Turning Barking For Timbuktu Adventure Playground

Helping the turning of the barks which are created the whole playground. Basically the bark on the ground needs turning otherwise it gets too compacted and it's not great for the kids
It's a charity that offers free playgroups and activities for children during after-school and holiday terms

21 GoodGymers have supported Turning Barking For Timbuktu Adventure Playground with 5 tasks.


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IslingtonGroup run
Simon FitzmauriceEmilyEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedMichaelXia Xi aHaseeb Bakht

Timbuk-two? How about Timbuk-six?

Monday 21st April

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

Area Activator Simon and community leader Eslam met up at Timbuktu Adventure Playground last night, along with Emily, Michael, Haseeb and first timer Xia (welcome!). It was wonderful to return after the Easter holiday weekend, back to help the team at Islington in Play to maintain this well loved children's play park.

https://islingtonplay.org.uk/take-part/playgrounds/timbuktu-adventure-playground/

After unlocking a slighty tricky door, our crew were offered shovels and forks and we cracked on with turning soil and wood chips across the playground. The intention was to create soft landing areas for children playing on the climbing frames and rope swings- soil and mud starts to harden up over the Summer months.

Half way through our session, we switched our attention to cultivating the garden plot area at the back of the playground. We turned to earth for various flower beds, ready for future planting projects. Emily was in charge of picking our plastic and debris from all of the flower beds too, collecting up almost an entire bucket from the garden along.

Congratulations everyone. A great job, well done!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN APRIL

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

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting-b58e17f0-7881-4f9a-a24b-8438fce2b8e1

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

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Post Group Run Social - Clissold Park Tavern

Monday 28th April, 8.15pm, Clissold Park Tavern

Following our group run session at Highbury Quadrant Estate, we are planning on celebrating a month of good work and excellent tasks with a trip to the Clissold Park Tavern. Smashing location for warm evenings, great food and refreshments on offer. Sign up here!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-clissold-park-tavern


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 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

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

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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

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Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 22nd 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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-a114780d-ada1-4ae5-b9b8-5a7a423cbe5d

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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:

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-19ddd78f-ccad-4835-8ed8-d05c36c01c66

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Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 22nd April

Tuesday 29th April

Tuesday 6th May

Tuesday 13th May

Tuesday 20th May

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-9c2513bb-9baa-4c11-a62a-b8308f4e5590

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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. https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-april-eca3427e-f335-4bd4-8c90-aa709fe9cf8b

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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

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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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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.

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

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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

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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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers-7fc3f823-de75-4b32-9ada-ec2e94c7a51a

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IslingtonGroup run
Sally

"Wood You Believe It? Playground Gets a Chip-Tastic Makeover!"

Monday 2nd December 2024

Written by Islington runner

I asked ChatGPT to write the title. I also asked it to write our run report using the following prompt, 'Write a paragraph about Sally and Alison helping Eslam to lay woodchip on a playground'.

Sally and Alison were excited to help Eslam transform the playground into a safer, more vibrant space for the kids. Armed with shovels and rakes, they worked together to spread the fresh woodchip across the playground, carefully ensuring even coverage. Eslam, who had started the project, smiled as he saw his friends jump in, their energy contagious as they laughed and joked while laying the chips. With every scoop, the area started to look brighter, the soft woodchip creating a cushiony surface that would protect the children during play. It was hard work, but the trio knew it was worth it, knowing their efforts would bring joy and safety to the community.

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IslingtonGroup run
HannahSally
Caitlin RollisonEslam Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed

Climb Time at Timbuktu Adventure Playground

Monday 7th October 2024

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On Monday evening, local volunteering superstar Eslam hosted a smashing evening at Timbuktu Adventure Playground. Sally, Hannah, Sarah and Caitlin did a wonderful job shifting and turning the bark chip surrounding the play apparatus, helping to keep visiting youngsters safe while running and climbing. Great job everyone!

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IslingtonGroup run
+4
Lucy ThomasDanEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedEmre SasmaciogluMehmet

Bamboo-zled at Timbuktu Adventure Playground

Monday 29th July 2024

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

After a baking hot summer's day, Area Activator Simon was glad to feel some breeze and a bit of shade before this evening's group run to Timbuktu Adventure Playground near Hornsey Rise. Mehmet, Faye, Louise and Paul joined Simon for a warm up on the Emirates Stadium slopes, before chatty running up Sussex Way, and to Grenville Road. Upon our arrival, we met with Emre, Dan, Lucy and Alison, but found that the main access gate was locked up.

Literally 30 seconds later, Eslam appeared around the corner, pedalling a cargo bike full of tools borrowed from Sunnyside Gardens on Elthorne Road. We cracked on with our evening's tasks! Objective one was to use shovels and forks to turn over the bark chippings that lay around the adventure playground. Mixing the bark with soft soil allows the surface to be softer and more protective in case of a child falling off the play equipment. A big job that needs to be done regularly in the summer months- greatly aided by many Goodgym hands!

Objective two involved giving all of the pathways and play area a really good weeding, as vines, bushes and saplings had started to grow wild with the summer heat and rainfall. Louise, Faye and Alison did a smashing job of removing huge piles of green waste (including some hardy potatoes that found their way into the wood chip!). Eslam made us feel very welcome with offers of water while working, and even the opportunity to take home some freshly grown bamboo from the local gardens!

Well done everyone. Fantastic work on a super sunny evening!

And a special Thank You to Emre for joining us for his final Monday evening Goodgym session before he returns home to Cyprus. It was been a pleasure to meet you, and we really appreciate your efforts and awesome attitude! See you soon, we hope!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


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 1st August- Arsenal Emirates Stadium

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-106d8484-2ef2-4a3e-9b1c-13684aa1c4e3

Thursday 8th August- Stratford Olympic Park

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-d0e1a373-9592-4701-953b-5a33d22f4b23

Thursday 15th August- Green Park

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-3bdd5a01-f34a-44b4-a12f-36c8fe57d9c9

Thursday 22nd August- Paddington Rec Track

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-1034b042-aef0-4831-92c4-094c60286bb6

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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

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-volunteer-morning-515e54d3-28e0-49c4-b109-5abc2abafad7


POST GROUP SESSION 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 good food, excellent refreshments and fun times at Someday Canteen. A pleasant 20 min walk from The Arsenal Community Hub, after our scheduled task!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-session-social-area-activator-simon-celebrates-5-years


Highbury Quadrant Greening with Elizabeth House

Every Saturday, 10.30am - 12 midday, Highbury Quadrant Meadow

A fantastic task for post-parkrun runners at Highbury Fields or Finsbury Park!

Elizabeth House Community Centre, in partnership with Islington Council, Highbury Quadrant Tenants and Residents Association, Highbury Councillors and community organisations transformed three unloved and unusable green spaces on Highbury Quadrant estate.

These green spaces have been designed into three distinct spaces, improving bio-diversity and the local environment. There is now a beautiful meadow, an orchard and woodland areas.

Local residents have the opportunity to access these green spaces and take part in gardening and nature based activities, every Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm.

Saturday 3rd August

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/highbury-quadrant-greening-with-elizabeth-house-2893e5e8-83e8-438a-8712-85c1d173aee6

Saturday 10th August

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/highbury-quadrant-greening-with-elizabeth-house-717f87f0-a15d-4e8d-a323-6fe66118ae34

Saturday 17th August

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/highbury-quadrant-greening-with-elizabeth-house-7beaf441-bb17-4a08-80c1-afbefaee0a08


Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day

Sunday 18th August, 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-2024-9cb2ba41-da8c-4767-82f0-b45b21eb303c


Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day

Sunday 25th August, 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-august-b86c1aad-1108-4b01-aaef-ac9be1426496


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IslingtonGroup run
+2
Simon FitzmauriceEmilyLuke BurrageDanEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedMehmet

Plough for Playgrounds

Monday 8th July 2024

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

The changeable showery Summertime weather continues on this Monday evening, where Area Activator Simon met with Goodgym runners Luke, Mehmet, Effie and first timer Sophie just outside the Arsenal Community Hub. Between us, we had enjoyed weekends of half marathon training, rainy parkrun events and meeting new babies for the first time! After a dynamic warm up, we set off up Hornsey Rise and Sussex Way towards Timbuktu Adventure Playground.

After a 1.2 mile run, we met with Emily, Dan and task owner Eslam (Thank you for having us) at the entrance to an impressive play area (a large wooden pirate ship structure, with climbing holds, a high swing and trampolines). Our plan for the evening was to use the shovels, forks and rakes provided to turn all of the bark chip around the playground- bringing oxygen to the soil and making the surface as soft and safe as possible for visiting families.

Together, our crew spread out across the play ground- Dan and Mehmet scooping on one side, Effie and Sophie on the other, with Emily raking wherever the ground needed to be evened out. Within 45 minutes (and a bit of a rain shower), almost all of the woodchuck in the play area had been turned out, ready for the staff to see tomorrow morning. Great job everyone!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


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 11th July- Green Park

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-ab3bf2f2-5408-42de-8afc-95ffbe5cea61

Thursday 18th July- Paddington Rec Track

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-7e911e01-1682-4d57-9fbe-fc5eb786ba0e

Thursday 25th July- Battersea Park

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/achilles-international-vi-guide-running-battersea-park-8415b4f1-220e-4ae8-bc80-1e54c58b6971

Thursday 1st August- Arsenal Emirates Stadium

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-106d8484-2ef2-4a3e-9b1c-13684aa1c4e3


Post Group Run Social- The Victoria, Holloway Road

Monday 15th July, 8.45pm, Holloway Road

After our group run to Thornhill Square Gardens on Monday evening, we are planning on visiting The Victoria pub for £7 pizzas, refreshments and good times!

Sign up here to get involved:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-victoria-tavern-holloway-road

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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

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-volunteer-morning-2b62c634-0a5e-491b-a8ab-6d5c888e412e

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Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning

Saturday 13th July, 10am - midday, Union Chapel, Islington

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.

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

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-july-04cc40a5-965a-4e8c-94c4-4f69a922a218


Saucony London 10km Water Station Volunteers!

Sunday 14th July, 7.30am - 1pm, The Sanctuary, Westminster

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.

The objective is to have 40 volunteers for each station, handing out water to thirsty runners as they pass by.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers


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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/golden-stag-mile-with-barnet-ac-f838a666-abd3-49b8-a3be-6580f87bb015


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!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-july-2588de11-fa4e-42cd-9ecd-d3dbdc292bb3


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.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-july-e0762f5b-09c4-44ce-bb26-a5201d637cb3

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