It’s getting dark out there now, but that didn’t stop our GoodGym crew from heading to Shepherd’s Hill Gardens to help Pat and her team keep the area in top shape for public use.

We began as usual by gathering outside the Phoenix Cinema—which, by the way, is currently hosting a French Film Season. Well worth a look if you fancy supporting one of London’s last remaining independent cinemas. After a round of wide-leg squats, stretches, and a chat about the books within us, we were ready to go.

George, of course, raised the bar (or the bookmark) by already having two books under his belt—with a third poetry collection and a fourth imaginative project in the works. The rest of us were… shall we say, developing drafts—ranging from fantasy travelogues to autobiographies still very much in outline form!

We set off into the night, head torches and body lights glowing. About halfway there, we stopped for a quick set of bench tricep dips, just to keep the group together (and arms warm).

At the gardens, Pat greeted us with her usual warmth—and a fascinating oak tree lesson. Apparently, oak trees drop huge numbers of acorns every five years in what’s known as a “mast year”, overwhelming the squirrels so enough acorns survive to sprout new trees. (For fellow nature fans, there’s a brilliant BBC iPlayer documentary about oaks that’s well worth a watch.)

We got stuck into clearing acorns and leaves from the paths to make them safe and welcoming for visitors. Emily joined us directly at the task, and together we made quick work of it—head torches bobbing through the undergrowth like busy fireflies.

As always, Pat treated us afterwards to hot chocolate, herbal teas, and a tempting selection of biscuits—the perfect finish to a productive evening.

We jogged back to the Phoenix feeling satisfied, muddy, and just a little bit oak-obsessed.

A great effort by all thanks for coming out, running, and doing good. It really does make a difference.

As the leaves began to fall, GoodGym Barnet gathered at the Phoenix Cinema to warm up ahead of tonight's task in East Finchley. Rachel brought this week's icebreaker, asking what childhood books had shaped us. We followed George's lead, and skipped and jogged along the High Road up to the Fuel Land Allotments, discussing all things Roald Dahl to Tolkien.

Once we reached the imposing metal gates, our GoodGym crew grew again. Great to see Simone, alongside our regulars, and special shout out to Will who joined us for the first time and hopefully not the last. The staff and volunteers from Finchley Charities led us through the gates into the allotments, a green oasis hidden away from the busy street and even sheltered from the autumnal winds blowing beyond.

Once gloved up, we got to work. Beattie wielded a mattock and no bramble stood a chance. Lucy and Simone helped fill in gaps around the pond, taking care to leave the logs undisturbed that served as a bridge for amphibious friends. George got his steps in while ferrying a wheelbarrow along the length of the allotment. Rachel and Will made fast work of building a new compost heap, keeping an eye out for nesting slow worms.

As evening descended, we dug through the soil (and agreed it's officially time to dig out the head torches). Once we were satisfied with what we could still see of our handiwork, we were thanked for our efforts and could leave the allotments knowing we've helped both Finchley Charities and Finchley Food Bank. The leaves may be turning golden and the days getting shorter, but that won't stop GoodGym Barnet from lending a helping hand and digging deep where we're needed.

Leaflets, Locals & A Sprint Finish

This week we gathered once again at the Phoenix Cinema, rallying to support our much-loved local gem as it faces financial difficulties. Just last week we enjoyed a social there watching The Materialist, and this time our mission was more practical: helping spread the word about the Phoenix’s upcoming French Cinema Season (and a few other cultural treats) by delivering leaflets.

We kicked things off in the Phoenix foyer with a chat about unusual places to stay — suggestions ranged from ice hotels to cliffside camping, with even a prison-themed hotel thrown in for good measure. After a warm-up, we set out into the streets, navigating the heavy traffic caused by the tube strike and keeping an eye out as we ran.

Our leaflet drop took us through Brim Hill, a leafy and well-to-do area perfectly suited for Phoenix patrons. It was heartening to hear the positive responses when locals learned of the cinema’s financial struggles — a reminder of just how valued the Phoenix is in our community. Between us, we managed to deliver around 200–300 leaflets before heading towards Mutton Brook, where the air was fresher and the streamside paths gave us a welcome cooling breeze. Places like this are a vital part of city life, just as much as the Phoenix itself.

To round things off, George put us through our paces with a sprint finish, before we cooled down with some stretches. It was lovely to welcome back Lucy and Scarlett — we hope to see you both again soon!

GoodGym is all about supporting the people, places, and spaces that matter most in our communities, and this week felt like a perfect example.

A few GG members came online to do yoga

Yoga talk

Its good for you!