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...?

The Coldfall Chronicles: A Heroic Ramble Through the Woods of Barnet

On a balmy spring evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the dense foliage of Coldfall Woods, a band of intrepid adventurers assembled. Their mission: to aid the venerable Linda and the Friends of Coldfall Woods in their noble quest to rid the forest’s edge of litter and debris. This was no ordinary gathering; it was the GoodGym Barnet brigade, a motley crew of runners, walkers, and cyclists. The Assembled Heroes: • Freya embarking on her maiden voyage with GoodGym Barnet, displayed the enthusiasm of a seasoned explorer. Her strides were purposeful, her spirit indomitable, leading the charge with a vigor that belied her novice status. give her a cheer! • Sally, the seasoned sentinel, took up the rear, ensuring no comrade was left behind. Her experience was a beacon, guiding the group with a steady hand and an encouraging word. • Ewelinaand George, the steadfast foot soldiers, opted for a brisk march, navigating the terain with precision and arriving at the meeting point ahead of the fleet-footed runners—a testament to their superior planning. • Theodore, the youthful chronicler, wielded his camera ( or more like my mobile phone!) like a sword, capturing moments of levity and toil, urging his compatriots to strike poses that would immortalize their efforts in the annals of GoodGym lore.( yes the classic jazz hands.) • Lucinda, a regular presence, brought consistency and cheer, her dedication shining as brightly as the evening sun filtering through the canopy. • Subham, whose past exploits in the realm of frisbee were the stuff of legend, joined the fray despite nursing an injury—a true testament to his unwavering commitment. • Paul, the seasoned runner, with tales about the merits of yoga and the learnings from his dog Gus!

The Quest:

Armed with litter pickers and an unyielding sense of purpose, the group ventured into the underbrush, uncovering hidden caches of refuse that marred the natural beauty of the woods. Each piece of litter collected was a small victory, a step towards restoring the forest to its pristine state. The task, though humble, was carried out with the zeal of knights on a crusade! As twilight descended, the heroes reconvened at the Phoenix, their mission accomplished.

The GoodGym Barnet team may not seek the spotlight, but their consistent efforts in Coldfall Woods ( and other good causes are available ) reflect true heroism.