Ms R's instructions were simple, but missed a step, that the door to the bin store was accessed from the street. Ms R asked them to leave the fridge in a recess next to the door, but someone else had already had that idea, with a chest of drawers filling the space. Ms R came downstairs with her big bunch of keys to open the doors, leaving the GoodGymers to snuggle the fridge freezer in a perfectly sized gap next to the bins.

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IslingtonGroup run
Emily Strachan
Eslam Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed
Matt Burton
Kathleen Fox
Hermione Taylor

Goodgym Islington: Bringing the Light!

Monday 20th October

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS

—-------------------------

SESSIONS IN OCTOBER

Community Mission - Light of the World Church Gardening and Painting, 7.15pm, Evershot Road, Monday 20th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-light-of-the-world-church-gardening-and-painting-6dff1a8d-898b-4d40-b992-04d7f8567089

Group Run - Timbuktu Adventure Playground 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 29th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-return-trip-to-timbuktu-adventure-playground-c04c29e1-19ec-45ae-9e98-de5762c63bbc

Community Mission - Sunnyside Community Gardens, 7.15pm, Monday 3rd November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting-7de5ca9d-b101-4b9d-a16d-c98bc7ca3b5d

Group Run - Rose Bowl Youth Club Green Graft! 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 10th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-rose-bowl-youth-club-green-graft

—-----------------------------------

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!

OCTOBER

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 23rd October

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-66e4c4cb-2d0d-4eb8-8f02-20ef5f999096

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 30th October

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-3f7026f3-7a38-455c-b400-329f37edd6c5

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 6th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-a8b0fc78-97bf-41ec-a84c-908bcf24c5f8

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Victoria Park Reps

Thursday 30th October, 7.50am, Poplar Union E14

Come and join Area Activator and UK Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) Simon for a fun mixed pace training session Our plan is to meet up outside BLAS coffee at 7.50am, before enjoying a dynamic warm up in Victoria Park by 8am. All paces and abilities welcome!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-victoria-park-reps

—-----------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Tuesdays (and a single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

Market Road Gardens, London N7 9GT

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Market Road Gardens looking beautiful! All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided. Winter Dates September 16th, 23rd, 30th October 7th, 14th, 21st (not 28th!) November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th December 2nd, 9th and 16th Next session Tuesday 21st October: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-6f38a32e-ac5c-462f-a37e-f643e78f51c2 —--------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Wednesdays (and one single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

TGC Hut, Newington Green Park Building, 2 Newington Green, London, N1 4RF

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Newington Green tidy and lovely!

All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September - 17th, 24th, and Saturday 27th

October- 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd

November- 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

December- 3rd, 10th and 17th

Next Session

Wednesday 22nd October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-bb9b2a40-a6c7-4902-9c0d-0cbf004c698f

—-----------------------------

Green Guardians- Whittington Park Sessions

Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions, Whittington Park, Archway

We have six really interesting gardening session happening at Whittington Park. We'll be planting native wild flowers, hedging and bulbs, creating a stumper and planting fruit trees.

These are relaxed friendly sessions where the emphasis is on spending time outside in nature, whilst learning and sharing skills and meeting new people.

The sessions are free and open to all, though under 16's must be with a responsible adult. No experience is needed. We provide tools, gloves, guidance and refreshments.


Session Dates

  1. Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower

  2. Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs

  3. Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)

  4. Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting

  5. Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

  6. Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

—-------------------

Next session

Thursday 13th November, 10am - 12 midday:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/green-guardians-whittington-park-community-gardening-3673e3d9-2888-477f-89ff-0942d4938542

—---------------------------

Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day

Sunday 26th October, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-october-a8f94271-ac93-4927-92ad-e5562ccd6f00

—-------------------------------

Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 8th November, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-november-1e1d62f9-abe7-49b1-97d4-e49ae3eea82b

—-----------------------------

Golden Olden Community Gardens - Monthly Volunteer Open Day

Saturday 15th November, 10am - 2pm, Opposite Whistler Street, Islington

Olden Community Garden is a charity that maintains this lovely green space, with the objective to promote a community garden for the benefit of people living or working in the London Borough of Islington. Olden Garden gives local people opportunities for education and recreation, with the aim of increasing involvement in the community and reducing isolation.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/golden-olden-community-gardens-monthly-volunteer-open-day-362747ab-b255-472c-a0c0-44aee832dbe0

—---------------------------

Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning Saturday 15th November, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month. Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-7e302984-bcc6-44d7-8d11-cb1cb816d4cf

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IslingtonCommunity mission
StephDucat
Kim
Harvey Gallagher
Simon Fitzmaurice

Achilles International UK - Stratford Steppers

Thursday 16th October

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

The Goodgym guide runners were out in force this Thursday, joining the wonderful Achilles International UK community for a group run in Stratford Olympic Park.

Many of our athletes were opting for recovery runs after some PB attempts at the Battersea Chase the Sun races the night before (congratulations to Imran Khan and Chris Blackabee for excellent times!). The weather was absolutely perform for laps of the West Ham Stadium concourse and longer runs along the Lea Valley navigation and Waterden Park.

A special shout out to bag watch regular and guide dog walking expert Kim for celebrating her 100th Goodgym deed this evening, and bringing delicious home baked vegan brownies to share. Well done!


Next Achilles International UK session

Thursday 23rd October, 6pm Maida Vale Underground (heading to Paddington Rec Track)

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-66e4c4cb-2d0d-4eb8-8f02-20ef5f999096

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IslingtonGroup run
DaMarcus
Deirdre
Eslam Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed
Caitlin Rollison
Matt Burton
Simon Fitzmaurice

Masters of Mulch

Monday 13th October

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On a wonderfully moody Autumnal evening, Area Activator Simon met with Da Marcus, Deirdre and first timer Camila (welcome!) at the Arsenal Community Hub for a pleasant1.5 mile run up to Elthorne Park, Archway. Hidden around the corner is the fascinating Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground project, set up by local residents and gardening enthusiasts on a former basketball court. The court fell into disrepair, and was forceably shut by Haringey Council due to anti-social behaviour complaints, but a collaboration with volunteers have allowed the court to be transformed into a growing space.

Top volunteer coordinator Eslam was on hand to allow us to access the gardens, and offered us all shovels, spades and forks for our task. The objective this evening was to un-earth two beds of nicely rotted down organic soil (cultivated by our team months ago with coffee chaffs, woodchip and green waste), and turn the material to allow for aeration. Very satisfying to see the results from our hard work paying off!

As an extra task (just in case we had time!), we were requested to unload a whole compost bin of fresh green waste into the beds, and combine the materials as effectively as possible. The six of us made short work of the mulch turning, leaving two compost bins for the gardening team to allocate for future projects.

Great work everyone! Next week, we will be at the Light of the World Church in Stroud Green!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN OCTOBER

Community Mission - Light of the World Church Gardening and Painting, 7.15pm, Evershot Road, Monday 20th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-light-of-the-world-church-gardening-and-painting-6dff1a8d-898b-4d40-b992-04d7f8567089

Group Run - Timbuktu Adventure Playground 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 29th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-return-trip-to-timbuktu-adventure-playground-c04c29e1-19ec-45ae-9e98-de5762c63bbc

Community Mission - Sunnyside Community Gardens, 7.15pm, Monday 3rd November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting-7de5ca9d-b101-4b9d-a16d-c98bc7ca3b5d

Group Run - Rose Bowl Youth Club Green Graft! 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 10th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-rose-bowl-youth-club-green-graft

—-----------------------------------

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!

OCTOBER

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 16th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-fb30d327-a149-4c53-8543-0a8db41a263e

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 23rd October

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-66e4c4cb-2d0d-4eb8-8f02-20ef5f999096

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 30th October

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-3f7026f3-7a38-455c-b400-329f37edd6c5

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 6th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-a8b0fc78-97bf-41ec-a84c-908bcf24c5f8

—-----------------------------

Track and Towpath - Bartlett Park Belters

Thursday 16th October, 7.50am, Poplar Union E14

Come and join Area Activator and UK Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) Simon for a fun mixed pace training session

Our plan is to meet up outside Poplar Union cafe at 7.50am, before enjoying an easy jog and dynamic warm up in Bartlett Park by 8am.

All paces and abilities welcome!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/track-and-towpath-bartlett-park-belters

—-----------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Tuesdays (and a single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

Market Road Gardens, London N7 9GT

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Market Road Gardens looking beautiful! All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September 16th, 23rd, 30th

October 7th, 14th, 21st (not 28th!)

November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

December 2nd, 9th and 16th

Next session

Tuesday 14th October: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-e5ac8437-8a18-4679-bf4e-ab725a730cda

—--------------------------

The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Wednesdays (and one single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

TGC Hut, Newington Green Park Building, 2 Newington Green, London, N1 4RF

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Newington Green tidy and lovely!

All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September - 17th, 24th, and Saturday 27th

October- 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd

November- 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

December- 3rd, 10th and 17th

Next Session

Wednesday 15th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-5b6d6fcd-048c-464a-b214-0c217b0f1897

—-----------------------------

Green Guardians- Whittington Park Sessions

Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions, Whittington Park, Archway

We have six really interesting gardening session happening at Whittington Park. We'll be planting native wild flowers, hedging and bulbs, creating a stumper and planting fruit trees.

These are relaxed friendly sessions where the emphasis is on spending time outside in nature, whilst learning and sharing skills and meeting new people.

The sessions are free and open to all, though under 16's must be with a responsible adult. No experience is needed. We provide tools, gloves, guidance and refreshments.


Session Dates

  1. Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower

  2. Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs

  3. Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)

  4. Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting

  5. Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

  6. Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

—-------------------

Next session

Thursday 16th October, 10am - 12 midday: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/green-guardians-whittington-park-community-gardening

—-----------------------------

Golden Olden Community Gardens - Monthly Volunteer Open Day

Saturday 18th October, 10am - 2pm, Opposite Whistler Street, Islington

Olden Community Garden is a charity that maintains this lovely green space, with the object to promote a community garden for the benefit of people living or working in the London Borough of Islington. Olden Garden gives local people opportunities for education and recreation, with the aim of increasing involvement in the community and reducing isolation.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/golden-olden-community-gardens-monthly-volunteer-open-day-2863583d-2b70-4ec0-a0e6-137f5d7495a5

—---------------------------

Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning Saturday 18th October, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month. Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning

—---------------------------

Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day

Sunday 26th October, 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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-october-a8f94271-ac93-4927-92ad-e5562ccd6f00

—-------------------------------

Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 8th November, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-november-1e1d62f9-abe7-49b1-97d4-e49ae3eea82b

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IslingtonCommunity mission
Louis Benham

All the colours of Autumn

Saturday 11th October

Written by Louis Benham (He/him)

I was already in the area having ran Highbury Fields parkrun so I stuck about and gave a helping hand with some gardening as the sole representative of GoodGym. Think I did us proud by getting stuck in with some raking and light pruning for three hours straight. The organisers were very clear with their instructions and the shed was very well stocked with tools. A busker was practising on the park bench for the first hour which was a nice bonus. I then decided to stick around and have a good chat with some of the other volunteers over lunch.

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IslingtonMission
Louis Benham

Getting the hang of weeding

Friday 10th October

Written by Louis Benham (He/him)

Got stuck in with some weeding and moss removal on an overcast Friday morning. Made some solid progress on getting the garden into a better state. Mr P’s daughter was very nice and appreciative of my work. Had a solid chat with Mr P over a ginger beer after I finished in the garden about sport and his early memories of London.

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