On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon joined first time group run attendees Isabella and Masoud (welcome!) at the Arsenal Community Hub by Emirates Stadium. We engaged in a warm up on the slopes to get the blood pumping, before setting off towardsHilldrop House on Camden Road (on the cusp of the Islington border). For the first time, we had more cyclists than runners in attendance (partially due to AA Simon recovering from a foot treatment earlier in the day), but Isabella did a smashing job as our lone runner on the night! Shortly after passing through Caledonian Park (and next to the community herb gardens that we helped to install), we met with Benedict, who was cycling in the same direction!

Upon our arrival, we picked up a collection of shears, green bags, heavy duty gloves and trowels, and set upon continuing our great work from last week. Our objective was to clear away as much of the overgrown grass from the entrance of St Mungo's Hilldrop House help centre as possible, while still leaving enough for residents and visitors to enjoy. Camden Road is very open area, that is susceptible for litter from neighbouring estates (sometimes blown over by the wind, other times intentionally littered), and the long grass typically collects this debris. It was great to be able to shift as much refuse as possible, while making the space look presentable! Ben also helped with snipping away overhanging bushes and tree branches on the pedestrian walkway surrounding the centre, as not to impede the pavement.

Over 45 minutes, our small crew did a smashing job- the front garden area was a transformation! Another trip is likely to be scheduled in August to finish off our summer time gardening project, so watch this space!

---

NEWS

Achilles International VI Guiding Group Runs- Green Park

Thursday 13th July, 6pm, Green Park Underground Station

Our weekly group running session with the awesome visually impaired runners at Achilles International returns to Green Park. Open for guide runners of all abilities, and new potential guides are very welcome! Dog watchers and bag drop helpers encouraged!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-5864b4a7-14f2-4d01-b9d2-c62c48f90dd7

---

Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Forest Path Building Morning - July

Sunday 16th July, 11am-1pm, Crouch End Open Space

Our monthly woodland regeneration session with the CREOS volunteering team. A fantastic morning for lifting, shifting, digging and beautifying between Muswell Hill and Highgate.

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-july-2023

---

GROUP RUN - Tufnell Park Community Plant Nursery & Social!

Monday 17th July, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub

We will be visiting the beautiful Tufnell Park Plant Nursery for our group run on a Monday evening. Loads of water for thirsty plants!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/group-run-tufnell-park-community-plant-nursery-social

And afterwards, we will be visiting the wonderful Wolkite Ethiopian Restaurant on Benwell Road for our July post run social (and also Area Activator Simon's birthday!).

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/post-group-run-social-july-wolkite-ethiopian

---

Goodgym x Achilles International- Bushy parkrun visit

Saturday 22nd July, 8.30am, Bushy Park, Hampton

Achilles International, the all abilities sports group, are planning on attending the original "free weekly timed 5km time trial", more commonly known as "Bushy parkrun" in Hampton.

We are looking to invite potential running guides (for various paces) and those interested in the world of guide running (especially anyone happy to volunteer and cheer on the course) to come and join us! https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/achilles-international-x-goodgym-bushy-parkrun

---

Penn Road Gardens Open Morning (July)

Sunday 30th July, 10am-12 midday, Penn Road Gardens

An invitation to help this lovely community garden space near Caledonian Road over Summer. Often complimented with mugs of tea and coffee!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-july

—-------------------------------

GROUP RUN- Elizabeth House Food Hub Helpers- and 4 years of AA Simon

Monday 7th August, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub

On Monday evening, we will be helping with deliveries to families and isolated individuals around the Islington borough for Elizabeth House- a super busy hub near Gillespie Road. https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/group-run-elizabeth-house-food-hub-summer-holiday-helpers-2

And afterwards we will be celebrating Area Activator Simon's 4 year anniversary as the leader for Goodgym Islington, with a trip to Someday Canteen in Finsbury Park.

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/post-group-run-social-august-someday-bar-finsbury-park-4-years-of-area-activator-simon