Tonight's litter pick was suggested by Daniel, who regularly visits one our of green missions - Long Lane Pasture. The path leading up to the gates is always in a bit of a state, so he suggested a clean up all along it. Turns out it was also a solid 4.5km circuit from our meeting point to the clean up and back, which was all the more encouragement.

The ever prompt Beattie was first to the Phoenix, followed soon by myself and Lucinda. After a quick warm up outside, we set off at a hearty pace, scooting across the Fortis Green Junction to East End Road, then through the back alleys of Market Place to Oak Lane, where we zigged and zagged (and checked directions once or twice) to find the North Circular crossing off Tarling Road.

Once across, we followed the path beside the circular until we hit Long Lane and found Daniel waiting for us with pickers and pluck to get us motivated. With head torches on, we scoured from the bottom of the slope up to Long Lane Pasture's gate then kept going. We reported two bulky heaps of fly-tipping along the way (using the FixMyStreet app - useful if you spot things while you're out and about in Barnet, as the council do check it) and filled four sacks with butts, packets, cans, bottles and all the usual stuff. We then carried the bags up Tangle Tree Close to the corner with East End Road, where we found a bin to leave the stash by.

With a job well done, we big Daniel a safe trek home, then the three remaining stalwarts jogged back along East End Road to the Phoenix for a warm down. All in, very satisfying!

If you missed the litter pick, we've our regular monthly plog you can do in your own time, with a friend or solo. And next week we'll be helping Martin Primary School with the usual garden tasks in their Forest Garden. Hope to see you there!

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.

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.