GoodGym Islington
Lock, Rostock and Two Working Wheelbarrows
Monday 1st December
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!
Twisting and turning.
Thursday 27th November
Written by Nick Moore
Not for the first time, I was grateful that Mr E's OT was on hand both to explain to the chatty Mr E what we were doing with his bed, and to assist in its dismantling, such that a new bed could be delivered tomorrow.
The bed was an old one, constructed in the old fashioned way with lots of screws holding it all together, but once we got started on the slats it proved just to be a lot of screwdrivering combined with a bit of contorting to get to the various corners.
The frame came apart reasonably quickly and before long (and much to Mr E's amazement) we had a completely clear space on the floor, and all the parts next door. Mr E was certainly looking forward to a much better night's sleep from tomorrow and was extremely grateful for the assistance.
Shining Lights in a Dark Park!
Monday 24th November
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
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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.
No Shed? No Sweat!
Monday 17th November
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.
Creep’r
Sunday 16th November
Written by Kash
When they were here before
Couldn't look them in the eye
They’re just like the angels
Their cuts make me cry
They ran here together
In an overgrown world
I wish I was special
They’re so trimmin' special
But I'm a creep’r
I'm a weed-o
What the heck am I doin' here?
I don't belong here
I don't care if it hurts
I wanna have control
I want Miss K’s window
I want Miss K’s door
I want her to notice
When I'm not around
She’s so trimmin' special
I wish I was special
But I'm a creep’r
I'm a weed-o
What the heck am I doin' here?
I don't belong here
Oh-oh, oh-oh
They're runnin' out the door
They're runnin' out
They run, run, run, run
Run
Whatever makes them fitter
Whatever they cut
They’re so trimmin' special
I wish I was special
But I'm a creep’r
I'm a weed-o
What the heck am I doin' here?
I don't belong here
I don't belong here
Ain't no sunshine
Thursday 13th November
Written by StephDucat
Thursday evening : Guide runners and runners met at Maida Vale Underground station to head off in a group to Paddington Rec Track. As the clocks changed time recently, the evenings are dark so ain't no sunshine and it started to drizzle. This did not stop anyone from running and chatting. Veronika guided Janice, Lucy guided Mark and I, Steph Ducat guided the other Mark. Different paces and mileage based on the runners requirements. Janice and Mark ran roughly 35 - 45 minutes with Lucy and Veronika. I ran with Mark who wanted to come back strong as was off a few weeks,. We completed over 10km on the track with Mark. We were all soaked at the end of the session as the rain just kept coming down and the drizzle of the start disappeared. Great session with a good turn up despite the rain.
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