The snow hadn't settled, but the air was knife chill. Wet leaves everywhere like they thought they were back in fashion. Still, four well-wrapped Goodgymmers rocked up to Stephens House and Gardens for a hard boiled night of raking leaves outside Inky's Stables Cafe.

The yard was covered, but we leafed no stone unturned. We swept, raked and bagged until the yard was safe as houses. Helen, our host, normally does this job by herself. She was grateful, that much was clear. And the café staff? They'd bawl their eyes out to see the yard swept so clean. We stacked four sacks out the back and high-tailed it to a classy joint on the High Road for something to chase the ice out of our lungs.

This was Kirsten's second time out with us and Ben's third. They brought the energy of a dozen Goodgymmers with them. Great to have them at our backs. Ben even wanted to run back, which means some of us clocked up a full 5km round trip. Not bad for a cold, wet, dark and cold November evening.

There'll be other nights and other runs, but this one took more than a few leaves out of the old Goodgym playbook.

On a brisk November evening, GoodGym Barnet gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, ready for a run. My trusty computer assured me the skies were cloudy, but the rain on my face hinted otherwise. Clearly, technology and I had a bit of a misunderstanding — maybe the computer was right, and I was simply too human to grasp its wisdom?

The Phoenix was buzzing with a private event, but we still managed to crowd together, number up, and chat. Naturally, the big topic was cinema. Each of us threw in a film recommendation, and, honestly, we’ve got some eclectic taste here at GoodGym Barnet. Here’s what made the list:

🎬 GoodGym Barnet’s Film Picks • The Educators • Howl’s Moving Castle • Once Upon a Time in Anatolia • Round Midnight • Lost Highway • 12 Chairs (Russian comedy!) • Blood Simple (aka: “If you’re into misunderstandings and murder…”)

So, next time you’re scrolling through streaming platforms, consider one of our picks — and if you think we missed a must-watch, add it in the comments!

As we set off, the cold wasn’t quite “recreational ground weather,” so we took an alternate path that felt like stepping into an enchanted forest. With the glow of street lamps filtering through the trees, we ran through a tunnel of golden-brown leaves, looking every bit like we were sprinting through a woodland fairytale. Just one of those rare, perfect little moments that makes GoodGym so special.

Mission Accomplished… with Style! Upon arriving, we met Vicci from the Friends Group who helps care for this hidden gem of a park. We threw on our head torches, which transformed the damp grass and shadowy paths into a scene from a sci-fi movie — an alien planet expedition, complete with litter bags as our “research specimens.” We worked in pairs (perfect for some bonus conversation!) and ended up with a respectable stash of litter, enough to give the area a fresh start.

On our way back, we even caught a glimpse of foxes in the woodland. Their eyes glinted like jewels as they peeked out, a little audience for our ragtag team of trash-collectors.

New Faces and Noteworthy Moments Special shoutout to Ben, joining us for his first GoodGym run, and to Kirsten, returning from a brief break. And kudos to Kubilay, who’s volunteered for an upcoming mission to build a table for a gentleman in Barnet. We also had Anthony, who received a surprise in the form of a small women’s GoodGym shirt (yes, the admin strikes again!). And let’s not forget BT and Rachel, heading off to Norway to catch the Northern Lights—safe travels, and bring back stories!

We ended the night with a warm-down, mutual applause, and some well-deserved refreshments back at the Phoenix Cinema. Yet again, we’d proven that GoodGym is about more than just fitness or service—it’s a way to get out of our heads, connect with our community, and have a blast together, rain or shine.

Ready to join the fun? Come along next Tuesday, and who knows—you might discover a new favorite film and get a glimpse of the foxes yourself!

GoodGym Barnet Community Mission: Lending a Hand at Shepherds Hill gardens.

Today, I had the pleasure of cycling over to Shepherds Hill Park in Crouch End, Highgate, arriving just in time to meet the wonderful Pat. She’s one of those local heroes who rarely gets the recognition they deserve—a steadfast volunteer who leads the Sunday Friends group, dedicated to keeping the park a welcoming and safe space for everyone. With limited council support and an aging volunteer base, Pat’s team has their hands full, but she was thrilled to welcome a few helping hands from GoodGym Barnet.

Ben and I joined Pat on the upper path, where she explained the group’s struggle to keep the park in shape despite their limited resources. It was eye-opening to hear just how challenging it can be to maintain a public space with only a handful of volunteers and barely enough equipment. But together, we tackled that path with gusto, raking up leaves, tidying behind benches, and filling compost heaps with what felt like a mountain of foliage! Other locals joined in, and it didn’t take long for us to turn the overgrown path into a clear, safe walkway for everyone to enjoy.

Pat’s gratitude was contagious, and after our hard work, we gathered for tea and biscuits. It was a simple but heartwarming moment of community connection, a chance to chat about the importance of keeping our green spaces alive and healthy. Pat mentioned her plans to approach the council for more equipment—just a few sturdy rubbish bags, gloves, and litter pickers would make a world of difference. It reminded me how crucial it is to support these small community groups. Without people like Pat, our parks would quickly fall into neglect.

Community missions like this make a real impact and show how just a couple of hours can go a long way. It’s a great reminder: even if you can only spare an hour every few weeks, your involvement matters. So, here’s to Pat, her Sunday Friends, and all the unsung heroes who keep our green spaces vibrant. And here’s to anyone who wants to join us next time—come along, have some fun, and make a difference!