Stars, sprints and shovels at Martin Primary’s Forest School

On a beautiful clear evening, with the stars out and the temperature just right for running, a magnificent seven GoodGymers set off from the Phoenix Cinema for the short 1km trip to Martin Primary School’s Forest School on Tristan Green.

Before we got moving, we squeezed in a quick warm-up with kick-ups and knee raises to get the heart rate up, then jogged through the backstreets. On the way, we even found a handy spot for a few sprints, because GoodGym never misses a chance to mix community work with a bit of fitness.

Once at the school, we got straight into the jobs that needed doing. The team helped clear and tidy the outdoor kitchen area, recovering pots and pans that had somehow spread themselves all over the forest school, and then turned to the heavier work of repairing the paths with fresh woodchip using wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels. We also tackled a rather sizeable hole, filling it in before it could cause any more trouble.

It was one of those classic GoodGym evenings that shows what the group is all about: collective energy, practical help, fresh air and exercise, all wrapped into one session. There’s something especially satisfying about getting outside on an evening like that, doing useful work alongside other people who’ve chosen to spend their time helping out locally rather than sitting indoors.

A special welcome back to Gavin joining us again for his second session, and great to have Subham there too, adding to the growing task force.

A lovely evening, a useful task, and another reminder that doing good together feels even better outdoors.

Brook to Brook by Bike

A foggy start didn’t stop four adventurous GoodGym Barnet cyclists heading out to explore some of the best traffic-free routes in the borough.

Subham, Peter Jack and Paul met in Mill Hill on a misty morning, with the promise of sunshine later in the day, and set off along the beautiful Dollis Valley Greenwalk.

Within minutes the traffic noise faded and we were gliding along quiet paths and green corridors, the sort of places that make you wonder why more people don’t cycle around Barnet.

After following the valley north we climbed gently towards Hadley Wood, arriving at the lovely Jack’s Lake, tucked away beside Hadley Golf Course. This peaceful fishing lake is the source of the Pymmes Brook, and it made the perfect stop to admire the view before continuing the journey.

From there we followed the route of the brook, weaving along long stretches of car-free paths with the occasional quiet lane, enjoying the feeling of travelling through green spaces that most people never realise are there.

As if perfectly timed, the sun finally broke through the clouds, warming the day as we made our way back towards Stephens House & Gardens, where the ride finished with some well-earned refreshments in the sunshine.

Rides like this show just how good cycling can be in Barnet — peaceful routes, hidden nature spots and a great way to get active with good company.

🚴 We’re hoping to make these relaxed social rides a regular thing, perfect for anyone looking to get into cycling, build confidence, and explore the area in a sustainable way.

If you fancy joining a future ride, keep an eye on GoodGym Barnet or get in touch.

Three Goodgymmers found themselves navigating the residential maze of Cricklewood, south of Brent Cross Town. Mission Control told a cautionary tale of a garden fence that had been swallowed by a wild and monstrous beast known as Ivy.

The out of control monster towered over the neighbours and our host, eating sheds, birdbaths and garden gnomes. But our brave Goodgymmers faced the beast undaunted!

Armed by our host with sharpened shears, trusty loppers, two ladders and a handsaw for the thickest limbs of the sprawling behemoth, we set to work rescuing the fence from its leafy clutches.

And lo! as we snipped, hacked, lopped and sawed into the beasts flanks, we found a second fence hiding in the maw of dark wood and creepers. This too, we rescued as best we could, followedby a quick clean up, stuffing the verdant guts of the beast into two wheelie bins and three rubbish sacks.

No doubt if any one of us had faced this quest alone we would have fallen, but together we beat the fronds back on all fronts and triumphed.

Well done to Jack for completing his first mission! And full fanfare and party hats for Daniel, who locked in his 100th good deed with today's victory! Onwards!!

Our first balmy weather of the year brought a friendly group of six Goodgymmers together for a session at Shepherds Hill Gardens. Four of us set off from the Phoenix, with Theo rocking up just in time to set off as our fifth for the 3km run.

The run had us dodging tree roots, leaping over dogs, swerving around pedestrians and somersaulting cars. (Well, not really, but I'm trying to earn the pun in this report title. We were SUPER-safe and observant the whole way.)

Rescheduled from earlier in the year, we were glad to see Pat fighting fit and - bless her indomitable kindness - already prepping refreshments! We got stuck in with brooms and rakes, clearing leaves at the top of the Gardens. Working in pairs, we swept the paths and benches, scooped up the green waste and carried it down to the dead hedges and piles in the wood.

Then we settled at a bench for biscuits, hot chocolate, fresh mint tea and a special treat just for the vegan among us (me!): samosas. Though within moments we had a new vegan signed up to a plant-based dietary regime for the rest of his life - well done Paul! (I'm sure he wasn't just after a samosa.) We also spotted some violets along the wall by the path - lovely early signs of spring.

Tonight's question was: which actor, living or dead, would you like to play you in the biopic of your life? Here's a 'match the actor to the Goodgymmer' quiz:

GGers George / Paul / Subham / Jack / Lucy / Theo

Actors El Vez / Angelina Jolie / Jonny Depp / Philip Seymour Hoffman / Robert Redford / Jack Nicholson