Four Goodgymmers rocked up in Totteridge to Grow, the farm by Totteridge Academy. The plan was to see how many of the 32 holes we could dig in 90min for the cement for their new polytunnel's posts.

Each hole needed to be 50cm square and 60cm deep. I foolishly suggested we aim for 4 holes each. We got stuck in - Alefiya, who joined us for the first time, plus regulars Subham and Kubilay. Grow had a team of 3, as Chris, the farm manager, was busy with a family event at the other end of the field.

We started by measuring out and setting the posts (which promptly had to be readjusted) with sledgehammers. Then we took up spades and started digging. And found out just how hard digging 60cm holes actually is! One spade down and we were through topsoil into clay. One side of the clay was full of flint, and dry. The other side wetter, so heavier. An excellent workout, but we only put a small dent in the overall work, between the seven us only digging around 9 holes.

We all stayed past the 90min mark to try and do as much as we could, and the Grow team will carry on digging a few more holes this week, but they've asked us if we can come back next weekend for another round.

Sign up here for next Saturday!

It's a great area to visit - near the Dollis Valley Greenwalk and some nice routes through the back of Woodside/Totteridge. Well worth a Saturday run or cycle!

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.

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.

GoodGym Barnet: A Run, a Ramble, and a Reel

As usual, our GoodGym Barnet group run began at the Phoenix Cinema – our much-loved meeting point and one of Finchley’s cultural treasures. The day had been a washout with heavy rain, but in true GoodGym fashion the skies cleared just in time. Not that it would have put us off – we’re a hardy bunch who don’t let a little water dampen our spirits, especially once we’re moving!

This week we had a special twist: a social night to support the Phoenix Cinema, which has recently announced it’s facing financial challenges. With the warning of “use it or lose it”, it felt more important than ever to show our support. That meant a slightly shorter session than usual, planned to bring us back in time for an evening film together.

For our warm-up we stretched both body and mind, chatting about our favourite films as we loosened up. Mine was the Coen Brothers’ Blood Simple – though I confess I can’t remember most of the others! (Drop yours in the comments – I’d love to know).

We then jogged over to Cherry Tree Woods, just 500m away, to meet Roger and Andras who set us up with our evening’s task: building leaf cages to help create compost for the park. Armed with chicken wire, stakes, and plenty of teamwork, we built two sturdy cages in no time. We also fashioned a rustic forest fence by the playground and even squeezed in a quick burst of bramble bashing before heading back.

After a warm-down at the Phoenix, the real treat awaited: hot chocolates, ice creams, and a trip into the auditorium for Materialists, a thoughtful rom-com exploring how people match (or don’t!) in relationships. Whatever the film’s message, our night’s was clear: we worked hard, did good, and supported a community landmark that absolutely deserves to stay open.

The Phoenix isn’t just our meeting point – it’s one of the oldest continuously running cinemas in the UK, run as a charity, and a vital part of Finchley’s cultural life. If you haven’t been recently, why not treat yourself to a ticket? They’re showing some brilliant films in the coming weeks. Let’s help keep this gem shining.