Three Goodgymmers came together for an afternoon blitz, fig-guratively speaking, to help tidy up a much-loved garden.

We quickly got down to bush-ness. Together, we rearranged pots, bricks and a table to help make the space easier to navigate. Kubilay and George set to pruning the fig tree, and then took af-fern-ative action on the shrubs around the back garden, clearing the old growth to make way for spring. Kubilay then gave the witch hazel a trim, while Daniel used his height advantage with the loppers to reach the high branches of a tree out front, creating more light for the house.

Mrs J said it was genuinely life-changing to be able to sit and enjoy the garden without worrying about all the jobs she couldn't do any more. It was great to see the fruits of our labour have such an immediate impact!

George and I went to Mr J's house to remove a sofa that was cluttering his living room. He has just returned from spending time in hospital with a back problem and was glad of the extra room we made so that he could move around more easily. We had a great chat about his life in the book trade and he told us some stories about some of the nice books he has at home. The sofa is now in the front garden waiting for the council to come and retrieve it. Sofa, so good!

A few GoodGym Barnet members decided to clean up their local Streets as part of the Goodgym January challenge. well done for all your efforts and thanks for pulling together to help hit our January targets. awesome effort!

On Sunday, 19th January, five brilliant members of GoodGym Barnet rolled up their sleeves to support a fantastic local project at Lyttelton Playing Fields. With cool but dry January weather on our side, we got involved in planting a hedgerow, creating a beautiful willow tunnel, and spreading mulch to protect other trees in the area.

A Buzz of Activity

When I arrived, the site was a hive of activity, with volunteers hard at work. Danieland Phil were already busy planting whips for the new hedgerow. Daniel showed me the intriguing technique—using a shovel to lever open a small space, just enough to plant each whip. This hedgerow will not only define a corner of the playing fields but also provide a valuable habitat for local wildlife. It’s a wonderful ecological boost for the area!

True to GoodGym tradition, Daniel had cycled to the event, adding a touch of sustainable transport to the day’s efforts.

Willow Wonders and Mulch Magic

Two of our members Beattieand Cherianturned their attention to the willow tunnel—a striking structure that took shape beautifully. By the time we finished, it was a true piece of living art that will surely delight children (and the young at heart!) for years to come.

Meanwhile, my personal highlight was tackling the mulch pile. Digging, lifting, and spreading mulch over muddy areas and planting zones was an excellent workout and immensely satisfying. It’s always rewarding to see the immediate impact of your efforts on the environment.

A Warm Welcome and a Job Well Done

The organisers had kindly arranged tea and cake at the nearby bowls club, where the turnout was so impressive they could hardly believe it. With so many hands on deck, we managed to complete the work efficiently and in great spirits.

Join Us Next Time!

This project at Lyttelton Playing Fields showcased the heart of GoodGym—combining fitness, community, and fun. Whether you’re planting trees, digging mulch, or just enjoying a well-earned slice of cake, GoodGym offers the perfect way to give back while staying active.

A huge thanks to everyone who came along and to the organisers for hosting such an enjoyable event. We hope to return soon to continue supporting this wonderful community space.

If you’d like to get involved in future GoodGym activities, come join us—you’ll be part of a group that makes a real difference while having a great time. See you next time!