Last night’s GoodGym group run was a love letter to one of Finchley’s finest: the Phoenix Cinema. This unique, purpose-built 1930s cinema has been showing films continuously for nearly a century and remains a treasured cornerstone of the local community. Supporting it isn’t just a good deed—it’s a privilege.

We gathered outside the cinema in the early evening sun, collected our film programs for delivery, and had a cheerful catch-up before jogging off to Cherry Tree Wood for a warm-up. A few dynamic leg and arm movements (and a respectable group plank!) got our bodies moving and ready for action.

We then split into pairs and hit the streets, posting Phoenix programs through letterboxes along the route. It was a real pleasure to welcome Sarah, who joined us for her first-ever GoodGym activity in support of the Phoenix. She did brilliantly, especially as she delivered a leaflet to one of Finchley’s most famous popstars. We’re sworn to secrecy—but if you want the inside scoop, join us on the next Phoenix delivery run!

With our rounds complete, we took the scenic route to Highgate Woods for a forest fitness finish. We enjoyed a shaded loop through the trees, ending at a bench for some leg and upper-body strengthening. Think single-leg squats, press-ups, and bench dips—two tough circuits in total.

The evening ended back at the Phoenix with a well-deserved tea and hot chocolate break, made even better by Rachel’s delicious homemade vegan cake—healthy, nutritious, and gratefully devoured.

Thanks to everyone who came along and gave their energy to a cause worth running for. Same time next week.

On a glorious evening, five Goodgymmers gathered at the Phoenix for our group session. We welcomed Sarah, who is on her second good deed ever - and this week! - as well as regulars Beattie (who is really close to her 100th good deed!), Rachel and Lucinda. After a quick warm up in the sunshine down the side of the cinema, we trotted off through East Finchley tube station and into the alleys and quiet roads toward Northway Gardens.

We were met by the indefatigable Brian, custodian of the gardens, with litter pickers. First order of business was a quick photoshoot with us waving our ploggers around, so Brian could show the council what we're all up to, keeping the space clean for the public. Then the real first task: deadheading daffodils! We wandered like clouds - not lonely, but in pairs and threes - along the banks of the Mutton Brook, flicking the heads off the flowered daffodils, so the plants put more energy into the bulbs for next year, and less into creating seeds. This will keep the bulbs healthier and able to flower for more years ahead.

After we'd cleared the banks and beds, we then took up our trusty litter sticks and crossed into the smaller part of the gardens toward Lyttleton Playing Fields. It was relatively clear - or so we thought, but as we were gathering with our stashes of trashes to take to the bins, we found Sarah dragging a HUGE pile of waste from under an evergreen! She'd found so much rubbish she'd had to fish out a bin bag of her own (note: always come prepared for a plog!) to store it all in. We then dutifully dragged the waste back to the bins and said our farewells to Brian.

As always, Brian was incredibly grateful for the support we bring to keeping the space maintained and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. No doubt we'll be back again soon to help however necessary.

Bonus pic: Also, on the way to the Phoenix, I spotted my third red admiral butterfly of the year (two spotted near Brent Cross while I was taking water samples for the Brent Run-Off action). Maybe we should do a butterfly count at some point this summer...?

A wonderful gathering of local residents, Goodgymmers and environmental activists descended once again on the green at Warnham Road to blitz the trash.

Things have been better of late, but fly-tippers dumped a suitcase and holdall full of bags, rucksacks and wallets under a tree by the allotment fences. We dove into the undergrowth with back up garden tools to clip brambles and make space. Teams tackled the road all the way up to the Wren Academy gates, and down the other end, and circled the bushes, rooting out plastics, bottles and other nonsense. We found two cut tyres and a canister and old laptop dumped nearby.

Some neighbours near the green came out to thank us and talk to us about the problems they've been facing, so we're planning something to make the space nicer for people and nature in the coming months, once we have a bit of critical mass. And Goodgym will be there to transform the space for the community!

Paul spotted some bluebells in the bushes and shared a fun fact: half the world's bluebells are in the UK, and back in medieval times, they were actually used as glue for arrowheads! English bluebells are a climate indicator because they grow in the warming weather after winter, but before the tree canopy has started to shade the ground below.