The plan was simple: help the Phoenix Cinema by delivering some promotional leaflets. Then came the call… could we help water the planters at Lyttelton Playing Fields instead?

As GoodGym helped with the planting over the last couple of years, there was only one answer: yes!

With temperatures still around 29°C, we warmed up at the Phoenix, delivered leaflets en route to support our fantastic local cinema, then jogged on to Lyttelton. Thanks to the hosepipe ban, around 15 planters had to be watered the old-fashioned way—with buckets and teamwork.

Of course, not all the water reached the plants… there were a few well-aimed splashes too! It was a great reminder that even serious challenges can bring people together with a smile.

As our climate changes, we’ll need more of this—communities helping communities. That’s what GoodGym does best: getting fit, having fun and making a real difference together.

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🎉 Save the Date – GoodGym Barnet is 10! 🎉

This August we’re celebrating 10 years of GoodGym Barnet – and we’d love you to join us.

Whether you’ve run, walked, volunteered, hosted us, or worked alongside us to make Barnet a better place, you’ve been part of our story. Over the last decade we’ve helped dozens of local organisations and met some incredible people. We simply couldn’t have done it without you.

Join us on Tuesday 18th August at Long Lane Pasture, the very place where GoodGym Barnet began 10 years ago. We’ll lend a hand with a short volunteering task, then celebrate with food, birthday cake and plenty of time to catch up. Event details & sign-up https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/10-year-anniversary-gardening-at-long-lane-pasture-nature-reserve

If you’re still a GoodGym member, please sign up via the link. If not, just reply to let me know you’d like to come so we have an idea of numbers.

It would be wonderful to celebrate with as many old and new friends as possible. We hope to see you there!

15 minutes wondering round the garden revealed 1 butterfly. Fewer than I've seen on other occasions, but perhaps started a little late in the day. Sammy (my dog) clearly thought I'd gone crazy, and was much relieved when I stopped staring at the undergrowth and recorded my grand total. A quick and easy thing to do - I've now added the app, so will probably count butterflies again!

What started as a gentle walk around Stephens House & Gardens turned into an exciting look at the future of GoodGym Barnet.

Daniel and I met up with Jiji Fay, who has recently joined GoodGym as part of an exciting national programme to help introduce more young people to everything GoodGym has to offer. It’s a brilliant initiative, and we’re looking forward to helping it grow here in Barnet.

Our first stop was Stephens House & Gardens – one of Barnet’s hidden gems. This beautiful 10-acre park is cared for largely by volunteers and receives no regular council funding, relying instead on donations, the café and income from the House. GoodGym volunteers regularly lend a hand here throughout the year, helping keep this special place looking its best.

From there we strolled down to our three Tiny Forests, where we chatted about citizen science, biodiversity and how these little woodlands are becoming a hub for people of all ages who are interested in nature and sustainability. They’re a wonderful example of what communities can achieve when people come together.

Of course, we also talked about what makes GoodGym so special. It’s not just about running (or walking!); it’s about meeting great people, improving your wellbeing, discovering local projects, giving back to your community and having fun along the way.

We’re really excited to work with Jiji to inspire more younger people to join the GoodGym family. Here’s to growing an even bigger, more diverse team of volunteers making a positive difference across Barnet—one step at a time.