Deirdre
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Doing good since July 2025
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6 Month Streak
Latest activity
Deirdre went on a group run
Mon 1st Dec at 7:15pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon met with 6 Goodgym gardeners at the hidden urban gem that is Camden Estate Gardens (Rostock Gardens). We met with the lovely Michelle, who had set up the space specially for our visit, despite the wind and rain earlier in the day.
Our task for the night involved using rakes and brushes to gather up as leaves and green debris from around the allotments and beds. We then used grabbing implements and shovels to fill up wheelbarrows or to drop the leaf mulch into various planters. The remaining green waste was then moved to compost bins and builder's merchant bags, ready to be rotted down over the next few months. Our collections from previous years have now become lovely soil for Spring time planting!
We did a smashing job over 40 minutes, and completely cleared the space in no time. Excellent efforts all around!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
Currently being updated- watch this space!
Deirdre signed up to a group run.
Mon 1st Dec at 7:15pm
Helping at Rowstock Gardens to prepare for future planting projects
Read moreDeirdre went on a group run
Mon 24th Nov at 6:45pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon, Da Marcus and returning Goodgymmer Frankie enjoyed a nice run across Holloway Road, and down to Thornhill Square Gardens, despite the chilly weather conditions!
Upon our arrival, we met with resident gardening expert Anna McKane, who had prepared a series of tasks for our team of 7. Our top priority for the session was to move a pile of donated wood chip over to the flower beds around the perimeter of the park, using shovels and wheelbarrows. The objective was to provide additional protection for the new bulbs trying to grow over the winter months.
Our second team used rakes and forks to clear away fallen leaves from around the lovely ancient trees to the North of the park. The leaf fall provides a great habitat for green moths, which are unfortunately invasive and harmful to the trees. The plan is to keep them at bay as much as possible!
Within our 50 minutes of lifting and shifting, we successfully cleared the wood chip pile, and had packed up 3 full builder's merchant bags of green waste, ready for the council collection in the morning. Well done everyone!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
—-------------------------------------
SESSIONS IN DECEMBER
Community Mission - Camden Estate Community Food Gardens 7.15pm, Rowstock Gardens Monday 1st December
Group Run - Caledonian Park Winter Path Building (1), 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 7th December
Community Mission - Caledonian Park Winter Path Building (2), 7.15pm, Caledonian Park, Market Road Monday 15th December
Group Run - Festive Fleet Street Quarter Snoopy Trail, 6.45pm, St Paul's Cathedral Monday 22nd December
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/wild-in-art-fleet-street-quarter-snoopy-trail
—-----------------------------------
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!
NOVEMBER
Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 27th November
Paddington Recreation Track, Maida Vale Thursday 4th December
Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Tube Thursday 11th December
Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 18th December
—-----------------------------
Track and Towpath - Stepney Green Strides
Thursday 27th November, 7.50am, Rinkoff Bakery, Stepney Green
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 Rinkoff Bakery, Stepney Green at 7.50am, before enjoying an easy jog and dynamic warm up around the Stepney Green Park by 8am.
All paces and abilities welcome!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-stepney-green-workout
—-----------------------------
Track and Towpath - Xmas Bouldering Special!
Thursday 4th December, 7.50am, Mile End Climbing Wall
As a celebration for a busy 2025 with Track and Towpath Run Group, we are planning on closing up for Xmas with a special trip to Mile End Climbing Wall.
Just £5 for an off-peak climbing session, open to boulderers of all abilities! Followed by coffee and snacks at the café.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-mile-end-climbing-wall-xmas-special
(Strava group link)
https://strava.app.link/jZ0J8GD9NXb
—-----------------------------
Goodgym Islington Social (December) - Angel Comedy Club, Camden Head
Tuesday 9th December, 7.30pm, Camden Head Pub, Angel
A celebration of Goodgym fun over 2025, with a trip to the famous Camden Head pub in Angel, host to stand up comedy and fresh sketches, 7 days a week.
Come on down for refreshments, food and a nice catch up before the Xmas holidays!
https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/gg-islington-social-december-angel-comedy-club-camden-head
—-----------------------------
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 2nd December:
—--------------------------
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 26th November
—-----------------------------
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
Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower
Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs
Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)
Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting
Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation
Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation
—-------------------
Next session
Tuesday 6th January, 10am - 12 midday:
—----------------------------
Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day
Sunday 30th November, 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.
—-------------------------------
Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session
Saturday 13th December, 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.
—-----------------------------
Elizabeth House Food Hub - Xmas Supplies Prep
Tuesday 16th December, 12.30 - 1.30pm, Elizabeth House Food Hub, Hurlock Street
The team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with preparing up the donation centre.
As the holidays are approaching, the centre will be expecting more visitors to make use of this vital service. Your help is invaluable!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-xmas-supplies-prep
—-----------------------------
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning
Saturday 20th December, 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.
Deirdre went on a group run
Mon 17th Nov at 7:15pm
Islington Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
Winter has officially started in London this week!
However, the weather conditions did not deter 10 hardy Goodgym souls to join Area Activator Simon for an evening of garden fixing.
Unfortunately, upon our arrival, we were informed that the task would not be feasible in the dark. Although we had brought work lights and head torches, the local gardening volunteers at Maria's Garden, Isledon Gardens made the sensible decision that we should postpone this difficult project. The plan was to move the parts of a new garden shed into the space from a nearby safe spot, and then construct the shed before the end of the evening. A feasible task, if we had more light, safer surfaces to work on and if the main platform for the shed had been constructed in advance. Hopefully we will return soon!
While we contemplated the project, we had the chance to watch some beautiful park dwelling feral kittens being fed by trusted neighbours!
Our crew took the opportunity to run together to the Emirates Stadium concourse instead, and we hosted a last minute paarlauf (pairs running) interval session instead. In pairs, each of our runners set off in opposite directions around the 700m circuit of Emirates Stadium. One runner runs at a faster pace, while the other remains at a recovery effort pace. As the two runners meet, they switch paces while continuing to run in the same direction. Over 8 minutes of total duration, our runners each achieved 4 hand-overs (or high 5s!) before joining Area Activator Simon back at the start line and bag drop. Great job everyone!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
SESSIONS IN OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
Group Run - Thornhill Square Gardens - Bulb Planting 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 24th November
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-thornhill-square-gardens-bulb-planting
Community Mission - Camden Estate Community Food Gardens 7.15pm, Rowstock Gardens Monday 1st December
—-----------------------------------
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!
NOVEMBER
Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th November
Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 27th November
Paddington Recreation Track, Maida Vale Thursday 4th December
—-----------------------------
Track and Towpath - Stepney Green Strides
Thursday 27th November, 7.50am, BLAS coffee, Victoria Park
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 Rinkoff Bakery, Stepney Green at 7.50am, before enjoying an easy jog and dynamic warm up around the Stepney Green Park by 8am.
All paces and abilities welcome!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-stepney-green-workout
—-----------------------------
Track and Towpath - Xmas Bouldering Special!
Thursday 4th December, 7.50am, Mile End Climbing Wall
As a celebration for a busy 2025 with Track and Towpath Run Group, we are planning on closing up for Xmas with a special trip to Mile End Climbing Wall.
Just £5 for an off-peak climbing session, open to boulderers of all abilities! Followed by coffee and snacks at the café.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-and-towpath-mile-end-climbing-wall-xmas-special
(Strava group link)
https://strava.app.link/jZ0J8GD9NXb
—-----------------------------
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 18th November:
—--------------------------
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 19th November
—-----------------------------
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
Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower
Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs
Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)
Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting
Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation
Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation
—-------------------
Next session
Tuesday 6th January, 10am - 12 midday:
—----------------------------
The Garden Classroom- Argyle Primary Forest School Gardening
Wednesday 19th November, 3pm - 5pm, Argyle Primary School, Islington
The Garden Classroom run weekly Forest School sessions in the garden at Argyle Primary School in Islington, giving essential outdoor play-based provision to the children, led by volunteer leader Eden.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-argyle-primary-forest-school-gardening
—---------------------------
Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day
Sunday 30th November, 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.
—-------------------------------
Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session
Saturday 13th December, 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.
—-----------------------------
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning
Saturday 20th December, 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.
Deirdre signed up to a group run.
Mon 3rd Nov at 7:15pm
Compost turning for this excellent green space near Elthorne Park!
Read moreDeirdre went on a group run
Mon 13th Oct at 6:45pm
Islington Report 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
Group Run - Timbuktu Adventure Playground 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 29th October
Community Mission - Sunnyside Community Gardens, 7.15pm, Monday 3rd November
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
Paddington Rec Track Thursday 23rd October
Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 30th October
Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 6th November
—-----------------------------
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
—-----------------------------
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
Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower
Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs
Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)
Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting
Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation
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.
—---------------------------
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.
—-------------------------------
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.
Deirdre signed up to a group run.
Mon 13th Oct at 6:45pm
Gardening and clear up near Sunnyside Community Gardens
Read moreDeirdre signed up to a group run.
Mon 6th Oct at 7:15pm
Compost turning for this excellent green space near Elthorne Park!
Read moreDeirdre earned their community cape by completing their first community mission. 🎉
Thursday 2nd October
Community Cape
Deirdre earned their community cape by completing their first community mission.
Deirdre completed a community mission. Instead of watching TV or lying in bed, Deirdre was out there making their community a better place to be. For making that choice they have earned the community cape.
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