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.

Subham and I headed out on today’s community mission to visit Mrs. S, who had asked for a bit of help in the garden.

On arrival, we navigated the key safe (with careful attention to the resident cat, who was very keen to supervise but not allowed outside!) and introduced ourselves to Sandy. Sadly, the shed key couldn’t be located, which meant the tools stayed firmly locked away. Luckily, the garden didn’t look too wild—just dry grass that wasn’t in urgent need of taming.

Instead, we gave the garden furniture a good wipe down, making the table and chairs more inviting for the late summer sun, and spent some time chatting with Sandy. She’s been bed bound since a hip operation years ago, but she was full of warmth and good humour. We also got to hear about her beloved cat, who clearly rules the roost.

Although we didn’t manage much heavy-duty gardening, Sandy was very grateful for the visit, and it felt like we brought a bit of brightness to her day.

Afterwards, Subham and I rounded things off with a walk and a coffee—always nice to catch up after a mission.

GoodGym Barnet – Use It or Lose It!

Barnet gathered once more at the Phoenix Cinema, and what a turnout it was – boosted by a bumper crop of first-timers. A big cheer to Keith, Natasha, Billy and Lucie for joining us for the first time. Great to have you with us!

We couldn’t have picked a better meeting point. The Phoenix has been in the local news recently – one of the oldest continuously operating cinemas in the country, but sadly struggling to turn a profit. The trust’s message is clear: use it or lose it. ( just like our fitness ) So, while we meet outside for our runs, why not pop back another night for a classic film, an indie gem, and of course, copious amounts of popcorn?

After a gentle warm-up and a quick bank-holiday-weekend debrief (sunshine featured heavily), we set off through Cherry Tree Woods and on to Highgate Woods, where we met Cindy the Ranger. While waiting, we even managed a bit of gentle yoga in the evening light ( who says GoodGym doesn’t stretch you in every sense!)

Cindy led us to a rather large wooden construction. Picturesque, yes. Useful for biodiversity? Not so much. She explained how deadwood plays a vital role in the woodland ecosystem, supporting fungi, insects, and all sorts of wriggly life. Our task: dismantle the wooden tower and repurpose the material into protective fencing to help new undergrowth regenerate.

Armed with determination (and a limited number of gloves…), we attacked the structure with gusto, soon reducing it to neat piles ready for its next life as woodland fencing. Satisfying work – though possibly more splinter-prone than popcorn-eating!

Shout-outs and Top Tips • Huge welcome again to our new recruits – you smashed your first GoodGym mission. • A little plea: future tasks often involve logs, nettles, or other prickly characters. Treat yourself to a pair of lightweight gardening gloves – they’ll make you look the part and save you some splinters. • With darker evenings on the horizon, a head torch is also a worthy sidekick. You’ll thank yourself when you can see both the path and the nettle patch.

As ever, GoodGym is about more than running – it’s about supporting our local community, green spaces, and charities, many of whom are short of volunteers. By showing up, you remind them that what they do matters. Plus, winter training with GoodGym is secretly brilliant – it’s invigorating, you’ll stay motivated, and honestly… it hardly ever rains (and if it does, you’ll hardly notice!).

So keep coming, keep running, and keep helping. Barnet needs you and so do the trees!

GoodGym Barnet – Joyful Hydration & Time-Travelling Conversations

Six of us gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema and, before even breaking sweat, launched into a surprisingly philosophical warm-up: “If you could observe any period in history, where & when would you go?” Answers ranged from Aztec civilisation to Victorian London – the kind of discussion that might get us expelled from most running clubs but is positively encouraged at GoodGym.( well Barnett anyway.)

With our time-machine firmly parked, we jogged off towards Lyttelton Playing Fields to give the planters and orchard some much-needed love. Sadly, our host Steven was ill – but, being seasoned water-warriors, we knew the drill.

We gently built up the pace downhill, tracing the buried course of Mutton Brook (underground river, very on-trend). A quick on-the-spot exercise stop – complete with skipping – reminded us that fitness can (and should) still feel playful. One of our newer recruits Emilysummed it up perfectly as “joyful movement”.

On arrival, we uncoiled a hose of comedic length which, inevitably, didn’t reach all the planters. Enter: Buckets. Suddenly we were running relays across the field, racing to deliver precious water before any of it escaped. Orchard next – further, heavier, and definitely sweatier – but the teamwork was brilliant and spirits remained high. Honestly, the Aztecs would have been proud.

Buckets emptied and hose recoiled (no small feat), we still had a few minutes left – so naturally, yoga and star jumps. The latter required several “just one more!” photographs, which definitely qualified as bonus cardio.

We jogged back into the darkening evening, happy, hydrated (us and the trees), and reminded that community + exercise + a bit of silliness = exactly what GoodGym is all about.

Come and join next time – time travel optional, skipping encouraged.