Islington Community News
Pickleball Away Day at Lee Valley VeloPark
13 pickleball players from Islington Tennis Centre and Sobell Leisure Centre visited Lee Valley VeloPark on 1 June for a fun competition. The event gave members of the Islington social sessions the opportunity to play in the heart of the iconic London 2012 Olympic cycling venue. 6 rounds of matches were played, with partners rotating each time to ensure everyone had the chance to team up with and compete against a variety of players. Social sessions currently run at Islington Tennis Centre on Mondays & Wednesdays (50+) 10am-12pm and at Sobell Leisure Centre on Fridays 10am-11.30am.
5000 books donated with The Children’s Book Project
Islington Tennis Centre & Gym has been working with The Children’s Book Project since 2024. The initiative collects children’s preloved books and redistributes them to the community for new people to enjoy. Thanks to your amazing generosity the scheme has collected 5000 books from donations at the centre!
Around one in three children in the UK has fewer than ten books at home, and one in ten has none at all. The Children's Book Project work with women’s groups, children’s centres, prisons, and schools to distribute gently used books to children across the UK. If you would like to donate a book, just pop into the centre and pop it in the box next to reception.
Ironmonger Row Baths Hosts We Swim Gala
Ironmonger Row Baths hosted the 3rd annual WeSwim Gala. The event welcomed over 60 swimmers with disabilities alongside 50 volunteers and spectators. It was organised and run by WeSwim, a local charity dedicated to making swimming accessible to the disabled community across London. WeSwim's core mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the physical and mental health benefits of being in the water. The Gala featured a special guest appearance by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and Councillor Robert Dimoldenburg who presented the competitors with medals.
Free Swimming Lessons
There were a wide range of activities available in Islington during the May half term. The included free-swimming lessons, Active Play, Active Multi Zone, Gymnastics, family fund swims, junior gym and called football. The free swimming lessons were popular, with around 240 children aged 4-16 booked on for the week. Sessions are also available for the Summer Holidays and October Half Term. During the lessons participants will be supported supported to become more capable and confident swimmers. To apply, please visit the link below.
New Seated Exercise Class at Archway Leisure Centre
A new weekly chair-based seated exercise class was introduced on Tuesday 19 May, running from 9am to 10am. This was added to enhance the senior programme following positive feedback the session.