Rooted in memory at Stephens House and Gardens

Today, 17 April, I had the great privilege of helping to plant a tree for the Mitchell family at Stephens House and Gardens, alongside fellow GoodGymers Richard and Subham.

It was one of those Community Missions that felt about much more than the practical task in hand. I regularly volunteer at Stephens House and Gardens, so it was a happy coincidence that I was there to help plant this tree on behalf of a family I have known all my life.

A large part of the Mitchell family gathered to witness the planting and to lend a hand themselves. All hands were needed too, as the ground on the lawn was full of heavy clay and stubborn flint, making it no easy job to dig deep enough for the tree. But somehow that felt fitting. The best tributes are not always effortless they ask something of us.

The tree was planted in memory of Martin and Lily Mitchell, who were like surrogate parents to me when I was growing up. We lived on the same street as infants, children and teenagers, and so much of our shared childhood seemed to revolve around Stephens House and Gardens .. or Avenue House, as many of us still think of it. For generations of local families, it has been a jewel in Finchley’s crown, holding layer upon layer of memories through every season.

Martin and Lily were very much part of that story. Lily, in particular, will be remembered by many people connected with the park for her cakes, which were sold in the café, and for the warmth and generosity she brought to events over the years. Martin also played his part in supporting the place, including campaigning for the Bothy and helping to raise money. They were the sort of people who gave to the community simply because that was who they were.

Their daughter Sharon captured that beautifully in a poem written for the occasion, describing the park as a place that gave her parents “so much pleasure” and recalling joyful memories “like a box full of treasure.” She wrote of tea in hand, friends and passers-by, local issues, politics, cakes, laughter, and the simple happiness of being in a place they loved. Now, through this tulip tree, there will be “branches and leaves that connect us” to them still.

It was an emotional moment seeing the tree planted for both parents in a place that meant so much to them. A living tribute in a setting they loved, with green lawn, wildflowers, pond, café and house all around ... it felt exactly right.

The family were incredibly kind and grateful to the three of us from GoodGym, even buying us tea afterwards. But truly, it was we who should be thankful. It was an absolute privilege to play a small part in such an important family moment, and in a tribute to two people who quietly gave so much to their community.

Some Community Missions leave you tired. Some leave you muddy. And some leave you reminded of how deeply people, place and memory can be rooted together.

here is Sharon’s poem to her parents.

Dear Mum and Dad, today we plant this Tulip Tree In your honour where you both loved to be This beautiful park gave you so much pleasure I have many joyful memories like a box full of treasure

Dad you campaigned for the Bothy and raised some money The cafe sold your cakes mum, so delicious and yummy

With a cup of tea in hand, greeting friends and passers by To discuss local issues or politics or to simply say "hi"

You both soaked up the atmosphere of this precious space enjoying its everchanging seasons with smiles your face

So now we have branches & leaves that connect us to you Where we can sit and remember oh I know you'll love the view With the green lawn, the wild flowers, pond, cafe and the house to see The tulip shaped flowers and leaves growing on your splendid tree

I look forward to visiting and giving the tree a warm embrace A heartfelt symbol, Mum and Dad, in Avenue House - this very special place

A perfect spring evening, a gentle glow in the trees, and a group of GoodGymers gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema ready to run, help out, and learn a thing or two about one of Barnet’s loveliest green spaces.

Before setting off, we did our usual introductions with a travel-themed twist: everyone shared their favourite country, or one they’d most like to visit. Japan came up twice, clearly a destination having a bit of a moment. Then it was time to head off at an easy jog.

Our first stop was Cherry Tree Wood for a proper warm-up. Circles on the grass, jump-ups, step-downs, high knees and a few efforts to get the heart rate rising before we pushed on towards Highgate Wood. Near the entrance, there was even a chance for a sharper burst uphill, with everyone free to take it at their own level. A proper workout, whether you fancied steady and sociable or a little blast of intensity.

Then into the woods themselves, looking especially beautiful at this time of year, with that fresh light-green glow that ancient woodland seems to do so well.

There we met Cindy the Park Ranger, who had a simple but very satisfying task lined up for us: removing a batch of stubborn stakes that had proved awkward to shift. For a GoodGym crew, this was just the sort of thing. Straightforward, useful, and oddly enjoyable. Less “pulling teeth” and more “extracting victory from the soil.”

With the stakes dealt with, Cindy treated us to a fascinating guided walk through the woods and the work being done there. We heard about plans to protect areas using “live fencing,” including holly laid and trained so it grows horizontally to form natural barriers. We learned about hornbeam, including how fallen growth can keep going in remarkable ways, and about the service tree, whose berries were once used in brewing. A tree with a pub connection is always going to get GoodGym’s attention.

We also got a glimpse into the quieter side of woodland life, with a hidden camera trained on a blue tit sitting faithfully on her eggs. From wildflower meadows to ancient tree craft to tiny birds getting on with family life, Cindy gave us a wonderful reminder that woodlands are never static. They are always changing, always being cared for, and always full of stories.

A huge thank you to Cindy for the warm welcome, the interesting tour, and the chance to help out in Highgate Wood.

After that, we headed back, and many of us rounded off the evening in the best possible way: pizza at the Phoenix.

Thanks to everyone who came along to run, learn, laugh, and do some good.