Elizabeth House Food Hub
122 GoodGymers have supported Elizabeth House Food Hub with 92 tasks.
Top supporters
Upcoming sessions
Tuesday 27th May 2025 12:45pm - 1:15pm
Monday 23rd June 2025 6:45pm - 8:30pm
Monday 23rd June 2025 6:45pm - 8:30pm
Monday 28th July 2025 7:15pm - 8:30pm
Monday 18th August 2025 6:45pm - 8:30pm
Monday 22nd September 2025 7:15pm - 8:30pm
Previous sessions
Welcome to the Mud Kitchen!
Monday 19th May
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Monday evening (after the incredible Hackney Half on Sunday- read the report here ), 5 Goodgymmers met Area Activator Simon and Elizabeth House gardening expert Frannie at the lovely Highbury Quadrant Estate near Clissold Park. We were grateful for having a keen team with us, as we had an abundance of tasks to take on!
The resident gardening team have been extremely busy preparing the garden space for London Open Gardens on 7th - 8th June 2025 (find out more here: https://londongardenstrust.org/log2025/gardens/HighburyQ.html), so engaging with Goodgym to offer some extra hands proved to be very helpful! Matt and Vic were taken on a tour of the immediate estates with Frannie, to install banners to advertise the open day. These were fitted using cable ties to multiple railings and walls to spread the word.
In the meantime, Simon, Sarah and Mehmet picked up gardening forks, hoes and wheelbarrows to help with clearing the woodland play area of weeds and green waste. The plan was to flatten out the surface closest to one of the side entrances to establish a spot for a safe fire pit, and a seating area made of logs. We also planned to re-use an old children's kitchen counter (a toy one made of wood) to make a "mud kitchen" outdoor play area for local kids.
When Matt, Vic and Frannie returned, our team picked up the old wooden kitchen counter, and carefully lifted the structure through 2 gates, up some stairs and into the woodland orchard gardens. It slotted perfectly into the area we just prepared, and thankfully stayed nice and steady! As a final task for the evening, we laid out some logs around the perimeter of the play area to encourage children to sit and relax in nature.
Well done everyone on completing some heavy lifting and presentation jobs- hugely appreciated by the residents of Highbury Quadrant Estate!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
SESSIONS IN MAY
Group Run- Camden Estate Gardens Bank Holiday Session - No Bag Drop! 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 26th May
Community Mission- Camden Estate Gardens 7.15pm, Camden Estate Gardens, Rowstock Gardens Monday 2nd June
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-camden-estate-community-food-gardens
Group Run- Everleigh Gardens Compost Turning 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 9th June
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-everleigh-gardens-compost-turning-heroes
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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!
Paddington Rec Track Thursday 22nd May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-addfc9c2-e2a4-4d39-ac0d-e580031471d8
Stratford Olympic Park (and Runthrough Relays) Thursday 29th May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-and-runthrough-relays
Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 5th June https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-a3ff6c7a-86fd-49cc-bf89-8bf08addadab
Emirates Stadium Thursday 12th June https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-f19db9f6-3b2e-47cd-a89b-ddceb04247ed
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Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!
Tuesday 27th May, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House
On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.
Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!
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The Garden Classroom- Brickworks Community Roof Garden Session
Friday 23rd May, 10am - 12 midday, Brickworks Community Centre, Crouch Hill
Join us at Brickworks Community Centre to help create a Sensory Garden! This hands-on event will bring together volunteers to plant, design, and beautify this new space
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just looking to get your hands dirty, we welcome all skill levels. Come together with your community to make a lasting impact on our shared space. Let's grow something beautiful together!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-brickworks-community-roof-garden
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Green Guardians Spring Sessions
The Garden Classroom, Newington Green
Wednesday 21st May
Wednesday 4th June
Wednesday 11th June
Wednesday 18th June
Wednesday 25th June
Saturday 28th June
Wednesday 2nd July
Wednesday 9th July
Wednesday 16th July
Saturday 26th July
Next session:
—---------------
Market Road Gardens
Tuesday 3rd June
Tuesday 10th June
Tuesday 17th June
Tuesday 24th June
Tuesday 1st July
Tuesday 8th July
Tuesday 15th July
Next Session:
—----------------------------
Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!
Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford
Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.
The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted
—---------------------------
Penn Road Gardens - April Volunteer Day
Sunday 27th May, 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/wwf-x-goodgym-islington-penn-road-gardens-open-morning-may
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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (June)
Saturday 21st June, 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.
—----------------------------
London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!
—------------------------------
Free Training Plans and Coaching for The Big Half
Apply by 2nd June 2025
Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) Simon is offering 3 spots for 1-to-1 run coaching for Goodgymmers
Simon has been leading group runs, training sessions and workouts for over 10 years, and has been qualified as a Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF) since 2017 and Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) since 2019.
To further his practice, he is looking to broaden his coaching portfolio by offering free coaching and training plans for Goodgymmers signed up for The Big Half 2025 (Sunday 7th September).
Open to 3 Goodgymmers only.
This opportunity includes:
A personalised 10 week training plan (starting from Monday 30th June)
Weekly calls or messages (dependent on time requirements of you, the athlete) to check on progress, and well-being
Open to runners of all abilities and looking objectives!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/free-training-plans-and-coaching-for-the-big-half
Logging another Good Deed
Monday 28th April
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon caught up with Caitlin and first time attendee Ewa (welcome!) at the Arsenal Community Hub, Emirates Stadium, ready for a group run to the Highbury Quadrant Estate Gardens. We engaged with a series of dynamic warm up drills on the slopes (much needed- Simon ran the Shakespeare marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon the day before!), and ran 1.2 miles up Aubert Park Hill and towards Clissold Park. Upon our arrival at this hidden green project, we met with Frannie of Elizabeth House Food Hub along with Alice, Maggie and Matt.
We had a few tasks to complete between us, between the Meadow area (the main hub for Highbury Quadrant Estate Gardens- an open resident gardening project) and the Orchard (a curated green space of trees and wildflowers). Caitlin and Maggie helped with some very thorough plant and flower watering across the wildflower garden (a huge job for the Saturday volunteers, made easier by our group). Afterwards, they assisted with preparing a composting area for more cultivation, and helped with clearing the main entrance pathways of stones, leaves and debris. The whole space looked really clean and presentable for future visitors.
The rest of our crew (Ewa, Matt and Alice) had a classic Goodgym lifting and shifting project! A delivery of beautiful logs had been left near the west side of the Highbury Quadrant Estate, and our plan was to move them safely into the orchard to create new habits for bugs and woodland creatures. However, we had a tricky couple of steps to navigate, along with some tight doorways- additional pivoting of wheelbarrows and lifting of porter trolleys was required. Frannie was thrilled to see that a heavy duty task had been completed with such efficiency!
Congratulations on a smashing evening of Goodgym, everyone. We will be at Sunnyside Community Gardens next Monday- see you soon!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
SESSIONS IN MAY
Community Mission- Sunnyside Community Gardens 7.15pm, Sunnyside Community Gardens, Monday 5th May
Group Run- Sunnyside Community Gardens 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 12th May
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting
—------------------------------------
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!
Green Park Thursday 1st May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-f62d4df4-cda9-44bc-a79f-d3cf33e87cd3
Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 8th May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-6575e329-1470-4a07-959a-abcd36058c26
Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 15th May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-47950339-2d63-4a65-8ca5-95eec0655f99
Paddington Rec Track Thursday 22nd May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-addfc9c2-e2a4-4d39-ac0d-e580031471d8
—--------------------------------------
Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions
Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track
If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.
Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!
Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!
Wednesday 30th April
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-9
Wednesday 14th May
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-10
—-------------------------------------
Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!
Tuesday 29th April, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House
On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.
Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!
—---------------------------------------
Green Guardians Spring Sessions
The Garden Classroom, Newington Green
Wednesday 30th April
Wednesday 7th May
Wednesday 14th May
Wednesday 21st May
Next session:
—---------------
Market Road Gardens
Tuesday 29th April
Tuesday 6th May
Tuesday 13th May
Tuesday 20th May
Next Session:
—-----------------------------
Gait Analysis Training with Area Activator Simon
Tuesday 6th May, 7-8pm, Arsenal Community Hub
Gait analysis has been proved to be a useful tool for highlighting potential issues, making suggestions for improvement and checking efficiency in movement.
Simon would like to offer 10 Goodgymmers the opportunity to join him for a dynamic warm up and short interval session.
During the evening, recordings for forward momentum, running form and lateral stability (at different paces) will be made, and used to make suggestions for training focus or for footwear choices.
—-----------------------------
Kit Swap and Runner's Jumble at The Horatia
Tuesday 13th May, 7.30-9pm, The Horatia Pub
Do you have sports kit that doesn't get used as much as it could?
Or would you prefer to keep your lovely nice running shoes ready for race day, and have a spare pair for Goodgym tasks?
Simon from Goodgym Islington will be hosting an evening for swapping or donating your used running kit for those who need it.
All items can be swapped with participants and sign ups, and anything left over can be taken home or offered to Preloved Sports, an organisation dedicated to keeping sports kit out of landfill.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/kit-swap-and-runner-s-jumble-at-the-horatia
—----------------------------
Camino Ultra - The London 100 - Aid station supporters at Queen Mother's Sports Centre, Victoria
Saturday 10th May, 6am - 12 midnight (flexible), Queen Mother’s Sports Centre, Victoria
London 100 is Central London's ultramarathon. With 3 challenge distances (100km, 50km, and 25km), the event has distances for experienced ultramarathoners, and for those stepping up from marathons or half marathons.
From a superb indoor Central London race HQ, four 25km routes explore north, south, east and west of the capital.
As part of the event, the amazing Camino crew are seeking volunteers to help tired runners throughout the day.
As there will be be 4 different running distances in action, the team would hugely appreciate helpers who can arrive throughout the morning, afternoon or evening.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/camino-ultra-london-100km-aid-station-support
—---------------------------
Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering
Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)
The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.
All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering
—--------------------------------------
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (May)
Saturday 17th May, 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.
—----------------------------
Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!
Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford
Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.
The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted
—---------------------------
Penn Road Gardens - May Volunteer Day
Sunday 27th May, 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/wwf-x-goodgym-islington-penn-road-gardens-open-morning-may
—----------------------------
London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!
Can Do Attitude
Monday 14th April
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Area Activator Simon was joined by a top crew of Goodgym runners at the Arsenal Community Hub early on Monday evening. After a series of warm up drills on the slopes, we ran up the Aubert Park Hill, and straight down to the Elizabeth House Community Food Hub.
Upon our arrival we were greeted by Alice and Nathalie, the resident food hub volunteers, who were thrilled to see us. The team had already been working hard throughout the day, preparing deliveries and essential supplies for neighbourhood familes and isolated peoples. The space is set out like a supermarket, dedicated to donated food and produce, where visitors can drop in. Over the holidays, demand increases, so an additional Monday supermarket day is set up by the team, and our Goodgym crew will often come down to lend a hand!
Firstly, we arranged to drop off a series of prepared deliveries across the borough (Dharmesh, Bianca, Caitlin and Kim took on this role). In the meantime, the rest of us helped with re-organising the storage space under a table in the main kitchen- it was full of canned goods and non perishable foods, but needed a good sweep and some re-arranging. A good job, well done!
Next on the agenda, our team remained on hand to assist with packing supplies into bags for our visitors. As the food hub started to close up, we cleared away crates, tables, food supplies and chairs. Every area and every surface was cleaned, sanitised and swept up and we made sure that the community hall was ready for the children's play scheme the next day.
Great work everyone. Have a smashing Easter break! See you at Timbuktu Adventure Playground next Monday!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
SESSIONS IN APRIL
Community Mission- Timbuktu Adventure Playground 7.15pm, Timbuktu Adventure Playground, 31 Grenville Road Monday 21st April
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-timbuktu-adventure-playground
Group Run- Highbury Quadrant Estate 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 28th April
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-highbury-quadrant-green-space-garden-maintenance
Community Mission- Sunnyside Community Gardens 7.15pm, Sunnyside Community Gardens, Monday 5th May
Group Run- Sunnyside Community Gardens 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 12th May
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting
—------------------------------------
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!
Emirates Stadium Thursday 17th April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-a04b2b49-dfb1-46c1-93b8-b4be751fa9f7
Paddington Rec Track Thursday 24th April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-807ac766-ce7f-4496-8589-c8023e7fa0cc
Green Park Thursday 1st May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-f62d4df4-cda9-44bc-a79f-d3cf33e87cd3
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Goodgym x Friday Night Lights: FNL Festival
Friday 18th April, 10am - late, Battersea Park
On Friday 18th April (Good Friday bank holiday) GoodGym will be supporting the Friday Night Lights Couch to 50k festival at Battersea Park. There will be lots of tasks to be done from setting up a gazebo, collecting donated shoes to be recycled, supporting festival games and even a bit of running if you'd like. It should be a really fun day!
By signing up you'll also get access to the Festival for the day, chill out with the music and entertainment, and access some of the runs happening.
Morning: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-at-the-friday-night-lights-festival-morning-session
Evening: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-at-the-friday-night-lights-festival-afternoon-session
—--------------------------------------
Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions
Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track
If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.
Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!
Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!
Wednesday 16th April
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-8
Wednesday 30th April
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-9
Wednesday 14th May
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-10
—---------------------------------------
Green Guardians Spring Sessions
The Garden Classroom, Newington Green
Wednesday 23rd April
Wednesday 30th April
Wednesday 7th May
Wednesday 14th May
Wednesday 21st May
Next session:
—---------------
Market Road Gardens
Tuesday 22nd April
Tuesday 29th April
Tuesday 6th May
Tuesday 13th May
Tuesday 20th May
Next Session:
—--------------------------------------
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (April)
Saturday 19th April, 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.
—-----------------------------
Penn Road Gardens - April Volunteer Day
Sunday 27th April, 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.
—----------------------------
Camino Ultra - The London 100 - Aid station supporters at Queen Mother's Sports Centre, Victoria
Saturday 10th May, 6am - 12 midnight (flexible), Queen Mother’s Sports Centre, Victoria
London 100 is Central London's ultramarathon. With 3 challenge distances (100km, 50km, and 25km), the event has distances for experienced ultramarathoners, and for those stepping up from marathons or half marathons.
From a superb indoor Central London race HQ, four 25km routes explore north, south, east and west of the capital.
As part of the event, the amazing Camino crew are seeking volunteers to help tired runners throughout the day.
As there will be be 4 different running distances in action, the team would hugely appreciate helpers who can arrive throughout the morning, afternoon or evening.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/camino-ultra-london-100km-aid-station-support
—---------------------------
Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering
Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)
The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.
All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering
—----------------------------
Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!
Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford
Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.
The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted
—---------------------------
London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!
A Clean Sweep at Elizabeth House Food Hub
Monday 17th February
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon ran from the Arsenal Community Hub and over the Elizabeth House Food Hub on Blackstock Road to help at this busy food distribution project. Dan, Matt, Emily, Maggie and Caitlin were on board with helping the volunteer crew over the half term holidays.
Elizabeth House Food Hub operates a busy "supermarket style" food bank, that invites neighbours around the Islington borough to pick up food and essentials for their families. Our team walked together to a variety of households across the area, dropped off the shopping before running back.
As the operations quietened down, the Goodgymmers helped out by moving non -perishable food back to the kitchen shelves, and then cleaned and folded down tables in the hall. Chairs were collected up, and the floors were swept, ready for the next session tomorrow. Our assistance was hugely appreciated, and we plan to return during the Easter holidays.
To celebrate, many of our team enjoyed some excellent Thai food and beverages at The Woodbine on Blackstock Road. Great work everyone!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
SESSIONS IN FEBRUARY / MARCH
Community Mission- Caxton House Community Centre 7.15pm, Caxton House Monday 24th February
Group Run- Rose Bowl Youth Club 6.45pm, Rose Bowl Youth Club Monday 3rd March
Community Mission- Sunnyside Community Gardens 7.15pm, Sunnyside Community Gardens, Monday 10th March
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting
Group Run- Lighthouse Community Gardening Project, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 17th March
Community Mission- Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, 7.15pm, Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, Monday 24th March
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-hornsey-rise-kickabout-playground
Community Mission- Barnsbury Square Gardens 7.15pm, Barnsbury Square Gardens Monday 7th April
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-friends-of-barnsbury-square-gardens
—------------------------------------
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!
Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-398b3240-7201-49b9-b73c-d75d86b6a86e
Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-f84dc6a2-273c-474c-bd46-5e29cc1d7268
Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 7th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-a6f34119-2ee1-423c-af26-d1ef84572c61
Paddington Rec Track Thursday 14th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-84f58337-118e-4cd7-93e1-4710a9923494
—--------------------------------------
Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions
Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track
If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.
Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!
Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!
Wednesday 19th February
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-4
—-------------------------------------
Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!
Tuesday 18th February, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House
On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.
Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!
—---------------------------------------
Green Guardians Spring Sessions
The Garden Classroom, Newington Green
Saturday 22nd February
Wednesday 26th February
Next session:
—---------------
Market Road Gardens
Tuesday 25th February
Next Session:
—--------------------------------------
Penn Road Gardens Open Morning (February)
Sunday 23rd February, 10am - 12 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.
Local volunteers will be on hand to direct anyone who arrives to offer their help between 10am- midday. Come on down to enjoy a lovely morning community task!
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Saint John's Garden: Building a Dead Hedge and Garden Maintenance
Saturday 22nd February, 11am - midday, St John's Garden
Friends of St John's Garden community group would LOVE Goodgym's help to build and maintain their dead hedges and as an optional lighter task help sweep the garden paths.
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Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session
Saturday 8th March, 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.
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Camino Ultra London- Lea Valley Races Finish Line Party!
Saturday 29th March, 12 midday, Here East, Stratford
The Camino Ultra London 50km and Gratitude 25km returns for 2025, stretching from Welwyn Garden City, to Ware, and then down the Lea Valley to our finishing line in Hackney Wick (Here East).
Race organisers Darren Strachan and David Bone aka DaznBone would love to invite the Goodgym community back to bring excitement and positivity to our runners, as they finish their races.
The theme is: Bring The Party!!!
Cowbells, cheers, noise makers, music and fun!
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Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering
Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)
The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.
All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering
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London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!
When the veg you supply, is almost 1 metre high, that's a Mooli!
Monday 28th October 2024
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Lift the Curfew is a campaign by This Girl Can. #LetsLiftTheCurfew highlights the concerns many women feel when getting active outdoors after dark by calling for a safer and more inclusive experience.
Area Activator Simon was thrilled to meet with a top crew of Goodgym runners and volunteers at the Arsenal Community Hub last night, and particularly grateful to be introduced to 4 first time Goodgymmers! (welcome!). Together, we performed a short warm up on the Emirates Stadium slopes, before running 1 mile together up Highbury Hill, and back down to Elizabeth House Community Food Hub on Hurlock Street.
Elizabeth House offer an incredible resource for residents in Islington, Highbury and Finsbury Park. Affordable food and produce donated from stores and growing projects across the city and available to local people and families. The hub operates as a walk-in supermarket, allowing visitors to pick out their choice of food and essentials. However, a lot of regulars are unable to physically attend the food hub during school holidays and breaks, so Goodgym are happy to assist with deliveries on foot!
We had a couple of deliveries, typically performed on a cargo bike, located about 1 km away from the hub. These were completed by two top groups who were up for a bit of orienteering to find the correct houses for these important parcels. The rest of our team helped with some speedy deliveries around the Twyford House estates before returning back to Elizabeth House.
For the remainder of the evening, our crew helped with closing down the food hub, ready for kid's club the next day. Any non-perishable food and items were brought back to the storage cupboards, and all surfaces were cleaned up. Our next task involved separating the fresh fruit and vegetables (including amazingly varied food like samphire, alfalfa shoots and mooli radishes!) into good quality stock or overly ripe produce. The softer stuff was then taken to a compost bin outside, ready to be used for more growing projects.
Tables and chairs were packed away, crates were returned to their original spots and all of the floors were spotless by the time we finished. Well done everyone- we hope to return for more assistance over the busy Christmas period too!
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GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
GROUP SESSIONS-
Monday 4th November- Turning Compost at Pollard Close- Community Mission 7.15pm, Near Biddestone Gardens, Holloway Road
Monday 11th November- Thornhill Square Gardens- Group Run 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub
Monday 18th November- Caxton House Community Centre- Community Mission 7.15pm, Caxton House
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-caxton-house-painting-and-sanding-indoors
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 31st October- Stratford Olympic Park- Runthrough Chase The Moon- Halloween Special
7th November- Paddington Rec Track
14th November- Emirates Stadium
21st November- Paddington Rec Track
28th November- Stratford Olympic Park
Green Guardians Weekly Workdays
Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am - 12 midday, Wednesdays, Fridays and occasional Saturdays
Community garden volunteer drop in sessions organised by a collection of specialists and tutors across the borough. Always day time, with occasional weekend meetings throughout Autumn.
The next sessions are as follows:
Wednesday 6th November, 10am - 12 midday, Newington Green
Friday 8th November, 10am - 12 midday, Market Road Gardens
Thornhill Square Gardens- October Workday
Saturday 2nd November, 10am - midday, Thornhill Square Gardens
This is an open volunteer gardening morning set up by the Friends of Thornhill Square. As one of the largest public spaces in Islington without council maintenance assistance, extra pairs of hands for bulb planting, composting, litter picking and preparing flower beds would be hugely appreciated!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/thornhill-square-gardens-open-volunteer-morning-november
Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session
Saturday 9th 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.
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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (November)
Saturday 16th 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.
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 17th November, 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-november-2024
Met League Cross Country Series- Goodgym Race Team
Various locations, October 2024 - February 2025
Met League Cross Country is a set of five 7-8km races organised by London race clubs. They are held in parks and forests around London with the routes including a mixture of grass, gravel and a fair bit of mud (it is XC after all!)
Sign up to the Goodgym Race Team for £15, and enter ALL 5 RACES for the bargain price of £20!
Newbies encouraged and welcomed- the most fun you can have running over the Winter months!
Fixtures
9th November Horsenden Hill https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country
30th November Uxbridge https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-uxbridge
11th January Welwyn Garden City https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-stanborough-park
8th February Trent Park https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-trent-park
Another Good Turn and a Berry Nice Reward
Saturday 31st August 2024
Written by anne malcolm
Two Goodgymmers were back on hand today, helping the community gardeners at Highbury Quadrant.
After giving a young apricot tree a good drink, the goodgymmers were introduced to the compost heaps where fresh cuttings from the garden were dug and turned into the the existing heap to help speed up the composting process. A local robin joined in a supervisory role.
Then, following a quick introduction to the tiger worms in the wormery, and the 'hot box' full of not-tiger-worms, the next task was to water the plants and raised beds.
There was still time left to harvest the ripe tomatoes and pinch back the basil plants in the greenhouse to encourage new growth.
As we worked, we were offered raspberries and black currants fresh from the garden, and we left with a wonderfully fragrant stash of rosemary, basil and tomatoes to enjoy at home.
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